EGW Writings2 Peter 1

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 52—Peter Crucified at Rome

TT 278.1

In his second letter the apostle Peter sets forth the divine plan for developing Christian character. He writes: God “has granted to us His precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine nature.”

TT 278.2

“Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.”

TT 278.3

The apostle presents before the believers the ladder of Christian progress. Every step represents advancement in the knowledge of God. We are saved by climbing round after round to the height of Christ’s ideal for us. God desires to see men and women reaching the highest standard; and when by faith they lay hold of Christ, when they claim His promises as their own, when they seek for the Holy Spirit, they will be made complete in Him.

TT 278.4

Having received the faith of the gospel, the believer is to add to his character virtue, and thus prepare the mind for the knowledge of God. This knowledge is the foundation of all true service and the only real safeguard against temptation. This alone can make one like God in character. No good gift is withheld from him who sincerely desires the righteousness of God.

TT 279.1

None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, to perfection of Christian character. God places before us the example of Christ’s character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through cooperation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. We may obtain complete victory.

TT 279.2

Before the believer there is held out the wonderful possibility of being obedient to all the principles of the law. But of himself man is unable to reach this condition. The holiness that he must have is the result of the working of divine grace as he submits to the discipline and restraining influences of the Spirit of truth. The incense of Christ’s righteousness fills with divine fragrance every act of obedience. The Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray the Saviour to heal the disorders of his sin-sick soul. The Lord bestows strength to overcome on those who in contrition seek Him for help.

TT 279.3

The work of transformation from unholiness to holiness is a continuous one. Day by day God labors for man’s sanctification, and man is to cooperate with Him. Our Saviour is always ready to answer the prayer of the contrite. Gladly He grants the blessings needed in their struggle against the evils that beset them.

TT 279.4

Sad indeed is the condition of those who, becoming weary, allow the enemy of souls to rob them of the Christian graces that have been developing in their hearts and lives. “Whoever lacks these things,” declares the apostle, “is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.”

TT 279.5

Peter’s faith in God’s power to save had strengthened with the years. He had proved that there is no possibility of failure before the one who, advancing by faith, ascends to the topmost round of the ladder. Knowing that soon he would suffer martyrdom for his faith, Peter once more exhorted his brethren to steadfastness of purpose: “Therefore, brethren, be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

TT 280.1

“I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to arouse you by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. And I will see to it that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.”

TT 280.2

“We did not follow cleverly devised myths” about Jesus, he reminded the believers, “but we were eye-witnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with Him on the holy mountain.”

TT 280.3

Yet there was another even more convincing witness. “We have,” Peter declared, “the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts... . No prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

TT 280.4

While exalting true prophecy, the apostle solemnly warned the church against the torch of false prophecy, uplifted by “false teachers” who would bring in “destructive heresies, even denying the Master.” These false teachers, accounted true by many of their brethren in the faith, the apostle compared to “waterless springs and mists driven by a storm; for them the nether gloom of darkness has been reserved... . It would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.”

TT 281.1

Looking down the ages, Peter was inspired to outline conditions in the world just prior to the second coming of Christ. “Scoffers will come in the last days,” he wrote, “following their own passions and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’” Not all, however, would be ensnared by the enemy’s devices. There would be faithful ones able to discern the signs of the times, a remnant who would endure to the end.

TT 281.2

Peter kept alive in his heart the hope of Christ’s return, and he assured the church of the certain fulfillment of the Saviour’s promise, “I will come again.” John 14:3. The coming might seem long delayed, but the apostle assured them: “The Lord is not slow about His promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

TT 281.3

“Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be kindled and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire! But according to His promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

TT 281.4

“Beloved, knowing this beforehand, beware lest you be carried away with the error of lawless men and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

TT 281.5

Peter closed his ministry in Rome, where his imprisonment was ordered by the emperor Nero about the time of Paul’s final arrest. Thus the two apostles, for many years widely separated in their labors, were to bear their last witness for Christ in the world’s metropolis, and on its soil to shed their blood as the seed of a vast harvest of saints.

TT 281.6

Peter had braved danger and had shown a noble courage in preaching a crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour. As he lay in his cell he called to mind the words of Christ: “When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldst: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.” John 21:18. Jesus had foretold the stretching of the disciple’s hands on the cross.

TT 282.1

As a Jew and foreigner, Peter was condemned to be scourged and crucified. In prospect of this fearful death, the apostle remembered his sin in denying Jesus in the hour of His trial. Once unready to acknowledge the cross, he now counted it a joy to yield up his life for the gospel. But he felt that for him to die in the same manner as his Master died was too great an honor. He had been forgiven by Christ, but he could never forgive himself. Nothing could lessen the bitterness of his sorrow and repentance. As a last favor he entreated his executioners that he might be nailed to the cross with his head downward. This request was granted, and in this manner died the great apostle Peter.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 176, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 176, 1907, par. 4

In the afternoon at three o’clock I spoke in our church. The building was crowded, and I was told that about half of the congregation were from the outside. Among them were three ministers. I spoke from the first chapter of Second Peter, dwelling quite prominently upon the subject of temperance.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 166, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 166, 1907, par. 7

Our meeting in Escondido was marked by the special influence of the Spirit of God. I had good freedom in speaking from Second Peter chapter one. I spoke decidedly upon the subject of living upon the plan of addition, adding grace to grace. I dealt with the temperance question and urged the necessity of overcoming every intemperate habit. The church was crowded, many being from the outside. Brother Ballenger told me there were three ministers present, one a Christian minister, one a Baptist, and one a Congregational. All listened with the deepest interest. I felt that our visit to these two churches had proved a great blessing.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 140, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 140, 1908, par. 6

“To those assembled I spoke from the first chapter of Second Peter. I then returned to Brother Christianson’s while Willie remained to visit among the people. He spoke to the young people in the afternoon. Sunday forenoon, Willie spoke again, and I spoke in the afternoon. But I am too weary to write full particulars.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 41, 1908

Oakland, California

March 12, 1908

Portions of this manuscript are published in 2MCP 387, 389-390, 434-435, 493-494, 673; Te 139, 162.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 1

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:1.]

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 2

Here is our dependence. We are not to be dependent on men to direct us. We cannot lean on human agencies, but it is our privilege to look to and trust in Jesus Christ.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 3

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verses 2-4.]

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 4

Corruption abounds in our world. It is all around us; and unless we watch diligently, we shall become corrupted and be unable to discern what we must be or what we must do in order to win eternal life. We must be wide-awake. In the matter of our eating and drinking we must use wisdom, denying ourselves of everything that would corrupt the mind or turn our thoughts away from the clear knowledge that we may have in Jesus Christ. Notice the words “exceeding great”—“whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verse 4.]

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 5

We may escape this corruption; but if we do, it will not be by indulgence in harmful or unnecessary desires. We must have all the strength of our minds, in order to know what saith the Lord. We are to study His Word diligently.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 6

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance.” [Verses 5, 6.] Notice that temperance is placed before patience. An intemperate man is seldom a patient man. The drunkard and the tobacco user have by harmful indulgence injured their brain nerve power. One who indulges freely in eating, who overloads the digestive organs until they are unable properly to care for the food eaten, is also an intemperate man and will find it impossible to discern clearly spiritual things.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 7

We must be temperate in our eating and drinking. We must care for the digestive organs and not force upon them a great variety of food. He who gorges himself with many kinds of food at a meal is doing himself injury. It is more important that we eat that which will agree with us than that we taste of every dish that may be placed before us. There is no door in our stomach by which we can look in and see what is going on, so we must use our mind, and reason from cause to effect. If you feel all wrought up and everything seems to go wrong, perhaps it is because you are suffering the consequences of eating a great variety of food.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 8

The digestive organs have an important part to act in our life happiness. God has given us intelligence, that we may learn what we should use as food. Shall we not, as sensible men and women, study whether the things we eat will be in agreement, or whether they will cause trouble? People who have a sour stomach are very often of a sour disposition. Everything seems to be contrary to them, and they are peevish and irritable. If we would have peace among ourselves, we should give more thought than we do to having a peaceful stomach.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 9

We should practice temperance in our labor. It is not our duty to place ourselves where we shall be overworked. Some may at times be placed where this is necessary, but it should be the exception, not the rule. We are to practice temperance in all things. If we honor the Lord by acting our part, He will on His part preserve our health. We should have a sensible control of all our organs. By practicing temperance in eating, in drinking, in dressing, in labor, and in all things, we can do for ourselves what no physician can do for us.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 10

We need to exercise good judgment. We should work out the principles of health reform decidedly, not in a half-way manner, but whole-heartedly, positively. Then we shall be less likely to speak words in the heat of passion. Our words will be studied. We shall consider what effect our words may produce upon those who hear them. We may be speaking to persons who have had trials and difficulties, or who are despondent. Unless we are constantly on guard, we are in danger of speaking words that would better be left unsaid; for they will tempt others to respond in a manner corresponding to our unkind words.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 11

The Lord wants us to be sanctified. We shall have to contend with people of varied dispositions, and we should be in a position where we know how to deal with human minds. We must ask Christ to impress us with words to speak that will be a blessing. And as we help others, we shall be blessed ourselves.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 12

We cannot afford to be in any way a hindrance to others. Each has his own peculiar temptations and trials, and we are to stand in a position where we can help and strengthen the tempted. We are to encourage and, if possible, lift up those what are weak in the faith. By speaking of the promises of God, we may sometimes remove depression from the minds of those who are in trial and difficulty.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 13

When I was visiting the Paradise Valley Sanitarium, about three years ago, I spoke nearly every morning at five o’clock to the workers, and at a later hour to the patients. There was among the patients one man who seemed always depressed. I learned that he believed the theory of the Bible doctrines, but could not exercise faith to appropriate to himself the promises of God. Morning after morning I would speak to the patients about faith and urge them to believe the words of God. Yet this poor man seemed unable to admit that he had faith. I talked with him alone. I would present the truth in every way possible, then I would ask him if he could not believe that Christ was his individual Saviour and would help him. He has said to all who are weary and heavy laden, “Take My yoke upon you.” Do not wear a yoke of your own framing. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.]

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 14

Finally the time came when I must leave. I said to him, “Now, my friend, can you tell me that you have learned to trust that Saviour who has taken so much pains to meet the situation of every soul? Can you and will you trust in Him? Can you tell me, before I leave, that you have received faith to believe God?” He looked up and said, “Yes, I believe. I have faith.” “Thank the Lord,” I replied. I felt that although there were others who had been present and had listened to my talks in the parlor, I had in this case been amply rewarded for all my efforts.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 15

We do not realize how much we lose through unbelief. Without faith we shall be engaged in a losing battle. We have a Saviour who understands every phase of our life. He knows our discouragements, and He knows just what help we need. We want a faith in Him, a faith that works by love and purifies the soul.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 16

We are individually to do what we can for ourselves. We are, so far as possible, to be our own physicians. Many pay large sums of money for one thing or another to help them, when, if they would only deny themselves, and refrain from wrong habits in eating and living, they might save many dollars. When you sit at table, be careful. Do not eat things that disagree; for if you do, you are likely to get into a disagreement with somebody before long.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 17

There was one time in my experience when it was expected that I would live but a little while. I was then a meat-eater and thought I could not possible live without it. I had frequent fainting spells, when it was difficult to restore me to consciousness. Then the light came me: “Use no flesh meat as food. You do not need the flesh of dead animals. There are simple foods that you can eat that will not create a disturbance, and cause fermentation, as does the meat.”

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 18

So I gave up eating meat. I did not like bread, but I began to educate my appetite till I could eat those things that were harmless. Since that time, I have had but very few of those fainting spells, and then only when I have become exhausted or have been poisoned by the breaths of large congregations.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 19

“And to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness.” [2 Peter 1:6, 7.] Do we understand what brotherly kindness means? As those whom Christ has died to redeem, we should be like a family of brothers and sisters. We should treat one another kindly, tenderly. How does God regard those whom He desires to redeem? We read that He “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 20

“If thee things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:8.]

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 21

Many times I have praised the Lord for that promise. We have a right to claim it as our own. If we do our part, adding to our characters the virtues that have been spoken of, we may trust the Lord to fulfil His promise that we “shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 22

“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 8-11.]

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 23

Here is our everlasting life insurance policy—“If ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” [Verse 10.] It is our privilege to have the reward that remains for the faithful; but we must co-operate with God. Merely talking the truth will not save men who refuse to co-operate with God, who will not place themselves in a position where they can obtain the insurance policy for eternal life. Let us do all we can to secure this everlasting life insurance policy in the kingdom of glory.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 24

“Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” [Verse 10.] When we manifest diligence in this line, we shall have fewer church trials. There will not be in the church the difficulties that have been seen in some places. Those trials were caused by men who did not heed the words that God sent to them. Their eyes were blinded, and they stumbled in the pathway.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 25

“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me. Moreover I will endeavor that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 26

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye witnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 27

“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.” [Verses 12-21.]

