EGW WritingsJeremiah 5

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 107, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 107, 1898, par. 27

“Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish; for they know not the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of their God.” “Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken. Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth; behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.” [Jeremiah 5:1-4; 6:17-19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 129, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 129, 1908, par. 9

Elder Cottrell, the Lord calls upon you to help Elder Haskell in every way possible, for unless the converting power of God shall mold and fashion Elder Knox and Elder Corliss after the divine similitude, their influence will not be a saving influence. There are men who have been long in the truth, but whose ministration of the truth is perverted. Jeremiah 5:1-5; 7:1-7. The end is near. The judgments of God are in the land, and San Francisco is a living testimony to the condition of our world. And now, with all this before the men who have served, there has been a ministration that would, if continued, make the testimony God has given a matter of nought.

The Review and Herald

May 19, 1903

RH May 19, 1903, par. 4

[The following Scriptures were then read: Jeremiah 4:1-4; Jeremiah 5:1-19; Jeremiah 7:1-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 16a, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 16a, 1885, par. 39

It is a beautiful morning. We have no seasickness as yet. Last evening we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. The broad ocean was all that we could see surrounding us, and the sun went out of sight in the broad waters. We went into the dining room to attend services. Under the Episcopalian services, prayers were read, and chapters in the Old and New Testaments that were very appropriate for the occasion. The hymns sung were excellent in sentiment. The chapter read first was in Jeremiah. The second was in the New Testament in regard to the shipwreck of Paul. I wrote eight pages and prepared a reported article for the press. We were on deck most of the time.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 145, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 145, 1899, par. 8

In the fifth chapter of Jeremiah some grievous sins are specified. “They overpass the deeds of the wicked,” God declares; “they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper, and the cause of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things, saith the Lord; shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this. A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so; and what will ye do in the end thereof?” [Verses 28-31.]

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 34—Jeremiah

PK 414.3

“Why,” the Lord inquired, “is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding?” Jeremiah 8:5. In the language of the prophet it was because they had obeyed not the voice of the Lord their God and had refused to be corrected. See Jeremiah 5:3. “Truth is perished,” he mourned, “and is cut off from their mouth.” “The stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but My people know not the judgment of the Lord.” “Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the Lord: shall not My soul be avenged on such a nation as this?” Jeremiah 7:28; 8:7; 9:9.

From Splendor to Shadow

God’s Marvelous Loving-Kindness

SS 215.4

Thus “in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem” the message of Jeremiah was, “Hear ye the words of this covenant”—the precepts of God as recorded in the Scriptures—“and do them.” Jeremiah 11:6. “Why,” the Lord inquired, “is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding?” Jeremiah 8:5. It was because they had refused to be corrected. See Jeremiah 5:3. “The stork in the heavens knows her appointed times; and the turtledove, the swift, and the swallow observe the time of their coming. But My people know not the judgment of the Lord.” “Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?” Jeremiah 8:7; 9:9, NKJV.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 23—The Lord’s Vineyard

COL 304.2

The Lord says, “Shall I not visit for these things?” Jeremiah 5:9. Because they failed of fulfilling God’s purpose, the children of Israel were set aside, and God’s call was extended to other peoples. If these too prove unfaithful, will they not in like manner be rejected?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 15, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 15, 1898, par. 11

You and Harmon Lindsay have rejected the light sent you from heaven, which, if received, would have made you wise men. Your natural traits of character would have been brought into subjection to the Spirit of God, and your great desire would not have been to make provision for yourselves, in a way that is not honorable or righteous. These plans to follow the imagination of your unsanctified hearts have brought upon you blindness of mind and increased stubbornness of heart, until you could not feel the necessity of saving your souls unto eternal life. In your present state, you are both an offense to God. Your human, secret devising is as an open book before the Lord. He knows all your works, all your purposes of evil. He knows all your uncertain speculations. That eye that never slumbers or sleeps is cognizant of every action, of every scheme laid to betray His cause. You have laid your plans to hinder the work of God, and to bring reproach upon His cause. The Lord says, “Shall I not judge for these things?” [Jeremiah 5:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 4a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 4a, 1898, par. 16

