EGW WritingsIsaiah 58
Ellen G. White · Page 4 of 5
Read Isaiah 58 in the BibleIsaiah 58:2
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 259, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 259, 1903, par. 25
Night after night scenes are presented to me which lead me to feel that I must cry aloud, and spare not, that I must lift up my voice like a trumpet, and show God’s people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. “Yet they seek Me daily,” God says, “and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God; they ask of Me the ordinance of justice, they take delight in approaching to God.” [Isaiah 58:2.] Read the whole of this chapter, the fifty-eighth of Isaiah, and apply it where it truly belongs. God requires His people, and especially those who dare to accept positions in our institutions, to be pure and holy. He calls upon them to wear His yoke, to suffer no man to bind yokes of human manufacture upon their necks. They are amenable to God, and to Him alone; for they are His blood-bought heritage.Isaiah 58:2-10
Living by Principle
Heart Service
PH048 43.2
Isaiah 58:2-4, 10: They seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.... Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.... If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday.Isaiah 58:3-4
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 35, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 35, 1893, par. 25
Your council meetings are too solemn to be treated in the spirit of lightness or with carping criticism. What will it profit to cherish pride of spirit, and pray for humility? What will it profit to seek eagerly the friendship and applause of the world, and pray for heavenly affections? What will it profit to indulge in passionate temper and un-Christlike words, and then ask for the meekness of Christ? This is not watching unto prayer. In the lack of that faith which works by love and purifies the soul lies the secret of unanswered prayer. “Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness.” [Isaiah 58:3, 4.] How many do this! Their cruel words wound and bruise the souls of the righteous.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 43, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 43, 1909, par. 5
Let none think that their understanding of the Scriptures, their knowledge of the truth for this time, will suffice to save them. Let none take the position before God that was taken by the people spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, who offered to God only outward service. “Wherefore have we fasted,” they said to God, “and Thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and Thou takest no knowledge?” God showed this people that their worship was unacceptable to Him because it lacked heart service. “Behold, in the day of your fast,” He said to them, “ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.” [Isaiah 58:3, 4.]Isaiah 58:3-7
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 16, 1868
1LtMs, Lt 16, 1868, par. 3
In the first place I was shown, my dear brother, that you do not know yourself. You have not felt reconciled to the testimony given in your case, and have not made a thorough work to reform. I was referred to Isaiah. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Isaiah 58:6, 7. If you do these things, the blessings promised will be given.1LtMs, Lt 16, 1868, par. 4
You may be making the inquiry, “Wherefore have we fasted, ... and thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?” Verse 3. God has given reasons why your prayers were not answered. You have thought that you had found reasons in others and charged the fault upon them, and that a lack in them has hindered your prayers.Isaiah 58:3-13
Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 26, 1894
2SAT 104.1
“Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: that thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.”2SAT 104.2
Here is a promise in keeping the commandments of God and teaching them to our children. What does that mean? Everyone who obeys the commandments of God from the heart, everyone who follows in the path of obedience, God makes the promise unto them. The heavenly intelligences are ready to cooperate with them. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” The Lord has declared, “That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.” If not, how can God let His blessing and protecting care and guardianship be over you?2SAT 104.3
The enemy is after His possessions. He pleads that the race has transgressed the commandments and says, “Let me bring my power to bear upon them.” But God can protect His people that are obedient. If you are disobedient, it is important that [you] consider your situation. There is some importance attached to obeying God’s commandments. “Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God” (with two-thirds of thy heart? or with half of thy heart? or with a quarter?), “with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”2SAT 104.4
Who gave this direction? The invisible Leader enshrouded in the billowy cloud. Fathers and mothers, we want you to hear sharply and with an understanding heart. “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates” (Deuteronomy 6:7-9; also 10-12).2SAT 105.1
We want you to take in just the directions. We want to inquire, Fathers and mothers, are we to all intents and purposes carrying out the requirements of God’s Word? Do we feel the necessity of surrendering our heart’s affections to God? Who is following the word and obeying the commandments which He has specified? The words of God are of the highest value. We cannot afford to be negligent. If parents feel the sacredness of the truth, will they not seek to educate their children to right principles? Abraham commanded his household after him.2SAT 105.2
Great consequences are to be met: to the disobedient, no promises, no blessings, but the threatening of the Lord. God cannot take them to His kingdom nor take them to the city of our God, because they would have a second rebellion in heaven. We must every one of us take heed to the instruction God has given us.2SAT 105.3
As I was speaking to my natural sister, the wife of a Methodist minister, in regard to the requirements of the Word of God, she said she would keep the Sabbath if the whole world would keep it. The duty of keeping the Sabbath is plainly laid down before us, and God does not say, “If it is convenient.” Parents know it is a sacred thing to carry out these principles in the household. And if the parent expects to bring up his children in the right way he cannot play the lad. He must have growing dignity that Christ gives to a man. God so appreciated every soul that He “gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”2SAT 105.4
Here the Son comes into our world to practice self-denial, and although His own nation did not receive Him He was the infinite Son of God. He was working for the uplifting of the human race. How much does God value man? I point you to Calvary. [The] most ignominious death my Lord suffered that He might rescue you, yet He does not force any of you to serve Him. He does not force the will or conscience of any soul. God has given Jesus to our world and He wants us to search the Scriptures. He can put His Holy Spirit upon us and He says, “I am at thy right hand to uphold thee”—to walk with our hand in the hand of Jesus Christ, to love Him and to glorify Him. His love is without a parallel. No comparison can be made to that love. He was one with the Father and was suffered to die for us.2SAT 106.1
Christ in God and God in Christ. All this was to take men and women and bring them up from a state of sin, disobedience, and transgression to favor with God. Man with Christ and Christ with God; the life and the obedience hid with Christ in God, that when He who is our life shall appear, we may appear with Him in glory.2SAT 106.2
Well-ordered and well-disciplined families are an example that God gives to our world. You want a well-ordered house. God wants the light of His love to rise upon you. He wants that His ministers should search for the careless ones—His heritage bought with His own blood. The children are God’s property that you have in charge. It is no light matter to know how you shall deal with God’s heritage—that you may have that wisdom that is from above, that at last you may be able to say, Here, Lord, are the children Thou hast committed to my charge.2SAT 106.3
What is your practice? Are you injuring your understanding through using narcotics, tobacco, wine, and liquor? I warn you of that path because God warns you all from it. You must give a good example to your children. It was sin that brought the agony upon the Son of the infinite God, taking the wrath of God upon His own divine soul. What hereditary trusts have you gathered? Have you gathered them up from Abel, Noah, Abraham? God says of Abraham, “I know him that he will command his children and his household after him.”2SAT 106.4
You want to train your children not only for this life but for the future, immortal life as well. You want to have a hold upon God. God will inquire in the judgment, What have you done with My possession? There is a judgment to come and everyone [is] to be judged according to the deeds done in the body. God knows that we cannot cleanse the soul from a sin; He knows that there is no power with us.2SAT 106.5
Just as soon as Abraham pitched his tent he erected his altar, where he offered his morning and evening sacrifices to God. Today God wants you to offer up your morning and evening petitions to Him. Are you weak in moral power? Man, a partaker of the divine nature, may overcome what? The corruptions that are in the world through lust. That man may do justice in everything, and teach his children to do justice in everything, not by being idle, but that God had given them hands [that do] not hang useless. He wants everyone to exercise the talents that God has given them, waiting, watching, praying, and working.2SAT 107.1
“The night cometh, when no man can work.” You know not how soon the time will come when your hands will be folded on your breast until you come forth in the resurrection. You know not how soon you may be called. Every day you are to go on a progressive work of sanctification. It is a work of a lifetime. Today we are to sow the fruits of the Spirit of Christ in our own character. His goings forth are prepared as the morning. As you follow on to know the Lord you will understand more and more the light that is in reserve for you.2SAT 107.2
Why not honor the Creator of the heavens and the earth in obeying the fourth commandment? Why not, as the Sabbath is approaching, Friday, have our business over before the sun goes down? And from the beginning of every week we shall be preparing our lessons for the Sabbath school. Abraham worshiped the Lord and erected an altar which was a living testimony wherever he went, so that even the roving Canaanites recognized it. We want that every one should have his altar erected. Children should pray for the guardianship of the angels through the night. When next Sabbath comes, what will you do, fathers and mothers?2SAT 107.3
When my children were small we had a large family of adopted children. We would have our work away before the setting of the sun. The children would hail the Sabbath as a joy. They would say, Now father and mother will give us some of their time. We would take them out for a walk. We would take the Bible and some religious instruction to read to them, and explain to them the Scriptures. We would keep praying that they should know the truth of God’s Word. We would not lie abed Sabbath mornings because it was Sabbath. We would have our preparations all ready the day before so that we could go to service without the hurry and worry. We would not stroll off and have a nice time to ourselves. We wanted our children to have all the privileges and blessings of God’s sanctified rest day.2SAT 107.4
I’ll read you what God wants us to consider. Let us read of what work should be done. We might as well set ourselves to it. I feel it is a sin to be idle. If I did not see the necessities of God’s cause, I need not work so constantly. I draw in every line to raise the standard higher. We must love our neighbors as ourselves. We should work with the right hand and the left so that we might give to those who are in need. Christ tells us that we must help our brother that is falling into decay. If we fold our hands and be as butterflies, we can do no good in this world. We want you to see the importance that we should live to please somebody else. Just as soon as we see the necessities of those around us, we should take hold and help them.2SAT 108.1
[Isaiah 58:3-8, quoted.]2SAT 108.2
Jesus Christ is our righteousness. Every step that Christ takes and we follow, the glory of the Lord is our rereward. “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry,” (now what?) “Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity,” then there will be answers to our prayers.2SAT 108.3
We should not condemn the brother who falls into decay. There should be no judging. “And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day.” Do you want it thus? Do you want that the cloud of reproach should be rolled away? Lay up your treasure in heaven that when your Lord shall appear you may have the eternal weight of glory.2SAT 108.4
“And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” How many I have heard talk of the dearth of their souls. They did not seem to feel any burden for the souls for whom Christ died.2SAT 108.5
“And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” Who is it that has torn down the fourth commandment, covered it up so that man should forget God? After He had created the world in six days He rested on the seventh. Every tree, shrub, and flower that God made testifies that He made the world in six days and rested on the seventh. He tells us that in six days He made heaven and earth. But a spy is on our track.2SAT 108.6
If one is arrested for working on the first day and keeping the Sabbath, do you hear him say, I will not keep the Sabbath any more? They are glad for the privilege of bringing the truth before the people. Shall we take the spurious and trample on the divine? No. If the prison is to be our home, we shall sing within the prison walls. Is it any more than the King of glory endured on our behalf?2SAT 108.7
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.” What God says is to be obeyed, irrespective of consequences and the commands of men.2SAT 109.1
That is why Paul and Silas were thrown into prison. The universe of heaven knew all about it. These men were singing praises to God. It was a new note the jailers heard. They were laid upon their backs, and their feet put in the stocks, and yet they touched a new note. Heaven’s army approaches, and to their tread earth begins to quake. The jailer knew that those who kept the prison when Peter escaped were put to death. As the doors opened Paul did not say to the frightened jailer that it would be good enough for him to be put to death, but he did say, “Do thyself no harm.” Then the jailer comes in and acknowledges the power of God and asks forgiveness for his cruelty and says, “What must I do to be saved?” He gives himself to God, washes the backs of Paul and Silas, and puts them in as comfortable a position as possible.2SAT 109.2