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 28

Now I have read these things from the Word of God. How do we regard these promises? Are our hearts softened? I pray the Lord that you may have grace and strength to be free from all the difficulties and disturbances that are caused by finding fault, or charging faults upon others. Shall we not put all such things away? We want Christ formed within, the hope of glory. He loves us with a love that is infinite.

23LtMs, Ms 41, 1908, par. 29

May the Lord bless the little talks I have given you from morning to morning. I desire that every soul here may enjoy all that it is his privilege to enjoy. I desire that you may all stand where you will have the eternal life insurance policy, so that “an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 11.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]

MR No. 1560—Strengthening the Cause in the Sydney Area; The Importance of the Seventh-day Sabbath

21MR 296.3

Sunday afternoon I spoke again to the people in the tent. The Lord gave me a decided testimony to bear in reference to acting upon the light and evidence received. The Lord would have the service of the whole mind and heart. Every capability is called for. I spoke from 2 Peter 1. The services were concluded by a special effort. There were many souls who came forward for prayers, and we united in earnest entreaty for the Lord to reveal Himself to them in His own way. This movement made a break, and the impression made was excellent. Some who had been long upon the point of decision took their position to keep the Sabbath. This was an advance movement, and decided victory was gained. We then felt how necessary [it is] for us to commence at once to build.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 46, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 46, 1908, par. 10

The first chapter of Second Peter contains valuable instruction for every worker. Read this chapter, and understand it for your individual selves. It is your privilege to secure the everlasting life insurance policy there brought to view.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 330, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 330, 1908, par. 2

Sabbath morning we rode seven miles to the meetinghouse. The church was not large enough to accommodate all who desired to hear. To those assembled I spoke from the first chapter of Second Peter. I then returned to Brother Christianson’s, while Willie remained to visit among the people. He spoke to the young people in the afternoon. Sunday forenoon, Willie spoke again, and I spoke in the afternoon. But I am too weary to write full particulars.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 103, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 103, 1909, par. 7

Now I will read a portion of the first chapter of Second Peter. Notice who are addressed: it is those who have obtained something:

24LtMs, Ms 103, 1909, par. 8

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 1.]

24LtMs, Ms 103, 1909, par. 10

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you.” How, through your ignorance; through your acting like the world?—“Through the knowledge.” Now here is a knowledge that is worth more than silver or gold or precious stones. It is the “knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” [Verse 2.]

24LtMs, Ms 103, 1909, par. 11

“According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” [Verse 3.] Then if you are lost, you will be left without excuse. The time is coming when your parents, if they have purified their lives by obeying the truth, will come up to the gates of the city of God, and the gates will open before them. Are their children preparing to enter with them? If the parents have worked out their own salvation with fear and trembling, if they have in the fear of God tried to help their children, their work will be accepted. But perhaps their children have refused to be helped, and have chosen to follow their own inclinations. Will you not, as young people, act in harmony with the knowledge that you have received, and join the army of believers to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling?

24LtMs, Ms 103, 1909, par. 12

“According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” [Verse 3.] Every one of you is called. Will you obey the call?

24LtMs, Ms 103, 1909, par. 13

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verse 4.] If you try to fulfil the Word, if you seek to do the will of God, you will have divine help.

24LtMs, Ms 103, 1909, par. 14

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue;”—a virtuous character—“and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance;”—temperance in eating and in drinking—“and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity,”—love. [Verses 5-7.]

24LtMs, Ms 103, 1909, par. 15

“For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 8-11.]

24LtMs, Ms 103, 1909, par. 17

“Wherefore,” says the apostle, “I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” [Verse 12.] Our profession of Christianity will not save us. We must be Christlike.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 142, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 142, 1909, par. 16

Some will offer themselves for service who are not adapted to this line of work. Direct these to a work that they can do, and encourage them to study the first chapter of Second Peter. Here is a representation of the experiences that will fit men and women to become efficient workers for God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 134, 1909

Fruitvale, California

September 15, 1909

Previously unpublished.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 1

2 Peter 1:1. Now here is the source of all our power, and if we would all from the least to the greatest, understand our individual weakness, and then would put our trust in God our helper, we should have all through our conferences experiences that are of the highest value. There is danger of our becoming self-confident.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 2

Verse 1. Now, if we can all take that in, if can have it sanctified to our understanding, we should have an experience that is as much higher than many of us have today as we can conceive of. The great trouble with us is we lose sight of our connection with the highest power. It is God that gives us our capabilities, and therefore we should feel such an outgoing of thankfulness to God that we should not be spiritually dead at all. It would be a light shining in a dark place wherever we are, and if we are truly converted daily, we shall realize the responsibility of our ministry and how it all depends upon our living connection with God.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 3

If we have the will in us to be obedient to the will of God, we shall see of His salvation. But we trust too much in our own understanding. We seem to think that we know the whole story, and therefore, we do not depend so fully upon our Saviour as it is our privilege to do. And because we do not, we do not realize His goodness and His power, for if we did, it would be expressed. You would express it. You would express it in the meetings; you could not get up without expressing it. You would express the goodness of God, and you would have no mourning, no complaining.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 4

Verse 2. You have got that knowledge from the right source. Verse 3. Now here is our calling. Will we meet it, will we understand it? Verse 4. Let us think of that. Verses 5-8. Will you take that home with you? Will you consider that saying? “Ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” And when you take it all in, let me tell you, the praise of God will be in your heart, and upon your lips every day of your life, and when you express the praise of God, others will look upon you in astonishment, and then they will be expressing it. And when we all get to expressing the wondrous works of God with us, we shall see many souls brought to the knowledge of the truth, which we desire.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 5

We do not have the simplicity of true godliness in our hearts and upon our tongues that we ought to have, because we have a hope big with immortality and full of grace.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 6

Now the plan of addition is given us. This is just how it will work exactly “Add to your faith”—Verse 8. Now I want to know if we will begin to work on the right experience, if we will begin to work on the plan of addition, adding grace to grace, and the salvation of God will be felt by all that shall come within the savor of our influence.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 7

Verse 9. “is blind.” He cannot see spiritual things. He cannot discern them, he is blind. He cannot see afar off. “And hath forgotten that he was purged”—verse 10. Now the big promise. Verse 10. Every one of you hear the big promise. Verse 10. There is enough in this expressed, if you study all the time that you shall be on this encampment, and bring into your living experience daily. Live on the plan of addition, adding grace to grace.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 8

Verse 11. Isn’t that your life insurance policy, eternal life insurance policy? Isn’t this the precious truth that you should keep before you day and night, and that you should know that this is an eternal life insurance promised to you?

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 9

I wanted to put this before you just as early as I could possibly stand before you on my feet, and I have come to you this morning that I might bring this to you.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 10

Verses 12, 13. Now we do not have the depth of experience that it is our privilege to have. We do not keep our minds staid upon the things of eternal interest. I have felt such a longing to see our people taking in the Word, living the Word, acting the Word at all times and in all places, and the salvation of God would be imparted to every soul that will walk in humility of mind before God.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 11

It is humility that we lack. We do not feel our necessity of having a right fast hold of the Mighty One, so that we can give others an experience. It does not mean merely words, it means works at every point, it means works. And it means that our dependence should be placed upon the Mighty One continually. It seems that if we can take hold of this secret of living upon the plan of addition, we shall see the salvation of God in a large degree in all our meetings.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 12

We want more praise to God. We want to feel it welling up in our hearts. We want it spoken from our lips. We want continually to realize we have a God and we have a truth that is firmly based upon the promises of Jehovah. And we have an immortal life through Jesus Christ that we should be taking it, we should be singing it, we should be praying it, and show to all heaven above that we appreciate the great gift of everlasting life. That is what we need. We need more thanksgiving, and less complaining. Let us put a silence upon our lips to make no complaint. We cannot afford it. Because it shows that our lips are not sanctified, our heart is not sanctified.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 13

I do not know what you have had at this meeting, because I have not been able to be with you; I am just making a trial this morning. I want to say to you that I have perfect confidence, perfect faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that He will do for us the very wonderful things that He has promised he would do if we will stand in our position to accept it, and to impart it to those that are around us. It is because we do not with our lips glorify our God that there is so little uplifting, so little praise, so little thanksgiving, so little shining of the countenance as if we were beholding the invisible. And if we would carry the truth in the right way, many more souls would be brought to a knowledge of the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore I felt that as nearly as possible I wanted to speak some words on this point.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 14

Now, you see, it is not robbing God if you draw from Him largely, because as you draw from Him largely, and express the result of your trying, you will send forth the same thanksgiving and praise and glory that He wants you to do by the giving of this word to us. He wants us to be firm believers. We have the truth. The truth revealed has its sanctifying power upon our lips, upon our heart, upon our body. Our whole influence shall be to honor and glorify God in the place of looking at how we feel. This is not where you get grace, it is by looking to the Source of your power.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 15

I beseech of you, for Christ’s sake to lay right hold of the Source of your strength, for we must give an account to God for all these privileges. You must give an account to God for this privilege that are having, whether you make the most of it or not. It costs something to have these tent meetings. It costs money, it costs strength, it costs time, and we want every soul to show forth the glory of God as it is revealed through Jesus Christ. We want that there should be an adding, that you shall in every way grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Then you magnify His power, but it you do not say anything, if you go along and just a little simple testimony, there is no life or power. But let the power spring into your heart; let the power be brought into your soul, and then let it be lifting up the minds, to lay hold upon eternal interests. That is what is needed.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 16

Verse 8. And if you have that knowledge, I tell you, you will represent it. The thing is, we need converting every day, because the time is so short, and we need the converting power of God to come to the people, believers and unbelievers. What we need is the sacred truth of God in our hearts, and in our souls.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 17

Verses 9, 10. What an assurance that is to us! It is right from the heavenly Source. We want to grasp it, and we want to act it. Now let us every one, the remainder of this meeting, let us take right hold of the promise and act it. Do not wait till you feel it, you have something to do in order to feel it; you have to begin the work to praise God to see the beauty of holiness and to express it. The Lord help us to work intelligently.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 18

Verse 15, 16. Now God has given us such a power, such an influence in Jesus Christ, express it, for Christ’s sake express it. Offer praise and glory to God. For Christ’s sake, measure your experience according to these words that I have spoken to you today from the Word.

24LtMs, Ms 134, 1909, par. 19

Verses 18-21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 118, 1909

Nashua, New Hampshire

June 27, 1909

Previously unpublished.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 1

2 Peter 1:1-5. Diligence. You will see we have a plan of addition to work upon.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 2

Verses 5-10. If you fall, your whole life is lost. “For if ye do these things ye shall never fall.” Verse 11. Here you see it is by living upon the plan of addition that we are to obtain that entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is our everlasting life insurance policy. A life that measures with the life of God. If you live on the plan of adding virtue to virtue, and thus work day by day to be overcomers, you shall so stand before God that you will have an entrance into the everlasting kingdom. Now here is you life insurance policy. He says, “If ye do these things ....”

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 3

Verse 10. Now just remember these points, just keep them in your mind. It is your eternal life insurance policy.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 4

Verse 11. There it is, the everlasting life insurance policy. How much better is that than to spend your life here in order to gain a little property and to insure yourself that you have something.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 5

Verse 13. Supposing that every one of us was more faithful that we are to guard not only our own interests but the interests of others.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 6

Now you see, there is a large blessing held for us. Beside this, giving all diligence, etc. to verse 10. There is your life insurance policy, and we want every man and every woman to lay hold of this insurance. And we want every one of us to be in that position that we shall appreciate what it means, the life insurance policy, by living on the plan of adding grace to grace.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 7

We want heaven; we can make no haphazard work. We must have that light that shineth into our hearts to reflect to the hearts of others.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 8

Now he says, verses 12-15. You see there is much importance attached to this matter, and I want you to study this especially because here is your life insurance policy, eternal life insurance policy, and that is what we are all seeking. If we lose heaven, we lose everything. We cannot afford to make any mistake in this matter. We want the truth, and we want it on every point.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 9

Verses 16-18-21. Now we want to study if possible that plan of addition. We will read the first verses again. Verses 1-3. Then there is the plan of addition that I have read to you. Now we want to be in a position that we are overcomers. No matter how much you have studied, no matter how much you think you know, unless you know enough to live upon the plan of addition, you need that education that is written right here in the Word, and then you need to follow it out. We do not want to go stumbling along in the path. We do not want to do that, and not know where our steps are leading us. We are to live upon the plan of addition, adding grace to grace, overcoming every day a readiness to speak impatiently. You have no right to speak a word impatiently even to your children, or to give them a shaking. It won’t shake the evil spirit out, but it will imbue them with the spirit that is not so easy for you to subdue. You want kindness, tenderness, and love; and that love wants to be carried out by every minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 10

There is to be no exaltation of minister above minister. We have had that. We have seen that tried, and we have seen it fail. What we want is to be in that kindness, that love, that tenderness, that Christ manifested toward us.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 11

We want life, we want eternal life in the kingdom of glory, everlasting life. Christ came to die for us. He left the royal courts. He clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might approach humanity and educate humanity to lay hold of His divinity, so that they might be partakers of the divine nature having overcome, what? The evil dispositions. The temptations that are in the world through lust.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 12

Some of us act just as though there was not any devil at all. As though there was not one seeking for the mastery with all his powers, and with all his being, as he looks forward to the time when the resurrection of the unjust shall come forth. Then he will rally his army. He hopes to gain the victory over the world at last. But we know better than that. We know that if there were but ten righteous men upon the earth, those ten would have a living connection with a living God.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 13

Christ gave evidence of His willingness to lay aside His royal crown, to lay off His royal robe, and to come to our world as a little child, and then to grow up from childhood. Angels of God guarded Him at every step of His childhood. Then when His reasoning powers began to work, angels of God were still ministering unto Him, and all through His life, even to the time of the suffering. Will He give Himself to death, will He do it? He did do it. And our life, eternal life, is to be made possible if we are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruptions that are in the world through lust.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 14

Satan with his lusts and with his wickedness is working on the right hand and on the left hand, and in every way possible, to shut off the light, that it shall not come to the people. But we want every minister of Jesus Christ, men or women, that are ministers of the gospel of Christ as teachers that are teaching in our sanitariums and in our colleges—we want every one of us to place ourselves in right relation to God. We want to understand there is a heaven to win and a hell to shun. We want to make continual earnest efforts that we may win that crown of life that is for every one who overcomes.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 15

O, you cannot afford to lose your gentleness. You cannot afford to become cross and rough and uncourteous. Ministers do that sometimes. God wants ministers of the gospel to manifest the greatest courtesy in the world. Why? Because they are living on the plan of addition. “Add to your faith virtue ... Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 5-11.]

