GGP (001 190)

Gifts for God’s People
Gifts for
God’s People
Compiled from the writings of
Ellen G. White
The gifts of the Spirit are promised to

every believer according to his need for the Lord's
work. The promise is just as strong and trustworthy
now as in the days of the apostles.
—The Desire of Ages, p. 823.
REFORMATION HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION

ROANOKE, VA 24019
Copyright © 2007 by Reformation Herald Publishing Association
Unless indicated otherwise, the texts of Scripture quoted in this book are
from the King James Version.
Reformation Herald Cataloging Service

White, Ellen Gould Harmon, 1827–1915.
1. Daily Devotionals—Adventists. 2. Christian Prayers and Meditations

for Daily Use. 3. Devotional Literature—Christian I. Reformation
Herald Publishing. II. title.
242.2
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
ISBN 1-934308-00-5
ISBN 13: 978-1-934308-00-4
FOREWORD
Every fresh, new morning is a reminder of the precious gift of life

given by our wonderful God. The first thoughts of our day should
focus on His glory and goodness. This morning devotional book is
designed to inspire our thoughts upward—to help us appreciate all
that God gives. We are to make the best use of the gifts and talents He
freely offers.
Every person is given life, and the Lord of life “maketh his sun to
rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on
the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). God is immensely generous to the whole
human race. Yet there are special gifts uniquely promised to those
specifically called His children. His loving hand is warmly out-
stretched to all mankind, although only a few actually respond to take
hold of that hand. Fewer still press on to follow in close harmony with
the Master. Through God's great mercy, “you, that were sometime
alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath
he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you
holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue
in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the
hope of the gospel” (Colossians 1:21–23).
Those who accept God's grace and continue to walk with Him
become privileged to enjoy additional gifts. “When [Christ] ascended
up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. . . . He
gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and
some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the
work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all
come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,
unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of
Christ” (Ephesians 4:8, 11–13). “God hath set some in the church, first
apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles,
then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues” (1
Corinthians 12:28). “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same
Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same
Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God
which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to
every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word
of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to
another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the
same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy;
to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to
another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one
and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will”
(vs. 4–11).
The above passages from Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12 form
the inspiration for this compilation. As we compare ourselves with
the early Christians, we cannot help but wonder one thing: perhaps
we may be coming short of truly appreciating and making the wisest
use of the talents God offers. Remember, just as your fingerprint is
unique to you, so are your talents unique! There is only one “you,” so
do not be discouraged that you are not the same as everyone else.
“For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say,
Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of
the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not
of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an
eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were
the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them
in the body, as it hath pleased him” (1 Corinthians 12:14–18). We may
actually be misunderstanding or passing by some of those special
gifts of His Spirit.
We should prayerfully consider the sacredness of the gifts of the
Holy Spirit. Let us eagerly tap into the rich resources abundantly
available through them! “Then shall we know, if we follow on to
know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he
shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the
earth” (Hosea 6:3). This is the earnest desire of
The Publishers
6
Monthly Topics
JANUARY
Gifts Available to All
FEBRUARY
The Holy Spirit Helps the Willing to Obey
MARCH
The Gift of Truth
APRIL
Apostleship
MAY
The Gift of Prophecy
JUNE
Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers
JULY
Miracles
AUGUST
Faith as a Gift to Develop
SEPTEMBER
The Gift of Healing
OCTOBER
Helps, Governments, Discerning of Spirits
NOVEMBER
Inspired Communication Skills
DECEMBER
Edification, Unity, Perfection!
7
God bestows His gifts upon us that
we may minister to others, and thus become like
Him. Those who receive His gifts that they may
impart to others, become like Christ.
It is in helping and uplifting others that we become
ennobled and purified. This is the work that causes
glory to flow back to God. We must become intelli-
gent upon these points. Our souls must be purified
from all selfishness; for God desires to use
His people as representatives of the
heavenly kingdom.
—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 190.
8
Gifts Available to All January 1
Let’s Go to the Source!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh
down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither
shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
God is love. Like rays of light from the sun, love and light and joy
flow out from Him to all His creatures. It is His nature to give. His
very life is the outflow of unselfish love.1
A selfish man will grant an urgent request, in order to rid himself
of one who disturbs his rest. But God delights to give. He is full of
compassion, and He longs to grant the requests of those who come
unto Him in faith. He gives to us that we may minister to others and
thus become like Himself.2
God wants His children to ask for those things that will enable
Him to reveal His grace through them to the world. He wants them
to seek His counsel, to acknowledge His power. Christ lays loving
claims on all for whom He has given His life; they are to obey His
will if they would share the joys that He has prepared for all who
reflect His character here. It is well for us to feel our weakness, for
then we shall seek the strength and wisdom that the Father delights
to give to His children for their daily strife against the powers of
evil.
While education, training, and the counsel of those of experience
are all essential, the workers are to be taught that they are not to rely
wholly upon any man’s judgment. As God’s free agents, all should
ask wisdom of Him.3
The Lord is under no obligation to grant us His favors, yet He has
pledged His word that if we will comply with the conditions stated
in the Scriptures, He will fulfill His part of the contract. Men often
make promises, but do not live up to them. Often we have found that
in trusting to men we have leaned upon broken reeds; but the Lord
will never disappoint the soul that believes in Him.4
9
January 2 Gifts Available to All
Life Given for a Purpose

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living
soul” (Genesis 2:7).
As possessors of God’s free gift of life, we should do all in our

power to reach the highest degree of usefulness. Those who do not
possess a well-balanced mind in a sound body will fail in their life-
work.5
Life is given us for wise improvement of the talents we possess.
The greater our opportunities, the greater is our responsibility to the
Giver of all good gifts. We are God’s property, and must render an
account of all our actions to Him. How poor will our lives appear in
His sight if they are destitute of noble, unselfish actions; if they have
been spent in idleness, pleasure seeking, and frivolity.
Adam was placed in glorious Eden as the king of the whole earth;
yet there was given him a work to do; the Creator required him to
dress and take care of the garden. Thus divine wisdom saw it was
best for sinless man to have employment; how much more necessary,
then, is it for the fallen race to occupy their time with useful labor,
thus shutting the door against many temptations, and guarding
against the encroachments of the evil one.
Those who have nothing to do are the most miserable of mortals.
It is an unsatisfying life that is guided only by inclination and love
of pleasure, in which we look in vain for some generous deed, some
earnest, active work, that has blessed the world. In looking over the
record of each day, we should be able to find a balance to our
account above selfish gratification; something accomplished that
elevates ourselves, benefits our fellow creatures, and is acceptable to
God.6
Every receiver should hold himself accountable to God, and use
his talents for God’s glory.7
10
Perfect Instruction
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of
the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).
In the day of final reckoning, Christ does not present before men
the great work He has done for them in giving His life for their
redemption. He presents before them the faithful work they have
done for him. What surpassing love is this! He even mentions the
work of the heathen, who have no intelligent knowledge of the law of
the Lord, but who have done the very things the law required,
because they have heeded the voice speaking to them in the things of
nature. When the Holy Spirit implants Christ’s Spirit in the heart of
the savage, and he befriends God’s servants, the quickening of the
heart’s sympathy is contrary to his nature, contrary to his education.
The grace of God, working upon the darkened mind, has softened the
savage nature untaught by the wisdom of men. And these un-
educated heathen, in all their cruelty, are regarded in a more favorable
light than are those who have had great light and evidence, but who
have rejected the mercy and reproof of God.
Christ implants His grace in the heart of the savage, and he min-
isters to the necessity of the missionary, even before he has heard or
comprehended the words of truth and life. Behold that crowd collect-
ed about God’s servant to harm him! But the Lord is working upon
the heart and mind of perhaps one man to plead in behalf of His ser-
vant; and when the war council has determined the destruction of the
Christian’s life, the intercession of that savage turns the decision, and
his life is spared. O, the love that goes forth to the savage for this one
act! To such Christ says, in the Judgment: “I was an hungred, and ye
gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger,
and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visit-
ed me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” “Come, ye blessed of
my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation
of the world” (Matthew 25:35, 36, 34).8
11
God’s Justice a Blessing

“Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness
is the sceptre of thy kingdom” (Hebrews 1:8).
[God] desires that all the inhabitants of the universe shall be con-
vinced of His justice in the final overthrow of rebellion and the erad-
ication of sin. He purposes that the real nature and direful effects of
sin shall be clearly manifested to the end that all may be assured of
the wisdom and justice of the divine government.9
In matters concerning the kingdom of Christ no compulsion or
forcing of conscience is permitted. No blood is to be shed, no force of
arms employed, no prison is to be opened for the incarceration of one
who does not choose the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Christ will accept only of the voluntary service of the heart which has
been sanctified through the truth.10
The judgment scene will take place in the presence of all the
worlds; for in this judgment the government of God will be vindicat-
ed, and His law will stand forth as “holy, and just, and good”
(Romans 7:12). Then every case will be decided, and sentence will be
passed upon all. Sin will not then appear attractive, but will be seen
in all its hideous magnitude. . . .
Every deed, small and great, is to be brought into recognition.
That which has been considered trivial here will then appear as it is.
The two mites of the widow will be recognized. The cup of cold water
offered, the prison visited, the hungry fed—each will bring its own
reward. And that unfulfilled duty, that selfish act, will not be forgot-
ten. In the open court around the throne of God it will appear a very
different thing from what it did when it was performed. . . .
The character which we now manifest is deciding our future des-
tiny. The happiness of heaven will be found by conforming to the
will of God. . . . God knows who are the loyal and true subjects of His
kingdom on earth, and those who do His will upon earth, as it is
done in heaven, will be made the members of the royal family
above.11
12
Mercy
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in
mercy” (Psalm 103:8).
It is a marvel to me that God will bear with the perversity of the

children of men so long, bearing with their disobedience and yet suf-
fering them to live, abusing His mercies, bearing false witness
against Him in most wicked statements. But God’s ways are not as
our ways, and we will not marvel at His loving forbearance and ten-
der pity and infinite compassion, for He has given an unmistakable
evidence that this is just like His character—slow to anger, showing
mercy unto thousands of those who love Him and keep His com-
mandments.12
God is merciful. His requirements are reasonable, in accordance
with the goodness and benevolence of His character.13
Were the Lord to deal with us as we deserve, would we not be
punished in many ways as stubborn, ungrateful children? But He is
long-suffering, He does not deal with us according to our perversity.
Instead of this, He offers to take us into partnership with Himself and
with His Son. All may have life who will accept it; the world has been
invited to the gospel feast.14
The Lord is merciful. He does not chastise His people because He
hates them, but because He hates the sins they are committing. He
must chastise them, that they may return to their loyalty. He designs
their punishment to be a warning to them and to others. No one need
walk in darkness. No one need say, “Specify to me the precise wrongs
of which I am guilty.” To those who say this, I give the word of the
Lord: “Search prayerfully, and you will know.”
If the warnings and reproofs given in the Word of God and in the
testimonies of His Spirit are not plain enough, what words would be
sufficiently plain to bring about a revival and a reformation?15
[The Lord] waits long for His erring people to repent, that He may
remove the rod from them, and grant them His forgiveness and love,
filling their hearts with His peace and joy.16
13
Preservation
“Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heav-
en of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things therein, . . .
and thou preservest them all” (Nehemiah 9:6).
As regards this world, God’s work of creation is completed. For

“the works were finished from the foundation of the world”
(Hebrews 4:3). But His energy is still exerted in upholding the
objects of His creation. It is not because the mechanism that has once
been set in motion continues to act by its own inherent energy that
the pulse beats and breath follows breath; but every breath, every
pulsation of the heart, is an evidence of the all-pervading care of
Him in whom “we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
It is not because of inherent power that year by year the earth pro-
duces her bounties and continues her motion around the sun. The
hand of God guides the planets and keeps them in position in their
orderly march through the heavens. He “bringeth out their host by
number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might,
for that he is strong in power; not one faileth” (Isaiah 40:26). It is
through His power that vegetation flourishes, that the leaves appear
and the flowers bloom. He “maketh grass to grow upon the moun-
tains,” and by Him the valleys are made fruitful. “All the beasts of
the forest . . . seek their meat from God,” and every living creature,
from the smallest insect up to man, is daily dependent upon His
providential care. In the beautiful words of the psalmist, “These
wait all upon thee. . . . That thou givest them they gather; thou open-
est thine hand, they are filled with good” (Psalm 147:8; 104:20, 21,
27, 28). His word controls the elements; He covers the heavens with
clouds and prepares rain for the earth. . . . “When he uttereth his
voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth
the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh light-
nings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures”
(Jeremiah 10:13).17
14
A Measure of Health
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted
within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health
of my countenance, and my God” (Psalm 42:11).
Health is a blessing of which few appreciate the value; yet upon it

the efficiency of our mental and physical powers largely depends.
Our impulses and passions have their seat in the body, and it must be
kept in the best condition physically and under the most spiritual
influences in order that our talents may be put to the highest use.
Anything that lessens physical strength enfeebles the mind and
makes it less capable of discriminating between right and wrong. We
become less capable of choosing the good and have less strength of
will to do that which we know to be right.
The misuse of our physical powers shortens the period of time in
which our lives can be used for the glory of God. And it unfits us to
accomplish the work God has given us to do. By allowing ourselves
to form wrong habits, by keeping late hours, by gratifying appetite at
the expense of health, we lay the foundation for feebleness. By
neglecting physical exercise, by overworking mind or body, we
unbalance the nervous system. Those who thus shorten their lives
and unfit themselves for service by disregarding nature’s laws, are
guilty of robbery toward God. And they are robbing their fellow men
also. The opportunity of blessing others, the very work for which God
sent them into the world, has by their own course of action been cut
short. And they have unfitted themselves to do even that which in a
briefer period of time they might have accomplished. The Lord holds
us guilty when by our injurious habits we thus deprive the world of
good.
Transgression of physical law is transgression of the moral law;
for God is as truly the author of physical laws as He is the author of
the moral law. His law is written with His own finger upon every
nerve, every muscle, every faculty, which has been entrusted to man.
And every misuse of any part of our organism is a violation of that
law.18
15
The Beauty of Nature

“O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made
them all: the earth is full of thy riches” (Psalm 104:24).
Nature testifies that One infinite in power, great in goodness,

mercy, and love, created the earth, and filled it with life and gladness.
Even in their blighted state, all things reveal the handiwork of the
great Master Artist. Wherever we turn, we may hear the voice of God,
and see evidences of His goodness.
From the solemn roll of the deep-toned thunder and old ocean’s
ceaseless roar, to the glad songs that make the forests vocal with
melody, nature’s ten thousand voices speak His praise. In earth and
sea and sky, with their marvelous tint and color, varying in gorgeous
contrast or blended in harmony, we behold His glory. The everlasting
hills tell us of His power. The trees that wave their green banners in
the sunlight, and the flowers in their delicate beauty, point to their
Creator. The living green that carpets the brown earth tells of God’s
care for the humblest of His creatures. The caves of the sea and the
depths of the earth reveal His treasures. He who placed the pearls in
the ocean and the amethyst and chrysolite among the rocks is a lover
of the beautiful. The sun rising in the heavens is a representative of
Him who is the life and light of all that He has made. All the bright-
ness and beauty that adorn the earth and light up the heavens speak
of God.19
All created things declare the glory of [God’s] excellence. There is
nothing, save the selfish heart of man, that lives unto itself. No bird
that cleaves the air, no animal that moves upon the ground, but min-
isters to some other life. There is no leaf of the forest, or lowly blade
of grass, but has its ministry. . . . The flowers breathe fragrance and
unfold their beauty in blessing to the world. The sun sheds its light to
gladden a thousand worlds. The ocean, itself the source of all our
springs and fountains, receives the streams from every land, but takes
to give. The mists ascending from its bosom fall in showers to water
the earth, that it may bring forth and bud.20
16
God’s Written Word

“The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of
earth, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6).
There is no need for us to trust to uncertainty. We pass by the

Fathers to learn of God out of His Word. This is life eternal, to know
God. Oh, how thankful we should be that the Bible is the inspired
word of God. Holy men of old wrote this Word as they were moved
by the Spirit. God did not leave His Word to be preserved in the mem-
ories of men and handed down from generation to generation by oral
transmission and traditional unfolding. Had He done this, the Word
would gradually have been added to by men. We would have been
asked to receive that which is not inspired. Let us thank God for His
written word.
The commentaries written about the Word do not all agree. Often
they come into collision with one another. God does not ask us to be
guided by them. It is His Word with which we have to deal. All can
search this Word for themselves. And they may know that the teach-
ing of this precious book is unchangeable. The opinions of human
beings differ, but the Bible always says the same thing. The Word of
God is from everlasting to everlasting.
The Bible was not given only for ministers and learned men.
Every man, woman, and child should read the Scriptures for himself
or herself. Do not depend on the minister to read it for you. The
Bible is God’s word to you. The poor man needs it as much as the
rich man, the unlearned as much the learned. And Christ has made
this Word so plain that in reading it no one need stumble. Let the
humble cottager read and understand the Word given by the wisest
Teacher the world has ever known, and among kings, governors,
statesmen, and the world’s most highly educated men there is none
greater than He.
To search means to look diligently for something which has been
lost. Search yourself for the hidden treasure. Do not leave this work to
the minister. You cannot afford to be ignorant of the Word of God.21
17
Time
“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the
world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God
maketh from the beginning to the end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Time brings to every human being a responsibility; and the youth

are to use the faculties of mind and body in accomplishing the work
that God has given them to do. They are required to use every hour
in doing good in the service of the Master. Every passing day brings
us nearer to the time when we shall see Him whom our souls love.
Beyond this present is the eternal future. Just now is the time of our
test and trial. Now is the seedtime of grace and the ripening harvest.
Time is very precious. Days and weeks and months are filling up the
year; and as they pass, we have one day, one week, one month less in
which to prepare for the future life. Yet thousands are lingering in
careless and heedless indifference, feeling no need of bearing respon-
sibilities, spending their precious time as if it were of no value. This
pleasure, this excursion, they say, will pass away time. This is not the
true view of life. Time is a precious talent, for which they must render
an account to God.22
Christ bids us, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that noth-
ing be lost” (John 6:12). While thousands are every day perishing
from famine, bloodshed, fire, and plague, it becomes every lover of
his kind to see that nothing is wasted, that nothing is needlessly
expended, whereby he might benefit a human being.
It is wrong to waste our time, wrong to waste our thoughts. We
lose every moment that we devote to self-seeking. If every moment
were valued and rightly employed, we should have time for every-
thing that we need to do for ourselves or for the world. In the expen-
diture of money, in the use of time, strength, opportunities, let every
Christian look to God for guidance. “If any of you lack wisdom, let
him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).23
18
Opportunity
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salva-
tion” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Beware of procrastination. Do not put off the work of forsaking

your sins and seeking purity of heart through Jesus. Here is where
thousands upon thousands have erred to their eternal loss. I will not
here dwell upon the shortness and uncertainty of life; but there is a
terrible danger—a danger not sufficiently understood—in delaying
to yield to the pleading voice of God’s Holy Spirit, in choosing to live
in sin; for such this delay really is. Sin, however small it may be
esteemed, can be indulged in only at the peril of infinite loss. What
we do not overcome, will overcome us and work out our destruc-
tion.24
It is not pleasing to God that we defer present opportunities for
doing good, in hope of accomplishing a greater work in the future.
Each should follow the leadings of Providence, not consulting self-
interest, and not trusting wholly to his own judgment. Some may be
so constituted as to see failure where God intends success; they may
see only giants and walled cities, where others, with clearer vision,
see also God and angels ready to give victory to His truth.25
What a victory you will gain when you learn to follow the open-
ing providences of God with a grateful heart and a determination to
live with an eye single to His glory, in sickness or health, in abun-
dance or want.26
Shall we not individually make the best possible use of the natu-
ral powers of mind and body? Shall we not carefully treasure every
entrusted talent, and by exercise strengthen every faculty, and live in
such a way that the young and inexperienced and the aged and expe-
rienced shall be benefited by association with us?27
Every opportunity that presents itself to serve God must be
improved. By use our gifts will increase.28
19
Some Amount of Material Goods

“Jesus beholding [the rich young man] loved him, and said unto him,
One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give
to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up
the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away
grieved: for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:21, 22).
To [the rich young man] riches were honor and power; and the
great amount of his treasure made such a disposal of it seem almost
an impossibility.
This world-loving man desired heaven; but he wanted to retain
his wealth, and he renounced immortal life for the love of money and
power. Oh, what a miserable exchange! Yet many who profess to be
keeping all the commandments of God are doing the same thing.
Here is the danger of riches to the avaricious man; the more he
gains, the harder it is for him to be generous. To diminish his wealth
is like parting with his life; and he turns from the attractions of the
immortal reward, in order to retain and increase his earthly posses-
sions. Had he kept the commandments, his worldly possessions
would not have been so great. How could he, while plotting and striv-
ing for self, love God with all his heart, and with all his mind, and
with all his strength, and his neighbor as himself? Had he distributed
to the necessities of the poor as their wants demanded, he would have
been far happier, and would have had greater heavenly treasure, and
less of earth upon which to place his affections.
Christ has committed to each of us talents of means and of influ-
ence; and when He shall come to reckon with His servants, and all are
called to the strictest account as to the use made of the talents entrust-
ed to them, how will you, my brother, my sister, bear the investiga-
tion? Will you be prepared to return to the Master His talents dou-
bled, laying before Him both principal and interest, thus showing that
you have been a judicious as well as faithful and persevering worker
in His service?29
20
The Gift of a Sound Mind

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of
love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Man may have brilliant intellect; he may be rich in the possession

of natural endowments. But these are all given him by God, his
Maker. God can remove the gift of reason, and in a moment man will
become as Nebuchadnezzar, degraded to the level of the beasts of the
field.30
My dear Henry: My heart has been pained to witness the move-
ments of an unfortunate child, without a mind. His skin is fair, his fea-
tures good; but he has no intellect. Dear Henry, how thankful I felt to
the Lord that my dear boys were blessed with intellect. I would not
have you, my Henry, like that poor boy, for a house full of gold. How
thankful should you be that the Lord has blessed you with quite good
health, and with your reason.
If you only take a noble, manly course, you will make our hearts
glad. Our dear children are precious jewels to us. We dedicated you
to God as soon as you were born. We prayed earnestly from your ear-
liest infancy for you, that your dispositions would be tempered. We
wept for you, when you, dear Henry, lay an unconscious babe in our
arms. We plead with the Lord to put within you a right spirit, to lead
you to His own fold. And now our greatest anxiety is for you. We love
you, we want you saved. We want your conduct to be right, governed
by a sense of duty, and you have a principle, a determination of your
own, that you will do right—not because you are obliged to, but
because you love to. For in right-doing there is no sting, no self-
reproach, no self-condemnation, but a pleasing consciousness of
rightdoing.
Dear Henry, acquaint yourself with your own faults. . . . Ask your-
self, Is this right? will it lead to evil? will it lead to unfaithfulness? will
it lead to deception, or falsehood? shall I feel just as happy after I do
this as before?31
21
Reasoning Power
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your
sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).
Of all the creatures that God has made upon the earth, man alone
is rebellious. Yet he possesses reasoning powers to understand the
claims of the divine law and a conscience to feel the guilt of transgres-
sion and the peace and joy of obedience. God made him a free moral
agent, to obey or disobey. The reward of everlasting life—an eternal
weight of glory—is promised to those who do God’s will, while the
threatenings of His wrath hang over all who defy His law.32
God expects men to use the intellect He has given them. He
expects them to use every reasoning power for Him. They are to give
the conscience the place of supremacy that has been assigned to it.33
The government of God is not, as Satan would make it appear,
founded upon a blind submission, an unreasoning control. It appeals
to the intellect and the conscience. “Come now, and let us reason
together” is the Creator’s invitation to the beings He has made
(Isaiah 1:18). God does not force the will of His creatures. He cannot
accept an homage that is not willingly and intelligently given. A
mere forced submission would prevent all real development of mind
or character; it would make man a mere automaton. Such is not the
purpose of the Creator. He desires that man, the crowning work of
His creative power, shall reach the highest possible development. He
sets before us the height of blessing to which He desires to bring us
through His grace. He invites us to give ourselves to Him, that He
may work His will in us. It remains for us to choose whether we will
be set free from the bondage of sin, to share the glorious liberty of the
sons of God.34
22
The Gift of a Saviour

“[Mary] shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus:
for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
We may have flattered ourselves, as did Nicodemus, that our life

has been upright, that our moral character is correct, and think that
we need not humble the heart before God, like the common sinner:
but when the light from Christ shines into our souls, we shall see how
impure we are; we shall discern the selfishness of motive, the enmity
against God, that has defiled every act of life. Then we shall know that
our own righteousness is indeed as filthy rags, and that the blood of
Christ alone can cleanse us from the defilement of sin, and renew our
hearts in His own likeness.35
There is but one power that can break the hold of evil from the
hearts of men, and that is the power of God in Jesus Christ. Only
through the blood of the Crucified One is there cleansing from sin.
His grace alone can enable us to resist and subdue the tendencies of
our fallen nature.36
All who have a sense of their deep soul poverty, who feel that they
have nothing good in themselves, may find righteousness and
strength by looking unto Jesus. . . . We are not worthy of God’s love,
but Christ, our surety, is worthy, and is abundantly able to save all
who shall come unto Him. Whatever may have been your past expe-
rience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will
come to Jesus just as you are, weak, helpless, and despairing, our
compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw
about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness. He pres-
ents us to the Father clothed in the white raiment of His own charac-
ter. He pleads before God in our behalf, saying: I have taken the sin-
ner’s place. Look not upon this wayward child, but look on Me. Does
Satan plead loudly against our souls, accusing of sin, and claiming us
as his prey, the blood of Christ pleads with greater power.37
23
Forgiveness
“If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared” (Psalm
130:3, 4).
There are today thousands suffering from physical disease who,

like the paralytic, are longing for the message, “Thy sins are for-
given.” The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is
the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they
come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can impart
would restore vigor to the mind and health to the body.38
Your motives are impure; your heart is unclean. You see that your
life has been filled with selfishness and sin. You long to be forgiven,
to be cleansed, to be set free. Harmony with God, likeness to Him—
what can you do to obtain it?
It is peace that you need—Heaven’s forgiveness and peace and
love in the soul. Money cannot buy it, intellect cannot procure it, wis-
dom cannot attain to it; you can never hope, by your own efforts, to
secure it. But God offers it to you as a gift, “without money and with-
out price” (Isaiah 55:1). It is yours if you will but reach out your hand
and grasp it. The Lord says, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they
shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall
be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). “A new heart also will I give you, and a new
spirit will I put within you” (Ezekiel 36:26).
You have confessed your sins, and in heart put them away. You
have resolved to give yourself to God. Now go to Him, and ask that
He will wash away your sins and give you a new heart. Then believe
that He does this because He has promised. This is the lesson which
Jesus taught while He was on earth, that the gift which God promis-
es us, we must believe we do receive, and it is ours.39
24
Cleansing
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be
whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7).
You are a sinner. You cannot atone for your past sins; you cannot
change your heart and make yourself holy. But God promises to do
all this for you through Christ. You believe that promise. You confess
your sins and give yourself to God. You will to serve Him. Just as
surely as you do this, God will fulfill His word to you. If you believe
the promise—believe that you are forgiven and cleansed—God sup-
plies the fact; you are made whole, just as Christ gave the paralytic
power to walk when the man believed that he was healed. It is so if
you believe it.
Do not wait to feel that you are made whole, but say, “I believe it;
it is so, not because I feel it, but because God has promised.”
Jesus says, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe
that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24). There is a
condition to this promise—that we pray according to the will of God.
But it is the will of God to cleanse us from sin, to make us His chil-
dren, and to enable us to live a holy life. So we may ask for these
blessings, and believe that we receive them, and thank God that we
have received them. It is our privilege to go to Jesus and be cleansed,
and to stand before the law without shame or remorse. “There is
therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1).
Henceforth you are not your own; you are bought with a price.
“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold; .
. . but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish
and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18, 19). Through this simple act of believ-
ing God, the Holy Spirit has begotten a new life in your heart. You are
as a child born into the family of God, and He loves you as He loves
His Son.40
25
The Blessing of Confession

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Those who have not humbled their souls before God in acknowl-
edging their guilt, have not yet fulfilled the first condition of accept-
ance. . . . The only reason why we do not have remission of sins that
are past is that we are not willing to humble our hearts and comply
with the conditions of the word of truth. Explicit instruction is given
concerning this matter. Confession of sin, whether public or private,
should be heartfelt and freely expressed. It is not to be urged from the
sinner. It is not to be made in a flippant and careless way, or forced
from those who have no realizing sense of the abhorrent character of
sin. The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul finds its
way to the God of infinite pity. The psalmist says, “The Lord is nigh
unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a con-
trite spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowl-
edges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought
before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to
individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be
of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all
confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the
very sins of which you are guilty.41
The examples in God’s word of genuine repentance and humilia-
tion reveal a spirit of confession in which there is no excuse for sin or
attempt at self-justification. Paul did not seek to shield himself; he
paints his sin in its darkest hue, not attempting to lessen his guilt. . . .
The humble and broken heart, subdued by genuine repentance,
will appreciate something of the love of God and the cost of Calvary;
and as a son confesses to a loving father, so will the truly penitent
bring all his sins before God.42
26
What a Friend!
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a
friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
[Jesus] has borne the burden of our guilt. He will take the load
from our weary shoulders. He will give us rest. The burden of care
and sorrow also He will bear. He invites us to cast all our care upon
Him; for He carries us upon His heart.
The Elder Brother of our race is by the eternal throne. He looks
upon every soul who is turning his face toward Him as the Saviour.
He knows by experience what are the weaknesses of humanity, what
are our wants, and where lies the strength of our temptations; for He
was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews
4:15). He is watching over you, trembling child of God. Are you
tempted? He will deliver. Are you weak? He will strengthen. Are you
ignorant? He will enlighten. Are you wounded? He will heal. The
Lord “telleth the number of the stars”; and yet “He healeth the bro-
ken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (Psalm 147:4, 3).
Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before
the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. The way will be
open for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and diffi-
culty. The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the
stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens,
the more blessed the rest in casting them upon your Burden Bearer.
Circumstances may separate friends; the restless waters of the
wide sea may roll between us and them. But no circumstances, no dis-
tance, can separate us from the Saviour. Wherever we may be, He is
at our right hand, to support, maintain, uphold, and cheer. Greater
than the love of a mother for her child is Christ’s love for His
redeemed. It is our privilege to rest in His love, to say, “I will trust
Him; for He gave His life for me.”
Human love may change, but Christ’s love knows no change.
When we cry to Him for help, His hand is stretched out to save.43
27
An Example for Us
“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him:
God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8).
After Christ rose up from the water and from the hand of John,
He walked out to the bank of Jordan, and bowed in the attitude of
prayer. The eyes of John were fastened upon Christ with the deepest
interest and amazement. His heart was stirred with emotion as he
looked upon Him thus bowed as a suppliant. Christ's hands were
raised upward, and His gaze seemed to penetrate Heaven. As the
believer's example, His sinless humanity supplicated support and
strength from His heavenly Father, as He was about to commence
His public labors as the Messiah. Jesus poured out His soul in earnest
prayer. A new and important era was opening before Him. His for-
mer peaceful, quiet life is to here end. He had been happy in a life of
industry and toil, while fulfilling the duties devolving on a son. He
was an example to those in childhood, youth, and manhood. His
deportment showed that He felt the importance and solemnity of the
hour. He knew that trials, toils, conflicts, sufferings, and death were
in the path His feet had entered. He felt the weight of the responsi-
bilities He must bear. He was about to engage in new and arduous
duties. A sense of the sinfulness of men and the hardness of their
hearts, which separated them from God, convinced Him that but few
would discern His merciful mission, and accept the salvation He
came from Heaven to bring them.
Never before had angels listened to such a prayer as Christ
offered at His baptism, and they were solicitous to be the bearers of
the message from the Father to His Son. But, no; direct from the
Father issues the light of His glory.44
If you will find heart and voice to pray, [God] will be sure to hear,
and an arm will be reached down to save you. There is a God that
hears prayer, and when all other resources fail, He is your refuge, a
very present help in time of trouble.45
28
The Great Burden Bearer

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he
may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth
for you” (1 Peter 5:6, 7).
Whether [every human being] knows it or not, all are weary and
heavy-laden. All are weighed down with burdens that only Christ can
remove. The heaviest burden that we bear is the burden of sin. If we
were left to bear this burden, it would crush us. But the Sinless One
has taken our place. “The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all”
(Isaiah 53:6). He has borne the burden of our guilt. He will take the
load from our weary shoulders. He will give us rest. The burden of
our care and sorrow also He will bear. He invites us to cast our cares
upon Him; for He carries us upon His heart. Not until we stand face
to face with God, when we shall see as we are seen and know as we
are known, shall we know how many burdens the Saviour has borne
for us, and how many burdens He would have been glad to bear, had
we brought them to Him.
The Elder Brother of our race is by the eternal throne. He looks
upon every soul who is turning his face toward Him as the Saviour.
He knows by experience what are the weaknesses of humanity, what
are our wants, and where lies the strength of our temptations; for “He
was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews
4:15). “Come unto Me,” is His invitation. The weaker and more help-
less you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His
strength. “In all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His
brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things
pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to suc-
cour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17, 18).
Human love may change, but Christ's love knows no change.
When we cry to Him for help, His hand is stretched out to save.46
29
Spiritual Sustenance
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee” (Psalm
55:22).
Many of Christ's followers forget the lesson He has bidden us

learn from the flowers of the field. They do not trust to His constant
care. Christ cannot carry their burden, because they do not cast it
upon Him. Therefore the cares of life, which should drive them to the
Saviour for help and comfort, separate them from Him.47
It is trial that leads us to see what we are. It is the season of temp-
tation that gives a glimpse of one's real character and shows the
necessity for the cultivation of good traits. Trusting in the blessing of
God, the Christian is safe anywhere. In the city he will not be corrupt-
ed. In the counting room he will be marked for his habits of strict
integrity. In the mechanic's shop every portion of his work will be
done with fidelity, with an eye single to the glory of God.48
Do not think that by placing your burdens on others, you can find
relief. Come right to the Burden Bearer, and tell Him about them.
Believe that He is able and willing to meet the circumstances of your
case. When in contrition you come to the foot of the cross, when you
have faith in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, you will
receive power through Him. As you cast your helpless soul upon
Him, He gives you peace and joy and strength and courage. Then you
are able to tell someone else how precious Christ is to you. You can
say, “I sought Him, and found Him precious to my soul.” . . .
Those who learn His meekness and lowliness learn also how to
love one another as He has loved them. They reach the place where
they refuse to criticize and condemn others. They learn that there is
committed to them a work that no one else can do for them—the work
of learning of Christ. When we place ourselves in His hands, He shows
us the possibilities and probabilities before us, and bids us go for help
to One infinitely higher than erring human beings.49
30
The Protection of Angels

