EGW WritingsIsaiah 21

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 164, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, par. 7

The chapters we were reading in course were in Isaiah. He read with us, and the very portions of Scripture which specified his sin was read by himself. We thought we would give him every chance to make the application to his own case and this might awaken in him a remorse, but it did not seem to have the least influence. He did that night—after we labored with him a long while and then left him with Brother Rousseau and Brother Prescott—confess his sins of vileness, and the conditions were plainly stated, if he would break away at once, and return to New Zealand, we would furnish him money. But he said positively he would not go to New Zealand.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 132, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 26

God chooses His workers from all classes of people, and imbues them with His own spirit. So it was in ancient times. The men and women of God’s selection were of intense earnestness, full of zeal. The last books of the Old Testament show us workers taken from the laborers in the field. Others were men of high ability and extensive learning, but the Lord gave them visions and messages. These men of the Old Testament spoke of the things transpiring in their day, and Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel not only spoke of things that concerned them as present truth, but their sight reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 43—Belshazzar’s Feast: Babylon’s Last Night

SS 275.5

More than a century before, Inspiration had foretold that “the night of ... pleasure” (Isaiah 21:4), during which king and counselors would blaspheme God, would suddenly be changed into a season of fear and destruction. And now, while still in the festal hall, the king is informed that “his city is taken” by the enemy. Jeremiah 51:31. Even while he and his nobles were drinking from the sacred vessels and praising their gods of silver and gold, the Medes and Persians, having turned the Euphrates out of its channel, were marching into the heart of the unguarded city. The army of Cyrus now stood under the walls of the palace. The city was filled with the soldiers of the enemy, “as many as locusts” (Verse 14, RSV), and their triumphant shouts could be heard above the despairing cries of the astonished revelers.

Homeward Bound

Be True to Principle, April 15

HB 124.1

I stand continually on the watchtower in the daytime: I have sat at my post every night.—Isaiah 21:8.

Maranatha

The Key to History, January 7

Mar 15.1

Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come. Isaiah 21:11 (last part), 12.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Instruct the Church in Missionary Work

6T 431.1

“Watchman, what of the night?” Isaiah 21:11. Are the watchmen of whom this demand is made able to give the trumpet a certain sound? Are the shepherds faithfully caring for the flock as those who must give an account? Are the ministers of God watching for souls, realizing that those under their care are the purchase of the blood of Christ? A great work is to be done in the world, and what efforts are we making for its accomplishment? The people have had too much sermonizing; but have they been taught how to labor for those for whom Christ died? Has a line of labor been devised and placed before them in such a way that each has seen the necessity of taking part in the work?

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Instruct the Church in Missionary Work

3TT 64.3

“Watchman, what of the night?” Isaiah 21:11. Are the watchmen of whom this demand is made able to give the trumpet a certain sound? Are the shepherds faithfully caring for the flock as those who must give an account? Are the ministers of God watching for souls, realizing that those under their care are the purchase of the blood of Christ? A great work is to be done in the world, and what efforts are we making for its accomplishment? The people have had too much sermonizing; but have they been taught how to labor for those for whom Christ died? Has a line of labor been devised and placed before them in such a way that each has seen the necessity of taking part in the work?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 24, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 24, 1892, par. 40

The many and confused ideas in regard to Christ’s righteousness and justification by faith are the result of the position you have taken toward the man and the message sent of God. But, oh, Jesus longs to bestow upon you the richest blessings and make you a mouthpiece for Himself, that you may declare concerning the grace that dwelleth in you. Jesus has looked upon you with sorrow, because you have not answered His expectations. “Watchman, what of the night?” [Isaiah 21:11.] This is the question that has been asked and will continue to be asked and answered. What will you answer, my brother?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 151, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 17

“Watchman, what of the night?” [Isaiah 21:11.] Are the watchmen to whom comes this cry able to give the trumpet a certain sound? Are the shepherds faithfully caring for the flock as those who must give an account? Are the ministers of God watching for souls, realizing that those under their care are the purchase of the blood of Christ? A great work is to be done in the world, and what efforts are we putting forth that it may be accomplished? The people have listened to too much sermonizing; but have they been instructed as to how to labor for those for whom Christ died? Has there been a line of work devised and laid out before our people in such a way that each one saw the necessity of taking part in the work?