There was a desire on the part of the officers [magistrates] that Paul and Silas should quietly leave the jail; but Paul says No, you have scourged us, and though uncondemned you have imprisoned us; now take us out yourselves. That God lives today who wrought for Paul and Silas. May God help us to establish the fear of God in our homes. God help us that we may make straight paths for our feet. May God help us to help one another, and the Lord of Hosts will be with us and give us victory.—Ms 26, 1894 (MR 900.67).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 26, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 26, 1894, par. 17
“Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” [Isaiah 58:3-6.] [Read] also Isaiah 58:7, 8.9LtMs, Ms 26, 1894, par. 18
Jesus Christ is our righteousness. Every step that Christ takes and we follow, the glory of the Lord is our rereward. “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry,” (now what?) “Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity,” then there will be answers to our prayers. [Verse 9.]9LtMs, Ms 26, 1894, par. 19
We should not condemn the brother who falls into decay. There should be no judging. “And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday.” [Verse 10.] Do you want it thus? Do you want that the cloud of reproach should be rolled away? Lay up your treasure in heaven that when your Lord shall appear you may have the eternal weight of glory. “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Verse 11.] How many I have heard talk of the dearth of their souls. They did not seem to feel any burden for the souls for whom Christ died.9LtMs, Ms 26, 1894, par. 20
“And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Verse 12.] Who is it that has torn down the fourth commandment, covered it up so that man should forget God? After He had created the world in six days, He rested on the seventh. Every tree, shrub, and flower that God made testifies that He made the world in six days and rested on the seventh. He tells us that in six days He made heaven and earth. But a spy is on our track.9LtMs, Ms 26, 1894, par. 22
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.” [Verse 13.] What God says is to be obeyed, irrespective of consequences and the commands of men. That is why Paul and Silas were thrown into prison. The universe of heaven knew all about it. These men were singing praises to God. It was a new note the jailers heard. They were laid upon their backs, and their feet put in the stocks, and yet they touched a new note.Isaiah 58:4
The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 38—Paul a Prisoner
AA 413.3
While the Lord encouraged His servant, Paul’s enemies were eagerly plotting his destruction. “And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.” Here was a fast such as the Lord through Isaiah had condemned—a fast “for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness.” Isaiah 58:4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 48, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 48, 1894, par. 14
We want to see the converting power of God in our midst. We want that the angels of God should walk up and down this encampment and solemnize the minds of parents and of youth and of children. We want the opportunity here of seeing the revealing of the power of God in our midst. The blessing is already to fall upon us in rich showers of grace if we will prepare the way for it. We want to know if you are going to do it. It is the precious Sabbath of God. He sanctified it; He made it holy. Now let us humble our hearts before God this day. In Isaiah it says, “Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness.” [Isaiah 58:4.] What do your fasts amount to, to spread sackcloth and ashes under you? Why you neglect the very duties that are laid right before you.Isaiah 58:4-5
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 75, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 75, 1900, par. 15
“Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness; ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast as I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day unto the Lord?” [Isaiah 58:4, 5.]Isaiah 58:4-8
Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 11—What Are We Worth?
1SM 98.4
In the fifty-eighth of Isaiah we have read of those who “fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness” and we have learned that God will not accept such a fast. “Ye shall not fast as ye do this day,” He declares, “to make your voice to be heard on high” (Isaiah 58:4).1SM 99.2
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens [instead of binding them on], and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:5-7).1SM 99.3
“Then [after they do these works of mercy and necessity] shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward” (Isaiah 58:8).Isaiah 58:4-10
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 28—Levi-Matthew
DA 278.1
The Pharisees sought to exalt themselves by their rigorous observance of forms, while their hearts were filled with envy and strife. “Behold,” says the Scripture, “ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?” Isaiah 58:4, 5.DA 278.2
The true fast is no mere formal service. The Scripture describes the fast that God has chosen,—“to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke;” to “draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul.” Isaiah 58:6, 10. Here is set forth the very spirit and character of the work of Christ. His whole life was a sacrifice of Himself for the saving of the world. Whether fasting in the wilderness of temptation or eating with the publicans at Matthew’s feast, He was giving His life for the redemption of the lost. Not in idle mourning, in mere bodily humiliation and multitudinous sacrifices, is the true spirit of devotion manifested, but it is shown in the surrender of self in willing service to God and man.Isaiah 58:5-7
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1
Chapter 53—The North and the South
1T 256.1
As this war was shown to me, it looked like the most singular and uncertain that has ever occurred. A great share of the volunteers enlisted fully believing that the result of the war would be to abolish slavery. Others enlisted intending to be very careful to keep slavery just as it is, but to put down the rebellion and preserve the Union. And then to make the matter still more perplexing and uncertain, some of the officers in command are strong proslavery men whose sympathies are all with the South, yet who are opposed to a separate government. It seems impossible to have the war conducted successfully, for many in our own ranks are continually working to favor the South, and our armies have been repulsed and unmercifully slaughtered on account of the management of these proslavery men. Some of our leading men in Congress also are constantly working to favor the South. In this state of things, proclamations are issued for national fasts, for prayer that God will bring this war to a speedy and favorable termination. I was then directed to Isaiah 58:5-7: “Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)
The Church Given a Preview
2BIO 38.6
In this state of things, proclamations are issued for national fasts, for prayer that God will bring this war to a speedy and favorable termination. I was then directed to Isaiah 58:5-7: ... “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” ...I saw that these national fasts were an insult to Jehovah. He accepts no such fasts.—Testimonies for the Church, 1:256, 257.Testimony for the Church — No. 7
The North and South
T07 6.3
As I was shown this war, it looked to me the most singular and uncertain that ever existed. A great share of the volunteers enlisted fully believing that the result of the war would be to abolish slavery. Others enlisted to be very careful to keep slavery just as it is, but to put down the rebellion, and preserve the Union. And then to make the matter still more perplexing and uncertain, officers in command are strong pro-slavery men, all their sympathies with the South, yet opposed to a separate government. It seemed impossible to have the war conducted successfully, for many in our own ranks are continually working to favor the South, and our armies have been repulsed, and unmercifully slaughtered on account of the management of these pro-slavery men; and some of our leading men in congress are constantly working to favor the South. In this state of things proclamations are issued for national fasts, for prayer that God would bring this war to a speedy and favorable termination. I was then directed to Isaiah 58:5-7: “Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”Isaiah 58:5-9
Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
The Christian Life
1SAT 322.1
We have everything to be thankful for. Never ought Christians to move along like a band of mourners in a funeral train. God does not require this of His followers. He does not ask them to spread sackcloth and ashes under them. “Is it such a fast that I have chosen?” he asks; “a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day unto the Lord?” God tells us what kind of a fast He has chosen. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” This is the fast he wishes us to observe. “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:5-7). In these words our duty is outlined. God shows us where we should place our treasures. As we follow in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice, helping the needy and suffering, we shall lay up treasure before the throne of God.1SAT 323.1
“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, ‘Here I am’” (Isaiah 58:8, 9). Here is shown action and reaction. As we impart the goods the Lord has lent us in trust, we receive more to impart, and blessing comes to us. As we take hold upon Christ as a personal Saviour, we are enabled to do “all things.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 31, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 14
We have everything to be thankful for. Never ought Christians to move along like a band of mourners in a funeral train. God does not require this of His followers. He does not ask them to spread sackcloth and ashes under them. “Is it such a fast that I have chosen?” He asks; “a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day unto the Lord?” God tells us what kind of a fast He has chosen. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” This is the fast He wishes us to observe. “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” [Isaiah 58:5-7.] In these words our duty is outlined. God shows us where we should place our treasures. As we follow in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice, helping the needy and suffering, we shall lay up treasure before the throne of God.16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 15
The advantage this will be to us is shown in the following words: “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.” [Verses 8, 9.] Here is shown action and re-action. As we impart the goods the Lord has lent us on trust, we receive more to impart, and blessing comes to us. As we take hold upon Christ as a personal Saviour, we are enabled to do “all things.” [Philippians 4:13.]16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 16
Christ is not dead. He has proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, “I am the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.] Satan has thrown his dark shadow across our pathway, but let not our faith falter. Rather let it cleave through the shadow to the place where Christ sits as our Intercessor. Satan is trying to hide the light of heaven from us, but he cannot do this if we will cling to the mighty One. Call upon the Lord, and He will answer, “Here am I.” [Isaiah 58:9.] Co-operate with God in striving against the enemy. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be determined that you will be temperate in all things. Remember that there is a world to save. We are to act our part, standing close by the side of Christ as His co-laborers. He is the head; we are His helping hand. He designs that we, by doing medical missionary work, shall undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free. Let us not close our eyes to the misery around us or our ears to the cries of distress which are continually ascending. Christ is the greatest missionary the world has ever known. He came to uplift and cheer the sorrowing and distressed, and in this work we are to co-operate with Him.Isaiah 58:5-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 3, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 3, 1898, par. 37
“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee, and the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer: thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking of vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity and thy darkness be as the noon day. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:5-11.]Isaiah 58:5-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 27, 1880
3LtMs, Lt 27, 1880, par. 7
Sabbath was an excellent day for the brethren and sisters. I spoke on, “Is this the fast that I have chosen?” etc., dwelling particularly upon the Sabbath. [Isaiah 58:5, 6, 13, 14.] It seemed to be just what the people needed. At four o’clock we had a Bible class upon the Bible manner of keeping the Sabbath. This was very profitable. In the evening Elder [S. N.] Haskell spoke upon the Sanctuary question.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 105, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 105, 1899, par. 16
“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” [Isaiah 58:5-7.] (See Malachi 3.) You are not to do this work by proxy. You are to give evidence to the world that you are Christlike. You are to practice self-denial and self-sacrifice. Then a light will shine in every Christian home, which will reveal itself in behalf of the ignorant, leading them to the source of all knowledge.14LtMs, Ms 105, 1899, par. 20
“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul, then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday.” [Isaiah 58:8-10.]14LtMs, Ms 105, 1899, par. 23
“And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Isaiah 58:11, 12.] We are not left to human conclusions in reference to where this instructions applies, and the time of its marked fulfillment.14LtMs, Ms 105, 1899, par. 24
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words, then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Verses 13, 14.]14LtMs, Ms 105, 1899, par. 25