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 16

Heaven is worth striving for, eternal life in the kingdom of glory. I remember when I stood, not exactly on these premises, but that I have stood in the large gatherings in South Lancaster, and in many places all around—large places—speaking to the people, and I remember when I see the young men—I have seen some of them since I have been on this journey, advanced in years very much—that were in these congregations. I would watch their countenances. Just as soon as I got through my discourse, while they were singing, I would make my way out to the one that I was sure realized what I was saying, and was touched by the Spirit of God. I would just entreat him to come right forward and seek the Lord. Well, I would have to urge sometimes, but we would get a large company before we got through, something as we did here. That is the way I used to do. I felt so intensely while they were in the valley of despair. I felt that if it was possible I would give my life if some persons I had looked upon would take their position for Christ, and most generally they did.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 17

We must act as though we were laborers together with God. The Lord Jesus has given us His Word. We are to present that Word, and then to try, with all the power that the Lord has given us, to wrench these men from Satan’s grasp, and these women, that he will lose his power over them. Christ has given His life, His precious life, that we might be partakers of the divine nature, and overcome the temptations that are in the world through lust.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 18

And why was He so sorrowful? He clothed His divinity with humanity that humanity might reach humanity, and there He worked in that humanity. But we want ministers to be just as earnest to work for humanity, for the salvation of souls. We do not want one to perish if any effort that we can make will bring them to the knowledge of the truth. We want heaven, and we want it on just the terms that it is given to us. Now I will read a few verses in the fifth chapter of 1st Peter:

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 19

Verse 1. “Glory that shall be revealed” to verse 4. Isn’t that enough? What greater assurance can you have? Verse 5. The more important your position, the more earnestly are you to represent Jesus Christ, the Author of our salvation. Verse 5. But how do you think I felt here yesterday when I saw that hearts were being moved, and all were interested to help them to take their position, and to come forward and present themselves for the prayers of God’s people, of those that were seeking the Lord. O, I prayed for you in the home that we have close by here.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 20

Verse 5. Not a single proud thought or action should come into the heart of any minister of Jesus Christ, but they should work interestedly. I believe that they worked thus yesterday, and that the salvation of souls will be the result.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 21

Verses 6, 7. Now you think of that. Don’t worry. Don’t fret. Don’t scold. It does not do a bit of good. But you just cast your care upon Him, and pray and believe. Verse 8. He is in this congregation today. He will try to instill these thoughts into your mind.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 22

Verses 9-11. Now, my brethren and my sisters, we have a grand work before us. It is to be laborers together with God. If ye are laborers together with Satan he will try to instill into minds those very things that He Christ would not have in their minds.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 23

Many are referring to the higher education, that our students must go to unbelievers to perfect their education. What a wonderful ignorance that is. There cannot be a greater ignorance. There cannot be a greater discount placed on the Word of the living God that to suppose that the higher education must be obtained, by what? Putting them under the influence of those that do not keep the commandments of God nor recognize those commandments. Now is that sensible? I am writing on the point, and I want to say the higher education is found in just such words as I have read to you today; that is higher education. “Add to your faith virtue ... Saviour Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:5-11.] Isn’t that the highest education? Add all the Scriptures that shall direct you to such an education as that—you do not need to tack them to men and women that recognize not the authority of God in His law.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 24

We are seeking for a home, for the golden gates of the city of God to be swung back upon their glittering hinges, and the nations that have kept the truth to enter in. Angels of God are watching every soul. Angels of God are upon your pathway, and you do not need to go from where you are receiving the correct instruction to place yourselves under those that will insinuate error and doubt in your minds and call it the higher education. God is insulted by any such reference.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 25

Now I want to say, Give yourselves up, as was established when the schools of the prophets were established place after place before Elijah ascended to heaven. He went all around to view the schools of the prophets. And there the Spirit of God would come upon these students, and they would prophesy. And that was just before Elijah was translated to heaven. O we want to see the leaders, we have to see and tell the people that we must depend on an education from those that have a true sense of what is true education, that is how to secure that life which measures with the life of God, that life which procures for them the eternal life policy. It is that that we want every one to have, eternal life by the obedience to God’s Word.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 26

And when the parents shall bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, they bring them, when the time shall come for them to take their position, they come to the gate of the city and it is swung back upon its glittering hinges and the nations that have kept the truth enter in, and don’t you think they will look upon their children with joy as they see them accepted?

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 27

O, your children, your children! Don’t expose them to a worldly education, that they cannot receive from the Word an acknowledgment of God’s commandments. Truth, we want truth in the inward parts. Truth that will live, truth that will increase in value day by day. We call upon all teachers, we call upon all our physicians, we call upon all our ministers, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, not to close that Book and say, Well, our children are not ready for the higher education, and introduce them right into the world where they do not acknowledge the higher education. What we want is to prepare our children for the courts of the Lord. What we want is that Christ should not have died for us in vain. What we want is to bring our children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. And if we have a disposition that is cross and rough, remember there is no entrance can be given to any soul unless they overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 28

We do not want to mislead a single mind, not a soul, and we do not want our physicians or ministers or any teachers in our schools to talk of a higher education than that which they can give if they read their Bible through, and see what prospect there is there of every one who appreciates the Word of the living God; we want to understand it. May the Lord let His Holy Spirit rest upon us here today. May the work that was begun yesterday continue all through this meeting. We are here for the saving of souls. Nothing else could have persuaded me to have come here at my age, nearly eighty-two years old. Since I was fifteen I have been teaching the Word in its simplicity in the little prayer meetings, and in different ways, until the ministers would send for me to come into congregations and give them that testimony, and I always went. And I would speak in their meetings.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 29

Now I am weak, to what I have been sometimes, but I thank God I can speak to you. And I want every one of you to just read your Bibles. Here is the educational book. You read very much of it, and you will see how God regards the higher education. It is in the Book. God help us that we may take hold of the educational interest in an altogether different bearing. We want our children associated with the heavenly interests in the heavenly sanctuary, and angels of God round about them. Angels of God are here today. Angels of God were here yesterday, moving upon the hearts. We know that. Now we want you to act just like living men and living women that have an interest in Jesus Christ, that you want to draw with all the power of your influence souls away from Satan’s ranks and place them where the heavenly angels will be their guardians, and will charge of them. We want every one of you to be Christians. We want to the King in His beauty.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 30

And now if there is one here today before me that wants to come to the Lord Jesus, that prefers to choose His society rather than the society of the world, I call upon you, as I did yesterday, to stand right up, and we will seek in every way possible to lead you to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. Whoever makes up their mind will have Jesus as their friend, as their Saviour, as their life, and salvation, for it is He that places the crown, the immortal crown, upon the brow of the overcomer. It is the hand that trembled at the thought of separation from His Father.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 31

And there was the cup that was placed in His hands of suffering—that because of sin separated Him for a time from His Father—that Christ looked upon, and He sweat great drops of blood, falling down and moistening the sod of Gethsemane. He pled, If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me. And then He said, Nevertheless, not My will, but Thine, O God, be done. It was here that that cup trembled in the hands of Christ. Should He drink it? Of all the suffering, separation from God was what He feared, taking the sins of the whole world upon Himself.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 32

But an angel comes, a strong angel comes, and that angel strengthens Him to pass through the ordeal, and there it was He took the burden of the world upon Him. And then, when the saints come to city, and the gates are thrown back upon their hinges, and the nations that have kept the truth shall enter in, every soul that will work on the right side will realize what it means to be saved by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.

24LtMs, Ms 118, 1909, par. 33

Now I leave my message with you, and I say, Press on. Whoever will stand upon their feet, whoever will take their position for Christ right here, we ask you that you would just stand upon your feet in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. That is my message.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 77, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 77, 1910, par. 4

Read slowly the whole of the first chapter of Second Peter and grasp by faith the precious truths given for our encouragement.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 25, 1911

Long Beach, California

August 16, 1911

Previously unpublished. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 1

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 2

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity; for if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore, the rather brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall.” [2 Peter 1:1-10.]

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 3

There is a responsibility resting upon every one of us—a responsibility to make our calling and election sure. And if we do these things, the promise is, “ye shall never fall. For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 4

“Wherefore,” the apostle continues, “I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.” [Verses 10-13.]

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 5

Again the apostle writes: “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you, in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming, for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” [2 Peter 3:1-4.] This class of people is spoken of as “willingly ignorant.” [Verse 5.] We do not want to be of that class; we need to understand the Word of the Lord and to follow on to know Him day by day. “Beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 6

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God.” [Verses 8-12.]

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 7

Day by day there is impressed upon my mind the great danger of our neglecting to improve our opportunities to gather the light from the Word of God and to follow out that light faithfully. There is always more light for us as we follow on to know the Lord. Especially is this true of the parents’ work in the home. They have a special responsibility. The fathers, though they are engaged in business most of the day, and are much away from home, should be careful to walk in the love and fear of God, that they may bring to their families the blessings which God gives to all who look to Him and trust in Him.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 8

Who are preparing to meet the Lord? Who among us are keeping the mind stayed upon Him, having their conversation of that character that it shall bring light and peace and comfort and blessing into the home? We need to be preparing for the wonderful review that is soon to take place. Fathers and mothers, deal with your children in such a way that they will have light and knowledge in regard to Christ, and in regard to what they must be and do in order to have an entrance into the kingdom of God.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 9

Every day we are to prepare for this by every day having an increased faith. Speak words that the children and youth will think of with pleasure when you are not with them. It is your privilege so to speak and act before your children, that wherever they are, at home, at school, or engaged in the work of the world, they will be helped and comforted and encouraged at the remembrance of your words and your prayers. But if you would do this, you must look continually to Him who is the author and finisher of your faith.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 10

Let us at this meeting keep the mind in a religious atmosphere. How can we do this, do you ask? You can study the life of the Saviour and the sacrifice He made when He came into this world and gave His life that He might make a way for you to be saved. Let us at this meeting accept the salvation of God. Let us come to Him with the simplicity of children. Let us bring our children with us, impressing upon their minds that now is the time and opportunity to be converted, to decide to love and serve God, and to do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 11

Fathers and mothers, be the educators of your children. Converse with them upon religious things. Teach them the Word of God. Cultivate a sweet disposition. Then there need be spoken no words of anger or scolding or fretting. If your children disobey you, take them alone and talk with them. Show them that they have grieved the Spirit of Christ. Tell them that whenever they give way to temper, the sweet Spirit of the Lord is not talking to their hearts. Teach them that Christ gave His life that they might learn to yield to His Spirit and come into union with God. Then whether they live or die, in the changing circumstances of life, or if called into the valley of the shadow of death, their love for Christ and His love for them will sustain them. Their hope will be steadfast and the confidence will be unshaken. Happy is that soul who in the hour of death finds his faith strong in the assurance of a glad resurrection, when, awaking at the voice of the Lifegiver, he shall see the Saviour as He is. My brethren and sisters, let us make Christ first and last, our hope for this life, and our blessed reality in the life to come.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 12

Do you want to take your children with you to the kingdom of God? Do you want them to stand uncondemned in the judgment, saved from their sins through faith in Christ? Then labor that they may be converted right in the home. Pray with them; teach them the requirements of the Word of God. This is the best thing you can do for them. It is far better than to try to please them by giving them their own way; for there will come a day when they cannot have their own way.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 13