The sayings of men are exalted above the sayings of God. The world has accepted a false Sabbath, discarding the holy, sanctified day of the Lord of hosts. Men shut themselves away from light, saying by word and action, Seek no further. And God says, “Shall I not judge for these things?” [Jeremiah 5:9.] Why do not the religious teachers of today instruct the people regarding the traitorous movement that Satan has made in putting a common working day in the place of the day that God has set apart as sanctified and holy.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 105, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 29

What shall be done in the future? Lest you offend God, place no responsibility upon any man who has become leavened by connection with this work, unless he shows that he has a sense of the evil practice and separates them from the institution, unless he condemns all that savors of injustice, overbearing, or lording it over God’s heritage. There has been a betrayal of sacred trusts. The work of God has been abused, and covered up with men’s unsanctified attributes, and God says, “Shall I not judge for these things?” [Jeremiah 5:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 154, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 154, 1899, par. 8

Some claim to believe the testimonies God has given. They speak of them, and appear to appreciate them, but faith without works is dead, being alone. God declares, “Shall I not judge for these things?” [Jeremiah 5:9.] He knows who are faithful and true and who are unfaithful and dishonest; and one day He will cause those who have acted any part in bringing in the principles which He condemns to see the cause and the effect of their selfishness and covetousness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 165, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 165, 1899, par. 12

The colored people have had before them the example of commonness and adultery. These evils are all through our world, but when the poor, wretched, ignorant race, who knows scarcely anything of purity and righteousness, do commit sin—sin that committed by white people is scarcely condemned—colored people are tortured to death whether proved guilty or not. And the nation that permits this bears the name of Christian. God says, “Shall I not judge for these things?” [Jeremiah 5:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 98, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 98, 1899, par. 14

And at the same time those men who should have helped stood off and criticized most unjustly. God will not hold them guiltless. “Shall I not judge for these things?” He asks. [Jeremiah 5:9.] How many trials would have been saved the workers in the Southern Field if men had not interposed themselves to counterwork the purposes of God. The work there would have been years in advance of what it now is. Let those who have appropriated the means raised for the Southern Field remember that they have misappropriated money that did not in any way belong either to the conference or to the Pacific Press.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 26, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 26, 1899, par. 9

A selfish course of action on the part of responsible men in our publishing houses has brought in a whole train of evils. They threatened, and twisted, and planned every device in order to get possession of books, taking advantage of circumstances, and God says, Such men cannot come into the courts of the Lord. While looking out for their own interests, they have brought men into close places. They have had the power in their hands for those who were seeking to advance the cause of God. God says, “Shall I not judge for these things?” [Jeremiah 5:9.] The managers of the Pacific Press are not guiltless in these matters of dealing. High, pure principles have been sacrificed for gain. I pray you to consider that you have touched only the border. The true, vital questions have not been canvassed. Where is the blind man, Elder Littlejohn? He appealed to me, supposing I could help him. I could have sent a package of copies to be read to him that would have told its own story, but I did not do this. He did not know that I was acquainted with the situation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 85, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 85, 1899, par. 4

It is best to consider these matters carefully on all sides, asking counsel from God, for it is God who weighs all things in His scales of eternal justice. He will reward every man according as his works shall be. There are many rich men upon whom God has had His searching eye during their life-time. He has seen in all their worldly acquirements a robbery of Him. They have been laying up for themselves wrath against the day of wrath because they have not relieved the oppressed, because they have neglected the great Proprietor of all. In coming to His vineyard to receive the fruit thereof, He has received only abuse. This robbery of their Lord’s goods has continued. These men worship themselves, not God. Every unfaithful steward will surely supplant and intrigue. He will put justice and mercy out of his mind, replacing it with avarice and strife. God says, “Shall I not judge for these things? I love righteousness, but hate iniquity.” [See Jeremiah 5:9; Hebrews 1:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 135, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 135, 1902, par. 28