Reflecting Christ

The Deliverance of God’s People, December 27

RC 375.2

With earnest longing, God’s people await the tokens of their coming King. As the watchmen are accosted, “What of the night?” the answer is given unfalteringly, “‘The morning cometh, and also the night’ (Isaiah 21:11, 12). Light is gleaming upon the clouds above the mountaintops. Soon there will be the revealing of His glory.” ... The heavens glow with the dawning of eternal day, and like the melody of angel songs the words fall upon the ear: “Stand fast to your allegiance. Help is coming.” ...

The Great Controversy

Chapter 39—The Time of Trouble

GC 632.2

With earnest longing, God’s people await the tokens of their coming King. As the watchmen are accosted, “What of the night?” the answer is given unfalteringly, “‘The morning cometh, and also the night.’ Isaiah 21:11, 12. Light is gleaming upon the clouds above the mountaintops. Soon there will be a revealing of His glory. The Sun of Righteousness is about to shine forth. The morning and the night are both at hand—the opening of endless day to the righteous, the settling down of eternal night to the wicked.”

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 39—“The Time of Trouble”

GC88 632.2

With earnest longing, God’s people await the tokens of their coming King. As the watchmen are accosted, “What of the night?” the answer is given unfalteringly, “‘The morning cometh, and also the night.’ [Isaiah 21:11, 12.] Light is gleaming upon the clouds above the mountain tops. Soon there will be a revealing of His glory. The Sun of Righteousness is about to shine forth. The morning and the night are both at hand,—the opening of endless day to the righteous, the settling down of eternal night to the wicked.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 19, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 19, 1889, par. 28

Had a long talk with Brother Conradi, speaking plainly of the unchristlike spirit in which nearly all of our ministering brethren acted a part. When the questioning voice, full of earnest interest, should have been asking, “Watchmen, what of the night?” there were pale faces peering out into the darkness. The response comes, “The night cometh, and also the day.” [Isaiah 21:11, 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 25b, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 25b, 1892, par. 19

The solemn, important hours intervening between us and the judgment are not to be employed in warfare with believers. This is Satan’s work; he began it in heaven, and he has with unabated energy kept it up ever since his fall. “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” [Galatians 5:15.] Let there not be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief. The time has come when the cry of the faithful watchman is to be heard, calling to his fellow watchman, “What of the night?” to be answered, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” [Isaiah 21:11, 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 64a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 64a, 1895, par. 4

Enoch in his day sounded the proclamation of the coming of Christ, and the execution of judgment upon the unrighteous; and we now see the fulfillment of Enoch’s prophecy concerning the great wickedness that should abound. But those who have the light are the very ones commissioned of God to make constant, aggressive warfare. As the inquiry shall be made, “Watchman, what of the night?” The faithful message is to be heard in response, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” [Isaiah 21:11, 12.] The influence of truth is too much restricted. Let men who know the truth be urged to communicate truth to those in darkness. Many are satisfied with a view of truth, but they have not yet stepped into their place to communicate that which they have received.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 117, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 117, 1901, par. 21

Watch and pray. Be suspicious of your judgment, your motives, your words, your influence. Accept nothing in your faith without the challenge, “Watchman, what of the night?” The answer comes, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” [Isaiah 21:11, 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 100, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 100, 1906, par. 17

Read the whole of the third chapter of Revelation. Every word of this chapter is to be studied by those who are watching for souls as they that must give an account. “Watchmen, what of the night?” In clear, decided tones, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, let the watchmen respond, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” [Isaiah 21:11, 12.] We are now to guard every outpost. Thus saith the Lord to the watchmen, “If you permit one soul to pass into the shadow of uncertainty, if you lead souls on in wrong, and they never extricate themselves from the snare of the enemy, I will require at your hands the blood of the souls you have caused to become confused and to perish.” Let ministers and doctors in every place rouse themselves and not be stubborn in unbelief.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 54, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 54, 1908, par. 13

