EGW WritingsJeremiah 8

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 15 (1900)

Ms 60, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 60, 1900, par. 2

“Moreover thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord: Shall they fall, and not arise? Shall he turn away, and not return? Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? They hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. I harkened and heard, but they spake not aright; no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? Every one turneth to his course, as a horse rusheth into the battle. Yea, 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. How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken; lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them?” [Jeremiah 8:4-9.]

15LtMs, Ms 60, 1900, par. 3

This description is now being fulfilled to the letter in the religious world. The Lord declares: “Every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush; therefore shall they fall among them that fall; in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the Lord.” [Verses 10-12.]

15LtMs, Ms 60, 1900, par. 4

This representation is true of those who claim to be teachers of the people and who are leading them astray. They refuse obedience to the Word of the Lord. Yet they say, “The law of the Lord is with us.” [Verse 8.] Especially is this fulfilled in their course with regard to the original Sabbath of Jehovah. Instead of observing the memorial Sabbath, the day that God has blessed and sanctified, they honor a spurious sabbath, a heathen, idol sabbath. They exalt it by their man-made theories. And they declare, “The law of the Lord is with us,” and all who violate the Sunday will be dealt with according to our laws.

15LtMs, Ms 60, 1900, par. 6

“For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be calmed, and they shall bite you, saith the Lord. When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me. Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: Is not the Lord in Zion? Is not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities? The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” [Verses 13-22.]

15LtMs, Ms 60, 1900, par. 7

The prevalence of sin is alarming; the world is being filled with violence as in the days of Noah. Would the world be in its present condition if those who claim to be the people of God had reverenced and obeyed the law of the Lord? It is the rejection of the truth, man’s dispensing with the commandments of God, that has produced the condition of things which now exists. God’s Word is made of none effect by false shepherds. The decided opposition of the shepherds of the flock to the law of the Lord reveals that they have rejected the Word of the Lord and have put their own words in its place. In their interpretation of the Scriptures they teach for doctrines the commandments of men. In their apostasy from the truth they have encouraged wickedness, saying, “We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us.” [Verse 8.] The words of Christ to the Pharisees are applicable to them. Christ said to these teachers, “Ye are both ignorant of the Scriptures and of the power of God.” [Matthew 22:29.]

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.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 43, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 43, 1898, par. 9

“Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain: the wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken; lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord, and what wisdom is in them? ... For they have healed 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 shall they fall among them that fall, in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the Lord.” [Jeremiah 8:5-9, 11, 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 108, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 108, 1905, par. 5

“Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times, and the turtle, and the crane, and the swallow observeth the time of their coming, but My people know not the judgment of the Lord.” [Jeremiah 8:7.]

20LtMs, Ms 108, 1905, par. 6

How true is the solemn statement, “My people know not the judgment of the Lord.” [Verse 7.] Has not this been repeatedly demonstrated in Battle Creek? Have not men stood up in public assemblies and ridiculed the idea that the burning of our two largest institutions was a reproof and a judgment from God? Could they have seen the presentation given me of what will be in the future, their ridicule would suddenly have turned to mourning.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 137, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 137, 1908, par. 7

Jeremiah 8:7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 29, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 29, 1911, par. 3

Jeremiah uses a similar illustration to represent the indifference and willing blindness of man: “Yea, 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.” [Jeremiah 8:7.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]

MR No. 1312—Miscellaneous Writings on Christ’s Ministry, Health Reform, and the Christian Life

18MR 85.3

Through Jeremiah the prophet the Lord says: “Yea, the stork in 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. How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made He it; the pen of the scribes is in vain. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them?” [Jeremiah 8:7-9]. The entire chapter is a presentation of things as they are.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 60, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 60, 1902, par. 13

Through Jeremiah the prophet the Lord says: “Yea, 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. How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made He it; the pen of the scribes is in vain. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them?” [Jeremiah 8:7-9.] The entire chapter is a presentation of things as they are.

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3

Spiritual Gifts

3SG 21.3

3. False prophets speak smooth things, prophesy lies, and cry, Peace and safety, which has ever been pleasing to unconsecrated professors; hence the love of the peace and safety in the delusion of spiritualism. Jeremiah 14:14. “Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name. I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them. They prophesy unto you a false vision anddivination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.” Chapter 23:16, 17. “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you. They make you vain. They speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They say still unto them that despise me, the Lord hath said, ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, no evil shall come upon you.” Chapter 8:10, 11. “For every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness. From the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace.”