Those in positions of responsibility who follow their own way are held responsible for the mistakes of those who are led astray by their example. “Shall I not judge for these things?” God asks. [Jeremiah 5:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 64, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 64, 1902, par. 9

Matters might have been adjusted kindly, mercifully, without a vestige of oppression. There was no need to drive Edson into a hard place, where he would be obliged to assent to unjust propositions. But sternness was shown. His brethren brought to bear on him an iron-like pressure, because they had the advantage, the power to do what they liked. God saw it all. He pronounced it injustice, underhand and merciless dealing. He says, “Shall I not judge for these things?” [Jeremiah 5:9.]

This Day With God

Promised: Strength for the Day, July 30

TDG 220.5

Yes, we are the Lord’s blood-bought heritage. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). This God requires of every one who shall compose His family in the kingdom of heaven. All selfishness must be overcome. We must be true to God, true as steel to all His commandments. Human beings frame laws, and are very zealous for their enactment. At the same time they transgress the highest law from the mightiest Sovereign. This they attempt to make null and void. They exalt the human above the divine. “Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord of hosts” (Jeremiah 5:9). Yes, God will reward every man according to his works.—Manuscript 70, July 30, 1897, diary.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 83, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 83, 1902, par. 8

There are many rich men upon whom God has His searching eye. In their acquirement and use of means, He has seen robbery of Him. They have neglected the great Proprietor of all and have not used the means entrusted to them to relieve the suffering and oppressed. In this way they have been laying up for themselves wrath against the day of wrath; for God will reward every man according as his works shall be. These men do not worship God; self is their idol. They are unfaithful stewards, and every unfaithful steward will surely supplant and intrigue. He will put justice and mercy out of his mind, replacing it with avarice and strife. God says, “Shall I not judge for these things? I love righteousness, but hate iniquity.” [See Jeremiah 5:9; Hebrews 1:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 139, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 139, 1903, par. 36

The leaders are responsible not only for their own unsanctified mistakes, but for the mistakes of those who follow their example. When reproved for bringing in wrong principles they manifest a perverse spirit, a spirit that will not be corrected or humbled. “Shall I not judge for these things, saith the Lord of hosts?” [Jeremiah 5:9.] Their own wisdom and their own judgment they hold fast as a precious possession and sullenly pursue their own ways. This is the reason that the Holy Spirit of God is not manifest in our churches.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 125, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 125, 1905, par. 11

I call upon all to arouse to their responsibilities. The Lord Jesus has said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] He takes observation and writes in His book the deeds of His children here below. He sees when His faithful ones are put in the hardest places and are permitted to do their God-given work under great disadvantages. He says, “Will I not judge for these things.” [Jeremiah 5:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 152, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 152, 1907, par. 13

As a people we need to study this portion of sacred history; for these experiences are being brought into the lives of the people of God in these last days. A people who have had great light, and every evidence of truth, are turning away from the light and following their own impulses. The instruction God has given in the record of His people in early days is not regarded. The mistakes and sins of His early people are being repeated in His people today; the warnings and admonitions given in that day are not being heeded in this. Notwithstanding all the warnings that have been given, they see not their danger, but join the ranks of the enemy and fight on his side. They choose to entertain their own ideas and to follow the suggestions of their own minds. The Lord is greatly dishonored by their course, and He is removing His Spirit from them. “Shall I not judge them for these things,” saith the Lord, “unless they repent?” [See Jeremiah 5:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 15, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 15, 1895, par. 4

Evil angels exulted, and the Lord said, “Shall I not judge for these things?” [Jeremiah 5:9.] “They have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction. But they have set their abominations in my house which is called by my name, to defile it.” [Jeremiah 32:33, 34.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 174, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 174, 1897, par. 96

