EGW WritingsJohn 14

Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 7

John 14:1-31

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 73—“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”

HLv 445.1

Judas had left the upper chamber, and Christ was alone with the eleven. He was about to speak of His approaching separation from them; but before this He pointed to the great object of His mission. He kept ever before Him His joy that all His humiliation and suffering would glorify the Father’s name. To this He first directed the thoughts of His disciples.

HLv 445.2

Their Master and Lord, their beloved Teacher and Friend, was dearer to them than life. Now He was to leave them. Dark were the forebodings that filled their hearts.

HLv 445.3

But the Saviour’s words were full of hope. He knew that Satan’s craft is most successful against those who are depressed by difficulties. Therefore He turned their thoughts to the heavenly home: “Let not your hearts be troubled... . In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” When I go away, I shall still work earnestly for you. I go to the Father to cooperate with Him in your behalf.

HLv 445.4

Christ’s departure was the opposite of what the disciples feared—it did not mean a final separation. He was going to prepare a place for them, that He might receive them to Himself. While He was building mansions for them, they were to build characters after the divine similitude.

HLv 446.1

Thomas, troubled by doubts, said, “Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.”

HLv 446.2

There are not many ways to heaven. Each may not choose his own way. Christ was the way by which patriarchs and prophets were saved. He is the way by which alone we can have access to God.

HLv 446.3

But not yet did the disciples understand. “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us,” exclaimed Philip. Christ asked with pained surprise, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip?” Is it possible that you do not see the Father in the works He does through Me? “How sayest thou, Show us the Father?” “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.” Christ had not ceased to be God when He became man; the Godhead was still His own. Christ’s work testified to His divinity. Through Him the Father had been revealed.

HLv 446.4

If the disciples believed this vital connection between the Father and the Son, their faith would not forsake them when they saw Christ’s suffering and death. How perseveringly our Saviour sought to prepare His disciples for the storm of temptation soon to beat upon them. All present felt a sacred awe as they listened with rapt attention to His words. And as their hearts were drawn to Christ in greater love, they were drawn to one another. They felt that heaven was very near.

HLv 446.5

The Saviour was anxious for His disciples to understand why His divinity was united to humanity. He came to the world to display the glory of God, that man might be uplifted by its restoring power. Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.

HLv 447.1

“Greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” By this Christ meant that the disciples’ work would have greater extent under the working of the Holy Spirit. After the Lord’s ascension, the disciples realized the fulfillment of His promise. They knew that the divine Teacher was all that He had claimed to be. As they exalted the love of God, men’s hearts were subdued, and multitudes believed on Jesus.

HLv 447.2

The Saviour explained that the secret of their success would be in asking for strength and grace in His name. The prayer of the humble suppliant He presents before the Father as His own desire in that soul’s behalf. Sincere prayer may not be fluently expressed, but it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers. He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, fragrant with the incense of His own perfection.

HLv 447.3

The path of sincerity and integrity is not free from obstruction, but in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,” said Jesus, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

HLv 447.4

In Christ’s name His followers are to stand before God. Because of the imputed righteousness of Christ they are accounted precious. The Lord does not see in them the vileness of the sinner. He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son, in whom they believe.

HLv 447.5

The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate on themselves. God wanted them, else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them. He is well pleased when they make the very highest demands on Him, that they may glorify His name. They may expect large things if they have faith in His promises.

HLv 447.6

But to pray in Christ’s name means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him show their love by obedience.

HLv 448.1

All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so blend our hearts and minds in conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will finds its highest delight in doing His service. Our life will be a life of continual obedience. Sin will become hateful to us.

HLv 448.2

As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. But we cannot depend for counsel on humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And power for obedience, for service, will be imparted to them, as Christ has promised.

HLv 448.4

The Holy Spirit is Christ’s representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. It was for their interest that He should go, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any advantage because of his location. By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all.

HLv 449.1

Jesus read the future of His disciples. He saw one brought to the scaffold, one to the cross, one to exile among the lonely rocks of the sea, others to persecution and death. But in every trial He would be with them. When for the truth’s sake the believer stands at the bar of unrighteous tribunals, Christ stands by his side. The reproaches that fall on him, fall on Christ. When one is incarcerated in prison walls, Christ ravishes the heart with His love.

HLv 449.2

At all times and in all places, when we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend, but no circumstance can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. He is always at our right hand to sustain and cheer.

HLv 449.3

The disciples still failed to understand Christ’s words, and again He explained: By the Spirit He would manifest Himself to them. “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things.” No more will you say, I cannot comprehend.

HLv 449.4

Through the disciples Christ was to speak to all the people on the face of the earth. But in the death of Christ they were to suffer great disappointment. That after this experience their word might be accurate, Jesus promised that the Comforter should “bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” “When He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.”

HLv 450.1

Jesus’ disciples had been educated to accept the teaching of the rabbis as the voice of God, and it still held a power over their minds. Earthly ideas still had a large place in their thoughts. They did not understand the spiritual nature of Christ’s kingdom. Many of His lessons seemed almost lost on them. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit should recall these sayings to their minds.

HLv 450.2

The Comforter is called “the Spirit of truth.” His work is to define and maintain truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort in truth, but no real comfort in falsehood. Through false traditions Satan gains his power over the mind. False standards misshape the character. The Holy Spirit exposes error and expels it from the soul. By the Spirit of truth, working through the Word of God, Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.

HLv 450.3

Jesus sought to inspire His disciples with the joy and hope that inspired His own heart. He rejoiced because the Holy Spirit was the highest of all gifts He could solicit from His Father for His people. The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come in the fullness of divine power. The Spirit makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. By the Spirit the heart is made pure. Christ has given His Spirit to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character on His church. The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people.

HLv 451.1

“When He [the Spirit of truth] is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” The preaching of the Word will be of no avail without the presence of the Holy Spirit. Only when truth is accompanied to the heart by the Spirit will it quicken the conscience or transform the life. Unless the Holy Spirit sets home the truth, no souls will fall on the Rock and be broken. No advantages, however great, can make one a channel of light.

HLv 451.2

HLv 451.3

Before leaving the upper chamber, the Saviour led His disciples in a song of praise. His voice was heard, not in the strains of some mournful lament, but in the joyful notes of the Passover hallel:

O praise the Lord, all ye nations:
Praise Him, all ye people.
For His merciful kindness is great toward us:
And the truth of the Lord endureth forever.
Praise ye the Lord.
Psalm 117

HLv 451.4

After the hymn they made their way out of the city gate toward the Mount of Olives. Slowly they proceeded, each busy with his own thoughts. As they began to descend toward the mount, Jesus said, “All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered abroad.” Matthew 26:31. In the upper chamber Jesus had said that one of the twelve would betray Him and that Peter would deny Him. But now His words include them all.

HLv 452.1

Now Peter’s voice was heard, protesting, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” Jesus had warned him that he would that very night deny his Saviour. Now He repeated the warning: “Verily I say unto thee, that this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice.” But Peter only “spake the more vehemently, If I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.” Mark 14:29-31.

HLv 452.2

When Peter said he would follow his Lord to prison and to death, he meant every word of it, but he did not know himself. Hidden in his heart were elements of evil that circumstances would fan into life. Unless he was made conscious of his danger, these would prove his eternal ruin. The Saviour saw in him a self-love that would overbear even his love for Christ. Peter needed to distrust himself and to have a deeper faith in Christ. When on the Sea of Galilee he was about to sink, he cried, “Lord, save me.” So now if he had cried, Save me from myself, he would have been kept. But Peter thought it cruel that he was distrusted, and he became more persistent in his self-confidence.

HLv 452.3

Jesus could not save His disciples from the trial, but He did not leave them comfortless. Before the denial, they had the assurance of forgiveness. After His death and resurrection, they knew they were forgiven and were dear to the heart of Christ.

HLv 452.4

Jesus and the disciples were on the way to Gethsemane, at the foot of Mount Olivet. The moon was shining brightly and revealed to Him a flourishing grapevine. Drawing the attention of His disciples to it, Jesus said, “I am the true vine.” The vine with its clinging tendrils represents Himself. The palm tree, the cedar, and the oak stand alone; they require no support. But the vine entwines about the trellis, and thus climbs heavenward. So Christ in His humanity was dependent upon divine power. “I can of Mine own self do nothing.” John 5:30.

HLv 453.1

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman.” On the hills of Palestine our heavenly Father had planted this goodly Vine. Many were attracted by the beauty of this Vine, and declared its heavenly origin. But the leaders in Israel trampled the plant under their unholy feet. After men thought they had killed it, the heavenly Husbandman took it and replanted it on the other side of the wall. The vine stock was to be no longer visible. It was hidden from the rude assaults of men. But the branches of the Vine hung over the wall, and through them grafts might still be united to the Vine.

HLv 453.2

The connection of the branch with the vine, Jesus said, represents the relation His followers are to sustain to Him. The scion is engrafted into the living vine, and fiber by fiber, vein by vein, it grows into the vine stock. So the soul receives life through connection with Christ. The sinner unites His weakness to Christ’s strength, his emptiness to Christ’s fullness. Then he has the mind of Christ. The humanity of Christ has touched our humanity, and our humanity has touched divinity.

HLv 453.3

This union must be maintained. Christ said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” This is no off-and-on connection. The branch becomes a part of the living vine. The life you have received from Me, said Jesus, can be preserved only by continual communion. Without Me you cannot overcome sin or resist temptation. We are to cling to Jesus and receive from Him by faith the perfection of His own character.

HLv 453.4

The root sends its nourishment through the branch to the outermost twig. “He that abideth in Me,” said Jesus, “and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing.

HLv 454.1

“My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away.” There may be an apparent connection with Christ without a real union with Him by faith. A profession of religion places men in the church, but the character shows whether they are in connection with Christ. If they bear no fruit, they are false branches. “If a man abide not in Me,” said Christ, “he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”

HLv 454.2

“And every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth [pruneth] it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” From the Twelve who had followed Jesus, one as a withered branch was about to be taken away; the rest were to pass under the pruning knife of bitter trial. The pruning will cause pain, but it is the Father who applies the knife. He works with no wanton hand. Excessive foliage that draws away the life current from the fruit must be pruned off. Overgrowth must be cut out to give room for the healing beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The husbandman prunes away the harmful growth, that the fruit may be more abundant.

HLv 454.3

“Herein is My Father glorified,” said Jesus, “that ye bear much fruit.” God desires to manifest through you the holiness, benevolence, and compassion of His own character. Yet the Saviour does not bid the disciples labor to bear fruit. He tells them to abide in Him. Through the Word Christ abides in His followers. The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him. Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, you bear fruit after the similitude of Christ.

HLv 454.4

Jesus’ very first injunction when alone with His disciples in the upper chamber was, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” To the disciples this commandment was new, for they had not loved one another as Christ had loved them. But through His life and death they were to receive a new conception of love. The command to love one another had a new meaning in the light of His self-sacrifice.

HLv 455.1

When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest, but by love, they show the working of an influence that is above every human influence. It is evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity. This love, manifested in the church, will surely stir the wrath of Satan. “If the world hate you,” He said, “ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will yours keep also. But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me.” The gospel is to be carried forward in the midst of opposition, peril, loss, and suffering.

HLv 455.2

As the world’s Redeemer, Christ was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He seemed to do little of the work He longed to do. Satanic influences were constantly working to oppose His way. But He would not be discouraged. Through Isaiah He declares, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely My judgment is with the Lord, and My work with My God.” Isaiah 49:4.

HLv 455.3

Upon this word Jesus rested, and He gave Satan no advantage. When the deepest sorrow was closing about His soul, He said to His disciples, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.” “The prince of this world is judged.” Now shall he be cast out. John 14:30; 16:11; 12:31.

