EGW WritingsExodus 14
Ellen G. White
Read Exodus 14 in the BibleExodus 14:8
Christ Triumphant
Results of Hardening the Heart Against God, April 6
CTr 103.1
And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel. Exodus 14:8.Exodus 14:11
Christ Triumphant
God’s Protective Cloud in the Desert, April 7
CTr 104.1
Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us? Exodus 14:11.Exodus 14:11-15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 36, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 36, 1885, par. 12
When in their flight from Egypt the Israelites came to the Red Sea and learned that the Egyptians were following in their track, it seemed to them as if they had been brought out there to perish. Although the Lord had wrought so wondrously in their behalf, they had not the faith they should have had. They were in a position of great peril—the Red Sea before them and the impassable mountains shutting them in on either side—and they murmured against Moses, saying, “Why did you not leave us in Egypt?” [Exodus 14:11, 12.]4LtMs, Ms 36, 1885, par. 13
But Moses had learned his lesson. The waywardness of the children of Israel often tempted him to become stirred, but at such times we find him pleading with God to work for them. In this emergency he could not go away and kneel down to pray. He looked in faith to the invisible Leader, and his cry came into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. The command was given by God, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.” [Verse 15.]Exodus 14:11-24
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 6a, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 6a, 1903, par. 12
As the people were encamped beside the sea, they saw in the distance the flashing armor and moving chariots of Pharaoh’s host. Terror filled their hearts. Some cried unto the Lord, but by far the greater part hastened to Moses with their complaints. “Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? Wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is it not the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.” [Exodus 14:11, 12.]18LtMs, Ms 6a, 1903, par. 13
Moses was greatly troubled that his people should manifest so little faith in God, notwithstanding they had repeatedly witnessed the manifestation of His power in their behalf. How could they charge upon him the dangers and difficulties of their situation, when he had followed the express command of God? True, there was no possibility of deliverance unless God Himself should interpose for their release; but having been brought into this position in obedience to the divine direction, Moses felt no fear of the consequences. His calm and assuring reply to the people was, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show you today; for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” [Verses 13, 14.]18LtMs, Ms 6a, 1903, par. 16
Hope returned to the hearts of Israel. And Moses lifted up his voice unto the Lord. “And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto Me? Speak thou unto the children of Israel that they go forward. But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it, and the children of Israel shall go on dry land though the midst of the waters.” [Verses 15, 16.]18LtMs, Ms 6a, 1903, par. 20
“And it came to pass that in the morning watch the Lord looked upon the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire, and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians.” [Verse 24.] Before their astonished eyes the mysterious cloud charged to a pillar of fire reaching from earth to heaven. The thunders pealed, and the lightnings flashed. “The clouds poured out water; the skies sent out a sound; Thine arrows also went abroad. The voice of Thy thunder was in the whirlwind; the lightning lightened the world; the earth trembled and shook.” [Psalm 77:17, 18.]Exodus 14:14
Jesus, Name Above All Names
Captain of the Lord’s Host, January 22
JNN 29.1
“The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”—Exodus 14:14Exodus 14:15
God’s Amazing Grace
Marching Orders, January 30
AG 38.1
Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward. Exodus 14:15.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 26, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 26, 1885, par. 41
As I looked at this building, very large and roomy, constructed with logs and shingled upon the outside with tile-like shingles, I thought of the worshipers. They had been standing in positions generations back without making any advance. Old arbitrary laws made long ago, the most cruel and heartless, they had not life or light enough to change. They were retaining barbaric practices in their laws, not discerning the unreasonableness of their proceedings in this enlightened age. God had said to His people, “Go forward” [Exodus 14:15]; but this old State Church said, “No, I will stand still; I will do as my fathers have done before me.” If they had only lived up to the light and been as conscientious as their fathers were, then they would have been better men. But they did not even have the piety their fathers had, and they will not walk in the increased light which shines from God’s Word upon their pathway. They do not do as their fathers would have done had they been in their place.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 2, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 2, 1886, par. 15
I could not see but that systematic benevolence must be enjoined upon the people here as well as in America, even if their donations were small. The Lord would bless them in conscientiously doing what they could. God has revealed in His Word His appointed way that His work should be carried forward. Those who have small talents must do according to their ability, but [all] must feel that they have a part to act to sustain the work. They must organize tract societies and act as though they expected the Lord to do something for them. The Israelites had to obey the command, “Go forward” [Exodus 14:15], when the Red Sea barred their way; and when they did advance, their feet were in the very waters when the Lord opened the path before them. We want to exercise much more faith than we have hitherto done.4LtMs, Lt 2, 1886, par. 27
Since writing the foregoing, I have spoken twice; yesterday at four o’clock the Lord helped me to speak to a hall full. I did not expect a congregation on this holiday, but there was a company of noble-looking people, and they seemed interested. Many shed tears. I spoke from Daniel. “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” [Daniel 12:3.] I think there was a good impression made upon the hearers. I tried to set before them the importance of their working with Jesus to reflect light to others. This morning I spoke again in morning meeting, about 70 present, from these words, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] The Lord blessed me, and I think He blessed others.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 8a, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 8a, 1888, par. 6
The message “Go forward” [Exodus 14:15] is still to be heard and respected. The varying circumstances taking place in our world call for labor which will meet these peculiar developments. The Lord has need of men who are spiritually sharp and clear-sighted, men worked by the Holy Spirit, who are certainly receiving manna fresh from heaven. Upon the minds of such, God’s Word flashes light, revealing to them more than ever before the safe path. The Holy Spirit works upon mind and heart. The time has come when through God’s messengers the scroll is being unrolled to the world. Instructors in our schools should never be bound about by being told that they are to teach only what has been taught hitherto. Away with these restrictions. There is a God to give the message His people shall speak. Let not any minister feel under bonds or [be] gauged by men’s measurement. The gospel must be fulfilled in accordance with the messages God sends. That which God gives His servants to speak today would not perhaps have been present truth twenty years ago, but it is God’s message for this time.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 15, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 15, 1888, par. 37
Truth will triumph gloriously, and those who have received the truth because God has revealed it in His Word will triumph with it. Those who neglect to search for evidence for themselves and rely upon what someone else says will not have root in themselves and will not be able to give a reason of the hope that is within them. God’s commands must be heard. He says, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] There are large fields to be explored. There are mines to be discovered in which are precious jewels of truth. Let no one close these mines and cease to dig for the truth lest they should have to cast aside some preconceived idea or opinion. No, brethren, we want to know the truth; and God forbid that any of you should turn from precious truths simply because you do not want to believe them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 14, 1889
6LtMs, Lt 14, 1889, par. 6
I related in the Thursday morning meeting some things in reference to the Minneapolis meeting. I told them by what means the Lord had opened to me the spiritual condition of many of those who came to that conference. They came under a delusion, with false impressions upon their minds. This was Satan’s work, for the Lord was to revive His people and give them light in clear distinct rays that would lead to the magnifying of Christ. The Lord’s command to His people through His messengers was, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] And now Satan determined to hold the people away from the light that the rich blessing of God should not come to the delegates of the conference and they carry it to their churches. Satan raised an alarm. They thought the law in Galatians would come up, and they would go armed and equipped to resist everything coming from those men from the Pacific Coast, new and old.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 31, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 31, 1889, par. 18
