EGW WritingsIsaiah 58

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 32, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 32, 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.” [Isaiah 58:6-8.]

16LtMs, Ms 32, 1901, par. 10

What an advantage it is to us to have Christ’s righteousness to go before us. As we follow in His footsteps, what a precious relationship we have to our divine Friend. The impress of God is placed upon our characters. “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.” [Verse 9.] “Follow in my footsteps, and you are safe. I am at your right hand to help you.”

16LtMs, Ms 32, 1901, par. 11

These promises, like all others, are made on condition. “If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou wilt 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. 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 9-12.]

16LtMs, Ms 32, 1901, par. 12

The following words show the specified conditions: “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.]

Counsels on Health

Teach the Health Reform Principles

CH 390.5

“Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in,” is Christ’s demand, “that My house may be filled.” Luke 14:23. He brings men into touch with those whom they may benefit. “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house,” He says. “When thou seest the naked, ... cover him.” Isaiah 58:7. “They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 10:18. Through direct contact, through personal ministry, the blessings of the gospel are to be communicated.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

To Be Cared for in Families

2TT 519.5

Those who in any way rob them of the means they should have, those who regard their wants with indifference, will be dealt with by the Judge of all the earth. “Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” “He shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy.” Luke 18:7, 8; James 2:13. The Lord bids us: “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” Isaiah 58:7. Christianity must supply fathers and mothers and homes for these destitute ones. Compassion for the widow and orphan, manifested in prayers and corresponding deeds, will come up in remembrance before God, to be rewarded by and by.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 11, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 11, 1892, par. 7

In the expenditure of money let the Christian look up to God and ask Him to give wisdom. What if the professed followers of Jesus should look upon their expensive garments and should see the words written upon them by the finger of God, “Clothe the naked.” What if they should see inscribed upon their expensive decorations in their homes, the pictures and furniture, “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” In the dining room, where the table is laden with abundant food, the finger of God has traced, “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?” [Isaiah 58:7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 98, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 98, 1893, par. 13

Our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, yet for our sake He became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich. He bids all whom He has entrusted with temporal blessings to follow His example. Jesus says, “The poor ye have always with you, and whensoever ye will, ye may do them good.” [Mark 14:7.] The want and wretchedness in the world are constantly appealing to our compassion and sympathy, and the Saviour declares that ministry to the afflicted and suffering is the service most pleasing to Him. “Is it not,” He says, “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 58:7.] We are to minister to the sick, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, and to instruct the ignorant.

8LtMs, Ms 98, 1893, par. 19

Until death shall be swallowed up in victory, there will be orphans to be cared for, who will suffer in more ways than one if the tender compassion and loving-kindness of our church members are not exercised in their behalf. The Lord bids us, “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” [Isaiah 58:7.] Christianity must supply fathers and mothers for these homeless ones. The compassion for the widow and the orphan, manifested in prayers and deeds, will come up in remembrance before God, to be rewarded by and by.

My Life Today

Deal My Bread to the Hungry, August 24

ML 240.1

Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? Isaiah 58:7.

Reflecting Christ

The World Needs Health Principles, August 12

RC 238.7

“Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in,” is Christ’s command, “that my house may be filled” (Luke 14:23). He brings men into touch with those whom they seek to benefit. “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house,” He says. “When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him” (Isaiah 58:7). “They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:18). Through direct contact, through personal ministry, the blessings of the gospel are to be communicated.—The Ministry of Healing, 146-148.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Caring for our Own Poor

6T 85.1

We are commanded to “do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10. In our benevolent work special help should be given to those who, through the presentation of the truth, are convicted and converted. We must have a care for those who have the moral courage to accept the truth, who lose their situations in consequence, and are refused work by which to support their families. Provision should be made to aid the worthy poor and to furnish employment for those who love God and keep His commandments. They should not be left without help, to feel that they are forced to work on the Sabbath or starve. Those who take their position on the Lord’s side are to see in Seventh-day Adventists a warmhearted, self-denying, self-sacrificing people, who cheerfully and gladly minister to their brethren in need. It is of this class especially that the Lord speaks when He says: “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” Isaiah 58:7.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 34—The Care of Orphans

6T 281.5

Those who in any way rob them of the means they should have, those who regard their wants with indifference, will be dealt with by the Judge of all the earth. “Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” “He shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy.” Luke 18:7, 8; 2:13. The Lord bids us: “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” Isaiah 58:7. Christianity must supply fathers and mothers and homes for these destitute ones. Compassion for the widow and orphan, manifested in prayers and corresponding deeds, will come up in remembrance before God, to be rewarded by and by.

The Ministry of Healing

Teaching Health Principles

MH 147.5

“Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in,” is Christ’s command, “that My house may be filled.” He brings men into touch with those whom they seek to benefit. “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house,” He says. “When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him.” “They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Luke 14:23; Isaiah 58:7; Mark 16:18. Through direct contact, through personal ministry, the blessings of the gospel are to be communicated.

The Ministry of Healing

A Test of Character

MH 206.3

No one can practice real benevolence without self-denial. Only by a life of simplicity, self-denial, and close economy is it possible for us to accomplish the work appointed us as Christ’s representatives. Pride and worldly ambition must be put out of our hearts. In all our work the principle of unselfishness revealed in Christ’s life is to be carried out. Upon the walls of our homes, the pictures, the furnishings, we are to read, “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” On our wardrobes we are to see written, as with the finger of God, “Clothe the naked.” In the dining room, on the table laden with abundant food, we should see traced, “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry?” Isaiah 58:7.

Welfare Ministry

Chapter 21—The Poor in the Church

WM 184.1

Help for New Converts out of Employment—In our benevolent work special help should be given to those who, through the presentation of the truth, are convicted and converted. We must have a care for those who have the moral courage to accept the truth, who lose their situations in consequence, and are refused work by which to support their families. Provision should be made to aid the worthy poor and to furnish employment for those who love God and keep His commandments. They should not be left without help, to feel that they are forced to work on the Sabbath or starve. Those who take their position on the Lord’s side are to see in Seventh-day Adventists a warmhearted, self-denying, self-sacrificing people, who cheerfully and gladly minister to their brethren in need. It is of this class especially that the Lord speaks when He says: “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” Isaiah 58:7.—Testimonies for the Church 6:85.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 29—“To Meet the Bridegroom”

COL 417.1

This is the work which the prophet Isaiah describes when he says, “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.” Isaiah 58:7, 8.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 59—“The House of Israel”

PK 718.2

This is the work which the prophet Isaiah describes when he says: “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 58:7, 8.

From Splendor to Shadow

Light Will Penetrate the World’s Darkness

SS 369.4

At Nazareth Christ said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18, 19, RSV. This was the work He commissioned His disciples to do, “to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house ... . Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” Isaiah 58:7, 8, RSV.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 39—“Give Ye Them to Eat”

DA 369.2

Christ has bidden us, through the prophet, “Deal thy bread to the hungry,” and “satisfy the afflicted soul;” “when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him,” and “bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” Isaiah 58:7-10. He has bidden us, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. But how often our hearts sink, and faith fails us, as we see how great is the need, and how small the means in our hands. Like Andrew looking upon the five barley loaves and the two little fishes, we exclaim, “What are they among so many?” Often we hesitate, unwilling to give all that we have, fearing to spend and to be spent for others. But Jesus has bidden us, “Give ye them to eat.” His command is a promise; and behind it is the same power that fed the multitude beside the sea.

Welfare Ministry

Personal Experiences of Ellen G. White as a Welfare Worker

“Not only was Mrs. White a strong counselor for her husband, to guard him against making mistakes that would jeopardize the cause in any part, but she was most careful to carry out in her own course the things she taught to others. For instance, she frequently dwelt in her public talks upon the duty of caring for widows and orphans, citing her hearers to Isaiah 58:7-10; And she exemplified her exhortations by taking the needy to her own home for shelter, food, and raiment. I well remember her having at one time, as members of her family, a boy and girl and a widow and her two daughters. I have, moreover, known her to distribute to poor people hundreds of dollars’ worth of new clothes which she bought for that purpose.”—J. O. Corliss, The Review and Herald, August 30, 1923.

Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)

Life in the White Home

2BIO 92.5

She [Ellen White] was most careful to carry out in her own course the things she taught to others. For instance, she frequently dwelt in her public talks upon the duty of caring for widows and orphans, citing her hearers to Isaiah 58:7-10; and she exemplified her exhortations by taking the needy to her own home for shelter, food, and raiment. I well remember her having at one time, as members of her family, a boy and girl and a widow and her two daughters. I have, moreover, known her to distribute to poor people hundreds of dollars’ worth of new clothes, which she bought for that purpose.—The Review and Herald, August 30, 1923.