HLv 456.1

Christ knew that when He should exclaim, “It is finished,” all heaven would triumph. His ear caught the distant music and the shouts of victory in the heavenly courts. He knew that the name of Christ would be heralded from world to world throughout the universe. He knew that truth, armed with the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil. He knew that the life of His trusting disciples would be like His, a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter.

HLv 456.2

Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged, and His followers are to manifest a faith of the same enduring nature. They are to live as He lived and work as He worked. Instead of deploring difficulties, they are to surmount them, to despair of nothing.

HLv 456.3

Christ designs that heaven’s order and divine harmony shall be represented in His church and on earth. Thus through His people He may receive a large revenue of glory. The church, endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depositary, in which the riches of His grace and love are to appear in full display. Christ looks on His people in their purity and perfection as the reward of His humiliation and the supplement of His glory.

HLv 456.4

With strong, hopeful words the Saviour ended His instruction. He had finished the work given Him to do. He had manifested the Father’s name and gathered out those who were to continue His work among men.

HLv 456.5

As a consecrated high priest Christ interceded for His people: “Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are.” “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; ... that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.”

HLv 456.6

Christ gave His elect church into the Father’s arms. For Him there waited the last battle with Satan, and He went forth to meet it.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]

MR No. 1547—Trials and Blessings at the Newcastle Camp Meeting; Abiding in Christ and Resting in His Love

21MR 233.1

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

MR No. 158—EGW’s Visit to Sands (Stanley), Va., November 5-11, 1890

2MR 328.3

I spoke to a full house in the afternoon from John 14. The Lord put His Holy Spirit upon me in large measure. There was a large attendance of unbelievers. We hoped when we made the call for all who wished to take their stand for the Lord more fully, that several would have strength to decide, but something held them. The enemy seemed to have power over them and none led out on this occasion. After much labor, and a season of earnest prayer, some responded, and yet we felt that there should have been a more earnest response. We had done our duty. We could do no more. But we were disappointed at the reluctance to move. Many were in the house that we knew were not in a prepared state to work for the Master, either in their own house, or in their neighborhood, or in the church, but it seemed that a spell was upon them.

From Heaven With Love

How the Holy Spirit Makes Christ’s Work for Us Effective

HLv 448.3

Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim Christ sought for the most essential gift to bestow on His followers. “I will pray the Father,” He said, “and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans: I will come to you.” John 14:16-18, margin. While Christ was on earth, the disciples had desired no other helper. Not until deprived of His presence would they feel their need of the Spirit, and then He would come.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 73—“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”

DA 662.1

Looking upon His disciples with divine love and with the tenderest sympathy, Christ said, “Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in Him.” Judas had left the upper chamber, and Christ was alone with the eleven. He was about to speak of His approaching separation from them; but before doing this He pointed to the great object of His mission. It was this that He kept ever before Him. It was His joy that all His humiliation and suffering would glorify the Father’s name. To this He first directs the thoughts of His disciples.

DA 662.2

Then addressing them by the endearing term, “Little children,” He said, “Yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.”

DA 662.3

The disciples could not rejoice when they heard this. Fear fell upon them. They pressed close about the Saviour. Their Master and Lord, their beloved Teacher and Friend, He was dearer to them than life. To Him they had looked for help in all their difficulties, for comfort in their sorrows and disappointments. Now He was to leave them, a lonely, dependent company. Dark were the forebodings that filled their hearts.

DA 662.4

But the Saviour’s words to them were full of hope. He knew that they were to be assailed by the enemy, and that Satan’s craft is most successful against those who are depressed by difficulties. Therefore He pointed them away from “the things which are seen,” to “the things which are not seen.” 2 Corinthians 4:18. From earthly exile He turned their thoughts to the heavenly home.

DA 663.1

“Let not your heart be troubled,” He said; “ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” For your sake I came into the world. I am working in your behalf. When I go away, I shall still work earnestly for you. I came into the world to reveal Myself to you, that you might believe. I go to the Father to co-operate with Him in your behalf. The object of Christ’s departure was the opposite of what the disciples feared. It did not mean a final separation. He was going to prepare a place for them, that He might come again, and receive them unto Himself. While He was building mansions for them, they were to build characters after the divine similitude.

DA 663.2

Still the disciples were perplexed. Thomas, always troubled by doubts, said, “Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.”

DA 663.3

There are not many ways to heaven. Each one may not choose his own way. Christ says, “I am the way: ... no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” Since the first gospel sermon was preached, when in Eden it was declared that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head, Christ had been uplifted as the way, the truth, and the life. He was the way when Adam lived, when Abel presented to God the blood of the slain lamb, representing the blood of the Redeemer. Christ was the way by which patriarchs and prophets were saved. He is the way by which alone we can have access to God.

DA 663.4

“If ye had known Me,” Christ said, “ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.” But not yet did the disciples understand. “Lord, show us the Father,” exclaimed Philip, “and it sufficeth us.”

DA 663.5

Amazed at his dullness of comprehension, Christ asked with pained surprise, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip?” Is it possible that you do not see the Father in the works He does through Me? Do you not believe that I came to testify of the Father? “How sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.” Christ had not ceased to be God when He became man. Though He had humbled Himself to humanity, the Godhead was still His own. Christ alone could represent the Father to humanity, and this representation the disciples had been privileged to behold for over three years.

DA 664.1

“Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake.” Their faith might safely rest on the evidence given in Christ’s works, works that no man, of himself, ever had done, or ever could do. Christ’s work testified to His divinity. Through Him the Father had been revealed.

DA 664.2

If the disciples believed this vital connection between the Father and the Son, their faith would not forsake them when they saw Christ’s suffering and death to save a perishing world. Christ was seeking to lead them from their low condition of faith to the experience they might receive if they truly realized what He was,—God in human flesh. He desired them to see that their faith must lead up to God, and be anchored there. How earnestly and perseveringly our compassionate Saviour sought to prepare His disciples for the storm of temptation that was soon to beat upon them. He would have them hid with Him in God.

DA 664.3

As Christ was speaking these words, the glory of God was shining from His countenance, and all present felt a sacred awe as they listened with rapt attention to His words. Their hearts were more decidedly drawn to Him; and as they were drawn to Christ in greater love, they were drawn to one another. They felt that heaven was very near, and that the words to which they listened were a message to them from their heavenly Father.

DA 664.4

“Verily, verily, I say unto you,” Christ continued, “He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also.” The Saviour was deeply anxious for His disciples to understand for what purpose His divinity was united to humanity. He came to the world to display the glory of God, that man might be uplifted by its restoring power. God was manifested in Him that He might be manifested in them. Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.

DA 664.5

“And greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” By this Christ did not mean that the disciples’ work would be of a more exalted character than His, but that it would have greater extent. He did not refer merely to miracle working, but to all that would take place under the working of the Holy Spirit.

DA 667.1

After the Lord’s ascension, the disciples realized the fulfillment of His promise. The scenes of the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ were a living reality to them. They saw that the prophecies had been literally fulfilled. They searched the Scriptures, and accepted their teaching with a faith and assurance unknown before. They knew that the divine Teacher was all that He had claimed to be. As they told their experience, and exalted the love of God, men’s hearts were melted and subdued, and multitudes believed on Jesus.

DA 667.2

The Saviour’s promise to His disciples is a promise to His church to the end of time. God did not design that His wonderful plan to redeem men should achieve only insignificant results. All who will go to work, trusting not in what they themselves can do, but in what God can do for and through them, will certainly realize the fulfillment of His promise. “Greater works than these shall ye do,” He declares; “because I go unto My Father.”

DA 667.3

As yet the disciples were unacquainted with the Saviour’s unlimited resources and power. He said to them, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name.” John 16:24. He explained that the secret of their success would be in asking for strength and grace in His name. He would be present before the Father to make request for them. The prayer of the humble suppliant He presents as His own desire in that soul’s behalf. Every sincere prayer is heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His own perfection.

DA 667.4

The path of sincerity and integrity is not a path free from obstruction, but in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer. There is no one living who has any power that he has not received from God, and the source whence it comes is open to the weakest human being. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,” said Jesus, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

DA 667.5

“In My name,” Christ bade His disciples pray. In Christ’s name His followers are to stand before God. Through the value of the sacrifice made for them, they are of value in the Lord’s sight. Because of the imputed righteousness of Christ they are accounted precious. For Christ’s sake the Lord pardons those that fear Him. He does not see in them the vileness of the sinner. He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son, in whom they believe.

DA 668.1

The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate upon themselves. He desires His chosen heritage to value themselves according to the price He has placed upon them. God wanted them, else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them. He has a use for them, and He is well pleased when they make the very highest demands upon Him, that they may glorify His name. They may expect large things if they have faith in His promises.

DA 668.2

But to pray in Christ’s name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour’s promise is given on condition. “If ye love Me,” He says, “keep My commandments.” He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience.

DA 668.3

All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.

DA 668.4

As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. But we are not to place the responsibility of our duty upon others, and wait for them to tell us what to do. We cannot depend for counsel upon humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And they will receive not only wisdom, but strength. Power for obedience, for service, will be imparted to them, as Christ has promised. Whatever was given to Christ—the “all things” to supply the need of fallen men—was given to Him as the head and representative of humanity. And “whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22.

DA 668.5

Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim, Christ sought for the most essential and complete gift to bestow upon His followers, a gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of grace. “I will pray the Father,” He said, “and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans: I will come to you.” John 14:16-18, margin.

DA 669.1

Before this the Spirit had been in the world; from the very beginning of the work of redemption He had been moving upon men’s hearts. But while Christ was on earth, the disciples had desired no other helper. Not until they were deprived of His presence would they feel their need of the Spirit, and then He would come.

DA 669.2

The Holy Spirit is Christ’s representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any advantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ. By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all. In this sense He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high.

DA 669.3

“He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.” Jesus read the future of His disciples. He saw one brought to the scaffold, one to the cross, one to exile among the lonely rocks of the sea, others to persecution and death. He encouraged them with the promise that in every trial He would be with them. That promise has lost none of its force. The Lord knows all about His faithful servants who for His sake are lying in prison or who are banished to lonely islands. He comforts them with His own presence. When for the truth’s sake the believer stands at the bar of unrighteous tribunals, Christ stands by his side. All the reproaches that fall upon him, fall upon Christ. Christ is condemned over again in the person of His disciple. When one is incarcerated in prison walls, Christ ravishes the heart with His love. When one suffers death for His sake, Christ says, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, ... and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18. The life that is sacrificed for Me is preserved unto eternal glory.

DA 669.4

At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend; but no circumstance, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer.

DA 670.1

The disciples still failed to understand Christ’s words in their spiritual sense, and again He explained His meaning. By the Spirit, He said, He would manifest Himself to them. “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things.” No more will you say, I cannot comprehend. No longer will you see through a glass, darkly. You shall “be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” Ephesians 3:18, 19.

DA 670.2

The disciples were to bear witness to the life and work of Christ. Through their word He was to speak to all the people on the face of the earth. But in the humiliation and death of Christ they were to suffer great trial and disappointment. That after this experience their word might be accurate, Jesus promised that the Comforter should “bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

DA 670.3

“I have yet many things to say unto you,” He continued, “but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.” Jesus had opened before His disciples a vast tract of truth. But it was most difficult for them to keep His lessons distinct from the traditions and maxims of the scribes and Pharisees. They had been educated to accept the teaching of the rabbis as the voice of God, and it still held a power over their minds, and molded their sentiments. Earthly ideas, temporal things, still had a large place in their thoughts. They did not understand the spiritual nature of Christ’s kingdom, though He had so often explained it to them. Their minds had become confused. They did not comprehend the value of the scriptures Christ presented. Many of His lessons seemed almost lost upon them. Jesus saw that they did not lay hold of the real meaning of His words. He compassionately promised that the Holy Spirit should recall these sayings to their minds. And He had left unsaid many things that could not be comprehended by the disciples. These also would be opened to them by the Spirit. The Spirit was to quicken their understanding, that they might have an appreciation of heavenly things. “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come,” said Jesus, “He will guide you into all truth.”