The light given me of the Lord is, Break every yoke. There must now be brought into the conference workers who have a sound spiritual experience, workers who, when the question is asked, “Watchman, what of the night?” will respond, “The morning cometh; and also the night.” The morning comes to the people of God who rely upon His Word and follow His counsels: but the night comes to those who walk and work in human wisdom. “If ye will inquire, inquire, return, come.” [Isaiah 21:11, 12.]

Christ Triumphant

Now Is Not a Time to Compromise, December 6

CTr 347.1

The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come. Isaiah 21:12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 35, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 35, 1891, par. 59

Am I a co-laborer with Jesus Christ? What is the matter? It is because you have robbed God all through the week. You have committed robbery of God, and you have no part in His work. God help you to be converted. Some of you may be touched and say, I don’t like such straight preaching. I cannot help it if you do not. There must be somebody [who will] “cry aloud and spare not. Lift up your voice like a trumpet and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins.” [Isaiah 58:1.] We want your help, brethren, every soul of you. What is the word that comes from the watchman on the walls of Zion? “The morning cometh, and also the night.” [Isaiah 21:12.] Both are coming. The watchman has to give the note of warning.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 84, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 84, 1895, par. 17

Those who are waiting for the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ cannot mingle with those who are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, who are seeking amusement in games and pleasure parties. As faithful watchmen they must proclaim the warning, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” [Isaiah 21:12.] Christ has left His Holy Spirit to be His representative in the world, to give celestial aid to every hungering, thirsting soul. Heavenly inspiration is still imparted to men, and it is the work of those who have had light, to let light shine forth to those who are in darkness. Let no one feel inclined to hide his light. Those who hide their light so that the world may not distinguish between them and those who walk in darkness will soon lose all power to diffuse light. They are the ones who are represented by the five foolish virgins, and when the crisis comes, when the call is heard, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him” [Matthew 25:6], they will arouse at last to find that their lamps have gone out, that they have mixed with the elements of the world and have not provided themselves with the oil of grace. They were lulled to sleep by the cry of peace and safety, and did not keep lamps trimmed and burning. Aroused to their darkness they plead for oil, but it is impossible for one Christian to impart character to another soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 152, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 152, 1897, par. 6

We are pressing on to the final conflict, and this is no time to compromise; it is no time to hide your colors. When the battle rages sore, let no one turn traitor. It is no time to lay down or conceal our weapons and give Satan the advantage in the warfare, but unless you watch and keep your garments unspotted from the world, you will not stand true to your Captain. It is no time for watchmen to slumber on the walls of Zion. Let them be wide awake. Call to your fellow watchmen, crying, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” [Isaiah 21:12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 4, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 4, 1898, par. 6

The voice of God speaks to His people, saying, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters.” [2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.] Those who are watching and waiting for the appearing of Christ in clouds of heaven will not be mingling with the world in pleasure societies and gatherings merely for their own amusement. As faithful watchmen they will be found proclaiming, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” [Isaiah 21:12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 4, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 4, 1899, par. 27

Of all countries, Australia most resembles America. It is her sister. All classes of people are here. And the truth has not been resented and rejected. There are thousands of honest souls praying for light. God’s watchmen are called to stand on the walls of Zion, and to give the warning, “The morning cometh, and also the night,” the night wherein no man can work. [Isaiah 21:12; John 9:4.] While the angels are holding the four winds, a message is to enter every field in Australia as fast as possible. There is no time to be lost.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 4, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 4, 1899, par. 51

Of all countries, Australia most resembles America. It is her sister. All classes of people are here, and God’s watchmen are called to stand on the walls of Zion, and to give the warning, “The morning cometh, and also the night”—the night wherein no man can work. [Isaiah 21:12; John 9:4.] The Lord has moved me. My spirit burns within me to think that this destitute field should be treated as it has been treated.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 143, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 39

