EGW WritingsIsaiah 6

Ellen G. White

Isaiah 6:1

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 54, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 54, 1905, par. 16

God grant that we may be wide-awake to this awful evil. May He help us to labor with all our power to save men and women and youth from this effort of the enemy to ensnare them. We do not take into the church those who use liquor or tobacco. We cannot admit such ones. But we can try to help them to overcome. We can tell them that by giving up these harmful practices, they will make their families and themselves happier. Those whose hearts are filled with the Spirit of God will feel no need for stimulants. “He is high, and lifted up, and His train fills the heavens.” [See Isaiah 6:1.] Those who are overcomers here will one day see Him as He is; for we read, “We know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” [1 John 3:2.] They will sing the song of redemption in the heavenly courts.

Isaiah 6:1-3

God’s Amazing Grace

Guarded by Seraphim, March 5

AG 72.1

I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1.

AG 72.2

When God was about to send Isaiah with a message to His people, He first permitted the prophet to look in vision into the holy of holies within the sanctuary. Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the temple seemed to be uplifted or withdrawn, and he was permitted to gaze within, upon the holy of holies, where even the prophet’s feet might not enter. There rose before him a vision of Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, while the train of His glory filled the temple. Around the throne were seraphim, as guards about the great King, and they reflected the glory that surrounded them. As their songs of praise resounded in deep notes of adoration, the pillars of the gate trembled, as if shaken by an earthquake. With lips unpolluted by sin, these angels poured forth the praises of God. “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts,” they cried: “the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3).

Isaiah 6:1-4

Conflict and Courage

Humility—True or False? August 15

CC 233.1

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:3.

CC 233.2

These holy beings sang forth the praise and glory of God with lips unpolluted with sin. The contrast between the feeble praise which he [Isaiah] had been accustomed to bestow upon the Creator and the fervid praises of the seraphim, astonished and humiliated the prophet....

CC 233.3

While he listened to the song of the angels, ... the glory, the infinite power, and the unsurpassed majesty of the Lord passed before his vision, and was impressed upon his soul. In the light of this matchless radiance that made manifest all he could bear in the revelation of the divine character, his own inward defilement stood out before him with startling clearness. His very words seemed vile to him.

CC 233.4

Thus when the servant of God is permitted to behold the glory of the God of heaven, as He is unveiled to humanity, and realizes to a slight degree the purity of the Holy One of Israel, he will make startling confessions of the pollution of his soul, rather than proud boasts of his holiness. In deep humiliation Isaiah exclaimed, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips....” This is not that voluntary humility and servile self-reproach that so many seem to consider it a virtue to display. This vague mockery of humility is prompted by hearts full of pride and self-esteem. There are many who demerit themselves in words, who would be disappointed if this course did not call forth expressions of praise and appreciation from others. But the conviction of the prophet was genuine.20The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 4:1140.

CC 233.5

The seraphim before the throne are so filled with reverential awe in beholding the glory of God that they do not for an instant look upon themselves with self-complacency, or in admiration of themselves or one another. Their praise and glory are for the Lord of Hosts.... They are fully satisfied to glorify God; and in His presence, beneath His smile of approbation, they wish for nothing more. In bearing His image, in doing His service and worshiping Him, their highest ambition is fully reached.21Ibid.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 71, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 22

It was this glory that was revealed to Isaiah, when he says, “In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face; and with twain he covered his feet; and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.” [Isaiah 6:1-4.] “That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.” [John 12:38-41.]

Isaiah 6:1-5

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 9, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 9, 1894, par. 14

“In the year that King Uzziah died,” says Isaiah, “I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims; each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.” [Isaiah 6:1-4.]

9LtMs, Ms 9, 1894, par. 15

Beholding this grand and glorious representation, the prophet discerned his own imperfections and those of the people with whom he dwelt. “Woe is me,” he said, “for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” [Verse 5.] O, how many who are engaged in this work of responsibility need to behold God as did Isaiah, for in the presence of His glory and majesty, self will sink into nothingness.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

Finishing at Worldly Schools

CT 374.3

“In the year that King Uzziah died,” says Isaiah, “I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims; each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.” Beholding this grand and glorious representation, the prophet discerned his own imperfections, and those of the people with whom he dwelt. “Woe is me!” he cried, “for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:1-5. Oh, how many who are engaged in this work of responsibility need to behold God as did Isaiah; for in the presence of His glory and majesty self will sink into nothingness.—Special Testimonies On Education, 165-170; written from Melbourne, Australia, February 10, 1894, to the teachers in Battle Creek College.

The Bible Echo

September 9, 1895

BEcho September 9, 1895, par. 7

“I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphim; each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me; for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:1-5.

Isaiah 6:1-7

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

The Greatness of Our God

8T 281.4

“Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he touched my mouth with it, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin expiated.” Isaiah 6:1-7, A. R. V., margin.

The Ministry of Healing

Searching Into Divine Mysteries

MH 433.2

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 22, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 22, 1895, par. 11

And Isaiah tells us what effect a sight of the Lord had upon him. “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims; each one had six wings: with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried to another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me; for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” [Isaiah 6:1-7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 317a, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 317a, 1904, par. 24

Jesus is to be your hope, your comfort. Treat your husband with all kindness and your children with the tenderest affection. Read and study?? (Isaiah 6:1-7): “In the year that King Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.”

Isaiah 6:1-8

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 37, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 37, 1902, par. 6

“In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.” [Isaiah 6:1-4.]

17LtMs, Ms 37, 1902, par. 7

“Then said I, Woe is me; for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Them flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hands, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar, and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” [Verses 5-8.]

Counsels to Writers and Editors

Chapter 12—Counsels to Editors

CW 91.1

I call the attention of all our workers to the sixth chapter of Isaiah. Read the experience of God’s prophet when he saw the Lord “sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple.... Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:1-8.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Isaiah’s Commission

GW 21.1

When God was about to send Isaiah with a message to His people, He first permitted the prophet to look in vision into the holy of holies within the sanctuary. Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the temple seemed to be uplifted or withdrawn, and he was permitted to gaze within, upon the holy of holies, where even the prophet’s feet might not enter. There rose before him a vision of Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, while the train of His glory filled the temple. Around the throne were seraphim, as guards about the great King, and they reflected the glory that surrounded them. As their songs of praise resounded in deep notes of adoration, the pillars of the gate trembled, as if shaken by an earthquake. With lips unpolluted by sin, these angels poured forth the praises of God. “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts,” they cried; “the whole earth is full of His glory.” [See Isaiah 6:1-8.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Personal Experience Needed by Workers

7T 153.3

I call the attention of all our workers to the sixth chapter of Isaiah. Read the experience of God’s prophet when he saw “the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple.... Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:1-8.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 27, 1891

2SAT 94.7

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Personal Experience Needed By Workers

3TT 154.2

I call the attention of all our workers to the sixth chapter of Isaiah. Read the experience of God’s prophet when he saw “the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. ... Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:1-8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 27, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 27, 1891, par. 12

We need an experience similar to that which Isaiah had when he saw the cherubim calling “Holy, holy, holy.” “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:1-8.

7LtMs, Ms 27, 1891, par. 13

When he caught sight of the throne of God he said, “Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips.” [Verse 5.] Every worker chosen of God will feel thus. But the seraphim touched his lips with the live coal from off the altar and told him that his iniquity was taken away and his sin purged: and then as Isaiah heard the call, “Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?” he answers, “Here am I; send me.” [Verses 6-8.] He did not feel fit to be sent till the refining Spirit came upon him.

7LtMs, Ms 27, 1891, par. 17

If Jesus abides in you it is to some purpose. You cannot then enjoy light and trifling conversation. Said Isaiah, “I am a man of unclean lips.” [Isaiah 6:5.] And how true this is of many who profess to be Christians. If you talk as any worldling talks and act as any worldling acts, you dishonor the Christ you profess to love. You need to be converted daily, to honor Christ by every word. Be ye holy in all manner of conversation. When you sit at the table, you are to eat, giving thanks to God, of the very best foods for making the best blood and the clearest intellect. We want sharp-thinking men and women.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 174, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 174, 1897, par. 26

Isaiah 6:1-4. What effect did this vision have upon Isaiah? Verses 5-8. This statement is recorded for our benefit, that we shall have reverence for God and holy things. There is little enough reverence in our world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 48, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 48, 1903, par. 5

“In the year that King Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of Him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin is purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:1-8.]

Isaiah 6:1-9

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 126, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 126, 1899, par. 35

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not?” [Isaiah 6:1-9.]

Isaiah 6:1-10

Conflict and Courage

Send Me, August 14

CC 232.1

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8.

CC 232.2

It was under circumstances of difficulty and discouragement that Isaiah, while yet a young man, was called to the prophetic mission. Disaster was threatening his country. By their transgression of God’s law the people of Judah had forfeited His protection, and the Assyrian forces were about to come against the kingdom of Judah. But the danger from their enemies was not the greatest trouble. It was the perversity of the people that brought upon the Lord’s servant the deepest depression. By their apostasy and rebellion they were inviting the judgments of God. The youthful prophet had been called to bear to them a message of warning, and he knew that he would meet with obstinate resistance.... His task seemed to him almost hopeless....

CC 232.3

Such thoughts as these were crowding upon his mind as he stood under the portico of the holy temple. Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the temple seemed to be uplifted or withdrawn, and he was permitted to gaze within, upon the holy of holies, where even the prophet’s feet might not enter. There rose up before him a vision of Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, while His train filled the temple. On each side of the throne hovered the seraphim, two wings bearing them up, two veiling their faces in adoration, and two covering their feet....