To know the Father and the Son is the highest knowledge that man can obtain. The Lord is raising up men to proclaim the truth for this time. His Word is ringing out, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] And yet I am pained to see that some who are standing in the front ranks are listless and faithless, waiting for an impelling power to move them against their own will. The Lord’s providences are not discerned, and our people are far behind where they should be.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 6b, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 6b, 1890, par. 13
We will not be speaking of what cannot be done, but of what can be done. “Go forward,” is the word of our Leader. [Exodus 14:15.] We are distinctly told by the Lord Jesus Christ through His apostle that He “gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ till we all come into the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” [Ephesians 4:11-13.] Here is represented constant growth of knowledge in Christ Jesus, and it is a matter that deserves careful attention.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 46, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 46, 1892, par. 3
The Lord did not honor their unbelief. In refusing to move forward until they knew for a certainty that the undertaking would succeed, they placed themselves where their influence hindered the work. These lost a precious blessing. They did not discern and follow closely the opening providence of God. They did not heed the command, “Go forward.” If the children of Israel had waited until they saw distinctly the path opened for them in the Red Sea, they would never have crossed it. But they obeyed the word, “Go forward,” and as their feet stepped into the very waters, the sea was rolled back, a path was opened before them, and they went safely over. [Exodus 14:15 ff..]Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]
MR No. 1078—“Go Forward”
13MR 396.2
Among us, as among the children of Israel when they were being led to the Promised Land, are many who, unless they can see clearly every step in advance, will not move at the command of God to “go forward” [See Exodus 14:15]. They have but little faith and but little of the spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 16a, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 16a, 1892, par. 11
We shall meet with something of this experience as we seek to work the works of God. But shall we falter, shall our steps slide now? God forbid! The word of command comes from our Captain: “Go forward,” though the Red Sea is before us and insurmountable mountains [are] on either side. [Exodus 14:15.] Shall we stop to confer with flesh and blood now, or shall we move forward in faith? We read in the Living Oracles that some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits. [1 Timothy 4:1.] Now, there will be those who will deceive, who will appear to be righteous, but when the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened, the actions of all will then appear just as they are.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 17a, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 17a, 1893, par. 21
We cannot be safe because we believe certain doctrines as truth, we must press the matter still farther. The word of our Captain is heard, “Go forward. Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” [Exodus 14:15; James 1:22.] In obeying our Leader we shall possess the blessings which the Word of God implies and reveals for our understanding. The truth may be accepted in its beautiful form, but it cannot be saving truth for the receiver unless it is brought into the practical life, exercising its influence upon mind and character.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 38, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 38, 1895, par. 60
Our faith should lay hold upon God, and we should expect success. The great multitude was fed with a very meager supply. Let our scattered supply be placed in missionary work, and God will multiply it as we shall impart to others, so that all may eat and be filled. We are not to stop our work, and measure our advance in the work by the means at hand. To do this is to show a very limited faith. As God said to Moses, so He says to us, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] We are to diffuse the gospel over the whole earth, and, be our means large or small, we are to plan and work in faith, realizing our responsibility as God’s human agents and to whom He has given this great work. Then stop fretting over the evils that you cannot help, and do your work in sincerity and faith, that your characters may be formed after the divine pattern.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 88, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 88, 1895, par. 8
We expect that many obstacles will present themselves, but we also expect to exercise faith, and to plough through them all. We shall need to persevere and to work most earnestly. No indolence can be indulged by any of God’s chosen workers. When the Lord said to Moses, “Go forward,” he did not go backward, but forward. [Exodus 14:15.] Much is to be done in the Lord’s moral vineyard; but we cannot expect to stand still and see the Lord do the work which is left for His human agents to do. Those who really feel that they lack heavenly wisdom, may obtain wisdom from the Source of all wisdom. But if we trust in our own human devising, we shall meet with failure.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 55, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 55, 1896, par. 8
So far no ministerial labor has been done in Newcastle, twenty-five miles from here. There is not a Sabbathkeeper there. But the Lord knows that there is work to be done in that mining city, that there are souls to be saved. If there is not so, why are we here? God has placed us here, and He can spread a table in the wilderness. The Lord help His people to have faith instead of doubts. Our warfare is aggressive, and we must “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] We walk by faith, looking not at the things that are seen, but on the things that are unseen. The Lord God omnipotent has His plans and His resources. He says to us, Establish your schools out of the cities, in localities where there will be few enticements to allure the youth from truth and righteousness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 132, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 132, 1897, par. 11
Missionaries are planting the standard of truth in foreign lands. Publications must be multiplied, and scattered like the leaves of autumn. These silent messengers are enlightening and molding the minds of thousands in every country and in every clime. As a people, we come far short of moving forward as fast as the providence of God opens the way. He has given us the command, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] Thousands are thirsting for living truth. The Macedonian cry is coming to us from every direction, “Come over and help us.” [Acts 16:9.] We look about us, and inquire, “Who will go?” One and another may respond, “Here am I, Lord, send me, I long to do something for my Master.” [See Isaiah 6:8.] But to do this requires money.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 146, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 146, 1897, par. 9
The Lord calls upon His people, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] This is no place where you can stand still. It is to advance or go backward. “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 up.” [2 Peter 3:10.] Have we not here an evidence of how quickly the Lord God of Hosts can create, and how quickly he can destroy? Shall we not fear the Lord, and shall we not acknowledge His power? Shall finite man exalt himself against God, and speak great swelling words of vanity that always corrupt both speaker and hearer?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 14, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 14, 1898, par. 16
In the wilderness the Lord taught His people an important lesson of faith, trust, and obedience. Israel heard the word, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] Their way lay across the Red Sea, but in obedience they went forward; and the waters receded, leaving a plain path for their feet. And as they stood of the border of the sea they had crossed, they saw their enemies drowned in its waters.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 140, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 140, 1898, par. 15
I am urged by Brother Irwin to come to America to attend the General Conference. I would do this notwithstanding my age, but I dare not. There are here so many inexperienced ones, who would stagger in unbelief and fail to overcome their sins if there were not those who dare to push against the men who say, “You cannot do it.” “Impossible.” Some have acted like baulky horses. We have to obey the word, “Go forward,” even though it be right into the Red Sea. [Exodus 14:15.] We shall surely come out, for God parts the waters.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 173, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 173, 1898, par. 6
Among us, as among the children of Israel when they were being led to the promised land, are many who, unless they can see clearly ever step in advance, will not move at the command of God to “go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] They have but little faith, and but little of the spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 65a, 1878
3LtMs, Lt 65a, 1878, par. 2