DA 671.1

The Comforter is called “the Spirit of truth.” His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. It is through false theories and traditions that Satan gains his power over the mind. By directing men to false standards, he misshapes the character. Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.

DA 671.2

In describing to His disciples the office work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus sought to inspire them with the joy and hope that inspired His own heart. He rejoiced because of the abundant help He had provided for His church. The Holy Spirit was the highest of all gifts that He could solicit from His Father for the exaltation of His people. The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church.

DA 671.3

Of the Spirit Jesus said, “He shall glorify Me.” The Saviour came to glorify the Father by the demonstration of His love; so the Spirit was to glorify Christ by revealing His grace to the world. The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people.

DA 671.4

“When He [the Spirit of truth] is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” The preaching of the word will be of no avail without the continual presence and aid of the Holy Spirit. This is the only effectual teacher of divine truth. Only when the truth is accompanied to the heart by the Spirit will it quicken the conscience or transform the life. One might be able to present the letter of the word of God, he might be familiar with all its commands and promises; but unless the Holy Spirit sets home the truth, no souls will fall on the Rock and be broken. No amount of education, no advantages, however great, can make one a channel of light without the co-operation of the Spirit of God. The sowing of the gospel seed will not be a success unless the seed is quickened into life by the dew of heaven. Before one book of the New Testament was written, before one gospel sermon had been preached after Christ’s ascension, the Holy Spirit came upon the praying apostles. Then the testimony of their enemies was, “Ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine.” Acts 5:28.

DA 672.1

Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord’s promise; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works in His people “to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive.

DA 672.2

In His discourse to the disciples, Jesus made no mournful allusion to His own sufferings and death. His last legacy to them was a legacy of peace. He said, “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.”

DA 672.3

Before leaving the upper chamber, the Saviour led His disciples in a song of praise. His voice was heard, not in the strains of some mournful lament, but in the joyful notes of the Passover hallel:

DA 672.4

“O praise the Lord, all ye nations:
Praise Him, all ye people.
For His merciful kindness is great toward us:
And the truth of the Lord endureth forever.
Praise ye the Lord.” Psalm 117.

DA 673.1

After the hymn, they went out. Through the crowded streets they made their way, passing out of the city gate toward the Mount of Olives. Slowly they proceeded, each busy with his own thoughts. As they began to descend toward the mount, Jesus said, in a tone of deepest sadness, “All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” Matthew 26:31. The disciples listened in sorrow and amazement. They remembered how in the synagogue at Capernaum, when Christ spoke of Himself as the bread of life, many had been offended, and had turned away from Him. But the twelve had not shown themselves unfaithful. Peter, speaking for his brethren, had then declared his loyalty to Christ. Then the Saviour had said, “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” John 6:70. In the upper chamber Jesus said that one of the twelve would betray Him, and that Peter would deny Him. But now His words include them all.

DA 673.2

Now Peter’s voice is heard vehemently protesting, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” In the upper chamber he had declared, “I will lay down my life for Thy sake.” Jesus had warned him that he would that very night deny his Saviour. Now Christ repeats the warning: “Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice.” But Peter only “spake the more vehemently, If I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in anywise. Likewise also said they all.” Mark 14:29, 30, 31. In their self-confidence they denied the repeated statement of Him who knew. They were unprepared for the test; when temptation should overtake them, they would understand their own weakness.

DA 673.3

When Peter said he would follow his Lord to prison and to death, he meant it, every word of it; but he did not know himself. Hidden in his heart were elements of evil that circumstances would fan into life. Unless he was made conscious of his danger, these would prove his eternal ruin. The Saviour saw in him a self-love and assurance that would overbear even his love for Christ. Much of infirmity, of unmortified sin, carelessness of spirit, unsanctified temper, heedlessness in entering into temptation, had been revealed in his experience. Christ’s solemn warning was a call to heart searching. Peter needed to distrust himself, and to have a deeper faith in Christ. Had he in humility received the warning, he would have appealed to the Shepherd of the flock to keep His sheep. When on the Sea of Galilee he was about to sink, he cried, “Lord, save me.” Matthew 14:30. Then the hand of Christ was outstretched to grasp his hand. So now if he had cried to Jesus, Save me from myself, he would have been kept. But Peter felt that he was distrusted, and he thought it cruel. He was already offended, and he became more persistent in his self-confidence.

DA 674.1

Jesus looks with compassion on His disciples. He cannot save them from the trial, but He does not leave them comfortless. He assures them that He is to break the fetters of the tomb, and that His love for them will not fail. “After I am risen again,” He says, “I will go before you into Galilee.” Matthew 26:32. Before the denial, they have the assurance of forgiveness. After His death and resurrection, they knew that they were forgiven, and were dear to the heart of Christ.

DA 674.2

Jesus and the disciples were on the way to Gethsemane, at the foot of Mount Olivet, a retired spot which He had often visited for meditation and prayer. The Saviour had been explaining to His disciples His mission to the world, and the spiritual relation to Him which they were to sustain. Now He illustrates the lesson. The moon is shining bright, and reveals to Him a flourishing grapevine. Drawing the attention of the disciples to it, He employs it as a symbol.

DA 674.3

“I am the true Vine,” He says. Instead of choosing the graceful palm, the lofty cedar, or the strong oak, Jesus takes the vine with its clinging tendrils to represent Himself. The palm tree, the cedar, and the oak stand alone. They require no support. But the vine entwines about the trellis, and thus climbs heavenward. So Christ in His humanity was dependent upon divine power. “I can of Mine own self do nothing,” He declared. John 5:30.

DA 675.1

“I am the true Vine.” The Jews had always regarded the vine as the most noble of plants, and a type of all that was powerful, excellent, and fruitful. Israel had been represented as a vine which God had planted in the Promised Land. The Jews based their hope of salvation on the fact of their connection with Israel. But Jesus says, I am the real Vine. Think not that through a connection with Israel you may become partakers of the life of God, and inheritors of His promise. Through Me alone is spiritual life received.

DA 675.2

“I am the true Vine, and My Father is the husbandman.” On the hills of Palestine our heavenly Father had planted this goodly Vine, and He Himself was the husbandman. Many were attracted by the beauty of this Vine, and declared its heavenly origin. But to the leaders in Israel it appeared as a root out of a dry ground. They took the plant, and bruised it, and trampled it under their unholy feet. Their thought was to destroy it forever. But the heavenly Husbandman never lost sight of His plant. After men thought they had killed it, He took it, and replanted it on the other side of the wall. The vine stock was to be no longer visible. It was hidden from the rude assaults of men. But the branches of the Vine hung over the wall. They were to represent the Vine. Through them grafts might still be united to the Vine. From them fruit has been obtained. There has been a harvest which the passers-by have plucked.

DA 675.3

“I am the Vine, ye are the branches,” Christ said to His disciples. Though He was about to be removed from them, their spiritual union with Him was to be unchanged. The connection of the branch with the vine, He said, represents the relation you are to sustain to Me. The scion is engrafted into the living vine, and fiber by fiber, vein by vein, it grows into the vine stock. The life of the vine becomes the life of the branch. So the soul dead in trespasses and sins receives life through connection with Christ. By faith in Him as a personal Saviour the union is formed. The sinner unites his weakness to Christ’s strength, his emptiness to Christ’s fullness, his frailty to Christ’s enduring might. Then he has the mind of Christ. The humanity of Christ has touched our humanity, and our humanity has touched divinity. Thus through the agency of the Holy Spirit man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He is accepted in the Beloved.

DA 676.1

This union with Christ, once formed, must be maintained. Christ said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” This is no casual touch, no off-and-on connection. The branch becomes a part of the living vine. The communication of life, strength, and fruitfulness from the root to the branches is unobstructed and constant. Separated from the vine, the branch cannot live. No more, said Jesus, can you live apart from Me. The life you have received from Me can be preserved only by continual communion. Without Me you cannot overcome one sin, or resist one temptation.

DA 676.2

“Abide in Me, and I in you.” Abiding in Christ means a constant receiving of His Spirit, a life of unreserved surrender to His service. The channel of communication must be open continually between man and his God. As the vine branch constantly draws the sap from the living vine, so are we to cling to Jesus, and receive from Him by faith the strength and perfection of His own character.

DA 676.3

The root sends its nourishment through the branch to the outermost twig. So Christ communicates the current of spiritual strength to every believer. So long as the soul is united to Christ, there is no danger that it will wither or decay.

DA 676.4

The life of the vine will be manifest in fragrant fruit on the branches. “He that abideth in Me,” said Jesus, “and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing.

DA 676.5

“My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away.” While the graft is outwardly united with the vine, there may be no vital connection. Then there will be no growth or fruitfulness. So there may be an apparent connection with Christ without a real union with Him by faith. A profession of religion places men in the church, but the character and conduct show whether they are in connection with Christ. If they bear no fruit, they are false branches. Their separation from Christ involves a ruin as complete as that represented by the dead branch. “If a man abide not in Me,” said Christ, “he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”

DA 676.6

“And every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth [pruneth] it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” From the chosen twelve who had followed Jesus, one as a withered branch was about to be taken away; the rest were to pass under the pruning knife of bitter trial. Jesus with solemn tenderness explained the purpose of the husbandman. The pruning will cause pain, but it is the Father who applies the knife. He works with no wanton hand or indifferent heart. There are branches trailing upon the ground; these must be cut loose from the earthly supports to which their tendrils are fastening. They are to reach heavenward, and find their support in God. The excessive foliage that draws away the life current from the fruit must be pruned off. The overgrowth must be cut out, to give room for the healing beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The husbandman prunes away the harmful growth, that the fruit may be richer and more abundant.

DA 677.1

“Herein is My Father glorified,” said Jesus, “that ye bear much fruit.” God desires to manifest through you the holiness, the benevolence, the compassion, of His own character. Yet the Saviour does not bid the disciples labor to bear fruit. He tells them to abide in Him. “If ye abide in Me,” He says, “and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” It is through the word that Christ abides in His followers. This is the same vital union that is represented by eating His flesh and drinking His blood. The words of Christ are spirit and life. Receiving them, you receive the life of the Vine. You live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him. Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, you bear fruit after the similitude of Christ.

DA 677.2

In this last meeting with His disciples, the great desire which Christ expressed for them was that they might love one another as He had loved them. Again and again He spoke of this. “These things I command you,” He said repeatedly, “that ye love one another.” His very first injunction when alone with them in the upper chamber was, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” To the disciples this commandment was new; for they had not loved one another as Christ had loved them. He saw that new ideas and impulses must control them; that new principles must be practiced by them; through His life and death they were to receive a new conception of love. The command to love one another had a new meaning in the light of His self-sacrifice. The whole work of grace is one continual service of love, of self-denying, self-sacrificing effort. During every hour of Christ’s sojourn upon the earth, the love of God was flowing from Him in irrepressible streams. All who are imbued with His Spirit will love as He loved. The very principle that actuated Christ will actuate them in all their dealing one with another.