The genuine medical missionary work is bound up with the third angel’s message. It cannot be divorced from it. This work is a reform which needs all parts combined to make it solid and efficient. “They that be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations.” [Verse 12.] God’s memorial, the seventh-day Sabbath, the sign of His work in creating the world, has been displaced. Who has displaced it? The man of sin. God’s people have a special work to do in repairing the breach which has been made in the law of God. All who love God will show that they bear His sign by keeping all His commandments. They are the restorers of paths to dwell in. Their work is specified.14LtMs, Ms 105, 1899, par. 26
“If thou turn away thy foot form the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, ... then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth.” [Verses 13, 14.] The work for this time is to make prominent the truths presented in Exodus 31:12-18. And medical missionary work is bound up solidly and inseparably with all God’s commandments, of which the Sabbath is mentioned especially, for it is the great memorial of God’s creation work. Its observance is bound up with the work of restoring the moral image of God in man. This is the ministry God’s people are to carry forward.Isaiah 58:6
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 152, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 152, 1901, par. 15
After reading these Scriptures, I seemed to be instructing the people that manmade laws, manmade yokes, would be prepared for the Lord’s people, but that it is not safe for them to allow their minds to be diverted in any way from the Word of the Lord to the words of men. “Break every yoke,” is the instruction given. [Isaiah 58:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 4, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 4, 1902, par. 22
These words bring to view a course that heaven will not endorse. Our work is to restore, not to destroy; to lift up, not to cast down; “to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bound.” [Luke 4:18.] We are commanded to remember them that are bound as bound with them. And in Isaiah we read: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” [Isaiah 58:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 314, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 9
The world is our field; God’s children who feel a burden for the work of the message are to be allowed to work where the Spirit directs them. Let not a forbidding power be exercised to restrict them in their work. Let God accomplish His work through the agencies that He chooses. A great mistake has been made in the exercise of human authority in God’s work, and I am bidden to proclaim the message: “Break every yoke, and let the oppressed go free.” [Isaiah 58:6.] I am bidden to say to church members, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come; and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” [Isaiah 60:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 73, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 73, 1907, par. 10
I write thus fully because I have been shown that ministers and people are tempted more and more to trust in finite man for wisdom, and to make flesh their arm. To conference presidents and men in responsible places, I bear this message: Break the bands and fetters that have been placed upon God’s people. To you the word is spoken, “Break every yoke.” [Isaiah 58:6.] Unless you cease the work of making man amenable to man, unless you become humble in heart, and yourselves learn the way of the Lord as little children, the Lord will divorce you from His work. We are to treat one another as brethren, as fellow laborers, as men and women who are, with us, seeking for light and understanding of the way of the Lord, and who are jealous for His glory.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 128, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 128, 1908, par. 22
I have written quite lengthily on these matters. I have much more to say. I may feel it duty to be even more explicit if these words are not understood and acted out. But the word has come to me, “Say to My servants, Break every yoke.” [See Isaiah 58:6.] I have to say the atmosphere which surrounds human souls has become a deception and delusion in understanding the way of the Lord. I have a decided message to bear. The Lord’s work is a very sacred work indeed. The last three years have seen strange work, and the Lord has given clear words of His righteous works and of the errors of men who have not a true spiritual and religious experience. They have caused Satan to triumph. The Lord has specified the errors that Satan and his angels have kept men employed in bringing into the work, and the Lord positively declares their ministration shall no longer give room for Satan to come in. When these men will humble their hearts before God and repent of the hindrance that they have caused and the blocks they have made for souls to stumble over, then the Lord can and will give them understanding and knowledge, but the dominating power they are not to exercise over His people again.This Day With God
The Power of Truth, August 3
TDG 224.1
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke. Isaiah 58:6.Isaiah 58:6-7
A Call to Medical Evangelism and Health Education
Need of Greater Faith
CME 25.1
As believers in Christ we need greater faith. We need to be more fervent in prayer. Many wonder why their prayers are so lifeless, their faith so feeble and wavering, their Christian experience so dark and uncertain. “Have we not fasted,” they say, “and walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?” In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah Christ has shown how this condition of things may be changed. He says: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Verses 6, 7. This is the recipe that Christ has prescribed for the faint-hearted, doubting, trembling soul. Let the sorrowful ones, who walk mournfully before the Lord, arise and help someone who needs help.The General Conference Bulletin
December 1, 1895
GCB December 1, 1895, Art. A, par. 24
This is the service that God has chosen,—“to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke, ... and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh.” Isaiah 58:6, 7. When you see yourselves as sinners, saved only by the unmerited love of your heavenly Father, you will have tender pity for others who are suffering in sin. You will no longer meet misery and repentance with censure, with suspicion, and jealousy. When the iron of selfishness is melted from your souls, you will be in sympathy with God, and will participate in his joy in the saving of the lost.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 87, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 87, 1894, par. 34
In His providence the Lord brings a priest, to whom is committed the work of ministering in behalf of the people, over the same road where the sick and suffering men lay in a dying condition. A faithful priest is to be pitiful, to be imbued with the Spirit of God, filled with mercy, compassion, and love toward all. There is no one to witness his actions, and put to the test, he will reveal the true nature of his character, and make it manifest before the universe of heaven whether he is fit for the sacred office. The angels look upon the distress of God’s family upon the earth, and they are prepared to co-operate with human agents in relieving oppression and suffering. They will co-operate with those, who “break every yoke,” who “bring the poor that are cast out into thine house,” who, “when they see the naked, that thou cover him; and hide not thyself from thine own flesh.” [Isaiah 58:6, 7.]Christian Service, volume 1
The Indorsement
1ChS 188.2
Many wonder why their prayers are so lifeless, their faith so feeble and wavering, their Christian experience so dark and uncertain. “Have we not fasted,” they say, “and walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?” In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, Christ has shown how this condition of things may be changed.... Verses 6, 7. This is the recipe that Christ has prescribed for the faint-hearted, doubting, trembling soul. Let the sorrowful ones, who walk mournfully before the Lord, arise and help someone who needs help.—Testimonies for the Church 6:266.Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 16—“Lost, and Is Found”
COL 210.3
This is the service that God has chosen—“to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke, ... and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh.” Isaiah 58:6, 7. When you see yourselves as sinners saved only by the love of your heavenly Father, you will have tender pity for others who are suffering in sin. You will no longer meet misery and repentance with jealousy and censure. When the ice of selfishness is melted from your hearts, you will be in sympathy with God, and will share His joy in the saving of the lost.The Upward Look
Witnessing to Others, September 7
UL 264.1
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? Isaiah 58:6, 7.Ye Shall Receive Power
Charity, March 14
YRP 82.1
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Isaiah 58:6, 7.Isaiah 58:6-8
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 87, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 87, 1898, par. 7
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen?” God asks, “to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” [Isaiah 58:6, 7.]13LtMs, Ms 87, 1898, par. 9
“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.” [Verse 8.] Christ is our righteousness; He goes before us in this work, and the glory of the Lord follows.A Call To Stand Apart
Chapter 15—Social Justice
CSA 58.1
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward. Isaiah 58:6-8.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 15, 1869
2LtMs, Lt 15, 1869, par. 9
But every man’s work is to be tested, brought into judgment, and he be rewarded as his works have been. “Honor the Lord with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thine increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty.” [Proverbs 3:9.] “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Read on, the rich reward promised to those who do this: “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily.” [Isaiah 58:6-8.] Here is an abundantly precious promise for those who will interest themselves in the cases of those who need help. How can God come in and bless and prosper those who have no special care for any one only themselves, and who do not use that which He has entrusted to them to glorify His name on the earth?Isaiah 58:6-10
The Review and Herald
May 8, 1894
RH May 8, 1894, par. 9
The character of true obedience to God is brought out in the instruction of the Lord to his people. He says (Isaiah 58:6-10): “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drouth, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be as a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 61, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 61, 1901, par. 7
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? ... Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day.” [Isaiah 58:6, 8-10.]The Upward Look
Yokes, February 11
UL 56.1
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6.UL 56.5
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day” (Isaiah 58:9, 10). Praise God with heart and voice for this possibility! Praise God that we can bring this promise to the Lord for fulfillment, when we comply with the conditions. When we do not know which way to turn, light direct from God will come to us, if we will follow His directions....From Heaven With Love
Chapter 28—Matthew: From Tax Collector to Apostle
HLv 181.4
The Scripture describes the fast that God has chosen—“to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke”; to “draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul.” Isaiah 58:6, 10. Here is set forth the character of the work of Christ. Whether fasting in the wilderness or eating with publicans, He was giving His life for the redemption of the lost. The true spirit of devotion is shown in the surrender of self in willing service to God and man.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 168, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 168, 1901, par. 14
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? ... Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day.” [Isaiah 58:6, 8-10.] [This entry from Ms 61, 1901.]Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 26—“Friends by the Mammon of Unrighteousness”
COL 370.1
After relating the parable, Christ said, “The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” That is, worldly-wise men display more wisdom and earnestness in serving themselves than do the professed children of God in their service to Him. So it was in Christ’s day. So it is now. Look at the life of many who claim to be Christians. The Lord has endowed them with capabilities, and power, and influence; He has entrusted them with money, that they may be co-workers with Him in the great redemption. All His gifts are to be used in blessing humanity, in relieving the suffering and the needy. We are to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to care for the widow and the fatherless, to minister to the distressed and downtrodden. God never meant that the widespread misery in the world should exist. He never meant that one man should have an abundance of the luxuries of life, while the children of others should cry for bread. The means over and above the actual necessities of life are entrusted to man to do good, to bless humanity. The Lord says, “Sell that ye have, and give alms.” Luke 12:33. Be “ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” 1 Timothy 6:18. “When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.” Luke 14:13. “Loose the bands of wickedness,” “undo the heavy burdens,” “let the oppressed go free,” “break every yoke.” “Deal thy bread to the hungry,” “bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” “When thou seest the naked, ... cover him.” “Satisfy the afflicted soul.” Isaiah 58:6, 7, 10. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. These are the Lord’s commands. Are the great body of professed Christians doing this work?Isaiah 58:6-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 17, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 17, 1898, par. 8
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here am I. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday; and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of waters, whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:6-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 151, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 151, 1899, par. 4