That meetinghouse shall not be sold. The building of the house was of God. I hope our brethren and sisters will not murmur as did the children of Israel when brought to the Red Sea, the Egyptians behind them, and impassable mountains shutting them in. It was at this crisis that the Lord said to Moses, “Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] As they obeyed, the Red Sea parted before them, and they went through it in the path God had prepared for them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 156, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 156, 1898, par. 12
Church members should be given missionary work to do. They should be taught to bring others to a knowledge of the truth. Women can and should be brought in, to work intelligently on right lines. But the members of the church are not likely to be aroused to make special efforts to supply the church with funds when they see no advancement being made, no desire manifested, to obey the command, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 78, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 78, 1899, par. 12
May the Lord teach you your duty, my dear brother. We would give you a hearty invitation to come to Australia. There are schools to be established, and the word from the Lord is, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] This we are doing. We must advance from city to city, not stopping to build up great interests, but only to create centers when it is essential, and then from these centers work out into the suburbs. The Lord is coming, and we have a great work to do. Under Jesus Christ our hands must build for time and for eternity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 68, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 68, 1899, par. 2
Whenever we have been called to any new country, it has been to break ground and to cultivate the Lord’s vineyard. I came to this country at a sacrifice of all that I possessed, for it will take every penny I have to cancel the debts I have incurred in obeying the call, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] We have been advancing from point to point, saying, I will not fail nor be discouraged. As the Lord directed me to call upon the Wessels family to impart of the Lord’s goods for us to trade upon in this field, I called, and I thank God that a response came in a time of our greatest need.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 154, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 154, 1899, par. 9
Distinct and plain the word has come to us, “Go forward” [Exodus 14:15], and just as soon as the warning message has been given in one place, and men and women raised up to continue the work there, we pass to the unworked parts of the Lord’s vineyard. The Lord is the great Worker. We are His servants, who have accepted the invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] In lifting the burdens of Christ we find rest.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 48, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 48, 1899, par. 7
What shall we do with our sick? Not a stroke has yet been made on the hospital, which we so much need, simply because we have no money. In the mail before last, Elder Loughborough sent five hundred dollars as a loan. We felt that now we could make a beginning, but the draft was sent through the Echo office, so it had to go there. Sometimes we are obliged to wait for months for money sent in this way, for they do not have it to send us. The brethren in Battle Creek must understand that when money is loaned to me, they are not to appropriate the money there, and make me dependent on the Echo Office. This has been done over and over again. Months have passed in which we could get but little, and often nothing. Let your means come direct to us, especially at this time, when we are obeying the word of the Lord, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 57, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 57, 1899, par. 2
The news came none too soon. Elder Daniells had left Cooranbong to go out among the churches to obtain the money pledged to the school. There has been much praying and seeking the Lord most earnestly to understand what we must do. The word had been, “Go forward” [Exodus 14:15], and yet not a thing could be done to hire money from the banks, or to raise it in any other way. Some who had loaned money to the publishing house in Melbourne were calling for their loan. Everything seemed to hedge us in. We looked to the Lord to help us, and prayed most earnestly. The particulars I have not time to write now, but we are greatly relieved.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 13, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 13, 1899, par. 20
We need the riches of faith and love. But we can only obtain these by surrendering the will to Christ. When we take the Saviour at his word, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight, complete unity will prevail. We shall constantly grow more like our Leader. His character has been plainly revealed, and we have been plainly told that we are to be like Him. Our watchword is, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] Pressing onward to the Light of life means victory. Do not deplore the crookedness of your past life; for this does not bring strength but weakness. We see much in our hearts that is dark and forbidding, and there is much we do not see at all, but God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. All unbelief is moral deformity. In bemoaning our past there is no healing balm, but only sorrow and sin, which makes the heart sick and faint. Thus we become more and more discouraged. Might we not better look to the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 63, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 63, 1899, par. 3
We thought we should be unable to select a place on which to build a sanitarium, but we are going to see if it is not possible to arise and build. I have directed that everything I have in America be sold. The proceeds will be but little, but the Lord can work. He is teaching us that we are not to wait for wind or tide. “Go forward” [Exodus 14:15] is the word, and in the past we have obeyed. A meetinghouse has been built in Stanmore to accommodate the believers in Sydney, Stanmore, and the suburbs that are around Stanmore.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 74, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 74, 1899, par. 12
The Lord lives and reigns, and His work must go. The light must be carried into all parts of the world. In every place where the standard of truth is planted and churches are built up, there must be faithful work done to impart the light. We must do our appointed work. We must not fail nor be discouraged. The end is near, and we have no time to lose. “Go forward” is to be our watchword. [Exodus 14:15.] Circumstances are not to make us; we are to make circumstances, and form our surroundings. We are not to be creatures of circumstances.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 99, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 99, 1899, par. 13
We have had trying times in this field. God’s voice has called us to go forward, when apparently there was no path but the Red Sea. But we moved forward in faith, and planted the standard in places where the truth had never been preached. And now we see no limit to the work. The warning message must go to every town between Cooranbong to Queensland, and from Queensland to the regions beyond. We are obeying the command, “Go forward” [Exodus 14:15], and the Lord will open the way by sending means and facilities to carry on the warfare.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 35a, 1877
3LtMs, Lt 35a, 1877, par. 9
The history of the Reformation teaches us that the church of Christ is never to come to a standstill and cease reforming. God stands at the head, saying to them as He did to Moses, “Go forward.” Cf. Exodus 14:15. “Bid the children of Israel, Go forward.” God’s work is onward, step by step His people advance onward, through conflict and trial, to final victory. The history of the church teaches us that God’s people are not to be stereotyped in their theories of faith, but to be prepared for new light, for opening truth revealed in His Word.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 185, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 185, 1899, par. 19
And when we were all tied up on every side, every avenue closed, still we prayed on and believed, and the Lord had help for us on the way. Before the Sabbath the Bulletin gave the relief and encouragement we needed. Our honor was at stake, and when we knew not what to do the word came, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] We had come apparently to the Red Sea, and then the waters opened before us. He then read the circumstances of that meeting of the General Conference in South Lancaster, Massachusetts, and the donations made.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 51, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 51, 1900, par. 8
Fidelity to God has marked the heroes of faith from age to age. As they have been brought conspicuously before the world, their light has shown forth. Their obedience to the command of Christ, “Go forward” [Exodus 14:15], has led others to glorify God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 143, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 18