CC 232.4

Never before had Isaiah realized so fully the greatness of Jehovah or His perfect holiness; and he felt that in his human frailty and unworthiness he must perish in that divine presence. “Woe is me!” he cried; “for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” But a seraph came to him to fit him for his great mission. A living coal from the altar was laid upon his lips with the words: “Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” And when the voice of God was heard saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah with holy confidence responded, “Here am I; send me.” ... The prophet was nerved for the work before him.19Testimonies for the Church 5:749-751.

Conflict and Courage

White Like Snow, August 17

CC 235.1

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15.

CC 235.2

CC 235.3

In beholding his God, the prophet ... had not only been given a view of his own unworthiness; there had come to his humbled heart the assurance of forgiveness, full and free; and he had arisen a changed man. He had seen his Lord. He had caught a glimpse of the loveliness of the divine character. He could testify of the transformation wrought through beholding Infinite Love. Henceforth he was inspired with longing desire to see erring Israel set free from the burden and penalty of sin. “Why should ye be stricken any more?” the prophet inquired. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” ... The God whom they had been claiming to serve, but whose character they had misunderstood, was set before them as the great Healer of spiritual disease....

CC 235.4

The heart of Infinite Love yearns after those who feel powerless to free themselves from the snares of Satan; and He graciously offers to strengthen them to live for Him. “Fear thou not,” He bids them; “for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” ...

CC 235.5

Have you, reader, chosen your own way? Have you wandered far from God? Have you sought to feast upon the fruits of transgression, only to find them turn to ashes upon your lips? ... Return to your Father’s house. He invites you, saying, “Return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” “Come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live.” 25Prophets and Kings, 314-320.

Conflict and Courage

The Living Coal, August 16

CC 234.1

Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Isaiah 6:6, 7.

CC 234.2

Isaiah had denounced the sin of others; but now he sees himself exposed to the same condemnation he had pronounced upon them. He had been satisfied with a cold, lifeless ceremony in his worship of God. He had not known this until the vision was given him of the Lord. How little now appeared his wisdom and talents as he looked upon the sacredness and majesty of the sanctuary. How unworthy he was! how unfitted for sacred service! ...

CC 234.3

The vision given to Isaiah represents the condition of God’s people in the last days. They are privileged to see by faith the work that is going forward in the heavenly sanctuary. “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” As they look by faith into the holy of holies, and see the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, they perceive that they are a people of unclean lips,—a people whose lips have often spoken vanity, and whose talents have not been sanctified and employed to the glory of God. Well may they despair as they contrast their own weakness and unworthiness with the purity and loveliness of the glorious character of Christ. But if they, like Isaiah, will receive the impression the Lord designs shall be made upon the heart, if they will humble their souls before God, there is hope for them. The bow of promise is above the throne, and the work done for Isaiah will be performed in them. God will respond to the petitions coming from the contrite heart.22Ibid., 1139.

CC 234.4

We want the living coal from off the altar placed upon our lips. We want to hear the word spoken, “Thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” 23Ibid.

CC 234.5

The live coal is symbolical of purification. If it touches the lips, no impure word will fall from them.24Ibid., 1141.

Isaiah 6:1-13

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 64, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 64, 1895, par. 1

Let us look and study at the sixth chapter of Isaiah: “In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphim; each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.” [Verses 1-4.]

10LtMs, Ms 64, 1895, par. 2

This was a revelation of the glory of Christ’s divinity. Note the humility of the seraphim before Him. With their wings they veiled their faces and their feet. They were in the presence of Jesus. They saw the glory of God—the King in His beauty, and they covered themselves. And what effect did this view of the Lord’s glory have upon the mind of the prophet? “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips, and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I, send me.” [Verses 5-8.]

10LtMs, Ms 64, 1895, par. 3

Beholding the glory of the Son of God caused the prophet himself to appear very insignificant. He felt nothing but contempt for himself. “I abhor myself! Woe is me, for I am undone.” [Verse 5.] The more closely we view the Lord Jesus in His purity and loveliness, the less will we esteem self, the less will we strive for the mastery, or even for recognition. When the light of Jesus reveals the deformity of our souls, there will be no desire to lift up ourselves unto vanity. The appearance of self is most unpleasing. The more continuously the human looks upon Jesus, the less he sees in himself to admire, and his soul is prostrated before God in contrition.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 122, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 122, 1899, par. 8

Men and women can work in lines effectually if they feel in their hearts that they are doing the work of the Lord in ministering to the souls who know not the truth for this time. They are sounding the note of warning in the byways and highways to prepare a people for the great day of God which is about to break upon the world. We have no time to lose. We must encourage this work. Who will go forth now with our publications? Let them read the sixth chapter of Isaiah and take its lesson home to their hearts.

14LtMs, Lt 122, 1899, par. 9

“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” [Verses 5-8.]

14LtMs, Lt 122, 1899, par. 17

God has His workmen in every age. The call of the hour is answered by the human agencies. Thus it will be when the divine voice cries, “Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?” The response will come, “Here am I, send me.” [Verse 8.] The Lord imparts a fitness for the work to every man and woman who will cooperate with divine power. A great work is to be done in our world, and human agencies will surely respond to the demand. And all the requisite talent, courage, perseverance, faith, and tack will come as they put the armor on. The world must hear the warning. When the call comes, “Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?” send back the answer clear and distinct, “Here am I; send me.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 7, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 7, 1902, par. 3

It is high time for us to understand the responsibility resting upon us individually. We should read the sixth chapter of Isaiah. The prophet declares: “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.” [Verses 1-4.]

17LtMs, Ms 7, 1902, par. 4

Let the eyes of every one be turned from visible to invisible things. As never before, we are in need of a spiritual awakening. Continuing, the prophet says: “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips [a people who do not practice what they say]: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” [Verse 5.] Why did Isaiah come to this conclusion? He was given a vision of the Lord’s glory, and this made him sensible of the great contrast between the purity and holiness of God and the sinful course of the professed people of God—a people who had neglected to bring into their business transactions principles of strict integrity, equity and justice, mercy and compassion. Because men had not walked in the great light with which they were blessed, judicial blindness and hardness of heart came upon them. The value of the many words spoken by them was measured by the degree of strictness with which they obeyed heaven-sent counsels.

17LtMs, Ms 7, 1902, par. 5

“Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” [Verses 6-8.] This represents the position in which the people of God should stand at the present time. “And He said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.” [Verse 9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 124, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 124, 1903, par. 28

Let us learn from the representation made in the sixth chapter of Isaiah the greatness of our God. The prophet writes: “In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord, sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims; each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is filled with His glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

18LtMs, Ms 124, 1903, par. 30

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 63, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 63, 1895, par. 34

Providences and possibilities will arise demanding immediate action, and those handling these interests are to be dependent upon the Holy Spirit of God to guide them as faithful shepherds of the flock. Should they wait, in a crisis, for the voice and dictation to come from Battle Creek, they might lose much. The men handling the work should be faithful stewards of the grace of God. They should be men of faith, and should be encouraged to look to God and trust in God. Chapter six of Isaiah has a deep and important lesson for every one of God’s workmen. Let them study this with deep interest and humility and most earnest prayer. The first and second chapters of Ezekiel should be carefully studied.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 71, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 71, 1895, par. 33

Those who are handling sacred things need to tremble and to fear, even as is represented by the trembling of Isaiah in the sixth chapter. He says, “In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train fulled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

10LtMs, Lt 71, 1895, par. 34

“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone: because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have been the king, the Lord of Hosts.” When this grand and awful glory was presented to the prophet, he realized his sinfulness. “Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with a tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips: and thine iniquity is taken way, and the sin is purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” [Verses 1-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 58, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 58, 1895, par. 22

Let God’s workmen study the sixth chapter of Isaiah and the first and second chapters of Ezekiel. To the prophet the wheel within a wheel, the appearances of living creatures connected with them, all seemed intricate and unexplainable. But the hand of infinite wisdom is seen among the wheels, and perfect order is the result of its work. Every wheel works in perfect harmony with every other.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 164, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, par. 7

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 43, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 43, 1898, par. 12

“Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money: come, come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live: and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” [Isaiah 55:1-3.] Read also Isaiah 6, 7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 132, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 26

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 143, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 143, 1899, par. 21

The sixth chapter of Isaiah has a deep and important lesson for every one of God’s workmen. Study it with humility and earnest prayer. The first and second chapters of Ezekiel should also be carefully studied. The wheels within wheels represented in this symbol was confusion to the finite eye. But a hand of infinite wisdom was revealed amid the wheels. Perfect order is brought out of the confusion. Every wheel works in its right place, in perfect harmony with every other part of the machinery.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 89, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 89, 1899, par. 8

I call your attention to the sixth chapter of Isaiah. This chapter reveals much that is impressive. Chapter eight also contains lessons that are of value to every soul who is of understanding: “Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.” [Verse 16.] Read also Exodus 31:12-18.

The Review and Herald

March 11, 1915

RH March 11, 1915, Art. A, par. 6

Such thoughts as these were crowding through Isaiah’s mind as he stood under the portico of the temple. Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the temple seemed to be uplifted, or withdrawn, and he was permitted to gaze within, upon the holy of holies, where even the prophet’s feet might not enter. There rose up before him a vision of Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, while the train of his glory filled the temple. On each side of the throne hovered the seraphim, their faces veiled in adoration, as they ministered before their Maker, and united in the solemn invocation, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:1-3), until post and pillar and cedar gate seemed shaken with the sound, and the house was filled with their tribute of praise.