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

MR No. 55—The Spirit that Should Characterize the Work of Seventh-day Adventist Physicians

1MR 216.2

Those who have not lost their first love will have a care for the souls of those with whom they are associated; but if one in responsible position is found whose morals are tainted with dishonesty or impurity, be on your guard that his godless spirit and example do not contaminate your soul, and so the contagion of evil spread. The moral tone of piety among us must be raised, and in order that it may be, we must take time for the personal culture of heart religion. Let each one feel, I must be an example in patience. I must do good, whether others appreciate my motives or not. I must not stand allied with evil, or cover it with a mantle of false charity. Bible charity is not sentimentalism, but love in active exercise. To heal the hurt of the daughter of My people, slightly, saying, “Peace, peace; when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11), is called charity. To confederate together, to call sin holiness and truth, is called charity; but it is the counterfeit article. The false and the spurious are in the world, and we should closely examine our hearts that we may know whether or not we possess the genuine charity. Genuine charity will not create distrust, and evil work. It will not blunt the sword of the spirit so that it does no execution. Those who would cover evil under false charity, say to the sinner, “It shall be well with thee.” Thank God there is a charity that will not be corrupted; there is a wisdom that cometh from above, that is (mark it) first pure, then peaceable, and without hypocrisy, and the fruits of righteousness is sown of them that make peace. This is a description of heaven-born, heaven-bred charity. Charity loves the sinner but hates the sin, and will warn him faithfully of his danger, pointing him to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. Sin is not to be cloaked, but to be taken away.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 41—Desolation of the Earth

GC 655.1

Saith the Lord: “They have healed the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” “With lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life.” Jeremiah 8:11; Ezekiel 13:22.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 41—Desolation of the Earth

GC88 655.1

Saith the Lord: “They have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” “With lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life.” [Jeremiah 8:11; Ezekiel 13:22.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 21, 1882

3LtMs, Lt 21, 1882, par. 6

These teachers apprehend no special cause of alarm in the present condition of the professed people of God; in their assimilating to the world; and in their lack of love and lack of exercising forbearance toward their brethren. These consider the character of the church generally in a flourishing condition. Therefore they prophesy smooth things and cry, “Peace, peace,” and those who want to have it so, take up the cry, “Peace, peace.” [Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11.] They believe their report and, in the place of being alarmed, are at ease in Zion. They have not sought after idols or graven images to worship, and bowed down before them, but they have idolized one another. Poor, frail, erring man has been praised, petted, exalted, and God saith, “Where is my honor?” [Malachi 1:6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 25b, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 25b, 1892, par. 1

I am deeply interested that in every move you make, you should have the Lord to move with you. God bestows upon His people great blessings in giving them faithful, upright ministers. In all ages He has wrought through human instrumentalities to give decided messages of warning to His people, that they may be aroused and convicted of their sins and be led to repent and reform. But at the very time when He is thus empowering men by His Holy Spirit to cry aloud, to spare not, to lift up their voice like trumpets, and show His people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins, there are other influences at work to counteract the working of God through His appointed agencies. There are those to whom this Scripture is applicable: “They have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, Peace; when there is no peace.” [Jeremiah 8:11.]

Maranatha

To Weep or to Rejoice? January 31

Mar 39.1

The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. Jeremiah 8:20.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 131, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 131, 1902, par. 16

Our churches need now to be aroused; for Satan is stirring up the subjects of his kingdom of darkness to work with intense activity, as he inspired them to work in the days of Noah. Those who now choose to be indifferent in regard to the salvation of their own souls will soon be heard making the fearful lamentation, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” [Jeremiah 8:20.] Let us do all that we can, on our part, to arouse the sleepy ones. The church must be awakened to proclaim with voice and influence not only to those who are nigh, but to those who are afar off, the message, “The end of all things is at hand.” [1 Peter 4:7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 4, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 4, 1902, par. 24

“God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] At an immense cost a probation has been granted to human beings. At the day of judgment there will come to the lost a full realization of the sacrifice made on Calvary. They will see what they have lost by refusing to be loyal to God. They will think of the high, pure association it was their privilege to gain. But it is too late. The last call has been made. The wail is heard, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” [Jeremiah 8:20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 121, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 121, 1903, par. 6