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking of vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of waters whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:6-11.] This is to be our work. We are to be laborers together with God.Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 970—Jesus—Our Righteousness, Example, and Partner
12MR 237.3
In the 58th chapter of Isaiah God has placed before us the service He would have us do for our fellowmen and for Him. He says, [Isaiah 58:6-11 quoted].Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]
MR No. 150—A Visit to Tasmania
2MR 282.2
“He that watereth shall be watered also himself” [Proverbs 11:25]. This is a guarantee that every worker shall receive grace for the grace imparted to others. Every laborer who labors for the good of children and youth, mothers and fathers, neighbors and associates, will find that God will fulfill His promise. He says, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of waters, whose waters fail not” [Isaiah 58:6-11].The Bible Echo
January 14, 1901
BEcho January 14, 1901, par. 8
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.... If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Isaiah 58:6-11.Spalding and Magan Collection
Adopting Infant Children
SpM 116.1
The question of adopting a child, especially an infant, involves a most serious responsibility. It should not be lightly regarded. One who has herself taken a baby to bring up, may feel that unless other ministers’ wives shall follow her example, they are remiss in their duty. But this is an error. Our duty is not decided by what others may plan for us. The question for each to settle is, in doing this, shall I be merely gratifying my own wishes, or is it a duty the Lord has appointed me? Is this His way, or the way of my own choosing? All are to be workers for God. Not one is excused. Your talents are not your own, to employ as you may fancy. Inquire, what would the Lord have me do with the entrusted talents? Shall I labor for the salvation of souls? Shall I follow the directions of Isaiah 58:6-11?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 25, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 25, 1894, par. 12
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house, when thou seest the naked that thou coverest him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take way from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones, and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:6-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 38, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 38, 1895, par. 55
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of waters, whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:6-11.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]
MR No. 1269—Every Person Has God-Given Talents Which Should Bear Fruit; Church Leaders Not to Exercise Absolute Control Over Others
17MR 199.6
But this work of soul saving has been neglected; personal efforts have not been made. Men in responsible positions, craving large buildings “to make an appearance and give character to the work,” have neglected the only means that can give character to the work. The only way they can do this is to abide in the Vine, and show by their good works that they are vitally connected with it. Thus they can represent Christ in the fruit they bear, and diffuse light to the world. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” [Isaiah 58:6]. “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not” [verse 11]. Christ says of His work: [Isaiah 61:1-3, quoted].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 26, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 26, 1891, par. 3
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens?” [Isaiah 58:6.] Find out what the poor and suffering are in need of, and then, in love and tenderness, help them to courage and hope and confidence by sharing with them the good things that God has given you. Thus you will be doing the very work the Lord means for you to do. “Let the oppressed go free.” Do not rest till you break every yoke. It is not possible for you to neglect this, and yet obey God.7LtMs, Ms 26, 1891, par. 4
“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thine house? when thou seest the naked that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” [Verse 7.] How much of this hiding has been done! How many have closed the eyes and locked the door of the heart, lest a softening influence should prompt them to works of kindness and charity! The work of Christ never ceases. His tender love and goodness are inexhaustible; His mercy is over all the children of men.7LtMs, Ms 26, 1891, par. 15
I call your attention to the sure results of heeding the Lord’s admonition to care for the afflicted: “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily.” Is not this what we all crave? Oh, there is health and peace in doing the will of our heavenly Father. “Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday; and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:8-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 7, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 7, 1896, par. 15
But this work of soul saving has been neglected; personal efforts have not been made. Men in responsible positions, craving large buildings “to make an appearance, and give character to the work,” have neglected the only means that can give character to the work. The only way they can do this is to abide in the vine, and show by their good works that they are vitally connected with it. Thus they can represent Christ <in the fruit they bear> and diffuse light to the world. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones, and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:6, 11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 39, 1912
25LtMs, Ms 39, 1912, par. 3
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen,” the Lord through His prophet declares, “to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” [Isaiah 58:6, 7.] Wherever the people of God are placed, in the crowded cities, in the villages, or among the country byways, there is a mission field for which a responsibility is laid upon them by their Lord’s commission.25LtMs, Ms 39, 1912, par. 11
Precious are God’s promises to those who minister in His name. He says, “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily. ... Thou shalt call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am. ... And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Verses 8-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 49, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 49, 1895, par. 8
Saith God, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the hands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou see the naked that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee: and the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward ... And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday. And the Lord shall guide thee continually and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones, and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of waters whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:6-8, 10, 11.] This prescription we shall find more useful than all the drugs we can use. Please read prayerfully the third chapter of James.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 37, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, par. 10
“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness (the righteousness of Christ) shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here am I,” (what wilt thou have; what shall I do for thee.) “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:6-9, 11.]Isaiah 58:6-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 416, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 416, 1907, par. 19
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach; the restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Isaiah 58:6-12.]Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
An Educational Center
8T 218.4
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” “If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” Isaiah 58:6, 10-12.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 33, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 33, 1898, par. 9
In God’s people is begotten tender sympathy and compassion for the woes and distresses of suffering humanity. Christ awakens in them a deep interest for others, and as they labor to supply the necessities of others, the Lord works in their behalf. They realize the truth of the words, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free? and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou had not thyself from thine own flesh?” [Isaiah 58:6, 7.]13LtMs, Ms 33, 1898, par. 10
To those who will co-operate with God by helping others, as is here clearly defined, the promise is sure, “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from thee the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rest in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: and thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations: and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Verses 9-12.]Isaiah 58:6-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 249, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 249, 1904, par. 12
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy Father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 58:6-14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 16, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 16, 1908, par. 17
Oh, how much I have suffered during the last two and three years at the thought that the man put in as president was not fitted for such a place, did not carry the work of God intelligently in his mind, [so] that he could work as with an eye single to the glory of God. No man who himself refuses to be led should in any case be retained after one year’s trial in any important position as leader unless he carries the burden of his responsibilities. Elder Knox has been in his position as president of the conference, working with a determination to carry his ideas concerning Elder Rice and wife, whose work has been acceptable to God as set forth in Isaiah 58:6-14. The work that has been done has been a good work. Plenty of testimony has been borne, and the Lord accepts their work.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 5, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 5, 1897, par. 4
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thy self in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 58:6-8, 12-14.]12LtMs, Lt 5, 1897, par. 21
As surely as the Lord lives and reigns, the words spoken to Nicodemus are spoken to the men who have been handling sacred responsibilities. God says to them, “Ye must be born again.” [John 3:7.] A conversion, represented by a new birth, must take place. Then the men who have worked according to their supposed wisdom, will become as little children, seeking the Lord as did the children of Israel on the day of atonement, confessing their sins, and purifying themselves from every moral defilement. When they come to the Lord, with a sense of their own weakness, the Lord will hear them, and will answer, “Here am I.” [Isaiah 58:9.] The Holy Spirit will strip them of their self-righteousness, Pharisaism, and hardness of heart, and will give them a heart of flesh, made soft and tender by its indwelling presence. Self will die, and the life of Christ will be revealed in their lives. The life they now live, they will live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved them, and gave Himself for them.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Isaiah 58:1-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 29a, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, par. 15
I spoke to a room packed with interested listeners, from Isaiah fifty-eight. The Lord’s presence was in the congregation. We knew that His Holy Spirit was impressing the hearts of those present. As soon as I had ceased speaking, a woman of commanding appearance arose and bore a testimony from a full heart. She thanked the Lord, she said, that she was present to hear that discourse: for it had decided her to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Although trials and difficulties were before her, she would trust in the Lord, for He would be her fortress, her support, and she would make known the light of truth to others. Testimonies followed in quick succession. Brother Washburn bore a good testimony. The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and his face was pale. He said that he knew that the Spirit and power of God was in the message borne by Sister White, and that he had been receiving light and blessing. He felt more deeply the Spirit of the Lord than he had ever felt it before in his religious experience.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 29, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, par. 17
I spoke to a room packed with interested listeners, from Isaiah 58. The Lord’s presence was in the congregation. We know that His Holy Spirit was impressing the hearts of those present. As soon as I had ceased speaking, a woman of commanding appearance arose and bore a testimony from a full heart. She thanked the Lord, she said, that she was present to hear that discourse, for it has decided her to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Although trials and difficulties were before her, she would trust in the Lord, for He would be her fortress, her support, and she would make known the light of truth to others. Testimonies followed in quick succession. Brother Washburn bore a good testimony. The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and his face was pale. He said that he knew that the Spirit and power of God was in the message borne by Sr. White and that he had been receiving light and blessing. He felt more deeply the Spirit of the Lord than he had ever felt it before in his religious experience.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 40, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 40, 1891, par. 33
We found a hot fire, low ceiling, and a house packed full of people. Two-thirds were unbelievers. I spoke to them from the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. Good attention was given.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 21, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 21, 1892, par. 56
Today I am sixty-five years old. I spoke to our people from the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. I dwelt particularly upon the necessity of making up the breach that the man of sin has made in the law of God. <I felt the power of God resting upon my soul, and I am anxious for souls to be converted.>Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 5, 1891
Pine Creek, Michigan
January 10, 1891
Portions of this manuscript are published in Ev 244; 1BC 1095; CTr 86; 5MR 34-35. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.