RH March 11, 1915, Art. A, par. 7

As Isaiah beheld this revelation of the glory and majesty of his Lord, he was overwhelmed with a sense of the purity and holiness of God. How sharp the contrast between the matchless perfection of his Creator and the sinful course of those who, with himself, had long been numbered among the chosen people of Israel and Judah! “Woe is me!” he cried; “for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Verse 5. Standing, as it were, in the full light of the divine presence within the inner sanctuary, he realized that if left to his own imperfection and inefficiency, he would be utterly unable to accomplish the mission to which he had been called. But a seraph was sent to relieve him of his distress, and to fit him for his great mission. A living coal from the altar was laid upon his lips, with the words, “Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” Then the voice of God was heard saying, “Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?” and Isaiah responded, “Here am I; send me.” Verses 7, 8.

RH March 11, 1915, Art. A, par. 8

The heavenly visitant bade the waiting messenger: “Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.” Verses 9, 10.

RH March 11, 1915, Art. A, par. 9

The prophet’s duty was plain; he was to lift his voice in protest against the prevailing evils. But he dreaded to undertake the work without some assurance of hope. “Lord, how long? (verse 11) he inquired. Are none of thy chosen people ever to understand, and repent, and be healed?

RH March 11, 1915, Art. A, par. 10

His burden of soul in behalf of erring Judah was not to be borne in vain. His mission was not to be wholly fruitless. Yet the evils that had been multiplying for many generations could not be removed in his day. Throughout his lifetime he must be a patient, courageous teacher—a prophet of hope as well as of doom. The divine purpose finally accomplished, the full fruitage of his efforts, and of the labors of all God’s faithful messengers, would appear. A remnant should be saved. That this might be brought about, the messages of warning and entreaty were to be delivered to the rebellious, the Lord declared, “until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, and the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.” Verses 11, 12.

RH March 11, 1915, Art. A, par. 11

The heavy judgments that were to befall the impenitent—war, exile, oppression, the loss of power and prestige among the nations,—all these were to come in order that those who would recognize in them the hand of an offended God, might be led to repent. The ten tribes of the northern kingdom were soon to be scattered among the nations, and their cities left desolate; the destroying armies of hostile nations were to sweep over their land again and again; even Jerusalem was finally to fall, and Judah was to be carried away captive; yet the Promised Land was not to remain wholly forsaken forever. The assurance of the heavenly visitant to Isaiah was: “In it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.” Verse 13.

RH March 11, 1915, Art. A, par. 12

This assurance of the final fulfillment of God’s purpose brought courage to the heart of Isaiah. What though earthly powers array themselves against Judah? What though the Lord’s messenger meet with opposition and resistance? Isaiah had seen the King, the Lord of hosts; he had heard the song of the seraphim, “The whole earth is full of his glory” (verse 3); he had the promise that the messages of Jehovah, to backsliding Judah would be accompanied by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit; and the prophet was nerved for the work before him. Throughout his long and arduous mission he carried with him the memory of this vision. For sixty years or more he stood before the children of Judah as a prophet of hope, waxing bolder and still bolder in his predictions of the future triumph of the church.

Isaiah 6:3

The Truth About Angels

Isaiah

TA 137.1

The Review and Herald

June 17, 1915

RH June 17, 1915, Art. A, par. 11

Such was the prospect that greeted Isaiah when he was called to the prophetic mission; yet he was not discouraged, for ringing in his ears was the triumphal chorus of the angels surrounding the throne of God, “The whole earth is full of his glory,” Isaiah 6:3. And his faith was strengthened by visions of glorious conquests by the church of God, when “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:9. “The face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations” (Isaiah 25:7), was finally to be destroyed. The Spirit of God was to be poured out upon all flesh. Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness were to be numbered among the Israel of God. “They shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses,” said the prophet. “One shall say, I am the Lord’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel.” Isaiah 44:4, 5.

God’s Amazing Grace

God’s Glory Seen in His Works, December 1

AG 343.1

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:3.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 31—Isaiah’s “Good News” for All the Nations

SS 196.2

Such was the prospect that greeted Isaiah. Yet he was not discouraged, for ringing in his ears was the chorus of the angels, “The whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3. And his faith was strengthened by visions of glorious conquests by the church of God when “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:9.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 31—Hope for the Heathen

PK 371.2

Such was the prospect that greeted Isaiah when he was called to the prophetic mission; yet he was not discouraged, for ringing in his ears was the triumphal chorus of the angels surrounding the throne of God, “The whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3. And his faith was strengthened by visions of glorious conquests by the church of God, when “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:9. “The face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations,” was finally to be destroyed. Isaiah 25:7. The Spirit of God was to be poured out upon all flesh. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness were to be numbered among the Israel of God. “They shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the watercourses,” said the prophet. “One shall say, I am the Lord’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel.” Isaiah 44:4, 5.

Isaiah 6:3-5

The Great Controversy

Chapter 27—Modern Revivals

GC 471.1

When Job heard the voice of the Lord out of the whirlwind, he exclaimed: “I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:6. It was when Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, and heard the cherubim crying, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts,” that he cried out, “Woe is me! for I am undone.” Isaiah 6:3, 5. Paul, after he was caught up into the third heaven and heard things which it was not possible for a man to utter, speaks of himself as “less than the least of all saints.” 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, margin; Ephesians 3:8. It was the beloved John, who leaned on Jesus’ breast and beheld His glory, that fell as one dead before the feet of the angel. Revelation 1:17.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 27—Modern Revivals

GC88 471.1

When Job heard the voice of the Lord out of the whirlwind, he exclaimed, “I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” [Job 42:6.] It was when Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, and heard the cherubim crying, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts,” that he cried out, “Woe is me! for I am undone.” [Isaiah 6:3, 5.] Paul, after he was caught up into the third heaven, and heard things which it was not possible for a man to utter, speaks of himself as “less than the least of all saints.” [2 Corinthians 12:2-4 (Margin); Ephesians 3:8.] It was the beloved John, that leaned on Jesus’ breast, and beheld his glory, who fell as one dead before the feet of the angel. [Revelation 22:8.]

A New Life (Revival and Beyond)

No Room for Boasting

NL 15.1

When Job heard the voice of the Lord out of the whirlwind, he exclaimed: “I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6). It was when Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, and heard the cherubim crying, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts,” that he cried out, “Woe is me! for I am undone” (Isaiah 6:3, 5). Paul, after he was caught up into the third heaven and heard things which it was not possible for a man to utter, speaks of himself as “less than the least of all saints” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4, margin; Ephesians 3:8). It was the beloved John, who leaned on Jesus’ breast and beheld His glory, that fell as one dead before the feet of the angel (Revelation 1:17).

True Revival

No Room for Boasting

TR 24.1

Maranatha

No Room for Boasting, August 15

Mar 235.1

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 6:5.

Mar 235.4

Reflecting Christ

The Truly Sanctified Feel Unworthy, March 18

RC 91.4

That I May Know Him

Holiness a Companion of Humility, June 18

TMK 175.3

True holiness and humility are inseparable. The nearer the soul comes to God, the more completely is it humbled and subdued. When Job heard the voice of the Lord out of the whirlwind, he exclaimed, “I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6). It was when Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord and heard the cherubim crying, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts,” that he cried out, “Woe is me! for I am undone” (Isaiah 6:3, 5). Daniel, when visited by the holy messenger, says, “My comeliness was turned in me into corruption” (Daniel 10:8). Paul, after he was caught up into the third heaven and heard things that it was not lawful for a man to utter, speaks of himself as “less than the least of all saints” (Ephesians 3:8). It was the beloved John, who leaned on Jesus’ breast and beheld His glory, who fell as one dead before the angel. The more closely and continuously we behold our Saviour, the less shall we see to approve in ourselves.25The Review and Herald, December 20, 1881.

Isaiah 6:3-7

The Review and Herald

March 18, 1915

RH March 18, 1915, par. 9

It was concerning the future fulfillment of this prophecy that Isaiah had heard the shining seraphim singing before the throne. “The whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3. The prophet, confident of the eternity of these words, himself afterwards boldly declared of those who were bowing down to images of wood and stone, “They shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.” Isaiah 35:2.

RH March 18, 1915, par. 11

In the vision that came to Isaiah in the temple court, he was given a clear view of the character of the God of Israel. “The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy,” had appeared before him in great majesty; yet the prophet was made to understand the compassionate nature of his Lord. He who dwells “in the high and holy place” dwells “with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15. The angel commissioned to touch Isaiah’s lips had brought to him the message, “Thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” Isaiah 6:7. In beholding his God, the prophet had found pardon and peace.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 26—“Behold Your God!”

PK 313.2

It was concerning the future fulfillment of this prophecy that Isaiah had heard the shining seraphim singing before the throne, “The whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3. The prophet, confident of the certainty of these words, himself afterward boldly declared of those who were bowing down to the images of wood and stone, “They shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.” Isaiah 35:2.

PK 314.1

Isaiah 6:3-8

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

God’s Care for His Work

2TT 349.1

Never before had Isaiah realized so fully the greatness of Jehovah or His perfect holiness; and he felt that in his human frailty and unworthiness he must perish in that divine presence. “Woe is me!” he cried; “for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:3, 5. But a seraph came to him to fit him for his great mission. A living coal from the altar was laid upon his lips with the words: “Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” And when the voice of God was heard saying, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” Isaiah with holy confidence responded, “Here am I; send me.” Verses 7, 8.