Today Christ is looking with sadness upon those whose characters He must at last refuse to acknowledge. Inflated with self-sufficiency, they hope that it will be well with their souls. But at the last great day, the mirror of detection reveals to them the evil that their hearts have practiced and shows them at the same time the impossibility of reform. Every effort was made to bring them to repentance. But they refused to humble their hearts. Now the bitter lamentation is heard, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved.” [Jeremiah 8:20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 15, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 15, 1903, par. 19

O pardon our transgressions, and forgive our sins. Show us where we have come short. Let Thy Holy Spirit descend upon us. The world is perishing in sin, and we ask Thee to roll the burden upon us at this meeting. We desire to be weighted down with the Holy Spirit. We desire to stand where Thou canst reveal Thyself to us. Take away our hardness of heart, and give us softened hearts. I ask Thee, for Christ’s sake, that Thou wouldest give understanding, that Thou wouldest give spiritual knowledge, that Thou wouldest give sensitive hearts, that all may see that it is high time to open the door of the heart to Jesus. Thou hast said that Thou hast heard the many words of complaint, and faultfinding, and murmuring, brother against brother, and friend against friend. Thou hast heard these words, and they are written in Thy book. They have stood as a block against the wheel of salvation, hindering its advancement. Convert Thy people in this the day of Thy preparation, that the time may not come when they will say, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” [Jeremiah 8:20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 39, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 39, 1903, par. 18

No sacrifice is too great to make for the truth, for Christ, for heaven. Not a farthing of the money that we handle is our own. All is the Lord’s, entrusted to us to test us, to see if we will make a right use of the Lord’s goods. He who in this life does not prove true and faithful will have no second trial. Those who choose the world will perish with the world. A cloud of heavenly witnesses is watching the conflict between good and evil. Those who live for their own pleasure must one day answer to the Judge of all the earth for their misspent privileges and neglected opportunities. They will lose an eternity of bliss and the riches of everlasting life. God forbid that any should delay until it is too late, and should at last have to say, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and I am not saved.” [Jeremiah 8:20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 147, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 147, 1903, par. 8

Today Christ is looking with sadness upon those whose characters He must at last refuse to acknowledge. Inflated with self-sufficiency, they have had all hope that it would be well with their soul. All at once the mirror of detection reveals to them the evil that their hearts have practiced and at the same time shows them the impossibility of reform. Every effort was made to bring them to repentance. But they stormed out words of defiance and refused to humble their hearts. Now the bitter lamentation is heard, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved.” [See Jeremiah 8:20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 44, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 44, 1903, par. 36

God is not pleased with the position that His people are taking. Instead of gathering with Him, they are scattering abroad. They are using common fire instead of the sacred fire of the Lord’s kindling. God would save them from their sins. He would keep them from wasting their endowments and from the bitter remorse that will come to them if they do not make their life the success that God desires them to make it. There are those who, if they do not immediately retrace their steps, will at last bear the sad message: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” [Jeremiah 8:20.] In many things they are unwise and unfaithful. Their voices strengthen unbelief; and because they make strange paths for their feet, many are cast into uncertainty and confusion.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 103, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 103, 1903, par. 3

All who will turn to the Lord, repenting of their sins, will be saved. To be converted means to be born again, not of the flesh, but of the Spirit. There are many, many in our churches who know little of the real meaning of the truth for this time. They have not searched for truth with humble, contrite hearts. I appeal to the members of our churches not to disregard the fulfilling of the signs of the times, which says so plainly that the end is near. O how many who have cared not for the salvation of their souls will soon make the bitter lamentation, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved.” [Jeremiah 8:20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 119, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 119, 1904, par. 18

I have a message for the members of the Wessels family. Our God is watching over the broad field of the world, and He calls upon the Wessels family to do their heaven-appointed work without delay. If they do not, they will be among the multitude whose voices will soon be raised in the bitter lamentation: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved. Why did I not flee to the stronghold for refuge! Why have I trifled with my soul’s salvation, and done despite to the spirit of grace!” [See Jeremiah 8:20; Hebrews 10:29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 79, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, par. 32

And so today. Confusion of faith will hold in error many minds, and it is useless to cast pearls before swine; for they will trample them under their feet and turn again and rend you. There are men who are so united to theories of satanic origin that they will continue to resist the truth to the bitter end, when from their lips shall be forced the agonized cry, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” [Jeremiah 8:20.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

An Ever-Widening Work

7T 16.1

At the day of judgment there comes to the lost a full realization of the meaning of the sacrifice made on Calvary. They see what they have lost by refusing to be loyal. They think of the high, pure association it was their privilege to gain. But it is too late. The last call has been made. The wail is heard: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jeremiah 8:20.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 95, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, par. 72