Have your children put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness? Do they love God? If they do not, labor for them until they know by personal experience the joys of being children of God. Do not leave them to perish without the camp. Lead them to make their peace with God and to give their hearts to Him. This is your business, your chief business. Do not be satisfied with the prayers you offer for them at the family circle, but do personal, individual work for them until you are assured that they have made their peace with God, that His approval rests upon them, and that the light of heaven is revealed in their lives.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 14

These children and youth may attend the meetings, but that is not enough. You should know if these meetings are doing your children spiritual good. Learn from them if they understand what it means to humble their hearts before God and to have His peace in their hearts. Teach your children, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. Commend them to God. Then watch your own lives that you do not set an example that will undo the good that your instruction has accomplished.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 15

Do not speak of their faults before others, but deal with them kindly and considerately and in the spirit of Christ. If them have grieved you by wrongdoing, show them where they have erred. Bring them to God in the arms of your faith. Your work in the training of your children is just as important as that of the ordained minister. You need the light of heaven to come into your homes, into your hearts, that you may educate your children for the future immortal life. This is your chief business in this world. The Saviour revealed a wonderful love, a wonderful earnestness when He gave His life that we, sinful though we are, may be cleansed from all iniquity. He is the pattern to be followed by every Christian parent.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 16

You are to be educators. The minister cannot be at your side all the time to give you counsel regarding your work in the home. But you have the Word of the living God. Take that Word, and follow its teachings. “Add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” [2 Peter 1:5-8.] What more precious promise can you have, fathers and mothers? What greater encouragement? Perhaps you are quick tempered, and when your children trouble you, you begin to scold them. Do you think that will make them religious? No indeed. What you need is hearts that are softened by the working of the Holy Spirit, that you may know how to deal with your children under all circumstances in a way that will reveal the Spirit of Christ.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 17

We want to see a far-reaching work done at this camp-meeting. Are you, parents, doing all you should to help your children to form right decisions? are you encouraging them to give their hearts to God and to prepare for the grand review that must soon take place? None can enter the city of God who have not formed characters after the divine similitude. If you make excuse for your hasty speech because it is natural for you to be quick tempered, your children will make excuse for themselves when they give way to temper. They will feel if father and mother are not particular about this thing, neither need they be particular. Let parents take hold of the work of preparing for the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven. You know not how long you may be spared to do this work; therefore do not put it off. Jesus loves you. He gave His life for you that you might live your life for Him. Do not disappoint Him. Work in a simple way, pleading daily with God for power to make your work effectual. Seek to gather souls to God and to Christ.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 18

Keep ever before you the solemn event of the judgment. If there is found any sin upon you in that day, you cannot pass through the gates into the city of God. There is earnest work for you to do in this world where so much power is exercised to draw the mind from spiritual things. We need to consecrate ourselves unreservedly to God, experiencing daily the triumphs of the overcomer, that our children may understand what it means to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Those who are present at this camp-meeting have had a precious opportunity to hear the truth as it is in the Word. Will you return to your homes and forget all about these truths? Will you go on just as you did before this meeting, or will you here make a covenant with God by sacrifice? No matter what their age, bring your children to God, saying, I bring my children to Thee. Help me to live a consecrated life before them, that I may not grieve the heart of Christ or give an example that will influence my children for wrong.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 19

Jesus is coming soon, and Satan is putting forth every possible effort to make your children worldly and pleasure loving. He is glad when parents think there is no harm in these things. Parents, there is a great deal of harm. You are bought with a price, the price of the blood of the Son of God. Do not, I beseech of you, be careless. You have had opportunity here to hear the truth. Will you practice the truth? Will you teach it to your children? Will you seek to make impressions upon their minds that will lead them to give themselves to Christ? There is an immortal crown for every one to win who will let the spirit of obedience and self-denial for Christ’s sake control the life.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 20

The Son of God suffered the death of the cross that you might have eternal life. But there are conditions with which you must comply. The Saviour says, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.] “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [7:7.] Here is the Word of God; search its pages, for this is that which testifies of Him who declares, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.]

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 21

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby do we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him, ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 22

“Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment, which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness, even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” [1 John 2:1-11.]

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 23

The apostle John is careful to distinguish between children and parents. He writes: “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for His name’s sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. ... Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” [Verses 12-17.]

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 24

When Christ abides in the hearts of His people, there will be seen on their part an earnest desire to prepare for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for all who serve and honor Him in this world. Is this work taking place in this meeting? Is there a turning to the Lord with full purpose of heart? Are you encouraging one another to consecrate the heart and life to God? I greatly desire that the blessing of God shall come upon this congregation. O I long for this! A little longer, and this meeting will be closed. We ask you to take hold now of the work of seeking the Lord. How many have been doing this? How many will begin right now to do this? Let those in this congregation who will make a decided effort to follow on to know the Lord rise to your feet, thus making a pledge with God that you will advance heavenward. (Nearly all rise.) If you will set your hearts to do this work of pressing back the powers of darkness, and advancing toward the light, victories will be gained. Then when you come up to the gates of the city of God, you will be welcomed there. The crown of glory will be placed on your brow, the golden harp in your hand. You will be saved, eternally saved in the kingdom of God. My brethren and sisters, determine to make the effort, and may God help you is my prayer.

Peter’s Counsel to Parents

Introduction to 2 Peter 1

PCP 7.5

Sometimes nonbelieving friends interpret the Seventh-day Adventist emphasis on character development as legalism and a system of salvation by works. But Adventists have a realistic understanding of man’s grave limitations. Consequently, theiroptimism has not to do with their own ability to change and grow; it has to do with God’s ability to restore His creatures, which is so clearly documented in such passages as 2 Peter 1.

PCP 8.5

Previously unpublished material from the pen of Ellen White is always exciting to discover. Since many of the following selections have not been readily available to parents and teachers, the reader will be delighted to see new concepts and emphases given to basic problems in the areas of parenting and teaching. Such topics as discipline, home education, and instilling imaginative religious faith in children are dealt with in a way that provides practical, usable guidelines, as well as personal inspiration. Of course, no study of Christian growth would be comprehensive without The Acts Of The Apostles chapter on 2 Peter 1, which is reprinted here for the reader’s convenience.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 18, 1912

25LtMs, Lt 18, 1912, par. 2

I am greatly encouraged as I read over these chapters to find so much that will be of real help to our people. I bid you bear an uplifting testimony in our churches. Read to them the first chapter of Second Peter. Here is comfort and encouragement for all who have obtained like precious faith with us. If you will let these truths fill your own heart and mind, you will have strength to resist every temptation to look on the dark side of circumstances and to talk discouragement.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 54, 1911

25LtMs, Lt 54, 1911, par. 7

The enemy is ever working on human minds, seeking to lead men and women to follow his ways. My sister, walk humbly with God. Do not allow yourself to get into a questioning frame of mind. Study the first chapter of the Second Epistle of Peter, and carry its teachings into your religious experience. Live on the plan of addition, adding grace to grace. We are to take no backward steps, but to follow on to know the Lord, taking our advance steps always with rejoicing.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 48, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 48, 1910, par. 8

At Takoma Park there is gathered together a mixed company, some of whom do not understand the nature of the work that is to be carried forward in deeply spiritual lines. The Lord has spoken and called for a reformatory work to be done, but all hearts are not prepared to receive His messages. Let the fortieth and forty-second chapters of Isaiah be studied in connection. I am also bidden to call the attention of our people to a study of the book of Second Peter. There is need that the truths presented in these chapters be considered.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 23, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 23, 1910, par. 2

In the first chapter of 2 Peter there are many precious assurances, which, if often read and meditated upon, will prove a source of great comfort and constant encouragement to every follower of Christ. We read in the first verse that the chapter was written by “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

25LtMs, Ms 23, 1910, par. 6

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 2-11.]

25LtMs, Ms 23, 1910, par. 8

“Wherefore,” the apostle Peter continues, “I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” [Verse 12.] No matter how long we may have been traveling in the way of life eternal, we need often to recount the mercies of our heavenly Father toward us and gather hope and courage from the promises of His Word. Daily we are to remember that an eternal life insurance policy is offered to those who give diligence to do those things that will bring growth in grace and in a knowledge of the truth. Laying aside all manner of foolishness and unprofitable conversation, we are to seek to come into right relationship with God, that we may reveal the fruits of the Spirit.

25LtMs, Ms 23, 1910, par. 9

The apostle Peter realized the value of constant vigilance in the Christian life, and he felt impelled by the Holy Spirit to urge upon the believers the importance of exercising great carefulness in the daily life. “Yea, I think it meet,” he says, “as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me. Moreover I will endeavor that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.” [Verses 13-15.]

25LtMs, Ms 23, 1910, par. 15

“He that lacketh these things is blind.” [Verse 9.] Unless we are transformed in character, from grace to grace, we shall be unable to discern the needs of a dying world. May God help us to be reconverted and to realize our responsibilities in these times of well-nigh universal apostasy, when many know not that the time of their visitation is near. Aroused from our lethargy, the love of Christ will lead us to love every soul that has been purchased with His blood, and we shall try to save all whom we are able to reach.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 78, 1911

25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, par. 10

My brother and sister, study carefully the first chapter of First Peter. Those who follow the instruction of the Spirit of truth in willing obedience will gain spiritual strength. Then study the first chapter of Peter’s Second Epistle, and consider the work of constant advancement that is before the believer in Christ. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you,” the apostle declares, “through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, par. 12

“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:2-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 82, 1911

25LtMs, Lt 82, 1911, par. 6

You will be greatly blessed as you strive to meet the requirements of the Lord. I ask you to study the first chapter of Second Peter. These words are written to all the faithful in Christ Jesus, that they may be encouraged to strive earnestly for the promises. If we will fulfil the conditions laid down in this chapter, working on the plan of addition, adding grace to grace, God will work for us on the plan of multiplication.

25LtMs, Lt 82, 1911, par. 7

“If these things be in you, and abound,” the apostle writes, “they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged form his old sins. Wherefore ... give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 8-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 73, 1911

Oakland, California

July 8, 1911

Previously unpublished.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 1

2 Peter 1:1-8. How important it is that we understand the provisions.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 2

Verses 9-10. He repeats it over and over again. That is stated in a few words, the positiveness of our receiving and working out the principles of righteousness.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 3

Verses 11-12. There are things that are so essential that they are to be repeated over and over again because our salvation hinges upon our obedience to all these requirements of God.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 4

Verses 11-16. Do not feel offended if the straight truth is brought home to your heart and you think they mean you. Perhaps they do if you think so. Then take heed. Let us remember something. What is it? There is a heaven to win, and a hell to shun. We have taken hold of the Bible truth, and we are to follow that truth circumspectly. We are to follow on to know the Lord, that we may know that “His going forth is prepared as the morning.” [Hosea 6:3.]

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 5

[2 Peter 1] Verses 16-21. There is a good deal said in this, and what we want is that in every essential we comply with the words herein written.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 6

We have a heaven to win, and we shall win it by doing our duty faithfully here in this world day by day. To those who have the light of a knowledge of Jesus Christ we want to say, You are preparing just as long as you are looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith. And we want individually to have a knowledge of the Word of God. We want to be strong in the Mighty One. We want to gather the light of heaven into our souls, and not stop there because we are men and women. We want to be moved by the Spirit of God to communicate the very light and knowledge to our children that they may understand what it means to take hold of eternal realities, and we cannot afford to let the time pass unimproved. We cannot afford to let our children go hither and thither and anywhere as they please.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 7

We have a sacred solemn work before God, to be followed out in behalf of our children. This work we cannot neglect under any circumstances. The father and the mother are under obligation to God to take up this work intelligently, to educate and train their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. When the children do a wrong thing, it is not right to come upon them suddenly and strike them. I would not have dared to correct my children in that way. I would just sit down and talk it over with them, and tell them that they are God’s property and I wanted them to form characters for the future immortal life. You just throw your arms right about them, and say, Let us pray about it and ask God about it. When you bow down and start to pray, they will begin to weep and pray to God that He will forgive them.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 8

Many of us forget that a blow does not do any good. If the children are doing wrong, take them away alone, and pray with them, and then ask them to ask God’s forgiveness. You will find that such lessons are lasting. We want our children. They are God’s children, and shall we let then depart from righteousness and godliness right in our homes, right before us? You will find that such treatment will bring them to Christ sooner than all the beatings that you can give them. We want a knowledge of how to conduct and train our children for the future, immortal life, and we cannot afford to let the matter pass when the wickedness of the wicked is increasing continually.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 9

Educate, talk with your children, train your children. Fathers and mothers, this is your duty. You have brought these children into the world, and now we want you to so arrange matters that you can take them into the heavenly courts. You are to give them a knowledge in regard to Christ and salvation, and give them to understand that there is a heaven to win. Your children are not to be left because company has come to your home. You have a duty to do, and you are to do that duty intelligently and bring your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. If you do this, you will have your family to go with you, and I thank the Lord that we can have the privilege of doing this now. We may not always in the future have the privilege, for the works of the devil are growing stronger and stronger, and we want to stand in right relation to God.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 10

The duty of fathers and mothers is not to be neglected for any visitors who may come into your home. Let the light of heaven come through you to your children. Pray with them, talk with them, wrestle with God in their behalf, and if you weep over them it will not hurt you. It will give them a sense of how you regard their souls and their future life. If they accept, it will be one of the greatest victories that can ever be gained in your family, and will give evidence to those around you that you consider that their eternal interest is above everything else in the world.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 11

We want to labor for children as well as for parents. We want to see the children converted, and we shall see them converted. Now the work is to live on the plan of addition, just as it is given here. You are to follow out this very chapter, and you want to read it and take is as food, and as wisdom, and as righteousness and as truth in Jesus Christ, and if you do this, you will have your children with you, I certainly believe. We are all passing in review before God today, and the souls that shall be convicted of the truth and will take hold of the truth as it is written right in His Word can labor intelligently for outside parties. But do not in any way neglect your children’s interests.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 12

Do not go to any party of pleasure or to anything that will divert your minds from the interest that you should exercise in behalf of your children. Fathers and mothers, you have a most sacred responsibility to fit your children for the future immortal life. This is the reason that we appoint meetings like this. Let us every one of us open our hearts to the blessed Word of God. That is what we want, and we do not want to lose heaven. We do not want to go there and say, “Where are my children? They are not here.”