7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 1
Isaiah 58:1. “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God; they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness; ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” [Verses 1-7.]7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 2
Now we can see what the Lord delights in their doing.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 3
“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning.” [Verse 8.] Well, this is what we wanted to know, Where we can find the light? It will break forth as the morning! What is it that will give us the light? By getting out from ourselves and seeing what good we can do for others that are around us. We may feel that it is too great a task upon us, but in doing good to others it reacts back upon us, and if we comfort others with the comfort wherewith we are comforted, the blessing will come back to us. And how? “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 4
You see, we are drawing in the same line with Jehovah, and all of the heavenly intelligences are interested in the work going on here in this earth. If there had not been that interest, none of us could be saved. And notwithstanding man transgressed God’s holy law, Jesus Christ steps forward and says, I will die that they may have life; I will take the penalty of the law upon Myself, and give man another trial. Now, while this is granted, it is our time to work. Not merely the ministers, but every soul who claims to know God and Jesus Christ are under obligation to God. How? Why, He has bought us by the infinite price of His own blood, therefore we are to be engaged in laboring for fallen humanity.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 5
We are not here in this world to glorify and amuse ourselves; we are not here to be butterflies, but we are bought of Christ and every power of the mind and intellect, yes, every power of the being has been purchased by the Son of God to be employed by the Master. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [Verse 9.] Do you want any higher business? Do you want any greater honor? Do you want any better pay? Ah, say they, I don’t see as I am getting any pay for it. That is what they are saying here in Malachi.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 6
But is this the way to talk? No, indeed! We want to catch sight of the heavenly attraction. We want to see the glory and attraction there is for those who seek for glory and heavenly honor and immortal life—a life that measures with the life of God. And what more? An inheritance which fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you. Is there anyone here who has had his expectations fade away? Are there any here who have had their plans vanish? Are there any here who know what it is to lose earthly possessions? But the possessions granted by God “fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” [1 Peter 1:4.]7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 7
Jacob in his dream saw the ladder, the base of which rested upon the earth and the topmost round reaching into the highest heaven while the angels of God were ascending and descending upon this mystic Ladder, and when he awoke he said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not.” [Genesis 28:16.] Thus it is with us. If our eyes could be opened, we would see the angels of God all around us, and the evil angels are here also trying to destroy us, but the good angels are pressing them back.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 8
Jacob thought to gain a right to the birthright through deception, but he found himself disappointed. He thought he had lost everything, his connection with God, his home, and all; and there he was a disappointed fugitive. But what did God do? He looked upon him in his hopeless condition, He saw his disappointment, and He saw there was material there that would render back glory to God. No sooner does He see his condition than He presents the mystic ladder which represents who? Jesus Christ. And here is a man who had lost all connection with God, and the God of heaven looks upon him and consents that Christ shall bridge the gulf which sin has made. We might have looked and said, I long for heaven but how can I reach it? I see no way. That is what Jacob thought, and so God shows him the vision of the ladder, and that ladder connects earth with heaven, with Jesus Christ. A man can climb it, for the base rests upon the earth, and the top-most round reaches into heaven. Then he climbs right away from the customs, practices, and fashions of earth right towards heaven, and the light and glory of God is upon every round of this mystic ladder, and man climbs upon who? Jesus Christ. Clings to what? Jesus Christ. Made one with whom? Jesus Christ. There he is holding to the ladder, climbing the ladder round by round, and it is his work to get every one to come.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 9
Now we find that the battlements can be reached and that God is above the ladder and is waiting with arms outstretched to help every soul that will come into the everlasting kingdom of our God. Praise His holy name! Ye inhabitants of the earth, praise Him! And why? Because through Jesus Christ, whose long human arm encircles the race while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Almighty, the gulf is bridged with His own body; and this atom of a world which was separated from the continent of heaven by sin and became an island, is again reinstated, because Christ bridged the gulf—Christ has bridged it!7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 10
Here is a soul in danger; well, God stands ready to help that soul. All the heavenly angels will be sent to assist that soul. There are those who still wait for the messenger of God to come to their assistance, but if they could only appreciate it they could be kept from evil as God kept the children of Israel in the wilderness. They did not appreciate the fact that God was protecting them from the fiery serpents that were all around them, but when God withdrew His protection and they were bitten by these serpents, then it was that they could understand it and acknowledged God. But did God leave them when they were bitten? No, His hand was stretched forth to save them. There was a brazen serpent made and raised up on a pole, and those who were bitten could look at that and were healed.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 11
But they must look if they would live. So it is with us, it is our work to look to Jesus Christ and live. But Satan has instituted everything that he can to keep man from looking. To look to Jesus upon the cross of Calvary is to live. Everything has been done by Satan to divert our attention away from Christ and away from Heaven that we shall not look. Now we want to look to Jesus Christ upon the cross, and in looking to Him we live. It is the very work the enemy is doing constantly to intercept our view, that we shall not see a lifted up Saviour, that we shall not discern One who has Himself been lifted upon the cross, that we cannot behold Him. But we must not let anything intercept our view. We want to have bright and clear views of Jesus Christ. Here we see the very work we are to do. There is to be a people to take their stand for God, to love and obey Him.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 12
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” [Isaiah 58:1.] Oh, then, there are sins in the house of Jacob! There are transgressions among the professed people of God! Well, what is it? “Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God; they ask of me the ordinance of justice; they take delight in approaching unto God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul and thou takest no knowledge? Behold in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: Ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 13
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 14
“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 15
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer.” [Verses 2-9.] He will answer, What will you have? What shall I do for you? “thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday.” [Verses 9, 10.] That is just what we want—we want light as the noonday. We want the cloud that comes from the world rolled back, and we want the revealings of God to us. “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Verse 11.]7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 16
“And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Verse 12.] “And they that shall be of thee,” now mark these words, “shall build the old waste places.” What is that? Why, somebody has been trampling on the law of God. They that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places. What next? They shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and they shall be called, what? The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. What is that? It is the everlasting law of Jehovah, and it was the transgression of that [law] that brought the fall of man.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 17
Here it says, “And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry.” [Verse 10.] What is this hungering? If there is not a hungering, a starving for the word of God, tell me? Then he says, “Then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Verses 10, 11.] Why, in living connection with the God of heaven we are drawing our support from the heavenly fountain.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 18
“And they that be of thee shall build.” Oh, there is something to build! “And they that be of thee shall build the old waste places, thou shalt raise up the foundation of many generations.” [Verse 12.] What is that? It is the law of Jehovah. They have been broken down, and somebody must build them up! “And they shall be called the repairer of the breach,” what breach? In the law of God. It has been trampled under foot of man, and it must be built up. Do you suppose God will see His work all spoiled and not be lashed into a fury about it? Why, He will set everything in heaven to work to accomplish His purpose.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 19
And they shall be called the repairer of the breach. Who has made a breach? Why, Satan, and he has been teaching that Christ came to abolish the law. But what did he come to do? To magnify it and make it honorable. And they shall be called the repairer of the breach. Who has been making a breach? The man of sin. He has said the fourth commandment was changed. But Christ came to make up the breach.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 20
“If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shall honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Verses 13, 14.]7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 21
Well now, where is the breach made? In the law of God. Who has been making it? The man of sin. Now, shall we follow him or shall we follow those who are making it up? There are some who are making it up. They have picked out that commandment which says that God made the world in six days and rested on the seventh, and [they] say it doesn’t make any difference which day you keep. But we have decided that it is best to be among the obedient. But there has been a breach made, and who is going to help to make up the breach? We call upon you in the name of the Lord God of heaven and ask you to help make it up. We are not afraid to stand before the whole world and ask you to help make up that breach that has been made in the law of the Lord God, Jehovah.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 22
We have not come here at this time to tell you it makes no difference whether you keep the law of God or not. It makes every difference, and we want to be obedient to the law of Jehovah, and we want to be in that position, raising up, what? The foundation of many generations. Who has broken it down? The man of sin. And we don’t want to be upon his side, but among those who are repairers of the breach which has been made in the law of Jehovah. This is the foundation of heaven and earth, and we will be loyal and true to it if we are loyal and true to the God of heaven.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 23
The law of Jehovah is the foundation of many generations, and we want to be found the repairers of the breach which the man of sin has made. What was the breach made in? The law of God. And what are we to lift up? The law of Jehovah, which is the foundation of many generations. This is our work, and if you can tell of a better work for us to engage in which will honor God more, we will take that work, but we intend to be loyal to the God of heaven. We expect the truth will meet with disfavor, but is it best for us to obey God or to listen to man?7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 24
We have decided that it is best to listen to God and raise up the foundation of many generations. And what is it? The law of God! Lift it up; and we calculate to do it as long as God gives us breath. But in lifting it up we find it doesn’t agree with everybody; but the question is, On whose side are you? Are you on the side of God, the side of those who are going to be repairers of the breach, the restorers of paths to dwell in, or on the side of those who are tearing it down?7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 25
We have chosen to be true, because it is best every time, and if we are in a minority here below, we are on the side of God, and God is a majority every time. Let me be in harmony with the heavenly host, then let the enemy throw out his bitterness and wrath as he ever has done. I will be loyal and true to God’s commandments. But if there are those who want to go in the other way and risk it, we don’t want to risk it. We have decided not to be transgressors of God’s law. We have decided to obey and live, and there is no power that can interpose between us and the God of heaven. We have decided to keep His law as the apple of the eye. Is the eye tender? We know it is; we know there cannot be a speck that gets into the eye without it pains the whole body, and we want to be just as loyal to the Lord as we would preserve the eye.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 26