My Father, my Father, I present before Thee the merits of our Redeemer, Thy Son Jesus, who suffered the awful agonies of the cross to redeem the race. I plead with Thee that Thou wouldst break up the fallow ground of the heart, in order that the seeds of truth may become fastened in the mind, and spring up and bear the best kind of fruit, to the glory of God. We cannot endure the thought that of the large number who are in this congregation, many at last may say that “the harvest is past, the summer is ended,” the final proffers of salvation have been made, and my soul is not saved! [Jeremiah 8:20.] What an awful acknowledgment this would be! Break, I pray Thee, break the minds of the congregation, so that every one of us may seek Thee with all the heart, as we go out from this house, in order that we may carry with us the impression of the Spirit of God. Help, oh, help us to be converted, that the light of heaven may come into our minds and our souls, and that we may have something to say in honor of Jesus, to glorify His name upon the earth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 298, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 298, 1907, par. 7

At the close of your meetings, opportunity should be given for those who wish to bear testimony for God. A call should be made for the careless and indifferent to give themselves to Christ. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” [2 Corinthians 6:2.] The sweet influence of the Holy Spirit will convict and convert souls. We have earnest work to do, and time is very short. Soon the wails of a world’s sorrow will be heard in the cry, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended; and we are not saved.” [Jeremiah 8:20.] Now is the time to make our calling and election sure. Thousands of souls can be reached by simple, humble methods of labor. The Lord has a work for men as well as women to do. Through those who are meek and lowly in heart, He will speak words that will rescue souls that are perishing.

The Upward Look

Justice Will Take the Throne, October 14

UL 301.5

Today Christ is looking with sadness upon those whose characters He must at last refuse to acknowledge. Inflated with self-sufficiency, they hope that it will be well with their souls. But at the last great day, the mirror of detection reveals to them the evil that their hearts have practiced, and shows them at the same time the impossibility of reform. Every effort was made to bring them to repentance. But they refused to humble their hearts. Now the bitter lamentation is heard, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved” (cf. Jeremiah 8:20)....

Ye Shall Receive Power

No Time to Lose, June 29

YRP 189.1

The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. Jeremiah 8:20.

The Review and Herald

January 20, 1903

RH January 20, 1903, Art. A, par. 10

At the day of judgment there comes to the lost a full realization of the meaning of the sacrifice made on Calvary. They see what they have lost by refusing to be loyal. They think of the high, pure association it was their privilege to gain. But it is too late. The last call has been made. The wail is heard, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jeremiah 8:20.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 1, 1878

3LtMs, Ms 1, 1878, par. 46

Sister Graham, see that you smite not the hand that protects God’s people; for it holds the sword of justice. Your course for years in the past has been opened before me, and though I tell it not here, you have a record which you will not wish to meet in the day of God. You are far from Christ; you have a combative, destructive spirit that is contrary to the spirit of the gospel. If you could see yourself as you appear in the sight of God, you would no longer pry into the faults of others or seek to correct their errors; for a lifework is before you to set your own heart in order. The history of your life, with all its unconfessed and unforgiven sins, has gone up to heaven. What excuse will you urge before God for these wrongs? Could you realize your defects, you would take up your neglected home duties, correct your own ways in the fear of God, and cherish a meek and lowly spirit. You must in your daily life give evidence of repentance and conversion, or at the last you will take up the sad lament, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and I am not saved.” [Jeremiah 8:20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 6, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 6, 1892, par. 52

The inquiry should be, What am I doing with my Lord’s entrusted talents? The day of reckoning is soon to come. The account has passed, and is passing, into eternity—the record of talents wisely improved, of talents misused and abused. God will deal personally with each individual. The Master, who bestowed His goods, will scrutinize every talent returned. Who is appreciating the solemn moments of this life that are deciding our destiny for the future? God grant to awaken the human agent from his death-like slumber before it shall be forever too late and the cry shall come from his horror-stricken soul, “The harvest is passed, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jeremiah 8:20.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 62, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 62, 1896, par. 7