We thank the Lord with all the heart that we have precious light to present before the people, and we rejoice that we have a message for this time which is present truth. The tidings that Christ is our righteousness has brought relief to many, many souls, and God says to His people, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] The message to the Laodicean church is applicable to our condition. How plainly is pictured the position of those who think they have all the truth, who take pride in their knowledge of the Word of God, while its sanctifying power has not been felt in their lives. The fervor of the love of God is wanting in their hearts, but it is this very fervor of love that makes God’s people the light of the world. The True Witness says of a cold, lifeless, Christless church, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Mark the following words: “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” [Revelation 3:15-17.] Here is represented a people who pride themselves in their possession of spiritual knowledge and advantages. But they have not responded to the unmerited blessings that God has bestowed upon them. They have been full of rebellion, ingratitude, and forgetfulness of God; and still He has dealt with them as a loving, forgiving father deals with an ungrateful, wayward son. They have resisted His grace, abused His privileges, slighted His opportunities, and have been satisfied to sink down in contentment, in lamentable ingratitude, hollow formalism, and hypocritical insincerity. With Pharisaic pride they have vaunted themselves till it has been said of them, “Thou sayest, I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 49, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 49, 1902, par. 47
I am instructed to say to health-reform educators, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] The world needs every jot of the influence you can exert to press back the tide of moral woe. Let those who believe the truth stand true to their colors. “I beseech you ... by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” [Romans 12:1, 2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 53, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 53, 1902, par. 20
“Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] Act your part as my stewards to prepare a people to stand in the great crisis just before us. Should not the man to whom the Lord speaks thus strive to make his words and deeds correspond with the trust laid upon him? Should he not strive constantly to reach the standard God has set before him, steadily advancing in the path of holiness and unswerving fidelity?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 158, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 158, 1902, par. 1
The great work to be carried forward in these last days seems to move slowly, but the Lord is preparing the way before those who are seeking wisdom from above, those who are willing to walk in His way. Go to work, is the word of the Lord to us. You cannot see the end from the beginning; nevertheless, pray, believe, and move forward. “Go forward” was the word of the Lord to Israel as they stood with the Red Sea before them and Pharaoh’s host pressing hard after them. [Exodus 14:15.] They obeyed, and as Moses smote the waters with his rod, lo, they parted and stood up on one side as a wall, making a path over which the people passed in safety. With faith and trust let us go forward in the Word that the Lord has given us, assured that He will be with us as our Helper and Protector.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 87, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 87, 1902, par. 1
I have just read your letter to Willie regarding your work in Graysville and stating that our brethren have some hesitation about purchasing the twenty acres on Lone Mountain, on which there is a large spring. The opportunity to secure this big spring seems to be a special providence. This spring will be of untold value and should be secured, even if the investment just now is difficult and delays the building. I advise you to purchase this property. I will stand back of you as may be necessary and will use my influence to secure the necessary means for the purchase. Do not delay at all in this matter. Close up the trade, even if you have to borrow the money. So many times I have had to breast difficulties, so many times I have had to move forward against remonstrance, that I am prepared to say to you, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] I know what I am talking about. Have faith in God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 41, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 41, 1903, par. 9
My brother, bow in submission before Him who has brought life and immortality to light. Let your will and the will of Christ be one. Talk this, pray this, live this. God’s word to us is, “Go forward,” and this word we are to obey, though we shall meet with obstacles seemingly as insurmountable as the Red Sea. [Exodus 14:15.] Let us trust the Lord God of heaven to open the way before His people. “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass.” [Psalm 37:5.] This patience of the soul is the rest of faith. The Lord will bless His tried, faithful people. He will not leave them to become confused.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 37, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 37, 1886, par. 25
Those who accepted the reforms of Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli ceased to continue their reforms. They ceased to go forward, as truth is constantly opening to the people of God. Light which is present truth will shine forth in clear rays from God’s Word, and those who have anchored their doctrines and their faith upon the teachings of any one favorite leader, and are unwilling to advance beyond where this man led the way, will refuse to obey the command “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] They will be left in the rear while the great Leader is constantly advancing, leading those who will follow, to advanced truth and greater light. This will cause those who will not open their eyes to behold wondrous things out of the law of God to become adversaries to those who will see, and who are willing to follow the Leader, lift the cross, deny self, and accept reproach and false accusations because of unpopular truth they hold.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 189, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 189, 1905, par. 22
Then they went. Now God was leading them. How was it? They thought they had made a terrible mistake. There was the pillar of cloud leading. There they came right in between the mountains, and there was nothing but inaccessible mountains and the Red Sea, and what were they going to do? O, they began to mourn and they laid themselves on the ground, and they were in agony. “We cannot go up these mountains, and it is the Red Sea.” God said to Moses, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] “Why,” said he, “the people are ready to kill me.” Said He, “Go forward.” They had not gotten to the Red Sea then. They heard the tramp of horses and chariots, and they saw the king and his armies, and they were following hard after, and there was the Red Sea and there were the mountains.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 97, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 97, 1907, par. 6
To make no move that calls for the investment of means unless we have the money in hand to complete the contemplated work should not always be considered the wisest plan. In the upbuilding of His work, the Lord does not always make everything plain before His servants. He sometimes tries the confidence of His people by having them move forward in faith. Often He brings them into straight and trying places, bidding them go forward when their feet seem to be touching the waters of the Red Sea. It is at such times, when the prayers of His servants ascend to Him in earnest faith, that He opens the way before them and brings them out into a large place. The Lord wants His people in these days to believe that He will do as great things for them as He did for the children of Israel in their journey from Egypt to Canaan. We are to have an educated faith that will not hesitate to follow His instructions in the most difficult experiences. “Go forward,” is the command of God to His people. [Exodus 14:15.]22LtMs, Ms 97, 1907, par. 11
We are to encourage in one another that living faith that Christ has made it possible for every believer to have. The work is to be carried forward as the Lord prepares the way. When He brings His people into strait places, then it is their privilege to assemble together for prayer, remembering that all things come of God. Those who have not yet shared in the trying experiences that attend the work in these last days will soon have to pass through scenes that will severely test their confidence in God. It is at the time when His people see no way to advance, when the Red Sea is before them, and the pursuing army behind, that God bids them “go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] Thus He is working to test their faith. When such experiences come to you, go forward, trusting in Christ. Walk step by step in the path He marks out. Trials will come, but go forward. This will give you an experience that will strengthen your faith in God and fit you for truest service.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 100, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 100, 1886, par. 2
Our ten days’ meeting is in the past; and although everything was not done we would be pleased to have seen accomplished in future plans, a decided advancement has been made, and still we urge them, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] There have been young men preparing for to go out as colporteurs, canvassers, and to engage in the ministry, and the Lord has blessed in the meetings.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 117, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 117, 1886, par. 7