The Ministry of Healing

Sing Praises

MH 256.5

“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 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 58:7-11.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them.”—Matthew 6:1, margin.

MB 82.1

This is the blessing of those who show mercy to the poor. The prophet Isaiah says, “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 the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought: ... and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Isaiah 58:7-11.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 24, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 24, 1894, par. 16

Poverty, poverty abounds everywhere. The Lord has given us full directions in Isaiah what course Christians should pursue toward their fellow men in building up the old waste places, raising up the foundation of many generations. Keeping holy the Sabbath seems to be closely connected with the works of mercy and necessity <plainly marked out,> bringing “the poor that are cast out to their house, when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him: and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh.” [Isaiah 58:12-14, 7.]

9LtMs, Lt 24, 1894, par. 17

And then the promise is, “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and their health shall spring forth speedily, and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shall they call (offer up supplications to God), and the Lord shall hear and 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;” [Verses 8, 9]—What does this mean? just this: when one is brought into straight places, men are not to become judges of their fellow man, and accuse him of making mistakes and reproach him for his course of action, and pass sentence upon him, while they exalt their own superior wisdom because misfortune and disappointments and blasted hopes have not been the bitter cup they have been compelled to drink. Their brother is not to be thus judged, for he may have done the very best he knew how to do, and stands innocent of all condemnation before God. Then his brethren are not to do this wicked thing, and press the afflicted soul whom Satan is seeking by his temptations to dishearten and discourage and destroy. <Let us remember, Satan is an accuser of the brethren day and night.>

9LtMs, Lt 24, 1894, par. 20

We read in Isaiah, “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 shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Verses 10, 11.] And the psalmist says, “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing; thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.” [Psalm 41:1-3.]

God’s Amazing Grace

Source of Right Influence, September 21

AG 272.1

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. Isaiah 58:8.

To Be Like Jesus

Share the Light on Healthful Living, October 4

BLJ 293.1

Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Isaiah 58:8, NKJV.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

A Divine Prescription

1SAT 350.4

“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 rereward” (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 in our everyday life that He has given for us to follow. Then His righteousness will go before us, and His glory will be our rearward. Here is the prescription for every soul to accept.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 27, 1891

2SAT 98.2

Carry the light of Jesus. Carry it to your neighbors. When we bring Christ into our experience, there will be a loving of one another, there will be an unlocking of the hardest hearts. God can take a worm and thrash a mountain. If we humble ourselves and have His converting power every moment, His righteousness will be our covering. “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” (Isaiah 58:8).—Ms. 27, 1891.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Let the Churches Awake

3TT 71.2

Through the prophet Isaiah is given the promise: “Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.” Isaiah 58:8. It is the righteousness of Christ that goes before us, and this is the glory of the Lord which is to be our rearward. Ye churches of the living God, study this promise, and consider how your lack of faith, of spirituality, of divine power, is hindering the coming of the kingdom of God. If you would go forth to do Christ’s work, angels of God would open the way before you, preparing hearts to receive the gospel. Were every one of you a living missionary, the message for this time would speedily be proclaimed in all countries, to every people and nation and tongue. This is the work that must be done before Christ shall come in power and great glory. I call upon the church to pray earnestly that you may understand your responsibilities. Are you individually laborers together with God? If not, why not? When do you mean to do your heaven-appointed work?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 1, 1882

3LtMs, Lt 1, 1882, par. 30

As the church is pure in principle, it will have an influence. As the truth sanctifies, softens, and subdues the receiver, having a power to transform the life and character, the world will be convinced that God is with him. True reformers have opened to them the sweetest springs of happiness ever experienced by mortals. Bible truth does not make men narrow, but it will liberalize and ennoble the nature, bringing the heart in sympathy with every grand endeavor and purifying reform in our world. The words of Isaiah will be fulfilled with such: Then shall “thine health spring forth speedily, and thy righteousness go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.” Isaiah 58:8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 27, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 27, 1891, par. 29

When we bring Christ into our experience, there will be a loving of one another, there will be an unlocking of the hardest hearts. God can take a worm and thrash a mountain. If we humble ourselves and have His converting power every moment, His righteousness will be our covering. “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.” Isaiah 58:8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 12, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 12, 1893, par. 12

These things have been opened before my mind, and I can assure you that I have not one particle of faith in phrenology <as it is not handled. It has become a fraud.> We have a higher work than this. It certainly cannot be said of those who practiced these things, “And thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.” [Isaiah 58:8.] They do not know what the glory of the Lord is. There is a power from beneath acting upon the minds of many. And there is going to be such a state of criticizing. Even the Bible is not taken as a standard. They would dare to tamper with the Law of God, and change the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and have adopted Sunday, instead of the Sabbath of the Lord which is to endure as long as the heavens above and the earth beneath. Matthew 5:17. The Pharisees had the Sabbath of the Lord loaded with human exactions. And the words of Christ cut through the slime and rubbish of human inventions.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 93, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 93, 1893, par. 13

Here the deficiencies are apparent before angels and men. This whole chapter contains strong truths to be communicated. How important that every soul shall have his righteousness going before him; then will the glory of God be his rearward (Isaiah 58:8). The most splendid workmanship is God’s building in human character. The most splendid building art can produce is liable to come to naught.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 68, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 68, 1894, par. 16

Instead of investing one hundred dollars in a bicycle, you would consider the matter well, lest it might be at the price of souls for whom Christ died, and for whom He has made you responsible. Please read the 58th of Isaiah and see what is a sure remedy for poor health. Satan will contrive to bring about many devices to absorb the means which should be devoted to the cause of God at this time. We cannot open new fields in regions beyond for the want of the very means that is used up in various ways, which might be given to destitute missions. God would have you invest in a fund to erect humble houses of worship for those who have newly come to the faith, who cannot possibly command means to do this, on account of their great poverty. Their souls are just as precious as your soul; and could you pass through the experience through which we have passed since coming to this country, you would bind about your supposed wants, and would be ready to help to build humble houses of worship in regions beyond. You would have the satisfaction of denying inclination in thus investing means in the cause of God.

Lift Him Up

Heaven Waiting to Cooperate, October 6

LHU 293.1

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning ... and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Isaiah 58:8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 151, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 46

Isaiah says, “Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.” [Isaiah 58:8.] This is the righteousness of Christ which goes before us, and the glory of the Lord is to be our rearward. Ye churches of the living God, study this promise, and consider how your lack of faith, of spirituality, of the divine power, is hindering the coming of the kingdom of God. Were every one of you living missionaries, the gospel would be speedily proclaimed in all countries, to all peoples, nations, and tongues. This is the work that must be done before Christ shall come in power and great glory. I call upon the church to pray earnestly, that you may understand your responsibilities. Are you individually laborers together with God? If not, why not? When do you mean to do your God-appointed work?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 153, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 153, 1897, par. 2

The members of the church of Christ, are to be faithful workers in the great harvest field. They are to be diligently working, earnestly praying, making progress, and diffusing light amid the moral darkness of the world, for are not the angels of heaven imparting to them divine inspiration? They are never to think of, and much less to speak of failure in their work. They are to be filled with hope, knowing that they do not rely upon human ability, nor upon finite resources, but upon the promise of divine aid, the ministry of heavenly agencies, who are pledged to open the way before them. The promise is given them, “Righteousness shall go before them.” [Isaiah 58:8.] We, of ourselves, have no righteousness. We have only that righteousness which is imparted from Christ, the Fountain of righteousness. He is “the Lord our righteousness.” [Jeremiah 23:6.] The angels of God will break the way before us, preparing hearts for the gospel message.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 120, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 120, 1907, par. 4

Many of the patients who come to the sanitarium are children in their understanding of the Word. If you will take hold of these cases, and seek to lead them to the truth, One who is your righteousness will go before you, and “the glory of the Lord will be your rereward.” [Isaiah 58:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 52, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 52, 1909, par. 4

“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy darkness shall be as the noonday.” [Isaiah 58:8.] If you will put your trust fully in the Lord, and walk and work in Christian simplicity, God will verify this promise to you. I pray that you may unitedly connect yourselves so closely with the Lord, that light will shine forth from you as the morning, and that your spiritual health will spring forth speedily.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 666—Phrenology or the Power of God?

