EGW WritingsJohn 17

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 1, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 1, 1903, par. 10

Then comes the wonderful prayer recorded in the seventeenth of John—a prayer that means much more to us than we realize. Let us receive it unto the treasure-house of the soul, and make it the daily lesson of our lives:

18LtMs, Ms 1, 1903, par. 11

“As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are 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. Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 18-26.]

18LtMs, Ms 1, 1903, par. 13

I urge our people to cease their criticism and evil speaking, and go to God in earnest prayer, asking Him to help them to help the erring. Let them link up with one another and with Christ. Let them study the seventeenth of John and learn how to pray and how to live the prayer of Christ. He is the Comforter. He will abide in their hearts, making their joy full. His words will be to them as the bread of life, and in the strength thus gained they will be enabled to develop characters that will be an honor to God. Perfect Christian fellowship will exist among them. There will be seen in their lives the fruit that always appears as the result of obedience to the truth.

18LtMs, Ms 1, 1903, par. 15

Perfect oneness—a union as close as the union existing between the Father and the Son—this is what will give success to the efforts of God’s workers. “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me,” to bring about this union, this sanctified harmony. “I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them as Thou hast loved Me.” [Verses 21, 23.] It is this union that convinces the world that God has indeed sent His Son to save sinners. Christ gives to His true disciples the glory of His character, that His prayer may be answered. Through the impartation of His Spirit, He appears in their lives.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 149, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 149, 1903, par. 1

The Lord calls for men of genuine faith and sound minds, men who recognize the distinction between the true and the false. Each one should now be on his guard, studying and practicing the lessons given in the seventeenth chapter of John and preserving a living faith in the truth for this time. We need that self-control which will enable us to bring our habits into harmony with the prayer of Christ.

18LtMs, Ms 149, 1903, par. 2

The instruction given me by One of authority is that we are to learn to answer the prayer recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John. We are to make this prayer our first study. Every gospel minister, every medical missionary, is to learn the science of this prayer. My brethren and sisters, I ask you to heed these words and to bring to your study a calm, humble, contrite spirit, and the healthy energies of a mind under the control of God. Those who fail to learn the lessons contained n this prayer are in danger of making one-sided developments, which no future training will ever fully correct.

18LtMs, Ms 149, 1903, par. 5

“Father, I desire that they also whom Thou hast given Me be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world knew Thee not, but I knew Thee; and these knew that Thou didst send Me; and I made known unto them Thy name, and will make it known; that the love wherewith Thou lovest Me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 20-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 41, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 41, 1903, par. 8

A careful study of the seventeenth chapter of John would be of inestimable value to us. It is important that in every family the lessons here given should be taught understandingly; for “this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” [Verse 3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and work? The Gospels differ. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in. If these points are essential, why did not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend all things in exactly the same way. Some Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of certain persons than to others; some points appear to be much more important to some than to others. The same principle applies to speakers. Some speakers dwell at considerable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not mention at all. Thus the whole truth is presented more clearly by several than by one. In the Gospels the records blend in one harmonious whole.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 174, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 174, 1903, par. 6

I could not sleep past three and I wrote several pages while others were sleeping. Letters had to be written. I dared not delay. The warning must be given in reference to the high position the church should occupy as Christians. There is danger of drawing apart and not answering the prayer of Christ in John 17.

18LtMs, Ms 174, 1903, par. 8

Will we take this instructive prayer, and will we in all our perplexities be sanctified? He said, “I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” [John 17:19.] Will we make such an application of the truth that we shall be sanctified through belief of the truth? We can never, never glorify God in serving mammon. Christ would have us, all there is of us, if we will do His will.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 232, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 232, 1903, par. 48

My brethren and sisters, study the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John. The words of these chapters explain themselves. “This is life eternal,” Christ declared, “that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” [John 17:3.] In these words the personality of God and of His Son is clearly spoken of. The personality of the one does not do away with the necessity for the personality of the other.

18LtMs, Lt 232, 1903, par. 52

There is a knowledge of God and of Christ which all who are saved must have. “This is life eternal,” Christ says, “that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” [John 17:3.] And He says again, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.] To all who receive Him as their Redeemer, He gives power to become the sons of God. Every one who truly believes in Him will be inspired by faith and raised by the arm of Omnipotence.