I have been in this work for the last forty-five years, and I have been doing—what? Raising up the foundation of many generations. “Thou shalt be called the repairer of the breach.” [Verse 12.] What breach? There has been made a breach in the law of God, the fourth commandment dropped right out, makes no difference what day you keep! It does make every difference! And we have decided to keep His law as the apple of our eye. We keep our eyes carefully, and we want them to see as God sees, and we want to work in the line God works. How long have we been engaged in this work? Many, many years and we have been trying to raise up the foundation of many generations.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 27
“Thou shalt be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath.” [Verses 12, 13.] All the men in creation may say the Sabbath is of no account; shall we believe them, or God? We have decided to believe God. I have been engaged in this work for the last forty-five years, what doing? Making up the breach. Who has made a breach? The man of sin. Now, men may raise up all the combativeness they please, but the commandments of God are the commandments of God still.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 28
We have decided to keep God’s commandments and live, and His law as the apple of our eye. Let men rail out against the law of God, and trample His commandment-keeping people under their feet. Can they do it? It is impossible. God has His measurement of character, and it is those who obey Him that live and those who keep His law as the apple of their eye that He preserves. Now if we want to preserve the apple of the eye, you see how careful we are of it, and that law is to be preserved as the apple of the eye.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 29
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath.” [Verse 13.] Then God has a Sabbath. What day is it? The one He rested upon in the beginning after He had worked six days. There is no other. “And call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways (breaking the Sabbath), nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.” [Verse 13.] Then shalt thou act mournful and sorrowful? No indeed. “Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.” [Verse 14.] Well it must be now, right here in this world, right here in the conflict, and we will be kept as the apple of His eye right here.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 30
“And I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Verse 14.] There it is. We take the words from God. We will let men do their work, but our work will be to keep the commandments of God, stand upon this eternal basis, and raise up the foundation of many generations. We are to keep His commandments and live, and His law as the apple of the eye, notwithstanding Satan is arrayed against it.7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 31
I know God is on our side, and the angels are on our side. We have ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands of angels that are engaged in this work to help to make up the breach. “If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day” [Verse 13], that is God’s day, the one He instituted in Eden. Now we calculate to worship God upon His holy day, and we thank God it is our privilege to help to make up the breach. Who will unite with us? We are not ashamed of the work. We commenced this work in the name of the Lord God of Israel, and we will not be ashamed of it. “Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Verse 14.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 7 [Nos. 419-525]
MR No. 440—The Civil War
7MR 111.4
I was shown the dreadful state of our nation, and again was referred to Isaiah 58:1-15, as a description of the present state of things in our nation, and the reason for their present calamity. This is a most unrighteous war. The inhabitants of the earth have forgotten God. They have trampled upon His law and broken the everlasting covenant. They have despised His Sabbath. The fourth commandment was shown me as a golden link which God designed should serve as a bond of union uniting man to man and connecting earth to heaven and finite man to the infinite God.Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 922—The Sin of Faultfinding
12MR 7.1
Sabbath, January 14, was of great interest to us. In the morning I spoke from Isaiah 58. The Lord gave me strength and grace to deliver His message to the people. I did not intend to speak again in the afternoon as a social meeting had been appointed. But as the testimonies were borne I felt urged to present the case of some who seemed altogether too blind to comprehend their true position.The Great Controversy
Chapter 26—A Work of Reform
GC 452.3
Again, the command is given: “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” It is not the wicked world, but those whom the Lord designates as “my people,” that are to be reproved for their transgressions. He declares further: “Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God.” Isaiah 58:1, 2. Here is brought to view a class who think themselves righteous and appear to manifest great interest in the service of God; but the stern and solemn rebuke of the Searcher of hearts proves them to be trampling upon the divine precepts.GC 452.4
The prophet thus points out the ordinance which has been forsaken: “Thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.” Verses 12-14. This prophecy also applies in our time. The breach was made in the law of God when the Sabbath was changed by the Roman power. But the time has come for that divine institution to be restored. The breach is to be repaired and the foundation of many generations to be raised up.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 8, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 8, 1904, par. 2
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching unto God.” [Isaiah 58:1, 2.]19LtMs, Ms 8, 1904, par. 3
God’s professed people answered these words by the complaint: “Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and Thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and Thou takest no knowledge?” [Verse 3.]19LtMs, Ms 8, 1904, par. 4
The cause of their deplorable spiritual condition is given: “Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?” [Verses 3-5.]19LtMs, Ms 8, 1904, par. 12
In the fifty-eighth of Isaiah we have read of those who “fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness,” and we have learned that God will not accept such a fast. “Ye shall not fast as ye do this day,” He declares, “to make your voice to be heard on high.19LtMs, Ms 8, 1904, par. 15
“Then (after they do these works of mercy and necessity) shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee: the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.” [Verses 4-8.]19LtMs, Ms 8, 1904, par. 47
“If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 58:8-14.]19LtMs, Ms 8, 1904, par. 56
“Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Verse 14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 378, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 378, 1907, par. 22
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.” [Isaiah 58:1, 2.]22LtMs, Lt 378, 1907, par. 23
Read and study carefully the whole of the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. If positions of responsibility are entrusted to men who are distrustful of self and fear the Lord God, they will understand that it is a matter of great importance that they walk very humbly before God, and that they do not become careless or inattentive to His Word.Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 8, 1904
2SAT 249.1
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God” [Isaiah 58:1, 2].2SAT 249.2
God’s professed people answered these words by the complaint: “Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and Thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and Thou takest no knowledge?” [verses 3].2SAT 249.3
The cause of their deplorable spiritual condition is given: “Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?” [verses 3-5].2SAT 250.5
In the fifty-eighth of Isaiah we have read of those who “fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness,” and we have learned that God will not accept such a fast. “Ye shall not fast as ye do this day,” He declares, “to make your voice to be heard on high” [Isaiah 58:4].2SAT 250.7
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens [instead of binding them on], and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” [verses 5-7]. “Then [after they do these works of mercy and necessity] shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward” [verse 8].2SAT 256.4
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it” [Isaiah 58:8-14].2SAT 258.3
“Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it” [Isaiah 58:14].From Here to Forever
Chapter 26—Champions for Truth
HF 280.4
The command is given: “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression.” Those whom the Lord designates as “my people” are to be reproved for their transgressions, a class who think themselves righteous in the service of God. But the solemn rebuke of the Searcher of hearts proves them to be trampling upon the divine precepts. Isaiah 58:1, 2.HF 281.1
The prophet thus points out the ordinance which has been forsaken: “Thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.” Isaiah 58:12-14.The Great Hope (Condensed)
Restoration of the Truth
GrH_c 35.2
The command is given: “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression.” Those whom the Lord designates as “my people” are to be reproved for their transgressions, a class who think themselves righteous in the service of God. But the solemn rebuke of the Searcher of hearts proves them to be trampling upon the divine precepts. Isaiah 58:1, 2.GrH_c 35.3
The prophet thus points out the ordinance which has been forsaken: “Thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.” Isaiah 58:12-14.Homeward Bound
Sabbath, the Seal of God’s Law, June 14
HB 187.4
Again, the command is given: “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” It is not the wicked world, but those whom the Lord designates as “my people,” that are to be reproved for their transgressions. He declares further: “Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God.” (Isaiah 58:1, 2.) . . .HB 187.5
The prophet thus points out the ordinance which has been forsaken: “Thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.” (Verses 12-14.) This prophecy also applies in our time. The breach was made in the law of God when the Sabbath was changed by the Roman power. But the time has come for that divine institution to be restored. The breach is to be repaired and the foundation of many generations to be raised up.—The Great Controversy, 452, 453.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 48, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 48, 1900, par. 1
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?” Isaiah 58:1-3. In this connection, read Exodus 31:12-18. Isaiah 56:1-18 [1-8?], Isaiah 55.15LtMs, Ms 48, 1900, par. 2
The people here described realize that they have not the favor of God; but instead of seeking His favor in His own way, they enter into a controversy with God. They ask why, since they observe so many ceremonies, the Lord does not give them special recognition. God answers their complaints: “Behold, in the day of your fast, ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.” [Isaiah 58:3, 4.]15LtMs, Ms 48, 1900, par. 4
He says, “Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?” [Verse 5.] Will they accept this reproof and pray for true repentance? Will they put away their sins and seek for pardon?15LtMs, Ms 48, 1900, par. 8
The Lord says, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the band of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Isaiah 58:6, 7.15LtMs, Ms 48, 1900, par. 11
“And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Verses 8-14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 27, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, par. 1
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God; they ask of Me the ordinance of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?” [Isaiah 58:1-3.]21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, par. 3
“Behold,” He says, “in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness; ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.” [Verses 3, 4.]21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, par. 5
In contrast with the worship offered Him by this people, God places the work that He desires them to perform. “Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord?” [Verse 5.]21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, par. 6
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” [Verses 6, 7.]21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, par. 9
“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily.” The great Physician will care for those who carry on the work that He did when He was in our world. Are you sick? Here is a prescription that will restore you to health. As you forget yourself, and take an unselfish interest in those around you, the mighty Healer will acknowledge your work and give you strength beyond your expectations. “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.” [Verse 8.] Who is our righteousness?—The Lord Jesus Christ. Let us study the record of His life on this earth. Let us carry out the principles that He has given for us to follow. Then His righteousness will go before us, and His glory will be our rearward.21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, par. 11