Yes, we are the Lord’s blood-bought heritage. Whether therefore ye eat or drink; or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. This God requires of every one who shall compose His family in the kingdom of heaven. All selfishness must be overcome. We must be true to God, true as steel to all His commandments. Human beings frame laws and are very zealous for their enactment. At the same time they transgress the highest law from the mightiest Sovereign. This they attempt to make null and void. They exalt the human above the divine. “Shall I not judge for these things, saith the Lord of hosts?” [Jeremiah 5:9.] Yes, God will reward every man according to his works.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 49, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 49, 1897, par. 25

Those who have had privileges and opportunities and light upon light will find themselves brought into comparison with those whose religious advantages have been limited, but who have made diligent, persevering effort to lay hold on eternal life. Over such the Lord rejoices with singing. The whole heathen world will rise up in judgment against those whom heaven has favored the most, but who have placed themselves on Satan’s side, and worked in his lines to bring their soul-destroying narcotics to foreign lands, to pollute and destroy the heathen nations with their defiling and health-destroying drugs. For the sake of a revenue, a professedly Christian nation have forced their traffic upon the heathen nations at the point of the sword, and thus compelled them to accept their merchandise, which would, in using, degrade the people below the level of the brute creation. “Shall I not judge for these things,” saith God. [Jeremiah 5:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 70, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 70, 1897, par. 7

Yes, we are the Lord’s blood-bought heritage. “Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31.] This God requires of every one who shall compose His family in the kingdom of heaven. All selfishness must be overcome. We must be true to God, true as steel to all His commandments. Human beings frame laws, and are very zealous for their enactment. At the same time they transgress the highest law from the mightiest Sovereign. This they attempt to make null and void. They exalt the human above the divine. “Shall I not judge for these things, saith the Lord of hosts?” [Jeremiah 5:9.] Yes, God will reward every man according to his works.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 127, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 127, 1897, par. 20

Ere long there will be a sudden change in God’s dealings. The Lord is preparing to visit the earth, for the iniquity of men is swelling to terrible proportions. “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the hearts of the sons of men are fully set in them to do evil.” [Ecclesiastes 8:11.] The Sabbath of the Bible is transgressed, and an idol sabbath framed to take its place. The common takes the place of the sacred. God’s memorial of creation is torn down, and trampled under unholy feet. “Will I not judge for these things, saith the Lord.” [Jeremiah 5:9.] The false has been placed where the true Sabbath should be, and those who have accepted this institution of Papacy with religious frenzy act as did those who thought they had Christ in their power. The priests and rulers crucified the Lord of glory because He would not accept and honor their traditions.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 138, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 23

Will you consider that this is not as God would have it? The Lord has been greatly dishonored before the world. “Shall I not judge for these things?” He asks. [Jeremiah 5:9.] By study and prayer God would have us obtain a rich, full understanding of His will. But many, notwithstanding their profession of godliness, have never been truly converted. They have never been born again. They cling to their old citizen’s dress, failing to realize that a character of undivided allegiance is the only character that God can accept. Many have no true idea of the entire consecration that the Lord calls for. There is not a particle of the life over which the Lord does not wish to reign. In the very smallest matters His disciples are to obey His commands. We are to wear the yoke of Christ, never for a moment laying it off. “Take my yoke upon you,” He says, “and learn of me; ... for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 150, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 150, 1898, par. 30

It is a rare thing to see systematic benevolence practiced by professed Christians. Self and its demands interpose between the soul and God. But God lives, God reigns. He is our Ruler. He has His law, and He sees as He looks upon the lawless character of the beings He has created, that they are unworthy of becoming members of [the] royal family, children of the heavenly King. The law of God does not change to meet man in his disloyalty, but by many the Word of God is wrested from its true meaning. It is misapplied to meet the ideas of the perverted minds of those who talk the Word but do not practice it. Thus the truth of God is adulterated and made to sustain error and falsehood. “Shall I not judge for these things saith the Lord?” [Jeremiah 5:9.]