18LtMs, Lt 232, 1903, par. 54

Those who in this life love God and cherish the thought of Him will employ their faculties and their talents as faithful stewards, making the very best use of them, but not claiming any reward as their due. As they deny self and follow Jesus, lifting the cross, they will find that the cross is light, and that it is a pledge, as they bear it, that they will one day be given a crown of everlasting life. What will be the glory and the gain and the enjoyment of that eternal life that is to be given to those only for whom it has been prepared? The great joy of the overcomer will be that he is in the presence of Christ. “Where I am, there shall also My servant be,” He declared. [John 12:26.] And He prayed, “Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory.” [John 17:24.] Christ is speaking of the glory of His Father’s presence and His Father’s house. The glory that is to be revealed to all who are saved is the glory which Christ had with His Father before the world was—the unapproachable splendor of their converse together. The angels were not admitted to the interviews between the Father and the Son when the plan of salvation was laid. Those human beings who seek to intrude into the secrets of the Most High, who inhabiteth eternity, show their ignorance of spiritual and eternal things. Far better might they, while mercy’s voice is still heard, humble themselves in the dust and plead with God to teach them His ways.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 62, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 62, 1903, par. 2

All who believe the Word are to be doers of the Word. The prayer of Christ recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John is full of encouragement for us. It is given as a lesson to be studied by His disciples.

18LtMs, Ms 62, 1903, par. 3

“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” [Verse 14.] Let us then keep ourselves separate from the spirit and practices of the world.

18LtMs, Ms 62, 1903, par. 4

“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” [Verses 17, 18.] The servants of the Lord Jesus have been commissioned to go forth into places nigh and afar off, proclaiming the gospel, that to the church may be added all who believe the truth.

18LtMs, Ms 62, 1903, par. 5

“And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.” [Verses 19, 20.] This embraces every one who will ever hear and accept the message of truth.

18LtMs, Ms 62, 1903, par. 6

“That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verse 21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 19, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 19, 1904, par. 18

I ask those assembled in council at Nashville to consider these words and cast out of their hearts everything that savors of disunion. God knows the secrets of the heart. He will certainly pardon the transgressions of His people if they will make a united effort to answer the prayer of Christ recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John. How much longer will God’s people be content to stay in the dark chamber of unbelief? My brethren, come together in unity. Give to the world from henceforth a clear demonstration of the power of divine grace. Bear witness to the sanctifying, uplifting power of the truth.

19LtMs, Lt 19, 1904, par. 20

“Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world.” [Verses 23, 24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 115, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 115, 1904, par. 18

These words, in all their solemn importance, come sounding down along the line to our time. God’s people today are to seek for power from on high, that they may understand the breadth of their mission. May God help us to realize that the burden of our work is to bear witness to the truth. But the teachers of truth can do their work acceptably only as self is crucified and selfishness is purged from their hearts. They are to purify themselves even as Christ is pure. When they understand fully the meaning of the prayer recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John, they will be so closely united with Christ that there will be no place in their minds for the speculative theories that spring out of nothingness and end in nothingness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 389, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 389, 1904, par. 5

This highest science in educational lines is expressed by Jesus Christ in (John 17, verse 3): “And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” Thank God for such a science that all may acquire. Every sacrifice we make in His service is through talent given of God, consecrated and returned back to God, accumulated into a treasure which is beyond human computation. Every effort made to co-operate with God through Jesus Christ in this present life, if each will perseveringly be true and faithful unto the end, Christ has promised to repay in this present life a hundredfold, and in the world to come, life, everlasting life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 158, 1904

Omaha, Nebraska

September 10, 1904

Previously unpublished.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 1

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and 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.” [John 17:1, 2.]

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 2

Now we come to a very important verse. Bear in mind that these words were spoken in the last prayer that Christ made with His disciples just before His trial and crucifixion.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 3

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou has sent. I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was.” [Verses 3-5.]

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 4

These words were spoken by Christ, as He realized that the very next turn of the wheel would bring Him to the bitter experience of Gethsemane. It was but a very short time after, He was praying to His Father: “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” [Matthew 26:39.] The cup of humiliation and suffering was trembling in the Saviour’s hand. Should He drink of it? Should He take upon His divine soul the sins of the world? Should He take upon His soul the weight of the sins of the world, that man might have another opportunity of eternal life?