9MR 3.5

These things have been opened before my mind, and I can assure you that I have not one particle of faith in phrenology as it is now handled. [Phrenology, in its early development, made important contributions to the emerging sciences of the mind. It was phrenology that gave American reformers in the early nineteenth century their first hope that criminals, the insane, and other mental defectives might not be beyond help. See John D. Davies, Phrenology, Fad and Science : A 19th-Century American Crusade (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1955). In Australia, Mrs. White found phrenology being advocated by certain Adventist ministers as a virtual substitute for the power of God in character transformation, as well as a basis for marriage counseling. She and many other religious leaders protested against this.] It has become a fraud. We have a higher work than this. It certainly cannot be said of those who practiced these things, “And thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward” (Isaiah 58:8). They do not know what the glory of the Lord is....

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1487—Privileges and Responsibilities of Christians; Depend on Holy Spirit, Not Self

20MR 325.1

Here the deficiencies are apparent before angels and men. This whole chapter contains strong truths to be communicated. How important that every soul shall have His righteousness going before him; then will the glory of God be his rearward (Isaiah 58:8). The most splendid workmanship is God’s building in human character. The most splendid building art can produce is liable to come to naught. [1 Corinthians 1:1-10, quoted.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1498—State of the Work in Ohio; General Conference to Establish and Control Medical Institutions; Physicians to Be Models of Morality

20MR 386.3

The Christian physician is not to exercise his skill solely in studying the disease and its treatment, but he is in the highest sense a missionary. In the sight of all heaven he is to work for Christ, who has bought him with an infinite price. Let no base, groveling thoughts be entertained, but let your conversation be holy; be ready to speak a word in season. Speak of the value of the soul and of its perils out of Christ. Sow the seeds of truth, and the Lord Jesus will keep your mind and heart; His righteousness will go before you; heavenly angels will minister unto you. The glory of the Lord will be your rereward. [See Isaiah 58:8].

My Life Today

My Spirituality Strengthened and Health Improves, August 30

ML 246.1

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. Isaiah 58:8.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Let the Churches Awake

6T 438.2

Through the prophet Isaiah is given the promise, “Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.” Isaiah 58:8. It is the righteousness of Christ that goes before us, and this is the glory of the Lord which is to be our rearward. Ye churches of the living God, study this promise, and consider how your lack of faith, of spirituality, of divine power, is hindering the coming of the kingdom of God. If you would go forth to do Christ’s work, angels of God would open the way before you, preparing hearts to receive the gospel. Were every one of you a living missionary, the message for this time would speedily be proclaimed in all countries, to every people and nation and tongue. This is the work that must be done before Christ shall come in power and great glory. I call upon the church to pray earnestly that you may understand your responsibilities. Are you individually laborers together with God? If not, why not? When do you mean to do your heaven-appointed work?

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 37—The First Evangelists

DA 350.4

The followers of Christ are to labor as He did. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and inspire hope in the hopeless. And to us also the promise will be fulfilled, “Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.” Isaiah 58:8. The love of Christ, manifested in unselfish ministry, will be more effective in reforming the evildoer than will the sword or the court of justice. These are necessary to strike terror to the lawbreaker, but the loving missionary can do more than this. Often the heart will harden under reproof; but it will melt under the love of Christ. The missionary cannot only relieve physical maladies, but he can lead the sinner to the Great Physician, who can cleanse the soul from the leprosy of sin. Through His servants, God designs that the sick, the unfortunate, those possessed of evil spirits, shall hear His voice. Through His human agencies He desires to be a Comforter such as the world knows not.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 6a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 6a, 1893, par. 23

“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.” [Isaiah 58:8, 9.] The jewel of truth cherished in the soul must shine in bright heavenly luster to those outside.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 65, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 65, 1907, par. 9

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 am I.” Thy light shall “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.]

General Conference Daily Bulletin

March 8, 1897

GCDB March 8, 1897, par. 8

But to those who regard every Christian duty, and manifest kindness and love to the sorrowing, the poor, the afflicted for Christ’s sake, the promises are rich and abundant. Isaiah 58:8-11.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 77, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 77, 1897, par. 11

The assurance that was given Christ in his humanity is also given to God’s people, His heritage. “They that follow me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.] “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.” [Isaiah 58:8-11.] Christ is the reality of all types, the fulfillment of all promises.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 174, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 174, 1897, par. 8

Certain directions are given us to follow in regard to our duty to our fellow men, and if we do the expressed will of God, so simply and plainly stated, the precious promise is, “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.” Here are the conditions: “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 22 (1907)

Lt 382, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 382, 1907, par. 12

“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.” Thy light shall “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.]

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Reward of Service

GW 513.3

“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.” “Thy light” shall “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.]

GW 519.2

“Thou shalt 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.]—Testimonies for the Church 6:305-312.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 37—The Reward of Service

6T 306.3

“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.” Thy light shall “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.

6T 312.2

“Thou shalt 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.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 27, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 27, 1894, par. 40

See Isaiah 58:8-14. Through Satan’s deceptions a breach has been made in the law of God; but God has a loyal people, few in number, who will not trample upon the Sabbath, who will build up the old waste places, and raise up the foundations of many generations, which is the memorial God has given for man to observe throughout time and throughout eternity. They work in Christ’s lines, “not speaking their own words, or doing their own pleasure on my holy day,” saith the Lord. [Verse 13.] They worship God on the holy Sabbath and God has written their names in heaven as repairers of the breach, the restorers of paths to dwell in.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 70, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 70, 1893, 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. ... 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 breech, 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 58:8, 11-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 15, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 15, 1897, par. 8

Christ declares, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] We are all exposed to the same temptations, the same danger of making mistakes. These is no security, no support, in the midst of trial, but the conviction that God is present, watching over His people, and ready to answer their cries. “Then thou shalt call, and the Lord will 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, whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:9-11.]

12LtMs, Ms 15, 1897, 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; and the glory of God shall be thy rearward.” “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.]

Selected Messages Book 2

Chapter 47—Preparing for the Final Crisis

2SM 372.1

With His eye upon the church, the Lord has again and again allowed matters to come to a crisis, that in their extremity His people should look alone for His help. Their prayers, their faith, together with their steadfast purpose to be true, have called for the interference of God, and then He has fulfilled His promise, “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am” (Isaiah 58:9). His mighty arm has been stretched out for the deliverance of His people. God reserves His gracious interposition in their behalf till the time of their extremity; thus He makes their deliverance more marked, and their victories more glorious. When all human wisdom fails, the Lord’s interference will be more clearly recognized, and He will receive the glory that is His due. Even the enemies of our faith, persecutors, will perceive that God is working for His people in turning their captivity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 92, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 92, 1895, par. 42

The Lord Jesus is your personal intercessor. But men who ought to have felt a tender sympathy for their fellow men have lost the love and tenderness of Christ out of their experience. Repeat over and over many times through the day, “Jesus has died for me. He saw me in peril, exposed to destruction, and poured out His life to save me. He does not behold the soul as a trembling suppliant prostrate at His feet without pity, and He will not fail to raise me up.” He has become the Advocate for man. He has lifted up those who believe in Him, and placed a treasurehouse of blessing at their demand. Men cannot bestow one blessing upon their fellows, they cannot remove one stain of sin. It is only the merit and righteousness of Christ that will avail anything, but this is placed to our account in rich fullness. We may draw upon God every moment. As we turn to Him, He answers, “Here I am.” [Isaiah 58:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 70, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 70, 1897, par. 45

Every soul will be tried and tested, and at such time words should be few. Silence is true eloquence. God has made provision that His grace shall be abundantly provided. When His people look to Him, and call upon His name, He will here their cry, and say, “Here I AM.” [Isaiah 58:9.] He declares:

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 159, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 159, 1897, par. 5

The Lord will hear our prayers in opening the way for a meetinghouse to be built in Stanmore or some other suburb close by Stanmore. Would it not be best to look in adjoining suburbs? See what you can do. The Lord has a place for us, and we will “arise and build.” [Nehemiah 2:20.] We should not delay this matter. We should press it through as fast as possible. Let there be most earnest prayer ascending to our Heavenly Father who is rich in resources. “Go forward” is the word for us. See at once what the Newtown church will do. They need a house of worship. Watch and pray. The Holy Spirit is pledged us. Say little for a short time in regard to the church building; tell every thing to the Lord. Talk to the ear that hears prayer and that responds, “Here I am.” [Isaiah 58:9.] Say very little now, but pray most earnestly.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 136, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 136, 1898, par. 2

I am not so distressed as you may suppose I would be, because you are the Lord’s agent, and God has ways and means, and He will surely fulfil His Word. You must consider that the righteousness of Christ shall go before you. Though you have made mistakes and errors, will God be pleased to have you fold your hands and do nothing? You are to call, and the Lord will answer, “Here I am.” [Isaiah 58:9.] Jesus Christ, your righteousness, shall go before you. He is light and truth. He forgives our transgressions and sins. Then move in faith, and love in prayer. The Lord Jesus is your righteousness. With His presence leading the way, there will be no fear of evil. The ever-recurring difficulties do not baffle the wisdom of Christ. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] Ask of God wisdom, and He says that it shall be given you. His mercy is full of pardon and grace to all who repent, and His mercy is not exhausted.