From Splendor to Shadow

Isaiah Sent When God’s Purposes Seemed to Be Failing

SS 163.1

Such thoughts as these were crowding through Isaiah’s mind as he stood under the portico of the temple. Suddenly there rose up before him a vision of the Lord sitting on a throne high and lifted up, while the train of His glory filled the temple. On each side of the throne the seraphim united in the solemn invocation, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory,” until pillar and cedar gate seemed shaken with the sound, and the house was filled with praise. Isaiah 6:3.

SS 163.2

Isaiah was overwhelmed with a sense of the purity and holiness of God. “Woe is me!” he cried; “for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Verse 5. He realized that if left to his own inefficiency, he would be utterly unable to accomplish the mission to which he had been called. But a living coal from the altar was laid upon his lips, with the words, “Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” Then the voice of God was heard saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” and Isaiah responded, “Here am I; send me.” Verses 7, 8.

Isaiah 6:3-13

From Splendor to Shadow

Final Success Assured

SS 163.3

The prophet’s duty was plain—he was to lift his voice against the prevailing evils. But he dreaded to undertake the work without some assurance of hope. “Lord, how long?” he inquired. Verse 11. Are none of Thy chosen people ever to repent and be healed?

In it shall be a tenth,
And it shall return, and shall be eaten:
As a teil tree, and as an oak,
Whose substance is in them, when they cast their
leaves:
So the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.
Verse 13

SS 164.2

This assurance brought courage to Isaiah. He had seen the King, the Lord of hosts; he had heard the song of the seraphim, “The whole earth is full of His glory.” Verse 3. He had the promise that the messages of Jehovah would be accompanied by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, and the prophet was nerved for the work before him. Throughout his long, arduous mission he carried the memory of this vision. For sixty years or more he stood as a prophet of hope, predicting the future triumph of the church.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 25—The Call of Isaiah

PK 307.1

Such thoughts as these were crowding through Isaiah’s mind as he stood under the portico of the temple. Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the temple seemed to be uplifted or withdrawn, and he was permitted to gaze within, upon the holy of holies, where even the prophet’s feet might not enter. There rose up before him a vision of Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, while the train of His glory filled the temple. On each side of the throne hovered the seraphim, their faces veiled in adoration, as they ministered before their Maker and united in the solemn invocation, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory,” until post and pillar and cedar gate seemed shaken with the sound, and the house was filled with their tribute of praise. Isaiah 6:3.

PK 307.2

As Isaiah beheld this revelation of the glory and majesty of his Lord, he was overwhelmed with a sense of the purity and holiness of God. How sharp the contrast between the matchless perfection of his Creator, and the sinful course of those who, with himself, had long been numbered among the chosen people of Israel and Judah! “Woe is me!” he cried; “for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Verse 5. Standing, as it were, in the full light of the divine presence within the inner sanctuary, he realized that if left to his own imperfection and inefficiency, he would be utterly unable to accomplish the mission to which he had been called. But a seraph was sent to relieve him of his distress and to fit him for his great mission. A living coal from the altar was laid upon his lips, with the words, “Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” Then the voice of God was heard saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” and Isaiah responded, “Here am I; send me.” Verses 7, 8.

PK 308.2

“Hear ye indeed, but understand not;
And see ye indeed, but perceive not.
Make the heart of this people fat,
And make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes;
Lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart,
And convert, and be healed.” Verses 9, 10.

PK 308.3

The prophet’s duty was plain; he was to lift his voice in protest against the prevailing evils. But he dreaded to undertake the work without some assurance of hope. “Lord, how long?” he inquired. Verse 11. Are none of Thy chosen people ever to understand and repent and be healed?

PK 309.1

“Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant,
And the houses without man,
And the land be utterly desolate,
And the Lord have removed men far away,
And there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.” Verse 11, 12.

PK 309.3

“In it shall be a tenth,
And it shall return, and shall be eaten: As a teil tree, and as an oak,
Whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves:
So the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.”Verse 13.

PK 310.1

This assurance of the final fulfillment of God’s purpose brought courage to the heart of Isaiah. What though earthly powers array themselves against Judah? What though the Lord’s messenger meet with opposition and resistance? Isaiah had seen the King, the Lord of hosts; he had heard the song of the seraphim, “The whole earth is full of His glory;” he had the promise that the messages of Jehovah to backsliding Judah would be accompanied by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit; and the prophet was nerved for the work before him. Verse 3. Throughout his long and arduous mission he carried with him the memory of this vision. For sixty years or more he stood before the children of Judah as a prophet of hope, waxing bolder and still bolder in his predictions of the future triumph of the church.

Isaiah 6:5

In Heavenly Places

Fragrant in Word, June 19

HP 177.2

As the prophet Isaiah beheld the glory of the Lord, he was amazed, and overwhelmed with a sense of his own weakness and unworthiness, he cried, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5).... Let every soul who claims to be a son or a daughter of God examine himself in the light of Heaven; let him consider the polluted lips that make him “undone.” They are the medium of communication.... Then let them not be used in bringing from the treasure of the heart words that will dishonor God and discourage those around you, but use them for the praise and glory of God, who has formed them for this purpose.... When the love of Jesus is the theme of contemplation, the words coming from human lips will be full of praise and thanksgiving to God and to the Lamb.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 25—The Call by the Sea

HLv 158.1

It was the same presence of divine holiness that had caused the prophet Daniel to fall as one dead before the angel. See Daniel 10:8. Isaiah exclaimed, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, ... for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5. Thus it has been with all who have been granted a view of God’s greatness and majesty.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 16, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 16, 1888, par. 14

Brethren, cling to your Bible as it reads, and stop your criticism in regard to its validity, and obey the Word, and not one of you will be lost. The ingenuity of men has been exercised for ages to measure the Word of God by their finite minds and limited comprehension. If the Lord, the author of the living Oracles, would throw back the curtain and reveal His wisdom and His glory before them, they would shrink into nothingness and exclaim as did Isaiah, “I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips.” Isaiah 6:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 38, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 38, 1897, par. 13

Jesus did not try further to make Peter believe that He knew what course he would pursue. But He knew that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” [Jeremiah 17:9.] At this time Peter should have been examining himself. How distrustful of self should he have been! But he refused to admit that the picture presented before him correct, and in the place of inviting research, although the Holy Spirit of God had revealed to him the character he would manifest, under test and trial, he refused to accept it. If he had humbled his soul before God, in the place of denying the searching and reading of his inmost soul, he would have said with the prophet, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips.” [Isaiah 6:5.]

Selected Messages Book 1

The Inspiration of the Word of God

1SM 18.1

Brethren, cling to your Bible, as it reads, and stop your criticisms in regard to its validity, and obey the Word, and not one of you will be lost. The ingenuity of men has been exercised for ages to measure the Word of God by their finite minds and limited comprehension. If the Lord, the Author of the living oracles, would throw back the curtain and reveal His wisdom and His glory before them, they would shrink into nothingness and exclaim as did Isaiah, “I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of people of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5).

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 25—The Call by the Sea

DA 246.3

It was the same presence of divine holiness that had caused the prophet Daniel to fall as one dead before the angel of God. He said, “My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.” So when Isaiah beheld the glory of the Lord, he exclaimed, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Daniel 10:8; Isaiah 6:5. Humanity, with its weakness and sin, was brought in contrast with the perfection of divinity, and he felt altogether deficient and unholy. Thus it has been with all who have been granted a view of God’s greatness and majesty.

Isaiah 6:5-7

The Faith I Live By

Purging From Sin, July 3

FLB 190.1

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 6:5.

FLB 190.4

Isaiah 6:5-8

Colporteur Ministry

Chapter 8—Fully Prepared

CM 59.3

“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:5-8.

Manual for Canvassers

Preparation for Their Work

MC 19.3

“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:5-8.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Impressing Minds Through the Books, May 21

YRP 150.1

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8.

YRP 150.4

“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:5-8).

The Colporteur Evangelist

Sixth of Isaiah

CEv 90.4

“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, ‘Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.’ Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then said I, ‘Here am I; send me.’” Isaiah 6:5-8.

Isaiah 6:6-7

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 29, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 29, 1897, par. 30

You now have the warning. Will you heed it? I want you to be saved. The salvation of your soul is precious. But God alone can break the spell, and show you the mass of rubbish that you have accumulated about your soul. Make haste. Get ready. Wash you, make you clean. Then the angel of the Lord will touch your lips, as he did Isaiah’s, with a live coal from off the altar, and say, “Be clean.” [Isaiah 6:6, 7.] God will give you a clear cut message, burning with holy fire.

Isaiah 6:7

Ye Shall Receive Power

Lips Are Sanctified, February 10

YRP 49.1

And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Isaiah 6:7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 181, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 181, 1897, par. 11

When there is a clear-cut testimony borne by men who officiate in Battle Creek, when the live coal from off the altar has touched their lips, the heavenly Watcher will say, “Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sins purged.” [Isaiah 6:7.] There needs to be a deep humiliation, for deeper than has yet been manifest. When men shall come into close relationship with God, when their spiritual vision can discern the things presented to Isaiah, there will be a living ministry that will show results in stirring the hearts of the people that they shall be converted, and then there will be an awakening as men awaken out of deep sleep. The tame, commonplace discourses that have been preached, and have lulled the people to a carnal security, will be broken up. Penitent men, praying men, will bear a living testimony of warning, of reproof, of rebuke of selfishness and pride and covetousness, and God will return to His people.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 148, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 148, 1899, par. 7

Those who talk thus need to have their lips touched with a live coal from God’s altar. They need to hear the words, “Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” [Isaiah 6:7.] Unless the hearts of those in positions of trust are cleansed from defilement, the lips will utter perverse things, and those under them will receive harm, when they should be treated as students in a school, and patiently taught, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little.