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 5

Christ, the King of glory, laid aside His royal robe, laid off His kingly crown, clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might stand at the head of the human family. O I want that every one here shall consider the great sacrifice that our Lord and Saviour has made in our behalf! The cup trembled in His hand. The enemy tempted Him with the suggestion that if He should take upon Him the sins of the world He would be lost forever; that He could never again have the favor of His Father, for He knew how offensive sin was to Him. Great drops of perspiration fell from Him brow and moistened the sod of Gethsemane.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 6

In His agony, He staggered to the place where He had left His disciples, hoping that at least He might find them praying. But they were all asleep. Only a little while before Peter had asserted that he would go with his Master even to death, but he was sleeping with the others. Jesus, knowing the trials before them, bade them to watch and pray lest they enter into temptation.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 7

We shall all have to meet strong temptations, but the important question is, Shall we enter into the temptations that may come? Shall we do wrong because we are tempted? Or shall we so closely connect ourselves with God that the tempter may have no victory over us?

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 8

Jesus continues His prayer: “I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world: Thine they were, and Thou gave them Me; and they have kept Thy word.” [John 17:6.]

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 9

O what a blessed commendation! May the Lord of heaven open our understanding, that we shall know what it means to be a practical Christian. We all need the deep movings of the Spirit of God upon our hearts, that we may possess the mind of Christ, that we may reveal His sweetness and His overcoming grace. Then we shall not grieve the One who has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 10

Only think of what He bore for us! Three times He came to His disciples, finding them asleep each time. The third time He said, “Sleep on now, and take your rest.” [Matthew 26:45.]

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 11

When the enemy comes in like a flood, shall we be able to lift up a standard against him? Shall we be deceived by the work of the enemy in his endeavors to undermine the foundations of the faith that we have preached for over half a century? Can we not discern the power of God that has wrought for us as we have carried the truth to every nation and kindred and tongue and people, as far as we could reach them? We must keep in close harmony with Christ Jesus. Every conceivable sophistry will be brought into the world in these last days of peril.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 12

We must be so rooted and grounded in faith that we shall not be deceived even by the strongest miracle-working power of Satan. The sick will appear to be healed. Agents of Satan will appear and pretend that they are Christ. Apparently they will do His work in healing the sick. The devil has power to bring on disease. He withdraws his power from an individual, and lo, he is wonderfully healed. We cannot depend upon the miracle-working power of healing the sick as an evidence to mark the people of the living God. What then can we rely upon?

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 13

Jesus said, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life.” What is it to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God? “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 6:54, 63.] You see that your souls are firmly established in regard to the truth for this time, as revealed in the Word of God, and you will never be moved by the sophistries that are flooding our world.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 14

One great deception that is coming in is what is known as hypnotism. Institutions are being established for the purpose of teaching how to control the minds of men and women. But the mind that has been given up to the control of another mind can never again be as it was before. It has been surrendered. I want you to remember this, for you may be invited to obtain relief from sickness by giving up your mind to be controlled by some one else. But neither he who takes the control of another’s mind nor he who surrenders his mind to the control of another can ever be in the condition he was before this experience. This is a work that God has never appointed any human being to do for another.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 15

What shall we do in our distress and trouble? “Come unto me,” says Jesus, “all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] As you bear His yoke, you will find by experience the truthfulness of the words, “For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Thank God for this.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 16

“James, a servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall in divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” [James 1:1-4.] O, we have an experience to gain in the religious life that we have not yet gained.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 17

“If any of you lack wisdom,”—you see it does not merely address the ministers or the medical missionaries—“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” [Verse 5.]

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 18

He upbraideth not! O the beauty of that! Is it hard for you, if any one comes to ask counsel of you, not to upbraid because of the mistakes made, especially if his trouble has come because he has done a certain thing that you cautioned him against doing?

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 19

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” [Verse 5.] While I was in Australia, letters were sent to me from hundreds and thousands of miles, to ask counsel in regard to some little family trouble. The ones who sent these letters might have taken counsel with the ministers of their churches. But there was Someone else from whom they could have received wisdom. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” He is well acquainted with you. He knows everything connected with your life. He understands your heart, better than you yourself. He giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not. And if he asks God for wisdom, “It shall be given him.” [Verse 5.]