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

MR No. 1486—The Danger of Rejecting Light

20MR 320.4

This action of appealing to human courts, never before entered into by Seventh-day Adventists, has now been done. God has permitted this that you who have been deceived may understand what power is controlling those who have had entrusted to them great responsibilities. Where are God’s sentinels? Where are the men who will stand shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart, with the truth, present truth for this time, in possession of the heart? [Jeremiah 6:10, 13-17; 5:18, quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 64, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 64, 1898, par. 30

“To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach, they have no delight in it. ... For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they had committed abominations? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.” “Nevertheless in those days, saith the Lord, I will not make a full end with you.” [Jeremiah 6:10, 13-17; 5:18.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 895—Minneapolis General Conference and its Aftermath

11MR 238.2

We see that we are in no better condition than the Jewish people. God gave them clear light that they might stand as His holy, peculiar people. He had given them the prophets, and then Christ Himself came in order that He might present the truth to them. But when His own nation rejected Him, He turned away. He told them, “Ye have ears, but ye hear not, eyes have ye but ye see not.” (cf. Jeremiah 5:21.) Then they inquired, “Are we blind also?” Christ said, “If ye were blind no sin would be attached, but it is because light has come and ye choose darkness rather than light.” (See John 9:41.) Was it a real darkness? No, it was not. The light of truth had shone upon them, but Satan was throwing his blinder before their eyes, and they received it not.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Picking Flaws Morning Talk by Mrs. E. G. White Ottawa, Kansas, May 12, 1889

1SAT 95.2

We see that we are in no better condition than the Jewish people. God gave them the clear light that they might stand as His holy, peculiar people. He had given them the prophets, and then Christ Himself came in order that He might present the truth to them. But when His own nation rejected Him, He turned away. He told them, “Ye have ears, but ye hear not, eyes have ye but ye see not.” (cf. Jeremiah 5:21.) Then they inquired, “Are we blind also?” Christ said, “If ye were blind no sin would be attached, but it is because light has come and ye choose darkness rather than light.” (See John 9:14) Was it a real darkness? No, it was not. The light of truth had shone upon them, but Satan was throwing his blinder before their eyes, and they received it not.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Picking Flaws

1888 304.2

We see that we are in no better condition than the Jewish people. God gave them the clear light that they might stand as His holy, peculiar people. He had given them the prophets, and then Christ Himself came in order that He might present the truth to them. But when His own nation rejected Him, He turned away. He told them, “Ye have ears, but ye hear not, eyes have ye but ye see not.” (cf. Jeremiah 5:21.) Then they inquired, “Are we blind also?” Christ said, “If ye were blind no sin would be attached, but it is because light has come and ye choose darkness rather than light.” (See John 9:14.) Was it a real darkness? No, it was not. The light of truth had shone upon them, but Satan was throwing his blinder before their eyes, and they received it not.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 18d, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 18d, 1890, par. 8

Again, my brother, I tell you that you know not what manner of a spirit you are of. You have great zeal, but it is not a zeal that God imparts. The Great I AM speaks to you, Know thyself. The spirit you have brought to the investigation of Scriptures is the very same spirit the Jews possessed in the days of Christ. They thought they knew it all; they thought they were wise and could learn nothing. Christ said, “Ye have ears, but ye hear not; ye have eyes, but ye see not.” [Jeremiah 5:21.] The prejudice, the self-esteem, the pride of heart which you now possess, unless it is removed by the Spirit of God, will cause you to walk in the sparks of your own kindling, and lie down in sorrow. There can be no calamity greater that could come to our conferences, than for men to go to the different churches with such a blind zeal and such a lofty self-sufficient spirit as some have carried through this meeting. Yourself being one of them I tell you, in the name of the Lord, to search your own heart. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, else He will humble you. Seek the Lord; break your heart by falling on the Rock, Christ Jesus.