DA 678.1

This love is the evidence of their discipleship. “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples,” said Jesus, “if ye have love one to another.” When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest, but by love, they show the working of an influence that is above every human influence. Where this oneness exists, it is evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity, that a new principle of life has been implanted. It shows that there is power in the divine nature to withstand the supernatural agencies of evil, and that the grace of God subdues the selfishness inherent in the natural heart.

DA 678.2

This love, manifested in the church, will surely stir the wrath of Satan. Christ did not mark out for His disciples an easy path. “If the world hate you,” He said, “ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me.” The gospel is to be carried forward by aggressive warfare, in the midst of opposition, peril, loss, and suffering. But those who do this work are only following in their Master’s steps.

DA 678.3

As the world’s Redeemer, Christ was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He, the messenger of mercy to our world, seemed to do little of the work He longed to do in uplifting and saving. Satanic influences were constantly working to oppose His way. But He would not be discouraged. Through the prophecy of Isaiah He declares, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely My judgment is with the Lord, and My work with My God.... Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and My God shall be My strength.” It is to Christ that the promise is given, “Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and His Holy One, to Him whom man despiseth, to Him whom the nation abhorreth; ... thus saith the Lord: ... I will preserve Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that Thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves.... They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them.” Isaiah 49:4, 5, 7-10.

DA 679.1

Upon this word Jesus rested, and He gave Satan no advantage. When the last steps of Christ’s humiliation were to be taken, when the deepest sorrow was closing about His soul, He said to His disciples, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.” “The prince of this world is judged.” Now shall he be cast out. John 14:30; 16:11; 12:31. With prophetic eye Christ traced the scenes to take place in His last great conflict. He knew that when He should exclaim, “It is finished,” all heaven would triumph. His ear caught the distant music and the shouts of victory in the heavenly courts. He knew that the knell of Satan’s empire would then be sounded, and the name of Christ would be heralded from world to world throughout the universe.

DA 679.2

Christ rejoiced that He could do more for His followers than they could ask or think. He spoke with assurance, knowing that an almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil; and that the bloodstained banner would wave triumphantly over His followers. He knew that the life of His trusting disciples would be like His, a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter.

DA 679.3

“These things I have spoken unto you,” He said, “that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged, and His followers are to manifest a faith of the same enduring nature. They are to live as He lived, and work as He worked, because they depend on Him as the great Master Worker. Courage, energy, and perseverance they must possess. Though apparent impossibilities obstruct their way, by His grace they are to go forward. Instead of deploring difficulties, they are called upon to surmount them. They are to despair of nothing, and to hope for everything. With the golden chain of His matchless love Christ has bound them to the throne of God. It is His purpose that the highest influence in the universe, emanating from the source of all power, shall be theirs. They are to have power to resist evil, power that neither earth, nor death, nor hell can master, power that will enable them to overcome as Christ overcame.

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Christ designs that heaven’s order, heaven’s plan of government, heaven’s divine harmony, shall be represented in His church on earth. Thus in His people He is glorified. Through them the Sun of Righteousness will shine in undimmed luster to the world. Christ has given to His church ample facilities, that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. He has bestowed upon His people capabilities and blessings that they may represent His own sufficiency. The church, endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depositary, in which the riches of His mercy, His grace, and His love, are to appear in full and final display. Christ looks upon His people in their purity and perfection, as the reward of His humiliation, and the supplement of His glory,—Christ, the great Center, from whom radiates all glory.

DA 680.2

With strong, hopeful words the Saviour ended His instruction. Then He poured out the burden of His soul in prayer for His disciples. Lifting His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee: as Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.”

DA 680.3

Christ had finished the work that was given Him to do. He had glorified God on the earth. He had manifested the Father’s name. He had gathered out those who were to continue His work among men. And He said, “I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as We are.” “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; ... I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.”

DA 680.4

Thus in the language of one who has divine authority, Christ gives His elect church into the Father’s arms. As a consecrated high priest He intercedes for His people. As a faithful shepherd He gathers His flock under the shadow of the Almighty, in the strong and sure refuge. For Him there waits the last battle with Satan, and He goes forth to meet it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 45, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, par. 23

I spoke to a full house in the afternoon from John 14. The Lord put His Holy Spirit upon me in large measure. There was a large attendance of unbelievers. We hoped, when we made the call for all who wished to take their stand for the Lord more fully, that several would have strength to decide, but something held them. The enemy seemed to have power over them and none led out on this occasion. After much labor and a season of earnest prayer, some responded and yet we felt that there should have been a more earnest response. We had done our duty. We could do no more. But we were disappointed at the reluctance to move. Many were in the house that we knew were not in a prepared state to work for the Master either in their own house or in their neighborhood or in the church, but it seemed that a spell was upon them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 50, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 50, 1890, par. 4

I spoke to the people assembled on the Sabbath from John 14. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking to the people. Many had just come into the faith. One family, all at home—father, mother, and three children—embraced the truth. The father is a cousin to Edwin Burnham, a First-day Adventist. He was considered one of the most eloquent preachers among the First-day Adventists. He opposed the Sabbath of the fourth commandment with great vigor. He made most extravagant expressions. He stated that the law of God was an old thunder and lightning law, a bloody law, that it was not possible for man to keep that law—that they never could keep it; it was dead and buried and did not deserve a gravestone. He said he always felt better after he had given the law a good run. And now here is a relative by the name of Burnham who had, with nearly all his family, taken hold of the Sabbath! Two children are absent. One is attending Elder Moody’s school and the other is a daughter of talent connected with some literary business of Sabbath schools in Worcester.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 109, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 109, 1890, par. 1

I have just come from the hall where the little company assemble to worship on the Sabbath. There were about eighty present. I spoke from (John 14), “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” I had much freedom in speaking, then we had a social meeting and thirty-eight testimonies were borne. The older members did not take the time, but gave opportunity for those who had more recently come to the faith. I was much pleased to see the readiness to bear testimony and to see and feel the good spirit which prevailed. It was indeed a precious season to all our souls. I was just as sure that the presence of Jesus was with us as if I could see Him in person. The Lord blessed His people. There is a goodly number of intelligent, noble-minded souls who have embraced the truth and are made to feel what it means to deny self and lift the cross and follow Jesus.

6LtMs, Lt 109, 1890, par. 15

I slept last night about ten hours; praise the Lord, praise His holy name. I believe He will give me strength and grace. I am making my home with Sister Ellen Warfe, one of the number, a kind family. We have things here convenient and pleasant. I shall go to Danvers Wednesday. I have been so deeply interested in John, chapters 14, 15, 16, and 17 that I am writing on the subject. I have written twelve pages today upon (John 14), for fear I should have the force of the subject wear away from my mind. This will come in Life of Christ. I have in all forty pages written.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 42, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 18

It is quite foggy. I expected the fog would lift but was disappointed. The rain set in and has continued to pour from the heavens bountifully. I was indisposed, and with the rain pouring down I thought for a moment it might be best for me not to go to the meeting, but I reproved myself for thinking of such a thing as disappointing the people in not filling my appointment. At half past two I went to the church and found the house well filled, notwithstanding the rain was pouring down. After singing and prayer and singing again I spoke to the people from John 14. The Lord gave me freedom and His blessing.

6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 19

I feel intensely when I read and dwell upon the subjects contained in the 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th chapters of John. These lessons are of deep import and need to be studied and even committed to memory. The richest promises are found here. I am pained when I see so little real, genuine piety among Seventh-day Adventists, when we have had so great light. We must be more diligent searchers of the Word, that we may speak a word in season to the oppressed, the sorrowful, the afflicted. We must keep the mind as a storehouse of truth from which to draw the richest consolation to impart to others who are ready to perish. “Thus saith the Lord” and “It is written” should be ever upon our lips, and our souls should be like a natural garden whose waters fail not, refreshing all who are around us. Let us read the Bible and study the meanings of every word.

6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 87

“If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:14-18.

6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 89

Said Jesus, “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me; because I live, ye shall live also ... He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me ... 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.” Verses 19-27.

6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 94

He says, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” “Because I live, ye shall live also.” “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” John 14:18, 19, 21. Do you individually believe these words? Or do you treat them as idle tales? Do you grasp them by faith, and accept them and rejoice in them? This is eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God.

6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 95

Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words.” “Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. ... It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 14:23; 6:53-63. Here are the conditions of our salvation: to believe the words given us in the living oracles of God, and to bring His words into our practice—to do His words. They are spirit, and they are life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 51, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, par. 18

I spoke in the evening. A much larger assembly was present. I had freedom in speaking from (John 14), dwelling upon the rich promises of God that are so plainly given us in such positive words. The presence of the Lord was in our meeting. I sought the Lord in earnest prayer before going to the meeting. My head was confused, but I knew the Lord God of Israel was a present help in every time of need. I was blessed and had freedom in speaking. I understand there were one dozen of the First-day Adventists present, and many outsiders were also in the meeting.

6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, par. 20

It is suggested that it will be wise for me to speak in Lynn Monday and Tuesday evenings, and then Wednesday take the cars for Washington, D.C. May the Lord be our counselor, is my most earnest prayer. I do not wish to presume upon my strength. I want to use the strength which the Lord has given me to His own name’s glory. I will pour out my supplications before God with thanksgiving for all His mercies and matchless grace to me, who needs it so much that I can impart it to others and comfort them with the blessed assurances. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [Verse 6.] “I am the light of the world.” [John 8:12.] “I am the bread of life.” [John 6:35.] “I am the Good Shepherd.” [John 10:11.] “I lay down my life for the sheep.” [Verse 15.] “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” [Verse 10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 49, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, par. 9

I am quite comfortable today. Wrote many pages to send to Battle Creek to be read during the week of prayer. We rode out to Norwichtown, Conn., three miles. Purchased cloth shoes, for my feet are cold and I dare not continue to have them cold. I was pleased to get back to my place where I was entertained. I spoke in the evening from John 14. “If ye love me keep my commandments,” etc. [Verse 15.] There was not a large number present. I had a measure of freedom in speaking. Brother Robinson and Farman [?] came to this place last night at eleven o’clock.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 37, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 1

It rained hard this morning, and I thought that I should have to remain at home. But we got ready, and by that time the rain had stopped so that we drove to the place of meeting without getting wet. I spoke from the first three verses of the fourteenth chapter of John. We had a large congregation and good attention.

7LtMs, Ms 37, 1892, par. 2

I spoke again this morning at eleven. The congregation was large and attentive, and I had much freedom in speaking from John 14, verses 4-15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 21, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 21, 1892, par. 2

Sabbath. It rained hard this morning, and I thought that I should have to remain at home. But we got ready, and by that time the rain had stopped, so that we drove to the place of meeting without getting wet. I spoke from the first three verses of the fourteenth chapter of John. We had a large congregation and good attention.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16j, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16j, 1892, par. 3

Time is given to unimportant matters, but the very things of eternal consequence scarcely arrest the attention and seem to make but faint impress on the mind. Actions speak for themselves. The thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John need careful study and earnest practice if we honor God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. We cannot afford to be living in neglect of the very duties, specified by our Substitute and Surety, that bear the divine credentials to the world that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

7LtMs, Lt 16j, 1892, par. 4

Now the very highest missionary work to be done by the chosen of God is that they are earnest doers of the words of Christ. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.” John 15:16, 17. “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23.