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 20

Supposing I should tell you, “If any of you get into trouble, let me know about it, and I will get you out of that trouble.” You would remember that. You would remember my name, you would find out where I lived, and all about how you might obtain this deliverance. You have One who knows and understands all about your afflictions, and He has promised that He will give liberally, and He upbraideth not.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 21

“But let him ask in faith.” [Verse 6.] That is the one condition upon which the promise of answer to prayer is based. You are to exercise faith in Christ, and believe that He will give you what you have asked.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 22

“Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” [Verses 6-8.]

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 23

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” [Verse 12.]

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 24

Shall we be deceived by some one who has made a study of sophistries, who may say to us, You are mistaken in your belief? Here is something else you should investigate. You must be so well established upon the Word of God that you will not be wavering, like a wave of the sea. Take the Word of God just as it reads, and thank Him for the wonderful revelation of truth He has given us.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 25

Before I came here, it seemed a question as to whether I ought to come to his place. I dread the cars. And I dread also to stand before a company of people who have known the truth for years, and yet who are easily moved away, by the false sentiments which some may bring to their attention. “We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” [Hebrews 3:14.] Your confidence in the truth should increase every day, and it will if you live the truth.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 26

I ask you if you think that the enemy, who has had the experience of thousands of years in his great work of deception, who has vast armies at his command, will allow these last days of earth’s history to pass by without bringing into action all his deceptive powers to bear upon men who are seeking to exalt themselves?

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 27

You cannot afford to exalt yourselves. John writes to the church, and addresses all as “my little children.” [1 John 2:1.] I would address you all, gray-haired men and women, as God’s little children. Our Father is in the heavenly courts, but He has not left us alone. He has sent His Holy Spirit to this earth. We are to believe in the agency of the Holy Spirit, as well as to believe in the Father and the Son. At our baptism we went down into the water, and were baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. We made a solemn pledge to God, and these three highest powers of heaven were pledged in our behalf, that we should be overcomers. Now, it would be a terrible thing if, with this power at our command, we fail to perfect a character that will fit us for eternal life. Shall we yield to the little annoyances of life, to pride and pleasure, when a whole heaven of power is at our command?

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 28

Do we realize how we grieve the heart of God by our sinfulness? I feel so thankful that your hearts have been stirred to give liberally at this meeting to the cause of God in needy fields. Jesus has said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.] A few months ago, I wrote to a brother, and asked him to lend me some money on interest, that I might invest it in the work of God. He had given his sons their portion of money, but they had persuaded him to invest all he could spare in some land. The father had set the money aside for the Lord, but he wrote me that to save trouble in his family, he had yielded to his sons’ wishes in this matter. That was God’s money that had been entrusted to him as a steward, but like the servant in the parable, he has buried his money in the earth.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 29

As Christ hung on the cross of Calvary, the thief said to Him, “Lord, remember me, when thou comest in thy kingdom.” [Luke 23:42.] Christ could not reach out His hand to him; it was nailed to the cross, but ever in that hour He revealed His power to forgive sins.

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 30

The Lord is soon coming in the clouds of heaven with power and with great glory. His terrible judgments are soon to fall upon our world. Are we doing all we can to warn earth’s inhabitants of these things? While I was in the South a few months ago, I had a very impressive dream. I seemed to see a great ball of fire come from heaven and strike the earth. Great houses were in flames, and many were looking on in great distress. Some one said, “I knew that this was coming. I knew that God’s judgments were soon to fall.” “You knew that these things were coming?” said another. “Why did you not tell us? Why did you not warn us, and show us the prophecies, that we might also know?”

19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 31

I am so thankful to meet you all here today, and I hope that we may meet in the kingdom of God. Will you not go from this place with your hearts burning with love of God? Do not go away with the same spirit that you came. God has better things for us than we have yet seen.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 45, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 45, 1904, par. 7