The Upward Look

Promise of Divine Help, August 15

UL 241.1

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. Isaiah 58:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 164, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 164, 1902, par. 8

The Lord was testing Solomon. He placed in his mind a desire for the things that would enable him to rule wisely the people of Israel. And guided by this desire, Solomon said, “O Lord, my God, ... I am but a little child; I know not how to go out or come in. And Thy servant is in the midst of Thy people which Thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered, nor counted for multitude. Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad.” [1 Kings 3:7-9.] It was such a prayer as this that Solomon was continually to offer in the days of exaltation and glory awaiting him. And thus those who today are standing in positions of trust in the Lord’s work are to pray. Let them beware of lifting up their hearts unto vanity. Only the prayers of those whose hearts are not filled with self-exaltation and haughtiness will the Lord hear. “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.” [Isaiah 58:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 14, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 14, 1902, par. 14

Is the Lord ever wearied with our prayers? No, no. When we importune Him with earnestness of heart, He hears. He will say to us, “Here I am.” [Isaiah 58:9.] We need never be discouraged. If we had to depend upon ourselves to work out the problem of salvation, we should be distrustful of self and be full of trying perplexities. But this burden has not been laid upon us. Hear and understand this most precious invitation given to every human being: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke the yoke of restraint, submission, and obedience upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] Shall we not individually say, “By the grace of God, I will comply with the conditions”?

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Diary — October 1889

1888 456.5

I arose at half past three o’clock and devoted some time to seeking the Lord. I wish we all understood the experience of really seeking the Lord. Isaiah tells us when we call He will answer, “Here I am” (Isaiah 58:9). We want to come into personal relation to our strong Helper, for He has said, “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.” Isaiah 27:5. Then why not come, why not drink of the living fountain of life? Why not be refreshed by partaking of the blessed heavenly waters?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 11, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 11, 1888, par. 5

They are like the man represented by Christ as seeking to pull a mote out of his brother’s eye while he had a beam in his own eye. The Spirit of God makes manifest and reproves the sins that lie hidden, concealed in darkness, sins which if cherished will increase and ruin the soul, but those who think themselves above reproof resist the influence of the Spirit of God. In their efforts to correct others, they do not manifest patience, kindness, and respect. They do not show an unselfish spirit, the tenderness and love of Jesus. They are sharp, rasping, and positively wicked in their words and spirit. Every unkind criticism of others, every thought of self-esteem, is “the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity.” [Isaiah 58:9.] This lifting up of self in pride, as if you were faultless, and magnifying the faults of others is offensive to God. It is breaking His law, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Leviticus 19:18.] “Be kindly affectioned one toward another.” [Romans 12:10.] We have no right to withdraw our confidence from a brother because of some evil report, some accusation or supposition of wrong. Frequently the report is made by those who are at enmity with God, those who are doing the enemy’s work as accusers of the brethren.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 22, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 22, 1889, par. 20

I arose at half past three o’clock and devoted some time to seeking the Lord. I wish we all understood the experience of really seeking the Lord. Isaiah tells us when we call He will answer, “Here I am.” Isaiah 58:9. We want to come into personal relation to our strong Helper, for He has said, “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.” Isaiah 27:5. Then why not come, why not drink of the living fountain of life? Why not be refreshed by partaking of the blessed heavenly waters?

Ye Shall Receive Power

More Charity, October 29

YRP 311.1

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 58:9, 10.

The Upward Look

Go Forward, April 29

UL 133.5

At times the arm of faith seems too short even to touch the Saviour’s garment, but there stands the promise, with God behind it: “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: 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 58:9-11)....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 132, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 132, 1901, par. 17

The time that has been used in preaching to our churches has not strengthened them, but has a tendency to make them weak and helpless, and to be fed with milk and not with strengthening food. God has been calling upon His ministers to leave the ninety and nine and hunt for the lost sheep. Your experience is to be a lesson for all who are hovering over the churches—consumers and not producers. We tell you to put your trust in God. Let Him guide you. The Lord Jesus is answering your prayers. “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; 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 58:9-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 54, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 54, 1902, par. 5

At times the arm of faith seems too short even to touch the Saviour’s garment; but there stands the promise, with God behind it: “Then shalt thou call, and God 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. 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.” [Isaiah 58:9-12.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 817—What Being Saved Means

10MR 296.1

Show the Sinfulness of Sin, Then Show the Sinner the Saviour—Truth must be presented in regions beyond your immediate work, where the truth is unknown. The work specified in Isaiah 58:9-13 must be done. Sin is not to be cloaked as a matter of little consequence. It is to be presented as guilt against the Son of God, depriving Him of the glory that should be given Him. The exceeding sinfulness of sin is to be held before the people just as it is. Then show them the uplifted Saviour, telling them that immortality comes only through belief in Christ, through receiving Him as a personal Saviour. Immortality is found in Christ alone—Letter 10, 1899, pp. 6, 7. (To J. H. Kellogg, January 14, 1899.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 10, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 10, 1899, par. 15

Truth must be presented in regions where the truth is unknown. The work specified in (Isaiah 58:9-13) must be done. Sin is not to be cloaked as a matter of little consequence. It is to be presented as guilt against the Son of God, <depriving Him of the glory that should be given Him.> The exceeding sinfulness of sin is to be held before the people just as it is. Then show them the uplifting Saviour, telling them that immortality comes only through belief in Christ, through receiving Him as a personal Saviour. Immortality is found in Christ alone.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

How to Receive an Answer to Our Prayers

1SAT 351.1

“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? Will you practice the life of Christ in seeking to save the souls ready to perish? In such work you will have the comfort of the grace of God in rich measure.

1SAT 351.2

[Isaiah 58:9-11 quoted.] 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. [Verse 12, quoted.]

1SAT 351.3

These words outline our work. We are to repair the breach that has been made in the law of God, to exalt the downtrodden fourth commandment. We are to point out the right path, which has been lost sight of. A false sabbath has been exalted in the place of the seventh-day Sabbath of Jehovah, and many have lost their bearings. By vigilance and faithfulness in following the true path, we are to direct them all to the right path. [Verses 13, 14 quoted.]

Reflecting Christ

God’s Love Enables Us to Impart Light, August 7

RC 233.1

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 58:10.

This Day With God

Lip Service Religion, October 17

TDG 299.1

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 58:10.

With God at Dawn

God Directs Our Service, October 4

WGD 279.1

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 58:10.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 10—The Voice of Stern Rebuke

PK 132.1

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2. These words have lost none of their force through the lapse of time. Our heavenly Father still continues to place in the pathway of His children opportunities that are blessings in disguise; and those who improve these opportunities find great joy. “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 58:10, 11.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 27—Ahaz

PK 327.2

Rich and abundant are the promises made to those who are watchful of opportunities to bring joy and blessing into the lives of others. “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 58:10, 11.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Chapter 22—Centering Too Much in Battle Creek

8T 134.2

We are to carry forward the work placed in our hands by the Master. He says: “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.” “The poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.” “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” Isaiah 58:10, 11; Deuteronomy 15:11; Matthew 7:12.

The Review and Herald

April 8, 1915

RH April 8, 1915, par. 1

Rich and abundant are the promises made to those who are watchful to bring joy and blessing into the lives of others. “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 58:10, 11.

From Splendor to Shadow

Hospitality Rewarded

SS 69.1

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2. Our heavenly Father still places in the pathway of His children opportunities that are blessings in disguise; and those who improve these opportunities find great joy. “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then ... you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Isaiah 58:10, 11, RSV.