“O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lov-
ingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under
the shadow of thy wings” (Psalm 36:6, 7).
How graciously and tenderly our heavenly Father deals with His
children! He preserves them from a thousand dangers to them unseen
and guards them from the subtle arts of Satan, lest they should be
destroyed. Because the protecting care of God through His angels is
not seen by our dull vision, we do not try to contemplate and appre-
ciate the ever-watchful interest that our kind and benevolent Creator
has in the work of His hands; and we are not grateful for the multi-
tude of mercies that He daily bestows upon us.50
Satan is even now seeking by disasters upon sea and land to seal
the fate of as many as possible. What is the defense of the people of
God at this time? It is a living connection with heaven. If we would
dwell in safety from the noisome pestilence, if we would be preserved
from dangers seen and unseen, we must hide in God; we must secure
the protecting care of Jesus and holy angels. In these days of peril, the
Lord would have us walk before Him in humility. Instead of trying to
cover our sins, He would have us confess them.51
In all ages, angels have been near to Christ's faithful followers.
The vast confederacy of evil is arrayed against all who would over-
come; but Christ would have us look to the things which are not seen,
to the armies of heaven encamped about all who love God, to deliver
them. From what dangers, seen and unseen, we have been preserved
through the interposition of the angels, we shall never know, until in
the light of eternity we see the providences of God. Then we shall
know that the whole family of heaven was interested in the family
here below, and that messengers from the throne of God attended our
steps from day to day.52
31
Power to Resist Temptation

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:
but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye
are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that
ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
It is not the absence of temptation or trial that is most favorable

for the development of Christian character. Where there are fewest
difficulties to meet, the Christian is in the greatest danger of spiritual
slothfulness. The God of all grace has promised that His people shall
not be tempted above that which they are able to bear, but that with
the temptation he will make a way of escape. Constant exposure to
rebuffs and opposition will lead the Christian to greater watchfulness
and more earnest prayer to the mighty Helper. Extraordinary trials,
endured through the grace of God, will give him a deeper experience
and greater spiritual strength, as vigilance, patience, and fortitude are
called into exercise.53
Let not the weakest be discouraged because they are assailed by
temptation. The best men who ever lived have been grievously
assaulted by Satan and his agents. Unless we yield to its power, temp-
tation is not sin. The armor of truth will prove a sure defense against
all the fiery darts of the enemy.
Yet the Christian should not place himself needlessly in the way
of temptation.54
Remember that temptation is not sin. Remember that however
trying the circumstances in which a man may be placed, nothing can
really weaken his soul so long as he does not yield to temptation but
maintains his own integrity. The interests most vital to you individ-
ually are in your own keeping. No one can damage them without
your consent. All the satanic legions cannot injure you unless you
open your soul to the arrows of Satan. As long as you are firm to do
right, your ruin can never take place. If there is not pollution of mind
in yourself, all the surrounding pollution cannot taint and defile
you.55
32
Investing in Security
“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations” (2
Peter 2:9).
Jesus was holy and pure; yet He was tempted in all points as we
are, but with a strength and power that man will never be called upon
to endure. In His successful resistance He has left us a bright exam-
ple, that we should follow His steps. If we are self-confident or self-
righteous we shall be left to fall under the power of temptation; but if
we look to Jesus and trust in Him we call to our aid a power that has
conquered the foe on the field of battle, and with every temptation He
will make a way of escape. When Satan comes in like a flood, we must
meet his temptations with the sword of the Spirit, and Jesus will be
our helper and will lift up for us a standard against him. The father of
lies quakes and trembles when the truth of God, in burning power, is
thrown in his face.
Satan makes every effort to lead people away from God; and he is
successful in his purpose when the religious life is drowned in busi-
ness cares, when he can so absorb their minds in business that they
will not take time to read their Bibles, to pray in secret, and to keep
the offering of praise and thanksgiving burning on the altar of sacri-
fice morning and evening. How few realize the wiles of the arch-
deceiver! how many are ignorant of his devices! When our brethren
voluntarily absent themselves from religious meetings, when God is
not thought of and reverenced, when He is not chosen as their coun-
selor and their strong tower of defense, how soon secular thoughts
and wicked unbelief come in, and vain confidence and philosophy
take the place of humble, trusting faith. Often temptations are cher-
ished as the voice of the True Shepherd because men have separated
themselves from Jesus. . . .
Whatever position in life we may occupy, whatever our business,
we must be humble enough to feel our need of help; we must lean
implicitly on the teachings of God's word, acknowledge His provi-
dence in all things, and be faithful in pouring out our souls in
prayer.56
33
The Promise of Eternity

“God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that
hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life”
(1 John 5:11, 12).
Now is the time for us to make sure work for eternity. Christ is
pleading in our behalf. Shall we offer ourselves as a free, acceptable sac-
rifice? Shall we cover up our sins, or shall we confess them, that we
may find mercy and grace to help in every time of need? While Christ
is pleading in our behalf, shall we not put away and loathe the sins that
caused the Son of God such great suffering and death? While Jesus is
showing compassion for us, shall we not have compassion for our-
selves? Shall we not pour out our souls in repentance and contrition,
and receive the promise of a new heart? God says, “As far as the east is
from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us”
(Psalm 103:12).
If you are violating the law in the least, you stand under the wrath
of an offended God. You may have the mercy of God. If you plead for
it, you will obtain it. Cast yourself just as you are upon His mercy and
compassion. Lay hold of Him by faith. Put away all selfishness, all
covetousness. By faith in the blood of Jesus cleanse your soul from
moral defilement. Full and free salvation is offered to every one who
will fall on the Rock and be broken. There are many who are saying,
Lord, Lord, but they trust to their own self-righteousness. Every day
they are practicing sin. They are no honor to God; for wherever they
go they are like evil leaven.
Why do you not cease from sin? You may overcome if you will
cooperate with God. Christ's promise is sure.57
Those who believe in Christ derive their motive power and the
texture of their characters from Him in whom they believe.58
Lift up the man of Calvary. Talk of His love, tell of His power. All
the universe is watching to see if you prize the gift of eternal life that
has been purchased for you at an infinite cost.59
34
“Godliness With Contentment”

“Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
Be less greedy of gain, less self-caring. Redeem your godlike man-

hood, your noble womanhood, by noble acts of disinterested benevo-
lence. Heartily despise your former avaricious spirit and regain true
nobility of soul. From what God has shown me, unless you zealously
repent, Christ will spew you out of His mouth. . . .
I appeal to all who profess to believe the truth, to consider the
character and life of the Son of God. He is our example. His life was
marked with disinterested benevolence. He was ever touched with
human woe. He went about doing good. There was not one selfish act
in all His life.60
Through pride men and women are led to take the position that
rendering service to a brother or sister in certain ways has a degrad-
ing tendency; but it is just as commendable to serve in what are called
menial positions as to minister from the pulpit. There is no degrada-
tion in doing the duties that must be done in the house, and there is
no humiliation in being able to do well and thoroughly the duties that
devolve on a housemaid or a man of all work. It will never injure self-
respect to be a good servant if the right view is taken of the subject.
But in whatever branch of the Lord's work you are, you should
study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth
not to be ashamed, willing to be taught, ready to learn, faithful in
your work, and ever growing in power and efficiency.61
Oh, that we could be satisfied with less heart-longings, less striv-
ing for things difficult to obtain wherewith to beautify our homes,
while that which God values above jewels, the meek and quiet spirit,
is not cherished. The grace of simplicity, meekness, and true affection
would make a paradise of the humblest home. It is better to endure
cheerfully every inconvenience than to part with peace and content-
ment.62
35
In Any Situation
“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I
know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where
and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to
abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11–13).
If Paul, troubled on every side, perplexed, persecuted, could call

his trials light afflictions, of what has the Christian of today to com-
plain? How trifling are our trials in comparison with Paul's many
afflictions! They are not worthy to be compared with the eternal
weight of glory awaiting the overcomer. They are God's workmen,
ordained for the perfection of character. However great the depriva-
tion and suffering of the Christian, however dark and inscrutable may
seem the way of providence, he is to rejoice in the Lord, knowing that
all is working for his good.63
Whatever may be your circumstances, however dark and myste-
rious may be the ways of Providence, though the path may be
through the deep waters, and trials and bereavements may afflict
again and again, the assurance still comes, “All things work together
for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28). “I know whom I have
believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have
committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).64
No one is qualified for great and important work unless he has
been faithful in the performance of little duties. It is by degrees that
the character is formed and that the soul is trained to put forth effort
and energy proportionate to the task which is to be accomplished. If
we are creatures of circumstance, we shall surely fail of perfecting
Christian characters. You must master circumstances, and not allow
circumstances to master you. You can find energy at the cross of
Christ. You can now grow by degrees, and conquer difficulties, and
overcome force of habit. You need to be stimulated by the life-giving
force of Jesus.65
36
The Gift of Trial

“Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
While in Portland, . . . I visited localities of special interest in con-

nection with my early life, among them the spot where I met with the
accident that has made me a lifelong invalid. This misfortune, which
for a time seemed so bitter and was so hard to bear, has proved to be
a blessing in disguise. The cruel blow which blighted the joys of earth
was the means of turning my eyes to heaven. I might never have
known Jesus, had not the sorrow that clouded my early years led me
to seek comfort in Him.
I have read of a little bird that while his cage is full of light never
sings the songs his master would teach him. He will listen, and learn
a snatch of this, a trill of that, but never a separate and entire melody.
But the master covers his cage, and then, in the dark, he listens to the
one song he is to sing. He tries and tries again to sing that song, until
it is learned, and he breaks forth in perfect melody; and then the cage
is uncovered, and ever after he can sing it in the light. Thus God deals
with His creatures. He has a song to teach us, and when we have
learned it amid the deep shadows of affliction, we can sing it ever
afterward.66
In the future we shall see how closely all our trials were connect-
ed with our salvation, and how these light afflictions worked out for
us “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians
4:17).67
Trials . . . are an evidence that we are children of God. Paul passed
through great trials, but he did not despair as though his Father in
heaven were dead. He rejoiced in tribulation; for he desired, through
participation in the sufferings of Christ, to be conformed to His
image. Let this hero of faith speak for himself. He says, “I take pleas-
ure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecution, in dis-
tresses for Christ's sake” (2 Corinthians 12:10).68
37
Sure Victory
“Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord
Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that
your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:57, 58).
In order to overcome . . . wrong habits, you must watch unto

prayer. You should now be thoroughly in earnest, for you have little
time in which to work. Do not feel that you are sufficient in your own
strength. Only in the name of the mighty Conqueror can you gain the
victory. In conversation with others dwell upon the mercy, goodness,
and love of God instead of upon His strict judgment and justice. Cling
fast to His promises. You can do nothing in your own strength, but in
the strength of Jesus you can do all things. If you are in Christ, and
Christ is in you, you will be transformed, renewed, and sanctified. “If
ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will,
and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7). Be sure that Christ is in
you, that your heart is broken and submissive and humble. God will
accept only the humble and contrite. Heaven is worth a lifelong, per-
severing effort; yes, it is worth everything.69
Could we but behold the joy in the heavenly courts at the news
that one sinner has repented and turned to God, could we hear the
anthems of praise ascend before the throne with the music of the
angel harpers, we would not be so listless, so indifferent in the work
which God has left for us to do.70
Shall we obtain strength from God, and win victory after victory,
or shall we try in our own strength, and at last fall back defeated,
worn out by vain effort? Victory is sure when self is surrendered to
God. . . .
And when we obtain the blessing, let us not selfishly hoard it. Let
us use for the help of some struggling fellow being the strength that
we have gained.71
38
Opportunities to Serve Others

“I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who
will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
It is not more mighty men, not more talented men, not more
learned men, that we need in the presentation of the truth for this
time; but men who have a knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, whom
He has sent. Personal piety will qualify any worker, for the Holy
Spirit takes possession of him, and the truth for this time becomes a
power, because his everyday thoughts, and all his activities are run-
ning in Christ's lines. He has an abiding Christ; and the humblest
soul, linked with Christ Jesus, is a power, and his work will abide.72
Many do not realize their accountability to God. They are han-
dling their Lord's talents; they have powers of mind, that, if employed
in the right direction, would make them coworkers with Christ and
His angels. Many souls might be saved through their efforts, to shine
as stars in the crown of their rejoicing. But they are indifferent to all
this. Satan has sought, through the attractions of this world, to
enchain them and paralyze their moral powers, and he has succeed-
ed only too well.
How can houses and lands compare in value with precious souls
for whom Christ died? Through your instrumentality, dear brethren
and sisters, these souls may be saved with you in the kingdom of
glory; but you cannot take with you there the smallest portion of
your earthly treasure. Acquire what you may, preserve it with all the
jealous care you are capable of exercising, and yet the mandate may
go forth from the Lord, and in a few hours a fire which no skill can
quench, may destroy the accumulations of your entire life, and lay
them a mass of smoldering ruins. You may devote all your talent
and energy to laying up treasures on earth; but what will they
advantage you when your life closes or Jesus makes His appear-
ance?”73
39
February 1 The Holy Spirit Helps the Willing to Obey
A Gift for Those Willing to Obey

“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, . . . and we are his witness-
es of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given
to them that obey him” (Acts 5:30, 31).
“You have the word of the living God, and for the asking you may
have the gift of the Holy Spirit to make that word a power to those
who believe and obey.”1
There is truth in Jesus that is terrible to the ease-loving, do-nothing
ones. There is truth in Jesus that is full of soothing joy to the obedient.
It is the joy of the Holy Ghost.2
There are three living persons of the heavenly trio. In the name of
these three great powers—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized and these pow-
ers will cooperate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts
to live the new life in Christ.3
There is a class of persons who are not following the example of
Christ in keeping God’s law, yet they claim to be holy. They are ready
to appropriate the promises of God without fulfilling the conditions
upon which they are given. But their faith has no foundation; it is like
sliding sand. There is another class who see the claims of the law of
God, and, although it involves a cross, they choose the path of obedi-
ence, coming out and separating themselves from the world. They do
not consult convenience, nor shrink from accepting the truth for fear
of reproach. They step out from the path of transgression, and place
their feet in the way of God’s commandments. The promises of God,
which are given on condition of obedience, are for those who walk in
the light of His holy word. Those who do His will may claim all the
benefits the Lord has promised.4
We can receive of heaven’s light only as we are willing to be emp-
tied of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ
by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every
thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit
is given without measure.5
40
The Holy Spirit Helps the Willing to Obey February 2
Power Gained by Trusting

“What the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh,
God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, con-
demned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be ful-
filled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans
8:3, 4).
The terms of the “old covenant” were, Obey and live: “If a man
do, he shall even live in them” (Ezekiel 20:11; Leviticus 18:5); but
“cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do
them” (Deuteronomy 27:26). The “new covenant” was established
upon “better promises”—the promise of forgiveness of sins and of
the grace of God to renew the heart and bring it into harmony with
the principles of God’s law. “This shall be the covenant that I will
make with the house of Israel; after those days, saith the Lord, I will
put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts. . . . I will
forgive their iniquity, and will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah
31:33, 34).
The same law that was engraved upon the tables of stone is writ-
ten by the Holy Spirit upon the tables of the heart. Instead of going
about to establish our own righteousness we accept the righ-
teousness of Christ. His blood atones for our sins. His obedience is
accepted for us. Then the heart renewed by the Holy Spirit will bring
forth “the fruits of the Spirit.” Through the grace of Christ we shall
live in obedience to the law of God written upon our hearts. Having
the Spirit of Christ, we shall walk even as He walked.6
The Saviour overcame to show man how he may overcome. All
the temptations of Satan, Christ met with the word of God. By trust-
ing in God’s promises, He received power to obey God’s command-
ments, and the tempter could gain no advantage.7
By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He
lays hold upon the throne of God. As the Son of man, He gave us an
example of obedience; as the Son of God, He gives us power to obey.8
41
What Does the Holy Spirit Do?

“When [the Comforter] is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and
of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8).
It is through the mighty agency of the Holy Spirit that the govern-
ment of Satan is to be subdued and subjected. It is the Holy Spirit that
convinces of sin and expels it from the soul by the consent of the
human agent. The mind is then brought under a new law, and that
law is the royal law of liberty. Jesus came to break the shackles of sin-
slavery from the soul; for sin can triumph only when the liberty of the
soul is extinguished. Jesus reached to the very depth of human woe
and misery, and His love attracts man to Himself. Through the agency
of the Holy Spirit, He lifts the mind up from its degradation, and fas-
tens it upon the eternal reality. Through the merits of Christ man may
be able to exercise the noblest powers of his being and expel sin from
his soul.9
The Holy Spirit flatters no man, neither does [He] work according
to the devising of any man. Finite, sinful men are not to work the
Holy Spirit. When [He] shall come as a reprover, through any human
agent whom God shall choose, it is man’s place to hear and obey [His]
voice.10
We are not in the place where our fathers were. Advanced light is
shining upon us in these last days. We cannot be accepted of God; we
cannot honor Him by rendering the same service, doing the same
work that our fathers did. In order to be accounted guiltless before
God, we must be as faithful in our time in following and obeying our
light, as they were faithful in following and obeying the light that
shone upon them. Of every individual member of His church, our
heavenly Father requires faith and fruits according to the grace and
light given. God cannot accept less.11
There is no help for man, woman, or child who will not hear and
obey the voice of duty; for the voice of duty is the voice of God.12
42
A Peculiar, Happy Life

“They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections
and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Gala-
tians 5:24, 25).
The converted will feel a continual longing desire that their

friends shall forsake all for Christ, knowing that, unless they do, there
will be a final and eternal separation. The true Christian cannot, while
with unbelieving friends, be light and trifling. The value of the souls
for whom Christ died is too great.
He “that forsaketh not all that he hath,” says Jesus, “cannot be My
disciple” (Luke 14:33). Whatever shall divert the affections from God
must be given up. Mammon is the idol of many. Its golden chain
binds them to Satan. Reputation and worldly honor are worshiped by
another class. The life of selfish ease and freedom from responsibility
is the idol of others. These are Satan’s snares, set for unwary feet. But
these slavish bands must be broken; the flesh must be crucified with
the affections and lusts. We cannot be half the Lord’s and half the
world’s.13
You gave yourself to God, to be His wholly, to serve and obey Him,
and you took Christ as your Saviour. You could not yourself atone for
your sins or change your heart; but having given yourself to God, you
believe that He for Christ’s sake did all this for you. By faith you
became Christ’s, and by faith you are to grow up in Him—by giving
and taking. You are to give all—your heart, your will, your service—
give yourself to Him to obey all His requirements; and you must take
all—Christ, the fullness of all blessing, to abide in your heart, to be
your strength, your righteousness, your everlasting helper—to give
you power to obey.14
Those who are connected with Christ have happiness at their
command. They follow in the path where their Saviour leads, for His
sake crucifying self with the affections and lusts. These persons have
built their hopes on Christ, and the storms of earth are powerless to
sweep them from the sure foundation.15
43
Keep His Words—Reap a Blessing!

“If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love
him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. . . . The
Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you
all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have
said unto you” (John 14:23, 26).
Obedience is doing the word of Christ. The word of God is a

channel of communication with the living God. He who feeds upon
the word will become fruitful in all good works. He who labors
together with God will be the discoverer of rich mines of truth which
he must work to find the hidden treasure. When surrounded with
temptations, the Holy Spirit will bring to his mind the very words
with which to meet the temptation at the very moment when they
are most needed, and he can use them effectually with commanding
power.16
Christ gives us direction as to how we should pray. We are to
come to our heavenly Father with the simplicity of a child, asking
Him for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus says again, “When ye pray,
believe that ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.”
You are to come to the Father repenting and confessing your sins,
emptying the soul of every sin and defilement, and it is your privi-
lege to prove the promises of the Lord. You cannot indulge your own
temper, and have your own way, and still remain the children of
God. We shall have to struggle with our hereditary tendencies, that
we may not yield to temptation, and become angry under provoca-
tion. I have to battle every day with things that trouble, perplex, and
annoy me, and which, if I would permit, would destroy my peace.
But I dare not yield to temptation; I have riveted my soul to the eter-
nal Rock, and Christ must be my helper at every point, so that Satan
may not keep me in a state of perplexity and trouble. Jesus has said,
“My peace I give unto you.” As surely as we seek for the peace of
Christ by faith, we shall obtain it. Jesus says, “Ask, and ye shall
receive” (John 14:27; 16:24).17
44
Ask for the Gift;

Comply With the Conditions
“He that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.
And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath
given us” (1 John 3:24).
A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most

urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work. There
must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because
God is not willing to bestow His blessing upon us, but because we are
unprepared to receive it. Our heavenly Father is more willing to give
His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than are earthly parents to give
good gifts to their children. But it is our work, by confession, humili-
ation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon
which God has promised to grant us His blessing.18
Jesus says: “Follow me.” “He that followeth me shall not walk in
darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Consider it not a
hard duty. The commandments of God are His expressed character
flowing out of a heart of love in thoughtful plans that man may be
preserved from every evil. They are not to exercise an arbitrary
authority over man, but the Lord would have men act as His obedi-
ent children, members of His own family. Obedience is the outgrowth
and fruit of oneness with Christ and the Father. . . .
When we unmistakably hear His voice and obey, every murmur-
ing thought will be repressed; and we will leave all consequences
with Him who gave the commandment. If, as we see the footprints of
Jesus, we step in them and follow Him, we shall have love and
power.19
We are to watch and to pray, to keep our souls in the love of God,
that we may render unto Him willing obedience. We are to cherish
every ray of light received through searching the Scriptures. The
Holy Spirit will work upon the heart of him who is sincere and
earnest in seeking for God’s blessing, and will enable him to resist
temptation.20
45
The True Metal of Character

“The Holy Ghost . . . is a witness to us: for after that he had said
before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days,
saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds
will I write them” (Hebrews 10:15, 16).
Those who exercise true faith in Christ make it manifest by holi-

ness of character, by obedience to the law of God. They realize that
the truth as it is in Jesus reaches heaven, and compasses eternity.
They understand that the Christian’s character should represent the
character of Christ, and be full of grace and truth. To them is impart-
ed the oil of grace, which sustains a never-failing light. The Holy
Spirit in the heart of the believer makes him complete in Christ. It is
not a decided evidence that a man or a woman is a Christian because
he [or she] manifests deep emotion when under exciting circum-
stances. He who is Christlike has a deep, determined, persevering
element in his soul, and yet has a sense of his own weakness, and is
not deceived and misled by the devil, and made to trust in himself.
He has a knowledge of the word of God, and knows that he is safe
only as he places his hand in the hand of Jesus Christ and keeps firm
hold upon Him.
Character is revealed by a crisis. When the earnest voice pro-
claimed at midnight, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to
meet him” (Matthew 25:6). the sleeping virgins roused from their
slumbers, and it was seen who had made preparation for the event.
Both parties were taken unawares, but one was prepared for the
emergency, and the other was found without preparation. Character
is revealed by circumstances. Emergencies bring out the true metal of
character. Some sudden and unlooked-for calamity, bereavement, or
crisis, some unexpected sickness or anguish, something that brings
the soul face to face with death, will bring out the true inwardness of
the character. It will be made manifest whether or not there is any
real faith in the promises of the word of God.21
46
Obeying From the Depth of the Heart

“Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people:
and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be
well unto you” (Jeremiah 7:23).
We may each obey and live, or we may transgress God’s law, defy
His authority, and receive the punishment that is meet. Then to every
soul the question comes home with force, Shall I obey the voice from
heaven, the ten words spoken from Sinai, or shall I go with the multi-
tude who trample on that fiery law? To those who love God it will be
the highest delight to keep His commandments, and to do those things
that are pleasing in His sight. But the natural heart hates the law of
God, and wars against its holy claims. Men shut their souls from the
divine light, refusing to walk in it as it shines upon them. They sacri-
fice purity of heart, the favor of God, and their hope of heaven, for self-
ish gratification or worldly gain.
Says the psalmist, “The law of the Lord is perfect” (Psalm 19:7).
How wonderful in its simplicity, its comprehensiveness and perfec-
tion, is the law of Jehovah! It is so brief that we can easily commit every
precept to memory, and yet so far-reaching as to express the whole will
of God, and to take cognizance, not only of the outward actions, but of
the thoughts and intents, the desires and emotions, of the heart.
Human laws cannot do this. They can deal with the outward actions
only. A man may be a transgressor, and yet conceal his misdeeds from
human eyes; he may be a criminal—a thief, a murderer, or an adulter-
er—but so long as he is not discovered, the law cannot condemn him
as guilty. The law of God takes note of the jealousy, envy, hatred,
malignity, revenge, lust, and ambition that surge through the soul, but
have not found expression in outward action, because the opportuni-
ty, not the will, has been wanting.22
Let all remember that there is not a motive in the heart of any man
that the Lord does not clearly see. The motives of each one are
weighed as carefully as if the destiny of the human agent depended
upon this one result.23
47
Take Heed to That Still, Small Voice

“Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of
the Lord our God, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us,
when we obey the voice of the Lord our God” (Jeremiah 42:6).
Take heed today to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Thank God it is
not too late for wrongs to be righted. Now is the accepted time, now
is the day of salvation.24
The Spirit of God does not interfere with the freedom of the human
agent. The Holy Spirit is given to be a helper, so that the human agent
may cooperate with the divine intelligences, and it is its province to
draw the soul but never to force obedience. Christ is ready to impart
all heavenly influences. He knows every temptation that comes to
man, and the capabilities of every human agent. He knows every
temptation that comes to man, and the capabilities of every human
agent. He weighs his strength. He sees the present and the future, and
presents before the mind the obligations that should be met, and urges
that common, earthly things shall not be permitted to be so absorbing
that eternal things shall be lost out of the reckoning. The Lord has ful-
ness of grace to bestow on every one that will receive the heavenly gift.
The Holy Spirit will bring the God-entrusted capabilities into Christ’s
service, and will mold and fashion the human agent according to the
divine Pattern, in proportion as the human agent shall earnestly desire
the transformation.25
No one can abide in Christ and treat the law of God with indiffer-
ence and disrespect; for this would be arraying Christ against Christ.
In a heart renewed by the Spirit of truth there will be love for all the
commandments of God. . . . Jesus plainly stated that when we trea-
sure up His words and do them, we give evidence that we have that
genuine love which makes us one with the Father. We are one in taste
and inclination. The Spirit of Jesus fills the Christian with His love,
His obedience, His joy.26
48
The Result of Surrendering

“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father,
and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for
ever; even the Spirit of truth” (John 14:15–17).
Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and
the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like
every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who
believe and profess to claim the Lord’s promise; they talk about Christ
and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surren-
der the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. We
cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit
God works in His people “to will and to do of His good pleasure”
(Philippians 2:13). But many will not submit to this. They want to
manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift.
Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guid-
ance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their
demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith,
brings all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the rich-
es of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul accord-
ing to the capacity to receive.27
God has given us specific directions so that no one need err. “Man
shall not live by bread alone,” He says, “but by every word that pro-
ceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The truth given by
inspiration “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Not by one word, not
by many words, but by every word that God has spoken, shall man
live. You cannot disregard one word, a single injunction that He has
given, however trifling it may seem to you, and be safe.28
The impartation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of
Christ. Those only who are thus taught of God, those only who pos-
sess the inward working of the Spirit, and in whose life the Christ-life
is manifested, can stand as true representatives of the Saviour.29
49
Strengthened for Spiritual Victory

“If ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall
be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation”
(Exodus 19:5, 6).
God takes men as they are, and educates them for His service, if
they will yield themselves to Him. The Spirit of God, received into the
soul, quickens all its faculties. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
the mind that is devoted unreservedly to God, develops harmonious-
ly, and is strengthened to comprehend and fulfil the requirements of
God. The weak, vacillating character becomes changed to one of
strength and steadfastness. Continual devotion establishes so close a
relation between Jesus and His disciples that the Christian becomes
like his Master in character. He has clearer, broader views. His dis-
cernment is more penetrative, his judgment better balanced. So quick-
ened is he by the life-giving power of the Sun of Righteousness, that
he is enabled to bear much fruit to the glory of God.
Christ promised that the Holy Spirit should abide with those
who wrestle for victory over sin, to demonstrate the power of divine
might by endowing the human agent with supernatural strength and
instructing the ignorant in the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Of
what avail would it be to us that the only begotten Son of God hum-
bled Himself, endured the temptations of the wily foe, and died, the
just for the unjust, if the Spirit had not been given as a constant,
working, regenerating agent, to make effectual in each individual
case what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer? . . .
Today this Spirit is constantly at work, seeking to draw the atten-
tion of men to the great sacrifice made upon the cross of Calvary, to
unfold to the world the love of God to man, and to open to the con-
victed soul the promises of the Scriptures.30
50
Walking in the Spirit

“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh”
(Galatians 5:16).
When one is fully emptied of self, when every false god is cast out
of the soul, the vacuum is filled by the inflowing of the Spirit of
Christ. Such a one has the faith that purifies the soul from defilement.
He is conformed to the Spirit, and he minds the things of the Spirit.
He has no confidence in self. Christ is all and in all. He receives with
meekness the truth that is constantly being unfolded, and gives the
Lord all the glory, saying, “God hath revealed them unto us by His
Spirit.” “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the
spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely
given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10, 12).
The Spirit that reveals, also works in him the fruits of righteous-
ness. Christ is in him, “a well of water springing up into everlasting
life” (John 4:14). He is a branch of the True Vine, and bears rich clus-
ters of fruit to the glory of God. What is the character of the fruit
borne? The fruit of the Spirit is “love,” not hatred; “joy,” not discon-
tent and mourning; “peace,” not irritation, anxiety, and manufactured
trials. It is “long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, tem-
perance” (Galatians 5:22, 23).31
It is the Spirit that causes to shine into darkened minds the bright
beams of the Sun of Righteousness; that makes men’s hearts burn
within them with an awakened realization of the truths of eternity;
that presents before the mind the great standard of righteousness, and
convinces of sin; that inspires faith in Him who alone can save from
sin; that works to transform character by withdrawing the affections
of men from those things which are temporal and perishable, and fix-
ing them upon the eternal inheritance. The Spirit recreates, refines,
and sanctifies human beings, fitting them to become members of the
royal family, children of the heavenly King.32
51
A Thorough Purging
“He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: whose fan
is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor” (Matthew 3:11, 12).
Already the judgments of God are abroad in the land, as seen in

storms, in floods, in tempests, in earthquakes, in perils by land and by
sea. The great I AM is speaking to those who make void His law.
When God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth, who will then be
able to stand? Now is the time for God’s people to show themselves
true to principle. When the religion of Christ is most held in con-
tempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the
warmest and our courage the most unflinching. To stand in defense
of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the
battles of the Lord when champions are few—this will be our test. At
this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage
from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason. The nation will
be on the side of the great rebel leader.
The days of purification of the church are hastening on space. God
will have a people pure and true. In the mighty sifting soon to take
place, we shall be better able to measure the strength of Israel. The
signs reveal that the time is near when the Lord will manifest that His
fan is in His hand, and that He soon will thoroughly purge His floor.
The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexi-
ty and confusion. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possi-
ble, the very elect. There will be gods many and lords many. Every
wind of doctrine will be blowing. . . .
In the time when [God’s] wrath shall go forth in judgments, the
humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the
rest of the world by their soul anguish, which will be expressed in
lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to
throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness
everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God’s honor and a
love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor of any.33
52
Reproof That Reforms

“Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you,
I will make known my words unto you” (Proverbs 1:23).
To effect the salvation of men, God employs various agencies. He

speaks to them by His word and by His ministers, and He sends by
the Holy Spirit messages of warning, reproof, and instruction. These
means are designed to enlighten the understanding of the people, to
reveal to them their duty and their sins, and the blessings which they
may receive, to awaken in them a sense of spiritual want, that they
may go to Christ and find in Him the grace they need. But many
choose to follow their own way instead of God’s way. They are not
reconciled to God, neither can be, until self is crucified and Christ
lives in the heart by faith.34
Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the word of God or
through His messengers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the
voice of Jesus asking for entrance. With every knock unheeded, the
disposition to open becomes weaker. The impressions of the Holy
Spirit if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart
becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness
of the shortness of life, and of the great eternity beyond. Our condem-
nation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been
in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent oppor-
tunities for learning what is truth.35
In seeking to correct or reform others we should be careful of our
words. They will be a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. In
giving reproof or counsel, many indulge in sharp, severe speech,
words not adapted to heal the wounded soul. By these ill-advised
expressions the spirit is chafed, and often the erring ones are stirred
to rebellion. All who would advocate the principles of truth need to
receive the heavenly oil of love. Under all circumstances reproof
should be spoken in love. Then our words will reform but not exas-
perate. Christ by His Holy Spirit will supply the force and the power.
This is His work.36
53
Spiritual Nourishment
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the
words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John
6:63).
There is danger of those in our ranks making a mistake in regard

to receiving the Holy Ghost. Many suppose an emotion or a rapture
of feeling to be an evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit. There
is danger that right sentiments will not be understood, and that
Christ’s words, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I
have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20), will lose their significance.
There is danger that original devisings and superstitious imaginings
will take the place of the Scriptures. Tell our people: “Be not anxious
to bring in something not revealed in the Word. Keep close to
Christ.”37
It is in eating the words of Christ that we eat the flesh and drink
the blood of the Son of God. In obedience to His word, we become
partakers of His divine nature in the same way in which we are com-
posed of the food we eat. Those who eat the flesh and drink the blood
of the Son of God become one in spiritual life with Christ. No human
being can be nourished by the food which another eats. He must eat
for himself.38
The creative energy that called the worlds into existence is in the
word of God. This word imparts power; it begets life. Every com-
mand is a promise; accepted by the will, received into the soul, it
brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It transforms the nature and
re-creates the soul in the image of God.
The life thus imparted is in like manner sustained. “By every
word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) shall
man live.
The mind, the soul, is built up by that upon which it feeds; and it
rests with us to determine upon what it shall be fed. It is within the
power of everyone to choose the topics that shall occupy the thoughts
and shape the character.39
54
Creative Power Available

“The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty
hath given me life” (Job 33:4).
Men and women are to begin at the beginning, seeking God most
earnestly for a true Christian experience. They are to feel the creative
power of the Holy Spirit. They are to receive the new heart, that is
kept soft and tender by the grace of heaven. The selfish spirit is to be
cleansed from the soul. They are to labor earnestly and with humility
of heart, each one looking to Jesus for guidance and encouragement.
Then the building, fitly framed together, will grow into a holy temple
in the Lord.40
As the man is converted by the truth, the work of transformation
of character goes on. He has an increased measure of understanding,
in becoming a man of obedience to God. The mind and will of God
become his will, and by constantly looking to God for counsel, he
becomes a man of increased understanding. There is a general devel-
opment of the mind that is unreservedly placed under the guidance
of the Spirit of God. This is not a one-sided education, which devel-
ops a one-sided character; but there is revealed a harmoniously devel-
oped character. Weaknesses that have been seen in the powerless, vac-
illating character are overcome, and continual devotion and piety
bring the man in such close relation to Jesus Christ that he has the
mind of Christ. He is one with Christ, having soundness and strength
of principle, and clearness of perception, which is that wisdom that
comes from God, who is the source of all light and understanding.
The grace of God has fallen upon the humble, obedient, conscientious
soul like the Sun of righteousness, strengthening the mental faculties,
and in the most astonishing manner making those who long to use
their capacity in the Master’s service, small though it may be, strong
continually by obedience and practice, and grow in grace and in the
knowledge of Jesus Christ, and be bearers of much fruit to the glory
of God, in good works.41
55
Walking After the Spirit