I spoke to the people from John 17. I told them I wished them to have that precious last prayer of Christ’s before He left His disciples to pass through His great agony in the garden of Gethsemane, prior to His crucifixion. There seemed to be a most earnest interest, and many felt deeply and showed that their hearts were touched. Brother Clarence Crisler reported the discourse. I did not think it advisable to tarry to speak to the people present, for I was perspiring so much that I had to protect myself with all the wraps I had with me. I stepped into the carriage to start home, but we were surrounded with white people and colored people so that we could not move on. I met Dr. Maxson from Oakland. He had so changed in appearance that I did not know him. He greeted me heartily by shaking hands and speaking a few words. One after another introduced themselves as being formerly acquainted with me. A mother came with her two sons, very fine-looking men, and introduced them to me. Both expressed great satisfaction in listening to the discourse. The elder son grasped my hand and said, “My heart is melted within me. I never listened to such a discourse as you have given today. I never heard anything like it. It thrilled me through and through.” This man was about thirty years of age, I should judge. Other noble-looking men and women crowded to the carriage, but I did not get their names. The colored came as well as the white; I shook hands with them heartily, and then we had to leave.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 7, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 7, 1904, par. 3

We are now to make determined efforts to draw together. We must not dishonor God by standing in disconnected companies. The oneness described in the wonderful prayer of Christ that is recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John should now be seen in our ranks.

19LtMs, Lt 7, 1904, par. 8

“O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee; but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 17-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 368, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 368, 1904, par. 9

I ask you to study the prayer of Christ as recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John. I hope, my dear brother, that you will see this prayer in its true character. It is a lesson by which our course of action is to be guided. It contains the science that will stand the test of ages. It is an illustration of the intercession that will stand, that Christ is making, and to the end of the world will continue to make for those who believe in Him.

19LtMs, Lt 368, 1904, par. 13

“Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.] Sanctification through the truth means unreserved surrender. In it there is increase, continuous and progressive, until grace is lost in glory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 24, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 24, 1905, par. 11

Here the way is marked out. I entreat the members of our churches to represent Christ in character. I entreat them to put the powers of the whole being into the effort to answer the prayer of Christ as recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John. If the words of this prayer are lived, we shall be so kind, so tender, so loving, so Christlike, that the world will see that God has indeed sent His Son to save sinners. My brethren and sisters, take yourselves in hand. Correct your thoughts, words, and acts. This God requires of you, that others may take knowledge of you that you have been with Jesus and have learned of Him. If you are doing wrong yourselves, how can you set a right example before others. May God help His people to read and practice His Word and to take self sternly in hand.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 52, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 52, 1905, par. 5

Just as soon as you are impressed that there is something standing between you and God, or between you and your brethren, leave your gift before the altar of prayer, and do that which Christ has said you must do in order for the wrong to be taken out of the way. This is the first work that is to be done in this Conference, if we expect the blood of Jesus Christ to be efficacious in our behalf. If we confess and forsake our sins, we shall come into that close relation to Jesus to which reference is made in the seventeenth chapter of John. We shall be one with Christ. This is the evidence that we are to give to the world, that God sent His Son to save sinners. This is the result of the influence of the grace of God upon human hearts; and when the conviction of sin comes, then the light of the glory of God will be revealed. If we have a living union with God, we shall hate the sin that separates the soul from God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 150, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 150, 1905, par. 27

Our people should study carefully the prayer of Christ in the seventeenth chapter of John. “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and 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 a 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.” [Verses 1-3.]

20LtMs, Ms 150, 1905, par. 28

The closing words of this chapter are especially important. Jesus said, “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name: those that Thou gavest Me, I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” [Verse 12.] Many of us have lost the science of soul-keeping. Christ calls us to come back and to learn in His school how to keep the souls of those that are committed to our charge.

20LtMs, Ms 150, 1905, par. 29

“Now I come to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth. As Thou has sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” [Verses 13-18.]

20LtMs, Ms 150, 1905, par. 31

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are 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.” [Verses 20-23.]

20LtMs, Ms 150, 1905, par. 34

“Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world.” [Verse 24.] And yet the Father gave up His Son to die a cruel death, in order that salvation and light might be brought to the very people who come and go from the restaurants, many of them going away with no more knowledge of salvation than they had when they came.