Isaiah 6:8

Christian Service, volume 1

A Call to the Individual

1ChS 10.7

There is something for everyone to do. Every soul that believes the truth is to stand in his lot and place, saying, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8.—Testimonies for the Church 6:49.

Reflecting Christ

The World Needs a Revelation of Christ, August 5

RC 231.5

To everyone who becomes a partaker of His grace the Lord appoints a work for others. Individually we are to stand in our lot and place, saying, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Upon the minister of the Word, the missionary nurse, the Christian physician, the individual Christian whether he be merchant or farmer, professional man or mechanic—the responsibility rests upon all. It is our work to reveal to men the gospel of their salvation. Every enterprise in which we engage should be a means to this end....

Reflecting Christ

Isaiah Responds to God’s Call, November 20

RC 338.1

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8.

Selected Messages Book 2

Chapter 18—An Appeal to D. M. Canright

2SM 168.2

The joy, the success, the glory of your ministry, is to be ever ready with listening ear to answer the call of the Master, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Here, Lord, with my heart’s best and holiest affections; here, take my mind with its purest and noblest thoughts, take me, and qualify me for Thy service.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Chapter 5—The Work at Home and Abroad

8T 33.1

In answer to the Lord’s inquiry, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah responded, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. You, my brother, my sister, may not be able to go into the Lord’s vineyard yourself, but you may furnish the means to send others. Thus you will be putting your money out to the exchangers; and when the Master comes, you will be able to return to Him His own with usury. Your means can be used to send forth and sustain the messengers of God, who by voice and by influence will give the message: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.” Matthew 3:3. Plans are being made for the advancement of the cause, and now is your time to work.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

A Lack of Sympathy

9T 46.1

From all countries the Macedonian cry is sounding: “Come over, ... and help us.” God has opened fields before us, and if human agencies would but co-operate with divine agencies, many, many souls would be won to the truth. But the Lord’s professing people have been sleeping over their allotted work, and in many places it remains comparatively untouched. God has sent message after message to arouse our people to do something, and to do it now. But to the call, “Whom shall I send?” there have been few to respond, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

Section 3—The Work in the Cities

“I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

Conditions of Acceptable Service

9T 135.1

The end is near, stealing upon us stealthily, imperceptibly, like the noiseless approach of a thief in the night. May the Lord grant that we shall no longer sleep as do others, but that we shall watch and be sober. The truth is soon to triumph gloriously, and all who now choose to be laborers together with God will triumph with it. The time is short; the night soon cometh when no man can work. Let those who are rejoicing in the light of present truth now make haste to impart the truth to others. The Lord is inquiring: “Whom shall I send?” Those who wish to sacrifice for the truth’s sake are now to respond: “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

All to Be Workers

6T 49.1

There is something for everyone to do. Every soul that believes the truth is to stand in his lot and place, saying: “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. By engaging in work at the camp meeting, all may be learning how to work successfully in their home churches.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 40—The Canvasser a Gospel Worker

6T 324.4

Some who labor in the canvassing field have a zeal that is not according to knowledge. Because of their lack of wisdom, because they have been so much inclined to act the minister and theologian, it has been almost a necessity to place restrictions upon our canvassers. When the Lord’s voice calls, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” the Divine Spirit puts it into hearts to respond: “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. But bear in mind that the live coal from the altar must first touch your lips. Then the words you speak will be wise and holy words. Then you will have wisdom to know what to say and what to leave unsaid. You will not try to reveal your smartness as theologians. You will be careful not to arouse a combative spirit or excite prejudice by introducing controverted points of doctrine. You will find enough to talk about that will not excite opposition, but that will open the heart to desire a deeper knowledge of God’s word.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 42—Revival of the Canvassing Work

6T 332.2

God has His workmen in every age. The call of the hour is answered by the coming of the man. Thus when the divine Voice cries, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” the response will come, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. Let all who labor effectually in the canvassing field feel in their hearts that they are doing the work of the Lord in ministering to souls who know not the truth for this time. They are sounding the note of warning in the highways and byways to prepare a people for the great day of the Lord, which is so soon to break upon the world. We have no time to lose. We must encourage this work. Who will go forth now with our publications? The Lord imparts a fitness for the work to every man and woman who will co-operate with divine power. All the requisite talent, courage, perseverance, faith, and tact will come as they put the armor on. A great work is to be done in our world, and human agencies will surely respond to the demand. The world must hear the warning. When the call comes, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” send back the answer clear and distinct, “Here am I; send me.”

Colporteur Ministry

Chapter 2—A Work Second to None

CM 13.2

The Ministry of Healing

Teaching Health Principles

MH 148.2

To everyone who becomes a partaker of His grace the Lord appoints a work for others. Individually we are to stand in our lot and place, saying, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. Upon the minister of the word, the missionary nurse, the Christian physician, the individual Christian, whether he be merchant or farmer, professional man or mechanic—the responsibility rests upon all. It is our work to reveal to men the gospel of their salvation. Every enterprise in which we engage should be a means to this end.

The Voice in Speech and Song

Chapter 40—Pure Language

VSS 223.1

Wise and Holy Words—When the Lord’s voice calls, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” the Divine Spirit puts it into hearts to respond: “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. But bear in mind that the live coal from the altar must first touch your lips. Then the words you speak will be wise and holy words. Then you will have wisdom to know what to say and what to leave unsaid. You will not try to reveal your smartness as theologians. You will be careful not to arouse a combative spirit or excite prejudice by introducing controverted points of doctrine. You will find enough to talk about that will not excite opposition, but that will open the heart to desire a deeper knowledge of God’s Word.—Testimonies for the Church 6:325.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Thy kingdom come.”—Matthew 6:10.

MB 108.3

But before that coming, Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.” Matthew 24:14. His kingdom will not come until the good tidings of His grace have been carried to all the earth. Hence, as we give ourselves to God, and win other souls to Him, we hasten the coming of His kingdom. Only those who devote themselves to His service, saying, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8), to open blind eyes, to turn men “from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified” (Acts 26:18)—they alone pray in sincerity, “Thy kingdom come.”

Ye Shall Receive Power

The Spirit Gives the Right Words, June 19

YRP 179.3

When the Lord’s voice calls, “Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?” the divine Spirit puts it into hearts to respond, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). But bear in mind that the live coal from the altar must first touch your lips. Then the words you speak will be wise and holy words. Then you will have wisdom to know what to say and what to leave unsaid. You will not try to reveal your smartness as theologians. You will be careful not to arouse a combative spirit or excite prejudice, by introducing indiscriminately all the points of our faith. You will find enough to talk about that will not excite opposition, but that will open the heart to desire a deeper knowledge of God’s Word.

Letters to Physicians and Ministers

Purity of Motive and Action

SpTB01 31.2

Let the youth set up well-defined landmarks, by which they may be governed in emergencies. When a crisis comes that demands active, well-governed physical powers and a clear, strong, practical mind; when difficult work is to be done, where every stroke must tell, where perplexities will arise which can be met only by wisdom from on high, then the youth who have learned to overcome difficulties by earnest labor can respond to the call for workers, saying, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. Let the hearts of young men and young women be as clear as crystal. Let not their thoughts be trivial, but sanctified by virtue and holiness. If their thoughts are made pure by the sanctification of the Spirit, their lives will be elevated and ennobled.

Selections from the Testimonies for the Church For the Study of Those Attending the General Conference in Oakland, Ca., March 27, 1903

Chapter 21—The Work at Home and Abroad

PH151 93.2

In answer to the Lord’s inquiry, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah responded, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. You, my brother, my sister, may not be able to go into the Lord’s vineyard yourself, but you may furnish the means to send others. Thus you will be putting your money out to the exchangers; and when the Master comes, you will be able to return to Him His own with usury. Your means can be used to send forth and sustain the messengers of God, who by voice and by influence will give the message, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.” Matthew 3:3. Plans are being made for the advancement of the cause, and now is your time to work.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

The Visit to Washington, D C. Diary, December 19 to [30], 1890

1888 767.3

I spoke at eleven o’clock with much freedom from Isaiah 6:8. We had a social meeting and many excellent testimonies were borne. The presence of Jesus was in our midst and our hearts were made glad to see that as many as one half of the number had been united with the church since I was here two years ago. There was a most intelligent company present. My soul was blessed on this day. I will wait upon the Lord, and I will put my trust in Him who loveth us. We must lean more heavily upon our Support and Strength. I am praying for the presence of the Lord Jesus in our midst. I see that there are many things to be done. I must jot them down in scratch books and transfer them.

The General Conference Bulletin

October 1, 1901

GCB October 1, 1901, par. 14

Australasian Union Conference Record

June 1, 1902

AUCR June 1, 1902, par. 14

Colporteur Ministry

Chapter 6—A Soul-Winning Work

CM 42.3

Avoid Controverted Points—Some who labor in the canvassing field have a zeal that is not according to knowledge. Because of their lack of wisdom, because they have been so much inclined to act the minister and theologian, it has been almost a necessity to place restrictions upon our canvassers. When the Lord’s voice calls, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” the Divine Spirit puts it into hearts to respond: “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. But bear in mind that the live coal from the altar must first touch your lips. Then the words you speak will be wise and holy words. Then you will have wisdom to know what to say and what to leave unsaid. You will not try to reveal your smartness as theologians. You will be careful not to arouse a combative spirit or excite prejudice by introducing controverted points of doctrine. You will find enough to talk about that will not excite opposition, but that will open the heart to desire a deeper knowledge of God’s word.