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the
Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6).
God is clothed with power; He is able to take those who are dead
in trespasses and sins, and by the operation of the Spirit which raised
Jesus from the dead, transform the human character, bringing back to
the soul the lost image of God. Those who believe in Jesus Christ are
changed from being rebels against the law of God into obedient ser-
vants and subjects of His kingdom. They are born again, regenerated,
sanctified through the truth.42
In order to serve [God] aright, we must be born of the divine
Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new
capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedi-
ence to all His requirements. This is true worship. It is the fruit of the
working of the Holy Spirit.43
As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
They are united to Christ as the branches are united to the one living
vine. They walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. These are liv-
ing examples of Christianity in the world. They are called Christians
because they are like Christ and because Christ is in them. Of a truth
they are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. The help of the
Spirit and the words of eternal life are their wisdom and their
strength. And they are led into all truth because they are willing and
obedient.44
The willing and obedient who have received the teaching of the
Holy Spirit will rejoice in the Lord, saying, ‘O give thanks unto the
Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever’ (Psalm 106:1). If
the people of God rightly appreciated the temporal and spiritual
blessings which the Lord has poured upon them through Jesus Christ,
continual praise would be upon their lips. We have had an experience
in being relieved from spiritual bondage similar to that of the
Israelites who were set free from the bondage of Egypt. Have we not
had chains of oppression broken, and Red Seas of impossibilities
opened up before us?45
56
The Spirit Given for

Missionary Labor
“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly
shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which
they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet
given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified)” (John 7:38, 39).
Do we believe on Him who is the light of the world? and is Jesus

in us a well of water springing up into life eternal? Are we endowed
with the Holy Spirit, so that with heavenly wisdom we may meet the
emergencies of this age, and counteract as far as possible the move-
ments of the world? It is no time now for the watchman to become
sleepy, and cease to be a sentinel upon the walls of Zion. Peculiar and
rapid changes will soon take place, and if the church is not asleep, if
the followers of Christ watch and pray, they may have light to com-
prehend and appreciate the movements of the enemy. It is now time
earnestly to seek the Lord that every one of you may know what is the
will of God in reference to the part you shall act in the conflict; and
when you see an opportunity for labor, obey the indication of the
Lord. Christ is saying to His people, “Can ye discern the signs of the
times?” It is the duty of the watchman to mark these signs, and at the
cry of the church, “Watchman, what of the night?” give the correct
signal, and not present that which will be misleading and ruinous.
Those who have been, and who still are, diligent students of prophe-
cy, are to “prepare the way of the Lord, and to make his paths
straight.”
God has given to every man a work to do in connection with His
kingdom. Each one professing the name of Christ is to be an interest-
ed worker, ready to defend the principles of righteousness. The work
of the gospel is not to depend solely upon the ministers; every soul
should take an active part in advancing the cause of God. . . . In what-
ever calling the Christian is found, he has his work to do for the Lord
in representing Christ to the world. Whatever may be our occupation,
we are to be missionaries, having for our chief aim the winning of
souls to Christ.46
57
Protection From Counterfeits

“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord
shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19).
I was pointed back to the time of Moses and saw the signs and
wonders which God wrought through him before Pharaoh, most of
which were imitated by the magicians of Egypt; and that just before
the final deliverance of the saints, God would work powerfully for
His people, and these modern magicians would be permitted to imi-
tate the work of God.
That time will soon come, and we shall have to keep hold of the
strong arm of Jehovah; for all these great signs and mighty wonders
of the devil are designed to deceive God’s people and overthrow
them. Our minds must be stayed upon God, and we must not fear the
fear of the wicked, that is, fear what they fear, and reverence what
they reverence, but be bold and valiant for the truth. Could our eyes
be opened, we should see forms of evil angels around us, trying to
invent some new way to annoy and destroy us. And we should also
see angels of God guarding us from their power; for God’s watchful
eye is ever over Israel for good, and He will protect and save His peo-
ple, if they put their trust in Him. When the enemy shall come in like
a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.
Said the angel, “Remember, thou art on the enchanted ground.” I
saw that we must watch and have on the whole armor and take the
shield of faith, and then we shall be able to stand, and the fiery darts
of the wicked cannot harm us.47
God’s people are to keep His commandments, discarding all
worldly policy. Having adopted right principles of action, they are to
reverence these principles; for they are heaven-born. Obedience to
God is of more value to you than gold or silver. Yoking up with
Christ, learning His meekness and lowliness, cuts short many a con-
flict; for when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord
lifts up a standard against him.48
58
Teaching Obedience as God Directs

“Truly I am full of power by the spirit of the Lord, and of judgment,
and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his
sin” (Micah 3:8).
In the name and strength of my Redeemer I shall do what I can. I

shall warn and counsel and reprove and encourage as the Spirit of
God dictates, whether men will hear or whether they will forbear. My
duty is not to please myself, but to do the will of my heavenly Father,
who has given me my work.49
Men hear the words of Christ, but they are not doers of His
words. The progressive character of the life of godliness is not agree-
able to their ease-loving, selfish habits and desires. They do not par-
take of the broken body and shed blood of the Saviour of men. They
are not willing to crucify “the flesh with the affections and lusts”
(Galatians 5:24), that they may be renewed in true holiness, after the
image of the Son of God. The word of God that tries the hearts of
men, proves them wanting. They have no part in the Saviour’s grace,
no foundation for hope in His salvation. Says Jesus, “He that is of
God heareth God’s words” (John 8:47). Those who receive the law
and the testimony, and assimilate the truth of God, are partaking of
the divine nature, growing up unto the full stature of men and
women in Christ Jesus, and the word of truth is working their sanc-
tification. Though they make no boasting profession of holiness, but
manifest a meek and quiet spirit, working the works of Christ, they
will stand before the throne of God, without spot or wrinkle or any
such thing. They will be sanctified and glorified through obedience
to the commandments of God, wrought by divine power, through
the faith of the Son of God.50
You may be assured that so long as my life is spared, I shall not
cease to lift a warning voice as I am impressed by the Spirit of God,
whether men will hear or whether they will forbear. I have no special
wisdom in myself; I am only an instrument in the Lord’s hands to do
the work He has set for me to do.51
59
The Secret of True Prosperity

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of
hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
In the great and measureless gift of the Holy Spirit are contained
all of heaven’s resources. It is not because of any restriction on the
part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to
men. If all were willing to receive, all would become filled with His
Spirit.52
As the chosen people of God we cannot copy the habits, aims,
practices, or fashions of the world. We are not left in darkness to pat-
tern after worldly models and to depend on outward appearance for
success. The Lord has told us whence comes our strength. [Zechariah
4:6 quoted.] As the Lord sees fit, He imparts to those who keep His
way, power that enables them to exert a strong influence for good.
On God they are dependent, and to Him they must give an account
of the way in which they use the talents He has entrusted to them.
They are to realize that they are God’s stewards and are to seek to
magnify His name.
Those whose affections are set on God will succeed. They will lose
sight of self in Christ, and worldly attractions will have no power to
allure them from their allegiance. They will realize that outward dis-
play does not give strength. It is not ostentation, outward show, that
gives a correct representation of the work that we, as God’s chosen
people, are to do. . . .
So long as those who claim to believe the truth for this time walk
in the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, they may expect
that the Lord will give them prosperity. But when they choose to wan-
der from the narrow way, they bring ruin upon themselves and upon
those who look to them for guidance.53
It is only those who render perfect and thorough obedience to
God that He will choose. Those who follow the Lord are to be firm
and straightforward in obeying His directions. Any deviation to fol-
low human devising or planning disqualifies them from being trust-
worthy.54
60
Mental and Moral Vigor

“Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the
grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as
obedient children” (1 Peter 1:13, 14).
The wicked one is ever watching for a chance to misrepresent

God and to attract the mind to that which is forbidden. If he can, he
will fasten the mind upon the things of the world. He will endeavor
to excite the emotions, to arouse the passions, to fasten the affections
on that which is not for your good; but it is for you to hold every
emotion and passion under control, in calm subjection to reason and
conscience. Then Satan loses his power to control the mind. The
work to which Christ calls us is to the work of progressive conquest
over spiritual evil in our characters. Natural tendencies are to be
overcome for the natural disposition is to be transformed by the
grace of Christ. Appetite and passion must be conquered, and the
will must be placed wholly on the side of Christ. This will not be a
painful process, if the heart is opened to receive the impression of the
Spirit of God.55
Though men have fallen through transgression, they may receive
moral power from Christ and return to their allegiance. They may
receive the Holy Spirit as the representative of the Lord. If they
believe the testimony of the Spirit, obey the requirements of the
Gospel, following on in the ways of purity and holiness, they shall
know that “his going forth is prepared as the morning” (Hosea 6:3).56
When I look upon Him whom my sins have pierced, the inspira-
tion from on high comes upon me; and this inspiration may come
upon each one of you through the Holy Spirit. Unless you receive the
Holy Spirit, you cannot have the love of God in the soul; but through
a living connection with Christ, we are inspired with love and zeal and
earnestness. We are not as a block of marble, which may reflect the
light of the sun, but cannot be imbued with life. We are capable of
responding to the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness; for as
Christ illuminates our souls, He gives light and life.57
61
The Spirit Requires Surrender

“God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He
therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also
given unto us his holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 4:7, 8).
Paul’s sanctification was a constant conflict with self. “I die daily”

(1 Corinthians 15:31), he said. Every day his will and his desires con-
flicted with duty and the will of God. But instead of following incli-
nation, he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to
his nature. If we would press forward to the mark of our high calling
in Christ Jesus, we must show that we are emptied of all self, and sup-
plied with the golden oil of grace. God is dealing with us through His
providence. From eternity He has chosen us to be His obedient chil-
dren. He gave His Son to die for us, that we might be sanctified
through obedience to the truth, cleansed from all the littleness of self.
Now He requires of us a personal work, a personal self-surrender. We
are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. God can be honored only when
we who profess to believe in Him are conformed to His image. We are
to represent to the world the beauty of holiness, and we shall never
enter the gates of the city of God until we perfect a Christlike charac-
ter. If we, with trust in God, strive for sanctification, we shall receive
it. Then, as witnesses for Christ, we may make known what the grace
of God has wrought in us.58
To have the religion of Christ means that you have absolutely
surrendered your all to God, and consented to the guidance of the
Holy Spirit. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit moral power will be
given you, and not only will you have your former entrusted talents
for the service of God, but their efficiency will be greatly multiplied.
The surrender of all our powers to God greatly simplifies the prob-
lem of life. It weakens and cuts short a thousand struggles with the
passions of the natural heart. Religion is as a golden cord that binds
the souls of both youth and aged to Christ. Through it the willing
and obedient are brought safely through dark and intricate paths to
the city of God.59
62
Evidence of Conversion
“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath
given us of his Spirit” (1 John 4:13).
Those who exercise true faith in Christ make it manifest by holi-

ness of character, by obedience to the law of God. They realize that
the truth as it is in Jesus reaches heaven, and compasses eternity.
They understand that the Christian’s character should represent the
character of Christ, and be full of grace and truth. To them is impart-
ed the oil of grace, which sustains a never-failing light. The Holy
Spirit in the heart of the believer, makes him complete in Christ. It is
not a decided evidence that a man or a woman is a Christian because
he [or she] manifests deep emotion when under exciting circum-
stances. He who is Christlike has a deep, determined, persevering
element in his soul, and yet has a sense of his own weakness, and is
not deceived and misled by the devil, and made to trust in himself.
He has a knowledge of the word of God, and knows that he is safe
only as he places his hand in the hand of Jesus Christ, and keeps firm
hold upon Him.60
Wherever the holy precepts of God are observed, it is an evidence
that the word and the Spirit of God have penetrated the human heart
and transformed the natural character.61
There must be in the experience that faith that works by love and
purifies the soul. The love of Christ will subdue the carnal propensi-
ties. The truth not only bears within itself the evidence of its heaven-
ly origin, but proves that by the grace of God’s Spirit it is effectual in
the purification of the soul. The Lord would have us come to Him
daily with all our troubles and confessions of sin, and He can give us
rest in wearing His yoke and bearing His burden. His Holy Spirit,
with its gracious influences, will fill the soul, and every thought will
be brought into subjection to the obedience of Christ.62
The Spirit of Jesus fills the Christian with His love, His obedience,
His joy.63
63
What Does the Spirit Reveal?

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit
which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to
us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:12).
When one is fully emptied of self, when every false god is cast out
of the soul, the vacuum is filled by the inflowing of the Spirit of
Christ. Such a one has the faith that purifies the soul from defilement.
He is conformed to the Spirit, and he minds the things of the Spirit.
He has no confidence in self. Christ is all and in all. He receives with
meekness the truth that is constantly being unfolded, and gives the
Lord all the glory.64
Let all who understand the abiding claims of the law of God yield
implicit obedience to every requirement given in the Word. The con-
victions of the Holy Spirit are warnings which it is dangerous to dis-
regard.65
While the Spirit of God is convicting you of the truth, do not stop
to cavil, but believe. Do not find fault, but listen to evidence. Yield
your pride to humility, and exchange your prejudice for candor.
Confer not with flesh and blood, but surrender all to God. Take the
Bible as your guide, and earnestly inquire, “Lord, what wilt thou have
me to do?” (Acts 9:6). When you once yield your natural independ-
ence and self-will for a childlike, submissive obedience, and are will-
ing to be taught, you will hear the voice of the true Shepherd saying,
“This is the way, walk ye in it” (Isaiah 30:21). Christ does not propose
to teach the self-conceited and self-willed. It is only the meek whom
He pledges to guide in judgment, and to whom He will teach His
way. If you are in search of truth, obedience will not be difficult. If you
really want to know the Master’s will, you will thankfully receive it.
We are learners in the school of Christ. A genuine love for Jesus will
of necessity create a love for the truth. Treasure up the truth in your
heart. Seek knowledge. Make this your daily prayer: “With my whole
heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy command-
ments. . . . Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things
out of thy law” (Psalm 119:10, 18).66
64
A Commission and a Comforter

“When they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought
beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatso-
ever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that
speak, but the Holy Ghost” (Mark 13:11).
We are not willing enough to trouble the Lord with our petitions,
and to ask Him for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Lord wants us to
trouble Him in this matter. He wants us to press our petitions to the
throne. The converting power of God needs to be felt throughout our
ranks. The most valuable education that can be obtained will be
found in going out with the message of truth to the places that are
now in darkness. We should go out just as the first disciples went out
in obedience to the commission of Christ. . . . “I send you forth,” He
said, “as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as ser-
pents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). . . .
The Lord wants us to come into harmony with Him. If we will do
this, His Spirit can rule our minds.67
There is need of close self-examination in the light of the word of
God, that we may do the work essential to be done.68
The revelation of the Son of God upon the cross, dying for the sins
of men, draws the hearts of men by the power of infinite love, and
convinces the sinner of sin. Christ died because the law was trans-
gressed, that guilty man might be saved from the penalty of his enor-
mous guilt. But history has proved that it is easier to destroy the
world than to reform it; for men crucified the Lord of glory, who came
to unite earth with heaven, and man with God.69
[Christ] promised His followers that when they should stand
before councils and judges, they were to take no thought what they
should speak. I will instruct you, He said. I will guide you. Knowing
what it is to be taught of God, when words of heavenly wisdom are
brought to our mind, we shall distinguish them from our own
thoughts. We shall understand them as the words of God, and we
shall see in the words of God wisdom and life and power.70
65
Under the Power of the Holy Spirit

“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath
anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek” (Isaiah 61:1).
Christ reached the people where they were. He presented the

plain truth to their minds in the most forcible and simple language.
The humble poor, the most unlearned, could comprehend, through
faith in Him, the most exalted truths of God. No one needed to con-
sult the learned doctors as to His meaning. He did not perplex the
ignorant with mysterious inferences, or use unaccustomed and
learned words, of which they had no knowledge. The greatest Teacher
the world has ever known, was the most definite, simple, and practi-
cal in His instruction.
Jesus labored constantly for one object; all His powers were
employed for the salvation of men, and every act of His life tended to
that end. He traveled on foot, teaching His followers as He went. His
garments were dusty and travel-stained, and His appearance was
uninviting. But the simple, pointed truths which fell from His divine
lips soon caused His hearers to forget His appearance, and to be
charmed, not with the man, but with the doctrine He taught.71
Many in the world set their affections on things that in themselves
are not evil; but they become satisfied with these things, and do not
seek the greater and higher good that Christ desires to give them.
Now we must not rudely seek to deprive them of what they hold
dear. Reveal to them the beauty and preciousness of truth. Lead them
to behold Christ in His loveliness; then they will turn from everything
that would draw their affections away from Him. This is the principle
of the Saviour’s dealing with men; it is the principle that must be
brought into the church. . . .
The world is full of men and women who are carrying a heavy
burden of sorrow and suffering and sin. God sends His children to
reveal to them Him who will take away the burden and give them
rest. It is the mission of Christ’s servants to help, to bless, and to heal.72
66
Prerequisites and Promises

“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land”
(Isaiah 1:19).
We need to walk carefully every moment, keeping close to the

side of Christ. The spirit and grace of Christ are needed in the life, and
the faith that works by love and purifies the soul.
We need to understand clearly the divine requirements that God
makes of His people. The law, which is the transcript of His character,
no one need fail to understand. The words written by the finger of
God on tables of stone so perfectly reveal His will concerning His
people that none need make any mistake.73
Love for a lost world was manifested every day, in every act of
[Christ’s] life. Those who are imbued by His Spirit will work in the
same lines as those in which Christ worked. . . .
It is through the grace of Christ that the soul sees his need of
repentance toward God because of the transgression of His law, and
is led to look to Christ by faith, realizing that His merit is efficacious
to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him.74
It is important that all now come up to the work and act as though
they were living men, laboring for the salvation of souls who are per-
ishing. If all in the church would come up to the help of the Lord, we
would see such a revival of His work as we have not hitherto wit-
nessed. God requires this of you and of each member of the church. It
is not left with you to decide whether it is best for you to obey the call
of God. Obedience is required; and unless you obey you will stand on
worse than neutral ground. Unless you are favored with the blessing
of God you have His curse. He requires you to be willing and obedi-
ent, and says that you shall eat the good of the land. . . .
You have an individual work in the vineyard of the Lord. You
have thought and cared too much for yourselves. Set your hearts in
order, and then be in earnest. Inquire: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me
to do?” (Acts 9:6).75
67
March 1 The Gift of Truth
A Pure, Honest Government

“[The Lord] is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judg-
ment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he”
(Deuteronomy 32:4).
Every manifestation of creative power is an expression of infinite

love. The sovereignty of God involves fullness of blessing to all creat-
ed beings. The psalmist says: “Strong is Thy hand, and high is Thy
right hand. Righteousness and judgment are the foundation of Thy
throne: mercy and truth go before Thy face” (Psalm 89:13, 14, RV).1
He that ruleth in the heavens is the one who sees the end from the
beginning—the one before whom the mysteries of the past and the
future are alike outspread, and who, beyond the woe and darkness
and ruin that sin has wrought, beholds the accomplishment of His
own purposes of love and blessing. Though “clouds and darkness are
round about Him: righteousness and judgment are the foundation of
His throne” (Psalm 97:2, RV). And this the inhabitants of the universe,
both loyal and disloyal, will one day understand.2
Our probation is of more value to us than all the gold and silver
of the world. Man has been given a second trial; but it was at an infi-
nite cost to heaven that we were granted another opportunity to
form characters of which God can approve. Christ united His divin-
ity with humanity. He possessed the qualities of infinite and finite.
In His person all excellence dwells. His sacrifice was our ransom
from the slavery of sin. By His atonement we are enabled to sit with
Him on His throne, and share His glory. Then shall we, with such
possibilities before us, show ourselves incapable of appreciating the
heavenly gift? As the recipients of His grace, shall we not do our
part by working out our salvation with fear and trembling? It is God
that works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Man
works, and God works; but God can do nothing without man’s
cooperation.3
68
The Gift of Truth March 2
A Perfect, Honest Law

“Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is
the truth” (Psalm 119:142).
God gave man a perfect law.4

God is omnipotent, omniscient, immutable. He always pursues a
straightforward course. His law is truth—immutable, eternal truth.
His precepts are consistent with His attributes. But Satan makes them
appear in a false light. By perverting them, he seeks to give human
beings an unfavorable impression of the Lawgiver. Throughout his
rebellion he has sought to represent God as an unjust, tyrannical
being.
In the beginning it was Satan's purpose to separate man from
God. And this purpose he has carried out in every age. Constantly
he is at work among the children of men. He sways all classes. The
same method of deception, the same logic, that he used to deceive
the holy pair in Eden, he has used in all succeeding ages. His plan
of work has ever been one of deception. At times he assumes a cloak
of piety, purity, and holiness. Often he transforms himself into an
angel of light. He has blinded the eyes of men so that they can not
see beneath the surface and discern his real purpose. As a result of
Adam's disobedience every human being is a transgressor of the
law, sold under sin. Unless he repents and is converted, he is under
bondage to the law, serving Satan, falling into the deceptions of the
enemy, and bearing witness against the precepts of Jehovah. But by
perfect obedience to the requirements of the law, man is justified.
Only through faith in Christ is such obedience possible. Men may
comprehend the spirituality of the law, they may realize its power as
a detector of sin, but they are helpless to withstand Satan's power
and deceptions, unless they accept the atonement provided for them
in the remedial sacrifice of Christ, who is our Atonement—our At-
one-ment—with God.
Those who believe on Christ and obey His commandments are
not under bondage to God's law; for to those who believe and obey,
His law is not a law of bondage, but of liberty.5
69
Pure, Flawless Commandments

“Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth”
(Psalm 119:151).
With His own finger God wrote His commandments on two

tables of stone. These tables were not left in the keeping of men, but
were placed in the ark; and in the great day when every case is decid-
ed, these tables, inscribed with the commandments, will be placed so
that all the world will see and understand. The witness against them
will be unanswerable. . . . The pure truth for this time requires a ref-
ormation in the life.6
The Lord designed that His church should not receive the com-
mandments of men, but acknowledge His law alone. He designed
that the pure, unadulterated truth should be proclaimed in the world.
Self-denial and cross-bearing was to characterize His children. They
were to represent to the world the character of Christ, and keep before
the world a representation of the eternal world; for among them was
to be found the spirit, the character, that should be developed by com-
ing under the control of the divine government. They were to be obe-
dient to higher laws than the princes of this world originate, and yield
submission to a greater power than kings can command.
While all the world is under the care of God, and angels are com-
missioned to do service in all parts of it, yet the church is the special
object of God’s love and care. In the church, He is making experi-
ments of mercy and love, and drawing men to Himself. Through the
grace of Christ an amazing transformation is taking place in the cor-
rupt hearts of men. The work wrought in the characters of sinners
through the grace of Christ is a greater work than to perform a mira-
cle upon the bodies of men. The old, carnal nature dies, and a new
creature appears after the likeness of Christ. At this mighty work,
angels look and rejoice. They see that upon this sin-cursed earth,
Christ has His training schools. He takes the ignorant children of
darkness and of wrath, and brings them as willing subjects to His feet
to learn of Him.7
70
Perfect Guidance
“When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all
truth” (John 16:13).
The needed knowledge will be given to all who come to Christ,

receiving and practicing His teachings, making His word a part of
their lives. The Holy Spirit teaches the student of the Scriptures to
judge all things by the standard of righteousness and truth and jus-
tice. The divine revelation supplies him with the knowledge that he
needs.8
The Holy Spirit will guide those who prize the wisdom of God
above the deceptive sophistries of satanic agencies. Let there be much
praying, not in human lines but under the inspiration and love of the
truth as it is in Jesus Christ. The families who believe the truth are to
speak words of wisdom and intelligence—words that will come to
them as the result of searching the Scriptures. Now is our time of test
and trial. Now is the time when the members of every believing fam-
ily must close their lips against speaking words of accusation con-
cerning their brethren. Let them speak words that impart courage,
and strengthen the faith which works by love and purifies the soul.9
By faith let the Holy Spirit instruct you, that you may not only
receive but impart the heavenly grace.
All is to be surrendered to Christ. There must be no reservation.
God expects more of us than we give Him. It is an insult to Jehovah
to claim to be Christians and yet speak and act as worldlings. We can-
not yield the smallest place to worldly policy. We need to be sanctified
every hour through the belief of the truth.10
The Holy Spirit will guide and direct those who stand ready to go
where God calls, and to speak the words He gives them. The humble,
patient, Christlike worker will have something to show for his labors.
Everyone who goes forth seeking to do his best will have the support
of the One who can supply all his necessities.11
71
Facing Ourselves Honestly

“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden
part thou shalt make me to know wisdom” (Psalm 51:6).
In order to manifest the character of God, in order that we may

not deceive ourselves, the church, and the world by a counterfeit
Christianity, we must become personally acquainted with God.12
What a diligent, constant work is the work of the true Christian.
Ever he wears the yoke of Christ. Evil surmisings are not allowed to
take root in his heart. He has genuine modesty, and does not talk of
his qualifications and accomplishments. Self-admiration is not a part
of his experience. There is much to learn in regard to what comprises
true Christian character. It certainly is not self-inflation. The true
Christian keeps his eyes fixed on Him who searches the heart and
tries the reins, who requires truth in the inward parts.13
If Christ be in us the hope of glory, we shall discover such match-
less charms in Him that the soul will be enamored. It will cleave to
Him, choose to love Him, and in admiration of Him, self will be for-
gotten. Jesus will be magnified and adored, and self abased and hum-
bled. But a profession, without this deep love, is mere talk, dry for-
mality, and heavy drudgery. Many of you may retain a notion of reli-
gion in the head, an outside religion, when the heart is not cleansed.
God looks at the heart; “all things are naked and opened unto the eyes
of Him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13). Will He be satis-
fied with anything but truth in the inward parts? Every truly convert-
ed soul will carry the unmistakable marks that the carnal mind is sub-
dued. . . .
Determine to know the worst of your case. Ascertain if you have
an inheritance on high. Deal truly with your own soul. Remember
that a church without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, will Jesus
present to His Father.
How are you to know that you are accepted of God? Study His
word prayerfully. Lay it not aside for any other book. This Book con-
vinces of sin. It plainly reveals the way of salvation.14
72
Freedom From Fallacy

“Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John
8:32).
Let no one think that he can permit himself to indulge in any sin,
however secret it may be, for God requires truth in the inward parts,
and in the hidden part wisdom. You need not feel complacency
because you are sure that your brethren do not know of your mis-
deeds. Does not One who is acquainted with your brethren know all
about your life? Does not He read your heart as an open book? You
cannot indulge in sin and still be a witness for the Lord, for in works
you deny Him. Where is the holy boldness that should characterize
your faith and prayers because you are not under condemnation
before man or God? Where is your ringing testimony on the side of
truth?
If you are indulging in any known sin, you cannot utter words to
the glory of God, because there is something in your heart that con-
demns you. The Spirit of God is not in your soul. But let the heart,
with all its affections, be surrendered to God, and you will have joy
and peace in the Holy Ghost. Your intellect, your ability, your soul,
body, and spirit have been purchased at an infinite price by the Son of
God, and all belong to Him. And yet, though Christ has redeemed
men, how few render to Him that which is His own. How many rob
Him in thought. Oh, shall we not gird up the loins of our minds, and
bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, and
hope unto the end for grace that shall be given unto us at the revela-
tion of Jesus Christ?15
Truth has a spiritual influence. It enters the mind, direct and uncor-
rupted, from One who is truth. The reception of truth in the inward
parts is charged with the greatest results. Truth is to be received into
the heart and developed and expressed in the character.
No lie is of the truth. On every occasion possible Satan is on hand
to introduce the leaven of his deceptive fallacies. Listen not a moment
to the interpretations that would loosen one pin, remove one pillar,
from the platform of truth.16
73
Preserved by Truth in Action

“Let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me”
(Psalm 40:11).
The law of self-sacrifice is the law of self-preservation. The seed

buried in the ground produces fruit, and in turn this is planted. Thus
the harvest is multiplied. The husbandman preserves his grain by
casting it away. So in human life, to give is to live. The life that will be
preserved is the life that is freely given in service to God and man.
Those who for Christ’s sake sacrifice their life in this world, will keep
it unto life eternal.17
The people of God are to preserve the world from complete cor-
ruption by their own moral characteristics; but if they lose their moral
qualities, they have no value to restore the world from its state of
moral pollution. He who preserves his saving qualities and exercises
them in benefiting humanity is shedding forth the light of truth and
cooperating with Christ. But those who lose their spirituality, whose
love waxes cold because of the iniquity that abounds, have a sickly
piety, and are as salt when it has lost its savor. Their energy and effi-
ciency are gone.18
We have no time now, and should have no disposition, to stand as
spectators of the great warfare between good and evil. We should be
actively engaged in fighting the good fight of faith, and this will
demand all the energies of the mind, all the capabilities and powers
of the being. We are to be faithful soldiers, obeying the orders of the
Captain of our salvation. We are not to take the Captain’s place, but
hourly to live in constant contact with Christ. We must know, individ-
ually, that we know the truth, not only theoretically, but practically.
We must bring its divine principles into our daily life. God requires
truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part wisdom. He requires
us to practice righteousness, to manifest patience, mercy, and love. We
should carefully review our character in the light of the character of
God, as expressed in His holy law. There should be no deviating from
the perfect standard.19
74
A Shield of Protection
“[The Lord’s] truth shall be thy shield and buckler” (Psalm 91:4).
In the truths of His word, God has given to men a revelation of

Himself; and to all who accept them they are a shield against the
deceptions of Satan. It is a neglect of these truths that has opened the
door to the evils which are now becoming so widespread in the reli-
gious world. The nature and the importance of the law of God have
been, to a great extent, lost sight of. A wrong conception of the char-
acter, the perpetuity, and the obligation of the divine law has led to
errors in relation to conversion and sanctification, and has resulted in
lowering the standard of piety in the church. Here is to be found the
secret of the lack of the Spirit and power of God in the revivals of our
time.
There are, in the various denominations, men eminent for their
piety, by whom this fact is acknowledged and deplored. Professor
Edwards A. Park, in setting forth the current religious perils, ably
says: “One source of danger is the neglect of the pulpit to enforce the
divine law. In former days the pulpit was an echo of the voice of con-
science. . . . Our most illustrious preachers gave a wonderful majesty
to their discourses by following the example of the Master, and giv-
ing prominence to the law, its precepts, and its threatenings. They
repeated the two great maxims, that the law is a transcript of the
divine perfections, and that a man who does not love the law does not
love the gospel; for the law, as well as the gospel, is a mirror reflect-
ing the true character of God. This peril leads to another, that of
underrating the evil of sin, the extent of it, the demerit of it. In propor-
tion to the rightfulness of the commandment is the wrongfulness of
disobeying it. . . .
“Affiliated to the dangers already named is the danger of under-
estimating the justice of God. The tendency of the modern pulpit is
to strain out the divine justice from the divine benevolence, to sink
benevolence into a sentiment rather than exalt it into a principle.
The new theological prism puts asunder what God has joined
together.”20
75
The Secret Is to Surrender

“Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord
God of truth” (Psalm 31:5).
How many today see the force and beauty of the truth; but they
cannot serve God and mammon, and they hold to the world. The
truth requires the sacrifice of the world’s honor, their position in busi-
ness, their daily bread; and they falter and fail. They do not consider
the promises of God to those who seek first the kingdom of heaven.
They raise the excuse, “I cannot be different from those around me.
What will people say?” . . . We must not study how to serve ourselves,
but how to do the will of God. Christ left His glory, and clothed His
divinity with humanity. He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted
with grief. For our sakes He became poor, that we through His pover-
ty might be made rich. And yet, after this great manifestation of love
on the part of Heaven, we are reluctant to yield our meager treasures,
so soon to pass away.21
We lie down to rest at night, but in the morning the same old world-
ly train of thought to which we have been accustomed comes back to
our minds, and instead of resting everything in the hands of God, we
become troubled about many things, the peace and joy that we had the
night before are gone, and we feel desolate and unblessed. Then what
shall we do? Let us go to God, and say, “I commit all my troubles and
perplexities to Thee, and I know that I shall have Thy help in all my
tribulation, because Thou hast promised it unto me. Thou hast said,
‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world’ (Matthew
28:20). ‘I am at your right hand to help you.’” Believe these words, trust
in the promise of Jesus, and do your duty as it comes to you. If we man-
ifested as much distrust of our friends as we do of God, they would feel
that we had greatly wronged them; but we do not treat our friends in
the way we treat our God.22
When the Bible is made the study book, with earnest supplication
for the Spirit's guidance, and with a full surrender of the heart to be
sanctified through the truth, all that Christ has promised will be
accomplished.23
76
Facing Reality
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us” (1 John 1:8).
We are blind to our own deficiencies. We are not easily impressed

with our weakness and the necessity of seeing as far as possible our
errors, not to discourage our efforts, but to bring us to reform and
thorough reformation.24
The more clearly fallen man comprehends the character of Christ,
the more distrustful will he be of himself, and the more imperfect will
his works appear to him, in contrast with those which marked the life
of the spotless Redeemer. But those who are far from Jesus, those
whose spiritual perceptions are so clouded by error that they cannot
comprehend the character of the great Exemplar, conceive of Him as
altogether such a one as themselves.25
When we were looking for the Saviour to come in 1844, how great
was the anxiety of each to know that his own heart was right before
God. When we met together, the question would be asked by one and
another, “Brethren, have you seen anything in me that is not right? I
know that we are often blind to our own faults, and if you have seen
anything wrong in me, I want you to tell me.” Sometimes errors
would be pointed out, and we would all bow before God and seek
forgiveness. If any variance or alienation existed, we felt that we
could not separate until all were in harmony. Sometimes brethren
who had difficulty would be seen going away together to some secret
place to plead with God, and they would return with their hearts knit
together in love. The sweet spirit of peace was in our assemblies, and
the glory of God was around us. The faces of the believers shone with
the light of heaven.26
When the enemy comes in like a flood, and seeks to overwhelm
you with the thought of your sin, tell him: “I know I am a sinner; if I
were not, I could not go to the Saviour, for he says, ‘I am not come to
call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ And because I am a sin-
ner, I am entitled to come to Christ.” In this way you will have power
to overcome the wicked one. Keep looking up, for your faith has
bound you to the throne of God.27
77
Real Charity Based on Real Truth