7LtMs, Lt 16j, 1892, par. 5

This is the test; the proof of our love is that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings.” “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” [Verses 24, 21.] Here is a promise on condition. Shall we not rationally conclude that why the church has so little of the realizing sense of the presence of God is their indifference to do the things He has specified, and they are giving to the world a misrepresentation of the character of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 43, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 43, 1891, par. 22

I spoke in the afternoon from (John 14), seeking to impress upon the hearers the necessity of living faith—that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. The importance of believing fully that Christ is our personal Saviour is a necessity to our spiritual growth in grace. The treasures of the grace of Christ were unfolded to the people—that the Lord was ready and had made every provision on His part, but it is the lack of faith in the human agent that hinders. Man, the human living agent, must cooperate with God. As sinners we must repent of sin. We are not to wait till we suppose we will make ourselves good enough to come to Jesus and ask Him for His pardon and His grace, but we must come just as we are, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, the only One who can make us pure and keep us pure and holy and obedient.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 21, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 21, 1892, par. 15

The church numbers one hundred and fifty. There are many very excellent people here who believe and practice the truth. The first Sabbath I was enabled to speak, and I felt more natural than I had any time since I was first afflicted. The Lord blessed me as I spoke from the first four verses of John 14. I also spoke from the same chapter [at] 11 a.m. [on] Sunday. There was a fair congregation, and I had much freedom in speaking. One man who is studying for the ministry was present and said he enjoyed the meeting much. Why, said he, how could I help but enjoy such preaching as that. Another man, a wonderful critic, living in the same house as one of our sisters, said to her that he was going to meeting to take notes and would pick Mrs. White all to pieces. But she told Eld. Daniells that he sat all through meeting with his eyes fastened upon me and didn’t use his pencil once.

7LtMs, Lt 21, 1892, par. 16

A number of outsiders attend these meetings. Elder Daniells is here and speaks evenings. Last Sabbath we had a good congregation, and I spoke again from John 14. I had great liberty, and the blessing of God rested upon us. Then we had an excellent social meeting, good testimonies were borne after which I spoke a few words about the human voice—the rich gift of God to us—and begged of them not to lower and belittle God’s gift, but to speak clearly and distinctly as God meant they should when He blessed them with tongue and utterance. And the Lord said, “Ye are my witnesses” [Isaiah 43:10], communicate to others the light and treasures of grace and truth which I have given to you. Elder Daniells said it was fifty percent better than any social meeting he had attended in the colonies. The presence of Jesus was in our very midst.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 39, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 39, 1892, par. 10

I did not rest well during the night, but I do not regret speaking to the few, for I hope this is a seed sown that may spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God. Sabbath I spoke to the church, to our people. A number of outsiders were present. I had freedom in speaking from John 14. We then had a social meeting. Quite a number bore testimony for the truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 127, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 127, 1893, par. 3

Oh, what should I have done without my bed convenience? There is not a spring mattress among our people. Everything was done for me that could be done, but my flesh was so sore I could not rest. Mosquitoes and fleas were plentiful. But Brother Steed had a single wire-woven spring. This he lent to me, and my bed was made up on it. My bed was good, but I slept only about one hour, for I was very nervous. Elder Steed seemed anxious. He thought I might be unable to speak Sunday night if I spoke Sabbath. But I determined, in the strength of God, to go forward. The church was well filled. I spoke from (John 14) with great freedom, and I know the Lord did send His angels to strengthen me. The people were much pleased with the words spoken. They said they had feasted. Brother Starr spoke at Sydney. He was with me in the afternoon. Social meeting was good and quite a number of testimonies were borne.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 107, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 107, 1893, par. 5

We had about twenty-eight Sunday night. I spoke upon the first three verses of John 14 and Acts 1:8-12, telling them we were Adventists and not at all did we blush to acknowledge this. The disciples rejoiced after the message given to them by the angels and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And when they heard any one speaking sneeringly—“Oh, they are only Adventists,” to tell them Mrs. White considered it an honor to be a Seventh-day Adventist.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 63, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 63, 1893, par. 36

Brother Hughes took us with his horse and carriage to the Seventh-day Adventist church. The house of worship was well filled. I spoke from the 14th chapter of John. The Lord strengthened me and I know He sent His angels to sustain me.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 19, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 19, 1893, par. 4

Several good souls have embraced the truth. I was introduced to several last night. They had an appointment out the evening I came (Thursday), and I spoke with much freedom. The little hall was filled. I spoke with great plainness and told them that we were not at all ashamed of our name, Seventh-day Adventist. I explained the reasons for our faith which are in harmony with the name. The words did seem to have power with them. Several testified that they had never heard anything like it in their life before. I dwelt particularly upon the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and in regard to the promise of Christ in the first three verses of John 14. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also.” [Verses 1-3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 81, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 81, 1893, par. 24

I arose to speak upon a subject, but the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and I spoke one hour and ten minutes in a most decided manner. Those present seemed to feel under the influence of the warning given them. I told them we were Adventists; likewise was Christ, who foretold in (John 14) His going away and said, “If I go ... I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” [Verse 3.] I told them the Lord was soon to come and the question we should ask is, How is it with my soul? Am I bearing the proving and testing of God? Am I coming closer and closer to the bleeding side of Jesus? “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” etc. [Matthew 11:28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 78, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 23

I spoke under the tent from (John 14) and made large references to John 17. Wonderful chapter is this, Christ’s prayer for His disciples! The seats under the tent were all filled. We had about all that could be seated. Today was a holiday. I had much freedom in speaking, and there were many who manifested intense interest. All gave the best of attention. About one dozen of our brethren and sisters came into the meeting from a distance. Poor scattered sheep are gathering in.

8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 24

One half of the congregation were outsiders. Oh, that the truth may find lodgment in their hearts, is my earnest prayer. One soul is keeping his first Sabbath. Several are to all appearance almost decided. There is work, much work, to be done here. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3.

8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 32

Elder Starr spoke in the forenoon to a good tentfull upon the subject of dress. I spoke in the afternoon from John 14. The tent was filled. Many not of our faith were present. I did not talk long. I invited those seeking the Lord to come forward. We had several seats full. We then had a solemn season of prayer, then many testimonies were borne. There was a policeman living in Parkenston. He had been halting between two opinions, and he had come to the meeting undecided whether to keep the Sabbath and run every risk or give it up decidedly. He took his position, casting all upon God. Several decided to serve the Lord and no longer stand under the sway of Satan. We had an excellent meeting, lasting from three o’clock until sundown. In the evening the ordinances were celebrated in the Seventh-day Adventist chapel. All say this meeting was the best of all. The manifest presence of the Lord was there.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 8, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 8, 1893, par. 1

John 14:12-18. Now we have the rich promises of God in His Word, if we shall keep the truth. Verse 15. Then the promise is ask in His name and He will give it us. Precious promise. If we do not keep God’s commandments, we are not His children. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy strength.” [Mark 12:30.] ([John 14] Verse 21): Hath the light upon His commandments. ... Verses 22, 23-27. Brethren, do we keep the commandments of God? Are we doers of His Word? (John 14:21): What a wonderful statement that is! Are we cherishing the precious spirit of love?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 80, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 80, 1893, par. 6

Sabbath. Last night the stars shone like diamonds in the heavens, but this morning is cloudy and rainy. Elder Israel, W. C. White, and Sister Brown go to Mentone about nine o’clock. Sister Tuxford, Sister Israel and I go this afternoon, as soon as we shall take an early dinner. But rain, rain, rain is the order of the day. The hackman concluded we would not venture out. He sent a man to know if we intended to go. We said we would go and soon we were on our way. Brother Simpson, who bears the responsibilities of the meetings when he is at home, said to Willie, “I do not think your mother will come.” Willie said, “We will see. It would be an exceptional occurrence for my mother to fail to meet her appointments.” When we drove up to the place of meeting, there were about one dozen in all assembled, but when that carriage drove through the village and it was known I had come, the house was well filled, and, which was best of all, we had the heavenly Guest. The Lord gave me words to speak to the people. John 14. I was surprised, myself, at the words given me.

8LtMs, Ms 80, 1893, par. 43

These (chapters 14, 15, 16, 17) of John are of highest value for every soul who is consecrating his life to the service of God.

8LtMs, Ms 80, 1893, par. 65

I spoke one hour to the little few. Quite a number of strangers came in. My text was (John 14), first four verses. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and take you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” This, I told them, was the lesson and promise of the personal, second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. It had become a habit with those not of our faith, professed Christians, to think they were stigmatizing Seventh-day Adventists by showing their antipathy. “Oh, they are Adventists!” Jesus Christ’s discourse in (John 14) shows Himself an Adventist. He proclaimed His second coming to take His disciples, all who believe on His name, to the mansions He was going to prepare for them. In Acts first chapter, we read that when Jesus ascended to heaven, escorted by the angelic host, two angels proclaimed to the disciples, “Why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye see him go into heaven.” [Verse 11.] These disciples were Adventists!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 67, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 67, 1893, par. 11

In the fourteenth chapter of John, the first three verses, Christ plainly sets before His disciples His second coming. He tells them: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also.” [Verses 1-3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 39, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 39, 1893, par. 8

Sabbath, May 20, I spoke to the few assembled in the Rechabite Hall from 1 Peter 1. The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking, and souls were comforted and encouraged. I spoke in the same place in the evening of Sunday, May 21, from John 14:1-3. The audience was small. I dwelt especially upon the promise, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” [Verse 3.] I brought out the ascension of Christ in (Acts 1), to prove a large link in the chain, connecting it with John 14. “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel.” And while the disciples were looking upward to heaven to catch the last glimpse of their ascending Lord, they heard these words, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” [Acts 1:10, 11.] A personal Saviour ascended.

8LtMs, Ms 39, 1893, par. 14

When vital interests are at stake, we dare not accept man’s assertions. Our souls are too precious to be imperiled. Matters that concern the salvation of our souls are too weighty to be trifled with, and human opinions must be laid aside. We must have the decision of Him who “is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] If we want to know the way to heaven, we must study the Bible, not man-made theories or man’s suppositions; but a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” We are not at all ashamed of our faith, Seventh-day Adventism, for it is the very best specification we can have. We are waiting for the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Men may scoff and ridicule our faith, but this should not provoke or surprise us. All these demonstrations do not make the truth error, neither do they make error truth. We take our stand firmly and immovably upon the platform of the Word of God.

8LtMs, Ms 39, 1893, par. 15

The Pharisees, the rulers, the Rabbis, scoffed at Christ, and the Sadducees derided Him; and can we expect anything better in our day? But the Bible also states that the common people heard Him gladly. There is a power in the presentation of truth that the unprejudiced of the people were not able to resist. “I will not leave you comfortless (orphans), I will come to you.” [Verse 18.] The world and Christians cannot walk together. The Christian’s faith, hope, joy, and pursuits are not understood or appreciated by the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 89, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 89, 1893, par. 5

I spoke in the afternoon with freedom from (John 14): “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” [Verse 1.] Then we had a social meeting and many good testimonies were borne. Many mentioned the Week of Prayer and how much they had been benefited and blessed. I can say this day has been a precious day to my soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 103, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 103, 1893, par. 13

The fourteenth chapter of John contains important instruction given by Christ to His disciples as He was about to leave them. They were sorrowing because of what He had told them in regard to His sufferings and death in Jerusalem.

8LtMs, Ms 103, 1893, par. 14

“And I will pray the Father,” He said, “and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” [Verses 16-18.]

8LtMs, Ms 103, 1893, par. 27

“Yet a little while,” Christ said before He left this earth, “and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me.” [John 14:19.] There is a knowledge which is for every follower of Christ, which the world cannot receive. The nations of the earth do not know that they are lost, nor do they know the things that belong to their salvation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 12, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 12, 1894, par. 7

And Christ says, “If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.” [John 15:7.] Then it is plainly expressed what His will and work are, in the 14th chapter of John and the twelfth verse. It is believing on Jesus Christ who is able to save you to the utmost. He came to this world to bring fallen man moral power, that he might keep the commandments of God and be a partaker in the divine nature, overcoming the corruption that is in the world through lust. It is the privilege of every one of us. When God has done so much for us in giving His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life, we are persons of hope.