We are pressing on to the final conflict, and this is no time to compromise. It is no time to hide your colors. When the battle wages sore, let no one turn traitor. It is no time to lay down or conceal our weapons and give Satan the advantage in the warfare. But unless you watch, and keep your garments unspotted from the world, you will not stand true to your Captain. It is no time for watchmen to slumber on the walls of Zion. Let them be wide-awake. Call to your fellow watchmen, crying, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” [Isaiah 21:12.] It is no time now to relax our efforts, to become tame and spiritless; no time to hide our light under a bushel, to speak smooth things, to prophesy deceit. Every power is to be employed for God. You are to maintain your allegiance, bearing testimony for God and for truth. Be not turned aside by any suggestion the world can make. We cannot afford to compromise. There is a living issue before us of vital importance to the remnant people of God to the very close of this earth’s history, for eternal interests are involved. ...

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 994—An Appeal to Live the Truth and Share It

12MR 323.3

The voice of the true watchman needs now to be heard all along the line, “The morning cometh, and also the night” [Isaiah 21:12]. The trumpet must give a certain sound, for we are in the great day of the Lord’s preparation. All the struggles to carry our appeals to the highest authorities in our land, however earnest and strong and eloquent may be the pleas in our favor, will not bring about that which we desire unless the Lord works by His Holy Spirit in the heart of those who claim to believe the truth. We may struggle as a mighty man in swimming against the current of Niagara, but we shall fail unless the Lord pleads in our behalf. God will be honored among His people. They must be pure, they must be divested of self, steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. The Lord will elevate the humblest soul that trusts in Him. He will unite His power with human effort if that man will honor Him as did Daniel. But as a people we need the beauty of righteousness, holiness, and truth. The most harmonious theory will not save us. The God that ruled in Babylon is the same God that rules now.

Selected Messages Book 2

Chapter 48—A Work of Purification Needed

2SM 379.3

The voice of the true watchman needs now to be heard all along the line, “The morning cometh, and also the night” (Isaiah 21:12). The trumpet must give a certain sound for we are in the great day of the Lord’s preparation.... There are many doctrines current in our world. There is many a religion current that numbers its thousands and tens of thousands, but there is but one that bears the superscription and the stamp of God. There is a religion of man and a religion of God. We must have our souls riveted to the eternal Rock. Everything in God’s world, both men and doctrines and nature itself, is fulfilling God’s sure word of prophecy and accomplishing His grand and closing work in this world’s history.

That I May Know Him

Light for a World in Darkness, December 3

TMK 343.4

Those who are waiting for the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ cannot mingle with those who are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, who are seeking amusement in games and pleasure parties. As faithful watchmen they must proclaim the warning, “The morning cometh, and also the night” (Isaiah 21:12).3Letter 84, 1895.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Work and Baptism of Holy Spirit Needed

1SAT 191.2

What is the word that comes from the watchman on the walls of Zion? “The morning cometh, and also the night” [Isaiah 21:12]. Both are coming. The watchman has to give the note of warning. Every watchman on the walls is to take up the note and to sound it to the people. What do the people do—just sit and gape at the watchman? They have got, in their turn, to catch the trumpet sound, then to take it up and sound it through the churches; not call, “Watchman, come here, come here,” because of this note, of this warning here in our church. Give it yourself, because you are connected with God. Give it yourself, because you are the channel [of] light. Catch the words all burning from the throne of God and give them to the people. That is what you are to do. Instead of quarreling [about] who shall be the greatest; instead of dissension, instead of strife, God help you to be converted. What you want is to become as little children.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 93—To Brethren in Responsible Positions