From Splendor to Shadow

Great Peril for the Chosen Nation

SS 172.3

These plain utterances should be received by us as the voice of God. We should lose no opportunity of performing deeds of mercy, of tender forethought and Christian courtesy for the burdened and oppressed. If we can do no more, we may speak words of courage and hope to those who are unacquainted with God. Rich are the promises to those who bring joy and blessing into the lives of others: “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your desire with good things, and make your bones strong; and you will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Isaiah 58:10, 11, RSV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 18, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 18, 1890, par. 2

Ye are a spectacle unto the world, to angels and to men. Your mission is the same as that which was pronounced by Jesus as His mission at the beginning of His ministry. He said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bound, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” [Luke 4:18, 19.] “Ye are laborers together with God. Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We are to carry forward the work placed in our hands by the Master. “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” [Luke 6:31.] “If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shalt 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 58:10, 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 92, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 92, 1891, par. 3

Let not men exalt themselves and seek to carry through their ideas without the co-operation and sanction of the people of God. Your strong spirit, your loud, contemptuous speeches are out of harmony with Christ and His ways. O, had you made your voice to be heard on high, God has seen you smiting with the fist of wickedness. You must bear the divine credentials before you make decided movements to shape the working of God’s cause. As surely as we believe in Christ, and do His will, not exalting self but walking in all humility of mind, so surely will the Lord be with us. But He despises your fierce spirit; He is grieved with the hardness of your heart. Pray that He will give you a heart of flesh, a heart that can feel the sorrows of others, that can be touched with human woe. Pray that He will give you a heart that will not permit you to turn a deaf ear to the widow or the fatherless. Pray that you may have bowels of mercy for the poor, the infirm, and the oppressed. Pray that you may love justice and hate robbery and make no difference in the bestowal of your favors, except to consider the cases of the needy and the unfortunate. Then the promises recorded in (Isaiah 58) will be fulfilled to you, “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 58:10, 11.]

With God at Dawn

Continual Guidance Is Promised, March 25

WGD 86.1

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 58:11.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 23, 1879

3LtMs, Lt 23, 1879, par. 13

Edson, I want you to keep one fact before you; that through your neglect to work constantly, earnestly, and perseveringly to perfect Christian character, you have, through the temptations of Satan, become wayward and your energies crippled, your capacities contracted, your desires worldly and selfish. Your “soul now might be as a watered garden whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:11.] Your own soul refreshed, you would be constantly refreshing others, Christ in you a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The souls you win to Christ will be heirs of immortal life, thus the life of Christ in you will be manifested to others, charming, winning, and gathering them to Christ. Heaven is worth a lifelong, persevering, and untiring effort. Those only who prize it as the pearl of great price and will sell all to obtain the precious treasure will come into possession of it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 64a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 64a, 1895, par. 31

O that love, the love of Jesus, might well up in the soul like a stream in the desert, refreshing all, and winning many to the cross of Calvary! “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 58:11.] Let those who make the outlay of means to build a house for God have proportionate zeal in winning souls to know God and Jesus Christ, whom He hath sent.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 43, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 43, 1901, par. 7

Then the ministers would be inspired by divine truth. Their prayers would be characterized by earnestness, filled with the divine assurance of truth. Weariness would be forgotten as the soul basks in the sunlight from the heavenly atmosphere. Truth would be interwoven with their lives, and its heavenly principles would be as a fresh, running stream, continually satisfying the soul. “And thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. ... 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 58:11, 14.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1484—The Bible as the Only Foundation of Our Faith

20MR 308.2

Then the ministers would be inspired by divine truth. Their prayers would be characterized by earnestness, filled with the divine assurance of truth. Weariness would be forgotten as the soul basks in the sunlight of the heavenly atmosphere. Truth would be interwoven with their lives, and its heavenly principles would be as a fresh, running stream, continually satisfying the soul. “And thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.... 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 58:11, 14).

Evangelism

Meeting Sabbathkeeping Problems

Ev 240.1

Never Results in Starvation—Never need anyone fear that observance of the true Sabbath will result in starvation. [Isaiah 58:11, 12; Proverbs 7:2; Isaiah 58:14.] These promises are a sufficient answer to all the excuses that man may invent for refusing to keep the Sabbath. Even if, after beginning to keep God’s law, it seems impossible to support one’s family, let every doubting soul realize that God has promised to care for those who obey His commandments.—Manuscript 116, 1902.

Medical Ministry

The Physician Not Exempt

MM 215.1

God created the world in six days and rested upon the seventh. He sanctified and blessed the seventh day and made it His sacred memorial. “Wherefore,” He declares, “the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:16. Those who do this, keeping all of God’s commandments, may claim the promises contained in Isaiah 58:11-14. The instruction given in this chapter is full and decided. Those who refrain from labor on the Sabbath may claim divine comfort and consolation. Shall we not believe God? Shall we not call holy the day which He calls holy? Man should not be ashamed to acknowledge as sacred that which God calls sacred. He should not be ashamed to do that which God has commanded. Obedience will bring him a knowledge of what constitutes true sanctification.

The Kress Collection

Observance of the Sabbath

KC 60.5

God created the world in six days, and rested upon the seventh. Therefore, He declares, “the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:16. Those who keep God’s commandments may claim the promises contained in Isaiah 58:11-14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 162, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 162, 1897, par. 26

God created the world in six days and rested upon the seventh. He sanctified and blessed the seventh day and made it His sacred memorial. “Wherefore,” He declares, “the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:16. Those who do this, keeping all of God’s commandments, may claim the promises contained in Isaiah 58:11-14. The instruction given in this chapter is full and decided. Those who refrain from labor on the Sabbath may claim divine comfort and consolation. Shall we not believe God? Shall we not call holy the day which He calls holy? Man should not be ashamed to acknowledge as sacred that which God calls sacred. He should not be ashamed to do that which God has commanded. Obedience will bring him a knowledge of what constitutes true sanctification.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 366, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 366, 1905, par. 2

I am instructed to say the Lord Jesus is not leading your mind now any more than on the occasion when the paper The Sentinel was lifted up before a party and a hand was passed over the articles published in this paper, saying this paper could be in circulation to thousands of unbelievers. The words were repeated, “If the Sabbath question was left out, then the circulation would be largely increased.” But one was in the company who said, “In that case, who would advocate the publication of this paper? The testing truth question must not be lost sight of in one issue but should appear in vindication of the Sabbath. Isaiah 58:11-14.”

Christ Triumphant

The Law of God Needs No Revision, November 28

CTr 339.1

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 58:12.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Letter 94a, 1909

2SAT 308.4

Isaiah, speaking of the mission of Christ and His followers, says: [Isaiah 61:1-4; 58:12, quoted.]

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

The Need of Educational Reform

2TT 409.1

“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” “And thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” Isaiah 61:4; 58:12. These words of Inspiration present before believers in present truth the work that should now be done in the education of our children and youth. When the truth for these last days came to the world in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages, we were shown that in the education of our children a different order of things must be brought in; but it has taken much time to understand what changes should be made.

From the Heart

The Repairer of the Breach, July 31

FH 224.1

You shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell In. Isaiah 58:12.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Ms 5, 1850

Said the angel, Can ye stand in the battle in the day of the Lord? Ye need to be washed and live in newness of life. (Then I saw those whose hands are now engaged in making up the breach and are standing in the gaps11

An allusion to the theme of restoration and, in particular, the restoration of true Sabbath observance, found in Isaiah 58:12: “Thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” As early as 1846 Sabbatarian Adventists saw their task as that of restoring long-neglected truths, including the Sabbath, before the Second Advent.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 97, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 97, 1886, par. 8

Sabbath morning we took the train for Lausanne and went directly from the cars to the hall. We found a goodly number assembled together to worship God upon His sanctified, holy day. I spoke to them from the last verses of the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places.” Isaiah 58:12. All listened with intense interest, and we felt that Jesus was in our midst and that to bless us. After the discourse we had a social meeting, and many good testimonies were borne; good experiences were related by those who had just embraced the truth, and the Lord strengthened three more to decide in reference to keeping the Sabbath.