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 13

God will help every one of us if we will only do the best we know. We have no time to lose. We must improve the present opportunity to seek the Lord with all our heart and mind and soul, and here is a great opportunity. The Lord wants every one of us to come into right relation with Himself. I am so thankful that the Lord is helping me and strengthening me, after I thought that I was growing too old to stand before the public. But I do not dare to let loose. I can see some words that I can speak to one and another, and to the congregation.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 14

We want the truth on every point. We want it to practice by, and we want in every case to be patient, kind, and friendly in every way that we can. Do not sow tares but sow wheat, that it shall produce fruit, and we can have the fruit. We can labor with our neighbors. We can speak to them of the knowledge of God, and by doing this, light and truth will shine into our own hearts.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 15

We read, “But there were false prophets also among the people.” [2 Peter 2:1.] We have got to stand the ground, and we want our lives to be spotless, without a wrinkle or any such thing. We want to follow on to know the Lord, that we may know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. It is preparation we must have. We must understand that our own selves must be consecrated to God. The Lord is coming, and we must prepare for His coming. In the place of your visiting and doing no one any special good, go right out to your neighbors with the Bible in your hands, and try to teach them the truth as it is in Jesus. We must give an account for the light God has given us. He will let increased light shine upon us. We want a character that will stand the test of the judgment. We must not neglect our children for visitors. Tell them kindly that you must give your time to your children. You cannot give your time to mere chatting about clothes and bonnets and hats, etc. We want now to have the dress that shall be spotless, that will stand before the Son of God in His kingdom, without spot or wrinkle in our character. We want to bring Christ into our homes. When I see the children, it makes my heart ache, and I want to do something or say something for them. Children, Jesus wants you to give your lives to Him. He wants you to serve Him, and He will imprint His image upon your character if you will do this, but you cannot afford to be lax. You cannot afford in any way to go contrary to the light that your religious parents shall bring to you, in order to have your own way.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 16

God wants you, children. You are bought with a price, even the precious blood of the Son of God. Christ came into our world, and He suffered and was crucified in a most shameful manner, when Pilate said, “I find no fault in Him.” [John 19:4.] How do you think he will answer to God in the judgment for condemning the Son of the infinite God? The nails were driven through His hands and His feet, and His side was pierced through with a spear. What was all this for? It was because Satan was raging against God, and thus they treated the Son of God in His suffering.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 17

Will you let yourselves be intimidated in any way by reproach or anything that can come upon you? Will you cease to warn your neighbors? Will you receive the light that may come to you in this camp meeting, and will you seek in every way to win souls to Jesus Christ? There is a future before us, and we want the souls that are in this congregation to look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 18

If you lay hold by faith upon Jesus Christ to carry out these principles that are in the Word of God, just as surely will God give you strength and grace and power to follow on to know the Lord. He knows us. He knows our characters. He knows how to deal with us, and half of us do not know how to deal with ourselves intelligently. Now let us take right hold intelligently to serve God with all our hearts, remembering that Christ was crucified in a most cruel manner, notwithstanding Pilate declared, “I find no fault in Him,” yet he surrendered Him into the hands of murderers. [Verse 6.]

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 19

We want every one of us to come to an intelligent knowledge that we have not only our individual souls to save, but there are souls all around us that we can labor for. Notwithstanding my age, I am writing and putting into print the words of the Scriptures to appeal to those nigh and afar off. I am trying to do the best I can. Night after night I lie awake all night, pleading with God that He would work upon hearts. I have my workers at St. Helena putting out my books, while I am here making appeals to the people that they may see the necessity of giving their lives to carry through the very history that they ought to carry through as overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 20

Now how it is with us? How do we stand before God in righteousness? Are we overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony? Are parents helping their children to overcome? There is truth that is to be borne to the people. There is a grand review coming, and the reason that I wanted to speak to you here was to draw your attention to that grand review. There is a grand review coming when every case is to be decided. Have we washed our robes in the blood of the Lamb?

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 21

Have we lived, as is represented here, on the plan of addition, adding grace to grace, and receiving the intelligence that it is our privilege to receive, to act out the words of the Scriptures? God wants to put us to work. He wants us to turn our eyes away from the temptations and elements that are coming into every city, town, and village. We must stand against it. We must be in a position that we can educate our children away from the dangers and teach them to hide in Jesus Christ.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 22

We want to be made white in the blood of the Lamb. I can hardly represent this. It is set forth in the Word of God, and all through the Bible it is shown that we should follow on to know the Lord. I have no need to read it to you. It is right here in the Word. Here is this large company. Are they washing their robes and making them white in the blood of the Lamb? Are you doing it? May God rouse up every soul that is in this congregation that they will seek to help their children, their families, and their neighbors that are around them. There are neighbors that you are to labor for. Go right in and take your Bibles and read to them the promises of God and the inducements to follow on to know the Lord. Read them these, and then bow right down and pray with them, and you will find that you are doing Christ’s work.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 23

Now, we have a grand review before us, and we want to know how we shall stand in that day. It depends on how you stand today. If you will stand in righteousness, in truth, to witness to God’s truth today no matter what others may say about you, that does not make you what they think you are, whether righteous or unrighteous. We have a true and holy God. Are we preparing for the transfer to the city of God when the gates shall be swung back on their glittering hinges and nations that have kept the truth shall enter in? Bible truth is here. Have you studied it to see what evidence you have that you are keeping the Bible truth?

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 24

God wants us at every step. Our God cannot look upon any impurity of character at last. Today you have your opportunity, and if you fail when the judgment shall come and the books shall be opened, it will be because you did not improve your opportunity. At that day it will be revealed who has stood firmly to righteousness and truth and exalted God and tried in every way possible to win souls to the truth. What we want is heaven. What we need is that light that reflects upon us here to show us the way heavenward. And the Lord will take us and welcome us in. When we are once inside the city of God, once welcomed there, no tempting devil will come to us after that. Are you preparing for the grand review? Are you preparing to meet our Saviour who hung upon the cross to show you what truth is?

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 25

The only Son of the living God gave Himself for you, and now He wants you to bring in a character that is without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Will you begin to cast off the works of darkness? Will you make diligent work for repentance? Will you come to God just as you are? I am now in my 84th year, and yet God has strengthened me to take the Scriptures and bring them before the people, that they might understand more clearly. That is my work. Night after night I do not close my eyes in sleep, and in the day time I am preparing matter that is to go out in the books. I am just finishing the life of Paul. What preciousness there is in that life! If I can show some seed here today I should say Amen to that. I want heaven.

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 26

There is a pure God that is looking upon us, and He cannot bear impurity. He wants you to cleanse your souls from all filthiness of the spirit, that you may be pronounced fit to enter those golden gates and to have the crown of life placed upon your brow and have the golden harp placed in your hands. There are musicians there, and you strike up their notes that are borne to the glory and honor of Him who gave His life for the human family. Let us strive for that home. Once inside the gates there will be no tempting devil there. You want now to do you work for humanity. You want now to urge the people to come to Jesus. You want now to do something for Jesus. Just as I have read here, it is a precious work. I will not hold this large congregation longer. I will say, God help you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 164, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 164, 1910, par. 3

Take the first chapter of the First Epistle of Peter; read, and let every church member obey the Word in the letter and in the spirit, commencing this chapter with a full purpose to carry it out. If every man and woman seeking office would solemnly believe these words of Peter, would there not be a decided change in the words and in the spirit as you speak to others? Take the Word in your hand, every church member, read James and First Peter and Second Peter also, and bow your knees before our Lord Jesus Christ and intercede individually for the converting influence of the Holy Spirit to come to you. The first chapter of Second Peter, from the first verse of the chapter to the close, is especially for us as a people.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 45, 1911

Loma Linda, California

November 6, 1911

Portions of this manuscript are published in 7MR 22-27.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 1

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: grace and grace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 2

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity; for if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 3

“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.” [2 Peter 1:1-13.]

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 4

These words should mean a great deal to us; and we should study this chapter diligently, that we may learn to practice the virtues it presents before us. If we do these things, the apostle says, we “shall never fall.” [Verse 10.] It is of great consequence to us in our spiritual experience that we have the assurance that we are treading securely and walking understandingly in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 5

I wish this afternoon to address particularly the parents and children. These should understand that they have solemn obligations resting upon them—the most solemn that ever rested upon mortals. Let parents take up their work and labor intelligently for the salvation of their families.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 6

Fathers and mothers, we are verging upon the eternal world, and that which we should now most earnestly seek to understand is what we should do to inherit eternal life. If you will follow on to know the Lord, you will know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. We must prepare for the great crisis that is just before us. Will you not sense your responsibilities in regard to the education and training of your children in spiritual matters?

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 7

Here are the children. Your daughters are inclined, if they see a dress different from that which they have, to desire a dress similar to that. Or perhaps they want something else that they see others have, which you do not feel would be in accordance with your faith to grant them. Will you allow them to tease this thing out of you, letting them mold you instead of molding them according to the principles of the gospel? Our children are very precious in the sight of God. Let us teach them the Word of God and train them in His ways. It is your privilege to teach your children to live so that they will have the commendation of heaven.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 8

Are we preparing for heaven? We say we are; and we ought to be making ready for the future immortal life. We should be so conducting ourselves that we shall make right impressions upon those who are brought in contact with us. Let us not encourage our children to follow the fashions of the world; and if we will be faithful in giving them a right training, they will not do this. But if you let your children rule you, they will surely get away from the pure principles of the Word of God and will walk in the ways of the world. Let them see how much the Lord sacrificed in their behalf when He came to this world. There was everything to oppose His advance, yet He gave us a perfect example in every detail of life—just the example that we follow and teach our children to follow.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 9

Dress your children in simple and neat clothes, but do not let them have anything that they may suppose they want. They may ask for a dress that is cut low in the neck because it is the fashion to wear them so. Who has supposed such a fashion? It is not a right fashion, and we should not allow ourselves to consider it right. We should dress our children in such a way that they will learn to fashion their lives in simple, orderly lines. We are to be preparing for the grand review that is soon to take place, and our children must have a part in this work of preparation. We want the light, the pure light of heaven to shine into our hearts.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 10

All heaven is interested in our children, and parents grieve the Spirit of God when they fail to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Parents, be kind to your children, but be firm. Let them see that you mean all that you tell them. The fashions of the world often take a ridiculous form, and you must take a firm position against them. Our manner of dress as well as our deportment is to be a ministry, an education.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 11

Parents, you are responsible for the work of bringing up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. These children need instruction line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. You may feel annoyed sometimes because your children go contrary to what you have told them. But have you ever thought that many times you go contrary to what the Lord has commanded you to do, that you might prepare yourselves for His work and know His will as revealed in His Word? If you will follow on to know the Lord, you can make a splendid representation of Christ before the world.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 12

Never manifest passion when your children do wrong. When the mother gives her child a jerk or a blow, do you think it enables him to see the beauty of the Christian character? No indeed; it only tends to raise evil feelings in the heart, and the child is not corrected at all. We need to consider, as we endeavor to do our duty intelligently, that our children are to be brought into right relation to God, that they may have an entrance through the gates into the city of God and have right to all the advantages that heaven can give.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 13

We have but little time now. Let us prepare earnestly for the solemn scenes of the future. The Lord would have us work under the direction of His Word. It does not show any true love to let your children do as they please and to think that in doing so they are doing just right. Husband and wife should be united in the work of seeking to form in their children correct habits of speech and conduct. If they will draw constantly in Christ’s lines, the will of Christ will be rule in their lives, and they will see of the salvation of God in their homes. Let them invite the Spirit of God to act His part in training the children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. With this power to help in every time of need, they will obtain the victory.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 14