20LtMs, Ms 150, 1905, par. 35

“O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me, may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 25, 26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 172, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 172, 1905, par. 4

The prayer of Christ is to be lived in our lives. It is in John 17. That prayer for His disciples is the effectual lesson to us all to answer that prayer that His disciples may be one as He is one with the Father. We are in no wise to discourage a soul, but the ones who carry the heavy burdens need the encouragement.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 58, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 58, 1905, par. 14

Christ is one with the Father, but God and Christ are two distinct personages. Read the prayer of Christ in the seventeenth chapter of John, and you will find this point clearly brought out. How earnestly the Saviour prayed that His disciples might be one with Him as He was one with the Father. But the unity that is to exist between Christ and His followers does not destroy the personality of either. They are to be one with Him as He is one with the Father. By this unity they are to make it plain to the world that God sent His Son to save sinners. The oneness of Christ’s followers with Him is to be the great, unmistakable proof that God did indeed send His Son into the world to save sinners. But a loose, lax religion leaves the world confused and bewildered.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 187, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 187, 1905, par. 8

Let us consider all these things. I am going to get this out in print, and I thought I would like to speak it out right here, that we may begin the work of searching our individual hearts to see what is there that will in any way mar the spirit of unity for which Christ prayed in the seventeenth chapter of John. He prayed that lack of unity should not exist. Love expressed would be to the world as credentials, if it was cherished, if it was practiced, that God had sent His Son.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 311, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 311, 1905, par. 8

All who believe and practice the Word of God will answer the prayer of Christ as given in the seventeenth chapter of John. Read this chapter from the first verse to the last. In it you have the plan of redemption. God’s angels are preserving the world from destruction because there are some who have never yet heard the message of truth.

20LtMs, Lt 311, 1905, par. 28

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and 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.” [John 17:1-3.]

20LtMs, Lt 311, 1905, par. 31

We are God’s little children, and we are to learn of Him. His Spirit is too pure to dwell in the mind and heart of one that is lifted up unto vanity. In His prayer Christ said, “I have glorified Thee on the earth.” This is the science of heaven. “I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self, with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was.” [John 17:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 75, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 75, 1905, par. 18

Pray earnestly. Read and study the prayer of Christ, as given in the seventeenth chapter of John, and then seek to live lives that will answer that prayer. Read also the messages given in the third chapter of Revelation. God sent His angel from heaven to give these messages. The message to the Laodicean church belongs to the church in Los Angeles and to our churches generally. Will they arouse and do the work that God has given them to do?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 88, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 88, 1905, par. 1

The intercessory prayer of Christ for His disciples as recorded in the 17th chapter of John contains important lessons for every Christian. This prayer is written for our instruction. “Neither pray I for these alone.” Christ says, “but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.” [Verse 20.] Thank the Lord! Every one who believes in Jesus Christ is embraced in this petition.

20LtMs, Ms 88, 1905, par. 2

Of His disciples Jesus says, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” [Verses 16, 17.] Those who obey the Word of God will not be conformed to the sentiments and practices of the world. However great may be the pressure of adverse circumstances, however severe the trial, they are held fast by faith in Christ, and they hold firmly their confidence and love for the truth. Yet they may be misunderstood by the world; for the world seeth not God, neither knoweth Him.

20LtMs, Ms 88, 1905, par. 4

In our world there are millions of souls who are destitute of the knowledge of God. They are walking in darkness and in the shadow of death. Our duty to them is made plain in the prayer of Christ: “As thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” [John 17:18, 19.]

20LtMs, Ms 88, 1905, par. 5

I pray for them, Christ continues, “that they all may be one: as, Thou Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verse 21.]

20LtMs, Ms 88, 1905, par. 9

“And the glory which Thou hast given Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are 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.” [Verses 22, 23.] Can human minds comprehend the Father’s love sufficiently to lead them to act in accordance with statements so broad and so full?

20LtMs, Ms 88, 1905, par. 10

“Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved them, may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 24-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 92, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 92, 1906, par. 3

God’s family on the earth have many lessons to learn in order to answer the prayer of Christ—His last prayer with His disciples before His humiliation. The seventeenth chapter of John, which contains this prayer, comprehends more than any other chapter in the New Testament.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 52, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 52, 1906, par. 11

The instruction contained in the seventeenth chapter of John should take hold of every fiber of our being. This chapter records Christ’s wonderful prayer with His disciples just before His trial. He says:

21LtMs, Lt 52, 1906, par. 13

“Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as We are.” [Verse 11.] Shall we not make an effort to answer this prayer proportionate to the sacrifice that Christ made in our behalf? Shall not our hearts be softened and subdued by considering His request, looking upward to behold the Lamb of God, in whom are centered all our hopes of eternal life? He only can take away all our sins, our spiritual uncomeliness. Behold the Lamb of God, pleading with divine eloquence for His church on earth. Shall we not strive to overcome our sinful unbelief, our wicked impenitence as we think of His anguish as He seeks to strengthen the mind to see about the throne the rainbow of promise, reflecting its glory, the cloud of His people’s sins behind it, claiming for His people exemption from the deluge of divine wrath.