Conflict and Courage

Build—Repair—Restore, September 20

CC 269.1

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 58:12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 20, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 41

Are you on the side of Christ or the side of Satan? Are you disdaining the Word of God or are you building up the foundations of many generations that you may be called in the heavenly courts, “the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in”—the repairer of the breach that the man of sin has made in the law. [Isaiah 58:12.] God says, “The Sabbath shall be a sign between me and thee throughout thy generations.” [Exodus 31:13.] We want you to think of these things. We want you to have an eye single to the glory of God. God has given you reasoning powers and if they are corrupted by beer or wine or anything else you cannot help to restore the image of God in the human agent.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 51, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 51, 1899, par. 7

It is at this time that the third angel is seen flying in the midst of heaven, proclaiming, “If any man worship the beast or his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture.” “Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:9, 10, 12.] In marked contrast to the world, stands a little company that will not swerve from their allegiance to God. These are they of whom Isaiah speaks as repairing the breach which had been made in the law of God, they who are “building the old waste places,” “raising up the foundation of many generations.” [Isaiah 58:12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 140, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 140, 1901, par. 30

The foundation of many generations is to be raised, and God calls for men who will use every power of the being in combating Satan’s falsehoods, in breaking down his strongholds; men who will co-operate with Christ, not in a half-hearted way, but earnestly and wholeheartedly; men who are constrained by the love of Christ, whose hearts are surcharged by the Holy Spirit, whose spiritual muscles and sinews are strengthened by the cords of “Thou shalt,” and “Thou shalt not.” He calls for men who have a keen sense of the sacredness of His work, who, with intellect purified, ennobled, heaven-inspired and heaven-directed, will discern between the sacred and the common. God is seeking to lead men heavenward. He desires the aid of every helping hand in building the old waste places, raising the foundation of many generations. To those who co-operate with Him in this work, He says, “Thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Isaiah 58:12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 383, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 383, 1908, par. 2

“And thou shalt be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Isaiah 58:12.] I am to say to men who have so fully brought their own individual character into the sacred work of God, You need to repent; repent and be converted, else you will never find a place among the blessed. The truth for this time must first sanctify the receiver, then his work is pure and free from selfishness. This converting power of grace must be seen, else they can never find a place among the pure and the holy in the city of our God. Our social meetings need the transforming grace of Christ, need the character of the representation of the divine similitude. The work that should now be done is reformatory. The truth as it is in Jesus is truth that sanctifies the receiver.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 94a, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 94a, 1909, par. 17

“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” Isaiah 61:1-4. “Thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach; the restorer of paths to dwell in.” Isaiah 58:12.

Lift Him Up

A Restorer, January 23

LHU 37.1

Thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. Isaiah 58:12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 161, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 161, 1910, par. 8

“‘And they shall build the old waste places, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.’ ‘And thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.’ Isaiah 61:4; 58:12. These words of Inspiration present before believers in present truth the work that should now be done in the education of our children and youth. When the truth for these last days came to the world in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages, we were shown that in the education of our children a different order of things must be brought in.” Testimonies for the Church 6:126. In some places it has taken much time to comprehend the true reformatory work God required of His people, and many families are far behind.

My Life Today

Restore the Old Paths, August 8

ML 224.1

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 58:12.

Our Father Cares

Builders, Not Destroyers, March 26

OFC 97.1

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 58:12.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 17—The Need of Educational Reform

6T 126.1

“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” “And thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” Isaiah 61:4; 58:12. These words of Inspiration present before believers in present truth the work that should now be done in the education of our children and youth. When the truth for these last days came to the world in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages, we were shown that in the education of our children a different order of things must be brought in; but it has taken much time to understand what changes should be made.

The Faith I Live By

Builders, Not Destroyers, October 26

FLB 305.1

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 58:12.

To Be Like Jesus

The Sign of God’s Authority, May 10

BLJ 141.1

Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell In. Isaiah 58:12, NKJV.

BLJ 141.3

In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah is outlined the work which God’s people are to do. They are to magnify the law and make it honorable, to build up the old waste places, and to raise up the foundations of many generations. To those who do this work God says: “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; 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 12-14).

The General Conference Bulletin

October 1, 1902

GCB October 1, 1902, Art. A, par. 10

I can not too strongly urge all our church members, all who are true missionaries, all who believe the third angel’s message, all who turn away their feet from the Sabbath, to consider the message of the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. The work of beneficence enjoined in this chapter is the work that God requires His people to do at this time. It is a work of His own appointment. We are not left in doubt as to where the message applies, and the time of its marked fulfillment, for we read: “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.

GCB October 1, 1902, Art. A, par. 11

God’s memorial, the seventh-day Sabbath, the sign of His work in creating the world, has been displaced by the man of sin. God’s people have a special work to do in repairing the breach that has been made in His law; and the nearer we approach the end, the more urgent this work becomes. All who love God will show that they bear His sign by keeping His commandments. They are the restorers of paths to dwell in. The Lord says: “If thou turn away thy foot from 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.

From Splendor to Shadow

“Nehemiahs” Today Lead Out in Sabbath Reformation

SS 351.2

The spiritual restoration of which the work in Nehemiah’s day was a symbol is outlined in the words of Isaiah: “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.” Isaiah 58:12, RSV.

SS 351.3

A breach has been made in God’s law—the wall that He placed around His chosen ones for their protection, and obedience to whose precepts of justice, truth, and purity is to be their perpetual safeguard. The prophet points out the specific work of this remnant people who built the wall: “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth.” Isaiah 58:13, 14, RSV.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 57—Reformation

PK 677.2

The spiritual restoration of which the work carried forward in Nehemiah’s day was a symbol, is outlined in the words of Isaiah: “They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities.” “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 61:4; 58:12.

PK 678.1

In words of unmistakable meaning the prophet points out the specific work of this remnant people who build the wall. “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 58:13, 14.

PK 678.2

In the time of the end every divine institution is to be restored. The breach made in the law at the time the Sabbath was changed by man, is to be repaired. God’s remnant people, standing before the world as reformers, are to show that the law of God is the foundation of all enduring reform and that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is to stand as a memorial of creation, a constant reminder of the power of God. In clear, distinct lines they are to present the necessity of obedience to all the precepts of the Decalogue. Constrained by the love of Christ, they are to co-operate with Him in building up the waste places. They are to be repairers of the breach, restorers of paths to dwell in. See verse 12.

Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White

Chapter 10—The Sabbath of the Lord

CET 87.1

I was shown that the precious promises of Isaiah 58:12-14 apply to those who labor for the restoration of the true Sabbath.

Selected Messages Book 2

Apostasies

2SM 395.3

I write this because many in the church are represented to me as seeing men like trees walking. They must have another and deeper experience before they discern the snares spread to take them in the net of the deceiver. There must be no halfway work done now. The Lord calls for stanch, decided, whole-souled men and women to stand in the gap, and make up the hedge. [Isaiah 58:12-14 quoted.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Reform in Sabbath Observance

6T 351.6

The Sabbath is a golden clasp that unites God and His people. But the Sabbath command has been broken. God’s holy day has been desecrated. The Sabbath has been torn from its place by the man of sin, and a common working day has been exalted in its stead. A breach has been made in the law, and this breach is to be repaired. The true Sabbath is to be exalted to its rightful position as God’s rest day. In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah is outlined the work which God’s people are to do. They are to magnify the law and make it honorable, to build up the old waste places, and to raise up the foundations of many generations. To those who do this work God says: “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 12-14.

To Be Like Jesus

The Sabbath Was Kept Anciently, and Is Today, May 25

BLJ 156.2

The prophet ... 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 Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 93—To Brethren in Responsible Positions

1888 724.2

This is a time of general departure from truth and righteousness, and now we must build the old waste places, and, with interested effort, labor to raise up the foundation of many generations. “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; See Isaiah 51:7-16; 62:1-4.)

Life Sketches Manuscript

Repairers of the Breach

LSMS 166.1

I was shown that the precious promises of Isaiah 58:12-14 apply to those who labor for the restoration of the true Sabbath.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Reform in Sabbath Observance

3TT 18.4

The Sabbath is a golden clasp that unites God and His people. But the Sabbath command has been broken. God’s holy day has been desecrated. The Sabbath has been torn from its place by the man of sin, and a common working day has been exalted in its stead. A breach has been made in the law, and this breach is to be repaired. The true Sabbath is to be exalted to its rightful position as God’s rest day. In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah is outlined the work which God’s people are to do. They are to magnify the law and make it honorable, to build up the old waste places, and to raise up the foundations of many generations. To those who do this work God says: “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.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Opposition to Be Expected

1TT 432.1

The Lord’s people are seeking to heal the breach which has been made in the law of God. “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.” Isaiah 58:12-14.