Has not God given you every evidence of His love? Did He not allow Jesus to come to this world as our pattern? Men could not endure the perfection of Christ’s character, and they took and crucified Him. There is a crucifixion that must go on in our lives, a constant dying to self and sin. We must walk circumspectly, that our lives may preach the gospel of Christ to those with whom we associate. If we will speak and walk circumspectly, the light of Christ will be revealed in our lives.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 15

I desired at the beginning of my talks to speak these words to you. I leave them with you to think about. Let us be faithful to the duties of the home life. Let your children understand that obedience must reign there. Teach them to distinguish between that which is sensible and that which is foolish in the matter of dress, and furnish them with clothes that are neat and simple. As a people who are preparing for the soon return of Christ, we should give to the world an example of modest dress in contrast with the prevailing fashion of the day. Talk these things over, and plan wisely what you will do, then carry out your plans in your families. Determine to be guided by higher principles than the notions and desires of your children.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 16

Parents need to come up on a higher platform. They have a sacred work to do in bringing their children into harmony with Christ. Parents, do not neglect this work. You need to move constantly in the counsel and fear of the Lord God of Israel. Talk with your children in regard to the lessons of the Word; pray with them. Seek for confession of heart from them. Show them which is the wrong and which is the right way and their need of yielding their wills to the will of God if they would be overcomers. I see many parents taking a course with their children that will shut them out of the kingdom of God. O that these might now repent, and seek to redeem the time, that God might help them to act their part.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 17

I did not expect to speak more than a few words to you this afternoon. I want you to have the light and blessing that the Lord desires to give you. Reach out for these blessings; seek for a fitness for eternal life, that others may see that you are coming into harmony with heaven. When the soul takes its position on the side of right, all heaven is filled with rejoicing and praise and thanksgiving. Shall we not take hold with Christ to do our best? Pray with your children. Impress their minds with the thought that Christ was given to our world, that we might love His beauty of character and seek to follow Him in every particular. If you will follow on to know the Lord, the blessing of God will rest upon you. We need to glorify God more than we do, to praise Him with uplifted soul. If we would study more faithfully the virtues of His character, we would desire to be more like Him. If in the minor points we would carry out the directions of the Lord, He will give us strength to follow Him in the large matters. We need to see the necessity of bringing the principles of the truth into every purpose and action of the life.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 18

There is a large work to be carried on in this locality. Consider how God has wrought to bring these buildings into our possession. We have made every possible effort to establish the work in this place; and there are but few who know of the real difficulties we have had to meet. Now we are in possession, and for this I thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 19

There are many here who will need to take their position directly contrary to the world’s customs and fashions. They may not want to do this, but this must make no difference. We are to have a large experience here in a little while, and everything should be brought into line with right principles. Here are men and women of capability. We want you to realize your capabilities and act your part in carrying out the purposes of God for this place. Here are men who are preparing to enter on high positions of truth; but they are not ready for these positions. They need to be reconverted and to let the blessing of God come into the life to transform the character. If those who come here to obtain an education will seek to help in every possible way, God will multiply blessings to them and, giving them His knowledge and His grace, will make them overcomers through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 78, 1910

Loma Linda, California

April 2, 1910

Previously unpublished.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 1

Thoughts on 2 Peter 1:1-15.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 2

Now the track is laid. We are to live upon the plan of addition. We are to add grace to grace. We have our work, and God will sustain every soul who will receive and cultivate the graces of the Holy Spirit of God in their hearts. Why, what a world we would have if this instruction were obeyed! Here is the life insurance policy, and in the day of the Lord, when the books are opened, you will realize, if you have followed on to know the Lord, that His going forth is prepared as the morning. It comes degree after degree, strength after strength, as we live on the plan of addition, until we are in a position that it is stated, “we shall never fall.” [Verse 10.]

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 3

We want to act as though we appreciated this life insurance policy. We want to carry it out every day in our daily practice in our homes and in our families. Let there be no scolding, no fretting, for that is not religion. But what we want is to add grace to grace, and then we want to expect that we will have the life insurance policy, that we shall have that life that measures with the life of God. It is wonderful, and it is in this chapter that the assurance is given us.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 4

“For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 11.]

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 5

We thank Thee, heavenly Father, that we can claim this promise today while mercy lingers, while the way is open that we may approach to God through our own earnest efforts and faith. We can add grace to grace, and light and power is promised unto us if we will follow on to know the Lord, that His going forth is prepared as the morning.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 6

“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavor that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.” [Verses 12-15.]

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 7

What does that mean? It means to every one of us here that there are angels on this ground. It means to every one of us that the impression of the Holy Spirit of God must come to the human heart, and if it comes to the human heart, we must accept it. We must have a heart that will understand these eternal life principles, and then we must work to the point every day.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 8

Fathers and mothers, you have no right to speak cross and fretful words in your homes, because you are educating, educating in the wrong direction. You must not do that.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 9

Here are young men before me. We want to meet these in the kingdom of glory. I have one son whom I laid in the grave when he was grown to manhood. He was a Christian, and a beautiful singer, and I expect to meet him again. The younger one was a baby only a few months old when we laid him in the grave. And then we had to lay the father in the grave. He was my faithful worker, who had stood beside me as we worked together. We went to many places to labor together. Night after night we have risen from our beds and pled with God for the congregation for whom we were laboring.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 10

We were both taken sick at the same time, because of the heavy rains that came when we were returning from a meeting. We did not understand that we were in danger. Just before his death I asked him if I should take our children and have them unite with me in the work, trying to fill his place, and thus continue in my labors. Three times he signified that I should.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 11

After his death some one asked me if I was not going to pray to have him raised up. No indeed, I said. The old soldier and I have talked these things over together, and we decided that if one should die before the other, the one remaining would try to carry on the work wherever called. I would not be so selfish as to have him stand by my side again, and again pass through death. Never, never! He has had a full life. We have worked together, we have prayed together, we have fought our battles together, and now write, Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord. I could not say all this just then, but I said it afterward. I wanted them to know that my work was not done. I have gone from East to West, and from North to South, with my son who travels with me. I know in whom I have believed. And I want to tell you that I love the Lord.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 12

I have had rather a weak time here because of the constant writing which has taxed my eyes and my brain so that I needed a rest, and I have had it. I have not spoken to you once. I have not been in any place where I have been so quiet and had such a time to rest as I have had here, and I thank the Lord for it.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 13

Now I want to call your attention to this Scripture:

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 14

Verses 12-19. He has full confidence that they will carry out the principles that he is presenting before them. He tells them that while he is with them, he will keep it before their minds, help their memories. Now, let every one of us have an appreciation of these promises. It is an immortal promise, if we will carry out the plan of addition. Shall we do it? Shall we add grace to grace? Shall we follow on to know the Lord? I am so thankful that we are not left in ignorance, but that we have the Word of the living God, and I am so thankful that it is my privilege to see many souls brought into the truth as we try to present the Word of God before them. We want heaven; we want eternal life, and we want to be in that position that we can lay hold on the Word of God as ours.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 15

Now here are your families, here are your children. It is no small item to bring up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. I have taken child after child that I saw was going to destruction. I took Brother Amadon when he was a little boy, driving on the tow path. He is alive today, and is one of our main pillars in Battle Creek, and he often speaks of the time when I took him away from his associates.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 16

Girls have come to me, saying, Sister White, Will you take me? Certainly, I said. I took them, and we worked together. One of them lies in the grave now, and there are several living whom I took and educated. I kept someone to educate them. I did not begrudge the money at all. My husband and I had to keep together while he was living, and I want to tell you that we have seen the grand workings of the Holy Spirit of God upon human hearts, and we want to be in that position that we can understand that the Lord has His Holy Spirit to help us, to strengthen us, to lead us, to guide us.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 17

In the twenty-first chapter of Revelation, we read of the beautiful new earth. Let us work for one another. Let us work determinedly to bring up the youth in a right manner. We want them to have the crown of life. We want the youth to be overcomers. Angels of God are assisting us in our schools as we seek to educate the girls and boys. They do not leave us to our own notions. The Holy spirit of God is to work with all our efforts. We want to see souls saved. Fathers and mothers, let us take hold of the work.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 18

I am glad that you have this beautiful place here. I am thankful for it. I was sure that it was the very place we should have, and we have it, and we will praise God for it. We desire that fathers and mothers shall be benefited by the Word of God which we shall bring before them in the name of the Lord, and especially upon health reform. We can give the health reform subject here very nicely because we have the right kind of helpers, and they will work and press the battle to the gates.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 19

We have a heaven to win, and a hell to shun, and it makes every difference with us whether we lay hold on the provision that has been made for us. How? Did it cost anything? It cost the life of the only begotten Son of God. He laid aside His royal robe and His kingly crown, He clothed His divinity with humanity, and you will see in the Old and in the New Testaments the workings of God so that this world need not perish in their sins. They may have a life that measures with the life of God if they will. I want to say that we are under God’s guardianship. It is He alone that can keep us from falling under the hellish powers of darkness. He is making impressions on human minds this very day, and He wants every one of us to humbly and meekly follow on to know the Lord. He wants us to pray.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 20

When we used to get into perplexity, my husband would say, We must get right up and pray about it. We must not lie here. How do we know what an influence will be exerted upon human minds? Here is a crisis, and let us pray that the Lord will give us the victory. And we would always have it. We could not sleep until we had evidence that our God was working in our behalf to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 21

We must use His promises as we live on the plan of addition. Lay hold of them, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Make the most of your opportunities, for God will help you if you will. He wants to help you and give you courage, and He wants you to understand there is a world to be saved. He wants you to act your part in going forth and doing your part.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 22

Every one of us has a part to act in connection with Jesus Christ, and believing that we shall have that grace and that strength, we shall come off victorious at last. I believe that we shall see the glory of God revealed in every community where we are. We are not to shut ourselves up to ourselves, but we are to take right hold, and we are to weave in the principles of righteousness and truth and justice and love. You thus take the ones that need help and that want you to help them, and give them health and strength, that they may form a character after the divine similitude, so that Christ shall not have died for them in vain.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 23

We want heaven, and we want all around us to be impressed with the Holy Spirit of God to seek that precious Saviour, full of mercy and love, never turning away a soul that comes to Him. There He was kneeling in prayer before His crucifixion; and He would get up to see if His disciples realized what He was passing through, and He found them asleep. Are we asleep? We that are entrusted with great capabilities for looking after souls, are we asleep? Every one of us has a responsibility to carry through the perfection of character, that no one shall fall under the temptation of Satan if you can help them. And we are each to live upon the plan of addition.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 24

My heavenly Father, I thank Thee and I praise Thy holy name that Thou hast presented us the Scriptures, and we will be obedient.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 25

I know in whom I have believed. I know that He has met me when it seemed an impossibility that I could stand upon my feet. But the moment that I stood up, I had the power of God come upon me, and I could carry my message to the people every time.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 26

Now I want you to prove the Lord, to work on the plan of addition, adding grace to grace, and then try to reach out for souls that do not know that truth, try to convince and help them and be a blessing to them, that they may not lose their chance to obtain the crown of life.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 27

But now here was our Saviour, as it were, dying on the field of battle, and His disciples [were] asleep. How I have felt when I have thought of these things! He staggered, with the bloody sweat coming from His pores, moistening the sod of Gethsemane; and there was the cup of sufferings presented to Him; and He went to see where His disciples were, and they were asleep. Are we asleep? He staggered back again, and began to pray for them, and here it was that the mysterious cup trembled in His hand. Should He drink of that cup, that cup of sufferings? “If it be possible,” He said, “let this cup pass from Me.” [Matthew 26:39.] A strong angel was sent from heaven to strengthen Him. What if He had let that cup of sufferings alone? We should have been lost. He drank that cup for us, and we want to understand it. We want to sense what He has suffered in our behalf. He did not draw back from any representation of sufferings.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 28

But here are the young. You are to form a character before these young people with whom you associate and come in contact.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 29

Christ took the cup and drank it, and then it was that Judas betrayed his Lord. They took Him, abused His person, put a crown of thorns upon His head; they pressed it into His sacred temples and caused Him all the suffering possible; then they drove the nails through His hands and feet. And while He was hanging there on the cross in company with two thieves, one of them repented, and said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” The Lord answered him, “Verily I say unto thee today, thou shalt be with Me in paradise.” [Luke 23:42, 43.] Today, while His hands were pierced with nails, today, while He was suffering on the cross and passing through death, He said, “Thou shalt be with Me in paradise,” because the thief acknowledged Him in His humiliation. He could accept the poor thief; He could pardon his sins.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 30

Let every one of us, for Christ’s sake come into that position that we will understand the sacrifice that has been made for us. There He died on the cross. There was an awful earthquake at His death. Mighty angels came from heaven and rolled back the stone from the door of sepulchre, and Christ came forth. He was raised from the dead, and He proclaimed over the rent sepulchre of Joseph, “I am the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.] Then He walked in the way, and He met two of His disciples and made Himself known to them before leaving them. Thank God, thank God, we have a risen Saviour!