My sister, do not trifle with this message, for it is from the Lord. He desires you to be a witness for Him. He wants you to arise and co-operate with Him, and He has let light shine into your mind to awaken your conscience; but cheap, frivolous things have occupied your mind, and you have not become transformed in character. You have not opened the door of your heart to the heavenly Guest. You have not cherished a love for the truth, but have forgotten its claims, and it has become a dead letter to you. Testimonies from the Spirit of God have no influence over you. Will it continue to be thus till the close of time? If so, you will be obliged to say, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved.” [See Jeremiah 8:20.] The hours you spend in pleasure are fast passing away. Day by day, hour by hour, you are deciding your own destiny for weal or for woe. Which shall it be? You case will soon be decided for ever. Turn to the Lord before it is too late; for He is long suffering and plenteous in mercy.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 124, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 124, 1899, par. 12

There have been those, and unless constant watchfulness is exercised there will ever be those, who are not true and faithful, men and women who are not able to discern the sacredness of the work given them to do. Seeing, they see not, and hearing, they hear not, neither do they understand. Their will is not on the side of the will of God. They do not love the truth, and it has not a sanctifying, refining influence upon them. The time will come when the sensual, the proud, the careless in heart, those who are opposed to the truth, will have to be separated from the office. Darkness will close about them, and soon, very soon, the cry will come from unfeigned lips, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved.” [See Jeremiah 8:20.] They are gathering in bundles with the tares, to be consumed by the fires of the last day.

To Be Like Jesus

Prepare Wholesome Diet Without Flesh Meats, October 28

BLJ 317.1

Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery for the health of the daughter of my people? Jeremiah 8:22, NKJV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 5, 1851

1LtMs, Lt 5, 1851, par. 2

I have seen in vision that tobacco was a filthy weed, and that it must be laid aside or given up. Said my accompanying angel, “If it is an idol it is high time it was given up, and unless it is given up the frown of God will be upon the one that uses it and he cannot be sealed with the seal of the living God. If it is used as a medicine, Go to God, He is the great Physician and those that use the filthy weed for medicine greatly dishonor God.” There is a “balm in Gilead”; there is a “physician there.” [Jeremiah 8:22.] “Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.” “Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.” [Isaiah 52:11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 2, 1883

4LtMs, Ms 2, 1883, par. 7

I am pained, brethren, as the weak, sickly condition of our churches is opened before me. “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?” [Jeremiah 8:22.] Must we decide that the presidents of our conferences have done the best? I would be loath to do this. We know that the heavenly universe is disappointed in them, because they do not co-operate with God. There are many churches in our conferences which are ready to die, testifying to a lack of the grace of Christ in the hearts of the men appointed to act as ministers. God does not accept the work done in these churches. He cannot say to those ministers, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:23.] Brethren, I have been shown that the presidents of our conferences are not as efficient as God would have them. He has made every provision that they might have His grace and power to do the work the churches are suffering for.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 9a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 9a, 1893, par. 4

The Spirit of the Lord was upon me, and from that time I have had physical strength. For a while before, I was unable to write, my mental machinery was about <ready> to stop; but it was quickened by the power of God, and I praise His holy name for what He has done for me in giving me the “balm of Gilead,” and the healing power of the great Physician. [Jeremiah 8:22.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 32, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 32, 1895, par. 6

The Great Healer speaks to you, “Believe in Me; trust the keeping of your soul to Me.” There is not a sorrow, there is not a grievance, there is not a human weakness for which God has not provided a remedy. He has not passed you by; temptest-tossed you may be, but listen to the voice of Jesus as He says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” [John 14:27.] “There is balm in Gilead; there is a physician there.” [See Jeremiah 8:22.] He wants you to trust Him implicitly. He wants you to put away your doubts, and rejoice in His loving-kindness and tender pitying love. Whatever difficulties you labor under, which weigh down soul and body like a cruel bondage, He waits to make you free.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 77, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 77, 1899, par. 12

Do you want to be healed from your sins? Heed the invitation of Christ. Come to Him of your own free will, and put yourself under the care of this mighty Healer. Then Christ can say to you as He did to the poor paralytic, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” [Mark 2:5, 9.] We must understand this soul-healing. Then we shall not inquire, “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?” [Jeremiah 8:22.] There is One who is longing to be your Healer, One who has all power. But you must place yourself under His care, to do His will and take His prescriptions. He may say to the man whose physical and spiritual health is in danger, You must have a change of climate. You must no longer breathe a malarious atmosphere. You will be helped in every way by this change.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Compassionate Physician, August 31

JNN 257.1

Is there no balm in Gilead,
Is there no physician there?
Why then is there no recovery
For the health of the daughter of my people?
—Jeremiah 8:22