“[Charity] rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth” (1
Corinthians 13:6).
I was shown the necessity of those who believe that we are hav-
ing the last message of mercy, being separate from those who are
daily imbibing new errors. I saw that neither young nor old should
attend their meetings; for it is wrong to thus encourage them while
they teach error that is a deadly poison to the soul and teach for doc-
trines the commandments of men. The influence of such gatherings is
not good. If God has delivered us from such darkness and error, we
should stand fast in the liberty wherewith He has set us free and
rejoice in the truth. God is displeased with us when we go to listen to
error, without being obliged to go; for unless He sends us to those
meetings where error is forced home to the people by the power of the
will, He will not keep us. The angels cease their watchful care over us,
and we are left to the buffetings of the enemy, to be darkened and
weakened by him and the power of his evil angels; and the light
around us becomes contaminated with the darkness.
I saw that we have no time to throw away in listening to fables.
Our minds should not be thus diverted, but should be occupied with
the present truth, and seeking wisdom that we may obtain a more
thorough knowledge of our position, that with meekness we may be
able to give a reason of our hope from the Scriptures. While false doc-
trines and dangerous errors are pressed upon the mind, it cannot be
dwelling upon the truth which is to fit and prepare the house of Israel
to stand in the day of the Lord.28
Withhold not the testing truths that should come to every soul at
this time, and which must be practiced by those who would find
acceptance with God. We are to let the word of God come to every
appointed agency, for there is a crisis before the people of God. Labor
that souls may receive that word of truth that refines and sanctifies
the soul, finding delight in the truth because Christ is identified with
truth.29
78
Walking in the Pathway of Light

“All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his
covenant and his testimonies” (Psalm 25:10).
Do not look down, as though you were bound to earth. Do not

keep pulling up your faith to see if it has any root. Faith grows imper-
ceptibly, and when the enemy rallies his forces to bring you into a crit-
ical place, the angels of God will be roundabout you, and you will
have help from on high; for your prayer will be answered in the con-
flict. If you have genuine faith, you will praise God, from whom all
blessings flow; and as you praise Him, you will realize more of His
blessing.
“What doth much increase the store,

When I thank Him, He gives me more.”
As God gives us light, we should make use of it; God will not give
us a second ray, while the first is not appreciated. We must praise the
Lord for the light already graciously given, and reflect it upon those
around us. Then more light will shine upon us, and as we praise, we
shall know that “the path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth
more and more unto the perfect day.” Do not say, I will praise the
Lord when the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us. How will you know
when the Holy Spirit is poured out, unless you walk in the light day
by day? You are to go about your duties, advancing step, by step,
according to the counsel of the Lord, and you will find that you will
have light and peace and joy, and will make melody in your heart
unto the Lord. Thus the people of God will mingle their praises with
those of the hosts of heaven, and sing songs of thanksgiving with the
angels of God.30
There is a great work to be done in our world, and we are account-
able for every ray of light that shines upon our pathway. Impart that
light, and you will receive more light to impart. Great blessing will
come to those who use their talents aright.31
79
Open to All the Truth

“Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my sal-
vation; on thee do I wait all the day” (Psalm 25:5).
How dangerous is the position of men who, while claiming sanc-

tification, still will not receive the light of the law by which sin is
detected! Sanctification is conformity to the will of God, and the will
of God is expressed in His holy law. Those only are truly sanctified
who live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.32
You should cultivate a spirit of entire submission to the will of
God, earnestly, humbly seeking to know His ways and to follow the
leadings of His Spirit. You must not lean to your own understanding.
You should have deep distrust of your own wisdom and supposed
prudence. Your condition demands these cautions. It is unsafe for
man to confide in his own judgment. He has limited capacities at best,
and many have received, as their birthright, both strong and weak
points of character, which are positive defects. These peculiarities
color the entire life.
The wisdom which God gives will lead men to self-examination.
The truth will convict them of their errors and existing wrongs. The
heart must be open to see, realize, and acknowledge these wrongs,
and then, through the help of Jesus, each must earnestly engage in the
work of overcoming them. The knowledge gained by the wise of the
world, however diligent they may be in acquiring it, is, after all, lim-
ited and comparatively inferior. . . .
Sometimes a course of conduct is pursued every day, and persist-
ed in, because it is a habit, and not because the judgment approves. In
these cases, feeling, rather than duty, bears sway.
If we could understand our own weakness, and see the sharp
traits in our character which need repressing, we should see so much
to do for ourselves that we would humble our hearts under the
mighty hand of God. Hanging our helpless souls upon Christ, we
should supplement our ignorance with His wisdom, our weakness
with His strength, our frailty with His enduring might, and, connect-
ed with God, we should indeed be lights in the world.33
80
Creative Power in the Word of Truth

“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth” (James 1:18).
The new birth is accomplished by the reception of the word of

God.34
The creative energy that called the worlds into existence is in the
word of God. This word imparts power; it begets life. Every com-
mand is a promise; accepted by the will, received into the soul, it
brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It transforms the nature and
re-creates the soul in the image of God.
The life thus imparted is in like manner sustained. “By every
word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) shall
man live.35
Consider, says Jesus, how the lilies grow; how, springing from the
cold, dark earth, or from the mud of the river bed, the plants unfold
in loveliness and fragrance. Who would dream of the possibilities of
beauty in the rough brown bulb of the lily? But when the life of God,
hidden therein, unfolds at His call in the rain and the sunshine, men
marvel at the vision of grace and loveliness. Even so will the life of
God unfold in every human soul that will yield itself to the ministry
of His grace, which, free as the rain and the sunshine, comes with its
benediction to all. It is the word of God that creates the flowers, and
the same word will produce in you the graces of His Spirit.36
The Lord has given His life to the trees and vines of His creation.
His word can increase or decrease the fruit of the land. . . . Without the
life of God, nature would die. His creative works are dependent on
Him. He bestows life-giving properties on all that nature produces.
We are to regard the trees laden with fruit as the gift of God, just as
much as though He placed the fruit in our hands.37
Let Christ be daily made manifest in you, and He will reveal
through you the creative energy of His word—a gentle, persuasive,
yet mighty influence to recreate other souls in the beauty of the Lord
our God.38
81
True Worship
“The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall wor-
ship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to wor-
ship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him
in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23, 24).
It is not enough to argue in defense of the truth. The most telling

evidence of its worth is seen in a godly life; and without this the most
conclusive statements will be lacking in weight and prevailing power;
for our strength lies in being connected with God by His Holy Spirit,
and transgression severs us from this sacred nearness with the Source
of our might and wisdom. We are to bring to the attention of the
world the truth for this time; and if we should see the work advance,
we must be sure that there is no accursed thing among us. . . .
The Israelites forgot that their strength was in God, and not in the
ark, and those who advocate the truth today, will have to learn that
their power is not in the clearness of their arguments; not in the rea-
sonableness of their doctrines, though these be sustained by the word
of God; not in their belief in the law and the truth of its claims, but in
obedience to all of its requirements, through the faith of the Son of
God.
Let us take heed to the warning of the past, remembering that
God requireth truth in the secret hearts of His followers; for only that
worship is acceptable that is rendered in spirit and in truth. He that
hath clean hands and a pure heart will realize the aid of heavenly
power, and will see of the salvation of God; but let no one think that
God will favor those who go contrary to His word; for He says, “Thou
canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed
thing from among you” (Joshua 7:13).39
Are we worshiping the Lord in spirit and in truth? Everything is
to be held in subordination to the service of God. The temptation is
presented to us from every side to serve ourselves, to serve the world,
to serve Satan; but we are to overcome as Christ also overcame.40
82
Walking in the Truth

“I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before
thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good
in thy sight” (2 Kings 20:3).
It is in looking to Jesus and beholding His loveliness, having our

eyes steadfastly fixed upon Him, that we become changed into His
image. He will give grace to all that keep His way, and do His will,
and walk in truth. But those who love their own way, who worship
their idols of opinion, and do not love God and obey His word, will
continue to walk in darkness. O, how terrible is unbelief! As well let
light be poured upon the blind, as to present truth to these souls; the
one cannot see, and the other will not see.
I beseech you whose names are registered on the church book as
worthy members, to be indeed worthy, through the virtue of Christ.
Mercy and truth and the love of God are promised to the humble and
contrite soul. The displeasure and judgments of God are against those
who persist in walking in their own ways, loving self, loving the
praise of men. They will certainly be swept into the satanic delusions
of these last days, because they received not the love of the truth.
Because the Lord has, in former days, blessed and honored them, they
flatter themselves that they are chosen and true, and do not need
warning and instruction and reproof.41
God's Word tells us that faith without works is dead, being alone.
Many refuse to obey God's commandments, yet they make a great
deal of faith. But faith must have a foundation. God's promises are all
made upon conditions. If we do His will, if we walk in truth, then we
may ask what we will, and it shall be done unto us. While we
earnestly endeavor to be obedient, God will hear our petitions; but
He will not bless us in disobedience. . . . You are not to sit in indo-
lence, waiting for some great occasion, in order to do a great work for
the Master. You are not to neglect the duty that lies directly in your
pathway; but you are to improve the little opportunities that open
around you.42
83
Honesty From the Inside Out

“Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy
holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and
speaketh the truth in his heart” (Psalm 15:1, 2).
The purpose of all God's commandments is to reveal man's duty

not only to God, but to his fellowman. In this late age of the world's
history, we are not, because of the selfishness of our hearts, to ques-
tion or dispute the right of God to make these requirements, or we
will deceive ourselves, and rob our souls of the richest blessings of the
grace of God. Heart and mind and soul are to be merged in the will of
God. Then the covenant, framed from the dictates of infinite wisdom,
and made binding by the power and authority of the King of kings
and Lord of lords, will be our pleasure.43
The Lord has graciously given man a time of probation in which
to perfect a character for eternal life; but those who are selfish, those
who exalt self by seeking to abase another, making the most of every
mote and defect in his character, prove that there is a beam in their
own eye which unfits them for an entrance into the abode of life. The
principles of divine goodness must dwell in the heart, in order that
pure, generous, kindly thoughts and actions shall be manifested in
the life. Everything like secret working, like deception, like anxiety to
discover a mote in our brother's eye, like officious effort to remove the
mote when a beam is in our own eye, is abhorrent to God. Until the
accuser discovers the evil of his own heart, and feels sincere repen-
tance for his sin, and makes confession of his wrong, he can have no
clear vision to pull the mote out of his brother's eye. It is easy to
deceive ourselves, but we cannot deceive God, to whose ears smooth
words and fair speeches, which are only pretensions to piety, are as
sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. Unless the principles of heaven
are inwrought in the heart, all outward profession is pretension and
deception. God measures every man's piety by the character of his
motives.44
84
Not a Taint of Guile

“He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false wit-
ness deceit” (Proverbs 12:17).
In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds
of heaven, the Lord calls for men who will be earnest and prepare a
people to stand in the great day of the Lord. The men who have spent
long terms in the study of books are not revealing in their lives that
earnest ministry which is essential for this last time. They do not bear
a simple, straightforward testimony.45
Truth is of God; deception in all its myriad forms is of Satan, and
whoever in any way departs from the straight line of truth is betray-
ing himself into the power of the wicked one. Those who have
learned of Christ will “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works
of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11). In speech, as in life, they will be sim-
ple, straightforward, and true, for they are preparing for the fellow-
ship of those holy ones in whose mouth is found no guile. See
Revelation 14:5.46
A course of obedience to God is the wisest course for us to pursue;
for it brings peace, content, and happiness as the sure result.
If the lips were constantly guarded so that no guile could corrupt
them, what an amount of suffering, degradation, and misery might be
prevented. If we would say nothing to wound or grieve, except in
necessary reproof of sin, that God might not be dishonored, how
much misunderstanding, bitterness, and anguish would be pre-
vented. If we would speak words of good cheer, words of hope and
faith in God, how much light we might shed upon the pathway of
others, to be reflected in still brighter beams upon our own souls. The
path of obedience to God is the path of virtue, of health, and happi-
ness. The plan of salvation, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, opens
up a way whereby man may secure happiness and prolong his days
upon the earth, as well as enjoy the favor of Heaven and secure that
future life which measures with the life of God. The words of inspira-
tion will never fail. Whenever we comply with the conditions, the
Lord will surely fulfill His promises.47
85
Trustworthy, Dependable Promises

“The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is
but for a moment” (Proverbs 12:19).
Promises are estimated by the truth of the one who makes them.
Many men make promises only to break them, to mock the heart that
trusted in them. Those who lean upon such men lean upon broken
reeds. But God is behind the promises He makes. He is ever mindful
of His covenant, and His truth endures to all generations.48
Truth makes its impression upon the heart, and is recommended
by the conscience. But men begin to speculate. Why are there so few
who believe this truth? they ask. Have any of the ministers or learned
men believed it?
Many refuse to obey the truth through fear that they will lose their
standing in the world. They allow the inconveniences in the pathway
of truth to prevent them from following the Saviour. They do not real-
ize that to reject truth means to lose eternal life.
The heavenly intelligences watch with intense interest the strug-
gle between tempter and tempted. It is a life-and-death question that
is being settled. Christ knows this, and before those whose souls are
trembling in the balance, He holds up the sure test of obedience or
disobedience, saying, “He that loveth his life”—his good name, his
reputation, his money, his property, his business—”shall lose it; and
he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal” (John
12:25). He who hates the life which is lived in transgression of God's
law, he who accepts the divine requirements, leaving God to take care
of the consequences, will gain eternal life.49
It is our duty to love Jesus as our Redeemer. He has a right to com-
mand our love, but He invites us to give Him our heart. He calls us to
walk with Him in the path of humble, truthful obedience. . . . If we
choose to live with Christ through the ceaseless ages of eternity, why
not choose Him now as our most loved and trusted friend, our best
and wisest Counselor?50
86
Sanctified by the Word of Truth

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17).
Instead of looking at the lives of your fellow men, look to Jesus.

There you will see no imperfection, but perfection, righteousness,
goodness, mercy, and truth.51
No error can sanctify the soul; we must bear this in mind.
Sanctification comes not through error, but through belief of the
truth. We need to possess a faith that is based upon the sure word of
promise.52
How many of us place a right estimate upon the Word of God?
Do we receive the testimony of the Scriptures as the voice of God?
Through the Scriptures the voice of God comes to us as veritably as
it came to Israel when He spoke on Sinai in the audience of all the
people. How many of us regard it in this light? If we did regard it
thus, what a change would be seen in our daily words and actions.
With what reverence and awe would we search the Word of God to
know the truth, the medium through which the soul's sanctification
is accomplished. No indifference, no carelessness, is allowed in our
searching of the Scriptures. Our spiritual development depends
upon our knowledge of the truth, upon our practice of its divine
principles as embodied in the precepts of the law and in the teaching
of our Lord.53
The Word of God specifies the quality of the faith that will dis-
tinguish between the sacred and the common, and will render the
life well-pleasing to Him who has purchased the powers of our
being by the redemption price of His blood. All men have a certain
kind of faith; but it is that faith which works by love that purifies the
soul. This faith cleanses the life from all self-serving, from all acqui-
escence to man's arbitrary exactions. It is a genuine faith that is
revealed in the spirit, in the speech, and in the actions. In the life of
the one who possesses such a faith as this the will of Christ will be
daily carried out.54
87
Sanctification Means Purification

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is
a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4).
Men may cry, Holiness! holiness! sanctification! sanctification!

consecration! consecration! and yet know no more by experience of
what they talk than the sinner with his corrupt propensities. God will
soon tear off this whitewashed garb of professed sanctification which
some who are carnally minded have thrown around them to hide the
deformity of the soul.
A faithful record is kept of the acts of the children of men. Nothing
can be concealed from the eye of the high and holy One. Some take a
course directly opposed to the law of God, and then, to cover up their
sinful course, they profess to be consecrated to God. This profession
of holiness does not make itself manifest in their daily lives. It does
not have a tendency to elevate their minds.55
Faith in Christ is demonstrated by works; it produces a transfor-
mation of character through the effectual working of God's Holy
Spirit. Selfishness and pride, with all their force, will make a stand
against anything that would show them to be sinful. But all who shall
endure as seeing Him who is invisible, will have to lie very low at the
foot of the cross. Contrition of soul will mark the experience of every
one who has received the grace of Christ.56
When our hearts kindle up as we read the claims of the law of
God in His word, when we can pray with the psalmist, “Open thou
mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm
119:18), we are in a position to claim the merits of the blood of a cru-
cified and risen Saviour, and may fully rely upon the prayer of Christ
to His Father for the sanctification which comes through the belief of
the truth.57
Sanctification means purification. The wisdom that comes from
above is first pure, then peaceable. It is only thus that they can be
qualified to do the work that Christ did in the world in proclaiming
the truth.58
True sanctification comes through willing obedience.59
88
Pure Truth Has Power

“I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but
because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth” (1 John 2:21).
No lie is of the truth. If we follow cunningly devised fables, we

unite with the enemy's forces against God and Christ. God calls upon
those who have been wearing a yoke of human manufacture to break
this yoke, and no longer be the bond servants of men.
The battle is on. Satan and his angels are working with all deceiv-
ableness of unrighteousness. They are untiring in their efforts to draw
souls away from the truth, away from righteousness, to spread ruin
throughout the universe. They work with marvelous industry to fur-
nish a multitude of deceptions to take souls captive. Their efforts are
unceasing. The enemy is ever seeking to lead souls into infidelity and
skepticism. He would do away with God, and with Christ, who was
made flesh and dwelt among us, to teach us that in obedience to
God's will we may be victorious over sin.
Every form of evil is waiting for an opportunity to assail us.
Flattery, bribes, inducements, promises of wonderful exaltation, will
be most assiduously employed.
What are God's servants doing to raise the barrier of a “Thus saith
the Lord” against this evil? The enemy's agents are working unceas-
ingly to prevail against the truth. Where are the faithful guardians of
the Lord's flocks? Where are His watchmen? . . . Where are the med-
ical missionaries? Are they coworkers with Christ, wearing His yoke,
or are they wearing a yoke of human manufacture?60
On our knees we are to claim the promises of God's Word, asking
that we may receive pure, unadulterated truth, and that we may real-
ize the necessity of giving this truth to others. Then men and women
will be converted. The hand of God will be recognized in the raising
up of new churches. The Lord will baptize with the apostolic spirit
many who will go forth to do missionary work in places where the
people know not the truth.61
89
True Love
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in
deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
All selfishness is condemned by the law of God, and we are made

stewards of God, and should not be neglectful of, or indifferent to,
our brethren. We cannot love God unless we love those about us. A
man will reveal just what is in his heart. Words are of but little value.
Love should be expressed in acts of sympathy, in kindness to those
who are oppressed, or in poverty, or affliction, or temptation. God's
deeds are the fruits of sanctification. If we are waiting and watching
for opportunities to do good, to infuse light, to impart tangible bless-
ings, we shall not feel that in doing so we have done any great things:
yet Jesus will reckon every act of kindness done to others as done to
Himself.
He who seeks to walk by the rule of God's law, will care for the
interests of his brethren as he would care for his own interests.
Genuine piety manifested in this manner is of more value in the sight
of God, who readeth the thoughts and intents of the heart, than all
manner of boasting professions. Those who are genuine Christians
can say, “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep
His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His
sight.”
How carefully should we examine the motives which prompt us
to actions! When we follow the inclination of the natural heart, we
separate our souls from God, although the lips may declare that we
are wholly the Lord's. With the Bible open before us, let us look into
God's holy mirror, and see whether our practices and plans are holy.
Let us ask the question, Is this the way of the Lord? If we do an injury
to our brother or neighbor, we shall have to meet the injured one
before the throne of God. No difference in belief will justify us in invad-
ing another's rights, in neglecting to do justice and judgment. . . . Is the
mind of God, as revealed in the holy law, the guide of our life? If so,
love, joy, peace—yes, heaven—is brought into our life here below.62
90
“Girt About With Truth”

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth”
(Ephesians 6:14).
Christ maintained an all-sided, firm self-possession in His

remarkable sympathy for others. He did good with a tranquillity
and patient continuance never equaled by any human being. The
Pharisees and Sadducees were always on His track; and many of
them, as they listened to His words, and noted His calmness, even
when assailed by passionate, uncourteous men, believed on Him.
Constantly Christ had to meet the underhand, deceptive opposition
of the very men who should gladly have received and acknowl-
edged Him. But He was ever calm, while His adversaries, because
they could not prevail against Him, were in a fever of indignant
excitement. Their indignation and malignity showed what spirit
they were of.
All the contempt and bitterness that Christ met day by day could
not rob Him of His self-possession. When He was reviled, He reviled
not again. He was not roused by passion to revile those who made
use of every opportunity to revile Him. He never overstepped the
bounds of decorum. Who was He? The Majesty of heaven, the King
of glory. The storm raised by His opponents beat about Him, but He
heeded it not. He could afford to be calm; for He was the living
embodiment of truth.
And those today who bear the message of truth to the world
should study the life of Christ, and practice His lessons. Never forget
that you are children of the heavenly King, sons and daughters of the
Lord of hosts. Maintain a calm repose in God, even when meeting with
those who are moved by a power from beneath to uphold falsehood.
Be sure that the best weapons they possess are not able to destroy the
truth, however they may strive to blacken it by misrepresentation. “If
God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
Christ spoke no words revealing His importance, or showing His
superiority. . . . His words and actions showed Him to be possessed of
a knowledge of His mission and character.63
91
On to Battle, Armed With Truth

“O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring
me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles” (Psalm 43:3).
Those who are truly the followers of Christ love as brethren, and
are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. Every true believer
catches the beams from the Morning Star, and transmits the light to
those who sit in darkness. Not only do they shine amid the darkness
in their own neighborhoods, but as a church they go forth to regions
beyond. The Lord expects every man to do his duty. Everyone who
unites with the church is to be one with Christ, diffusing the beams
of the Morning Star, and becoming the light of the world. Christ and
His people are to be copartners in the great work of saving the
world.
The churches have not been educated altogether as they should
have been educated. They have been educated to depend upon the
ministers to pray and to open the Scriptures to the people who
assemble to worship God. God would have the people hear the
voice of God, and go to work for the Master. Thousands might be at
work who are not ordained to preach the gospel. If the love of God
was a living, abiding element in the soul, there would be love
among the brethren, and many who have been indifferent to the
great Teacher's commandment, who now bite and devour one
another, would be convinced of their mistake, and [would be]
draw[n] into fellowship. God has made every provision for better
things. God's people have close, severe battles to fight; but these bat-
tles are not to be against their brethren. All desire to hurt and weak-
en and destroy the influence of even the weakest of God's workers
is registered in the books of heaven as desire to weaken the influ-
ence of Jesus Christ. The warfare we are to undertake is to be waged
against the confederacy of evil, which is arrayed against the people
of God. But woe unto those who shall turn their implements of war-
fare against their own brethren. God reminds us that we are to fight
in unison with the angels of heaven, and that more than angels are
engaged in the warfare.64
92
Lift Up the Banner of Truth

“Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be dis-
played because of the truth” (Psalm 60:4).
Everyone who has heard and accepted the third angel’s message
is to hold the banner of truth, unstained and uncorrupted, higher and
still higher. I was shown large numbers engaged in work for the out-
casts, while all through God’s moral vineyard were fields white for
the harvest, destitute of the truth. Every organization among our peo-
ple, as well as every individual, is responsible to God to give the last
message of warning to the world with a loud voice. Strong, decided
appeals are to be made in the very best way.65
The Holy Spirit, Christ's representative, arms the weakest with
might to press forward unto victory. God has organized His instru-
mentalities to draw all men unto Him. He sends forth to His work
many who have not been dedicated by the laying on of hands. He
answers objections that would arise against this method of labor, even
before they arise. God sees the end from the beginning. He knows and
anticipates every want, and provides for every emergency.66
True missionary work will furnish the churches with a sure foun-
dation, a foundation having this seal, “The Lord knoweth them that
are his” (2 Timothy 2:19). Then God will be glorified in His people.
Christian missions will be built upon Jesus Christ. Under the supervi-
sion of God the work will go forward, and innumerable evidences
will be given of the genuineness of the work. The workers will not
seek to glorify self, but will praise God as the designer and organizer
of every holy, ennobling work. They not only profess to be believers;
they are believers. They are sanctified by the truth; for truth acted as
well as preached has a purifying influence upon the character.67
We are to raise the banner on which is inscribed, “The command-
ments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). Obedience to
God's law is the great issue. Let it not be put out of sight.68
93
“Truth Unto the Clouds”

“I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee
among the nations. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy
truth unto the clouds” (Psalm 57:9, 10).
Christ has commissioned us to sow the seeds of truth, and to urge

upon our people the importance of the work to be done by those who
are living amidst the closing scenes of this earth's history. As the
words of truth are proclaimed in the highways and the byways, there
is to be a revelation of the working of the Spirit of God on human
hearts.
Oh, how much good might be accomplished if all who have the
truth, the Word of life, would labor for the enlightenment of those
who have it not! When the Samaritans came to Christ at the call of the
Samaritan woman, Christ spoke of them to His disciples as a field of
grain ready for harvesting. . . . Christ abode with the Samaritans for
two days; for they were hungry to hear the truth. And what busy days
they were! As a result of those days of labor, “many more believed
because of his own word.” This was their testimony: “We have heard
him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of
the world” (John 4:41, 42).
Who among God's professing people will take up this sacred
work, and labor for the souls who are perishing for lack of knowledge?
The world must be warned. Many places are pointed out to me as in
need of consecrated, faithful, untiring effort. Christ is opening the
hearts and minds of many in our large cities. These need the truths of
God's Word; and if we will come into a sacred nearness with Christ,
and will seek to draw near to these people, impressions for good will
be made. We need to wake up, and enter into sympathy with Christ
and with our fellow men. The large and small cities, and places nigh
and afar off, are to be worked, and worked intelligently. Never draw
back. The Lord will make the right impressions upon hearts, if we will
work in unison with His Spirit. 69
94
Grab Every Opportunity

“These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth
to his neighbour” (Zechariah 8:16).
We should treat as a sacred treasure every line of printed matter

containing present truth. Even the fragments of a pamphlet or of a
periodical should be regarded as of value. Who can estimate the influ-
ence that a torn page containing the truths of the third angel's mes-
sage may have upon the heart of some seeker after truth? Let us
remember that somebody would be glad to read all the books and
papers we can spare.70
To all who are working with Christ I would say, Wherever you
can gain access to the people by the fireside, improve your opportu-
nity. Take your Bible, and open before them its great truths. Your suc-
cess will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplish-
ments as upon your ability to find your way to the heart. By being
social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of
their thoughts more readily than by the most able discourse.
Take along the publications and ask them to read. When they see
that you are sincere they will not despise any of your efforts. There is
a way to reach the hardest hearts. Approach in the simplicity and sin-
cerity and humility that will help us to reach the souls of them for
whom Christ died.
Allow no opportunity to pass unimproved. Visit those who live
near you, and by sympathy and kindness try to reach their hearts. Visit
the sick and suffering and show a kindly interest in them. If possible,
do something to make them more comfortable. Through this means
you can reach their hearts and speak a word for Christ. Eternity alone
will reveal how far reaching such a line of labor can be.
Those who do not take up this work, those who act with the indif-
ference that some have manifested, will soon lose their first love and
will begin to censure, criticize, and condemn their own brethren.
Those who go forth in the spirit of the Master, seeking to reach
souls with the truth, will . . . become more and more vitalized as they
give themselves to the service of God. It is a joyous work to open the
Scriptures to others.71
95
Self-Supporting Missionaries
“Mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good” (Proverbs 14:22)
Self-supporting missionaries are often very successful.

Beginning in a small, humble way, their work enlarges as they move
forward under the guidance of the Spirit of God. Let two or more
start out together in evangelistic work. They may not receive any
particular encouragement from those at the head of the work that
they will be given financial support; nevertheless let them go for-
ward, praying, singing, teaching, living the truth. They may take up
the work of canvassing, and in this way introduce the truth into
many families. As they move forward in their work they gain a
blessed experience. They are humbled by a sense of their helpless-
ness, but the Lord goes before them, and among the wealthy and the
poor they find favor and help. Even the poverty of these devoted
missionaries is a means of finding access to the people. As they pass
on their way they are helped in many ways by those to whom they
bring spiritual food. They bear the message God gives them, and
their efforts are crowned with success. Many will be brought to a
knowledge of the truth who, but for these humble teachers, would
never have been won to Christ.
God calls for workers to enter the whitening harvest field. Shall
we wait because the treasury is exhausted, because there is scarcely
sufficient to sustain the workers now in the field? Go forth in faith,
and God will be with you. . . . [Psalm 126:6 quoted.]
Nothing is so successful as success. Let this be secured by perse-
vering effort, and the work will move forward. New fields will be
opened. Many souls will be brought to a knowledge of the truth.
What is needed is increased faith in God.72
As humble, God-fearing men and women consecrate themselves
to the Lord, He will accept them and work through them. As they
place themselves in right relation to Him, light from the throne
above will shine upon them, making them channels of blessing to
others.73
96
For Now and for Eternity

“The truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord” (Psalm
117:2).
Through the ages that have passed since the days of the apostles,
the building of God's temple has never ceased. We may look back
through the centuries and see the living stones of which it is com-
posed gleaming like jets of light through the darkness of error and
superstition. Throughout eternity these precious jewels will shine
with increasing luster, testifying to the power of the truth of God. The
flashing light of these polished stones reveals the strong contrast
between light and darkness, between the gold of truth and the dross
of error.
Paul and the other apostles, and all the righteous who have lived
since then, have acted their part in the building of the temple. But the
structure is not yet complete. We who are living in this age have a
work to do, a part to act. . . . The Christian who faithfully presents the
word of life, leading men and women into the way of holiness and
peace, is bringing to the foundation material that will endure, and in
the kingdom of God he will be honored as a wise builder.
Of the apostles it is written, “They went forth, and preached every
where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with
signs following” (Mark 16:20). As Christ sent forth His disciples, so
today He sends forth the members of His church. The same power that
the apostles had is for them. If they will make God their strength, He
will work with them, and they shall not labor in vain. . . .
Christ has given to the church a sacred charge. Every member
should be a channel through which God can communicate to the
world the treasures of His grace, the unsearchable riches of Christ.
There is nothing that the Saviour desires so much as agents who will
represent to the world His Spirit and His character. There is nothing
that the world needs so much as the manifestation through humanity
of the Saviour's love. All heaven is waiting for men and women
through whom God can reveal the power of Christianity.74
97
The Reward of Presenting the Truth

“Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the
truth may enter in” (Isaiah 26:2).
Jesus' silver trumpet sounded, as He descended on the cloud,

wrapped in flames of fire. He gazed on the graves of the sleeping
saints, then raised His eyes and hands to heaven, and cried: “Awake!
Awake! Awake! ye that sleep in the dust, and arise.” Then there was
a mighty earthquake. The graves opened, and the dead came up
clothed with immortality. The 144,000 shouted, “Alleluia!” as they
recognized their friends who had been torn from them by death, and
in the same moment we were changed, and caught up together with
them to meet the Lord in the air.
We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending
to the sea of glass, when Jesus brought the crowns, and with His own
right hand placed them on our heads. He gave us harps of gold and
palms of victory. Here on the sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect
square. Some had very bright crowns, others not so bright. Some
crowns appeared heavy with stars, while others had but few. All were
perfectly satisfied with their crowns. And they were all clothed with a
glorious white mantle from their shoulders to their feet. Angels were all
about us as we marched over the sea of glass to the gate of the city. Jesus
raised His mighty, glorious arm, laid hold of the pearly gate, swung it
back on its glittering hinges, and said to us: “You have washed your
robes in My blood, stood stiffly for My truth, enter in.” We all marched
in and felt we had a perfect right there.
Within the city we saw the tree of life and the throne of God. Out
of the throne came a pure river of water, and on either side of the river
was the tree of life. On one side of the river was a trunk of a tree, and
a trunk on the other side of the river, both of pure, transparent gold.
At first I thought I saw two trees; I looked again, and saw that they
were united at the top in one tree. So it was the tree of life on either
side of the river of life. Its branches bowed to the place where we
stood; and the fruit was glorious, which looked like gold mixed with
silver.75
98
Apostleship April 1
The Call of the Twelve

[Jesus] called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve,
whom also he named apostles (Luke 6:13).
For the carrying on of His work, Christ did not choose the learn-
ing or eloquence of the Jewish Sanhedrin or the power of Rome.
Passing by the self-righteous Jewish teachers, the Master Worker
chose humble, unlearned men to proclaim the truths that were to
move the world. These men He purposed to train and educate as the
leaders of His church. They in turn were to educate others and send
them out with the gospel message. That they might have success in
their work they were to be given the power of the Holy Spirit. Not by
human might or human wisdom was the gospel to be proclaimed, but
by the power of God.
For three years and a half the disciples were under the instruction
of the greatest Teacher the world has ever known. By personal contact
and association, Christ trained them for His service. Day by day they
walked and talked with Him, hearing His words of cheer to the weary
and heavy-laden, and seeing the manifestation of His power in behalf
of the sick and the afflicted. . . . He did not command the disciples to
do this or that, but said, “Follow Me.” . . .
It was at the ordination of the Twelve that the first step was taken
in the organization of the church that after Christ's departure was to
carry on His work on the earth. . . .
Look upon the touching scene. Behold the Majesty of heaven sur-
rounded by the Twelve whom He has chosen. He is about to set them
apart for their work. By these feeble agencies, through His word and
Spirit, He designs to place salvation within the reach of all.
With gladness and rejoicing, God and the angels beheld this
scene. The Father knew that from these men the light of heaven
would shine forth; that the words spoken by them as they witnessed
for His Son, would echo from generation to generation till the close of
time.1
99
April 2 Apostleship
The Gospel Minister

“When [Christ] ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and
gave gifts unto men. . . . And he gave some, apostles” (Ephesians 4:8, 11).
While Christ is the minister in the sanctuary above, He is also,

through His delegates, the minister of His church on earth. He speaks
to the people through chosen men, and carries forward His work
through them, as when in the days of His humiliation He moved vis-
ibly upon the earth. Although centuries have passed, the lapse of time
has not changed His parting promise to His disciples. “Lo, I am with
you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). From
Christ’s ascension to the present day, men ordained of God, deriving
their authority from Him, have become teachers of the faith. Christ,
the True Shepherd, superintends His work through the instrumental-
ity of these undershepherds. Thus the position of those who labor in
word and doctrine becomes very important. In Christ’s stead they
beseech the people to be reconciled to God.
The people should not regard their ministers as mere public
speakers and orators, but as Christ's ambassadors, receiving their
wisdom and power from the great Head of the church.2
Theoretical discourses are essential, that all may know the form of
doctrine and see the chain of truth, link after link, uniting in a perfect
whole. But no discourse should ever be delivered without presenting
Christ and Him crucified as the foundation of the gospel, making a
practical application of the truths set forth, and impressing upon the
people the fact that the doctrine of Christ is not Yea and Nay, but Yea
and Amen in Christ Jesus.
After the theory of truth has been presented, then comes the labo-
rious part of the work. The people should not be left without instruc-
tion in the practical truths which relate to their everyday life. They
must see and feel that they are sinners and need to be converted to
God. What Christ said, what He did, and what He taught should be
brought before them in the most impressive manner.3
100
Apostleship April 3
Watchmen Upon the Walls

“God hath set some in the church, first apostles” (1 Corinthians
12:28).
The watchmen anciently placed upon the walls of Jerusalem and

other cities occupied a most responsible position. Upon their faithful-
ness depended the safety of all within those cities. When danger was
apprehended, they were not to keep silent day nor night. Every few
moments they were required to call to one another to see if all were
awake and no harm had come to any. Sentinels were stationed upon
some eminence overlooking the important posts to be guarded, and
the cry of warning or of good cheer was sounded from them. This was
borne from one to another, each repeating the words, till it went the
entire rounds of the city.
These watchmen represent the ministry, upon whose fidelity
depends the salvation of souls. The stewards of the mysteries of God
should stand as watchmen upon the walls of Zion; and if they see the
sword coming, they should sound the note of warning. If they are
sleepy sentinels, if their spiritual senses are so benumbed that they
see and realize no danger, and the people perish, God will require
their blood at the watchmen's hands.4
It is the privilege of the watchmen on the walls of Zion to live so
near to God, and to be susceptible to the impressions of His Spirit,
that He can work through them to tell men and women of their peril
and point them to the place of safety. Faithfully are they to warn them
of the sure result of transgression, and faithfully are they to safeguard
the interests of the church. At no time may they relax their vigilance.
Theirs is a work requiring the exercise of every faculty of the being. In
trumpet tones their voices are to be lifted, and never are they to sound
one wavering, uncertain note. Not for wages are they to labor, but
because they cannot do otherwise, because they realize that there is a
woe upon them if they fail to preach the gospel. Chosen of God,
sealed with the blood of consecration, they are to rescue men and
women from impending destruction.5
101
April 4 Apostleship
The Humblest Servants

“Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over
them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall
not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be
your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your
servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to
minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25–28).
[Christ] came not to be ministered unto, but to minister to others.