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 31

I am so glad to tell it to you, that He can bring us all out of our afflictions. He can be with us in all our sadness and in all our grief, because He is a living Saviour, and He will give us strength and grace to endure all the sorrows and afflictions that we may have to bear. His glory will be revealed when the golden gates of the city of God are swung back upon their glittering hinges. At that time the mothers and fathers with their children who have been overcomers will enter in, the crown of life will be placed on their heads, and the harp placed in their hands. The victory is gained. Now this is just what we want to aim for. I want to say we have a living Saviour. What rejoicing there was in the heavenly courts when Christ rose from the dead!

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 32

Now I will say, God bless you. We have a heaven to win, and a hell to shun, and we can do it if we have that living faith that works by love and purifies the soul. I love Jesus. That is why I am trying to travel. I am in my eighty-third year, and I have been an invalid all my life, and yet God gives me strength to bear my message.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 33

Now, let the fathers and mothers bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, not scolding or fretting or beating them, but pray with them. And who do you think is with them when you pray? The angels of God are there. I have taken children who were just as stubborn as they could be, who have had their own way. The blessing of God would come upon us as we would pray together.

25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 34

There is a world to be saved, and what are we doing today for those places that have not heard the truth? God help us that we may do our duty in the name of the Lord.

Ministry to the Cities

Target Groups

MTC 107.1

Youth to Practice Virtues Described by the Apostle Peter.—If our youth would take heed to and practice the rules laid down in this chapter [2 Peter 1], what an influence they would exert on the side of righteousness, whether they were at Ann Arbor [i.e., in a state university], or in our institutions, or in any place of responsibility.—Letter 43, 1895 (Peter’s Counsel to Parents, 48).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 13, 1868

1LtMs, Ms 13, 1868, par. 9

Attended meeting in the forenoon. My husband spoke one hour. I followed; spoke a little over one hour. In the afternoon Brother [J. N.] Andrews spoke to the people. In the evening I spoke again one hour with freedom, upon the health question from 2 Peter, first chapter. In the forenoon I spoke from Mark: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,” etc. [Chapter 12:30.] The congregation was large. About three hundred were present. They listened with eager interest. It was the largest gathering which they have had in this place.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 8, 1873

2LtMs, Ms 8, 1873, par. 11

No rain yet. We went upon the ground early. Brother Butler was talking to the people. In the forenoon my husband talked quite profitably on the progress of the cause of present truth. He had considerable freedom. I spoke in the afternoon from 2 Peter. I had freedom in talking. After I had spoken one hour I invited those who wished to be Christians to come forward. Between thirty and forty came forward quietly without excitement and occupied the front seats. I spoke with them in regard to making an entire surrender to God. We had a praying season for those who came forward. We had a very precious season of prayer. Those who wished baptism were requested to signify it by rising. Quite a number arose. The candidates were then examined and afterward repaired to the water and Brother Butler buried twenty-five beneath the water. It was a very interesting occasion.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 51b, 1887

5LtMs, Lt 51b, 1887, par. 1

Yesterday was a good day for us all. The Lord was in our midst. I went to the meeting with much fear and trembling because of the congested state of my throat. The letter I wrote you caused me a sleepless night. But I went, praying; I knew the Lord would help me. There was a large congregation for this place, and I had great freedom in speaking from Second Peter one. Many were deeply stirred. When I gave opportunity to come forward, nearly the entire congregation responded. Some took a decided stand for the first time.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 46, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 46, 1890, par. 10

Brooklyn, N.Y., Sunday, November 16. I spoke to the people with much freedom from 2 Peter 1, first 8 verses.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 53, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 48

Spoke in the hall to the church in Washington. The hall was well filled and I had much freedom in speaking from (2 Peter 1), showing the necessity of practical godliness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 37, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 23

Sabbath. This morning I spoke to our people from the first chapter of second Peter. The Lord blessed me in speaking, and the Spirit of God was impressing hearts during the services.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 21, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 21, 1892, par. 19

Sabbath. This morning I spoke to our people from the first chapter of second Peter. The Lord blessed me in speaking, and the Spirit of God was impressing hearts during the service.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 88, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 88, 1893, par. 10

God has given me a special part to act in His cause, and He will give me all needed grace to do this work, speaking plainly yet having the gentleness of Christ. Many are weak because they do not grow up in faith in Jesus their living Head. They are full of frailties and infirmities of religious experience. Oh, that they would be able to comprehend that they may become apt scholars in the school of Christ by living on the plan of addition. 2 Peter chapter 1.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 78, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 66

There are but six in Hastings keeping the Sabbath, and there were about thirteen that accompanied us from Napier, so most of the number present were those not of our faith. I spoke from 2 Peter 1:11. I was standing upon the floor speaking when the request was made that the table be placed on the platform and I stand where the people could see me. Then I had to file out and climb about eight steps (which I can do now without inconvenience), and come round in the back way and reach the platform, while the table was hoisted up on the platform. The people gave the best of attention.

8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 68

These things, linked with 2 Peter, made a deep impression on minds, and the young men told Sister Caro that they never heard the subject of temperance presented so before and it meant far more to them since hearing Mrs. White than ever before. “There is reason in her remarks. She appeals to our reason and makes us feel that we must give attention to these things.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 87, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 87, 1893, par. 25

Sabbath the meeting was held where it had been, and the little chapel was full. The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking. My remarks were from 2 Peter 1. The whole chapter is excellent to be presented, full of light and power.

Peter’s Counsel to Parents

Preview

PCP 15.1

Have you ever wondered how Peter chose the eight Christian characteristics listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7? It’s interesting to note the apostle Paul’s influence (see Galatians 5:22, 23) in Peter’s list: steadfastness, self-control, knowledge. Notice 2 Peter 3:14-16. There is a lesson here for us. Peter, who had once been openly critical of Paul, was now his friend and admirer.

PCP 22.1

Commenting on Peter’s ladder of Christian virtues (2 Peter 1:5-7), Ellen White says, “in the Christian life we are to work upon the plan of addition. If we are faithful in working on this plan, God works for us on the plan of multiplication.” (Italics supplied.) Here God’s prophet is reflecting heaven’s optimism about the potential for change and growth in human beings. God stands ready to do his part, but “God is watching intently to see what kind of timbers parents and children put into their character building.”

PCP 22.3

Second Peter 1 summarizes the educational philosophy of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Adventists define education as a process of preparing for service in heaven, as well as for service in this present world. It is interesting to note that the philosophy of discipline, the ideas on the punishment of children, reveal one’sfitness for heaven. In this reading Ellen White develops a related point: The role facial expressions play in educating and disciplining children.

PCP 45.2

Young people are constantly urged to follow the advice given in 2 Peter 1. But many rebel. Why? Because without a positive concept of God and what he wishes to do for them, children relate to their church and to God out of fear or shear duty rather than admiration. Religion becomes oppressive, and it is eventually rejected.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 83, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 83, 1893, par. 5

On Tuesday, May 2, I spoke in the large hall at Petone, at 7:30 in the evening. About noon eight of us left here in a hired conveyance. We had a most beautiful day, and we drove to Brother and Sister Simpson’s of Petone where we opened our lunch baskets, and we had a social meal. There were twelve of us with Brother and Sister Simpson and their two children. After dinner most of the party visited the large woolen factory in Petone. I did not go, for I knew that the taxation of speaking and riding to Wellington, seven miles, after nine o’clock, would be all I could safely endure. We had a good congregation of intelligent people. I spoke upon [the] first chapter of Second Peter. The Lord gave me much freedom and His Holy Spirit, and the people listened as if spellbound. Great prejudice has been existing in this place. Brother Simpson was here today, and he said that the congregation was larger than our people have had at any time. He considered much prejudice was removed.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 13, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 13, 1894, par. 20

We are acting upon the plan of multiplication as brought to view in the first chapter of Second Peter, and he tells us to work upon the plan of addition. As you work upon that plan, God applies His grace and you have grace and light and it molds and fashions your heart. “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity.” [Verses 5-7.] Not tied on the outside. If they be in you and abide, they make you that ye shall not be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. “And this is eternal life that ye know God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent.” [John 17:3.] To know Him is to represent His character. You have grace and you gather more grace so that your talents and influence are constantly increasing.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 80, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 80, 1894, par. 5

This afternoon I spoke to a well-filled tent of believers from our churches. Many unbelievers were present. My text was 2 Peter 1. The Lord gave me His Holy Spirit with which to address the people with earnestness, and to present Jesus Christ as our only hope and entire dependence. We must come to Him with all our little trials and large perplexities, and tell it all to Jesus, believing that He will be our Helper and our Strength, our sympathizing Friend. He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. ...

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 41, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 38

This afternoon I spoke to a well filled tent of believers from our churches. Many unbelievers were present. My text was 2 Peter 1. The Lord gave me His Holy Spirit with which to address the people with earnestness, and to present Jesus Christ as our only hope and entire dependence. We must come to Him with all our little trials and large perplexities, and tell it all to Jesus, believing that He will be our helper and our strength, our sympathizing Friend. He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 49, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 1

Second epistle of Peter, first chapter, and commencing at the first verse. “Simon Peter, a servant, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these”—bear in mind what the privilege is, exceeding great and precious promises—“that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 2

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things,” does not work on the plan of addition, “is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” [Verses 1-9.]

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 3

Now here is the life policy that God has given to us brought to view in the next verse. “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 10, 11.] Here is our life assurance policy. Here we have the directions laid down how we shall secure the life that measures with the life of God.

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 5

The religion of Jesus Christ makes us better men and better women. It takes right hold of our youth and transforms them in character. Christ came to our world to reshape the deformed character of man. It was a very crooked character. God wants us to be His sons and His daughters. He wants us during the hours of probation here to be fitting up with all these graces that He has presented, “according as His divine power hath given unto us all things.” [Verse 3.] Nothing is withheld that pertains unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue. Then the rich promise is that we shall be partakers of the divine nature. Why this means everything to us, to be a partaker of the divine nature.

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 20

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” [2 Peter 1:2.] As you work on the plan of addition, as you are constantly adding, grace is given you for grace. As you gather one grace to overcome, why the way is prepared for additional grace, there is still additional. You are constantly to add, add. Not that you are to take one grace and leave all the rest, but in bringing one grace into your soul you are imparting that to another, and thus you take the graces of the Spirit of God, and you have them all, and you have them to trade upon. You impart it to another. You work in Christ’s lines, and therefore it is to gather all the knowledge of Jesus Christ and of the Father that you can possibly gather to you. It is not to sit down in your parlor, not to feel pleased, to just play on your instrument of music, or to have some very light employment.

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 27

I am so thankful for Jesus. Oh, I feel so thankful wherever I am, on the water, on the land, that Jesus is my Saviour. There is no caste with God, whatever the color, whatever the nationality, however weak we may be, rich or poor, one God is our Father, and we can come to Him, and ask for the things that we need. Now, here is the word before us. “According as his divine power.” [2 Peter 1:3.] We have no strength, we have nothing of ourselves, we are utter weakness, we cannot make one step toward God unless His grace is working upon human hearts and drawing us. Just as soon as we make the first step toward His mercy and grace, He advances toward us, He advances with His pardon and grace. He taketh away the sins of the world, and imputeth to us His righteousness. Now we may think, “I did not feel just as I wanted to.”

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 39

And besides this you are to become a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped—how do you escape? Why, by taking right hold of divine power as Christ took hold of it. Overcome as He overcame. The only way for Him to overcome in the wilderness of temptation was to present the Bible. “It is written; it is written; it is written,” He said to the enemy, and the enemy could have no power over Him. We may present it to the devil when he comes to us and tells us his story. And as you are partakers of the divine nature, it works out everything, the corruption in your nature; and you will be changed into the likeness of Christ as you talk of Him, as you behold Him, and as you follow on to know the Lord. “And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.” [2 Peter 1:5.]

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 40

What is faith good for unless it works by love, and purifies the soul? “And to knowledge temperance.” You cannot go to the bar and spend God’s money tippling; you cannot spend it on tobacco. It is God’s money, it is to be put into His treasury instead of your mouth to take away the vitality of your system, and to cobweb your brain so you cannot discern spiritual and eternal things. He wants you to add temperance, that is another grace that you are to have. “And to temperance patience.” [Verse 6.] An intemperate man never can be a patient man. Temperance comes first, and then patience.

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 41

“And to patience godliness.” [Verse 6.] Why, that is you are like the character of God; you are forming a character after God’s pattern. “And to godliness brotherly kindness.” We have little enough of it, very little of it. “And to brotherly kindness, charity”—love. [Verse 7.] Now we are to work right on these principles. God grant that those that are within the hearing of my voice today shall begin to climb the ladder. The base of it is resting upon the earth, and the topmost round reaches to the highest heaven, and God stands above it, and the glory of God in its brightest rays is shed upon every round of this mystic ladder. That ladder is Christ Jesus. That is the connecting link that has connected this earth that was divorced from heaven, which has bridged the gulf and connected earth with heaven again. And here we are to climb round after round of this mystic ladder, and the glory of God is shed upon that ladder.