9 a.m. Just came from morning meeting. I spoke about thirty minutes from these words, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] Thus God commands us to make an advance move. I related to them in what poverty the truth of God found those who received it in America, how we labored in privation and hunger and destitution to carry forward the work, and how step by step we advanced by faith. It required moral courage, earnest effort, perseverance that would not be baffled or repulsed. That is the way the work must go here in these kingdoms. The work must be pushed, and I shall work here, not studying the French manners or customs, the manners and customs and habits of England, the manners and customs of Sweden, Denmark, or Norway, but the will and way of God. Men of all nationalities must come to God’s plans. And I find the work must be pushed here in the same manner as it was pushed in America in its infancy. We can do nothing, but the Lord can do all things.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 85, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 85, 1886, par. 2
I was pleased with the news contained in your letter. When so far away from America and with friends who cannot speak your own language, every epistle from old friends is as cold water to a thirsty soul. I think of you and your family, especially your wife, and pray for you that the blessing of the Lord may rest upon you all. Our acquaintance commenced many years ago, more than thirty years, I think; longer with your wife, about forty years. We can review the work, then small and bound about with poverty, and yet the word has come to us again and again, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] Amid discouragement and financial embarrassment of the cause, the same word has been sounded to us, “Go forward.” And now we look back and see all the way the Lord has led us step by step in advancement these many years, and yet the same voice is making itself heard, “Go forward.”Exodus 14:15-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 138, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 18
The Israelites had been given wonderful manifestations of the grace and power of God. In their behalf the strength and power of heaven had been revealed. Again and again they were charged to call to mind their deliverance from degrading slavery. To accomplish this deliverance, the Lord desolated the land of Egypt. And as the Israelites, fleeing from Egypt, stood by the Red Sea, walled in by the sea on one side, and by rocky, inaccessible mountains on the other, with Pharaoh’s army pursuing them, God showed Himself their Leader and Deliverer. The thought that Pharaoh and his host were in pursuit filled the minds of the Israelites with a terrible dread. The word, “Go forward,” was spoken, but how could they obey, with the Red Sea before them and Pharaoh’s men of war on their track? [Exodus 14:15.]14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 19
The Lord said to Moses, “Lift up thy rod, and stretch out thy hand over the sea, and divide it, and the children of Israel shall go over on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” [Verse 16.] The cloud which hitherto had guided the children of Israel came between them and their foes, its bright side turned to the Israelites and its dark side to the Egyptians. To the people of God it was as a wall of fire, to their foes as a cloud of sackcloth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 134, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 134, 1910, par. 12
I have a representation to make: Israel stood at the brink of the Red Sea, perplexed. Before them were the deep waters of the Red Sea, its waves beating on the shore; behind them the chariots of Egypt, and on either side of them granite rocks. “And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto Me. But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thy hand over the sea, and divide it; and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” [Exodus 14:15, 16.]Exodus 14:15-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 259, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 259, 1903, par. 4
The Son of God, enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, was the leader of the children of Israel, overseeing every phase of their experience. He educated and disciplined them, often testing their faith. Fleeing from Pharaoh’s host, they found themselves at one time hemmed in by inaccessible mountains, with the Red Sea before them and the enemy following hard after. The command came, “Go forward,” and as they obeyed, the waters parted before them. [Exodus 14:15, 21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 65, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 65, 1886, par. 23
Attended the morning meeting. Spoke a short time upon the necessity of broader plans. “Go forward,” was the word spoken by God to Moses when the armies of Israel were hedged in by the Red Sea and surrounded with inaccessible mountains on all sides. [Exodus 14:15.] At God’s command, “Moses stretched out his hand over the sea.” [Verse 21.] The waters of the Red Sea parted and stood congealed like mighty walls on either side of them, leaving an open path for God’s people, and they passed over safely. Their enemies attempted to follow in that path of the Lord’s opening, and the mighty arm that held back the waters of the sea was removed. The walls of water, unrestrained, flowed together with resistless power, bringing destruction to their enemies.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Ms 1b, 1874
2LtMs, Ms 1b, 1874, par. 31
The ideas of our brethren are altogether too narrow. They expect but little. Their faith is small. A paper published upon the Pacific Coast would give strength and importance to the message. The light God has given us is not worth much to the world unless it can be seen by being presented before them. I declare to you our vision must be extended. We see things nigh but not afar off. Satan will have plenty of difficulties to be presented in obstructing our advance but as the children of Israel came up to the Red Sea and were still led and directed to “Go Forward,” the rod of God in the hands of Moses by the direction of God parted the waters. [Exodus 14:15, 16, 21.] Said Christ, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] There must be constant learning, constant advance. There can be none to stand in one place. There is no such thing as making a groove for you to move in.Exodus 14:15-28
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 52, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 52, 1902, par. 1
Go forward. “Go forward” was the word given by God to give to the children of Israel as they stood before the Red Sea, hedged in by inaccessible mountains and pursued by Pharaoh. In obedience to the command they moved forward. Then the Lord worked for them. The waters of the sea parted and stood on one side of them like a mighty wall, leaving before them an open path. “And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground.” The enemy attempted to follow, but the arm that held back the waters was removed, and with resistless force the sea flowed on. “The waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh.” [Exodus 14:15, 22, 28.]Exodus 14:21-22
Christ Triumphant
God Delivers His People From the Enemy, April 8
CTr 105.1
And the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea. Exodus 14:21, 22.Exodus 14:23-26
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 35, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, par. 6
The vast armies of Egypt ventured to traverse the sea by the same path, in pursuit of Israel. A dark cloud was before them, and yet they pressed on. When the whole army—“all Pharaoh’s army, his horses, his chariots, and his horsemen”—were in the very bed of the sea, the Lord said unto Moses, “Stretch out thy rod over the sea.” [See Exodus 14:23, 26.] Israel had passed over on dry land, but they heard the shouting of the armies in pursuit. As Moses stretched out his rod over the sea, the embanked waters that had stood as a great wall rolled on in their natural course. Of all the men of Egypt in that vast army, not one escaped. All perished in their determination to have their own way and to refuse God’s way. That occasion was the end of their probation.Exodus 14:27
Christ Triumphant
In the End God’s Enemies Will Perish, April 9
CTr 106.1
And the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Exodus 14:27.Exodus 14:30-31
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 49a, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, par. 2
I will call your minds to the account of the wonderful deliverance of the children of Israel, by the passage made for them through the Red Sea and the drowning of Pharaoh and his host of warriors. “The Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.” [Exodus 14:30, 31.] Then the beautiful song recorded in the fifteenth chapter of Exodus was chanted. The voices of the people rang out over the waters of the Red Sea in glorious triumph.Exodus 14:31
Christ Triumphant
Only Genuine Faith Survives When Tested, April 10
CTr 107.1
And Israel saw the great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses. Exodus 14:31.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Exodus 14:1-31
Conflict and Courage
A Safe Path, March 27
CC 92.1
And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward. Exodus 14:15.CC 92.2
God in His providence brought the Hebrews into the mountain fastnesses before the sea, that He might manifest His power in their deliverance and signally humble the pride of their oppressors. He might have saved them in any other way, but He chose this method in order to test their faith and strengthen their trust in Him. The people were weary and terrified, yet if they had held back when Moses bade them advance, God would never have opened the path for them. It was “by faith” that “they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land” (Hebrews 11:29). In marching down to the very water, they showed that they believed the word of God as spoken by Moses. They did all that was in their power to do, and then the Mighty One of Israel divided the sea to make a path for their feet.CC 92.3