Atlantic Union Gleaner

January 6, 1904

AUGleaner January 6, 1904, par. 10

Let the youth set up well-defined landmarks, by which they may be governed in emergencies. When a crisis comes that demands active, well-governed physical powers and a clear, strong, practical mind; where difficult work is to be done, where every stroke must tell, where perplexities will arise which can be met only by wisdom from on high, then the youth who have learned to overcome difficulties by earnest labor can respond to the call for workers, saying, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. Let the hearts of young men and young women be as clear as crystal. Let not their thoughts be trivial, but sanctified by virtue and holiness. If their thoughts are made pure by the sanctification of the Spirit, their lives will be elevated and ennobled.

The Colporteur Evangelist

Avoid Controverted Points

CEv 19.3

The Colporteur Evangelist

Called Back to the Work

CEv 26.2

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Tactful Soul Winners

2TT 543.4

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

No Higher Work

2TT 548.3

God has His workmen in every age. The call of the hour is answered by the coming of the man. Thus when the divine voice cries, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” the response will come, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. Let all who labor effectually in the canvassing field feel in their hearts that they are doing the work of the Lord in ministering to souls who know not the truth for this time. They are sounding the note of warning in the highways and byways to prepare a people for the great day of the Lord, which is so soon to break upon the world.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Now the Time to Work

3TT 219.1

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

A Lack of Sympathy

3TT 308.1

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Conditions of Acceptable Service

3TT 352.4

From Splendor to Shadow

A Young Man Who Rejected Christ’s Call to Service

SS 118.4

To everyone who partakes of His grace the Lord appoints a work for others. We are to say, “Here am I; send me.” See Isaiah 6:8. Whether one is a minister of the Word, a physician, a merchant, farmer, professional man, or mechanic, it is his work to reveal to others the gospel.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 16, 1874

2LtMs, Lt 16, 1874, par. 11

My son, you had better lay yourself upon the altar of God and be ready to say, “Here am I, Lord. Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] I think you should keep in view the idea that you may yet be called to speak the truth to others. Have in you a heart of faith and obedience. We are living in solemn times. The last days are upon us and we must realize this and act with reference to it. I hope you will be of good courage and that you will cling to Jesus continually and that you will love Him truly.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Proper Remuneration for Ministers

GW 451.2

The minister who has a due appreciation of service, regards himself as God’s minuteman. When, with Isaiah, he hears the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” he responds, “Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] He cannot say, I am my own; I will do what I please with my time. No one who has given his life to God’s work as His minister, lives for self. His work is to follow Christ, to be a willing agent and co-worker with the Master, receiving His Spirit day by day, and working as the Saviour worked, neither failing nor being discouraged. He is chosen of God as a faithful instrument to promote missionary work in all lands, and he must ponder well the path he follows.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 5, 1877

3LtMs, Lt 5, 1877, par. 18

It is a blessed privilege to be connected with Heaven, to have an ear sensitive to catch the first tones that come from Heaven, and a heart softened and subdued to respond to the voice, “Here am I, Lord, send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] Bro. Chittenden, now is our sowing time; the reaping time is soon to come. We shall reap only that which we have sown. If we have sown to the flesh, we shall reap only corruption; if we sow to the Spirit, we shall reap life everlasting. Our spirit must be in sympathy with God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 37, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 37, 1886, par. 11

He who has entered the service of the Master, Jesus Christ, and expects the conveniences of life, ease and comfort and indolence; who expects to be off duty when he pleases, and sleeps at his post of duty, exposes the cause of God to reproach. Such avoid trials. Self-denial they will not practice, effort and endurance they will not attempt; but when men are needed who can be depended upon to do mighty strokes for God, these ease-loving ones are ready to answer, “Here am I, send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] Difficult work has to be done, hard work, trying work. Blessed are the ones who are ready to do it, and who are not found wanting when their names are called.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 30, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, par. 10

The Lord has men prepared for the times. One does his part, carrying the people with him in reforms. The Lord raises up another who answers the call to duty saying, “Here am I, send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] The Lord tests and proves him, to see if he will deal justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. But when a man begins to regard his judgment as infallible, God can no longer use him as a representative of what a man who occupies a responsible position should be. The instruction God gives is that His people are ever to press forward and upward. Many cease to advance any further than their teachers carry them. This difficulty has existed in every age of the Christian world. God’s servants find their greatest success among a class who are not wedded to their previous teacher, who ask, Is this the way of the Lord?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 53, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 5

I spoke at eleven o’clock with much freedom from Isaiah 6:8. We had a social meeting and many excellent testimonies were borne. The presence of Jesus was in our midst and our hearts were made glad to see that as many as one-half of the number had been united with the church since I was here two years ago. There was a most intelligent company present. My soul was blessed on this day. I will wait upon the Lord, and I will put my trust in Him who loveth us. We must lean more heavily upon our Support and Strength. I am praying for the presence of the Lord Jesus in our midst. I see that there are many things to be done. I must jot them down in scratch books and transfer them to my [journal].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 44, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 44, 1892, par. 6

We feel that much has been lost in many ways in the past history of Seventh-day Adventists because they have not heeded the testimonies given them of God for the last thirty years. These testimonies have plainly pointed [out] how the children should be educated, that they are God’s property, and should wisely improve the ability and talents that God has entrusted [to] them. This should be their subject of thought and conversation—the heathen nations who are in darkness and the nations who have received the gospel. Every missionary meeting should be alive with interest, every one who loves Jesus carrying to the meeting a spirit of zeal enthused with the Spirit of Christ. The necessities of those who have not the truth should be upon the naked soul, and we present them to God and say, “Here am I, send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 97, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 97, 1892, par. 10

“I am the root and offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” [Revelation 22:16.] There is life and vitality and brightness in the message. Angels see the inhabitants of the world, and they know that Jesus died for the salvation of the world, and they know the value of the human soul. They know that all who have genuine faith in Jesus constitute a portion of the Lord’s family; that every individual soul formed after the image of God is capable of being transformed through grace and becoming one with Christ, that the glorified image of Christ shall be represented by them; that the Father will love man even as He loves His Son. Then while the living human agent stands in holy surrender to God, saying, “Here am I; send me” [Isaiah 6:8], will that willing human messenger be left unaided to do the grand and solemn work for this time? No! no! He works in holy companionship with heavenly angels. My brother, do not feel that you have the work to do your own self, alone. While it seems almost impossible to go forward, while so many are idlers in the marketplace while so many carry no real burden, be not discouraged. You are not alone, and do not feel that you are alone.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16d, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16d, 1892, par. 23

I trust that you will keep the matter agitated. Those who wish to sacrifice for the truth’s sake, let them answer to the call, “Whom shall I send?” [Isaiah 6:8.] The truth is soon to triumph gloriously, and all who will triumph with the truth must be laborers together with God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 12, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 12, 1892, par. 7

“Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.” [1 Samuel 3:9.] How many lay all this responsibility upon the ministers, as though the ministers alone were meant by the working force. This is not the case. Every man and woman who has joined the army of the Lord is included in the working force, and not one is excluded. Then when the work shall close, every man shall receive the reward according to his deeds. Every one in Christ’s army must fight the battles of the Lord. Trials will come, faith will be tested.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 4, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 4, 1891, par. 9

In answer to the Lord’s inquiry, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah responded, “Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] You, my brother, may not be able to go into the Lord’s vineyard yourself; but you may furnish the means to send others. Thus you will be putting your money out to the exchangers; and when the Master comes, you will be able to return to Him His own with usury. Your means can be used to send forth and sustain the messengers of God, who by voice and by influence will give the message, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.” [Matthew 3:3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 6, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 6, 1892, par. 20

I trust you will keep this matter agitated. Those who wish to sacrifice for the truth’s sake, let them answer to the call, “Whom shall I send?” “Here am I, send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] The truth is soon to triumph gloriously, and all who will triumph with the truth must be laborers together with God. The time is short, the night cometh in which no man can work. We must do what is possible for us to do now, in earnest, determined effort. “A city set on a hill cannot be hid.” [Matthew 5:14.] Believers, we not only have lessons to learn for our own benefit, but in our improvement of the grace of talent, trusted in privileges and opportunities, we are helping others to follow our example.