He pleased not Himself. He made Himself of no reputation, but took
upon Himself the form of a servant, and spent His life in doing good.
He could have spent His days on earth in ease and plenty, and have
appropriated to Himself the enjoyments of this life. But He lived not
to enjoy, He lived to do good and to save others from suffering, and
His example is for us to follow.6
Those who profess to be servants of the living God must be will-
ing to be servants of all, instead of being exalted above the brethren,
and they must possess a kind, courteous spirit. If they err, they should
be ready to confess thoroughly. Honesty of intention cannot stand as
an excuse for not confessing errors. Confession would not lessen the
confidence of the church in the messenger, and he would set a good
example; a spirit of confession would be encouraged in the church,
and sweet union would be the result. Those who profess to be teach-
ers should be patterns of piety, meekness, and humility, possessing a
kind spirit, to win souls to Jesus and the truth of the Bible. A minister
of Christ should be pure in conversation and in actions. He should
ever bear in mind that he is handling words of inspiration, words of
a holy God. He must also bear in mind that the flock is entrusted to
his care, and that he is to bear their cases to Jesus, and plead for them
as Jesus pleads for us with the Father.7
[Ministers] will be called to a strict account for the manner in
which they have discharged their responsibility. If they do not tell the
people of the binding claims of God's law, if they do not preach the
Word with clearness, but confuse the minds of the people by their
own interpretations, they are shepherds who feed themselves, but
neglect to feed the flock.8
102
Apostleship April 5
Undivided Attention
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophe-
cy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon
these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear
to all” (1 Timothy 4:14, 15).
The reason why ministers of Christ are no more successful in

their labors is that they are not unselfishly devoted to the work. The
interest of some is divided; they are double-minded. The cares of this
life engage their attention, and they do not realize how sacred is the
work of the minister. Such may complain of darkness, of great unbe-
lief, of infidelity. The reason for this is, they are not right with God;
they do not see the importance of making a full and entire consecra-
tion to Him. They serve God a little, but themselves more. They pray
but little.
The Majesty of heaven, while engaged in His earthly ministry,
prayed much to His Father. He was frequently bowed all night in
prayer. His spirit was often sorrowful as He felt the powers of the
darkness of this world, and He left the busy city and the noisy throng,
to seek a retired place to make His intercessions. The Mount of Olives
was the favorite resort of the Son of God for His devotions.
Frequently after the multitude had left Him for the retirement of the
night, He rested not, though weary with the labors of the day. In the
Gospel of John we read: “And every man went unto his own house.
Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives” (John 7:53; 8:1). While the city
was hushed in silence, and the disciples had returned to their homes
to obtain refreshment in sleep, Jesus slept not. His divine pleadings
were ascending to His Father from the Mount of Olives that His dis-
ciples might be kept from the evil influences which they would daily
encounter in the world, and that His own soul might be strengthened
and braced for the duties and trials of the coming day. All night, while
His followers were sleeping, was their divine Teacher praying. The
dew and frost of night fell upon His head bowed in prayer. His exam-
ple is left for His followers.9
103
April 6 Apostleship
Evidence of This Calling

“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of our-
selves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able minis-
ters of the new testament” (2 Corinthians 3:5, 6).
The conversion of sinners and their sanctification through the

truth is the strongest proof a minister can have that God has called
him to the ministry. The evidence of his apostleship is written upon
the hearts of those converted, and is witnessed to by their renewed
lives. Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. A minister is greatly
strengthened by these seals of his ministry.
Today the ministers of Christ should have the same witness as
that which the Corinthian church bore to Paul's labors. But though in
this age there are many preachers, there is a great scarcity of able, holy
ministers—men filled with the love that dwelt in the heart of Christ.
Pride, self-confidence, love of the world, faultfinding, bitterness,
envy, are the fruit borne by many who profess the religion of Christ.
Their lives, in sharp contrast to the life of the Saviour, often bear sad
testimony to the character of the ministerial labor under which they
were converted.
A man can have no greater honor than to be accepted by God as
an able minister of the gospel. But those whom the Lord blesses with
power and success in His work do not boast. They acknowledge their
entire dependence on Him.10
If the man who feels that he is called of God to be a minister will
humble himself and learn of Christ, he will become a true preacher. If
his lips are touched with a live coal from the altar, he will lift up Jesus
as the sinner’s only hope. When the heart of the speaker is sanctified
through the truth, his words will be living realities to himself and to
others. Those who hear him will know that he has been with God, and
has drawn near to him in fervent, effectual prayer. The Holy Spirit has
fallen upon him, his soul has felt the vital, heavenly fire, and he is able
to compare spiritual things with spiritual. Power will be given him to
tear down the strongholds of Satan. Hearts will be broken by his pres-
entation of the love of God, and many will inquire. “What must I do
to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).11
104
Apostleship April 7
The Mark of a Gentleman

“I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were
appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to
angels, and to men” (1 Corinthians 4:9).
The consecrated messengers . . . in the early days of Christianity

. . . allowed no thought of self-exaltation to mar their presentation of
Christ and Him crucified. They coveted neither authority nor preem-
inence.12
Paul regarded the occasion of his formal ordination as marking
the beginning of a new and important epoch in his lifework. It was
from this time that he afterward dated the beginning of his apostle-
ship in the Christian church.13
Lifting up his toil-worn hands, Paul makes his appeal to the eld-
ers of Ephesus: “Ye yourselves know, that these hands have minis-
tered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me” (Acts
20:34). Those hands speak to us with remarkable impressiveness. Paul
is not speaking mysteries. He is appealing to their knowledge of his
manner of life. The great apostle was not ashamed nor afraid of work,
and he did not treat this subject as in any way lowering to his work in
the ministry.
The opinion of men has, in many minds, changed the order of
God, and men have come to think that it is not fitting for a man who
works with his hands to take his place among gentlemen. The Lord’s
purposes are not the thoughts and purposes of men. In the beginning
God created man a gentleman, which means a man who can do work
cheerfully. Men have worked hard to obtain money; and having
gained wealth, they suppose that their money will make their sons
gentlemen. But many such men fail to train their sons as they them-
selves were trained, to hard, useful labor.14
If ministers feel that they are suffering hardship and privation in
the cause of Christ, let them in imagination visit the workshop where
Paul labored. Let them bear in mind that while this chosen man of
God is fashioning the canvas, he is working for bread which he has
justly earned by his labors as an apostle.15
105
April 8 Apostleship
Misunderstood and Maligned

“We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are
weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised” (1
Corinthians 4:10).
There was a small minority of the Corinthians who stubbornly

resisted all efforts of the apostle [Paul] for the purification of the church;
but their course was such that none could be deceived in them. They
displayed a most bitter spirit, and were bold in denunciation of Paul,
accusing him of mercenary motives, and craft in preaching the gospel
and dealing with the churches. They charged him with receiving per-
sonal advantage from the means contributed by the brethren for vari-
ous benevolent purposes. On the other hand, some challenged his
claims to apostleship, because he did not demand support from the
churches which he had raised up. Thus the accusations of his opposers
were conflicting and without a shadow of foundation.
Just such unreasonable persons are to be met in our times, men
who set themselves against the progress of the work of God, while
professing to believe the truth. They refuse to come into harmony
with the body of the church, the burden of their work being to dissect
the characters of their brethren, to raise dark suspicions, and circulate
covert insinuations. . . .
The apostle mentions his distress because of the burden of the
churches. The pressure was sometimes so great that he could scarcely
endure it. Outward dangers and inward fears had harassed him
beyond his own power to bear. False teachers had prejudiced his
brethren against him; they had made false charges against him to
destroy his influence among the churches which he had raised up.
But, amid all his persecutions and discouragements, he could rejoice
in the consolation which he found in Christ.
His conscience did not accuse him of dishonesty or unfaithful-
ness to his trust. It was a cause of joy to him that he had been
enabled, through the grace of God, to labor in the ministry, not using
his natural eloquence, to receive the praise of men, but with simplic-
ity and pureness, in the Spirit of God, his only aim being the good of
souls.16
106
Apostleship April 9
The Life of a Hero of Faith

“We both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and
have no certain dwellingplace; and labour, working with our own hands:
being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we
intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of
all things unto this day” (1 Corinthians 4:11–13).
Amid the constant storm of opposition, the clamor of enemies,

and the desertion of friends, the intrepid apostle [Paul] at times
almost lost heart. But he looked back to Calvary, and with new ardor
pressed on to spread the knowledge of the Crucified. He was but
treading the blood-stained path which Christ had trodden before him.
He sought no discharge from the warfare till he should lay off his
armor at the feet of his Redeemer.
Eighteen centuries have passed since the apostle rested from his
labors; yet the history of his toils and sacrifices for Christ's sake are
among the most precious treasures of the church. That history was
recorded by the Holy Spirit, that the followers of Christ in every age
might thereby be incited to greater zeal and faithfulness in the cause
of their Master.
How does this hero of faith tower above the self-indulgent,
easeloving men who are today crowding the ranks of the ministry.
When subjected to the ordinary difficulties and trials of life, many feel
that their lot is hard. But what have they done or suffered for the
cause of Christ? How does their record appear when compared with
that of this great apostle? What burden of soul have they felt for the
salvation of sinners? They know little of self-denial or sacrifice. They
are indebted to the grace of Christ for all the excellences of character
which they possess, for every blessing which they enjoy. All that they
are, and all that they have, is the purchase of the blood of Christ. As
the servants of Christ encounter opposition and persecution, they
should not permit their faith to grow dim or their courage to fail. With
Christ as a helper, they can resist every foe, and overcome every dif-
ficulty. The same obligation rests upon them which impelled the
apostle to his unwearied labors. Only those who emulate his fidelity,
will share with him the crown of life.17
107
April 10 Apostleship
The Life of the Minister

“Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: but
in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much
patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in impris-
onments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness,
by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love
unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of
righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishon-
our, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as
unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chas-
tened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet
making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2
Corinthians 6:3–10).
There is nothing more precious in the sight of God than His min-
isters, who go forth into the waste places of the earth to sow the seeds
of truth, looking forward to the harvest. None but Christ can measure
the solicitude of His servants as they seek for the lost. He imparts His
Spirit to them, and by their efforts souls are led to turn from sin to
righteousness.
God is calling for men who are willing to leave their farms, their
business, if need be their families, to become missionaries for Him.
And the call will be answered. In the past there have been men who,
stirred by the love of Christ and the needs of the lost, have left the
comforts of home and the society of friends, even that of wife and
children, to go into foreign lands, among idolaters and savages, to
proclaim the message of mercy. Many in the attempt have lost their
lives, but others have been raised up to carry on the work. Thus step
by step the cause of Christ has progressed, and the seed sown in sor-
row has yielded a bountiful harvest. The knowledge of God has been
widely extended and the banner of the cross planted in heathen
lands.
For the conversion of one sinner the minister should tax his
resources to the utmost. . . . If Christ left the ninety and nine that He
might seek and save one lost sheep, can we be justified in doing less?18
108
Apostleship April 11
The Secret of Paul’s Strength

“Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in
labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more fre-
quent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save
one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered
shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings
often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own coun-
trymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the
wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weari-
ness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings
often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that
which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches” (2 Corinthians
11:23–28).
A more hearty, persevering, energetic disciple of Jesus Christ than

was Paul has never been upon the earth. He counted all things but
loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. He had one aim
before him, and that was, that from his lips should go forth the tidings
of redemption to perishing souls, that they might be brought into
acquaintance with the Redeemer of the world. His whole soul was
wrapped up in Jesus, and in the light of truth received from the
Source of all light.19
Is not a neglect to work as Christ worked, to sacrifice as He sacri-
ficed, a betrayal of sacred trusts, an insult to God?
The heart of the true minister is filled with an intense longing to
save souls. Time and strength are spent, toilsome effort is not
shunned; for others must hear the truths that brought to his own soul
such gladness and peace and joy. The Spirit of Christ rests upon him.
He watches for souls as one that must give an account. With his eyes
fixed on the cross of Calvary, beholding the uplifted Saviour, relying
on His grace, believing that He will be with him until the end, as his
shield, his strength, his efficiency, he works for God. With invitations
and pleadings, mingled with the assurances of God's love, he seeks to
win souls to Jesus, and in heaven he is numbered among those who
are “called, and chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).20
109
Way Beyond Mere Preaching

“It is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and par-
takers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: whereof I was made a min-
ister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effec-
tual working of his power” (Ephesians 3:5–7).
If one enters upon this work [of ministry] choosing the least self-
sacrificing part of it, contenting himself with preaching, and leaving
the work of ministering for some one else to do, he need not expect
that his labors will be acceptable to God. Souls for whom Christ has
died are perishing for want of well-directed personal labor, and when
the minister is not willing to be a servant of the people, as Jesus has
directed in His word, then he has mistaken his calling. Those who
minister in the sacred desk should fall upon the Rock and be broken,
that the Lord may put His superscription upon them and fashion
them as vessels unto honor. If those engaged in the work of the min-
istry were indeed laborers together with God, we should see a solid
and beautiful work wrought in all countries for the saving of the souls
for whom Christ has died.
God calls for consecrated men, who are willing to deny self. The
work of the heavenly intelligences is constant and earnest, for they are
intent upon drawing men to Jesus. This is the manner in which min-
isters should labor. Their message should be, “Whosoever will, let
him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). In the ministra-
tion of angels, they do not labor so as to shut any soul out, but rather
to gather them all in; but if the message of the gospel is to go to all
men, human agents must cooperate with the angel workers. Divine
and human agencies must combine in order to accomplish the great
work of saving the souls of the lost. Man cannot work out his own sal-
vation without divine aid, and God will not save him without willing,
decided cooperation. Human agencies must be educated; they must
become sufficient for this great work, and their growth and education
depend upon their union with divine forces.21
110
A Good Work
“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he
desireth a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1).
There must be no belittling of the gospel ministry. No enterprise

should be so conducted as to cause the ministry of the word to be
looked upon as an inferior matter. It is not so. Those who belittle the
ministry are belittling Christ. The highest of all work is ministry in its
various lines, and it should be kept before the youth that there is no
work more blessed of God than that of the gospel minister.
Let not our young men be deterred from entering the ministry.
There is danger that through glowing representations some will be
drawn away from the path where God bids them walk. Some have
been encouraged to take a course of study in medical lines who ought
to be preparing themselves to enter the ministry. The Lord calls for
more ministers to labor in His vineyard. The words were spoken:
“Strengthen the outposts; have faithful sentinels in every part of the
world.” God calls for you, young men. He calls for whole armies of
young men who are largehearted and large-minded, and who have a
deep love for Christ and the truth.
The measure of capacity or learning is of far less consequence than
is the spirit with which you engage in the work. It is not great and
learned men that the ministry needs; it is not eloquent sermonizers.
God calls for men who will give themselves to Him to be imbued with
His Spirit. The cause of Christ and humanity demands sanctified, self-
sacrificing men, those who can go forth without the camp, bearing the
reproach. . . .
How many of our young men will enter the service of God, not to
be served, but to serve? In times past there were those who fastened
their minds upon one soul after another, saying: “Lord, help me to
save this soul.” But now such instances are rare. How many act as if
they realized the peril of sinners? How many take those whom they
know to be in peril, presenting them to God in prayer and supplicat-
ing Him to save them?22
111
Caution Needed
“A bishop then must be blameless” (1 Timothy 3:2).
[Titus 1:5–7 quoted.] It would be well for all our ministers to give
heed to these words and not to hurry men into office without due con-
sideration and much prayer that God would designate by His Holy
Spirit whom He will accept.
Said the inspired apostle: “Lay hands suddenly on no man” (1
Timothy 5:22). In some of our churches the work of organizing and of
ordaining elders has been premature; the Bible rule has been disre-
garded, and consequently grievous trouble has been brought upon
the church. There should not be so great haste in electing leaders as to
ordain men who are in no way fitted for the responsible work—men
who need to be converted, elevated, ennobled, and refined before
they can serve the cause of God in any capacity.
The gospel net gathers both good and bad. It takes time for char-
acter to be developed; there must be time to learn what men really
are.23
We profess to be the depositaries of God's law; we claim to have
greater light and to aim at a higher standard than any other people
upon the earth; therefore we should show greater perfection of char-
acter and more earnest devotion.24
In the days of the apostles the ministers of God did not dare to
rely upon their own judgment in selecting or accepting men to take
the solemn and sacred position of mouthpiece for God. They selected
the men whom their judgment would accept, and then they placed
them before the Lord to see if He would accept them to go forth as His
representatives. No less than this should be done now.
In many places we meet men who have been hurried into respon-
sible positions as elders of the church, when they are not qualified for
such a position. . . .
Ministers of God should be of good repute, capable of discreetly
managing an interest after they have aroused it. We stand in great
need of competent men who will bring honor instead of disgrace
upon the cause which they represent.25
112
A Case of Eligibility Lost

“Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the first-
born; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was
given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel)” (1 Chronicles 5:1).
“Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my

strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power.” Thus
the father [Jacob] pictured what should have been the position of
Reuben as the firstborn son; but his grievous sin at Edar [Genesis 35:21,
22] had made him unworthy of the birthright blessing. Jacob contin-
ued—”Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel” (Genesis 49:3, 4).
The priesthood was apportioned to Levi, the kingdom and the
Messianic promise to Judah, and the double portion of the inheritance
to Joseph.26
We must guard against the sins of this degenerate age. Let not
Christ’s ambassadors descend to trifling conversation, to familiarity
with women, married or single. Let them keep their proper place with
becoming dignity; yet at the same time they may be sociable, kind,
and courteous to all. They must stand aloof from everything that
savors of commonness and familiarity. This is forbidden ground,
upon which it is unsafe to set the feet. Every word, every act, should
tend to elevate, to refine, to ennoble. There is sin in thoughtlessness
about such matters. . . .
Is there not enough taking place around us to show the need for
this caution? Everywhere are seen wrecks of humanity, broken-down
family altars, ruined homes. There is a strange abandonment of prin-
ciple, the standard of morality is lowered, and the earth is fast becom-
ing a Sodom. The practices which brought the judgment of God upon
the antediluvian world, and which caused Sodom to be destroyed by
fire, are fast increasing. We are nearing the end, when the earth is to
be purified by fire.27
God will not entrust the care of His precious flock to men whose
mind and judgment have been weakened by former errors that they
have cherished such as so-called perfectionism and Spiritualism.28
113
An Issue of Character
“A bishop then must be . . . the husband of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:2).
Do we consider and realize that the greatest influence to recom-

mend Christianity to our world is a well-ordered and well-disciplined
Christian family? The world sees that they believe God's Word.29
The greatest evidence of the power of Christianity that can be pre-
sented to the world is a well-ordered, well-disciplined family. This
will recommend the truth as nothing else can, for it is a living witness
of its practical power upon the heart.
The best test of the Christianity of a home is the type of character
begotten by its influence. Actions speak louder than the most positive
profession of godliness.30
Every Christian family should illustrate to the world the power
and excellence of Christian influences.
The home in which the members are kindly, courteous Christians
exerts a far-reaching influence for good. Other families mark the
results attained by such a home and follow the example set, in their
turn guarding their homes against evil influences. Angels of heaven
often visit the home in which the will of God bears sway. Under the
power of divine grace such a home becomes a place of refreshing to
worn, weary pilgrims. Self is kept from asserting itself. Right habits
are formed. There is a careful recognition of the rights of others. The
faith that works by love and purifies the soul stands at the helm, pre-
siding over the entire household. One well-ordered, well-disciplined
family tells more in behalf of Christianity than all the sermons that
can be preached.31
You will know whether or not a man is a Christian, for actions
speak louder than words or profession. The spirit that characterizes
the action represents the man, and the work will be in accordance
with the mold he gives it. God will have it made manifest by test and
trial who will stand connected with Christ in the end in the great plan
of salvation. We are to act as reformers in every branch of our work;
for then Christ works with us.32
114
Guard Against Pride

“A bishop then must be . . . vigilant” (1 Timothy 3:2).
There are many who are always ready to flatter and praise a min-
ister who can talk. A young minister is ever in danger of being petted
and applauded to his own injury, while at the same time he may be
deficient in the essentials which God requires of everyone who pro-
fesses to be a mouthpiece for Him. . . . It requires a constant, earnest,
and vigilant effort to watch and control self, to keep Jesus prominent
and self out of sight.
It is necessary for you to watch for the weak points in your char-
acter, to restrain wrong tendencies, and to strengthen and develop
noble faculties that have not been properly exercised. The world will
never know the work secretly going on between the soul and God,
nor the inward bitterness of spirit, the self-loathing, and the constant
efforts to control self; but many of the world will be able to appreci-
ate the result of these efforts. . . .
“Learn of Me,” said Christ; “for I am meek and lowly in heart: and
ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29). He will instruct
those who come to Him for knowledge. There are multitudes of false
teachers in the world. The apostle declares that in the last days men
will “heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy
4:3), because they desire to hear smooth things. . . . “Beware of false
prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they
are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew
7:15, 16). The class of religious teachers here described profess to be
Christians. They have the form of godliness and appear to be labor-
ing for the good of souls, while they are at heart avaricious, selfish,
ease-loving, following the promptings of their own unconsecrated
hearts. They are in conflict with Christ and His teachings, and are des-
titute of His meek and lowly spirit.
The preacher who bears the sacred truth for these last days must
be the opposite of all this and, by his life of practical godliness, plain-
ly mark the distinction existing between the false and the true shep-
herd.33
115
Cultivating Sobriety
“A bishop then must be . . . sober” (1 Timothy 3:2).
There are men working in the capacity of teachers of the truth

who need to learn their first lessons in the school of Christ. The con-
verting power of God must come upon the hearts of the ministers, or
they should seek some other calling. If Christ’s ambassadors realize
the solemnity of presenting the truth to the people, they will be sober,
thoughtful men, workers together with God. If they have a true sense
of the commission which Christ gave to His disciples, they will with
reverence open the word of God, and listen for instruction from the
Lord, asking for wisdom from heaven that, as they stand between the
living and the dead, they may realize that they must render an
account to God for the work coming forth from their hands.
What can the minister do without Jesus? Verily, nothing. Then if
he is a frivolous, joking man, he is not prepared to perform the duty
laid upon him by the Lord. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do
nothing” (John 15:5). The flippant words that fall from his lips, the tri-
fling anecdotes, the words spoken to create a laugh, are all con-
demned by the word of God, and are entirely out of place in the
sacred desk. . . .
Unless the ministers are converted, our churches will be sickly
and ready to die. God's power alone can change the human heart and
imbue it with the love of Christ. God's power alone can correct and
subdue the passions and sanctify the affections. All who minister
must humble their proud hearts, submit their will to the will of God,
and hide their life with Christ in God.
What is the object of the ministry? Is it to mix the comical with the
religious? The theater is the place for such exhibitions. If Christ is
formed within, if the truth with its sanctifying power is brought into
the inner sanctuary of the soul, you will not have jolly men, neither
will you have sour, cross, crabbed men to teach the precious lessons
of Christ to perishing souls.34
116
Intense Spiritual Life

“A bishop then must be . . . of good behaviour” (1 Timothy 3:2).
The Lord sets before His ministers the divine standard and
instructs them that they are to be shepherds of the flock of God and
ensamples of good behavior, that the ministry be not blamed, or
brought down to a low, common level, and shaped according to the
desires of the natural, unconverted heart. The ministers are not to
carry into their sacred office their own defective spirits and faulty
characters; for in all things they are to fulfill the word, and be found
approving themselves “as the ministers of God.”35
The ministry is no place for idlers. God's servants are to make full
proof of their ministry. They will not be sluggards, but as expositors
of His word they will put forth their utmost energies to be faithful.
They should never cease to be learners. They are to keep their own
souls alive to the sacredness of the work and to the great responsibil-
ities of their calling, that they may at no time or place bring to God a
maimed sacrifice, an offering which has cost them neither study nor
prayer. The Lord has need of men of intense spiritual life.36
The work to be done calls for self-sacrifice at every step; but go
forward. The worker who reveals a right spirit and consistent behav-
ior under trying circumstances is proving his adaptability for his
work. . . .
The knowledge that souls are perishing in their sins should arouse
every worker to greater fervor in giving the light of present truth to
all within his reach. He should never forget that whenever a soul is
truly converted, God is glorified and angels in heaven burst forth into
singing.
All who would have success in the work must tarry long with
God. The story is told of an old Lancashire woman who was listening
to the reasons her neighbors gave for their minister's success. They
spoke of his gifts, of his style of address, of his manners. “Nay” said
the old woman. “I will tell you what it is. Your man is very thick with
the Almighty.”37
117
Hospitality
“A bishop then must be . . . given to hospitality” (1 Timothy 3:2).
There is altogether too little sociability, too little of a disposition

to make room for two or three more at the family board, without
embarrassment or parade. Some plead that “it is too much trouble.”
It would not be if you would say: “We have made no special prepa-
ration, but you are welcome to what we have.” By the unexpected
guest a welcome is appreciated far more than is the most elaborate
preparation.
It is a denial of Christ to make preparation for visitors which
requires time that rightly belongs to the Lord. In this we commit rob-
bery of God. And we wrong others as well. In preparing an elaborate
entertainment, many deprive their own families of needed attention,
and their example leads others to follow the same course.
Needless worries and burdens are created by the desire to make a
display in entertaining visitors. In order to prepare a great variety for
the table, the housewife overworks; because of the many dishes pre-
pared, the guests overeat; and disease and suffering, from overwork
on the one hand and overeating on the other, are the result. These
elaborate feasts are a burden and an injury.
But the Lord designs that we shall care for the interests of our
brethren and sisters.38
Ministers, do not confine your work to giving Bible instruction.
Do practical work. Seek to restore the sick to health. This is true min-
istry.39
Our work in this world is to live for others’ good, to bless others,
to be hospitable; and frequently it may be only at some inconvenience
that we can entertain those who really need our care and the benefit
of our society and our homes. Some avoid these necessary burdens.
But someone must bear them; and because the brethren in general are
not lovers of hospitality, and do not share equally in these Christian
duties, a few who have willing hearts, and who cheerfully make the
cases of those who need help their own, are burdened. A church
should take special care to relieve its ministers of extra burdens in this
direction.40
118
A Work of Teaching
“A bishop then must be . . . apt to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2).
Some who enter the field are mere novices in the Scriptures. In
other things also they are incompetent and inefficient. They cannot
read the Scriptures without hesitating, miscalling words, and jum-
bling them together in such a manner that the word of God is abused.
Those who are not qualified to present the truth in a proper manner
need not be perplexed with regard to their duty. Their place is that of
learners, not teachers. Young men who wish to prepare for the min-
istry are greatly benefited by attending our college; but advantages
are still needed that they may be qualified to become acceptable
speakers. A teacher should be employed to educate the youth to
speak without wearing the vocal organs. The manners also should
receive attention.
Some young men who enter the field are not successful in teach-
ing the truth to others because they have not been educated them-
selves. Those who cannot read correctly should learn, and they
should become apt to teach before they attempt to stand before the
public. . . .
Ministers should be examined especially to see if they have an
intelligent understanding of the truth for this time, so that they can
give a connected discourse upon the prophecies or upon practical
subjects. If they cannot clearly present Bible subjects they need to be
hearers and learners still. They should earnestly and prayerfully
search the Scriptures, and become conversant with them, in order to
be teachers of Bible truth to others. All these things should be care-
fully and prayerfully considered before men are hurried into the
field of labor.41
There should be less preaching and more teaching—teaching the
people, and also teaching young men how to labor successfully.
Ministers should become efficient in teaching others how to study the
Bible, and in training the minds and manners of those who would
become workers in the cause of God.42
119
Setting the Example in Temperance

“A bishop must be . . . not given to wine, . . . just, holy, temperate”
(Titus 1:7, 8).
Ministers of the gospel are engaged in a most solemn work. They

should be encouraged to deny themselves on the point of appetite,
refusing to eat anything that will work an injury to their physical and
mental powers. It is their privilege to have physical strength, which
they may use to the honor of God in carrying forward His work. The
fact that a man preaches the gospel does not give him license to
indulge in selfish practices that will imperil his health. The ministers
should set an example of temperance before the church members.
They should keep their physical and mental powers in the very best
condition, that they may do the greatest amount of good.43
We have had the light of health reform, and the Lord requires us
to live that light. God will not daily work a miracle to counteract the
unhealthful, selfish doings of man. . . . Our ministers must become
increasingly intelligent in regard to their bodies and how to treat
them.44
There is a solemn responsibility upon all, especially upon minis-
ters who teach the truth, to overcome upon the point of appetite.
Their usefulness would be much greater if they had control of their
appetites and passions, and their mental and moral powers would be
stronger if they combined physical labor with mental exertion. With
strictly temperate habits, and with mental and physical labor com-
bined, they could accomplish a far greater amount of labor and pre-
serve clearness of mind. If they would pursue such a course, their
thoughts and words would flow more freely, their religious exercises
would be more energized, and the impressions made upon their hear-
ers would be more marked.45
The destiny of souls hangs upon the course [ministers] pursue and
the decisions they make. How important then that they should be tem-
perate in all things, not only in their eating, but in their labor, that their
strength may be unabated and devoted to their sacred calling.46
120
Calm, Self-Possessed
“A bishop must be . . . not soon angry, . . . no striker” (Titus 1:7).
If the minister, when before his congregation, sees a disbelieving

smile upon the faces of opponents, let him be as one who sees not. If
any should be so impolite as to laugh and sneer, let not the minister,
by voice or attitude, reflect the same spirit. Show that you handle no
such weapons. . . .
The Holy Spirit does not work with men who love to be sharp and
critical. That Spirit has been cherished in meeting debaters, and some
have formed the habit of squaring for a combat. God is dishonored in
this. Keep back the sharp thrusts; do not learn in Satan’s school his
methods of warfare. The Holy Spirit does not inspire the words of
censure. A time of trouble is before us, and every honest soul who has
not had the light of truth will then take a stand for Christ. Those who
believe the truth are to be newly converted every day. Then they will
be vessels unto honor.47
Ministers of calm contemplation, of thought and devotion, of con-
science and faith, combined with activity and zeal, are wanted in this
age. The two qualities, thought and devotion, activity and zeal,
should go together.
Debating ministers are the most unreliable among us, because
they cannot be depended upon when the work goes hard. Bring them
into a place where there is but little interest, and they manifest a want
of courage, zeal, and real interest. They depend as much upon being
enlivened and invigorated by the excitement created by debate or
opposition as does the inebriate upon his dram. These ministers need
to be converted anew.48
Ministers who are preaching present truth were held up to me in
contrast with the leading men of the Reformation; especially was
Luther’s devoted, zealous life placed beside the lives of some of our
preachers. He proved his undying love for the truth by his courage, his
calm firmness, his self-denial. He encountered trials and sacrifices, and
at times suffered the deepest anguish of soul, while standing in
defense of the truth; yet he murmured not. He was hunted like a wild
beast of prey, yet for Christ’s sake he endured all cheerfully.49
121
Wages Are Not the Priority

“A bishop then must be . . . not greedy of filthy lucre; . . . not cov-
etous” (1 Timothy 3:2, 3).
Too often the minister [of popular churches] has not the courage
to stand for the right. He does not declare to his people what God has
said. . . . To speak plainly would mean the offending of his congrega-
tion, the sacrifice of his popularity, the loss of his salary.50
It is not God’s will that [our ministers] should seek to be rich.
They should not engage in worldly enterprises; for this disqualifies
them for giving their best powers to spiritual things. But they are to
receive wages enough to support themselves and their families. They
are not to have so many burdens laid upon them that they cannot give
proper attention to the church in their own family; for it is their spe-
cial duty to train their children for the Lord.51
It is a great mistake to keep a minister constantly at work in busi-
ness lines, going from place to place, and sitting up late at night in
attendance at board meetings and committee meetings. This brings
upon him weariness and discouragement. Ministers should have time
to rest, to obtain from God’s word the rich nourishment of the bread
of life. They should have time to drink refreshing drafts of consolation
from the stream of living water.52
No man should be granted an exorbitant salary, even though he
may possess special capabilities and qualifications. The work done for
God and His cause is not to be placed on a mercenary basis. . . .
Those who labor wholeheartedly in the Lord’s vineyard, working
to the utmost of their ability, are not the ones to set the highest esti-
mate on their own services. Instead of swelling with pride and self-
importance, and measuring with exactness every hour’s work, they
compare their efforts with the Saviour’s work and account them-
selves unprofitable servants.
Brethren, do not study how little you may do in order to reach the
very lowest standard; but arouse to grasp the fullness of Christ, that
you may do much for Him.53
122
Patient With Opposers

“A bishop then must be . . . patient, not a brawler” (1 Timothy 3:2, 3).
The servants of God who teach the truth should be men of judg-
ment. They should be men who can bear opposition and not get excit-
ed; for those who oppose the truth will pick at those who teach it, and
every objection that can be produced will be brought in its worst form
to bear against the truth. The servants of God who bear the message
must be prepared to remove these objections with calmness and
meekness, by the light of truth. Frequently opposers talk to ministers
of God in a provoking manner, to call out something from them of the
same nature, that they can make as much of it as possible and declare
to others that the teachers of the commandments have a bitter spirit
and are harsh, as has been reported. I saw that we must be prepared
for objections, and with patience, judgment, and meekness, let them
have the weight they deserve, not throw them away or dispose of
them by positive assertions, and then bear down upon the objector,
and manifest a hard spirit toward him; but give the objections their
weight, then bring forth the light and the power of the truth, and let
it outweigh and remove the errors. Thus a good impression will be
made.54
Let all who are in error be treated with the gentleness of Christ. If
those for whom you labor do not immediately grasp the truth, do not
censure, do not criticize or condemn. Remember that you are to rep-
resent Christ in His meekness and gentleness and love. We must
expect to meet unbelief and opposition. The truth has always had to
meet these elements. But though you should meet the bitterest oppo-
sition, do not denounce your opponents. They may think, as did Paul,
that they are doing God's service, and to such we must manifest
patience, meekness, and long-suffering.
Let us not feel that we have heavy trials to bear, severe conflicts to
endure, in representing unpopular truth. Think of Jesus and what He
has suffered for you, and be silent. Even when abused and falsely
accused, make no complaint; speak no word of murmuring; let no
thought of reproach or discontent enter your mind.55
123
Sound Family Management

“A bishop then must be . . . one that ruleth well his own house, hav-
ing his children in subjection with all gravity; (for if a man know not
how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)”
(1 Timothy 3:2, 4, 5).
The family of the one suggested for office should be considered.