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.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 41, 1911

25LtMs, Lt 41, 1911, par. 4

We need individually to understand that the byways must be worked and that those in the hedges are to hear the message. In all lines of work there should be a harmonious blending of effort. A hundredfold more might now be seen of progress in these neglected fields in the South if men had not blocked the way. There are those who are like the men of whom Christ said, “They have eyes, but see not; and ears, but they hear not.” [Jeremiah 5:21.] These retard the work of God and make the work of their brethren much more difficult. The great work that might have been done has been hindered by unbelief and the counterworking of men who should have possessed clear discernment, and moved forward under the leading of the Holy Spirit to help in the work so greatly needed, and so clearly called for in the testimonies regarding the work in the South.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 906—An Appeal for Acceptance of the Message of Christ’s Righteousness

11MR 287.4

There is an alarming condition of things in our churches. Says the Word of God, “Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among My people are found wicked men: they lay in wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men... the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and My people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” (Jeremiah 5:25, 26, 31). “They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, saying, Peace, Peace; when there is no peace” (chapter 6:14). “And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by My name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh, And I will cast you out of My sight, as I have cast out all your brethren” (chapter 7:13-15). God will surely fulfill His word to those who will not hear, will not see, and refuse the light that He sends them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 4, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 48

There is an alarming condition of things in our churches. Says the Word of God, “Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among My people are found wicked men; they lay in wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men ... the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so, and what will ye do in the end thereof?” [Jeremiah 5:25-31.] “They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” [Jeremiah 6:14.] “And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by My name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh, and I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren.” [Jeremiah 7:13.] <God will surely fulfill His word to those who will not hear, will not see, and refuse the light which He sends them.>

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 90, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 90, 1894, par. 13

The prophet describes these co-laborers with Satan, who are degrading those whom God is seeking to uplift. He says, “Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit; therefore are they become great and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof.” [Jeremiah 5:25-31.]

The Liquor Traffic Working Counter to Christ

The Liquor Traffic Working Counter to Christ

PH141 6.1

The drunkard is capable of better things. God has intrusted to him talents with which he was to glorify God; but his fellow-men have laid a snare for his soul, and built themselves up out of his ruin. They have lived in luxury, while their poor brethren whom they have robbed, lived in poverty and degradation. O, how many pleasure-lovers there are, who spend their thousands of pounds to please and amuse themselves, and to gratify their fancies, while the world is full of distress and poverty! The prophet describes these co-labourers with Satan, who are degrading those whom God is seeking to uplift. He says, “They lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit; therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine; yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked; they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.” Jeremiah 5:26.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 26, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 26, 1897, par. 40

Such a masterly confederacy united to carry things its own way that a work entirely human has been mingled with the handling of sacred things. Each felt pledged to sustain and work for the interest of the other. A system of robbery toward God was brought in. “Shall I not judge for these things?” God asks. [Jeremiah 5:29.] The Lord has opened the matter to me, and my heart has burned with indignation. Light has been given that the Lord would in His own time make these men a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. It has been shown me that men, confided in and trusted, looked upon as trustworthy, would betray the cause of God in an emergency, under the inspiration of the enemy.

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3

Spiritual Gifts

3SG 22.1

Chapter 5:30, 31. “A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means, and my people love to have it so; and what will ye do in the end thereof?”

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 15—The Second Angel’s Message

4SP 238.1

Anciently the Lord declared to his servants concerning Israel: “The leaders of this people cause them to err, and they that are led of them are destroyed.” [Isaiah 9:16.] “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means, and my people love to have it so; and what will ye do in the end thereof?” [Jeremiah 5:31.] “For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them, every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest, every one dealeth falsely.” [Jeremiah 6:13.] The Jewish church, once so highly favored of the Lord, became an astonishment and a reproach through neglect to improve the blessings granted them. Pride and unbelief led to their ruin. But these scriptures do not apply to ancient Israel only. The character and condition of many nominally Christian churches are here portrayed. Though in possession of far greater blessings than were granted to the Jews, they are following in the steps of that people; and the greater the light and privileges bestowed, the greater the guilt of those who permit them to pass unimproved.