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 42

Here are the graces of the Spirit that come to every one that is clinging to Christ. Hold fast to Christ; never let go of Christ. Look upward constantly, look heavenward, and you will step off, “for so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 8.] Here is your life policy. Have you got it? Have every one of you taken the life policy? It is an abundant entrance into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. If [you] practice these virtues, [you] shall never fall. Why that is an insurance; there is the election of God on the condition of practice, and there is no other election in the Bible. Election is within our reach. “If ye do these things ye shall never fall.” [Verse 10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 59, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 59, 1895, par. 5

The next day was filled with preparing for the marriage and packing for our journey to Launceston. I was very glad when all the bustle was ended, and we were seated in the cars enroute for Launceston. On Sabbath I spoke to the little company in Launceston who have turned their feet into the royal path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. I had much freedom in speaking from the first chapter of Second Peter. As the result of the labors of Brethren Baker and Teasdale, seventeen are keeping the Sabbath in this place. These persons with their children numbered about forty. Brother Colcord, who left for Melbourne sooner than we did, spoke twice to this small company. Brother Corliss also spoke once or twice, then W. C. White and myself spoke on Sabbath and Sunday to those who attended the meeting. The people gave good testimonies. On Sunday we had a larger room, and a little larger audience. I had great freedom in speaking on the love of God for the human family, and apparently all listened with deep interest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 56, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 56, 1895, par. 2

The Word of God is sure. I had asked, and I believed that I would be enabled to speak to the people. I selected a portion of scripture; but when I rose to speak, it was taken from my mind, and I felt impressed to speak from the first chapter of Second Peter. The Lord gave me special freedom in presenting the value of the grace of God. How much is His grace to be appreciated! The apostle says, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us unto glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verses 2-4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 120, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 120, 1895, par. 11

I am expected to speak on Sabbath and Sunday afternoon to the church at Williamstown, then Monday or Tuesday we return to Sydney on the cars, and this trip is ended. We rode all night in the first class carriage to Launceston. Friday we hired a conveyance and rode out to obtain some idea of Launceston. Brethren Rousseau and Teasdale have been holding tent meetings for several months. About seventeen have decided to obey the commandments of God. I had much freedom in speaking from 2 Peter, chapter 1.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 43, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 43, 1895, par. 14

The first chapter of second Peter is full of instruction, and strikes the keynote of victory. The truth is impressively forced upon the mind by the way it is presented in this chapter. Let us more abundantly recommend the study of these words, and the practicing of these precepts. The apostle writes, “To them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and Jesus Christ our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who hath called us to glory and virtue.” [Verses 1-3.] What a grand theme this is for contemplation—the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Contemplating Christ and His righteousness leaves no room for self-righteousness, for the glorifying of self. In this chapter there is no stand still. There is continual advancement in every stage of the knowledge of Christ.

10LtMs, Lt 43, 1895, par. 17

Peter continues, saying, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:4.] We have been called to the knowledge of Christ, and that is to the knowledge of glory and virtue. It is a knowledge of the perfection of the divine character, manifested to us in Jesus Christ that opens up to us communion with God. It is by <appropriating> the great and precious promises that we are to become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

10LtMs, Lt 43, 1895, par. 20

What privileges and blessings are granted to those who have obtained like precious faith with the disciples of Christ. Nothing is withheld from them. The apostle says, “His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us unto glory and virtue.” [2 Peter 1:3.] The standard is lifted up, and yet we are to reach it individually. We may attain unto glory and virtue, though weak, sinful mortals, by learning daily lessons in the school of Christ, by becoming conformed to the divine image, by manifesting his excellency of character, by adding grace to grace, by climbing round by round the ladder heavenward, by becoming complete in the Beloved. As we shall work upon the plan of addition, by faith adding grace to grace, God will work upon the plan of multiplication, and multiply <His> grace and peace unto us. We are to be diligent students in the school of Christ, having a knowledge of His will, and becoming active laborers in His vineyard.

10LtMs, Lt 43, 1895, par. 21

The apostle describes to us the plan on which we are to work. He says, “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” [Verses 5-12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 77, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 1

Sabbath, November 8, I spoke on the camp ground from 2 Peter 1. The Lord strengthened me by His grace to present the importance of living upon the plan of addition, cultivating the graces of the Holy Spirit, that the Lord Jesus may work for us upon the plan of multiplication. The apostle writes: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verses 2-4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 1, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 1, 1895, par. 34

I spoke today to a well-filled tent. Many unbelievers were present. I dwelt upon 2 Peter, first chapter. The Lord gave me His Holy Spirit and I addressed the people with earnestness, presenting the fact that Christ is our only hope and sole dependence. We are to come to Him with our little trials and large perplexities and tell them all to Jesus, believing that He will be our helper, our strength, our sympathizing Friend, for He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. In the Lord Jehovah is our strength.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 59a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 59a, 1895, par. 5

The preparation of the marriage, mingled with the packing, made a very busy day, but every thing passed off smoothly, and I must say I was glad when it was all ended, and we were quarter before nine seated in the cars for Launceston. I spoke on Sabbath at 11 a.m. to the little flock who have turned their feet into the royal path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. My discourse was [from] 2 Peter 1. I had much freedom in speaking. There are, I think, seventeen that are keeping the Sabbath in this place as the result of labor there. There were about forty assembled, children and all. Brother Colcord left first, and he spoke twice to those who came out to hear—which was but very few. Next Brother Corliss tarried here, and spoke once or twice. Then our party spent Sabbath and Sunday speaking to those who attended. We had a precious season. Good testimonies were borne. Sunday we had a larger room, and there were more out, and I had great freedom speaking from (1 John 3), the love of God to the human family. The Lord blessed me with freedom, and all [apparently] listened with deepest interest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 25a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 25a, 1895, par. 9

(2 Peter 1) is a precious chapter. “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Verses 1-4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 19, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 19, 1896, par. 1

On our trip to Tasmania about a year ago, I spoke on one Sabbath in Launceston to the little flock who have turned their feet into the royal path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. My discourse was taken from 2 Peter 1. I had much freedom in speaking. There are, I think, seventeen who are keeping the Sabbath in this place as the result of the labors of Brethren Baker and Teasdale. There were about forty assembled, including children. We had a precious season together, many testimonies being borne to love of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 75, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 75, 1897, par. 14

The remedy for all such is found in the first chapter of Second Peter. There the Apostle says, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things by in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verses 2-8.] By living upon the plan of addition every day, living the character of Christ, adding to our spiritual strength by spiritual watchfulness, we become partakers of the divine nature, overcoming the pollutions of the world through lust.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 75a, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 75a, 1897, par. 14

To yoke up with Christ is to come out from the world and be separate. The remedy for all such is found in the first chapter of second Peter: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verses 2-4.] Please read this entire chapter.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 176, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 176, 1897, par. 57

I spoke to the people assembled from 2 Peter 1. The Lord blessed me while speaking. The meeting room was full. The presence of the Lord was in our assembly, although the seats were not comfortable and the atmosphere was not the best. Yet it was the best we could do, so we tried to brace ourselves to endure that which could not be avoided. The testimony meeting was good. Many youth bore testimony. The two from whom we had experienced the most trouble testified. The Lord had put a new song into their mouths, even praise to His name. They said the past week had been the best week they had ever had in their lives, and they meant all that they said.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 97, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 97, 1897, par. 10

Last Sabbath we assembled in the chamber above the school dining room. There are six windows on each side of this room, and although they were all open, the iron roof above our heads made the atmosphere very oppressive. I felt that I had a decided testimony to bear. The Spirit of the Lord came upon me as I spoke from the first chapter of Second Peter. I gave my testimony, and the Spirit of the Lord came into our midst. The testimony meeting was excellent. Two, yes three, of the students who had caused us much anxiety bore good testimonies. They also spoke last Sabbath, when I addressed the people on [the] <subject,> There is a right side and a wrong side. Which side will you be on? Last Sabbath many more <bore> clear and decided testimony that they had chosen the right side, the side of God and Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 163, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 163, 1898, par. 16

We read in (2 Peter 1), that you are to be divine partakers of Jesus Christ, and there is not one of the very simplest in the institution but that [he] can take hold of the divine nature through the knowledge of Jesus Christ who gave His life to buy us. Then we must consider we are bought with a price—even the precious blood of the Son of God. God is not going to let us drift this way and that way with Satan’s temptations, but if you will stand in Christ and if you will be determined that you will make of yourself all that God intended you should make, you can become as precious in the sight of God as Daniel was—beloved of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 4a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 4a, 1898, par. 1

Sunday, May 18, 1895, with Elder Corliss, Sister Corliss, W. C. White, and May White, I attended a meeting of our people at Williamstown. We found a goodly number assembled in the hall. I spoke to them from the first chapter of First Peter, connecting with it the first chapter of Second Peter.

Peter’s Counsel to Parents

Article (Introduced by statement from a letter)

PCP 51.2

The entire chapter [2 Peter 1] contains most instructive lessons in regard to the transformation of our character after the likeness of the character of Christ. The whole structure of the human character is to be rebuilt: we are to be created anew in Christ Jesus. The Scripture says, “The Lord created a new thing in the earth.” What was this? Lost man was to be recovered, sin was to be pardoned, the sinner saved, transformed in character, to become a co-worker with God.... All heaven was to be laid open, to supply fallen man with every spiritual blessing that he might perfect a character after the divine similitude.—Letter 77, 1895.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 8, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 8, 1898, par. 18

Sunday afternoon I spoke again to the people in the tent. The Lord gave me a decided testimony to bear in reference to acting upon the light and evidence received. The Lord would have the service of the whole mind and heart. Every capability is called for. I spoke from 2 Peter 1. The services were concluded by a special effort. There were many souls came forward for prayers and we united in earnest entreaty for the Lord to reveal himself to them in his own way. This movement made a break and the impression made was excellent. Some who had been long upon the point of decision took their position to keep the Sabbath. This was an advance movement and decided victory was gained. We then felt how necessary [it is] for us to commence at once to build.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 90, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 90, 1899, par. 11

Every intelligent being may improve in capability, in virtue, and knowledge, by living on the plan of addition as presented in the first chapter of Second Peter. There is work for you in the Master’s vineyard to which you are better adapted than to that of a business manager. To every man is given his work. The varied talents are proportionate to our varied capabilities. God is the Giver of these talents, and He bestows them according to our known powers, hereditary and cultivated, and He expects corresponding returns. Some have been educated and trained so that they are better fitted to use their talents in certain parts of their Lord’s vineyard than in other parts: but God’s family of workers, from the lowliest and most obscure who can work in humble lines, to the highest and most capable, who can do the most responsible work in the church, all have talents to be employed.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 20, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 20, 1899, par. 7

The material for the building is plainly specified in the first chapter of Second Peter. Man is to work constantly on the plan of addition, and God works on the plan of multiplication. Thus man grows in spirituality, in experience, until he presents to the world, to angels, and to men, such a perfection of character that in the heavenly courts the words are spoken, “Ye are complete in him.” [Colossians 2:10.] God has originated and proclaimed the principles on which both divine and human agencies are to combine in all spiritual achievements as well as temporal matters. They are to be linked together in all human pursuits, in mechanical and agricultural labors, in mercantile and scientific enterprises.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 52, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 52, 1899, par. 11

You are on trial for your life, the life of your soul. Have you lost eternity out of your reckoning? Your mental and physical strength was given you that you might act as a co-laborer with Jesus Christ. Have you surrendered your soul to His keeping, your life to His ordering? Are you doing those things that are pleasing in His sight? If so, you need not lie awake one moment in regard to your life insurance policy. The first chapter of Second Peter tells you all about this matter. Read the entire chapter. Here is a ladder of eight rounds for you to climb, and while you are ascending round after round, you are working on the plan of addition, and God is working on the plan of multiplication.

14LtMs, Lt 52, 1899, par. 12

“If these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hast forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things (add grace to grace), ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verses 8-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 16, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 16, 1899, par. 6

“The end of all things is at hand. Be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” [1 Peter 4:7, 10.] Here is your work, Daniel. God calls you to this work. Bring to God yourself and the talent of means which He has permitted you to control, that He might prove you, to see whether you will be a faithful steward of His property. Please read the first chapter of Second Peter. This chapter is written for the instruction and enlightenment and special help of all who desire a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 23, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 23, 1899, par. 7

On Sunday afternoon the tent was full of interested, intelligent people. I had much freedom in speaking to them from the first chapter of Second Peter. Many listened with tears in their eyes, and we hope and pray and believe that as the result of the camp meeting, and the labor which is being continued by house to house work, that many more souls will come to the light and let their light shine forth to others.