Are they in subjection? Can the man rule his own house with honor?
What character have his children? Will they do honor to the father’s
influence? If he has no tact, wisdom, or power of godliness at home
in managing his own family, it is safe to conclude that the same
defects will be carried into the church, and the same unsanctified
management will be seen there. It will be far better to criticize the man
before he is put into office than afterward, better to pray and counsel
before taking the decisive step than to labor to correct the conse-
quences of a wrong move.56
If a man does not show wisdom in the management of the church
in his own house, how can he show wisdom in the management of the
larger church outside? How can he bear the responsibilities which
mean so much, if he cannot govern his own children? Wise discrimi-
nation is not shown in this matter. God’s blessing will not rest upon
the minister who neglects the education and training of his children.
He has a sacred trust, and he should in no case set before church
members a defective example in the management of his home.57
Ministers’ children are in some cases the most neglected children
in the world, for the reason that the father is with them but little, and
they are left to choose their own employment and amusement. If a
minister has a family of boys, he should not leave them wholly to the
care of the mother. This is too heavy a burden for her. He should make
himself their companion and friend. He should exert himself to keep
them from evil associates, and should see that they have useful work
to do. It may be hard for the mother to exercise self-control. If the hus-
band sees this, he should take more of the burden upon himself,
doing all in his power to lead his boys to God.58
124
Humble, Reputable, Exemplary

“A bishop then must be . . . not a novice, lest being lifted up with
pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have
a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and
the snare of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:2, 6, 7).
Men will arise who claim that God has laid upon them the burden
of teaching the truth to others. All such should be proved and tried.
They should not be relieved from all care, neither should they be lift-
ed into responsible positions at once; but they should be encouraged
if they deserve encouragement, to give full proof of their ministry. It
would not be the best course for such ones to pursue, to enter into
other men's labors. Let them first labor in connection with one of
experience and wisdom, and he can soon see whether they are capa-
ble of exerting an influence that will be saving.59
There should be a thorough investigation of the cases of those
who present themselves to labor in the cause. The apostle warns you
to “lay hands suddenly on no man” (1 Timothy 5:22). If the life is not
what God can accept, the labors will be worthless; but if Christ is
abiding in the heart by faith, every wrong will be made right, and
those who are soldiers of Christ will be willing to prove it by a well-
ordered life. There are many who enter the ministry, and their influ-
ence demoralizes the churches; and when they are rejected, they take
their dismissal as a personal wrong. They have not Christ in the soul,
as a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. . . .
We want men who are willing to go into new fields, and to do
hard service for the Lord.60
In Timothy Paul saw one who appreciated the sacredness of the
work of a minister; who was not appalled at the prospect of suffering
and persecution; and who was willing to be taught. Yet the apostle
did not venture to take the responsibility of giving Timothy, an
untried youth, a training in the gospel ministry, without first fully sat-
isfying himself in regard to his character and his past life.61
125
Stewards of God
“A bishop must be . . . as the steward of God; not self-willed” (Titus
1:7).
Ministers have been presented to me, with their course of action

and their character before they were converted—the hardest and most
incorrigible, the most unbending, the most stubborn—and yet, every
one of these traits of character was what they needed in the work of
God. We don’t want to kill that. It is needed in order to fill important
positions of trust in the cause of God. There must be a transformation
of character. The leaven must work in the human heart, until every
action is in conformity to the will of God, and they are sanctified; then
they become the most valuable.62
[Ezekiel 33:7–9 quoted.] The words of the prophet declare the
solemn responsibility of those who are appointed as guardians of the
church of God, stewards of the mysteries of God. They are to stand as
watchmen on the walls of Zion, to sound the note of alarm at the
approach of the enemy. Souls are in danger of falling under tempta-
tion, and they will perish unless God’s ministers are faithful to their
trust. If for any reason their spiritual senses become so benumbed that
they are unable to discern danger, and through their failure to give
warning the people perish, God will require at their hands the blood
of those who are lost.
It is the privilege of the watchmen on the walls of Zion to live so
near to God, and to be susceptible to the impressions of His Spirit,
that He can work through them to tell men and women of their peril
and point them to the place of safety. Faithfully are they to warn them
of the sure result of transgression, and faithfully are they to safeguard
the interests of the church. At no time may they relax their vigilance.
Theirs is a work requiring the exercise of every faculty of the being. In
trumpet tones their voices are to be lifted, and never are they to sound
one wavering, uncertain note. Not for wages are they to labor, but
because they cannot do otherwise, because they realize that there is a
woe upon them if they fail to preach the gospel.63
126
Praying in Anguish of Soul

“Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch
and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not
thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them:
wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Then
will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people” (Joel 2:17, 18).
Our ministers need a transformation of character. They should

feel that if their works are not wrought in God, if they are left to their
own imperfect efforts, they are of all men the most miserable. Christ
will be with every minister who, although he may not have attained
to perfection of character, is seeking most earnestly to become
Christlike. Such a minister will pray. He will weep between the porch
and the altar, crying in soul anguish for the Lord’s presence to be with
him; else he cannot stand before the people, with all heaven looking
upon him, and the angel's pen taking note of his words, his deport-
ment, and his spirit.
Oh, that men would fear the Lord! Oh, that they would love the
Lord! Oh, that the messengers of God would feel the burden of per-
ishing souls! Then they would not merely speechify; but they would
have the power of God vitalizing their souls, and their hearts would
glow with the fire of God’s love. Out of weakness they would become
strong; for they would be doers of the word. They would hear the
voice of Jesus: “Lo: I am with you alway” (Matthew 28:20). . . . Just in
proportion as the speaker appreciates the divine presence, and hon-
ors and trusts the power of God, is he acknowledged as a laborer
together with God. Just in this proportion does he become mighty
through God.
There needs to be an elevating, uplifting power, a constant growth
in the knowledge of God and the truth, on the part of one who is seek-
ing the salvation of souls. If the minister utters words drawn from the
living oracles of God; if he believes in and expects the cooperation of
Christ, whose servant he is; if he hides self and exalts Jesus, the
world’s Redeemer; his words will reach the hearts of his hearers, and
his work will bear the divine credentials.64
127
The Final Work of a Purified Ministry

“[The Lord] shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and
silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness”
(Malachi 3:3).
God will have order in His work. There are unfaithful men in the
ministry, but this does not make the ministry any less the Lord’s
means for doing a great work. Those who accuse and disparage the
ministry because the work done does not appear to be the work that
should be done, are not wise men.
Those who think they are pleasing God by obeying some other
law than His, and by performing works other than those the gospel
has enjoined, are mocking God. They are insulting the Holy One of
Israel. Warning after warning has been given. Appeal after appeal is
made in the last message of mercy given to the world. Loath to give
up, hoping, sorrowfully hoping, Christ knocks for the last time at the
door of the heart. Men and women are given a final test. The worst of
sinners are to hear the message of mercy. God will prove who will
receive His seal or mark.65
I am instructed to say to our ministers, Be careful that the work of
cleansing and sanctifying shall go on in your own individual souls. Let
your first thought be to make your calling and election sure. Your
example is to be full of kindness and encouragement. No masterful
spirit is to come in, but let the heart be filled with the tenderness and
love and compassion of Christ. Work every day for sanctification of the
spirit through belief of the truth. Let all realize that they are chosen of
God to reveal that they understand the mystery of godliness.
As a people we are to be purified from our natural evil habits and
desires. Our hearts must be changed, or we cannot correctly represent
the Lord Jesus, who gave His life for us. The Son of God took human-
ity upon Him that He might make it possible for humanity to take
hold upon divinity through the exercise of a perfect faith. Christ is our
example for the development of a perfect character. Through the
strength we receive from Him, we may be overcomers.66
128
The Gift of Prophecy May 1
A Vital Gift to Edify the Church

“God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily proph-
ets” (1 Corinthians 12:28).
Christ coming at the time and in the manner which He did was a
direct and complete fulfillment of prophecy. The evidence of this,
given to the world through the testimony of the apostles and that of
their contemporaries, is among the strongest proofs of the Christian
faith. We were not eyewitnesses of the miracles of Jesus, which attest
His divinity; but we have the statements of His disciples who were
eyewitnesses of them, and we see by faith through their eyes, and
hear through their ears; and our faith with theirs grasps the evidence
given.
The apostles accepted Jesus upon the testimony of prophets and
righteous men, stretching over a period of many centuries. The
Christian world have a full and complete chain of evidence running
through both the Old and the New Testament; in the one pointing to
a Saviour to come, and in the other fulfilling the conditions of that
prophecy. All this is sufficient to establish the faith of those who are
willing to believe.1
The apostle cautioned the Thessalonians not to despise the gift of
prophecy, and in the words, “Quench not the Spirit. Despise not
prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1
Thessalonians 5:19–21), he enjoined a careful discrimination in distin-
guishing the false from the true.2
Until Christ shall appear in the clouds of heaven with power and
great glory, men will become perverse in spirit and turn from the
truth to fables. The church will yet see troublous times. She will
prophesy in sackcloth. But although she must meet heresies and
persecutions, although she must battle with the infidel and the apos-
tate, yet by the help of God she is bruising the head of Satan. The
Lord will have a people as true as steel, and with faith as firm as the
granite rock. They are to be His witnesses in the world, His instru-
mentalities to do a special, a glorious work in the day of His prepa-
ration.3
129
May 2 The Gift of Prophecy
Counterfeits: a Sampling
“If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and
giveth thee a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder come to pass,
whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which
thou hast not known, and let us serve them; thou shalt not hearken unto
the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your
God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all
your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 13:1–3).
The Lord requires His people to use their reason, and not lay it
aside for impressions. His work will be intelligible to all His children.
His teaching will be such as will commend itself to the understanding
of intelligent minds. It is calculated to elevate the mind. God’s power
is not manifested upon every occasion. Man’s necessity is God’s
opportunity.
I was shown companies in confusion exercised by a wrong spirit,
all making loud prayers together, some crying one thing and some
another; and it was impossible to tell what was piped and what was
harped. “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1
Corinthians 14:33). Satan stepped in and controlled matters as he
pleased. Reason and health were sacrificed to this delusion.
God does not require His people to imitate Baal’s prophets, to
afflict their bodies and cry out and shout, and throw themselves into
almost every attitude, having no regard for order, until their strength
fails through sheer exhaustion. Religion does not consist in making a
noise; yet when the soul is filled with the Spirit of the Lord, sweet,
heartfelt praise to God glorifies Him. Some have professed to have
great faith in God, and to have special gifts and special answers to
their prayers, although the evidence was lacking. They mistook pre-
sumption for faith. The prayer of faith is never lost; but to claim that
it will be always answered in the very way and for the particular
thing we have expected, is presumption. . . .
The greater the light which the people reject, the greater will be
the power of deception and darkness which will come upon them.
The rejection of truth leaves men captives, the subjects of Satan’s
deception.4
130
Developing Discernment
“When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing fol-
low not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spo-
ken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be
afraid of him” (Deuteronomy 18:22).
We need to know for ourselves what voice we are heeding,

whether it is the voice of the true and living God, or the voice of the
great apostate. Eternal life is of value to each of us, and we must take
heed how we hear. We need sound doctrine, pure faith.5
Dishes of fables are presented to us on every hand, and men
choose to believe error rather than truth, because the acceptance of
the truth involves a cross. Self must be denied; self must be crucified.
Therefore Satan presents to them an easier way by making void the
law of God. When God lets man have his own way, it is the darkest
hour of his life. For a willful, disobedient child to be left to have his
own way, to follow the bent of his own mind and gather the dark
clouds of God’s judgment about him, is a terrible thing. But Satan has
his agents who are too proud to repent and who are constantly at
work to tear down the cause of Jehovah and trample it under their
feet. What a day of sorrow and despair when these meet their work
with all its burden of results! Souls who might have been saved to
Jesus Christ have been lost through their teachings and influence.
Christ died for them that they might have life. He opened before
them the way whereby they might, through His merits, keep the law
of God.6
Have we given ourselves up to do God’s will? Are we trans-
formed by the grace of Christ? Some claim to be in Christ, while their
special work is to make void the law of Jehovah. Shall we take their
word for it? Shall we accept their assertions? How shall we distin-
guish God’s true servants from the false prophets who Christ said
should arise to deceive many? There is only one test of character—the
law of Jehovah.7
131
Deborah the Prophetess

“Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at
that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah
and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her
for judgment” (Judges 4:4, 5).
For twenty years, the Israelites groaned under the yoke of the
oppressor; then they turned from their idolatry, and with humiliation
and repentance cried unto the Lord for deliverance. They did not cry
in vain. There was dwelling in Israel a woman illustrious for her
piety, and through her the Lord chose to deliver His people. Her
name was Deborah. She was known as a prophetess, and in the
absence of the usual magistrates, the people had sought to her for
counsel and justice.
The Lord communicated to Deborah His purpose to destroy the
enemies of Israel, and bade her send for a man named Barak, of the
tribe of Naphtali, and make known to him the instructions which she
had received. She accordingly sent for Barak, and directed him to
assemble ten thousand men of the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun,
and make war upon the armies of King Jabin.
Barak knew the scattered, disheartened, and unarmed condition
of the Hebrews, and the strength and skill of their enemies. Although
he had been designated by the Lord Himself as the one chosen to
deliver Israel, and had received the assurance that God would go
with him and subdue their enemies, yet he was timid and distrustful.
He accepted the message from Deborah as the word of God, but he
had little confidence in Israel, and feared that they would not obey his
call. He refused to engage in such a doubtful undertaking unless
Deborah would accompany him, and thus support his efforts by her
influence and counsel. Deborah consented, but assured him that
because of his lack of faith, the victory gained should not bring honor
to him; for Sisera would be betrayed into the hands of a woman. . . .
The Israelites acted with courage and promptness; but God alone
could have discomfited the enemy, and the victory could be ascribed
to Him alone.8
132
The Spirit Manifested at Ramah

“Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the compa-
ny of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over
them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also
prophesied. . . . Then went he also to Ramah . . . and the Spirit of God
was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied” (1 Samuel 19:20, 22,
23).
As Saul went on to Gibeah in Benjamin, he perceived a company

of prophets returning from the high place where they had been to
worship; and as they went, they sang the praise of God to the music
of the pipe and the harp, the psaltery and the tabret. Then the Spirit
of God rested upon Saul, and he joined the prophets, and with them
sang the praise of the Most High and declared the wonders of divine
truth. He spoke with so great fluency and wisdom, and joined so
earnestly in the services of prayer and praise, that those who had
known him only as the untaught husbandman exclaimed in wonder,
“What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the
prophets?” (1 Samuel 10:11). They could not understand how so great
a transformation had been effected.
Samuel had founded the first regular establishments for religious
instruction and the unfolding of the prophetic gifts. Among the chief
subjects of study were the law of God with the instructions given to
Moses, sacred history, sacred music, and poetry. In these “schools of
the prophets” young men were educated by those who were not only
well versed in divine truth, but who themselves maintained close
communion with God and had received the special endowment of
His Spirit. These educators enjoyed the respect and confidence of the
people both for learning and piety. The power of the Holy Spirit was
often strikingly manifest in their assemblies, and the exercise of the
prophetic gift was not infrequent. These schools, or colleges, were of
untold value to Israel, not only as providing for the dissemination of
religious truth, but as preserving the spirit of vital godliness. As Saul
united with the prophets in their worship, a great change was
wrought in him by the renewing power of the Holy Spirit.9
133
The Example of Micaiah

“The messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, say-
ing, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king
with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of
them, and speak that which is good. And Micaiah said, As the Lord
liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak” (1 Kings 22:13,
14).
While many of the professed followers of Christ have lapsed

away into error and apostasy, those who have walked in the light, not
only hear, but read and understand the prophecies of His word. The
law of God will be made void in the world; its authority will be
despised just as it was in heaven in the first great rebellion; and God
would have us intelligent to note the movement of the nations, so that
we may see the signal of danger, and recognize the warnings that He
has given us, that we may not be found on the side of the great deceiv-
er in the crisis that is just before us. . . .
If we are anxious to understand our duty, [God] will not leave us
to be enshrouded in darkness, but will enlighten our understanding
so that we shall know for ourselves what is truth. We do not want to
be found receiving dangerous error as truth. We do not wish to
imperil our souls by rejection of God’s messages of warning and
counsel. Our greatest danger lies in our tendency to refuse increased
light, and our only safety is to see and understand for ourselves
“what saith the Lord.” . . . The controversy in regard to the law of
God has begun, and we must be prepared to give a reason of the
hope that is in us, with meekness and fear. We must know where our
feet are standing.
Although the law of God will be almost universally made void in
the world, there will be a remnant of the righteous that will be obedi-
ent to God’s requirements. . . .
The winds of doctrine will blow fiercely about us, but we should
not be moved by them. God has given us a correct standard of righ-
teousness and truth—the law and the testimony.10
134
Disappointments for the Best

“Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to
Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the
covenant of the Lord remaineth under curtains. Then Nathan said unto
David, Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee. And it came to
pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, Go
and tell David my servant, Thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not build me
an house to dwell in” (1 Chronicles 17:1–4).
David knew that it would be an honor to his name and would

bring glory to his government to perform the work that he had pur-
posed in his heart to do, but he was ready to submit his will to the will
of God. The grateful resignation thus manifested is rarely seen, even
among Christians. How often do those who have passed the strength
of manhood cling to the hope of accomplishing some great work
upon which their hearts are set, but which they are unfitted to per-
form! God’s providence may speak to them, as did His prophet to
David, declaring that the work which they so much desire is not com-
mitted to them. It is theirs to prepare the way for another to accom-
plish it. But instead of gratefully submitting to the divine direction,
many fall back as if slighted and rejected, feeling that if they cannot
do the one thing which they desire to do, they will do nothing. Many
cling with desperate energy to responsibilities which they are inca-
pable of bearing, and vainly endeavor to accomplish a work for which
they are insufficient, while that which they might do, lies neglected.
And because of this lack of cooperation on their part the greater work
is hindered or frustrated.11
All the difficulties, the backsets, the hardships, and the disap-
pointments which God’s servants will meet in active labor will only
strengthen them in the formation of correct characters.12
Better far the cross and disappointed hopes, than to live with
princes and forfeit heaven.13
135
Huldah’s Message
“Thus saith the Lord, . . . because they have forsaken me, and have
burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger
with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled
against this place, and shall not be quenched. But to the king of Judah
which sent you to enquire of the Lord, thus shall ye say to him, Thus
saith the Lord God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast
heard; because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself
before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and
against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation
and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have
heard thee, saith the Lord” (2 Kings 22:16–19).
God sent Josiah the word that Jerusalem’s ruin could not be
averted. Even if the people should humble themselves before God,
they could not escape their punishment. So long had their senses
been deadened by sinning against God that, if the judgments had not
come upon them, they would soon have swung back into the same
sinful course. But because the king humbled his heart before God, he
received from Huldah the prophetess the word that the Lord would
acknowledge his quickness in seeking God for forgiveness and
mercy. . . .
The king, on his part, left undone nothing that might bring about
a reformation. . . . In the place of making a speech to the people,
Josiah ordered that the book of the law be read to them. So earnest
did he feel that he himself read the law aloud. He was deeply affect-
ed, and he read with the pathos of a broken heart. . . .
What should we do, we who have had great light? The law has
been kept constantly before us. Time and again we have heard it
preached. The Lord’s anger is kindled against His people because of
their disregard of His Word. Conviction of soul should send us in
penitence to the foot of the cross, there to pray with the whole heart,
saying, “What shall we do to be saved? Wherewithal shall we come
before the Lord?” My brethren, inquire quickly, before it is too late.14
136
The Prophets as Examples

“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the
Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience” (James 5:10).
The unfaltering servants of God have usually suffered the bitter-

est persecution from false teachers of religion. But the true prophets
will ever prefer reproach, and even death, rather than unfaithfulness
to God. The Infinite Eye is upon the instruments of divine reproof,
and they bear a heavy responsibility. But God regards the injury done
to them through misrepresentation, falsehood, or abuse as though it
were done unto Himself, and will punish accordingly.15
Jeremiah suffered the severest persecution from his own country-
men, because he bore a faithful message from God. Isaiah, who was
permitted by the Lord to see wonderful things, was sawn asunder
because he faithfully reproved the sins of the Jewish nation. The
prophets who came to look after the Lord’s vineyard were indeed
beaten and killed.16
In every age God’s chosen messengers have been reviled and per-
secuted, yet through their affliction the knowledge of God has been
spread abroad. Every disciple of Christ is to step into the ranks and
carry forward the same work, knowing that its foes can do nothing
against the truth, but for the truth. God means that truth shall be
brought to the front and become the subject of examination and dis-
cussion, even through the contempt placed upon it. The minds of the
people must be agitated; every controversy, every reproach, every
effort to restrict liberty of conscience, is God’s means of awakening
minds that otherwise might slumber.
How often this result has been seen in the history of God’s mes-
sengers! When the noble and eloquent Stephen was stoned to death at
the instigation of the Sanhedrin council, there was no loss to the cause
of the gospel. The light of heaven that glorified his face, the divine
compassion breathed in his dying prayer, were as a sharp arrow of
conviction to . . . Saul, the persecuting Pharisee, [who] became a cho-
sen vessel to bear the name of Christ.17
137
A Similar Call Today

“The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in
the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I
sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said
I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord
said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall
send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not
afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord
said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth” (Jeremiah
1:4–9).
As Christ sent forth His disciples, so today He sends forth the

members of His church. The same power that the apostles had is for
them. If they will make God their strength, He will work with them,
and they shall not labor in vain. Let them realize that the work in
which they are engaged is one upon which the Lord has placed His
signet. . . . [Jeremiah 1:7–9 quoted.] And He bids us go forth to speak
the words He gives us, feeling His holy touch upon our lips.
Christ has given to the church a sacred charge. Every member
should be a channel through which God can communicate to the
world the treasures of His grace, the unsearchable riches of Christ.
There is nothing that the Saviour desires so much as agents who will
represent to the world His Spirit and His character. There is nothing
that the world needs so much as the manifestation through humanity
of the Saviour’s love. All heaven is waiting for men and women
through whom God can reveal the power of Christianity.
The church is God’s agency for the proclamation of truth,
empowered by Him to do a special work; and if she is loyal to Him,
obedient to all His commandments, there will dwell within her the
excellency of divine grace. If she will be true to her allegiance, if she
will honor the Lord God of Israel, there is no power that can stand
against her.18
138
Prophecy Faithfully Spoken

“The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that
hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the
wheat? saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 23:28).
We have an abundance of weighty, solemn truths to proclaim

from the Word of God without allowing the mind to devise and plan
theories of human nothingness to present to the flock of God as test-
ing truth. What is the chaff to the wheat?19
To John [the Revelator] the Lord opened the subjects that He saw
would be needed by His people in the last days. The instruction that
He gave is found in the book of Revelation. Those who would be co-
workers with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will show a deep
interest in the truths found in this book. With pen and voice they will
strive to make plain the wonderful things that Christ came from heav-
en to reveal. [Revelation 1:1–3 quoted.]
The solemn messages that have been given in their order in the
Revelation are to occupy the first place in the minds of God’s people.
Nothing else is to be allowed to engross our attention.
Precious time is rapidly passing, and there is danger that many
will be robbed of the time which should be given to the proclamation
of the messages that God has sent to a fallen world. Satan is pleased
to see the diversion of minds that should be engaged in a study of the
truths which have to do with eternal realities.
The testimony of Christ, a testimony of the most solemn charac-
ter, is to be borne to the world. All through the book of Revelation
there are the most precious, elevating promises, and there are also
warnings of the most fearfully solemn import. Will not those who
profess to have a knowledge of the truth read the testimony given to
John by Christ? Here is no guesswork, no scientific deception. Here
are the truths that concern our present and future welfare. What is the
chaff to the wheat?20
139
Smooth Things Not of God

“Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that
it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: that this is a rebellious
people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord:
which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto
us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: get you
out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel
to cease from before us” (Isaiah 30:8–11).
There are many false prophets in these days, to whom sin does not
appear specially repulsive. They complain that the peace of the peo-
ple is unnecessarily disturbed by the reproofs and warnings of God’s
messengers. As for them, they lull the souls of sinners into a fatal ease
by their smooth and deceitful teachings. Ancient Israel was thus
charmed by the flattering messages of the corrupt priests. Their pre-
diction of prosperity was more pleasing than the message of the true
prophet, who counseled repentance and submission.
The servants of God should manifest a tender, compassionate
spirit and show to all that they are not actuated by any personal
motives in their dealings with the people, and that they do not take
delight in giving messages of wrath in the name of the Lord. But they
must never flinch from pointing out the sins that are corrupting the
professed people of God, nor cease striving to influence them to turn
from their errors and obey the Lord.
Those who seek to cloak sin and make it appear less aggravating
to the mind of the offender are doing the work of the false prophets
and may expect the retributive wrath of God to follow such a course.
The Lord will never accommodate His ways to the wishes of corrupt
men. . . .
God has no sympathy with the evildoer. He gives no one liberty
to gloss over the sins of His people, nor to cry, “Peace, peace,” when
He has declared that there shall be no peace for the wicked. Those
who stir up rebellion against the servants whom God sends to deliver
His messages are rebelling against the word of the Lord.21
140
An Imposter Destroyed
“Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear
now, Hananiah; The Lord hath not sent thee; but thou makest this peo-
ple to trust in a lie. Therefore thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will cast thee
from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast
taught rebellion against the Lord. So Hananiah the prophet died the
same year in the seventh month” (Jeremiah 28:15–17).
The lightest punishment that a merciful God could inflict upon so

rebellious a people was submission to the rule of Babylon, but if they
warred against this decree of servitude they were to feel the full vigor
of His chastisement.
The amazement of the assembled council of nations knew no
bounds when Jeremiah, carrying the yoke of subjection about his
neck, made known to them the will of God.
Against determined opposition Jeremiah stood firmly for the pol-
icy of submission. Prominent among those who presumed to gainsay
the counsel of the Lord was Hananiah, one of the false prophets
against whom the people had been warned. Thinking to gain the
favor of the king and of the royal court, he lifted his voice in protest,
declaring that God had given him words of encouragement for the
Jews. . . .
Jeremiah, in the presence of the priests and people, earnestly
entreated them to submit to the king of Babylon for the time the Lord
had specified. He cited the men of Judah to the prophecies of Hosea,
Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and others whose messages of reproof and
warning had been similar to his own. He referred them to events
which had taken place in fulfillment of prophecies of retribution for
unrepented sin. In the past the judgments of God had been visited
upon the impenitent in exact fulfillment of His purpose as revealed
through His messengers. . . .
The false prophet had strengthened the unbelief of the people in
Jeremiah and his message. He had wickedly declared himself the
Lord’s messenger, and he suffered death in consequence.22
141
God Is in Control
“Son of man, set thy face against the Ammonites, and prophesy
against them; and say unto the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord
God; Thus saith the Lord God; Because thou saidst, Aha, against my
sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it
was desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into cap-
tivity; behold, therefore I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a
possession, and they shall set their palaces in thee, and make their
dwellings in thee: they shall eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk”
(Ezekiel 25:2–4).
Lot’s only posterity, the Moabites and Ammonites, were vile, idol-
atrous tribes, rebels against God and bitter enemies of His people.23
Because of the cruelty and treachery of the Ammonites and
Moabites toward Israel, God had declared through Moses that they
should be forever shut out from the congregation of His people. See
Deuteronomy 23:3–6.24
While nations have rejected God’s principles, and in this rejection
have wrought their own ruin, yet a divine, overruling purpose has
manifestly been at work throughout the ages. It was this that the
prophet Ezekiel saw in the wonderful representation given him dur-
ing his exile in the land of the Chaldeans, when before his astonished
gaze were portrayed the symbols that revealed an overruling Power
that has to do with the affairs of earthly rulers.25
In the visions given to Isaiah, to Ezekiel, and to John we see how
closely heaven is connected with the events taking place upon the
earth and how great is the care of God for those who are loyal to
Him. The world is not without a ruler. The program of coming
events is in the hands of the Lord. The Majesty of heaven has the
destiny of nations, as well as the concerns of His church, in His own
charge. . . .
We need to trust in God, believe in Him, and go forward.26
142
The Humble Called Unexpectedly

“Amos . . . said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a
prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:
and the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me,
Go, prophesy unto my people Israel” (Amos 7:14, 15).
How many useful and honored workers in God’s cause have

received a training amid the humble duties of the most lowly posi-
tions in life! Moses was the prospective ruler of Egypt, but God could
not take him from the king’s court to do the work appointed him.
Only when he had been for forty years a faithful shepherd was he sent
to be the deliverer of his people. Gideon was taken from the thresh-
ing-floor to be the instrument in the hands of God for delivering the
armies of Israel. Elisha was called to leave the plow and do the bid-
ding of God. Amos was a husbandman, a tiller of the soil, when God
gave him a message to proclaim.
All who become coworkers with Christ will have a great deal of
hard, uncongenial labor to perform, and their lessons of instruction
should be wisely chosen, and adapted to their peculiarities of charac-
ter, and the work which they are to pursue.27
As Elisha was called from following his oxen in the field, to
receive the mantle of consecration to the prophetic office, so was
William Miller called to leave his plow and open to the people the
mysteries of the kingdom of God. With trembling he entered upon his
work, leading his hearers down, step by step, through the prophetic
periods to the second appearing of Christ. With every effort he gained
strength and courage as he saw the widespread interest excited by his
words.
Though he had little of the learning of the schools, he became wise
because he connected himself with the Source of wisdom. He pos-
sessed strong mental powers, united with true kindness of heart,
Christian humility, calmness, and self-control. He was a man of ster-
ling worth, who could not but command respect and esteem wherev-
er integrity of character and moral excellence were valued.28
143
A Message From Haggai

“Then came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet, saying, Is it
time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie
waste? Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways”
(Haggai 1:3–5).
A striking illustration of the results of selfishly withholding even

freewill offerings from the cause of God was given in the days of the
prophet Haggai. After their return from the captivity in Babylon, the
Jews undertook to rebuild the temple of the Lord; but meeting deter-
mined opposition from their enemies, they discontinued the work;
and a severe drought, by which they were reduced to actual want,
convinced them that it was impossible to complete the building of the
temple. “The time is not come,” they said, “the time that the Lord’s
house should be built” (Haggai 1:2). But a message was sent them by
the Lord’s prophet: [Haggai 1:4–6, 9–11; 12:16, 17 quoted].
Roused by these warnings, the people set themselves to build the
house of God.29
Repentant sinners have no cause to despair because they are
reminded of their transgressions and warned of their danger. These
very efforts in their behalf show how much God loves them and
desires to save them. They have only to follow His counsel and do
His will, to inherit eternal life. God sets the sins of His erring people
before them, that they may behold them in all their enormity under
the light of divine truth. It is then their duty to renounce them for-
ever.
God is as powerful to save from sin today as He was in the times
of the patriarchs, of David, and of the prophets and apostles. The mul-
titude of cases recorded in sacred history where God has delivered
His people from their own iniquities should make the Christian of
this time eager to receive divine instruction and zealous to perfect a
character that will bear the close inspection of the judgment.30
Consider your ways. Take time to think. Weigh your actions.31
144
Elijah’s Message Returns

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the
great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the
fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest
I come and smite the earth with a curse” (Malachi 4:5, 6).
When the Spirit of God controls the mind and heart, [He] turns
the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the
wisdom of the just. The law of Jehovah will then be regarded as a
transcript of the divine character, and a new song bursts forth from
the heart that has been touched by divine grace; for he realizes that
the promise of God has been fulfilled in his experience, that his trans-
gression is forgiven, his sin covered. He has exercised repentance
toward God for the violation of His law, and faith toward our Lord
Jesus Christ who has died for his justification.32
There is nothing so ennobling and invigorating as a study of the
great themes which concern our eternal life. Let students seek to
grasp these God-given truths; let them seek to measure these precious
things, and their minds will expand and grow strong in the effort. But
a mind crowded with a mass of matter it will never be able to use is a
mind dwarfed and enfeebled, because only put to the task of dealing
with commonplace material. It has not been put to the task of consid-
ering the high, elevated disclosures coming from God. . . .
All unnecessary matters need to be weeded from the course of
study, and only such studies placed before the student as will be of
real value to him. With these alone he needs to become familiarized,
that he may secure for himself that life which measures with the life
of God. And as he learns of these, his mind will strengthen and
expand as did the mind of Christ and of John the Baptist. What was it
that made John great? He closed his mind to the mass of tradition
taught by the teachers of the Jewish nation, opening it to the wisdom
which cometh down from above.33
145
Preparing a Prophet
“The angel said . . . Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and
thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name
John. . . . And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their
God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn
the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wis-
dom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:13,
16, 17).
An angel from heaven came to instruct Zacharias and Elizabeth as

to how they should train and educate their child, so as to work in har-
mony with God in preparing a messenger to announce the coming of
Christ. As parents they were to faithfully cooperate with God in form-
ing such a character in John as would fit him to perform the part God
had assigned him as a competent worker. John was the son of their
old age, he was a child of miracle, and the parents might have rea-
soned that he had a special work to do for the Lord and the Lord
would take care of him. But the parents did not thus reason; they
moved to a retired place in the country, where their son would not be
exposed to the temptations of city life, or induced to depart from the
counsel and instruction which they as parents would give him. They
acted their part in developing a character in the child that would in
every way meet the purpose for which God had designed his life. By
no careless neglect on their part shall their son fail to become good
and wise, “to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shad-
ow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79).
They sacredly fulfilled their obligation.34
The character and experience of John the Baptist, the forerunner
of Christ, should be an encouragement to parents in the training of
their children. John did not make his home in the cities and villages.
From childhood to youth, and from youth to manhood, he lived in the
wilderness. But he did not live thus for any selfish purpose.35
146
Learning From the Prophet’s Parents