Heaven

Chapter 3—The Second Coming Promised Throughout History

Hvn 23.1

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 77, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 77, 1893, par. 49

God has sent message after message to arouse our churches to do something, and to do it now. But to the call of God, “Whom shall I send?” there have been few voices to respond, “Here am I, send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] Through this neglect, many souls will lose the opportunity the Lord desired to give them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 5, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 5, 1895, par. 9

Before He ascended on high He said to His disciples, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem and all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” [Acts 1:8.] God’s message was not confined to any certain locality of the earth, nor was it to be given by a certain class of workers. As the Spirit of the Lord should move upon human agents, they were to respond, “Here am I, send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] The message was to be preached in all the world for a witness, and then the end should come.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 1, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 1, 1896, par. 10

I wish my brethren to take this as a representation of the truth, and no fiction. Those who have a due appreciation of service are God’s minutemen, and must say with Isaiah, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] Those who are laborers together with God must ever consider the duties devolving upon a gospel minister.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 35, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 35, 1896, par. 24

I have written these things, that Satan may not allure any of my brother ministers or their companions into positions where they will be prevented from doing the very work that the Lord has assigned to them. We must watch, we must pray, and when the Lord says, Whom shall I send to do this errand for Me, we should be ready to respond, “Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] Serious work is to be done. It has been waiting for unselfish, consecrated workers. Brethren and sisters, open your hearts to the Holy Spirit of God, and devote your God-given capabilities to working as for your lives to pull souls out of the fire. Keep in the channel of light, for there is to be more direct communication from heaven to earth. We have not a moment to lose. There is a heaven to win and a hell to shun.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 132, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 132, 1897, par. 11

Missionaries are planting the standard of truth in foreign lands. Publications must be multiplied, and scattered like the leaves of autumn. These silent messengers are enlightening and molding the minds of thousands in every country and in every clime. As a people, we come far short of moving forward as fast as the providence of God opens the way. He has given us the command, “Go forward.” [Exodus 14:15.] Thousands are thirsting for living truth. The Macedonian cry is coming to us from every direction, “Come over and help us.” [Acts 16:9.] We look about us, and inquire, “Who will go?” One and another may respond, “Here am I, Lord, send me, I long to do something for my Master.” [See Isaiah 6:8.] But to do this requires money.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 101, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 101, 1897, par. 28

No one of the angels could become a substitute and surety for the human race, for their life is God’s; they could not surrender it. On Christ alone the human family depended for their existence. He is the eternal, self-existent Son, on whom no yoke had come. When God asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Christ alone of the angelic host could reply, “Here am I; send Me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] He alone had covenanted before the foundation of the world to become a surety for man. He could say that which not the highest angel could say—“I have power over my own life. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” [John 10:18.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 147, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 147, 1897, par. 11

We must have the Holy Spirit; we must co-operate with the Holy Spirit’s teaching. Then the students will be educated to turn from the cheap, foolish talking, from fun and pranks. They will learn to resist the suggestions of Satan which keeps them on a low level. When they have a hunger for Bible studies, and a love and fear for God; when they shall bring themselves into subjection to the requirements of God, bringing even their thoughts into captivity to the will of Jesus Christ, they will advance to a higher education which is highly essential for them if they would have a knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent. And they will find themselves in a pure and fragrant atmosphere, ready to hear the voice of God, and to say, “Here am I, Lord; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] They will have something more worthy to communicate than the interchange of cheap, common nonsensical things, such as unbelievers entertain and dwell upon.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 92, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 92, 1897, par. 25

God gives men counsel and reproof for their good. He has sent His message, telling them what was needed for this time—in 1897. Did you accept the message? Did you heed the appeal? He gave you opportunity to come up armed and equipped to the help of the Lord. And having done all, He told you to stand. [Ephesians 6:13.] But did you make ready? Did you say, “Here am I; send me”? [Isaiah 6:8.] You sat still and did nothing. You left the Word of the Lord to fall unheeded to the ground; and now the Lord has taken men who were boys when you were standing at the forefront of the battle, and has given to them the message and the work which you did not take upon you. Will you be stumbling blocks to them? Will you criticize? Will you say, “They are getting out of their place”? Yet you did not fill in the place they are now called to fill.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 153a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 153a, 1897, par. 22

The warning is given, Let us not sleep as do others in a spiritual lethargy. Let us watch and be sober. O, that the work of reformation so essential in Battle Creek should begin. In all our institutions, all on duty should stand at their posts saying, “Here am I, send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] He who was wise in counsel is waiting for you all to see your need of help, and it is abundantly provided. It is waiting for you. “The pure in heart shall see God.” [Matthew 5:8.] As a present help in every time of need His presence is revealed. As you ask Him and call upon His name for help, He says, “Here I am close beside you, ready to help you if you are ready to be helped.” Communion with God is for each one, personal and direct. The heart under the guidance of the Holy Spirit will burn within them with the love of God. They are like trustful children. Christ looks not for merit. O, if all would come just as they are, and let Him make the preparation in taking them as His. The Lord only wants them to receive Him and learn to wear His yoke and lift His burdens, that heaven may behold that they are laborers together with God. Why cannot every soul that needs help and rest come to the Burden Bearer, that he may have light and life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 39, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 39, 1897, par. 9

Great efforts are to be made. Every soul that believes the truth is to stand in his lot and place, saying, “Here I am; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] Our camp meetings in Sydney and Melbourne must not show a dearth of laborers. There should be far more personal effort made in practical lines to reach souls.

Manual for Canvassers

Chapter 3—The Canvasser a Gospel Worker

MC 33.3

Some who labor in the canvassing field have a zeal that is not according to knowledge. Because of their lack of wisdom, because they have been so much inclined to act the minister and theologian, it has been almost a necessity to place restrictions upon our canvassers. When the Lord’s voice calls, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” the divine Spirit puts it into hearts to respond, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. But bear in mind that the live coal from the altar must first touch your lips and cleanse you from all impurity. Then the words you speak will be wise and holy words. Then you will have wisdom to know what to say and what to leave unsaid. You will not try to reveal your smartness as theologians. You will be careful not to arouse a combative spirit or excite prejudice by introducing controverted points of doctrine. You will find enough to talk about that will not excite opposition, but that will open the heart to desire a deeper knowledge of God’s word.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 110, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 110, 1898, par. 2

There are few, very few, ministers to respond to the call: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Where are the voices to say, “Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] There is a dearth of ministers. The education of men for medical missionary work should not lessen the numbers of those who open the Scriptures in the many destitute fields. The light that God has given upon the lines of health reform, and how to treat disease, should better quality men and women to proclaim the message of mercy and restoration to be given to the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 101, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 101, 1898, par. 4

Let us not be drawn away into selfish enterprises, for this will disqualify us for membership with the family above. Let each say, “Here am I, Lord; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] Let every particle of your influence be called into exercise for the strength and blessing of others. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 120, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 120, 1898, par. 9

I feel sorry indeed that you have no more helpers, but in every emergency the call of the hour is answered by the coming of the man. It may not be just after the pattern we may choose, for the Lord often puts it into the heart of the man he has appointed to help in the emergency to respond, “Here I am, send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] He does not consult our preferences. He requires us to unite our wills with His will. The Lord would have us all ready to be controlled by Him. We are not to say, “I cannot work with this man.” Humble the heart before God; be of good courage; trust in Him who knows just what we need. Our faith must be renewed; self must be submerged in Christ, for the man that teaches the Word to others, in order to accomplish the most good himself, must be the embodiment of the power, and a living illustration of the principles of the Word of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 121, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 121, 1898, par. 6

The Lord’s work will not be hindered, even though the workmen may prove unworthy. God has men in reserve, prepared to meet the demand, that His work may be preserved from all contaminating influences. God will be honored and glorified. When the divine Spirit impresses the mind of the man appointed by God as fit for the work, he responds, saying, “Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 120a, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 120a, 1898, par. 8

I feel sorry indeed that you have no more helpers, but in every emergency the call of the hour is answered by the coming of the man. It may not be just after the pattern we may choose, but the Lord often puts it into the heart of the man for the emergency to respond, “Here am I, send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] He does not consult our preferences; He requires our will shall unite with His will. Now, the Lord would have us all ready to be worked. We have not to say, “I cannot work with this man,” but humble the heart before God; be of courage; trust in Him who knows just what we need. Our faith must be resurrected, self submerged in Christ Jesus, for the man that teaches the Word to others, in order to accomplish the most good himself, must be the embodiment of the power and the living illustration of the principles which he sees plainly required in the Word.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 160, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 160, 1899, par. 4

For two years the work in Australia has been greatly hindered, because the Wessels family and the elders of the church in Africa interposed themselves between God and John Wessels. More than one year ago Brother John should have placed his feet in the path of the Lord’s choosing. When God inquired, “Who shall go for us?” John should have answered, “Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] The delay was not of the Lord’s devising. It was human judgment that interposed. If you had been close to the Lord, you would have been moved by His Holy Spirit. But human reasoning and devising deprived the work here of John and the means which was needed to advance the work of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 123, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 123, 1899, par. 5

A grand work is being done by those who handle the press. The sheets that come from the groaning press to be prepared as tracts and bound up as books are to go forth to visit all the places of the earth. There should be canvassers who will do faithful service in this work. When the Lord’s voice calls, “Whom shall we send? and who will go for us?” the divine Spirit puts it into the hearts of men and women to answer, “Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] But bear in mind that the live coal from the altar must first touch your lips and cleanse you from all impurity. Then the words you speak will be wise and holy words.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 104, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 104, 1899, par. 16

In every age God calls His men, and when the divine voice asks, “Who will go for us?” the response comes, “Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] Whenever God has a special work to be done at a special time, He always has men prepared to meet the demand. But no one or two men are to stand alone to follow their own judgment. God will establish His counsellors, and furnish the men of His appointment with talents, whether they are required to break down or to build up. These men, living under the power of the Holy Spirit, will express in their very features the likeness of Christ, and their holy characters will be a rebuke to the unconverted. It is not a purification of soul once, now and then, that we need, but the full and abiding righteousness of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 68, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 68, 1899, par. 26

I wish to say, The light given me is that the towns on the way from Morisset to Sydney must be worked, and also those from Cooranbong to Newcastle. At Maitland and Singleton there is a decided interest to hear, and from Queensland and Western Australia the call for help comes. “Who shall go for us, and whom shall we send?” [See Isaiah 6:8.] We have no light as to who shall do this work, but it must be done.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 215b, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 215b, 1899, par. 13

The Lord’s servants are merely stewards at work. The Lord’s part of the work is to do that which is entrusted to Him when His followers surrender themselves to Him to be worked by the Holy Spirit. When by faith men place themselves in the Lord’s hands, saying, “Here am I; send me” [Isaiah 6:8], He undertakes this work. He does that which is entrusted to Him. But men must get out of the Lord’s way. They must not hinder His purposes by their devising. For years the Lord has had a controversy with His people because they have followed their own judgment and have not relied on divine wisdom. If the workers get in God’s way, hindering the advancement of the work, thinking that their <own> brain power is sufficient for the planning and carrying forward of the <great> work, the Lord will correct their error. By His divine Spirit He disciplines and trains every worker. He shapes His own providences to carry forward His work according to His mind and judgment.