9LtMs, Ms 12, 1894, par. 8

We may everyone lay hold on the hope that is set before us. “He that believeth on me the works that I do shall he do also,” and He says, “I kept My Father’s commandments.” [John 14:12; 15:10.] The Pharisees said when the disciples rubbed the ears of corn as they went through the wheat fields, “He has broken the Sabbath.” [Matthew 12:2.] Could they have fastened that upon Him, then what? They would not have had to get false witnesses to speak against Him. They would have condemned Him as a Sabbath-breaker. But He said, “Ye do not know what this means, I will have mercy and not sacrifice,” or ye would not have condemned the guiltless. [Verse 7.]

9LtMs, Ms 12, 1894, par. 10

If the law could have been abolished, Christ need not have died, but He came, the only begotten Son, to die and suffer for the human family. Now He says, “Ye that believe in me the works that I do shall they do also, and greater works than these shall these do, because I go to my Father; and whatsoever ye shall ask in my name that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:12, 13.] Please tell me, if you can, why you are so weak and helpless. Why, as professing Christians, are we so mixed and mingled with the world, till we lose sight of eternity, till we lose sight of Jesus Christ, and till we lose sight of the Father?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 22, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 22, 1895, par. 2

The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking. I spoke upon the first portion of (John 14), and presented the opposition which is sure to arise and the necessity for us to be fully prepared to meet it. I pointed to the great opposition manifested against Christ Himself, and then referred them to the first members of the human family, where the same spirit had been manifested. Which one was it that resorted to violence? The one who was working contrary to the plainly expressed will of God. Cain refused to acknowledge the authority of God and slew his brother because he was obedient.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 23, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 23, 1895, par. 5

The interest steadily increased from the commenced of the meetings. Services were held every evening during the week, and at eleven and three Sabbath and Sunday. Each afternoon during the week there was also either a Bible study or speaking. On Sabbath, October 19, Elder Corliss gave some valuable instruction in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I spoke from John 14, dwelling especially on the Samaritan woman’s case. The Lord strengthened me to bear my testimony in the name of the Lord. A testimony meeting followed, in which praise and glory were given to God for His unspeakable goodness and matchless love to fallen man in giving Jesus His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. All seemed to have a desire to lift up Jesus higher and still higher. Some outsiders took part, one minister testifying that the blessing of God was in the meeting, and that it was good to be there. We felt much pleased to see so large an attendance.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 16, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 16, 1895, par. 15

Heaven is what we want—the heaven we read of in the 14th chapter of John, where Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” [Verses 1, 2.] The life of man at longest is but a little space of threescore years and ten. Peradventure some way exceed that, it is only as a cloud that passeth away, and shall we devote our God-given womanhood and manhood to the pleasures and frivolities of this world? Shall we place the hands of our children in the world and have them brought up in ignorance of God? Shall we have them educated and trained after the world’s order?

10LtMs, Ms 16, 1895, par. 19

“He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.” [John 14:21.] That is the test of your love. Adam and Eve disobeyed and lost Eden. The human family must obey the light that comes to them in regard to the binding claims of the law of God; they must lift the cross in view of the whole world.

10LtMs, Ms 16, 1895, par. 21

The enemies of Christ tried to make the beloved disciple John disown his master, and because he would not do as they wanted, they exiled him to the Isle of Patmos. And do you think that John was separated from the light that shines from the courts of heaven? Did he have no Comforter? “I will love him and will manifest myself to him.” [Verse 21.] When God is with us, we can bear everything. We do not want to wait till tomorrow or next day before we give our hearts to God, because sickness and death may overtake us. We must accept God right where we are. We can say, Lord, I give myself to Thee; I stand from today under Thy bloodstained banner. I want that faith that works by love and purifies the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 60, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 60, 1895, par. 17

Brother Belden, his wife, May Lacey, and I went to Ashfield. We had a good congregation assembled. Brother Belden reviewed the Sabbath school. I spoke at 11 o’clock from John 14, first portion of the chapter. Then there was a testimony meeting. Excellent testimonies borne by those newly come to the faith.

10LtMs, Ms 60, 1895, par. 20

Brother Caldwell, Maggie Hare, Edith Ward, May Lacey, and I rode to Petersham to see Brother McCullagh before attending my appointment in Ashfield. He was just turning the first corner with his carriage, and we rode after him but could not overtake him. Then we went to Ashfield and succeeded in obtaining the key, and waited more than one hour for the meeting time. I was strongly tempted to think I would not come eleven miles to Ashfield and thirteen to Petersham again for an evening meeting, and then ride back after speaking one hour. But while thus troubled in mind, a great peace came to my heart, and I seemed to hear the voice of Christ saying, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth give I unto you.” John 14:27.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 63, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 63, 1895, par. 12

The Lord gave us in that assembly His Holy Spirit. There were present the school teachers of Bismark, and there was a woman with a large family of boys in attendance—unbelieving, and we hope that the seed sown may spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God. I presented the keeping of the ten commandments of God as the sure evidence of our love to Jesus Christ as is plainly specified in John 14. Then I linked these sayings of Christ to John on the isle of Patmos, “who also am your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” [Revelation 1:9.] John has voiced the words of Christ for our benefit. Revelation [22]:12-17. A very solemn impression was upon the people. After the meeting closed a woman came up and began to declare, with the Bible in her hand, we were not under the law but under grace. “Yes,” I said, “If we keep the commandments of God, we are not under the bondage of the law, but we are free.”

10LtMs, Lt 63, 1895, par. 33

We have a great High Priest who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God. He says, I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter that He may abide with you forever. [John 14:16.] His dwelling place is in every location where there are those who are seeking with consecrated hearts to do His work in that special locality. Every country has its own education and peculiar distinction of character, and it requires wise men to know how to adapt themselves to the peculiar ideas of the people, and introduce the germ of truth, and do them the good that is their privilege. Their necessities and wants must be met and handled with all wisdom.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 54, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 54, 1895, par. 12

Wednesday afternoon I spoke again to a well filled house from John 14, “Let not your heart be troubled,” etc. [Verse 1.] I dwelt especially upon the second coming of Christ to take His people to Himself, and upon the importance of obedience to all of the commandments of God, and educating the children to know God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. I never saw children more deeply interested, and there was quite a large number of children and youth attending the meetings.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 55, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 55, 1895, par. 15

These communications are for all who live in these last days. Just before the crucifixion of Christ, He gave His disciples most solemn instruction. John 14. In verses 1-3 He comforts the hearts of those who believe on Him with the promise of His second appearing. Verses 12-14. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Verse 15. In verses 21, 23, and 24 are the true marks of those who love God. John 15:7-11, 12, Revelation 13. All who read carefully, prayerfully will understand. Revelation 14:8-10; 12:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 88a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 88a, 1895, par. 1

I have opportunity this morning to meet the teachers and students in the school and speak to them. It is now half past five. I have just called Willie. We walk across a wooded paddock to the school building—the walk taking about fifteen minutes. Then we shall have a one hour’s meeting. Yesterday, Sabbath, we had the large dining hall full of people; some outsiders were present, the school teacher and the wife of the surveyor of the wooded tract, the postmaster, and several other who seem favorably inclined. I spoke from the first four verses of John fourteen, and from (Acts 1), showing the ascension of our Lord to heaven. We had a good interest. We then entered into the business of organizing a church of twenty-five members. Quite a number of the present students of the Agricultural School will become members of the church in Cooranbong but are not yet fully prepared, some not having received their letters from their churches; others know not whether they will be residents of Cooranbong or of some other place.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 9, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 9, 1895, par. 1

Saturday, March 16. This morning Bro. Lacey, his daughter May, and myself drove in our phaeton to Ashfield. Over one hundred listened as I spoke on the precious words of Christ in John 14 and told them why we were called Adventists and why we reverenced the Sabbath of the Lord. I was given great freedom in speaking, and the people seemed to be deeply interested. An excellent social meeting was held. One week ago, five persons kept their first Sabbath, and today two more rested for the first time on the day commanded by God. On the morrow, eleven will go forward in baptism. Nine of these attended the camp meeting in Ashfield, and two have taken their position at Petersham. They are the first fruits from that place.

10LtMs, Ms 9, 1895, par. 5

How were the disciples to obtain clear and distinct ideas of the teaching of Christ? How were they to distinguish truth from the falsehoods taught by the scribes and Pharisees? Christ promised them the Comforter for this purpose. He said, “When the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, shall come, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [Verse 26.] The Comforter is the “Spirit of Truth” and “He shall testify of me, and ye also shall bear witness of me.” [John 15:26, 27.] The testimony of the Holy Spirit and of the prophets and apostles comes to us, and through belief in it, the believers become the agencies through which every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God is repeated with the authoritative power of the Holy Spirit. The words and works of Christ are as real to believers as if witnessed by their own eyes.

10LtMs, Ms 9, 1895, par. 12

A heavenly spirit is kind, tender, and sympathetic, overflowing with love for those who are in peril. These are the fruits of that faith that works by love and purifies the souls. This grace of Christ is an almost irresistible power. It is thus that we may “compel them to come in.” [Luke 14:23.] This is what Christ referred to when he said, “Greater things than these (miracles) shall ye do, because I go to my Father.” [John 14:12.]

Manuscript Release No 1033

Sands, Virginia, Monday, November 10, 1890

MR1033 24.2

I spoke to a full house in the afternoon from John 14. The Lord put His Holy Spirit upon me in large measure. There was a large attendance of unbelievers. We hoped when we made the call for all who wished to take their stand for the Lord more fully, that several would have strength to decide, but something held them. The enemy seemed to have power over them and none led out on this occasion. After much labor and a season of earnest prayer some responded, and yet we felt that there should have been a more earnest response. We had done our duty. We could do no more. But we were disappointed at the reluctance to move.—Manuscript 45, 1890, 8 (Diary 16, pp. 302-303).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 61a, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 61a, 1895, par. 3

I arose and commenced to write and the Lord gave me His Holy Spirit, and I was led out to write for the Southern people. There was a question in my mind as to whether I [would] attend meeting, but I felt that I could not be clear to remain at home. I found a room full to overflowing and spoke from John 14 and Acts 1, the ascension of our Lord. There was great interest manifested.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 61b, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 61b, 1895, par. 22

Sabbath, I spoke upon John 14. The Lord gave me physical strength and mental clearness to give a decided testimony to the people. I knew that I had a message, I gave it under the influence of the Spirit of God. Then we made a revival effort, and most of the congregation came forward, kneeling, in the place of sitting upon the seats. Oh, the place seemed sacred to me! Angels of God were in our midst; Jesus was there, and His presence was felt sensibly. The kneeling ones were requested to wait while some remarks were made. Then we all knelt and Brother Wilson, Corliss, Baker, and myself prayed. The Lord indicted prayer and the Lord heard [our] prayer. We felt the Holy Spirit’s presence.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 141a, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 141a, 1897, par. 10

I have just returned from speaking in the tent. The tent was not full, but we had a good congregation. Several were present who are just on the point of deciding. They listened with great attention. I spoke from (Colossians 1:4-6), taking up also the fourteenth chapter of John and the conditions of acceptance with God. The Lord gave me much freedom. Brother Sherwin’s brother, whose home is five hundred miles back in the country, and who has embraced the Sabbath, was introduced to me. He spoke quite feelingly in regard to the talk I had given. Tears stood in his eyes. He seemed to feel so thankful that he could hear me and speak with me. He donated £2 to the church-building.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 115, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 115, 1897, par. 13

How many things the Lord had told His disciples in regard to His sufferings and death and resurrection. Why then did the disciples look on the dark side, and feel so wholly discouraged. Had not Christ anticipated their disappointment? Had He not given them the precious instruction in John 14, 15, 16? “Let not your heart be troubled,” He had said, “Ye believe in God: believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am there ye may be also. ... 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. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father; for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.” [John 14:1-3, 27-29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 66, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 66, 1898, par. 8

I read (Exodus 31:13, 18), showing the importance of observing the seventh-day Sabbath. God declares, “It is a sign between me and you.” In observing this day, God’s people may know it is the Lord that doth sanctify them. I think we dwell too little upon the evidence of the origin of the Sabbath and its perpetuity. I then turned to Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and chapter 7:6-11; 8:1-4. Then I turned to John 14, and read the entire chapter, and remarked upon it. The Lord gave me tongue and utterance, and His Spirit was upon me.