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am.” [Isaiah 58:9.] Do you feel that your prayers are unanswered? Then do as Christ directs you. In His Word He has declared it; by His Spirit He testifies to it. Will you follow the directions? Will you relieve the necessities of those around you. Will you work in behalf of the oppressed? In such work you will have the comfort of the grace of God.21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, par. 12
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday; and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Verses 9-11.] I thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice for this assurance. When in trouble you may not always feel the assurance of help, but you can always say, The Lord has said it, and I will trust in Him.21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, par. 13
“And they that be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundation of many generations; and thou shalt be called, the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Verse 12.]21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, par. 15
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.” [Verses 13, 14.]21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, par. 16
“Not finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.” [Verse 13.] Then whose words will you speak? The very words that Christ has given to comfort, to encourage, to bless, to lift up those that are bowed down. God has given you a mind, that you may speak words to help others. Do not feed it with trash. Do not injure it by the use of tobacco or alcohol. None of us have any too much mind, and we should do our utmost to improve that which we have. We cannot afford to allow the mind to be dominated by evil for one moment; for thus we might lose an opportunity to speak a word in season to some soul ready to perish. The responsibility of winning souls to Christ rests upon us, and we must work for their salvation. We are not to speak our own words, working for our own personal benefit; we are to study how best to relieve the suffering and the oppressed, how best to help the needy and distressed.21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, par. 17
“Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.” [Verse 14.] He is your power, your health, your life, and your salvation. Trust in Him every moment. Pray to Him, and ask Him to keep you in your going out and your coming in. Ask Him to preserve your soul that it shall not be beguiled by the enemy.21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, par. 42
There is now a large number of believers in Los Angeles. Many of these should be fitting themselves to work for the Master, that the truth may go forth as a lamp that burneth. Read the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. Read it over many times, and you will receive a deeper impression each time.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 35, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 35, 1909, par. 1
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew My people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore, have we fasted, say they, and Thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul and Thou takest no knowledge?” [Isaiah 58:1-3.]24LtMs, Ms 35, 1909, par. 2
The prophet presents before us a people who are finding fault with the Lord because He does not give them all their desires. The Lord in His answer to their complaints shows that they do not deserve all that they require at His hands; for they have not dealt righteously. “Behold,” He says, “in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?” [Verses 3-5.]24LtMs, Ms 35, 1909, par. 4
The special work of God’s people for this time is brought before us in the words: “They that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: they shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father.” [Verses 12-14.]24LtMs, Ms 35, 1909, par. 5
Our great need as a people is that we come into right relation to God. We cannot afford to let one day pass in which we have not laid hold by living faith on the God of Israel. We need the clear light of the Sun of righteousness to shine upon us. This light is given to those who keep holy the Lord’s Sabbath; but we cannot keep this day holy unless we serve the Lord in the manner brought to view in the Scripture: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen, to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free; and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him? and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh.” [Verses 6, 7.] This is the work that rests upon every soul who accepts the service of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 5, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 5, 1909, par. 1
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of Me the ordinance of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and Thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and Thou takest no knowledge?” [Isaiah 58:1-3.]24LtMs, Ms 5, 1909, par. 3
There is something wanting in the experience of this class brought to view by the prophet. And self is brought into their service. “Behold,” he says, “in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?” [Verses 3-5.]24LtMs, Ms 5, 1909, par. 4
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” [Verse 6.]24LtMs, Ms 5, 1909, par. 5
In the experience of God’s people there have been yokes bound upon the churches that God never ordained, yokes that have greatly marred the experience and have offended the Lord God of Israel. Because a man carries responsibilities in the church, he is not given liberty to rule the mind and judgment of others with whom the Lord is working. The Lord wants every soul in His service to understand what is the kind of work required of them. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen,” He says, “to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thy self from thine own flesh?” [Verses 6, 7.]24LtMs, Ms 5, 1909, par. 8
The prophet continues: “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.” [Verse 8.]24LtMs, Ms 5, 1909, par. 9
Here we have the promise of health, and our health is worth very much to us. It is our privilege to reflect light wherever we go; we can speak words of comfort and encouragement and uplifting; but let us bind no yoke upon another. Then “thy righteousness”—your rightdoing, your righteous actions—“shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.” [Verse 8.] These are wonderful, wonderful words. Let us seek to take them in. We are nearing the judgment, nearing the time when decisions for eternity will be made. Let us counsel together in meekness and lowliness of heart.24LtMs, Ms 5, 1909, par. 10
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday.” [Verses 9, 10.] Praise God with heart and voice for this possibility. Praise God that we can bring this promise to the Lord for fulfilment when we comply with the conditions. When we do not know which way to turn, light direct from God will come to us, if we will follow His directions. “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Verse 11.]24LtMs, Ms 5, 1909, par. 11
We need to understand these words, for a great work is before us—the closing work of this earth’s history. “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places.” There are many of these. “Thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations: and thou shalt be called, The repairers of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Verse 12.]24LtMs, Ms 5, 1909, par. 12
What is the breach here mentioned? It is the breach in the law of God, made by the observance of the first day of the week for the Sabbath of the Lord. It is something in which all the world is taking part; but God declares, “if thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Verses 13, 14.]24LtMs, Ms 5, 1909, par. 17
Do not fold your hands and find fault with God, as did the class of worshipers the prophet Isaiah brings to view. They said, “Wherefore have we fasted, ... and Thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and Thou takest no knowledge?” [Isaiah 58:3.] This class of professors makes no sacrifice for God, although for them He has made the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, sending Him to our world that they might be sanctified and made holy, and that by learning to represent the character of Christ, they might bear a living testimony to all with whom they associated. We must take a higher standard than this.24LtMs, Ms 5, 1909, par. 23
Speaking of those who have joined themselves to the Lord to serve Him, God says, “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted upon Mine altar, for Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” [Isaiah 56:7.] This is what we want. The Lord receives too little glory from the lips of any of us, but much of complaint. Shall we not change in this respect and begin to offer praise and thanksgiving to God? Let us begin to do the works here brought to view. Let us bring the poor that are cast out to our house. Let us lay no yokes or burdens upon the people. Let us come to God with humble, lowly hearts, with tongues sanctified and brain powers sanctified. If we will do this, there will be praises to God offered in every congregation. The songs of thanksgiving and joyful praise will be heard coming from happy hearts, and men will know that we enjoy the true religion of Jesus Christ. There are just two classes of people brought to view in the Word of God. With which class are you standing? If all were brought together in heaven with their different temperaments unsanctified, what kind of heaven, think you, would we have? Do we not want to be transferred from this school below to the higher school above? There Christ will walk and talk with His people and open to them the Scriptures they do not understand. There we shall pluck the fruits of the tree of life. We shall see the King in His beauty and behold His matchless charms. There will be no contention there; then let us not have it on earth. We are to begin here to obtain the higher education. We are to learn here to guard the lips, to govern the words. Christ gave His life for us, and He wants us to give our lives to Him—lives that are sanctified, soul, body, and spirit. Shall we not let our righteousness, as Isaiah has said, “go before” us? [Isaiah 58:8.] Then the glory of the Lord will be our rereward.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 81, 1912
25LtMs, Ms 81, 1912, par. 1
Isaiah 58:1-3. We want to be in a position that we can understand the movings of the Spirit of God upon the human heart. We want to be in that position that we can understand we are dealing with God, and God is dealing with us. Our work is to come so intelligently before God that He can approve our earnest desire to follow on to know the Lord, that we may know His going forth is prepared as the morning.25LtMs, Ms 81, 1912, par. 7
“Show my people their transgression.” [Verse 1.] There is lots of it in families and you cannot afford it. Fathers and mothers are quick to fly into a passion if anything disturbs them. These children are the fruit of your body, and you are bound under most solemn obligations to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In doing this work, they will have a chance to show their temperament; but take them right away from the family, and tell them, “Children, you have pained me exceedingly today. God has given me a work to do for you, and I want you brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” I do not want to see my children lost, for I should expect that I should deserve the same fate.25LtMs, Ms 81, 1912, par. 10
“Shew My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” [Verse 1.] Who needs this message? Who will improve if they have this message, and in humbleness will carry it out? It is not your dress that recommends you to God. It is not anything of this order, but it following on to know the Lord. Fathers and mothers are bound before God to do their very utmost to win their children to Jesus Christ. What have you done then? They will have courage day by day. You have given them courage and helped them in the way to life. You want that they should see the King in His beauty, and you want that they should hear, “Well done, good and faithful parent, well done, good and faithful children.” You want to hear these things. It is sensible and right. The Lord wants the work to go clean and thorough and intelligently in your home.25LtMs, Ms 81, 1912, par. 13
Verses 3-14. Now if you will take this home, and be sure that you are giving the right instruction to your children, “then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am.”25LtMs, Ms 81, 1912, par. 14
Verses 9-14. Now I have read enough in regard to that matter. But will you take it? Will you study it in your homes? The matter of eternal life is of consequence, and you want to carry out the will of God as He has given you evidence. How much He estimates the human family! We are fitting up either for the salvation of our children or giving them an example to carry out the plans and ideas contrary to what is written right here in the Word.25LtMs, Ms 81, 1912, par. 17
I want to tell you that the end is near, and when I have been obliged to give up for a time, yet the Lord has sustained me, and I can travel and speak to the congregations. I want to say, Let every one of us search the Scriptures. Let us study the fifty-eighth and fifty-ninth chapters of Isaiah, and we will have a great lesson to learn. I am preparing for the future immortal life, and I have thought every now and then when I have made my efforts to reach the people, How can I reach the people? Well, I would speak, and I would pray that the Lord would give me voice and intelligence that I might reach them, and I have been greatly blessed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 6, 1893
Auckland, New Zealand
February 11, 1893
Portions of this manuscript are published in OHC 45; 2MCP 520, 583. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.