1888 720.1

Brethren in responsible positions, you are in danger. I lift my voice in warning. Beware. Unless you watch, and keep your garments unspotted from the world, Satan will stand as your captain. It is now no time to hide your colors, no time to turn traitor, when the battle presses sore. It is no time to lay down or hide our weapons, and give Satan the advantage in the warfare. Watchmen on the walls of Zion must be wide awake. Call to your fellow-watchmen in no sleepy terms, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” Isaiah 21:12. If no response is made, then know that the watchman is unfaithful. It is now no time to relax our efforts, to become tame and spiritless; no time to hide our light under a bushel, to speak smooth things, to prophesy deceit. No, no; there is no place for sleepy watchmen on the walls of Zion. Every power is to be employed wholly and entirely for God. Maintain your allegiance, bearing testimony for God and for truth. Be not turned aside by any suggestion that the world may make. We can make no compromise. There is a living issue before us, which will be of vital importance to the remnant people of God, to the very close of this earth’s history; for eternal interests are here involved. We are to look constantly to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Captain of our salvation. All that Jesus did on the earth was done with an eye single to the glory of His Father. He says, “As the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.” (John 14:31.) “This commandment have I received of my Father.” (John 10:18.) In all He did, He was working out the will of His Father, so that His life on earth was a manifestation of the divine perfection. The union of divinity with humanity in Christ, was to reveal to us God’s purpose to bring man into the closest connection with Himself. We can not possibly be happy without Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 1, 1875

2LtMs, Lt 1, 1875, par. 8

Men are demanded in these times who will not betray the truth, who will [not] yield to any guide but God. The trumpet must give a certain sound, clear and sharp. The sound of warning and alarm must be given. God has a message designed to arouse the people, and words of solemn importance must be spoken in no hesitating manner. The time of night must be sounded. The cry must be lifted, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” [Isaiah 21:12.] Clear and distinct the truth must come to the people in the Spirit and power of God that the church and the world may be aroused from their carnal slumbers. Men must be led to inquire with solemn interest, “What shall I do to be saved?” [Acts 16:30.] False, unfaithful shepherds are crying “Peace and safety” to soothe the consciences of those who need to be alarmed for their souls’ sake. The voice and pen of God’s faithful servants must be employed, that those who are at ease may be aroused with the warning, “For when they shall cry, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” [1 Thessalonians 5:3.] None will escape, save those who watch and keep their garments white.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 55, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 55, 1886, par. 16

The voice of the true watchman needs now to be heard all along the line, “The morning cometh, and also the night” [Isaiah 21:12]. The trumpet must give a certain sound, for we are in the great day of the Lord’s preparation. All the struggles to carry our appeals to the highest authorities in our land, however earnest and strong and eloquent may be the pleas in our favor, will not bring about that which we desire, unless the Lord works by His Holy Spirit in the hearts of those who claim to believe the truth. We may struggle as a mighty man in swimming against the current of Niagara, but we shall fail unless the Lord pleads in our behalf. God will be honored among His people. They must be pure, they must be divested of self, steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. The Lord will elevate the humblest soul that trusts in Him. He will unite His power with human effort, if that man will honor Him as did Daniel. But as a people we need the beauty of righteousness, holiness, and truth. The most harmonious theory will not save us. The God that ruled in Babylon is the same God that rules now. There are many doctrines current in our world. There is many a religion current that numbers its thousands and tens of thousands, but there is but one that bears the superscription and the stamp of God. There is a religion of man and a religion of God. We must have our souls riveted to the eternal Rock. Everything in God’s world, both men and doctrines and nature itself, is fulfilling God’s sure word of prophecy and accomplishing His grand and closing work in this world’s history.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 1f, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 1f, 1890, par. 1

Brethren in responsible positions, you are in danger. I lift my voice in warning. Beware. Unless you watch, and keep your garments unspotted from the world, Satan will stand as your captain. It is now no time to hide your colors, no time to turn traitor, when the battle presses sore. It is no time to lay down or hide our weapons and give Satan the advantage in the warfare. Watchmen on the walls of Zion must be wide awake. Call to your fellow watchmen in no sleepy terms, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” [Isaiah 21:12.] If no response is made, then know that the watchman is unfaithful.