13LtMs, Lt 66, 1898, par. 20

Christ says, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, (not in pretense, but with the whole mind, heart, soul, and strength,) he it is that loveth me.” [John 14:21.] This is the true test of character. We must be doers of the Word. Then let us trust in God, for He saves all who look unto Him. Why do we not have more joy and gratitude, and thanksgiving in our hearts? Why do we not educate the soul to believe and rejoice in Christ? Why is thanksgiving so strenuously withheld? Let us walk humbly with God. Let praise and thanksgiving and rejoicing be expressed in song. Let us cherish the outflow of praise to God from heart and lips.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 112, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 112, 1898, par. 1

We all need faith, the right kind of faith, that faith that will believe that the promises of God are yea and Amen in Christ Jesus. (John 14) is of great consequence to us. Without faith it is impossible to please God; therefore, under every circumstance, we should cultivate faith in God, bringing it into our practical life. We are to believe that Christ is the only Saviour we have.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 144, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 144, 1898, par. 3

I spoke to the little flock from John 14. I felt the sweet, subduing influence of the Spirit of God upon my own heart as I read that chapter. It seems to me this chapter deepens the lessons Christ intends to convey to all future generations. The more closely we adhere to the simplicity of truth, the more surely do we comprehend its deep meaning. Then if the heart is under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, it can say, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple.” [Psalm 119:130.] This means the Word is interpreted by the Holy Spirit, not merely as perused by the student. It is not the mere letter of the words which gives the light and the understanding, but the Word is in a special manner written upon the heart, applied by the Holy Spirit. To the mind and heart consecrated to God, an increased measure of understanding is given as the light is communicated to others. It is the entrance of the Word, the reception of the Word in the heart by the will of the human agent; the divine power cooperates with the human.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 86, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 86, 1898, par. 19

Brother Haskell spoke in the forenoon to a goodly number. In the afternoon the tent was crowded, and a wall of people stood outside. I had selected (John 14) to speak upon, but when I stood up to speak, this subject was taken from me, and the subject of Temperance was given to me. I felt that an angel of the Lord stood by my side.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 130, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 130, 1898, par. 23

On Sunday I did not attend the morning meeting. I was not strong; I have not been strong since leaving Brisbane. In the forenoon Brother Tenney spoke. In the afternoon I spoke to a tent crowded full, and a crowd on the outside. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking to the people from John fourteen, making a specialty of keeping the commandments of God. The wind blew hard the evening after the Sabbath, also Sunday night, and did some damage to the tents. During the day on Sunday there was less wind, and the afternoon and evening were quite pleasant. We have our three horses and the platform wagon and the phaeton here. I had my first ride yesterday.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 129, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 129, 1898, par. 6

Meetings have been held every day. On Sunday there was no morning meeting. All the camp was busy in repairing the injury done to the tents; all worked diligently, so that the meeting might begin at eleven o’clock. At three p.m., when I spoke, the tent was crowded to its utmost capacity, and there was a wall of people on the outside. On the Sabbath I spoke on the fifteenth of John; on Sunday, on the fourteenth; the Lord gave me great freedom. These two meetings on Sabbath and Sunday were excellent, because the God of Israel was walking through our encampment.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 131, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 131, 1898, par. 8

On Sunday afternoon I spoke with great freedom from John 14. Many people were assembled under the tent, and those who could not get in stood as a wall upon the outside. The Lord gave strength and freedom to speak to fifteen hundred people. They said that my voice could be heard distinctly in the family tents. I knew that Jesus and His angels were upon the campground and in the tents. Perfect order prevailed, and many in the large tent were affected to tears.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 136, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 136, 1899, par. 2

Our heavenly Father has made every provision that this should be. Read the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John. There we are shown what God desires to do for the human race. If the Holy Spirit could come upon us as it came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost, eyes now blinded would be opened, for the scales would fall from them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 180, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 180, 1899, par. 2

We have had rain, I believe, every day since the camp meeting commenced. On Sabbath there were a good many people out. A number of unbelievers were present. In the afternoon I spoke from the fourteenth chapter of John. On Sunday afternoon the Lord gave me special strength and great freedom. In the evening Brother Daniells gave a discourse on the time of the end. It was a solemn, powerful discourse.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 189, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 189, 1899, par. 14

This morning I could not sleep past twelve o’clock. I am drawn out in prayer to God in behalf of my infirmities. My left cheek bone was injured three years ago and at times threatens me. My left eye is also weak. I have men praying most earnestly to the Lord, who is the mighty Healer, to remove the difficulty. I do believe I receive the things I ask of the Lord in and through the name of Jesus. I have always found great comfort and relief in telling Him all my difficulties. He has promised in (John 14), “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do.” [Verse 13.] Ask in My name, and I will do it. Oh, how precious is this promise! We will not dishonor God by doubting its truth. Christ our Redeemer hath said it.

14LtMs, Ms 189, 1899, par. 16

“If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” [Verse 14.] I believe I receive the things I ask for. Then saith my Saviour, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [Verse 15.] This is the way we are to show our love—by obedience. This obedience is not pretension, but it is practice. “He that hath” the knowledge of “my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.” [Verse 21.] This is the true test. To do His specified commandments is the genuine evidence that we love God. Obedience is the fruit of true love. “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 177, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 177, 1899, par. 5

The meetings commenced on Thursday evening. On Sabbath morning there was a small attendance, but a larger number came out in the afternoon, when I spoke from (John 14), “Let not your heart be troubled.” [Verse 1.] This passage I linked with (Acts 1), the commission of Christ to His disciples and the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the message of the angels to the waiting disciples. I spoke only a short time, but I tried to impress upon those assembled the necessity of their being educated to believe the Word of God, and to show their faith by their works. Practical godliness was the burden of my talk.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 90, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 90, 1900, par. 2

I praise the Lord today that He is very merciful to me. I was enabled to speak to the people in the chapel with freedom from (John 14 and 15), upon obedience to all the commandments of God.

15LtMs, Ms 90, 1900, par. 11

There was a Sabbath school in the morning, followed by a testimony meeting. In the afternoon I spoke from (John 14, 15) upon the keeping of the commandments every Sabbath. This is God’s memorial of creation to be observed, and the test comes upon every professed Christian. If men will take the Word of God just as it reads, they will love God and keep His commandments. The observance of the Sabbath is the sign between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not—obedience in the face of all the world who worship a false sabbath. Those who will risk the consequences and transgress the Sabbath have not the sign to distinguish them from the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 20, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 20, 1900, par. 2

There are only two classes in our world. Christ declared, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” [John 15:10.] “He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.” “If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” [John 14:21, 23.] Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will stand under the banner of Prince Emmanuel?

15LtMs, Lt 20, 1900, par. 9

On Sabbath morning we felt drawn out to pray most earnestly that the Lord would make this day, His memorial, very precious to those who should assemble to worship Him in Maitland, and give them encouragement. The Spirit of the Lord was in our morning service. I presented the words found in the fourteenth and fifteenth chapters of John regarding the obedience those must reveal who are sons and daughters of God. I looked earnestly for the faces of some who ought to have been present, for they are convicted of the truth. But to take their position on the side of truth seems to them a step of humiliation. Plain evidence has been set before them, but the cross looms up before them, and they dare not venture. If they had less anxiety and more faith, it would be for their present and eternal good.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 7a, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 7a, 1900, par. 1

On Sabbath I spoke from the fourteenth chapter of John. I feel how important these truths are to every believer in Christ, and this morning I shall write out that which I have spoken.

15LtMs, Ms 7a, 1900, par. 2

Christ was giving His last words of instruction to His disciples. He sought to comfort them as He broke to them the news that He must soon leave them. “Let not your hearts be troubled,” He said, “ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you: I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [Verses 1-3.]

15LtMs, Ms 7a, 1900, par. 7

As they meditated upon His words and deeds, and pure, holy life, they felt that these could never be recorded as they really were. No human words could express their beauty. In their lives they must bear witness to the loveliness of Christ’s character. And this they did. “The word was made flesh,” they declared, “and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth. ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:14, 16.] “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us.” [1 John 1:1, 3.] And as they witnessed to the name of Christ, they bore witness of the Father also; for had not Christ declared, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” [John 14:9.] All that is comprehended in Deity was represented in the human life of Christ.

15LtMs, Ms 7a, 1900, par. 8

On one occasion Christ had declared to His disciples, “He that believeth in me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto the Father.” [Verse 12.] As their Advocate, He was going to plead their cause before the Father, and place to their account His virtues. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name,” He said, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye ask anything in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. ... These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you; but the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father shall send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 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.” [Verses 13-19, 25-27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 23, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 23, 1900, par. 2

Monday I returned home from a visit to Maitland. The work is going forward there. They have had one baptism, and will have another, we think, next Sunday. We left Cooranbong last Friday after dinner, and drove twenty-seven miles before sundown. On Sabbath afternoon I spoke in the tent to a good audience. My talk was mostly the Word of God as found in the fourteenth and fifteenth chapters of John, upon the love of Christ being evidenced by the keeping of His commandments. Obedience to the commandments, I presented, as the Bible test for all who have had the privilege of light. I had perfect freedom.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 32, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 32, 1900, par. 29

Can we now be indifferent to the sayings of Christ in John 14? “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: ... I go to prepare a place for you.” [Verses 1, 2.] When Christ saw His disciples sorrowing because He was about to leave them, He would have them believe in His love. Therefore He said, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” [Verse 3.] Who is thinking that this preparation is being made for them? Christ came into the world to redeem us. He went to heaven above to prepare a place for us. While He is getting ready His mansions for us, are we getting heart and character ready to be fitted for those mansions?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 36, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 36, 1900, par. 4

The lost sheep of God’s fold are scattered in every place, and the work that should be done to save them is not being done. In the fourteenth chapter of John a true test is presented to every man. Here we are told of our obligation to obey the commandments of God. Christ says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever: even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him, but ye see him: for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” [Verses 15-17.]

15LtMs, Ms 36, 1900, par. 5

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him, ... If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” [Verses 21, 23.] These words are not to be trifled with: for they bear witness to our obligation to obey all the commandments. This is where the churches are lacking. They do not keep the commandments of God, but are transgressors of the law. Those who have a genuine love for Christ will reveal this love by their obedience.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 131, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 131, 1900, par. 3

The will of God in regard to His people is plainly expressed in the sixth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John. If this instruction cannot cure dissension, what can my words or my presence do? I tell you that souls are sick and in need of a physician, but they think themselves whole, and in place of humbling themselves before God as a little child, they are trying to humble someone else. If they would live the prayer of Christ, the sure result would be realized—unity with one another and with Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 76, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 76, 1901, par. 7

Christ declared, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:34, 35.] This is the love church members are to manifest for one another. Such love will exert a powerful influence in favor of the truth. Christ desires to work through His appointed agencies to make His cause a power in our world. He says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:13-15.]