Manual for Canvassers

Chapter 6—Revival of the Work

MC 71.1

God has His workmen in every age. The call of the hour is answered by the coming of the man. Thus when the divine voice cries, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” the response will come, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. Let all who labor effectually in the canvassing field feel in their hearts that they are doing the work of the Lord in ministering to souls who know not the truth for this time. They are sounding the note of warning in the highways and byways to prepare a people for the great day of the Lord which is so soon to break upon the world. We have no time to lose. We must encourage this work. Who will go forth now with our publications? The Lord imparts a fitness for the work to every man and woman who will cooperate with divine power. All the requisite talent, courage, perseverance, faith, and tact will come as they put the armor on. A great work is to be done in our world, and human agencies will surely respond to the demand. The world must hear the warning. When the call comes, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” send back the answer, clear and distinct, “Here am I; send me.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 215, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 215, 1899, par. 23

The Lord’s servants are merely stewards. The Lord will work through them when they surrender themselves to Him to be worked by the Holy Spirit. When by faith men place themselves in the Lord’s hands, saying, “Here am I; send me” [Isaiah 6:8], He undertakes this work. But men must get out of the Lord’s way. They must not hinder His purposes by their devising. For years the Lord has had a controversy with His people, because they have followed their own judgment and have not relied on divine wisdom. If the workers get in God’s way, hindering the advancement of the work, thinking that their brain power is sufficient for the planning and carrying forward of the work, the Lord will correct their error. By His divine Spirit He enlightens and trains every worker. He shapes His own providences to carry forward His work according to His mind and judgment.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 25, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 25, 1899, par. 2

It is a terrible strain on mind, soul, and body to be on missionary ground and to see the large work to be done, with so few prepared to engage in it. It is a terrible strain to be cramped continually for facilities and means, and we must be well-balanced in judgment, else we will make mistakes. If great precaution is not taken, men will respond to the call, saying, “Here am I send me” [Isaiah 6:8], who know very little of the spirit in which the work should be conducted. The work must be laid, as an unction from the Holy One, upon the soul. The training must be after God’s order, and every man and woman must be educated to bear responsibilities, discharging in the fear of God their personal responsibilities.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 67, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 67, 1900, par. 11

This is the work before believers. It includes not only a few ordained ministers, but all God’s people. A work is laid out before every man, woman, and child who has enlisted in the Lord’s army. When He calls, let them respond, “Here am I: send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 126, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 126, 1900, par. 10

You need to put forth holy endeavor. You hate to learn, but you will have to learn if you succeed in any place. With unshrinking faith and unhesitating obedience let it be your future work in life to respond to the inquiry, “Whom shall I send? and who shall go for us?” Let it be your answer, “Here am I, Lord, send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 103, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 103, 1900, par. 11

Let the youth set up well-defined land-marks by which they may be guided in emergencies. When a crisis comes that demands active, well-developed physical powers, and a clear, strong, practical, working minds; when difficult work is to be done where every stroke must tell, and perplexities can be not only through seeking wisdom from God, then the youth who have learned to overcome difficulties by earnest labor can respond to the call for workers, “Here am I, send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] Let the hearts of young men and young women be as clear as crystal. Let not their thoughts be trivial, but sanctified by virtue and holiness. They need not be otherwise. With purity of thought through sanctification of the Spirit, their lives may be refined, elevated, ennobled.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 75, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 75, 1900, par. 1

“And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I: send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 12, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 12, 1901, par. 8

The inhabitants of the heavenly universe are looking with intense interest upon God’s enterprises in different parts of the world. Let our people in Australia awake and rally to the help of the Sydney Sanitarium. Let them do all in their power to set this institution in operation as soon as possible. God says, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Take this Word as a message from heaven, to which you are to pay profound attention, that you may understand the heavenly mandate and be prepared to answer, “Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 94, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 94, 1902, par. 17

The apostle calls their attention to their fault in this respect, which has become their spiritual infirmity. Their misconceptions gave them an indistinct view of Christ’s power to make His people a praise in the earth. How exactly their condition represents the condition of many of the people of God today, who have had every advantage, every privilege, and who, feeling the burden of God’s work, ought to say with the whole heart, “Here I am, Lord; send me. What wilt thou have me to do?” [Acts 9:6; Isaiah 6:8.] But in the place of being teachers, as they might be, they do not fully discern or appreciate the value of Bible truth. They cannot bear the application of the plain requirements of Scripture. They are not a strength to the church. They are only hindrances. Had they thoroughly consecrated themselves to the Lord from their first reception of the truth, surrendering themselves unreservedly to Him, and obeying the call, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” [Mark 8:34], they would have walked in the companionship of Christ, learning His lessons, receiving His divine impress. They would have realized the claims of Christ, and would not have been half Christians and half worldlings, but wholehearted Christians, believing and practicing the Word, enlightened continually, not dwelling on vague generalities, but taking their position fully on the side of Christ, recognizing Him as the Teacher from heaven, whose words they must understand and practice.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 139, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 139, 1902, par. 10

God calls for earnest, persevering effort to press the battle to the gates. There is service to be done for the Master. Wherever there is work, there should be men and women on hand to say, “Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] Wherever there is work to be done, let God’s people take it up and do their best. If they leave untouched the work He gives them, they will lose the precious blessings that come to those who advance in spite of difficulties.

Manuscript Release No 1033

Washington, D. C., Sabbath, December 20, 1890

MR1033 47.3

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 142, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 142, 1903, par. 10

I wish my brethren to take this as a representation of the truth, and no fiction. Those who have a due appreciation of service are God’s minute men and must say with Isaiah, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] Those who are laborers together with God must ever consider the duties devolving upon a gospel minister. He cannot say, I am my own; I will do what I please with my time. No one who has given his life to God’s work as His minister lives unto himself. His work is to follow Christ, to yoke up with Christ, and to be a willing agent and co-worker with the Master, receiving His Spirit day by day, and working as Christ worked, neither failing nor being discouraged. He is chosen of God as a faithful instrument to promote missionary work in all lands and must ponder well the path he travels.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 33, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 33, 1912, par. 10

I wish my brethren to take this as a representation of the truth and no fiction. Those who have a due appreciation of service are God’s minutemen and must say with Isaiah, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] Those who are laborers together with God must ever consider the duties devolving upon a gospel minister. He cannot say, I am my own; I will do what I please with my time. No one who has given his life to God to work as His minister lives unto himself. His work is to follow Christ, to yoke up with Christ, and to be willing agent and co-worker with the Master, receiving His Spirit day by day, and working as Christ worked, neither failing nor being discouraged. He is chosen of God as a faithful instrument to promote missionary work in all lands and must ponder well the path he travels.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Jehovah Immanuel, September 30

JNN 288.4

But before that coming, Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations” (Matthew 24:14). His kingdom will not come until the good tidings of His grace have been carried to all the earth. Hence, as we give ourselves to God, and win other souls to Him, we hasten the coming of His kingdom. Only those who devote themselves to His service, saying, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8), to open blind eyes, to turn human beings “from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified” (Acts 26:18)—they alone pray in sincerity, “Thy kingdom come.”—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 108, 109.

Prayer

“Thy kingdom come.” Matthew 6:10.

Pr 294.2

Isaiah 6:8-11

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 262, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 262, 1899, par. 11

“Ye have eyes but ye see not.” [Jeremiah 5:21.] If it was thus in Christ’s day, it is no less thus in this our day. Christ, the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, on occasions when He knew His words were misinterpreted, said, “Ye hear my words but ye understand not.” Said He on one occasion, “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my words.” Truth was not palatable to them. “Because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? and if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not because ye are not of God.” [John 8:43, 45-47.] [Read] Isaiah 6:8-11.

Isaiah 6:9-10

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 150, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 150, 1900, par. 19

In His book God records every decision and the circumstances which brought about each decision. If men will not be self-confident and stubborn, He will work out His will through them. But of many it can be said as of Israel after they had departed from God and refused to be educated by the great Teacher sent from heaven: “Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not; Make the heart of this people fat, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes and hear with the ears and understand with their heart, and be converted and be healed.” [Isaiah 6:9, 10.] They did not wish to be changed in character or practice.

15LtMs, Lt 150, 1900, par. 21

“Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and healed.” [Verses 9, 10.] This is the result of refusing to obey God. Hardness of heart and disaffection will as surely follow a rejection of God’s message as cause follows effect. The grace of God cannot cooperate with iniquity. God’s Spirit can only enlighten the understanding of those who are willing to be enlightened. We read that God opened the ears of Lydia, so that she attended to the message spoken by Paul. To declare the whole counsel of God and all that was essential for Lydia to receive—this was the part Paul was to act in her conversion, and then the God of all grace exercised His power, leading the soul in the right way. God and the human agent cooperated, and the work was wholly successful.

Isaiah 6:9-12

Ye Shall Receive Power

Isaiah, September 14

YRP 266.1

And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Isaiah 6:9, 10.

YRP 266.2

The prophet’s duty was plain; he was to lift his voice in protest against the prevailing evils. But he dreaded to undertake the work without some assurance of hope. “Lord, how long?” (Isaiah 6:11) he inquired. Are none of Thy chosen people ever to understand, and repent, and be healed?

YRP 266.3