The great lesson here taught is for all time. Often the Christian life is beset by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, “Go forward.” We should obey this command, even though our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, and we feel the cold waves about our feet. The obstacles that hinder our progress will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obedience till every shadow of uncertainty disappears and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey at all. Unbelief whispers, “Let us wait till the obstructions are removed, and we can see our way clearly:” but faith courageously urges an advance, hoping all things, believing all things.CC 92.4
The cloud that was a wall of darkness to the Egyptians was to the Hebrews a great flood of light, illuminating the whole camp, and shedding brightness upon the path before them. So the dealings of Providence bring to the unbelieving, darkness and despair, while to the trusting soul they are full of light and peace. The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea, but it is a safe path.44Patriarchs and Prophets, 290.The Story of Redemption
Chapter 16—Israel’s Escape From Bondage
SR 119.1
The children of Israel had followed the directions given them of God; and while the angel of death was passing from house to house among the Egyptians, they were all ready for their journey and waiting for the rebellious king and his great men to bid them go.SR 119.2
“And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also. And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.SR 119.3
“And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders. And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.”SR 120.1
The Lord revealed this to Abraham about four hundred years before it was fulfilled: “And He said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge; and afterward shall they come out with great substance.” Genesis 15:13, 14.SR 120.2
“And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.” The children of Israel went out of Egypt with their possessions, which did not belong to Pharaoh, for they had never sold them to him. Jacob and his sons took their flocks and cattle with them into Egypt. The children of Israel had become exceedingly numerous, and their flocks and herds had greatly increased. God had judged the Egyptians by sending the plagues upon them, and made them hasten His people out of Egypt with all that they possessed.SR 120.3
“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: but God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. And Moses took the bones of Joseph up with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.SR 121.1
“And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”SR 121.2
The Lord knew that the Philistines would oppose their passing through their land. They would say of them, They have stolen away from their masters in Egypt, and would make war with them. Thus God, by bringing them by way of the sea, revealed Himself a compassionate God as well as a God of judgment. The Lord informed Moses that Pharaoh would pursue them, and He directed him just where to encamp before the sea. He told Moses that He would be honored before Pharaoh and all his host.SR 121.3
After the Hebrews had been gone from Egypt some days, the Egyptians told Pharaoh that they had fled and would never return to serve him again. And they mourned because they had permitted them to leave Egypt. It was a very great loss for them to be deprived of their services, and they regretted that they had consented to let them go. Notwithstanding all they had suffered from the judgments of God, they were so hardened by their continual rebellion that they decided to pursue the children of Israel and bring them back by force unto Egypt. The king took a very large army and six hundred chariots, and pursued after them, and overtook them while encamped by the sea.SR 121.4
“And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”SR 122.1
How soon the Israelites distrusted God! They had witnessed all His judgments upon Egypt to compel the king to let Israel go, but when their confidence in God was tested, they murmured, notwithstanding they had seen such evidences of His power in their wonderful deliverance. Instead of trusting in God in their necessity, they murmured at faithful Moses, reminding him of their words of unbelief which they uttered in Egypt. They accused him of being the cause of all their distress. He encouraged them to trust in God and withhold their expressions of unbelief, and they should see what the Lord would do for them. Moses earnestly cried to the Lord to deliver His chosen people.SR 122.2
“And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto Me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: but lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” God would have Moses understand that He would work for His people—that their necessity would be His opportunity. When they should go as far as they could, he must bid them still go forward; that he should use the rod God had given him to divide the waters.SR 123.1
“And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get Me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten Me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: and it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud of darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.”SR 123.2
The Egyptians could not see the Hebrews, for the cloud of thick darkness was before them, which cloud was all light to the Israelites. Thus did God display His power to prove His people, whether they would trust in Him after giving them such tokens of His care and love for them, and to rebuke their unbelief and murmuring. “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.” The waters rose up and stood, like congealed walls, on either side while Israel walked in the midst of the sea on dry ground.SR 124.1
The Egyptian host was triumphing through that night that the children of Israel were again in their power. They thought there was no possibility of their escape; for before them stretched the Red Sea, and their large armies were close behind them. In the morning, as they came up to the sea, lo, there was a dry path, the waters were divided, and stood like a wall upon either side, and the children of Israel were halfway through the sea, walking on dry land. They waited awhile to decide what course they had better pursue. They were disappointed and enraged that, as the Hebrews were almost in their power, and they were sure of them, an unexpected way was opened for them in the sea. They decided to follow them.SR 124.2
“And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them, to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, and took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.”SR 124.3
The Egyptians dared to venture in the path God had prepared for His people, and angels of God went through their host and removed their chariot wheels. They were plagued. Their progress was very slow, and they began to be troubled. They remembered the judgments that the God of the Hebrews had brought upon them in Egypt to compel them to let Israel go, and they thought that God might deliver them all into the hands of the Israelites. They decided that God was fighting for the Israelites, and they were terribly afraid and were turning about to flee from them, when “the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.SR 125.1
“And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and His servant Moses.”SR 125.2
As the Hebrews witnessed the marvelous work of God in the destruction of the Egyptians, they united in an inspired song of lofty eloquence and grateful praise.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 25—The Exodus
PP 281.1
With their loins girt, with sandaled feet, and staff in hand, the people of Israel had stood, hushed, awed, yet expectant, awaiting the royal mandate that should bid them go forth. Before the morning broke, they were on their way. During the plagues, as the manifestation of God’s power had kindled faith in the hearts of the bondmen and had struck terror to their oppressors, the Israelites had gradually assembled themselves in Goshen; and notwithstanding the suddenness of their flight, some provision had already been made for the necessary organization and control of the moving multitudes, they being divided into companies, under appointed leaders.PP 281.2
And they went out, “about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them.” In this multitude were not only those who were actuated by faith in the God of Israel, but also a far greater number who desired only to escape from the plagues, or who followed in the wake of the moving multitudes merely from excitement and curiosity. This class were ever a hindrance and a snare to Israel.PP 281.3
The people took also with them “flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.” These were the property of the Israelites, who had never sold their possessions to the king, as had the Egyptians. Jacob and his sons had brought their flocks and herds with them to Egypt, where they had greatly increased. Before leaving Egypt, the people, by the direction of Moses, claimed a recompense for their unpaid labor; and the Egyptians were too eager to be freed from their presence to refuse them. The bondmen went forth laden with the spoil of their oppressors.PP 281.4
That day completed the history revealed to Abraham in prophetic vision centuries before: “Thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.” Genesis 15:13, 14. [See Appendix, note 3.] The four hundred years had been fulfilled. “And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the Lord did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.” In their departure from Egypt the Israelites bore with them a precious legacy, in the bones of Joseph, which had so long awaited the fulfillment of God’s promise, and which, during the dark years of bondage, had been a reminder of Israel’s deliverance.PP 282.1