16LtMs, Ms 76, 1901, par. 8

We need to study carefully and prayerfully the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John. If we study these chapters with a heart softened and subdued, we shall receive ideas which will make us wise unto salvation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 27, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 1

I will present to you this morning the instruction contained in the fourteenth chapter of John. Christ was about to leave His disciples to enter upon His great trial, which to them would be a terrible test. He knew the temptations they would meet, the grief and discouragement that would come to their hearts as they saw Him, their Teacher, the Son of God, as they believed, treated with contempt and abuse. He saw that they were in trouble, and He said to them, “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions.” [Verse 1.] Think of this. Here we have no home, or very poor ones. Christ says to us, “In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [Verses 2, 3.] We believe these words. We are looking forward to the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 4

“And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” Thomas, always inclined to unbelief, said doubtingly, “Lord, we know not whither thou goest, and how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [Verses 4-6.] These words are for you. When you are in perplexity, go right to the Word of God. Read about Christ, His character, His work; and do as He would were He in your place. Christ could not, in word or practice, testify to wrong; for He is truth itself.

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 5

“I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also, and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” Then Philip asked, “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” [Verses 6-8.] Grieved at His disciple’s lack of faith, Christ answered, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself; but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 6

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the work that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” [Verses 9-12.] Christ desired the disciples to understand that they were not to be bereft of power because He was going to His Father. The promise He made to them is for us. If we will take it just as it reads, we shall feel such confidence and such trust in God and the truth that He will be able to reveal His power through us. By our good works we shall show our faith. We can receive power and grace from Christ to enable us to work the works of God. And let us ever remember that we are never to take any credit to ourselves for the work we do. There is nothing good in us; therefore we should not seek to glorify ourselves. God is to receive all the glory.

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 8

Christ’s words show that there is a close connection between heaven and earth; that to those who believe in the power of truth, God manifests Himself as He does not to the world. There are those who seem to think that if the minister leaves them, they will be stranded. Why do they not hang their helpless souls on Christ? Why do they not believe that although they have no minister, Jesus is with them? Let them follow the ministers into the field with their prayers. Christ has told them that the works He has done they may do also. He says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in his Son.” [Verse 13.] But He does not say this to those who do not abide in Him.

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 10

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Obedience is the test of true love. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” Although I am going away, My Representative will still be with you. He will never leave you. “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” [Verses 15-17.] This promise God has made to you. When you get discouraged, do not depend on human beings for aid. Christ declares, The Comforter shall be with you. Go right to God in prayer. Bow before Him, saying, “Lord, help me; for I am in difficulty, and I do not know what to do. You have promised to give your children what they ask in Your name. We ask for strength to resist the temptations of the enemy.”

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 11

Thus you will obtain a most valuable experience. As you follow on to know the Lord, you will know that His goings forth are prepared as the morning. And when you receive help and comfort, sing to the praise of God. Talk with God. Thus you will become a friend of God. You will rely on Him. You will obtain a faith that will trust whether you feel like trusting or not. Remember that feeling is not an evidence that you are a Christian. Implicit faith in God shows that you are His child. Trust in God. He will never disappoint you. He says, “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me; because I live, ye shall live also.” [Verses 18, 19.] We do not see Christ in person. It is by faith that we behold Him. Our faith grasps His promises. Thus it was that Enoch walked with God.

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 12

“Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me; because I live, ye shall live also.” [Verse 19.] Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, Christ proclaimed, “I am the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.] Because He lives, His children shall live. “At that day,” He says, “Ye shall know that I am in my Father, and he in me, and I in you.” [John 14:20.]

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 13

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” [Verse 21.] Many set aside their Saviour, and write to me to know whether they have any evidence that they are Christians. They do not put confidence in God. They ought to sing and rejoice in the love of their Saviour; but they say, “I do not feel like it.” Has not Christ said, “He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father; and I will love him and will manifest myself to him”?

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 15

“Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself to us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” [Verses 22, 23.] He in whose heart Christ abides is not one day on the mountaintop, and the next day in the shadow. He has a calm, trusting faith in the Redeemer’s love.

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 16

“He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings, and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” [Verse 24.] Look into the mirror of God’s law, and see whether you are conforming to the divine requirements. If you see that your character is defective, do not go away and forget what manner of person you are. Strive earnestly to overcome your faults. As you do this, the joy of heaven will fill your heart. There is strength in the Saviour. He wants His children to banish all selfishness from the heart, that He may enter as an abiding guest, that His righteousness may go before them, and the glory of God be their rearward.

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 17

“The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance.” [Verse 26.] You are the children of God. He has adopted you, and He desires you to form characters here that will give you entrance into the heavenly family. Remembering this, you will be able to bear the trials which you meet here. In heaven there will be no color line; for all will be as white as Christ Himself. Let us thank God that we can be members of the royal family.

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 18

“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. You have heard that I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father; for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.” [Verses 27-29.]

16LtMs, Ms 27, 1901, par. 19

I want you to realize that Christ is a personal Saviour. Show to the world what He can do even through the weakest of human beings. Work out before the world the principles of righteousness. Obey the commandments. Demonstrate the power of truth. This is the most powerful witness you can bear in favor of the truth. But you are not to do this in your own strength. You are to work in the strength and grace that God gives. Thus you can walk in His footsteps. Cling to the mighty Redeemer, who is also your Elder Brother. God desires us to seek earnestly for a place among the number who will stand around His throne. To every sincere follower, white or black, He will say, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” [Matthew 25:34.] Whatever you may be called upon to suffer, remember that Christ has said, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:3.] Have faith in God, and day by day He will give you the victory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 183, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 183, 1901, par. 12

We believe a large number will yet take their stand. The Lord gave me my work on the Sabbath to present the fourteenth chapter of John, dwelling upon faith and hope. The blessing of the Lord attended the word spoken. Many testimonies of courage and of faith and hope were borne. All expressed an appreciation of the word spoken. The social meeting following was cheerful, and the happy faces expressed the blessings of God in their testimonies, and the hymns sung as a part of the service seemed to leave the most blessed influence upon the minds of those assembled. This was a rainy Sabbath; but the heavenly showers of grace and blessing from God were evidently refreshing the souls of those present. Their testimonies I highly appreciated. The meeting continued until the electric lights were lighted, and our precious meeting closed, when we were obliged to leave for the station to take the cars that left Trenton for the boat.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 125, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 125, 1901, par. 64

The disciples were filled with great joy. Over and over again they repeated the words Christ had spoken to them in His last lessons, as recorded in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John; and every one had something to say about the instruction, especially with regard to the words of the fourteenth of John:

16LtMs, Ms 125, 1901, par. 65

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:1-3.]

16LtMs, Ms 125, 1901, par. 66

The promise that He would come again, and also the thought that He had left them His peace, filled their hearts with joy. “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. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” [Verses 27, 28.] “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” [Verses 11, 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 12, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 12, 1901, par. 13

“Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life.” [John 5:39.] To search means to look diligently for something which has been lost. Search yourself for the hidden treasure. Do not leave this work to the minister. You cannot afford to be ignorant of the Word of God. Study the difficult passages, comparing verse with verse, and you will find that Scripture is the key which unlocks Scripture. Those who prayerfully study the Scriptures go from their study wiser than when they opened the Bible. Some of their difficulties have been solved; for the Holy Spirit has done the work spoken of in the fourteenth chapter of John: “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [Verse 26.]

16LtMs, Ms 12, 1901, par. 16

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. ... If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” [John 14:21, 23.] “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” [John 15:10, 11.]

16LtMs, Ms 12, 1901, par. 20

Search, search the Bible with a heart hungry for spiritual food. Dig into the Word as the miner digs into the earth to find the veins of gold. Do not give up your search till you have ascertained your relation to God and His will concerning you. Christ says to you, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” [John 14:13; 15:7; 14:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 139, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 139, 1902, par. 1

I thank the Lord this morning for His keeping power. I awake very early, unable to sleep. During the past night, my mind has been greatly burdened. I am bidden to bear to those who minister in word and doctrine the message that they need to be converted; for they do not understand the philosophy of the genuine missionary work that should be done by those who are acquainted with present truth. In the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John, God’s will is plainly outlined before them. It is their privilege to believe that God means just what He says. God desires them to believe every verse in these chapters and to live them out before their brother ministers.

17LtMs, Ms 139, 1902, par. 21

God loves us even as He loves His Son, and Christ has given us the assurance, “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.” [John 14:18.] Let us have many, many love feasts over this assurance, knowing that Christ is ever beside us, to strengthen and to bless.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 71, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 71, 1902, par. 5

Knowing the trials that would come to His church through unconverted believers, Christ spoke the words of encouragement found in the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth chapters of John. These chapters are full of encouragement and hope. To those who study them, they impart a courage that will enable them to stand fast in the most trying hour. As long as time shall last, these chapters will bring to the true believer strength and assurance.

17LtMs, Ms 71, 1902, par. 6

“Let not your hearts be troubled,” Christ said; “ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:1-3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 264, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 264, 1902, par. 11

I have been having a marked experience in light given that what our people need is the Holy Spirit of God to cleanse away the defilement of unkind rubbish of talk and passing judgment. Until this is done, all the counsels that we may have will prove a detriment. Unless they are a savor of life unto life, they will be a savor of death unto death. The lips need to have the living coal placed upon them to cleanse away the self-assured conversation which hurts souls and is spoiling the work of God. It is the strange fire that many are handling, and Christ’s words to them in the 13th chapter of John, and in the 14th and 15th and 17th chapters, are not heeded.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 169, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 169, 1902, par. 45

God cannot work through us miraculously while we are unconverted. It would spoil us; for we would take it as an evidence that we were perfect before Him. Our first work is to become perfect in His sight, by living faith claiming His promise of forgiveness. “Ask what ye will,” Christ declared to His disciples, “and it shall be done unto you.” Let us remember that He also said, “He that believeth on Me, believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me. And he that seeth Me seeth Him that sent Me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.” “Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me not; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also.” “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” [John 15:7; 12:44-46; 14:19; 15:4.] Those who see Christ by living faith, those who abide in Him, will have power to work miracles for His glory.

17LtMs, Ms 169, 1902, par. 50

When we are willing to have our own minds unsoldered, and resoldered by the melting influences of the Spirit of God, we shall understand with new enlightenment Christ’s instruction to us as recorded in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John. O how great are the possibilities that He has placed within our reach! He says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you.” [John 16:23.] He promises to come to us as a Comforter to bless us. Why do we not believe these promises? That which we lack in faith we make up by the use of drugs. Let us give up the drugs, believing that Jesus does not desire us to be sick, and that if we live according to the principles of health reform, He will keep us well.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 6, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 6, 1902, par. 1

Today, Sabbath, I spoke to a large congregation in the tent, from the fourteenth chapter of John. I was led out to speak on faith in the promises of God, and I urged all to exercise faith and to express cheerfulness and gratitude. This is the last time I shall speak in the tent. I shall then have spoken eleven times. I think Brother A. T. Jones will speak tomorrow.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 217, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 217, 1903, par. 22

Before Christ left His disciples, He gave them plain, distinct lessons in regard to the future. He urged them to remember that He would not leave them in blindness and ignorance. He would make them acquainted with His purposes and plans. He gave them evidence, in a special manner, of His love for them; for He desired that in all their work and their councils, they should bring this love to mind. He knew the trials and temptations that they were to meet, and in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John, He gives them instruction that would strengthen them for the difficulties before them. Brother Tenney, study these chapters. They will help you in your work.