8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 1
Isaiah 58:1-3. This shows the condition of blindness in the church, and why prayers are not answered. But there is a recipe given, and we want you to appreciate it, without money—free in the Word of God. Verses 4-8. Now if you first observe that kind of a fast. Verse 8. That is thy righteousness. It is the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. [But] have [we] that righteousness that goeth before us? The glory of the Lord is sure to be our rearward, because we do the works of Jesus Christ. Work in His lines; we are not working in our own lines; but we are working in the lines where Christ works.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 2
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer.” [Verse 9.] What a statement! Verse 10. Not tearing to pieces. “Then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday.” Light again. “And the Lord shall guide thee continually”; we will not have to follow our own judgment. Verse 11. Wonderful, Wonderful prescription! I bring it to this church in the name of the Lord God of Israel. It is a prescription for the sickness and maladies of the body, and for the sickness and maladies of the soul.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 3
The living water that fails not was presented to the woman of Samaria who was living contrary to the Word of God. See John 4:9-15. She did not see anything very flattering in Jesus. “Art thou greater than our father Jacob?” [Verse 12.] Now you can see it is the very same Scripture, “Whose waters fail not, springing up into everlasting life.” [Isaiah 58:11; John 4:14.] Nothing less than the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. We should sit at the feet of Jesus. “I am the bread of Life.” [John 6:35.] Learn constantly of Jesus Christ. Springing up in us into everlasting life.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 4
If this well of Water is in us springing up into everlasting life, our associates will know it. As Christ imparts to us the life-giving water, all around us will be refreshed as well. It is impossible to have Christ in our hearts and not to reveal it. There is a softening subduing influence that comes from us to them. Not in lifting up the finger unto vanity. Not in esteeming ourselves before everybody else. Neither are we to clothe ourselves with sackcloth and act before the world as if we had no hope.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 5
To what church or people do you belong, if Christ is formed within the hope of glory? What is that glory? Character. Not a hidden thing like the precious ointment that was sealed in the bottle that was never broken. We know not the sorrows that many have; heart troubles, home troubles. It takes more than four walls to constitute a happy family. Be careful to keep the treasure house. Do not pore over trouble. Speak only words that will heal, soothe, and bless.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 6
Sins must be put away. The Lord is coming, and you have but a little time to have that water that is springing up into everlasting life. Here are [the] heart-sick and sore that we should comfort. All the vacant seats in this church should be filled—and would be filled if the light that was in you was not darkness. Souls would come and acknowledge the truth. In your social meetings you should let it be understood that God is here, that heavenly intelligences are working upon human minds. You need not come to indulge in harsh and uncourteous words.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 7
Christ has ten-thousand times ten-thousand and thousands of thousands of angels working for the human family. The work that they have to do in the counsels of heaven is to see where we need help. None will have to fight the battles of the Lord in our own finite strength. Make room that Christ may be enthroned in the heart. <If you fill the whole space with your own spirit and self-sufficiency, then there is no room for Jesus.> Christ should shine through the human tenement. Then what? The glory of the Lord is your rearward. We carry the divine credentials. What is it? Why God has sent His Son into the world. John 3:16.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 8
There is work to be carried on right here in our world. It is important that the standard of truth be elevated which calls souls under its banner. Now the work that we have to do is to search the Scriptures. Precious Bible! Special directions are given. Colossians 3:1-3. If you have been buried with Him by baptism, you no longer live in sin. “Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” What a precious refuge. We are not to talk of ourselves, our words, nor our actions. By abiding in Christ we reveal to a sinful world what Christ can do for us. Verses 4-8. You will not cling to one darling sin even if it is as closely allied to you as the right arm; you will die to it. Verse 9. Have you considered that your criticisms have been as splitting of hairs and <yet you thought > that you must ventilate it? And carry on such work where you invite the presence of angels, in the sight of the whole universe of heaven. Consider this matter.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 9
Unsanctified words should never be heard in this church that you have dedicated to God. Instead of this you should praise God. And when you worship God, talk of His love, and talk of His power. You have no right to treat one another with the least disrespect.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 10
Measure the cord, if you can, that has been let down <from heaven> to lift man up. The only estimate we can give you of <the length of> that chain is to point you to Calvary. Do not seek to oppress one another. God has not put the measuring tape in our hands. You want to love one another as Christ has loved you. When one once gives place to an angry <spirit>, he is just as much intoxicated as the man who has put the glass to his lips. Learn the eloquence of silence, and know that God respects the purchase of the blood of Christ. Educate yourselves: we must learn every day. We must come up higher and higher and closer to God. Clear the rubbish away from the King’s highway. Make a way that the King may walk in our midst. Put away filthy communications out of your mouth. See Colossians 3:8.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 11
Christ says many shall seek to enter in and shall not be able. See Matthew 7:21. And again, Lord, Lord have we not taught in thy streets? Some branches have never knitted to the true vine. They have died <in the process> and are to be taken away. Other dry branches have united fiber by fiber to the true vine, until they partake of the nurture of the parent stock, and they flourish. When religion comes into the heart and we put ourselves into <connection with Christ,> we can rise to the highest elevation of character. Do not say I do not know this. You must educate yourselves <until you do know this.> Many of us will stand before legislators, before kings and nobles. And we want to come to them in intelligence <of truth.> It will be a question of life unto life or of death unto death to them. Our way is pointed out so plainly. God wants you to go forward and upward, to reach the highest standard.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 12
(Related [the] story of [the] German lady [who] when eighty years old learned to read History of Sabbath and the English Bible by comparing [a] passage of German Scripture with one of English.) She reached her second childhood and began to work anew as a child would <to read the truth.> Now let us do what we can, and God will help us. Colossians 3:12. If you are the elect of God, do not make Him ashamed of you. Represent Him to the world. You are a new man in Christ Jesus. “Bowels of mercies, kindness.” Now that is what we want to act. We want to manifest this kindness in our homes before our children. If we humble ourselves God will exalt us. Here is the recipe to heal dissension which grieves God and Christ and the heavenly intelligences. Verse 13. What a powerful argument. If Christ should have no more forbearance <than the human agent does,> we should be extinguished. We do not sense it.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 13
At times you want to haul one another by a short bridle, [but] that will never answer in the world. When this church is converted, the world will take knowledge of you that you have been with Jesus. When the officers came to take Jesus, His disciples formed a circle around Him as they generally did when He was teaching them. This teaching has come from age to age to our own time. We have it all. As the officers came forward to take Christ, they stepped back. Never man [spake] like this man. Then they were taunted. But that is the impression they [the world] will get of Christians. You will represent [the] character of heaven.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 14
Talk of the country to which you are going. You are pilgrims and strangers here. We have to live in hired houses here. Do we show to the world that we are rich in faith and heirs according to the promise? Talk of heaven and heavenly things. Love the precious and the eternal. Away with your self-esteem. Learn lessons at the foot of Calvary’s cross. Communicate to whoever is around you. Now, your atmosphere is a heavenly or satanic one. I will hail the heavenly atmosphere. I will talk of the preciousness of truth. I will talk of His power, and by beholding, reflect light and become channels of light to others. Verse 14. Stand complete in Christ Jesus.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 15
You are bound by the golden chain of love to Jesus Christ. Verse 16. Express it in clear distinct tones. Know what the Scriptures say. You are to cultivate your knowledge that you may be sharp to discern in the garden of God. Not to relate any mournful stories. We are not Catholic priests. You are to go to Jesus Christ and tell Him; He understands your case fully. Matthew 11:28. “Here am I.” Will you live to that receipt? Here I am, ready to [do Your will.] Suppose that instead of passionate words we begin to use mild words.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 16
You cannot get too much knowledge. Do you dare to neglect it? Put on Christ. Put on His holiness, His loveliness. He reforms the nature. New men and women in Christ Jesus. He will put a new song on your lips, even praise to our God. Do not drop a word of stubbornness. God help us to sow in joyful notes. Come in with us, and we will do you good. But you cannot do good when you are in strife and confusion. What is this people going to do? Isaiah 58, verse 12. What is that? The broken law of God. [Verses] 13, 14. What is our work? You can be a restorer of the paths to dwell in.8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 17
When the gates of the city of God will be opened will [we] be enabled to walk in? May our sins go beforehand to judgment. The investigative judgment takes place before Christ comes. We should weep between porch and altar crying, Spare thy people. Let them call upon the Lord. “Let the wicked forsake his way.” [Isaiah 55:7.] And he will have mercy upon him. Clear the king’s highway. Let your sins go beforehand to judgment. It is a case of life or death. May God let His blessing rest upon you that you may see light in His light and rejoice in His love.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 116, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 2
“Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and Thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and Thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his hand as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?” [Isaiah 58:1-5.]17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 6
“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.” [Verses 6-8.]17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 8
“Thy righteousness shall go before thee.” [Isaiah 58:8.] This does not say that righteousness is within ourselves. Christ, our righteousness, has led the way. He has marked out the path that we should travel. We have no excuse for not being in a position to uplift the bowed down and the oppressed. We should be so earnestly engaged in this work, that our attention will be taken from ourselves. As we help the needy, lift the fallen, and cheer the faint-hearted, our righteousness goes before us, and the glory of the Lord is our rearward. As we follow on to know the Lord, His glory follows us. Thus we walk in His footsteps and become His helping hand.17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 9
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am.” [Verse 9.]17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 11
“If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity”—nearly every church is guilty of these things—“and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; ...” [Verses 9, 10.]17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 13
Many are in obscurity. They have lost their bearings. They know not what course to pursue. Let the perplexed ones search out others who are in perplexity, and speak to them words of hope and encouragement. When they begin to do this work, the light of heaven will reveal to them the path that they should follow. By their words of consolation to the afflicted they themselves will be consoled. By helping others, they themselves will be helped out of their difficulties. Joy takes the place of sadness and gloom. The heart, filled with the Spirit of God, glows with warmth toward every fellow being. Every such an one is no longer in darkness; for his “darkness” is “as the noon day.” [Verse 10.]17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 14
How often men and women have come to me, saying, “O if I only knew what to do! Tell me, Sister White, what course to pursue.” The following Scripture is an answer to such question, a healing balm for every one: “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Verses 11, 12.]17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 16
That the portion of the law to be restored is the Sabbath commandment—is shown by the following verses: “Thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy Father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 58:12-14.]17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 18
God tells His ministering servants to point out these things. “Cry aloud,” He says, “spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” [Verse 1.]17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 25
Compare the promise in Isaiah, “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am,” with the promise, “For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for?” [Isaiah 58:9; Deuteronomy 4:7.] It is only as obedient children that we can lay hold on these promises.17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 48
The Psalmist continues: “With the merciful thou wilt show Thyself merciful.” [Psalm 18:25.] Let us begin to put into practice the instruction given us in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, showing mercy to those who are afflicted. “With an upright man Thou wilt show Thyself upright.” God will reward men according to their uprightness. “With the pure Thou wilt show Thyself pure; and with the froward Thou wilt show Thyself froward”—that is, as God meets us where we are, so we are to meet men where they are. [Psalm 18:25, 26.] Let us not, by refusing to meet our fellow men where they are, place ourselves outside the compass of God’s love and mercy.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 15, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 15, 1898, par. 12
There is a certain experience which we are to gain in the knowledge of where we stand in the sight of God. Our petitions are to ascend to our heavenly Father, that we may know Him whom to know aright is life eternal. Then let time be given to prayer. “Ask, and it shall be given unto you,” Christ said; “seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] The Lord represents Himself as waiting to hear the prayer of the contrite soul, and to respond. Isaiah 58:9.13LtMs, Ms 15, 1898, par. 13
God’s children are to practice self-denial. Having a knowledge of God, they are to co-operate with Him in His work. In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, the work in which every Christian should engage is outlined. <Thus saith the Lord,> “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free? and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” [Verses 6, 7.]13LtMs, Ms 15, 1898, par. 14
Those who do this work show that they have learned in the school of Christ the great Teacher’s methods of labor. They have learned to co-operate with Him in wearing His yoke. To all who do this the words are spoken, “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday; and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Verses 8-12.]