“He shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither
wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even
from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15).
The solemn responsibilities and duties enjoined upon us by our

Lord are not to be ignored until our will and our circumstances are
adjusted. The principle of self-denial and self-sacrifice, as revealed in
the example of Christ, of John the Baptist, of Daniel and the three wor-
thies, is to pass like a plowshare through hereditary and cultivated
habits through all circumstances and surroundings.36
The Lord has died for children, and He is ready to do a great work
for them if parents will cooperate with Him in training and educating
their children according to the instruction that He has given. The
character in childhood of John the Baptist should be an encourage-
ment to parents in the training of their children.
To bring up the children in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord is the greatest missionary work that parents can perform. The
mother is entrusted with a greater work than is the king upon his
throne. She has a class of duty to perform in connection with her chil-
dren that no other one can perform. If she daily learns in the school of
Christ, she will discharge her duty in the fear of God, and care for the
children as the Lord’s beautiful flock.
Mothers should forbear from fretting and scolding. It is not safe
to practice habits of fretting and scolding, for you will become
unpleasant and harsh in your home, and will be likely to burst into
a passion at anything that displeases you. This would greatly injure
your soul, and injure the souls of your family. Be patient, be kind, be
gentle. Gain the confidence and love of your children, and it will not
be difficult to control them. Never fret, never threaten, never make
a promise to your children that you cannot fulfill. Your lack of ful-
filling your word will weaken the confidence of your children in
you. . . .
Do not treat them in such a way that they will think that there is
no use trying to be good and to do right.37
147
The Prophet’s Own Preparation

“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the
deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel” (Luke 1:80).
John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, received his early train-
ing from his parents. The greater portion of his life was spent in the
wilderness, that he might not be influenced by beholding the lax piety
of the priests and rabbis or by learning their maxims and traditions,
through which right principles were perverted and belittled. The reli-
gious teachers of the day had become so blind spiritually that they
could hardly recognize the virtues of heavenly origin. So long had
they cherished pride, envy, and jealousy that they interpreted the Old
Testament Scriptures in such a manner as to destroy their true mean-
ing. It was John’s choice to forgo the enjoyments and luxuries of city
life for the stern discipline of the wilderness. Here his surroundings
were favorable to habits of simplicity and self-denial. Uninterrupted
by the clamor of the world, he could here study the lessons of nature,
of revelation, and of providence. The words of the angel to Zacharias
had been often repeated to John by his God-fearing parents. From his
childhood his mission had been kept before him, and he accepted the
holy trust. To him the solitude of the desert was a welcome escape
from the society in which suspicion, unbelief, and impurity had
become well-nigh all-pervading. He distrusted his own power to
withstand temptation and shrank from constant contact with sin lest
he should lose the sense of its exceeding sinfulness.
But the life of John was not spent in idleness, in ascetic gloom, or
in selfish isolation. From time to time he went forth to mingle with
men, and he was ever an interested observer of what was passing in
the world. From his quiet retreat he watched the unfolding of events.
With vision illuminated by the divine Spirit, he studied the characters
of men, that he might understand how to reach their hearts with the
message of heaven.38
148
In the Wilderness With Power

“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of
Judaea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For
this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of
one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his
paths straight” (Matthew 3:1–3).
Amid discord and strife, a voice was heard from the wilderness, a
voice startling and stern, yet full of hope: “Repent ye: for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). With a new, strange power it
moved the people. Prophets had foretold the coming of Christ as an
event far in the future; but here was an announcement that it was at
hand. John’s singular appearance carried the minds of his hearers
back to the ancient seers. In his manner and dress he resembled the
prophet Elijah. With the spirit and power of Elijah he denounced the
national corruption, and rebuked the prevailing sins. His words were
plain, pointed, and convincing. Many believed him to be one of the
prophets risen from the dead. The whole nation was stirred.
Multitudes flocked to the wilderness.
John proclaimed the coming of the Messiah, and called the people
to repentance. As a symbol of cleansing from sin, he baptized them in
the waters of the Jordan. Thus by a significant object lesson he
declared that those who claimed to be the chosen people of God were
defiled by sin, and that without purification of heart and life they
could have no part in the Messiah’s kingdom.39
The words of the preacher in the wilderness were with power. He
bore his message unflinchingly, rebuking the sins of priests and rulers,
and enjoining upon them the works of the kingdom of heaven. He
pointed out to them their sinful disregard of their Father’s authority in
refusing to do the work appointed them. He made no compromise with
sin, and many were turned from their unrighteousness.
Had the profession of the Jewish leaders been genuine, they
would have received John’s testimony and accepted Jesus as the
Messiah. But they did not show the fruits of repentance and righ-
teousness. The very ones whom they despised were pressing into the
kingdom of God before them.40
149
More Than a Prophet

“Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, . . . What
went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a
prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messen-
ger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say
unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a
greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the
kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:7, 9–11).
For years the Lord has been calling the attention of His people to
health reform. This is one of the great branches of the work of prepa-
ration for the coming of the Son of man. John the Baptist went forth
in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way of the Lord and
to turn the people to the wisdom of the just. He was a representative
of those living in these last days to whom God has entrusted sacred
truths to present before the people to prepare the way for the second
appearing of Christ. John was a reformer. The angel Gabriel, direct
from heaven, gave a discourse upon health reform to the father and
mother of John. He said that he should not drink wine or strong
drink, and that he should be filled with the Holy Ghost from his
birth.
John separated himself from friends and from the luxuries of life.
The simplicity of his dress, a garment woven of camel’s hair, was a
standing rebuke to the extravagance and display of the Jewish priests,
and of the people generally. His diet, purely vegetable, of locusts and
wild honey, was a rebuke to the indulgence of appetite and the glut-
tony that everywhere prevailed. . . .
Those who are to prepare the way for the second coming of Christ
are represented by faithful Elijah, as John came in the spirit of Elijah
to prepare the way for Christ’s first advent. The great subject of
reform is to be agitated, and the public mind is to be stirred.
Temperance in all things is to be connected with the message, to turn
the people of God from their idolatry, their gluttony, and their extrav-
agance in dress and other things.41
150
Martyred for the Truth

“Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison
for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. For John said unto him, It
is not lawful for thee to have her” (Matthew 14:3, 4).
John’s life was sorrowful and self-denying. He heralded the first

advent of Christ, but was not permitted to witness His miracles, and
enjoy the power manifested by Him. When Jesus should establish
Himself as a teacher, John knew that he himself must die. His voice
was seldom heard, except in the wilderness. His life was lonely. He
did not cling to his father’s family, to enjoy their society, but left
them in order to fulfill his mission. Multitudes left the busy cities
and villages and flocked to the wilderness to hear the words of the
wonderful prophet. John laid the ax to the root of the tree. He
reproved sin, fearless of consequences, and prepared the way for the
Lamb of God.
Herod was affected as he listened to the powerful, pointed testi-
monies of John, and with deep interest he inquired what he must do
to become his disciple. John was acquainted with the fact that he
was about to marry his brother’s wife, while her husband was yet
living, and faithfully told Herod that this was not lawful. Herod was
unwilling to make any sacrifice. He married his brother’s wife, and
through her influence, seized John and put him in prison, intending
however to release him. While there confined, John heard through
his disciples of the mighty works of Jesus. He could not listen to His
gracious words; but the disciples informed him and comforted him
with what they had heard. Soon John was beheaded, through the
influence of Herod’s wife. I saw that the humblest disciples who fol-
lowed Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and heard the comforting
words which fell from His lips, were greater than John the Baptist;
that is, they were more exalted and honored, and had more pleasure
in their lives.42
151
Prophecy for the Last Days

“It shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of
my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall proph-
esy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream
dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in
those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy” (Acts 2:17, 18).
We have the assurance that in this age of the world the Holy Spirit
will work with mighty power, unless by our unbelief we limit our
blessings, and thus lose the advantages we might obtain. . . .
In times past holy men of old spake as they were moved by the
Holy Spirit. In ancient times the prophets searched what the Spirit of
God which was in them signified. The Spirit was not then given in
power because Jesus was not yet glorified. Dating from the day of
Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was to be poured forth on sons and daugh-
ters, on servants and handmaidens.43
The second chapter of Acts records the experiences that came to
the disciples when they received the Holy Ghost. . . . [Acts 2:12–21,
quoted.]
If this prophecy of Joel met a partial fulfillment in the days of the
apostles, we are living in a time when it is to be even more evident-
ly manifest to the people of God. He will so bestow His Spirit upon
His people that they will become a light amid the moral darkness;
and great light will be reflected in all parts of the world. O that our
faith might be increased, that the Lord might work mightily with His
people.44
In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and
apostles. In these days He speaks to them by the testimonies of His
Spirit. There was never a time when God instructed His people more
earnestly than He instructs them now concerning His will and the
course that He would have them pursue. But will they profit by His
teachings? will they receive His reproofs and heed His warnings?
God will accept of no partial obedience; He will sanction no compro-
mise with self.45
152
Separate From Vanity

“O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. Ye have not
gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel
to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. They have seen vanity and
lying divination, saying, The Lord saith: and the Lord hath not sent
them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the
word” (Ezekiel 13:4–6).
The false shepherds were drunk, but not with wine; they stagger,
but not with strong drink. The truth of God is sealed up to them; they
cannot read it. When they are interrogated as to what the seventh-day
Sabbath is, whether or not it is the true Sabbath of the Bible, they lead
the mind to fables. . . . These prophets were like the foxes of the desert.
They have not gone up into the gaps, they have not made up the
hedge that the people of God may stand in the battle in the day of the
Lord. When the minds of any get stirred up, and they begin to inquire
of these false shepherds about the truth, they take the easiest and best
manner to effect their object and quiet the minds of the inquiring
ones, even changing their own position to do it. . . .
Many of the opposers of God’s truth devise mischief in their
heads upon their beds, and in the day they carry out their wicked
devices to put down the truth and to get something new to interest
the people and divert their minds from the precious, all-important
truth. . . .
The different parties of professed Advent believers have each a lit-
tle truth, but God has given all these truths to His children who are
being prepared for the day of God. He has also given them truths that
none of these parties know, neither will they understand. Things
which are sealed up to them, the Lord has opened to those who will
see and are ready to understand. If God has any new light to commu-
nicate, He will let His chosen and beloved understand it, without
their going to have their minds enlightened by hearing those who are
in darkness and error.46
153
Prophecy Misapplied
“The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy
against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them
that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus
saith the Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own
spirit, and have seen nothing!” (Ezekiel 13:1–3).
The hardest task I ever had to do in this line [of speaking plainly
to those who were leading away from right paths] was in dealing
with one who, I knew, wanted to follow the Lord. For some time he
had thought he was obtaining new light. He was very ill, and must
soon die. And oh, how my heart hoped he would not make it neces-
sary for me to tell him just what he was doing. Those to whom he pre-
sented his views listened to him eagerly, and some thought him
inspired. He had a chart made, and reasoned from the Scriptures to
show that the Lord would come at a certain date, in 1894, I think. To
many his reasoning seemed to be without a flaw. They told of his
powerful exhortations in his sickroom. Most wonderful views passed
before him. But what was the source of his inspiration? It was the
morphine given him to relieve his pain. . . .
The word of the Lord to me was, “This is not truth, but will lead
into strange paths, and some will become confused over this repre-
sentation, and will give up the faith.”. . .
No one has a true message fixing the time when Christ is to come
or not to come. Be assured that God gives no one authority to say that
Christ delays His coming five years, ten years, or twenty years. “Be ye
also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh”
(Matthew 24:44). This is our message, the very message that the three
angels flying in the midst of heaven are proclaiming.47
Again and again have I been warned in regard to time setting.
There will never again be a message for the people of God that will be
based on time. We are not to know the definite time either for the out-
pouring of the Holy Spirit or for the coming of Christ.48
154
The Danger of Delusion

“Thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people,
which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them”
(Ezekiel 13:17).
Anna Phillips should not have been given the encouragement she
has had. It has been a great injury to her—fastened her in a deception.
I am sorry that any of our brethren and sisters are ready to take up
with these supposed revelations, and imagine they see in them the
divine credentials. These things are not of the right character to
accomplish the work essential for this time. Childish figures and illus-
trations are employed in describing sacred, heavenly things, and
there is a mingling of the sublime and the ridiculous. While the work
has an appearance of great sanctity, it is calculated to ensnare and
mislead souls.49
Anna Phillips is being injured; she is led on, encouraged in a work
which will not bear the test of God.
Anna Garmire was thus injured. Her father and mother made her
believe that her childish dreams were revelations from God. Her father
talked to the child as one chosen of God; all her fancies and dreams
were written down as Anna’s visions. She had figures and symbols pre-
sented to her, and had reproofs for her mother and for her father. After
a scathing reproof, there followed the most flattering representations of
the wonderful things the Lord would do for them. . . .
A little party was formed who were apparently inspired by them,
and the visions were declared to be more spiritual than the visions of
Sister White.
Then Mr. Garmire issued tracts teaching that probation would
close at a certain time, and setting the time for the Lord to come.
Testimonies on moral purity were borne, and next came the most
loathsome theories concerning the third angel’s message, theories too
revolting to place upon paper. Some honest, God-fearing, trembling
souls accepted these things, and some were defiled. One died broken-
hearted; another was within a hair’s breadth of moral ruin, when a
testimony came from Sister White revealing the plottings of Satan and
breaking the spell.50
155
A Species of Fanaticism
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits”
(Matthew 7:15, 16).
A sister, in a letter to her friends, speaks with much enthusiasm

of a statement by Brother _____ that Sister White has seen that the
time has come when, if we hold the right relation to God, all can have
the gift of prophecy to the same extent as do those who are now hav-
ing visions. Where is the authority for this statement? I must believe
that the sister failed to understand Brother _____, for I cannot think
that he made the statement. The writer continues: “Brother_____said
last night that is the case, not that God will speak to all for the bene-
fit of everyone else but to each for his own benefit, and this will ful-
fill the prophecy of Joel.” He stated that this is already being devel-
oped in numerous instances. He spoke as if he thought none would
hold such a leading position as Sister White had done and will still
do. Referred to Moses as a parallel. He was a leader, but many oth-
ers are referred to as prophesying, though their prophecies are not
published. . . .
These statements, interwoven with other matter that professes to
be from God, are misleading; many minds will eagerly seize upon
them, and through false impressions will misapprehend our true
position and work. With much that is truth, there is mingled error that
is accepted in its extreme meaning, and acted upon by persons of
excitable temperament. Thus fanaticism will take the place of well-
regulated, well-disciplined, heaven ordained efforts to carry forward
the work to its completion.
These ideas in relation to prophesying, I do not hesitate to say,
might better never have been expressed. Such statements prepare
the way for a state of things that Satan will surely take advantage of
to bring in spurious exercises. There is danger, not only that unbal-
anced minds will be led into fanaticism, but that designing persons
will take advantage of this excitement to further their own selfish
purposes.51
156
As a Thief in the Night

“The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they
shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them,
as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape” (1
Thessalonians 5:2, 3).
Notwithstanding the fact that there are false prophets, there are
also those who are preaching the truth as pointed out in the
Scriptures. With deep earnestness, with honest faith, prompted by the
Holy Spirit, they are stirring minds and hearts by showing them that
we are living near the second coming of Christ. . . .
Prophecy is fast fulfilling. More, much more, should be said about
these tremendously important subjects. The day is at hand when the
destiny of every soul will be fixed forever. This day of the Lord has-
tens on apace. The false watchmen are raising the cry, “All is well;”
but the day of God is rapidly approaching. Its footsteps are so muf-
fled that it does not arouse the world from the death-like slumber into
which it has fallen. While the watchmen cry, “Peace and safety,” “sud-
den destruction” cometh upon them, and they shall not escape; “for
as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole
earth” (1 Thessalonians 5:3; Luke 21:35). It overtakes the pleasure-
lover and the sinful man as a thief in the night. When all is apparent-
ly secure, and men retire to contented rest, then the prowling, stealthy,
midnight thief steals upon his prey. When it is too late to prevent the
evil, it is discovered that some door or window was not secured. “Be
ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man
cometh” (Matthew 24:44). People are now settling to rest, imagining
themselves secure under the popular churches; but let all beware, lest
there is a place left open for the enemy to gain an entrance. Great
pains should be taken to keep this subject before the people. The
solemn fact is to be kept not only before the people of the world, but
before our own churches also, that the day of the Lord will come sud-
denly, unexpectedly. The fearful warning of the prophecy is
addressed to every soul. Let no one feel that he is secure from the dan-
ger of being surprised.52
157
A More Sure Word of Prophecy

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well
that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the
day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that
no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the
prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:19–21).
Each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their own time than for
ours, so that their prophesying is in force for us.53
The more fully we accept the light presented by the Holy Spirit
through the consecrated servants of God, the deeper and surer, even
as the eternal throne, will appear the truths of ancient prophecy; we
shall be assured that men of God spake as they were moved upon by
the Holy Ghost. Men must themselves be under the influence of the
Holy Spirit in order to understand the Spirit’s utterances through the
prophets. These messages were given, not for those that uttered the
prophecies, but for us who are living amid the scenes of their fulfill-
ment.54
Through His Holy Spirit the voice of God has come to us contin-
ually in warning and instruction, to confirm the faith of the believers
in the Spirit of prophecy. Repeatedly the word has come, Write the
things that I have given you to confirm the faith of My people in the
position they have taken. Time and trial have not made void the
instruction given, but through years of suffering and self-sacrifice
have established the truth of the testimony given. The instruction that
was given in the early days of the message is to be held as safe instruc-
tion to follow in these its closing days. Those who are indifferent to
this light and instruction must not expect to escape the snares which
we have been plainly told will cause the rejecters of light to stumble,
and fall, and be snared, and be taken.55
Let no one’s interpretation of prophecy rob you of the conviction
of the knowledge of events which show that this great event [the sec-
ond time of Jesus’ coming] is near at hand.56
158
Life-Giving Power
“Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind,
Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and
breathe upon these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he com-
manded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up
upon their feet, an exceeding great army” (Ezekiel 37:9, 10).
When the hand of the Lord was upon the prophet Ezekiel in the
vision of the valley of dry bones, he was commanded to prophesy to
the wind; and in answer to his word, life was restored to the slain, and
they stood up before him, an exceeding great army. This figure was
presented before the prophet to show him that no work of restoration
can be too hard for God to do.57
Take your stand on the Lord’s side, and act your part as a loyal
subject of the kingdom. Acknowledge the gift that has been placed in
the church for the guidance of God’s people in the closing days of
earth’s history. From the beginning the church of God has had the gift
of prophecy in her midst as a living voice to counsel, admonish, and
instruct.
We have now come to the last days of the work of the third angel’s
message, when Satan will work with increasing power because he
knows that his time is short. At the same time there will come to us
through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, diversities of operations in the
outpouring of the Spirit. This is the time of the latter rain.58
It is now no time to relax our efforts, to become tame and spirit-
less; no time to hide our light under a bushel, to speak smooth things,
to prophesy deceit. No, no; there is no place for sleepy watchmen on
the walls of Zion. Every power is to be employed wholly and entire-
ly for God. Maintain your allegiance, bearing testimony for God and
for truth. Be not turned aside by any suggestion that the world may
make. We can make no compromise. There is a living issue before us,
which will be of vital importance to the remnant people of God, to the
very close of this earth’s history; for eternal interests are here
involved. We are to look constantly to the Lord Jesus Christ.59
159
June 1 Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers
Shepherding the Flock

“[Christ] gave some, . . . evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers”
(Ephesians 4:11).
Let missionaries be laboring two and two in different parts of all

our large cities. The workers in each city should frequently meet
together for counsel and prayer, that they may have wisdom and
grace to work together effectively and harmoniously. Let all be wide-
awake to make the most of every advantage. Our people must gird
the armor on and establish centers in all the large cities.1
Eloquent sermons will seldom do the work of breaking up long-
established habits of selfishness, and leading the church to a deep
Christian experience. The true servant of God will be in earnest. He
will manifest humility of soul, and will labor untiringly for the church
of God. He will reveal the attributes of the faithful shepherd, and will
tenderly care for the sheep of the Lord’s pasture. He will “be watch-
ful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die”
(Revelation 3:2).
A true shepherd of souls will care for the sheep and lambs of his
flock; and the love of Christ, filling his own heart, will flow through
him to them. He will guard them carefully. His tender love for his
charge has been presented in a picture I have seen representing
Christ, the true Shepherd. The shepherd is leading the way, while
the flock follow closely behind. Carried in his arms, and enfolded in
his robe, is a helpless lamb, while its mother walks trustingly by his
side.
The prophet Isaiah, speaking of the work of the true Shepherd,
says, “He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his
bosom” (Isaiah 40:11). The lambs need more than daily food. They
look to the shepherd for protection. They need watchcare. The one
that goes astray must be faithfully searched for until it is found and
restored to the fold. The figure is a beautiful one, and well represents
the faithful, loving service that the undershepherd of the flock of
Christ is to give to those under his protection and care.2
160
Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers June 2
Evangelize!
“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many
days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not
what evil shall be upon the earth” (Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2).
We need men who will become leaders in home and foreign mis-
sionary enterprises. We need men whose sympathies are not con-
gealed, but whose hearts go out to the perishing that are nigh and
afar off. The ice that binds about souls that are frozen up with self-
ishness needs to be melted away, so that every brother shall realize
that he is his brother’s keeper. Then everyone will go forth to help his
neighbor to see the truth and to serve God in an acceptable service.
Then those who profess the name of Christ will aid others in the for-
mation of a Christlike character. If everyone would work in Christ’s
lines, much would be done to change the condition that now exists
among the poor and distressed. Pure religion and undefiled would
gleam forth as a bright and shining light. God’s love in the heart
would melt away the barriers of race and caste and would remove
the obstacles with which men have barred others away from the
truth as it is in Jesus. True religion will induce its advocates to go
forth into the highways and byways of life. It will lead them to help
the suffering, and enable them to be faithful shepherds going forth
into the wilderness to seek and to save the lost, to lead back the per-
ishing sheep and lambs.
The most unfortunate may bear the image of God, and they are of
value to God. Those who have true religion will realize that it is their
supreme duty to reveal Christ to men, to make manifest the fact that
they have learned in the school of Christ. O that we might individu-
ally realize that we are simply stewards in trust of God’s means, and
that we are to use the gifts God has given us as Christ used His eter-
nal riches in seeking and saving that which is lost. We are only
trustees, only stewards, and by and by we must give a reckoning to
the Master. He will inquire how we have used His goods, and
whether or not we have ministered to His family in the world.3
161
Pastors According to God’s Heart

“Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto
you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will
bring you to Zion: and I will give you pastors according to mine heart,
which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:14,
15).
Again and again the voice of Christ is heard repeating the charge
to His undershepherds, “Feed My lambs,” “Feed My sheep.”4
Those who occupy the position of undershepherds are to exercise
a watchful diligence over the Lord’s flock. This is not to be a dictato-
rial vigilance, but one that tends to encourage and strengthen and
uplift. Ministry means more than sermonizing; it means earnest, per-
sonal labor. The church on earth is composed of erring men and
women, who need patient, painstaking effort that they may be
trained and disciplined to work with acceptance in this life, and in
the future life to be crowned with glory and immortality. Pastors are
needed—faithful shepherds—who will not flatter God’s people, nor
treat them harshly, but who will feed them with the bread of life—
men who in their lives feel daily the converting power of the Holy
Spirit and who cherish a strong, unselfish love toward those for
whom they labor.
There is tactful work for the undershepherd to do as he is called
to meet alienation, bitterness, envy, and jealousy in the church, and he
will need to labor in the spirit of Christ to set things in order. Faithful
warnings are to be given, sins rebuked, wrongs made right, not only
by the minister’s work in the pulpit, but by personal labor. . . .
The spirit of the true shepherd is one of self-forgetfulness. He
loses sight of self in order that he may work the works of God. By the
preaching of the word and by personal ministry in the homes of the
people, he learns their needs, their sorrows, their trials; and, cooper-
ating with the great Burden Bearer, he shares their afflictions, com-
forts their distresses, relieves their soul hunger, and wins their hearts
to God.5
162
Active Labor
“Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters” (Isaiah 32:20).
The time has come to make decided efforts to proclaim the truth
in our large cities. The message is to be given with such power that
the hearers shall be convinced. God will raise up laborers to do this
work. Let no one hinder these men of God’s appointment. Forbid
them not. God has given them their work. They will occupy peculiar
spheres of influence and will carry the truth to the most unpromising
places. Some who were once enemies will become valuable helpers,
advancing the work with their means and their influence.
In these large cities missions should be established where workers
can be trained to present to the people the special message for this
time. There is need of all the instruction that these missions can give.6
Let the canvasser remember that he has an opportunity to sow
beside all waters. Let him remember, as he sells the books which give
a knowledge of the truth, that he is doing the work of God and that
every talent is to be used to the glory of His name. God will be with
everyone who seeks to understand the truth that he may set it before
others in clear lines. . . .
Where there is one canvasser in the field, there should be one hun-
dred. Canvassers should be encouraged to take hold of this work, not
to canvass for storybooks, but to bring before the world the books
containing truth essential for this time.
Let canvassers go forth with the word of the Lord, remembering
that those who obey the commandments and teach others to obey
them will be rewarded by seeing souls converted, and one soul truly
converted will bring others to Christ. Thus the work will advance into
new territory.
The time has come when a large work should be done by the can-
vassers. The world is asleep, and as watchmen they are to ring the
warning bell to awake the sleepers to their danger. The churches know
not the time of their visitation. Often they can best learn the truth
through the efforts of the canvasser.7
163
A Challenge of Endurance
“Watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evan-
gelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).
The followers of Christ should expect to be regarded by the world

with no more favor than was their Master. But he who has God for his
friend and helper can afford to spend a long winter of chilling neglect,
abuse, and persecution. By the grace which Christ imparts, he can
maintain his faith and trust in God under the sorest trials. He recalls
the Saviour’s example, and he feels that he can endure affliction and
persecution if he may thus gain simplicity of character, lowliness of
heart, and an abiding trust in Jesus. The triumph of Christian faith is
to suffer, and be strong; to submit, and thus conquer; to be killed all
the day long, and yet to live; to bear the cross, and thus win the crown
of immortal glory.8
He who takes up the work of canvassing as he should must be
both an educator and a student. While he tries to teach others he him-
self must learn to do the work of an evangelist. As canvassers go forth
into the field with humble hearts, full of earnest activity, they will find
many opportunities to speak a word in season to souls ready to die in
discouragement. After laboring for these needy ones they will be able
to say: “Ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the
Lord” (Ephesians 5:8). As they see the sinful course of others they can
say: “Such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified,
but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of
our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Those who work for God will meet with discouragement, but the
promise is always theirs: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end
of the world” (Matthew 28:20). God will give a most wonderful expe-
rience to those who will say: “I believe Thy promise; I will not fail nor
become discouraged.” . . .
Let the canvasser tell of the joy and blessing he has received in his
ministry as an evangelist. These reports should find a place in our
papers, for they are far-reaching in their influence. They will be as
sweet fragrance in the church, a savor of life unto life. Thus it is seen
that God works with those who cooperate with Him.9
164
Living What We Teach

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the
Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we
know that thou art a teacher come from God” (John 3:1, 2).
In the Teacher sent from God, heaven gave to men its best and
greatest. He who had stood in the councils of the Most High, who had
dwelt in the innermost sanctuary of the Eternal, was the One chosen
to reveal in person to humanity the knowledge of God.
Through Christ had been communicated every ray of divine light
that had ever reached our fallen world. It was He who had spoken
through everyone that throughout the ages had declared God’s word
to man. Of Him all the excellences manifest in the earth’s greatest and
noblest souls were reflections. The purity and beneficence of Joseph,
the faith and meekness and long-suffering of Moses, the steadfastness
of Elisha, the noble integrity and firmness of Daniel, the ardor and
self-sacrifice of Paul, the mental and spiritual power manifest in all
these men, and in all others who had ever dwelt on the earth, were
but gleams from the shining of His glory. In Him was found the per-
fect ideal.
To reveal this ideal as the only true standard for attainment; to
show what every human being might become; what, through the
indwelling of humanity by divinity, all who received Him would
become—for this, Christ came to the world. He came to show how
men are to be trained as befits the sons of God; how on earth they are
to practice the principles and to live the life of heaven.
God’s greatest gift was bestowed to meet man’s greatest need.10
What [Christ] taught, He lived. “I have given you an example,”
He said to His disciples; “that ye should do as I have done.” “I have
kept My Father’s commandments” (John 13:15; 15:10). Thus in His
life, Christ’s words had perfect illustration and support. And more
than this; what He taught, He was. His words were the expression,
not only of His own life experience, but of His own character. Not
only did He teach the truth, but He was the truth. It was this that gave
His teaching, power.11
165
Seeking the Heavenly Standard

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2).
Some ministers have adopted a style of preaching that has not

the best influence. It has become a habit with them to weave anec-
dotes into their discourses. The impression thus made upon the
hearers is not a savor of life unto life. Ministers should not bring
amusing stories into their preaching. The people need pure proven-
der, thoroughly winnowed from the chaff. “Preach the word” (2
Timothy 4:2), was the charge that Paul gave to Timothy, and this is
our commission also.
The minister who mixes story-telling with his discourses is using
strange fire. God is offended, and the cause of truth is dishonored,
when His representatives descend to the use of cheap, trifling words.12
The satanic delusions of the age must be met clearly and intelli-
gently with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The
same unseen Hand that guides the planets in their courses, and
upholds the worlds by His power, has made provision for man
formed in His image, that he may be little less than the angels of
God while in the performance of his duties on earth. God’s purpos-
es have not been answered by men who have been entrusted with
the most solemn truth ever given to man. He designs that we should
rise higher and higher toward a state of perfection, seeing and real-
izing at every step the power and glory of God. Man does not know
himself. . . .
The precious book of God contains rules of life for men of every
class and every vocation. Examples are here found which it would be
well for all to study and imitate. “The Son of God came not to be min-
istered unto, but to minister” (Matthew 20:28). The true honor and
glory of the servant of Christ consists, not in the number of sermons
preached, nor in the amount of writing accomplished, but in the work
of faithfully ministering to the wants of the people. If he neglects this
part of his work he has no right to the name of minister.13
166
Faithful Reproof to Promote Life

“The commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of
instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23).
God holds His people, as a body, responsible for sins existing in

individuals among them. If there is a neglect with the leaders of the
church to diligently search out the sins which bring the displeasure of
God upon His people as a body, they become responsible for these
sins. But this is the nicest work that men ever engaged in, to deal with
minds. All are not fitted to correct the erring. They have not wisdom
to deal justly, while loving mercy. They will not be inclined to see the
necessity of mingling love and tender compassion with faithful
reproof of wrongs. Some will ever be needlessly severe, and will not
feel the necessity of the injunction of the apostle, “And of some have
compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling
them out of the fire” (Jude 22, 23). There are many who do not have
the discretion of Joshua and who have no special duty to search out
wrongs and to deal promptly with the sins existing among them; let
not such hinder those who have the burden of this work upon them;
let them not stand in the way of those who have this duty to do. Some
make it a point to question and doubt and find fault because others
do the work that God has not laid upon themselves. These stand
directly in the way to hinder those upon whom God has laid the bur-
den of reproof and of correcting the sins that are prevailing, that His
frown may be turned away from His people. . . .
God will not be trifled with. It is in the time of conflict when the
true colors should be flung to the breeze. It is then that the standard-
bearers need to be firm and let their true position be known. It is then
that the skill of every true soldier for the right is tested. Shirkers can
never wear the laurels of victory. Those who are true and loyal will
not conceal the fact, but will put heart and might into the work, and
venture their all in the struggle, let the battle turn as it will. God is a
sin-hating God; and those who will encourage the sinner, saying, It is
well with thee, God will curse.14
167
The Basis of Doctrines and Reforms

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that
the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good
works” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
The apostle Paul declared, looking down to the last days: “The
time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy
4:3). That time has fully come. The multitudes do not want Bible truth,
because it interferes with the desires of the sinful, world-loving heart;
and Satan supplies the deceptions which they love.
But God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible,
and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all
reforms. The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the
creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and dis-
cordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the
majority—not one nor all of these should be regarded as evidence for
or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine
or precept, we should demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord” in its
support.15
It is not new and fanciful doctrines which the people need. They
do not need human suppositions. They need the testimony of men
who know and practice the truth. . . .
Walk firmly, decidedly, your feet shod with the preparation of the
gospel of peace. You may be sure that pure and undefiled religion is
not a sensational religion. God has not laid upon anyone the burden
of encouraging an appetite for speculative doctrines and theories. My
brethren, keep these things out of your teaching. Do not allow them
to enter into your experience. Let not your lifework be marred by
them.16
A devoted, spiritual worker will avoid bringing up minor theoret-
ical differences, and will devote his energies to the proclamation of
the great testing truths to be given to the world. He will point the peo-
ple to the work of redemption, the commandments of God, the near
coming of Christ; and it will be found that in these subjects there is
food enough for thought.17
168
Rightly Dividing the Word

“Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).
“Sound doctrine” is Bible truth—truth that will promote piety and

devotion, confirming God’s people in the faith. Sound doctrine means
much to the receiver; and it means much, too, to the teacher. . . .
Some who in Paul’s day listened to the truth, raised questions of
no vital importance, presenting the ideas and opinions of men, and
seeking to divert the mind of the teacher from the great truths of the
gospel, to the discussion of non-essential theories and the settlement
of unimportant disputes. Paul knew that the laborer for God must be
wise enough to see the design of the enemy, and refuse to be misled
or diverted. The conversion of souls must be the burden of his work;
he must preach the word of God, but avoid controversy.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,” he wrote, “a work-
man that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase
unto more ungodliness” (2 Timothy 2:15, 16).
The ministers of Christ today are in the same danger. Satan is con-
stantly at work to divert the mind into wrong channels, so that the
truth may lose its force upon the heart. And unless ministers and peo-
ple practice the truth and are sanctified by it, they will allow specula-
tion regarding questions of no vital importance to occupy the mind.
This will lead to caviling and strife; for countless points of difference
will arise.
Men of ability have devoted a lifetime of study and prayer to the
searching of the Scriptures, and yet there are many portions of the
Bible that have not been fully explored. Some passages of Scripture
will never be perfectly comprehended until in the future life Christ
shall explain them. There are mysteries to be unraveled, statements
that human minds cannot harmonize. And the enemy will seek to
arouse argument upon these points, which might better remain
undiscussed.18
169
Men of Mature Age