Instead of pursuing the direct route to Canaan, which lay through the country of the Philistines, the Lord directed their course southward, toward the shores of the Red Sea. “For God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.” Had they attempted to pass through Philistia, their progress would have been opposed; for the Philistines, regarding them as slaves escaping from their masters, would not have hesitated to make war upon them. The Israelites were poorly prepared for an encounter with that powerful and warlike people. They had little knowledge of God and little faith in Him, and they would have become terrified and disheartened. They were unarmed and unaccustomed to war, their spirits were depressed by long bondage, and they were encumbered with women and children, flocks and herds. In leading them by the way of the Red Sea, the Lord revealed Himself as a God of compassion as well as of judgment.PP 282.2
“And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night. He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” Says the psalmist, “He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.” Psalm 105:39. See also 1 Corinthians 10:1, 2. The standard of their invisible Leader was ever with them. By day the cloud directed their journeyings or spread as a canopy above the host. It served as a protection from the burning heat, and by its coolness and moisture afforded grateful refreshment in the parched, thirsty desert. By night it became a pillar of fire, illuminating their encampment and constantly assuring them of the divine presence.PP 283.1
In one of the most beautiful and comforting passages of Isaiah’s prophecy, reference is made to the pillar of cloud and of fire to represent God’s care for His people in the great final struggle with the powers of evil: “The Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for above all the glory shall be a covering. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.” Isaiah 4:5, 6, margin.PP 283.2
Across a dreary, desertlike expanse they journeyed. Already they began to wonder whither their course would lead; they were becoming weary with the toilsome way, and in some hearts began to arise a fear of pursuit by the Egyptians. But the cloud went forward, and they followed. And now the Lord directed Moses to turn aside into a rocky defile, and encamp beside the sea. It was revealed to him that Pharaoh would pursue them, but that God would be honored in their deliverance.PP 283.3
In Egypt the report was spread that the children of Israel, instead of tarrying to worship in the desert, were pressing on toward the Red Sea. Pharaoh’s counselors declared to the king that their bondmen had fled, never to return. The people deplored their folly in attributing the death of the first-born to the power of God. Their great men, recovering from their fears, accounted for the plagues as the result of natural causes. “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” was the bitter cry.PP 283.4
Pharaoh collected his forces, “six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt,” horsemen, captains, and foot soldiers. The king himself, attended by the great men of his realm, headed the attacking army. To secure the favor of the gods, and thus ensure the success of their undertaking, the priests also accompanied them. The king was resolved to intimidate the Israelites by a grand display of his power. The Egyptians feared lest their forced submission to the God of Israel should subject them to the derision of other nations; but if they should now go forth with a great show of power and bring back the fugitives, they would redeem their glory, as well as recover the services of their bondmen.PP 283.5
The Hebrews were encamped beside the sea, whose waters presented a seemingly impassable barrier before them, while on the south a rugged mountain obstructed their further progress. Suddenly they beheld in the distance the flashing armor and moving chariots betokening the advance guard of a great army. As the force drew nearer, the hosts of Egypt were seen in full pursuit. Terror filled the hearts of Israel. Some cried unto the Lord, but far the greater part hastened to Moses with their complaints: “Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.”PP 284.1
Moses was greatly troubled that his people should manifest so little faith in God, notwithstanding they had repeatedly witnessed the manifestation of His power in their behalf. How could they charge upon him the dangers and difficulties of their situation, when he had followed the express command of God? True, there was no possibility of deliverance unless God Himself should interpose for their release; but having been brought into this position in obedience to the divine direction, Moses felt no fear of the consequences. His calm and assuring reply to the people was, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”PP 284.2
It was not an easy thing to hold the hosts of Israel in waiting before the Lord. Lacking discipline and self-control, they became violent and unreasonable. They expected speedily to fall into the hands of their oppressors, and their wailings and lamentations were loud and deep. The wonderful pillar of cloud had been followed as the signal of God to go forward; but now they questioned among themselves if it might not foreshadow some great calamity; for had it not led them on the wrong side of the mountain, into an impassable way? Thus the angel of God appeared to their deluded minds as the harbinger of disaster.PP 284.3
But now, as the Egyptian host approached them, expecting to make them an easy prey, the cloudy column rose majestically into the heavens, passed over the Israelites, and descended between them and the armies of Egypt. A wall of darkness interposed between the pursued and their pursuers. The Egyptians could no longer discern the camp of the Hebrews, and were forced to halt. But as the darkness of night deepened, the wall of cloud became a great light to the Hebrews, flooding the entire encampment with the radiance of day.PP 287.1
Then hope returned to the hearts of Israel. And Moses lifted up his voice unto the Lord. “And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto Me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward. But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.”PP 287.2
The psalmist, describing the passage of the sea by Israel, sang, “Thy way was in the sea, and Thy paths in the great waters, and Thy footsteps were not known. Thou leddest Thy people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” Psalm 77:19, 20, R.V. As Moses stretched out his rod the waters parted, and Israel went into the midst of the sea, upon dry ground, while the waters stood like a wall upon each side. The light from God’s pillar of fire shone upon the foam-capped billows, and lighted the road that was cut like a mighty furrow through the waters of the sea, and was lost in the obscurity of the farther shore.PP 287.3
“The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians.” The mysterious cloud changed to a pillar of fire before their astonished eyes. The thunders pealed and the lightnings flashed. “The clouds poured out water; the skies sent out a sound: Thine arrows also went abroad. The voice of Thy thunder was in the whirlwind; the lightning lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.” Psalm 77:17, 18, R.V.PP 287.4
The Egyptians were seized with confusion and dismay. Amid the wrath of the elements, in which they heard the voice of an angry God, they endeavored to retrace their steps and flee to the shore they had quitted. But Moses stretched out his rod, and the piled-up waters, hissing, roaring, and eager for their prey, rushed together and swallowed the Egyptian army in their black depths.PP 287.5
As morning broke it revealed to the multitudes of Israel all that remained of their mighty foes—the mail-clad bodies cast upon the shore. From the most terrible peril, one night had brought complete deliverance. That vast, helpless throng—bondmen unused to battle, women, children, and cattle, with the sea before them, and the mighty armies of Egypt pressing behind—had seen their path opened through the waters and their enemies overwhelmed in the moment of expected triumph. Jehovah alone had brought them deliverance, and to Him their hearts were turned in gratitude and faith. Their emotion found utterance in songs of praise. The Spirit of God rested upon Moses, and he led the people in a triumphant anthem of thanksgiving, the earliest and one of the most sublime that are known to man.PP 288.1
“I will sing unto Jehovah, for He hath triumphed gloriously;The horse and his rider hath He thrown into the sea.
The Lord is my strength and my song,
And He is become my salvation:
This is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
The Lord is a man of war:
Jehovah is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath He cast into the sea:
And his chosen captains are sunk in the Red Sea.
The deeps cover them:
They went down into the depths like a stone.
Thy right hand, O Lord, is glorious in power,
Thy right hand, O Lord, dasheth in pieces the enemy....
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like Thee, glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises, doing wonders? ...
Thou in Thy mercy hast led the people which Thou has redeemed:
Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to Thy holy habitation.
The peoples have heard, they tremble....
Terror and dread falleth upon them;
By the greatness of Thine arm they are as still as a stone;
Till Thy people pass over, O Lord,
Till the people pass over which Thou hast purchased.
Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of
Thine inheritance,
The place, O Lord, which Thou hast made for Thee to dwell in.” Exodus 15:1-16, R.V.