21LtMs, Lt 52, 1906, par. 19

“And now come I to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” [John 17:13-17.]

21LtMs, Lt 52, 1906, par. 22

I will return to the prayer of Christ. “As Thou hast sent Me into the world,” He said, “even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are 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.” [John 17:18-23.]

21LtMs, Lt 52, 1906, par. 26

“Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not know Thee; but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 24-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 398, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 398, 1906, par. 5

Dr. Kress, will not you and Elder Olsen, in speaking to the people, tell them in impressive Bible language that Christ is wounded by the differences that are so easily created and brought to the front. Turn to the seventeenth chapter of John, and read the prayer of Christ—His entreaty that His disciples may be one as He is one with the Father. We greatly dishonor God when we regard it as a light matter to make our differences apparent. This is sure to weaken our own souls and the souls of others.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 336, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 336, 1906, par. 6

With strong, hopeful words the Saviour ended His instruction. Then He poured out His soul in prayer for His disciples. Study this prayer, recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John, praying for an understanding of its meaning from the first verse to the last.

21LtMs, Lt 336, 1906, par. 9

“And now I come to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” [Verses 5-14.]

21LtMs, Lt 336, 1906, par. 11

“Sanctify them though Thy truth; Thy word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world, And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” [Verses 17-19.]

21LtMs, Lt 336, 1906, par. 12

Christ speaks with the assurance of His divine mission. “Thou hast sent Me into the world.” [Verse 18.] He is the Author of pure and undefiled religion. He speaks with the greatest satisfaction of the commission He has given the disciples. He sent the disciples forth to do the same work that the Father had given Him to do. He promised that superhuman power would attend them in the work that they were to do after His ascension. This work was to begin in Jerusalem, then to extend to Samaria, and from there to the uttermost parts of the world. The world was to be their field of labor.

21LtMs, Lt 336, 1906, par. 16

The prayer of Christ is for all God’s ministers. “Sanctify them to Thy service,” Christ prayed. [See John 17:17.] Then their credentials will be ratified in heaven. Qualify them for their office in the ministry. I have called them. They have consented to take up the work that is to be done.

21LtMs, Lt 336, 1906, par. 22

Christ prayed for all who are His. For this is His will, even their sanctification. “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are 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.” [Verses 17, 20-23.]

21LtMs, Lt 336, 1906, par. 23

What a prayer was this. If it had not been possible for this unity to be, Christ would not have offered such a prayer. “I in them, and Thou in Me,” He said, “that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hath loved them as Thou hast loved Me.” [Verse 23.] This seems almost impossible.

21LtMs, Lt 336, 1906, par. 24

Who are included in the prayer of Christ? “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.” [Verse 20.] The company present at the time, the eleven, the seventy, and the large numbers who followed Christ from day to day were included in this prayer. And not these only, but all who in every future generation should unite themselves to Christ through hearing the truth. His prayer was uttered for all generations to come. His great desire is that all who believe in Him may be one, that all may receive the benefits of the truth. He prayed for them all, that they all might be one. Let us strive for this oneness, for it is the evidence we are to bear to the world that we are one with the Father.

21LtMs, Lt 336, 1906, par. 25

“Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou lovest Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee; but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 24-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 142, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, par. 14

When one comes into our midst, the first thing you see is he begins to find fault with this one and with that one and with the other one, he had better find fault with himself. The very reason why such are finding fault with others is because they do not know and understand themselves. When they search their hearts as with a lighted candle, when the Spirit of God comes upon their minds, they will feel that they have no time to pick up flaws in others, but see that every fault is removed from the human heart and the human mind, and that they are preparing for the great day of God which is right before us. You have no time to spend in unwholesome words. You want to seek the love of God in your hearts. He has said, Love one another as I have loved you. That is the last prayer of Christ, and you read it in the seventeenth chapter of John. You read it there, and see if your lips will not be closed. Does it give any place to any picking flaws in others? Humble your own heart before God.