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Chapter 12—The Sabbath of the Lord

LS 96.3

I was shown that the precious promises of Isaiah 58:12-14 apply to those who labor for the restoration of the true Sabbath.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 6, 1877

3LtMs, Lt 6, 1877, par. 9

God will test every one of us. He will give privileges and opportunities to all and a sufficient amount of evidence to balance the mind in the right direction if they choose the truth. “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places. Thou shalt rise 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.” Isaiah 58:12-14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 1f, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 1f, 1890, par. 12

This is a time of general departure from truth and righteousness, and now we must build the old waste places, and, with interested effort, labor to raise up the foundation of many generations. “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.] See Isaiah 51:7-16; 62:1-4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 16, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, par. 71

The prophet Isaiah says, They that shall be of Thee shall build the old waste places: Thou shalt raise up the foundation of many generations—what is that? The Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Raise it up by pen, by voice, and ring out the truth in every way possible. And thou shalt be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in. [Isaiah 58:12.] See Isaiah 58:13, 14. This is the work of those who see the Sabbath of the Lord trodden down: they are to give it the exalted position it deserves. See Isaiah 61:1-4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 1, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 1, 1897, par. 12

I write this because many in the church at Adelaide are represented to me as seeing men like trees walking. They must have another and a deeper experience before they can discern the snares spread to take them in the net of the deceiver. There must be no halfway work done now. The Lord calls for staunch, decided, whole-souled men and women to stand in the gap and make up the hedge. “And they that be of thee shall build the old waste places, and raise up the foundations of many generations, and thou shall be called The repairers 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 pleasure, nor speaking thine own words, then shalt thou ride upon the high places of the earth, and I will feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 58:12-14.]

Manuscript Release No. 760

Introductory Note :

MR760 13.3

We need to walk humbly before the Lord. His truth is to be substantiated and magnified. We are warned that heresy of every kind will be brought in among the people of God in these last days. One heresy leads to many other heresies in the explanation of the Word of God and in departing from the Lord’s designs and plans. Let our meetings in this conference be times for the investigation and building up of the waste places. [Isaiah 58:12-14 quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 185, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 185, 1897, par. 12

I write this because many in the church are represented to me as seeing men like trees walking. They must have another and deeper experience before they discern the snares spread to take them in the net of the deceiver. There must be no half-way work done now. The Lord calls for staunch, decided, whole-souled men and women to stand in the gap, and make up the hedge. “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places, and 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 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.” [Isaiah 58:12-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 193, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 193, 1897, par. 5

In the old dispensation the significance of the typical sacrifices was often before the minds of the children for they prefigured the great sacrifice that was to be made for the redemption of man. The same lessons are essential in our time, that a foundation shall be laid for prosperous households. “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.” [Isaiah 58:12-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 60, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 60, 1898, par. 2

The Echo office is the only institution of its kind in this part of the world that can represent the special work of building up the old waste places. God says, “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. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, and 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.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 67, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 67, 1898, par. 30

The words of Isaiah are given us for our thoughtful study: “And they that be of thee shall build the old waste places: they shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and they shall be called, The repairers 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 shalt call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thy 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.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 82, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 82, 1899, par. 27

“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.” [Isaiah 58:12-14.] Here is presented a people who turn aside their feet from trampling on the fourth commandment. Please read this Scripture in connection with the words found in Exodus 31:12-18.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 29, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 29, 1900, par. 12

They turn from light to the beggarly elements of the world. Faith in Christ is the only means of justification, sanctification, and communion with God. He who refuses to rob God, by disregarding His command concerning the Sabbath, distinguishes himself from worldly, selfish scheming, and to him is the promise made, “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.]

15LtMs, Lt 29, 1900, par. 19

God calls upon all to turn away their feet from the Sabbath, to cease from making His holy day a common working day. Your work, believer, is to co-operate with God in raising up the foundation of many generations. “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.” [Isaiah 58:12-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 143, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 43

[Quote Isaiah 58:12-14; Isaiah 51:7-16; Isaiah 62:1-4.]

16LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 52

As the end approaches, the testimonies of God’s servants will become more decided and more powerful, flashing the light of truth upon the systems of error and oppression that have so long held the supremacy. The Lord has sent us messages for this time, that will establish Christianity upon an eternal basis; and all who believe the present truth must stand, not in their own wisdom, but in God’s wisdom, and raise up the foundations of many generations; and they will be registered in the books of heaven as “repairers of the breach,” the “restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Isaiah 58:12.] In face of the bitterest opposition, we are to maintain the truth because it is truth. ...

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 75, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 75, 1905, par. 3

We need to walk humbly before the Lord. His truth is to be substantiated and magnified. We are warned that heresy of every kind will be brought in among the people of God in these last days. One heresy leads to many other heresies in the explanation of the Word of God. Let our meetings in this Conference be times for the investigation and building up of the waste places. “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. 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.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 763—Ellen White and the Church in Adelaide, South Australia

9MR 363.1

I write this because many in the church at Adelaide are represented to me as seeing men like trees walking. They must have another and a deeper experience before they can discern the snares spread to take them in the net of the deceiver. There must be no halfway work done now. The Lord calls for staunch, decided, whole-souled men and women to stand in the gap and make up the hedge. “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, 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; 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).

Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

Location of Three-Fold Message Divinely Fixed

1MR 45.1

In the 58th chapter of Isaiah, the work of those who worship God, the Maker of the heavens and the earth, is specified: “They that shall be of Thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations. God’s memorial, His Seventh-day Sabbath, will be uplifted. Isaiah 58:12-14.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

MR No. 1237—Testimony Concerning the Views of Prophecy Held by John Bell—Part II

17MR 8.1

In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, the work of those who worship God, the Maker of the heavens and the earth, is specified: “They that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations” [Isaiah 58:12]. God’s memorial, His Seventh-day Sabbath, will be uplifted. “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 [no longer trample it under your feet], from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour Him, ... 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].

Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]

MR No. 144—As the End Draws Near

2MR 227.1

This is a time of general departure from truth and righteousness, and now we must build the old waste places, and with interested effort labor to raise up the foundations of many generations. “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 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]. (See Isaiah 51:7-16; 62:1-4.)

Selected Messages Book 2

The Three Angels’ Messages in their Larger Setting

2SM 106.3

In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, the work of those who worship God, the Maker of the heavens and the earth, is specified: “They that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations” (Isaiah 58:12). God’s memorial, His seventh-day Sabbath, will be uplifted. “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 [no longer trample it under your feet], from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour Him, 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).

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 27—The Law Given to Israel

PP 307.3

God has given men six days wherein to labor, and He requires that their own work be done in the six working days. Acts of necessity and mercy are permitted on the Sabbath, the sick and suffering are at all times to be cared for; but unnecessary labor is to be strictly avoided. “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 ... honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure.” Isaiah 58:13. Nor does the prohibition end here. “Nor speaking thine own words,” says the prophet. Those who discuss business matters or lay plans on the Sabbath are regarded by God as though engaged in the actual transaction of business. To keep the Sabbath holy, we should not even allow our minds to dwell upon things of a worldly character. And the commandment includes all within our gates. The inmates of the house are to lay aside their worldly business during the sacred hours. All should unite to honor God by willing service upon His holy day.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable

GC 446.3

While the worshipers of God will be especially distinguished by their regard for the fourth commandment,—since this is the sign of His creative power and the witness to His claim upon man’s reverence and homage,—the worshipers of the beast will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator’s memorial, to exalt the institution of Rome. It was in behalf of the Sunday that popery first asserted its arrogant claims (see Appendix); and its first resort to the power of the state was to compel the observance of Sunday as “the Lord’s day.” But the Bible points to the seventh day, and not to the first, as the Lord’s day. Said Christ: “The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” The fourth commandment declares: “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord.” And by the prophet Isaiah the Lord designates it: “My holy day.” Mark 2:28; Isaiah 58:13.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable

GC88 446.3

While the worshipers of God will be especially distinguished by their regard for the fourth commandment,—since this is the sign of his creative power, and the witness to his claim upon man’s reverence and homage,—the worshipers of the beast will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator’s memorial, to exalt the institution of Rome. It was in behalf of the Sunday, that popery first asserted its arrogant claims; [See Appendix, note 9.] and its first resort to the power of the State was to compel the observance of Sunday as “the Lord’s day.” But the Bible points to the seventh day, and not to the first, as the Lord’s day. Said Christ, “The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” The fourth commandment declares, “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord.” And by the prophet Isaiah the Lord designates it, “My holy day.” [Mark 2:28; Isaiah 58:13.]