PP 288.2
Like the voice of the great deep, rose from the vast hosts of Israel that sublime ascription. It was taken up by the women of Israel, Miriam, the sister of Moses, leading the way, as they went forth with timbrel and dance. Far over desert and sea rang the joyous refrain, and the mountains re-echoed the words of their praise—“Sing ye to Jehovah, for He hath triumphed gloriously.”PP 289.1
This song and the great deliverance which it commemorates, made an impression never to be effaced from the memory of the Hebrew people. From age to age it was echoed by the prophets and singers of Israel, testifying that Jehovah is the strength and deliverance of those who trust in Him. That song does not belong to the Jewish people alone. It points forward to the destruction of all the foes of righteousness and the final victory of the Israel of God. The prophet of Patmos beholds the white-robed multitude that have “gotten the victory,” standing on the “sea of glass mingled with fire,” having “the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.” Revelation 15:2, 3.PP 289.2
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake.” Psalm 115:1. Such was the spirit that pervaded Israel’s song of deliverance, and it is the spirit that should dwell in the hearts of all who love and fear God. In freeing our souls from the bondage of sin, God has wrought for us a deliverance greater than that of the Hebrews at the Red Sea. Like the Hebrew host, we should praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice for His “wonderful works to the children of men.” Those who dwell upon God’s great mercies, and are not unmindful of His lesser gifts, will put on the girdle of gladness and make melody in their hearts to the Lord. The daily blessings that we receive from the hand of God, and above all else the death of Jesus to bring happiness and heaven within our reach, should be a theme for constant gratitude. What compassion, what matchless love, has God shown to us, lost sinners, in connecting us with Himself, to be to Him a peculiar treasure! What a sacrifice has been made by our Redeemer, that we may be called children of God! We should praise God for the blessed hope held out before us in the great plan of redemption, we should praise Him for the heavenly inheritance and for His rich promises; praise Him that Jesus lives to intercede for us.PP 289.3
“Whoso offereth praise,” says the Creator, “glorifieth Me.” Psalm 50:23. All the inhabitants of heaven unite in praising God. Let us learn the song of the angels now, that we may sing it when we join their shining ranks. Let us say with the psalmist, “While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.” “Let the people praise Thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee.” Psalm 146:2; 67:5.PP 290.1
God in His providence brought the Hebrews into the mountain fastnesses before the sea, that He might manifest His power in their deliverance and signally humble the pride of their oppressors. He might have saved them in any other way, but He chose this method in order to test their faith and strengthen their trust in Him. The people were weary and terrified, yet if they had held back when Moses bade them advance, God would never have opened the path for them. It was “by faith” that “they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land.” Hebrews 11:29. In marching down to the very water, they showed that they believed the word of God as spoken by Moses. They did all that was in their power to do, and then the Mighty One of Israel divided the sea to make a path for their feet.PP 290.2
The great lesson here taught is for all time. Often the Christian life is beset by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, “Go forward.” We should obey this command, even though our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, and we feel the cold waves about our feet. The obstacles that hinder our progress will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obedience till every shadow of uncertainty disappears and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey at all. Unbelief whispers, “Let us wait till the obstructions are removed, and we can see our way clearly;” but faith courageously urges an advance, hoping all things, believing all things.PP 290.3
The cloud that was a wall of darkness to the Egyptians was to the Hebrews a great flood of light, illuminating the whole camp, and shedding brightness upon the path before them. So the dealings of Providence bring to the unbelieving, darkness and despair, while to the trusting soul they are full of light and peace. The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea, but it is a safe path.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 21, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 21, 1897, par. 12
That manna was given by a miracle of God. Please read this entire chapter. Who was the leader of the children of Israel? Jesus Christ enshrouded in the pillar of cloud. Chapters 13, 14, 15, and 16 of the book of Exodus gives the history of the children of Israel. Chapter thirteen [fourteen] tells of the wonderful works of God in causing the Red sea to stand up as a wall on one side, so that the waters should not overflow, and a passage was made through the waters. Thus the whole of the vast army of more than a million people went safely over. The cloud that went before them rose high above them, and was as a wall of fire between them and the Egyptians; and not one soul of them perished.12LtMs, Ms 21, 1897, par. 13
“And the angel of the Lord, which went before the camp of Israel removed and went behind them; and he pillar of cloud went up from before their face, and stood behind them; and it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light at night to these; so that the one came not near the other all the night. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and that waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon dry ground, and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand and on their left.” [Exodus 14:19-22.]12LtMs, Ms 21, 1897, par. 14
Their leader was a mighty General of armies. His angels that do His bidding walked on either side of the vast armies of Israel, and no harm could come to them. “And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, and took off their chariot wheels, that they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.” [Verses 23-25.]12LtMs, Ms 21, 1897, par. 15
“And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it, and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen, and all the hosts of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; and there remained not one of them. But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work that the Lord did upon the Egyptians; and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.” [Verses 26-31.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 132, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 132, 1898, par. 1
The Bible lies at the foundation of all true education. The faithful student finds that Scripture can only be tested by Scripture. There is no contradiction in the Word of God. The entire revelation which Jesus Christ gave to John is rehearsed by Moses in the Exodus, and in the plagues which the Lord brought upon Egypt.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 162, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 162, 1900, par. 5
Often in the face of apparently impassable barriers, the command is given to us, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] God prepares the onward path in His own way, and He expects us to follow where He directs. The fourteenth chapter of Exodus contains wonderful instruction. Let all who are inclined to unbelief read this chapter, and then bow low before God, saying with contrition of spirit, “Thy way is in the sea, and thy mercy is toward thy people.” [Psalm 77:19.]15LtMs, Lt 162, 1900, par. 7
“And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on the right hand and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians; and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.” [Exodus 14:22-31.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 11, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 11, 1903, par. 6
We do not make enough of Deuteronomy and Exodus. These books record the dealings of God with Israel. God took the Israelites from slavery and led them through the wilderness to the promised land. They had almost reached the end of their journey. Spies were sent over the Jordan to view the land and bring back a report.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 151, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 151, 1905, par. 10
Suppose that for a time the students cannot be sent out as fully accredited physicians. They can work in connection with other physicians; and if they follow the Lord’s guiding, such valuable opportunities will present themselves that they will gain a better experience perhaps than if they had gone out with a diploma. It is the man’s real value that will give him standing room and influence. The nurse or physician who works with the Lord Jesus will gain success. Read the history of the children of Israel as given in the book of Exodus, and let each soul place himself fully on the Lord’s side. The experience of the Israelites is to be considered by the people of God living in these last days.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 17, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, par. 3
If men had studied the Bible, if they had read the book of Exodus, they would have seen that in the proclamation of God’s law, the seventh day was specified as the day that is to be observed as the memorial of creation. In the fourth commandment, the true and living God is shown to be the one who created the world in six days; and the seventh day is pointed out as the day on which God rested, blessing and hallowing it.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 185, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 185, 1907, par. 5
And there will be many discouraging things. The helpers may sometimes feel a spirit to rise against this or that or the other. I have found whole institutions nearly ruined by one talking with another, and another talking with another, and stirring up the jealousy and evil surmisings. Now, do not let this come in, because if you do, you are not learning of Christ. What we want is to be preparing for that city—that is out of sight now, but by faith we can view it—that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Now, if we expect a place in that city, we can have it if we will be obedient to the requirements of God. He has given us the special direction to denominate us as His people. In Exodus we read the conditions.