“That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate” (Titus 2:2).
May the Lord bless and sustain our old and tried laborers. May
He help them to be wise in regard to the preservation of their physi-
cal, mental, and spiritual powers. I have been instructed by the Lord
to say to those who bore their testimony in the early days of the mes-
sage: “God has endowed you with the power of reason, and He
desires you to understand and obey the laws that have to do with the
health of the being. Do not be imprudent. Do not overwork. Take time
to rest. God desires you to stand in your lot and place, doing your part
to save men and women from being swept downward by the mighty
current of evil. He desires you to keep the armor on till He bids you
lay it off. Not long hence you will receive your reward.”19
The most tender regard should be cherished for those whose life
interest has been bound up with the work of God. These aged work-
ers have stood faithful amid storm and trial. They may have infirmi-
ties, but they still possess talents that qualify them to stand in their
place in God’s cause. Though worn, and unable to bear the heavier
burdens that younger men can and should carry, the counsel they can
give is of the highest value.
They may have made mistakes, but from their failures they have
learned to avoid errors and dangers, and are they not therefore com-
petent to give wise counsel? They have borne test and trial, and
though they have lost some of their vigor, the Lord does not lay them
aside. He gives them special grace and wisdom.
Those who have served their Master when the work went hard,
who endured poverty and remained faithful when there were few to
stand for truth, are to be honored and respected. The Lord desires the
younger laborers to gain wisdom, strength, and maturity by associa-
tion with these faithful men. Let the younger men realize that in hav-
ing such workers among them they are highly favored. Let them give
them an honored place in their councils.20
170
Teachers of Experience
“That the aged men be . . . sound in faith, in charity, in patience”
(Titus 2:2).
When men come in who would move one pin or pillar from the
foundation which God has established by His Holy Spirit, let the aged
men who were pioneers in our work speak plainly, and let those who
are dead speak also, by the reprinting of their articles in our periodi-
cals. Gather up the rays of divine light that God has given as He has
led His people on step by step in the way of truth. This truth will
stand the test of time and trial.21
There are those who have some experience who should, with
every effort they make in dying churches as well as in new places,
select young men or men of mature age to assist in the work. Thus
they will be obtaining knowledge by interesting themselves in per-
sonal effort, and scores of helpers will be fitting for usefulness as Bible
readers, as canvassers, and as visitors in the families.22
The messengers sent by God are to act as true undershepherds.
They are not true undershepherds who care only for those who do as
they direct, who say of the people, They must do precisely as I com-
mand. If they do not follow my voice, I will have no love or care for
them.23
The fruit Christ claims, after the patient care bestowed upon His
church, is faith, patience, love, forbearance, heavenly-mindedness,
meekness. These are clusters of fruit which mature amid storm and
cloud and darkness, as well as in the sunshine.24
As those who have spent their lives in the service of Christ draw
near to the close of their earthly ministry, they will be impressed by
the Holy Spirit to recount the experiences they have had in connection
with the work of God. The record of His wonderful dealings with His
people, of His great goodness in delivering them from trial, should be
repeated to those newly come to the faith. God desires the old and
tried laborers to stand in their place, doing their part to save men and
women from being swept downward by the mighty current of evil,
He desires them to keep the armor on till He bids them lay it down.25
171
Mature Women
“The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh
holiness” (Titus 2:3).
The sisters should encourage true meekness. They should not be

forward, talkative, and bold, but modest and slow to speak. They
should be courteous. To be kind, tender, pitiful, forgiving, and hum-
ble would be becoming and well pleasing to God. If they occupy this
position, they will not be burdened with undue attention from gen-
tlemen. It will be felt by all that there is a sacred circle of purity
around these God-fearing women which shields them from any
unwarrantable liberties. There is too much careless, loose, coarse
freedom of manner by some women professing godliness, which
leads to greater wrongs. Those godly women who occupy their
minds and hearts in meditating upon themes which strengthen puri-
ty of life, which elevate the soul to commune with God, will not be
easily led astray from the path of rectitude and virtue. They will be
fortified against the sophistry of Satan and prepared to withstand his
seductive arts.26
Women professing godliness generally fail to train the mind.
They leave it uncontrolled, to go where it will. This is a great mistake.
Many seem to have no mental power. They have not educated the
mind to think; and because they have not done this, they suppose
they cannot. Meditation and prayer are necessary to a growth in
grace. Why there is no more stability among women is because of so
little mental culture, so little reflection. Leaving the mind in a state of
inaction, they lean upon others to do the brainwork, to plan, and
think, and remember for them, and thus grow more and more ineffi-
cient. Some need to discipline the mind by exercise. They should
force it to think. While they depend upon someone to think for them,
to solve their difficulties, and they refuse to tax the mind with
thought, the inability to remember, to look ahead and discriminate,
will continue. Efforts must be made by every individual to educate
the mind.27
172
Tender Reproof, Not Accusation

“The aged women likewise, that they be . . . not false accusers” (Titus
2:3).
False accusers, though their names are on the church records, are
under the control of Satan, and work as his agents to weaken and con-
fuse the church, and divide the brethren of Christ on earth. When this
has been accomplished, Satan exults over the divided state of the
church, and points the world to the professed followers of Christ, thus
bringing the name of Christ into dishonor before the world, and
entrenching men in their unbelief and rebellion against God.28
We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suf-
fering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and to
inspire hope in the hopeless. . . . Often the heart that hardens under
reproof will melt under the love of Christ.29
Always the words of rebuke that God finds it necessary to send
are spoken in tender love and with the promise of peace to every pen-
itent believer.30
Christ was a faithful reprover. Never lived there another who so
hated evil; never another whose denunciation of it was so fearless. To
all things untrue and base His very presence was a rebuke. In the light
of His purity, men saw themselves unclean, their life’s aims mean and
false. Yet He drew them. He who had created man, understood the
value of humanity. Evil He denounced as the foe of those whom He
was seeking to bless and to save. In every human being, however fall-
en, He beheld a son of God, one who might be restored to the privi-
lege of his divine relationship.
“God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but
that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17). Looking
upon men in their suffering and degradation, Christ perceived
ground for hope where appeared only despair and ruin. Wherever
there existed a sense of need, there He saw opportunity for uplifting.
Souls tempted, defeated, feeling themselves lost, ready to perish, He
met, not with denunciation, but with blessing.31
173
Experienced Women Teachers

“The aged women likewise, that they be . . . teachers of good things”
(Titus 2:3).
The Lord has a work for women as well as men to do. They may
accomplish a good work for God if they will first learn in the school
of Christ the precious, all-important lesson of meekness. They must
not only bear the name of Christ, but possess His Spirit. They must
walk even as He walked, purifying their souls from everything that
defiles. Then they will be able to benefit others by presenting the all-
sufficiency of Jesus.
Women may take their places in the work at this crisis, and the
Lord will work through them. If they are imbued with a sense of their
duty, and labor under the influence of the Spirit of God, they will have
just the self-possession required for this time. The Saviour will reflect
upon these self-sacrificing women the light of His countenance, and
this will give them a power which will exceed that of men. They can
do in families a work that men cannot do, a work that reaches the
inner life. They can come close to the hearts of those whom men can-
not reach. Their labor is needed.32
Many youth as well as our older sisters manifest themselves shy
of religious conversation. They do not take in the matter as it is. The
word of God must be their assurance, their hope, their peace. They
close the windows that should open heavenward, and open the win-
dows wide earthward. But when they shall see the excellency of the
human soul, they will close the windows earthward, cease depending
on earthly amusements and associations, break away from folly and
sin, and will open the windows heavenward, that they may behold
spiritual things. Then can they say, I will receive the light of the Sun
of Righteousness, that I may shine forth to others.33
Those who bear the last message of mercy to the world should feel
it their duty to instruct parents in regard to home religion.34
174
Teaching Women Sobriety

“That [the aged women] may teach the young women to be sober”
(Titus 2:4).
I am acquainted with a number of women who have thought their

marriage a misfortune. They have read novels until their imagina-
tions have become diseased, and they live in a world of their own cre-
ating. They think themselves women of sensitive minds, of superior,
refined organizations, and imagine that their husbands are not so
refined, that they do not possess these superior qualities, and there-
fore cannot appreciate their own supposed virtue and refined organi-
zations. Consequently these women think themselves great sufferers,
martyrs. They have talked of this and thought upon it until they are
nearly maniacs upon this subject. They imagine their worth superior
to that of other mortals, and it is not agreeable to their fine sensibili-
ties to associate with common humanity. These women are making
themselves fools; and their husbands are in danger of thinking that
they do possess a superior order of mind.
From what the Lord has shown me, the women of this class have
had their imaginations perverted by novel reading, daydreaming,
and castle-building, living in an imaginary world. They do not bring
their own ideas down to the common, useful duties of life. They do
not take up the life burdens which lie in their path, and seek to make
a happy, cheerful home for their husbands. They rest their whole
weight upon them, not bearing their own burden. They expect others
to anticipate their wants and do for them, while they are at liberty to
find fault and to question as they please. These women have a
lovesick sentimentalism, constantly thinking they are not appreciated,
that their husbands do not give them all the attention they deserve.
They imagine themselves martyrs.
The truth of the matter is, if they would show themselves useful
their value might be appreciated; but when they pursue a course to
constantly draw upon others for sympathy and attention, while they
feel under no obligation to give the same in return . . . there can be in
their lives but little that is valuable. . . . They have viewed things all
wrong. They are unworthy of their husbands.35
175
Teaching the Wives

“That [the aged women] may teach the young women . . . to love their
husbands” (Titus 2:4).
Women who suppose they possess . . . sensitive, refined organiza-

tions make very useless wives and mothers. It is frequently the case
that they withdraw their affections from their husbands, who are use-
ful, practical men, and show much attention to other men, and with
their lovesick sentimentalism draw upon the sympathies of others,
tell them their trials, their troubles, their aspirations to do some ele-
vated work, and reveal the fact that their married life is a disappoint-
ment, a hindrance to their doing the work they had hoped to do.
Oh, what wretchedness exists in families that might be happy!
These women are a curse to themselves and a curse to their husbands.
In supposing themselves to be angels, they make themselves fools,
and are nothing but heavy burdens. The common duties of life which
the Lord has left for them to do, they leave right in their path, and are
restless and complaining, always looking for an easy, more exalted,
and more agreeable work. Supposing themselves to be angels, they
are found human after all.36
The wife may take her position in favor of truth, while the hus-
band may oppose it. Here a trial comes in at once, the trial of separa-
tion in faith and feeling. Shall we say to that wife, “You should leave
your husband because he does not keep the Sabbath?” No, indeed. If
she was a faithful wife before she accepted the truth, and if she sees
in her friends those for whom Christ has died, she will seek to dis-
charge her duties with even greater fidelity after she accepts the
truth, that if possible she may lead them to see the light. “But,” it is
asked, “should not the believing wife yield her convictions of duty
because of her husband’s unbelief?” By no means; because Christ is
her Lord and Master. She cannot cast aside the claims of high heav-
en upon her.37
God knows your trials as you view the state of your husband and
children, who so greatly lack saving faith. Much more depends upon
you than you realize. You should put the armor on.38
176
The First Missionary Field

“That [the aged women] may teach the young women . . . to love their
children” (Titus 2:4).
There is a work for women that is even more important and ele-
vating than the duties of the king upon his throne. They may mold
the minds of their children and shape their characters so that they
may be useful in this world and that they may become sons and
daughters of God.39
You have a great work, a sacred, holy calling to exemplify the
Christian graces as a faithful wife and mother; to be lovable, patient,
kind, yet firm in your home life. To learn right methods and acquire
tact for the training of your own little ones, that they may keep the
way of the Lord. As a humble child of God, learn in the school of
Christ, seek constantly to improve your powers to do the most per-
fect, thorough work at home, both by precept and example.
In this work you will have the help of the Lord; but if you ignore
your duty as a wife and mother, and hold out your hands for the Lord
to put another class of work in them, be sure that He will not contra-
dict Himself; He points you to the duty you have to do at home. If you
have the idea that some work greater and holier than this has been
entrusted to you, you are under a deception. In neglecting your hus-
band and children for what you suppose to be religious duties, either
to attend meetings or to work for others, to give Bible readings or to
have messages for others, you are going directly contrary to the
words of inspiration in the instruction of Paul to Titus. . . .
The children need the watchful eye of the mother. They need to be
instructed, to be guided in safe paths, to be kept from vice, to be won
by kindness, and be confirmed in well doing, by diligent training. . . .
To those who forsake their homes, their companions and children,
God will not entrust the work of saving souls, for they have proved
unfaithful to their holy vows. They have proved unfaithful to sacred
responsibilities. God will not entrust to them eternal riches.40
177
A Work for Women, Not Men

“That [the aged women] may teach the young women . . . to be dis-
creet, chaste” (Titus 2:4, 5).
It is time, my dear brother, that you looked at these matters [of

guarding your reputation] in a right light. You have been called away
from the word of God to serve tables. . . .
There are women who fasten themselves to someone to whom
they tell their home difficulties. But there are two sides to every ques-
tion, and often these women are themselves in need of reproof. They
speak only of their side of the question, and words of sympathy that
they do not deserve are given to them.
You are not to set such an example that women will feel at liberty
to tell you the grievances of their home life, and to draw upon your
sympathies. When a woman comes to you with her troubles, tell her
plainly to go to her sisters, to tell her troubles to the deaconesses of the
church. Tell her that she is out of place in opening her troubles to any
man, for men are easily beguiled and tempted. Tell the one who has
thrown her case upon you that God has not placed this burden upon
any man. You are not wise to take these burdens upon yourself. It is
not your appointed work.41
In the battle with inward corruptions and outward temptations,
even the wise and powerful Solomon was vanquished. It is not safe to
permit the least departure from the strictest integrity. “Abstain from
all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). When a woman relates
her family troubles, or complains of her husband, to another man, she
violates her marriage vows; she dishonors her husband and breaks
down the wall erected to preserve the sanctity of the marriage rela-
tion; she throws wide open the door and invites Satan to enter with
his insidious temptations. This is just as Satan would have it. If a
woman comes to a Christian brother with a tale of her woes, her dis-
appointments and trials, he should ever advise her, if she must con-
fide her troubles to someone, to select sisters for her confidants, and
then there will be no appearance of evil whereby the cause of God
may suffer reproach.42
178
Missionaries in the Highest Sense

“That [the aged women] may teach the young women to be . . . keep-
ers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God
be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:4).
The Lord has not called you to neglect your home and your hus-
band and children. He never works in this way; and He never will.
You have before your own door a little plot of ground to care for, and
God will hold you responsible for this work which He has left in your
hands. Through earnest prayer and study, you may become wise in
your home, learning the different dispositions of your children, and
carefully noting their behavior. You may have at home a little school,
of which you shall be the teacher. If you seek wisdom from the Lord
to understand His way, and to keep it, He will lead you, not away
from your own home, but back to it. . . .
Never for a moment suppose that God has given you a work that
will necessitate a separation from your precious little flock. Do not
leave them to become demoralized by improper associations and to
harden their hearts against their mother. . . .
When we give ourselves unreservedly to the Lord, the simple,
commonplace duties of home life will be seen in their true impor-
tance, and we shall perform them in accordance with the will of God.
Oh, my sister, you may be bound about with poverty, your lot in life
may be humble, but Jesus does not forsake your family. . . .
Your husband has rights; your children have rights; and these
must not be ignored by you. Whether you have one talent or three or
five, God has given you your work. . . .
Scolding and fretting, gathering clouds and gloom about the soul,
will bring only a shadow and discouragement in the home life.
Mothers do not half appreciate their possibilities and privileges. They
do not seem to understand that they can be in the highest sense mis-
sionaries, laborers together with God in aiding their children to build
up a symmetrical character. This is the great burden of the work given
them of God. The mother is God’s agent to Christianize her family.
She is to exemplify Bible religion, showing how its influence is to con-
trol us in its everyday duties and pleasures.43
179
Young Men
“Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shew-
ing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness,
gravity, sincerity” (Titus 2:6, 7).
No matter who you are, it is the mind, the heart, the sincere pur-
pose, and the daily life that mark the value of the man. Restless, talk-
ative, dictatorial men are not needed in this work. There are too many
of them springing up everywhere. Many youth who have but little
experience, push themselves forward, manifest no reverence for age
or office, and take offense if counseled or reproved. We have already
more of these self-important ones than we want, God calls for mod-
est, quiet, sober-minded youth, and men of mature age, who are well-
balanced with principle, who can pray as well as talk, who will rise
up before the aged, and treat gray hairs with respect.44
Young men are not to be lovers of pleasure, seekers for amusement,
ready to squander time and money and influence in selfish gratifica-
tion; but they are to cultivate sobriety and godliness. They should seek
each day to realize that they are now in the sowing time, and that the
harvest reaped will be according to the seed sown. Young men should
form their plans of life with thoughtful deliberation, and subject their
conduct to criticism, as they seek for integrity of heart and action that
will stand the test of the judgment. They should be willing to receive
counsel from those of experience, that they may be fortified to stand in
the perils that will beset their pathway. They will be exposed to influ-
ences which will lead them away from fidelity to God, unless they ever
keep a realization of their responsibilities.
God wants the youth to become men of earnest mind, to be pre-
pared for action in His noble work, and fitted to bear responsibilities.
God calls for young men with hearts uncorrupted, strong and brave,
and determined to fight manfully in the struggle before them, that
they may glorify God, and bless humanity. If the youth would but
make the Bible their study, would but calm their impetuous desires,
and listen to the voice of their Creator and Redeemer, they would not
only be at peace with God, but would find themselves ennobled and
elevated.45
180
Words That Teach Christ

“Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the con-
trary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you” (Titus
2:8).
The word of God coming from sanctified hearts and lips will soft-
en and break hard hearts. And if ever there was a period of time when
the words of Christ should be heard, it is now.
None but He who created man can effect a change in the human
heart. Every teacher is to realize that he must be moved by divine
agencies. The mind and judgment must be submitted to the Holy
Spirit. Through the sanctification of the truth, we may bear a decided
testimony for righteousness before both believers and unbelievers.
We are far behind what we should be in our experience. We are
backward in pronouncing the testimony that should flow from sanc-
tified lips. Even when sitting at the table, Christ taught truths that
brought comfort and courage to the hearts of His hearers. Whenever
it is possible, we are to present the words of Christ. If His love is in
the soul, abiding there as a living principle, there will come forth from
the treasure-house of the heart, words suitable to the occasion, not
light, trifling words, but uplifting words, words of truth and spiritu-
ality.
Let teachers and students watch their opportunities whenever
possible to confess Christ in their conversations, speaking of their
experiences in following Christ, praying with their brethren for the
Holy Spirit. Confessing Christ openly and bravely, exhibiting in the
choice of words the simplicity of true godliness, will be more effective
than many sermons. There are but few who give a true representation
of the meekness of Christ. Oh, we need, and we must have, His meek-
ness! Christ is to be formed within, the hope of glory.
We are preparing for translation to the heavenly world. Our con-
versation should be in heaven, from whence we look for the Lord
Jesus. He is to be acknowledged as the Giver of every good and per-
fect gift, the Author of all our blessings, in whom is centered our hope
of eternal life.46
181
Feeding the Home Flock

“Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my
words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live
upon the earth, and that they may teach their children” (Deuteronomy
4:10).
God had commanded the Hebrews to teach their children His

requirements and to make them acquainted with all His dealings
with their fathers. This was one of the special duties of every par-
ent—one that was not to be delegated to another. In the place of
stranger lips the loving hearts of the father and mother were to give
instruction to their children. Thoughts of God were to be associated
with all the events of daily life. The mighty works of God in the
deliverance of His people and the promises of the Redeemer to come
were to be often recounted in the homes of Israel; and the use of fig-
ures and symbols caused the lessons given to be more firmly fixed in
the memory. The great truths of God’s providence and of the future
life were impressed on the young mind. It was trained to see God
alike in the scenes of nature and the words of revelation. The stars of
heaven, the trees and flowers of the field, the lofty mountains, the
rippling brooks—all spoke of the Creator. The solemn service of sac-
rifice and worship at the sanctuary and the utterances of the
prophets were a revelation of God.
Such was the training of Moses in the lowly cabin home in
Goshen; of Samuel, by the faithful Hannah; of David, in the hill
dwelling at Bethlehem; of Daniel, before the scenes of the captivity
separated him from the home of his fathers. Such, too, was the early
life of Christ at Nazareth; such the training by which the child
Timothy learned from the lips of his grandmother Lois, and his moth-
er Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15), the truths of Holy Writ.47
Parents should be the only teachers of their children until they
have reached eight or ten years of age. As fast as their minds can com-
prehend it, the parents should open before them God’s great book of
nature.48
182
Daily Enthusiasm for God’s Word

“These words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine
heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt
talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by
the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up”
(Deuteronomy 6:6, 7).
[Deuteronomy 6:7 quoted.] The use of object lessons, blackboards,

maps, and pictures will be an aid in explaining these lessons, and fix-
ing them in the memory. Parents and teachers should constantly seek
for improved methods. The teaching of the Bible should have our
freshest thought, our best methods, and our most earnest effort.
In arousing and strengthening a love for Bible study, much
depends on the use of the hour of worship. The hours of morning and
evening worship should be the sweetest and most helpful of the day.
Let it be understood that into these hours no troubled, unkind
thoughts are to intrude; that parents and children assemble to meet
with Jesus, and to invite into the home the presence of holy angels. Let
the services be brief and full of life, adapted to the occasion, and var-
ied from time to time. Let all join in the Bible reading and learn and
often repeat God’s law. It will add to the interest of the children if they
are sometimes permitted to select the reading. Question them upon it,
and let them ask questions. Mention anything that will serve to illus-
trate its meaning. When the service is not thus made too lengthy, let
the little ones take part in prayer, and let them join in song, if it be but
a single verse.
To make such a service what it should be, thought should be
given to preparation. And parents should take time daily for Bible
study with their children. No doubt it will require effort and plan-
ning and some sacrifice to accomplish this; but the effort will be rich-
ly repaid. . . .
In order to interest our children in the Bible, we ourselves must be
interested in it. To awaken in them a love for its study, we must love
it. Our instruction to them will have only the weight of influence
given it by our own example and spirit.49
183
Teaching the Bible to Children

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will
not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
God called Abraham to be a teacher of His word, He chose him to

be the father of a great nation, because He saw that Abraham would
instruct his children and his household in the principles of God’s law.
And that which gave power to Abraham’s teaching was the influence
of his own life. His great household consisted of more than a thou-
sand souls, many of them heads of families, and not a few but newly
converted from heathenism. Such a household required a firm hand
at the helm. No weak, vacillating methods would suffice. Of Abraham
God said, “I know him, that he will command his children and his
household after him.” Yet his authority was exercised with such wis-
dom and tenderness that hearts were won. The testimony of the
divine Watcher is, “They shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice
and judgment” (Genesis 18:19). And Abraham’s influence extended
beyond his own household. Wherever he pitched his tent, he set up
beside it the altar for sacrifice and worship. . . .
No less effective today will be the teaching of God’s word when it
finds as faithful a reflection in the teacher’s life. . . .
In teaching children the Bible, we may gain much by observing
the bent of their minds, the things in which they are interested, and
arousing their interest to see what the Bible says about these things.
He who created us, with our various aptitudes, has in His word given
something for everyone. As the pupils see that the lessons of the Bible
apply to their own lives, teach them to look to it as a counselor.
Help them also to appreciate its wonderful beauty. Many books of
no real value, books that are exciting and unhealthful are recom-
mended, or at least permitted to be used, because of their supposed
literary value. Why should we direct our children to drink of these
polluted streams when they may have free access to the pure foun-
tains of the word of God?50
184
Defeating Satan’s Counterfeit

“The king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he
should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and
of the princes; children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and
skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding sci-
ence, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and
whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans”
(Daniel 1:3, 4).
From the comparative simplicity of their Judean home these

youth of royal line were transported to the most magnificent of cities,
to the court of its greatest monarch, and were singled out to be trained
for the king’s special service. Strong were the temptations surround-
ing them in that corrupt and luxurious court. The fact that they, the
worshipers of Jehovah, were captives to Babylon; that the vessels of
God’s house had been placed in the temple of the gods of Babylon;
that the king of Israel was himself a prisoner in the hands of the
Babylonians, was boastfully cited by the victors as evidence that their
religion and customs were superior to the religion and customs of the
Hebrews.51
Deeming it no longer safe to entrust our youth with infidels or
with irreligious teachers or even with teachers who would poison
their minds with doctrinal errors, we have erected our present com-
modious home and college in Healdsburg. We saw the necessity of
religious training being interwoven with their education, also of
their knowing something of the different trades and branches of
business. In order for them to develop symmetrical characters they
need not only the advantages of a thorough intellectual training but
of a training of the physical powers. Then their mental capabilities
will develop proportionately. It is painful to see how many one-
sided, half-developed characters there are in our world. Our church-
es today show that these defects have been brought into the religious
life to the great detriment of the church. There is a great work to be
done for our youth.52
185
Neglect of Instruction Fatal

“[The wicked] shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of
his folly he shall go astray” (Proverbs 5:23).
All the miserable traits of character, all the depravity and over-
flowing profligacy which prevails in our world is because the law of
God is not made the standard of character.53
Education not only affects to a great degree the life of the student
in this world, but its influence extends to eternity. How important,
then, that the teachers be persons capable of exerting a right influ-
ence! They should be men and women of religious experience, daily
receiving divine light to impart to their pupils.
But the teacher should not be expected to do the parent’s work.
There has been, with many parents, a fearful neglect of duty. Like Eli,
they fail to exercise proper restraint; and then they send their undisci-
plined children to college, to receive the training which the parents
should have given them at home. The teachers have a task which but
few appreciate. If they succeed in reforming these wayward youth,
they receive but little credit. If the youth choose the society of the evil-
disposed, and go on from bad to worse, then the teachers are censured
and the school denounced.
In many cases, the censure justly belongs to the parents. They had
the first and most favorable opportunity to control and train their chil-
dren, when the spirit was teachable, and the mind and the heart easi-
ly impressed. But through the slothfulness of the parents the children
are permitted to follow their own will until they become hardened in
an evil course.
Let parents study less of the world and more of Christ; let them
put forth less effort to imitate the customs and fashions of the world,
and devote more time and effort to molding the minds and characters
of their children according to the divine model. Then they could send
forth their sons and daughters fortified by pure morals and a noble
purpose, to receive an education for positions of usefulness and trust.
Teachers who are controlled by the love and fear of God could lead
such youth still onward and upward, training them to be a blessing to
the world, and an honor to their Creator.54
186
Educating Our Young

“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments,
and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of
heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called
great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19).
Connected with God, every instructor will exert an influence to

lead his pupils to study God’s word and obey His law. He will direct
their minds to the contemplation of eternal interests, and open before
them vast fields for thought; grand and ennobling themes, which the
most vigorous intellect may put forth all its powers to grasp, and yet
feel that there is an infinity beyond.55
Every Christian family is a church in itself. The members of the
family are to be Christlike in every action. The father is to sustain so
close a relation to God that he realizes his duty to make provision for
the members of his family to receive an education and training that
will fit them for the future, immortal life. His children are to be taught
the principles of heaven. He is the priest of the household, account-
able to God for the influence that he exerts over every member of his
family. He is to place his family under the most favorable circum-
stances possible, so that they shall not be tempted to conform to the
habits and customs, the evil practices and lax principles, that they
would find in the world.56
Our children should be removed from the evil influences of the
public school and placed where thoroughly converted teachers may
educate them in the Holy Scriptures. Thus students will be taught to
make the word of God the grand rule of their lives. . . .
In planning for the education of their children outside the home,
parents should realize that it is no longer safe to send them to the pub-
lic school, and should endeavor to send them to schools where they
will obtain an education based on a Scriptural foundation. Upon
every Christian parent there rests the solemn obligation of giving to
his children an education that will lead them to gain a knowledge of
the Lord and to become partakers of the divine nature through obedi-
ence to God’s will and way.57
187
The Teacher’s Curriculum

“We both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living
God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These
things command and teach” (1 Timothy 4:10, 11).
Teach fundamentals. Teach that which is practical. You should not

make a great parade before the world, telling what you expect to do,
as if you were planning something wonderful. No, indeed. Boast nei-
ther of the branches of study you expect to teach nor of the industrial
work you hope to do; but tell everyone who inquires, that you intend
to do the best you can to give your students a physical, mental, and
spiritual training that will fit them for usefulness in this life and pre-
pare them for the future immortal life.
What influence do you think it would have to publish in your
announcement of the school that you will endeavor to give the stu-
dents a training that will prepare them for the future, immortal life
because you desire to see them live throughout the ceaseless ages of
eternity? I believe such a statement would have a far greater influence
upon the brethren and sisters of this conference, and upon the com-
munity in the midst of which the school is established, than would the
display of a number of courses of study in ancient and modern lan-
guages and other higher branches of study.
Let the school prove itself. Then the patrons will not be disap-
pointed, and the students will not claim that they were promised
instruction in certain studies which, after entering the school, they
were not permitted to take up.
Let it be understood at the beginning that the Bible lies at the foun-
dation of all education. An earnest study of God’s word, resulting in
transformation of character and in a fitness for service, will make the
Fernando school a power for good. My brethren who are connected
with this school, your strength lies not in the number of languages you
may teach, or in telling how large a “college” you have. Keep silent on
these points. Silence in regard to the great things you plan to do will
help you more than all the positive assertions and all the promises that
you might publish in your announcements.58
188
Ordained Unto Life and

Ordained to Work
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for
in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1
Timothy 4:16).
The Lord calls for pastors, teachers, and evangelists. From door to
door His servants are to proclaim the message of salvation. To every
nation, kindred, tongue, and people the tidings of pardon through
Christ are to be carried. Not with tame, lifeless utterances is the mes-
sage to be given, but with clear, decided, stirring utterances.
Hundreds are waiting for the warning to escape for their lives. The
world needs to see in Christians an evidence of the power of
Christianity. Not merely in a few places, but throughout the world,
messages of mercy are needed.
He who beholds the Saviour’s matchless love will be elevated in
thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth
to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious
love. The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully
shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, “God forbid
that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ”
(Galatians 6:14).59
Rich and poor, high and low, are calling for light. Men and women
are hungering for the truth as it is in Jesus. When they hear the gospel
preached with power from on high, they will know that the banquet
is spread for them, and they will respond to the call: “Come; for all
things are now ready” (Luke 14:17).
The words “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to
every creature” (Mark 16:15) are spoken to each one of Christ’s fol-
lowers. All who are ordained unto the life of Christ are ordained to
work for the salvation of their fellow men. The same longing of soul
that He felt for the saving of the lost is to be manifest in them. Not all
can fill the same place, but for all there is a place and a work. All
upon whom God’s blessings have been bestowed are to respond by
actual service; every gift is to be employed for the advancement of
His kingdom.60
189
July 1 Miracles
Fourth on the List of Gifts

“God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily
prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles” (1 Corinthians 12:28).
We are living in a special period of this earth’s history. A great

work must be done in a very short time, and every Christian is to act
a part in sustaining this work.
God is calling for men who will consecrate themselves to the work
of soulsaving. Those who desire to be regarded by God as liberal
should devote mind and heart—the entire being—to His service.
When we begin to comprehend what a sacrifice Christ made in order
to save a perishing world, there will be seen a mighty wrestling to
save souls. Oh, that all our churches might see and realize the infinite
sacrifice of Christ!
Recently, in visions during the night season, a representation
passed before me. Among God’s people there seemed to be a great
reformatory movement. Many were praising God. The sick were
healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was
seen, even as was manifested before the great day of Pentecost.
Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening
before them the Word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of
the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On
every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth.
The world seemed to be lightened with a heavenly influence. Great
blessings were received by the true and humble people of God. I
heard voices of thanksgiving and praise, and there seemed to be a ref-
ormation such as we witnessed in 1844.1
He who does nothing, but waits to be compelled by some super-
natural agency, will wait on in lethargy and darkness. God has given
His word. God speaks in unmistakable language to your soul. Is not
the word of His mouth sufficient to show you your duty, and to urge
its fulfillment?2
When God appoints means for a certain work, we are not to neg-
lect these means, put them aside, and then pray and expect that He
will work miracles to supply our neglect. To every man God has
appointed His work, according to his capacities and capabilities.3
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Gifts for God’s People

The gifts of the Spirit are promised to

—The Desire of Ages, p. 823.

REFORMATION HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION

Copyright © 2007 by Reformation Herald Publishing Association

Reformation Herald Cataloging Service

1. Daily Devotionals—Adventists. 2. Christian Prayers and Meditations

Every fresh, new morning is a reminder of the precious gift of life

—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 190.

Let’s Go to the Source!

Life Given for a Purpose

As possessors of God’s free gift of life, we should do all in our

God’s Justice a Blessing

It is a marvel to me that God will bear with the perversity of the

As regards this world, God’s work of creation is completed. For

Health is a blessing of which few appreciate the value; yet upon it

The Beauty of Nature

Nature testifies that One infinite in power, great in goodness,

God’s Written Word

There is no need for us to trust to uncertainty. We pass by the

Time brings to every human being a responsibility; and the youth

Beware of procrastination. Do not put off the work of forsaking

Some Amount of Material Goods

The Gift of a Sound Mind

Man may have brilliant intellect; he may be rich in the possession

The Gift of a Saviour

We may have flattered ourselves, as did Nicodemus, that our life

There are today thousands suffering from physical disease who,

The Blessing of Confession

The Great Burden Bearer

Many of Christ's followers forget the lesson He has bidden us

The Protection of Angels

Power to Resist Temptation

It is not the absence of temptation or trial that is most favorable

The Promise of Eternity

“Godliness With Contentment”

Be less greedy of gain, less self-caring. Redeem your godlike man-

If Paul, troubled on every side, perplexed, persecuted, could call

The Gift of Trial

While in Portland, . . . I visited localities of special interest in con-

In order to overcome . . . wrong habits, you must watch unto

Opportunities to Serve Others

A Gift for Those Willing to Obey

Power Gained by Trusting

What Does the Holy Spirit Do?

A Peculiar, Happy Life

The converted will feel a continual longing desire that their

Keep His Words—Reap a Blessing!

Obedience is doing the word of Christ. The word of God is a

Ask for the Gift;

A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most

The True Metal of Character

Those who exercise true faith in Christ make it manifest by holi-

Obeying From the Depth of the Heart

Take Heed to That Still, Small Voice

The Result of Surrendering

Strengthened for Spiritual Victory

Walking in the Spirit

Already the judgments of God are abroad in the land, as seen in