From Here to Forever

The Beast and His Image

HF 276.5

The worshipers of God will be especially distinguished by their regard for the fourth commandment, the sign of His creative power. The worshipers of the beast will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator’s memorial, to exalt the institution of Rome. It was in behalf of Sunday as “the Lord’s day” that popery first asserted its arrogant claims. (See Appendix.) But the Bible points to the seventh day as the Lord’s day. Said Christ: “The Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.” Mark 2:28. See also Isaiah 58:13; Matthew 5:17-19. The claim so often put forth that Christ changed the Sabbath is disproved by His own words.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Ms 1, 1854

I then saw the corruption of these last days. Some of those who profess the present truth are corrupt, and the same sins exist now that existed before the destruction of the old world. The world is almost ripe for destruction. Correct your children in love, not in passion. Do all your part, and God will do His. God despises our prayers for our children until we have done all on our part to save them. God corrects His children when they go astray from Him, and parents should correct their children when they disobey them. Correct their tempers. Above everything take care of them on the Sabbath. You may as well violate the Sabbath yourselves as to let your children do it. If you suffer your children to play upon the Sabbath,22

Even children can be taught the concept of Sabbath holiness. In an article written for children and young people in 1853 Ellen White appealed to them through the words of Isaiah to turn “from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, … not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure” (Isa. 58:13). “Dear children,” she urged, “are you as careful as you should be in keeping the Sabbath?”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 43b, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 43b, 1891, par. 8

The Sabbath of the fourth commandment, standing in the very bosom of the Decalogue, was a memorial of the creation of the world. It has been Satan’s studied plan to put this seventh-day Sabbath out of sight. He has, with the Jewish nation, wrought in such a way as to bring it into contempt. He has covered it with exactions which God has never given. And the scribes and Pharisees, not walking in the light but choosing the darkness, made this institution which should be called “a delight, the holy of the Lord,” and “honourable” [Isaiah 58:13], a yoke of oppression and bondage. The limited, gross ideas of the Sabbath were the work of Satan. The Lord Jesus came to our world to vindicate the character of God and to destroy the works of the devil, to give to all men a perfect example of holy obedience to the law of God. It was not a yoke of bondage.

7LtMs, Ms 43b, 1891, par. 11

If Satan can so deceive human minds as to change the day God has pronounced blessed and holy, then there is no sacred day. The Lord’s memorial is of no value, for it ceases to be a memorial that He is the Creator of the world, its Lord and Sovereign. Satan claims to have the possession of the world, and he offered it as a bribe to Christ if He would fall down and worship him, but the Lord Jesus rebuked him. Satan hated Christ because He was preferred before him. He hated Him because he saw Him rolling back the hellish darkness of the hellish shadow he had thrown over the Sabbath, which loaded it with traditions and customs. It became of no force, but was a rigorous burden in the place of being regarded as “a delight, the holy of the Lord,” and “honourable.” [Isaiah 58:13.] If he made the Sabbath to be dishonored, then the Lord would be dishonored.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 91, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 91, 1894, par. 9

But the Sabbath is not Jewish in its origin. It was instituted in Eden before there were such a people known as the Jews. The Sabbath was made for all mankind, and was instituted in Eden before the fall of man. The Creator called it “My holy day.” [Isaiah 58:13.] Christ announced Himself as “the Lord of the Sabbath.” [Matthew 12:8.] Beginning with creation, it is as old as the human race, and having been made for man it will exist as long as man shall exist. Hallowed by the Creator’s rest and blessing, the Sabbath was kept by Adam in his innocence in holy Eden; but Adam fallen, yet repentant, when he was driven from his happy estate. It was kept by all the patriarchs from Abel to Noah, to Abraham, to Jacob. When the chosen people were in bondage in Egypt, many, in the midst of the prevailing idolatry, lost their knowledge of God’s law; but when the Lord delivered Israel, He proclaimed His law in awful grandeur to the assembled multitude, that they might know His will, and fear and obey Him forever.

A Word to the Little Flock

Dear Brother Bates

WLF 18.3

In the Holiest I saw an ark; on the top and sides of it was purest gold. On each end of the ark was a lovely Cherub, with their wings spread out over it. Their faces were turned towards each other, and they looked downwards. [Exodus 25:18-22.] Between the angels was a golden censor. Above the ark, where the angels stood, was an exceeding bright glory, that appeared like a throne where God dwelt. [Exodus 25:20-22.] Jesus stood by the ark. And as the saints’ prayers came up to Jesus, the incense in the censor would smoke, and He offered up the prayers of the saints with the smoke of the incense to His Father. [Revelation 8:3, 4.] In the ark, was the golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of stone which folded together like a book. [Hebrews 9:4.] Jesus opened them, and I saw the ten commandments written on them with the finger of God. [Exodus 31:18.] On one table was four, and on the other six. The four on the first table shone brighter than the other six. But the fourth (the Sabbath commandment,) shone above them all; for the Sabbath was set apart to be kept in honor of God’s holy name. [Isaiah 58:13, 14.] The holy Sabbath looked glorious—a halo of glory was all around it. I saw that the Sabbath was not nailed to the cross. If it was, the other nine commandments were; and we are at liberty to go forth and break them all, as well as to break the fourth. I saw that God had not changed the Sabbath, for He never changes. [Malachi 3:6.] But the Pope had changed it from the seventh to the first day of the week; for he was to change times and laws. [Daniel 7:25.]

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Circumstances No Excuse

1TT 499.3

Wrongs perpetrated by believers in the truth bring great weakness upon the church. They are stumbling blocks in the way of sinners and prevent them from coming to the light. Brother, God calls you to come out fully upon His side and let your works show that you regard His precepts and keep inviolate the Sabbath. He bids you wake up to your duty and be true to the responsibilities that devolve upon you. These solemn words are addressed to you: “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 58:13, 14.

From Heaven With Love

Greater Care Shown Animals

HLv 191.1

To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ’s creative and redeeming power, it will be a delight. See Isaiah 58:13, 14. Seeing Christ in it, they delight themselves in Him. While it calls to mind the lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace restored through the Saviour. And every object in nature repeats His invitation, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

Homeward Bound

The Lord’s Day, June 17

HB 190.4

And the Lord says, “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; . . . then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.” (Isaiah 58:13, 14.) To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ’s creative and redeeming power, it will be a delight. Seeing Christ in it, they delight themselves in Him. The Sabbath points them to the works of creation as an evidence of His mighty power in redemption. While it calls to mind the lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace restored through the Saviour.—The Desire of Ages, 287-289.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 5, 1867

1LtMs, Ms 5, 1867, par. 25

“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; 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 58:13, 14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 35a, 1877

3LtMs, Lt 35a, 1877, par. 23

“Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it.” Isaiah 56:2. “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; 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 58:13, 14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 8, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 8, 1895, par. 29

All who would have the zeal of the living God must be laborers together with God, to make up the breach that has been made in the law of God by the man of sin, and to raise up the foundation of many generations. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] They will turn away their feet from trampling on the law of God, and by precept and example turn the feet of many others from the path of disobedience. They will keep the Sabbath from polluting it; they will call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable, and will honor Him, not doing their own ways, nor finding their own pleasure, nor speaking their 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 they father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 58:13, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 167, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 167, 1897, par. 21

All who bring to the observance of the Sabbath a heart consecrated to God will find that the day God has sanctified is more to them than they had any idea of. “I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” [Verse 13.] “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 58:13, 14.]

In Heavenly Places

Day of Delight and Blessing, May 25

HP 152.1

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; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father. Isaiah 58:13, 14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 76, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 76, 1898, par. 26

“Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.” “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 them with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 56:1, 2; 58:13, 14.] “In that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not; and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save thee; he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” [Zephaniah 3:16, 17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 45, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 45, 1899, par. 11

All who bring to the observance of the Sabbath a heart consecrated to the observances of God will find that the Sabbath is more to them than they have any idea of. “I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” [Verse 13.] “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, not finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own word, 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 58:13, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 231, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 231, 1899, par. 13

“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 thin 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 58:13, 14.]

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 29—The Sabbath

DA 289.1

And the Lord says, “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; ... then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.” Isaiah 58:13, 14. To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ’s creative and redeeming power, it will be a delight. Seeing Christ in it, they delight themselves in Him. The Sabbath points them to the works of creation as an evidence of His mighty power in redemption. While it calls to mind the lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace restored through the Saviour. And every object in nature repeats His invitation, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

The Faith I Live By

Happiest Day of the Week, January 30

FLB 36.1

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 58:13, 14.

To Be Like Jesus

The Sabbath Turns Minds to the Creator, May 5

BLJ 136.1

If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, ... then you shall delight yourself in the Lord. Isaiah 58:13, 14, NKJV.

The Story of Our Health Message

The Real Test

SHM-apx 445.2

All who bring to the observance of the Sabbath a heart consecrated to God will find that the day God has sanctified is more to them than they had any idea of. “I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” Exodus 31:13. 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 58:13, 14.—MS 167, 1897.

Maranatha

Importance and Glory of the Sabbath, August 25

Mar 245.1

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.

The Publishing Ministry

Chapter 40—An Unprecedented Harvest

PM 404.1

“Thou shalt 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.—Testimonies for the Church 6:311, 312.

Radiant Religion

We Shall Delight in Him Throughout Eternity, December 19

RRe 355.1

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.