21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, par. 37

We want to humble our individual hearts before God. He loves us with a love that is infinite. And that love He expressed to us in coming in our behalf and giving His life for the life of the world. If there were not but one, He would have given His life. Now, shall we be in such an indifferent position that God cannot number us with those who shall be one with God? He prayed that His disciples might be one with God as He is one with God. He wants you to answer His petition. He wants you to read His prayer. In the 17th chapter of John is that wonderful prayer, the last that He made before His crucifixion, when He embraced the whole of the believers as His, all these believers as His children. And He prays His Father that they may be one, even as He is one with the Father. There they are to be sanctified through the truth, to be one with Christ in God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 208, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 36

The prayer of Christ, as recorded in (John 17), has been presented to the Father in their behalf. The Lord Jesus, presenting His bruised hands bearing the wounds of cruel spikes, pleads with the Father, I have graven My church—the names of those who believe on Me—upon the palms of My hands.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 31, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 31, 1906, par. 19

It is with this wonderful representation [that] the prayer [is] recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John. It is the privilege of men and women to have an enduring union with Christ, a union that opens to them the source of rich and eternal happiness, which outlives all earthly, sinful enjoyment.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 141, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 141, 1906, par. 5

The ascension of Jesus to the Father was a matter of rejoicing to the early church. It enabled the Saviour to vouch safe to His followers in a special sense, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, His guidance and protection. The promise of the Father concerning His Son had been, “He shall see His seed; He shall prolong His days; and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.” [Isaiah 53:10.] At the close of His work on earth the Saviour could say, “I have finished the work that Thou gavest Me to do: and now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own glory which I had with Thee before the world was.” [John 17:4, 5.]

21LtMs, Lt 141, 1906, par. 6

Christ claims His own recompense for His conquests. He specified in His wonderful prayer, recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John, what that recompense is. “I am glorified in them,” He says. [Verse 10.] His ransomed church is to be the chief source of His glory. Through them, unto principalities and powers in heavenly places, is to be made known the manifold wisdom of God.

21LtMs, Lt 141, 1906, par. 9

“And the glory which Thou gavest Me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them as Thou hast loved Me. Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 14-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 138, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, par. 51

It will mean everything—yes, one soul is worth more than the world; and then it makes every difference with you what kind of a story you are listening to; and we want the eternal mind of Jehovah; we want that mind that shall give us the truth. And as I have read to you in Peter, so I would ask you to read the seventeenth chapter of John, and see that last prayer of Christ, with His disciples, and see if you are framing yourselves to love Christ and the truth, so that you can be one with Christ and one with the Father. That means everything to us individually.

21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, par. 52

You study the seventeenth chapter of John, and you see where it places you and me. May God let His Spirit come upon us. But why? I am receiving letters all the time, how doors open in foreign countries, and those that have thought to go but were afraid they would not allow an entrance to the Word. Brother Conradi writes me that there is nothing to hinder. The Spirit of God goes before them, and gives them the freedom that they would not have asked for six years ago, because they could not get it. But now what do we want? We want that our means should be used intelligently.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 29, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, par. 1

Last night I was standing before a company assembled in Nashville. I was reading the seventeenth chapter of John. This chapter contains the intercessory prayer offered by Christ to His Father just before His trial and crucifixion. This prayer is a lesson regarding the intercession that the Saviour would carry on within the veil, when His great sacrifice in behalf of man, the offering of Himself, should have been completed. Our Mediator gave His disciples this illustration of His ministration in the heavenly sanctuary in behalf of all who will come to Him in meekness and humility, emptied of all selfishness, and believing in His power to save.

21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, par. 6

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee.” [Verse 1.] No human being could utter such a prayer. The members of the sinful human race need constantly to cultivate humility. This expression, “Glorify Thy Son,” teaches every mortal that their dependence is wholly upon Jesus Christ. “As thou hast given Him power over all flesh”—jurisdiction as the One supreme—“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.” [Verses 2, 3.] Eternal life is inseparably connected with the knowledge of God and of His Son Jesus Christ.

21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, par. 7

“I have glorified Thee on the earth.” [Verse 4.] Can any human being say this? Oh, if we were cleansed from all self-exaltation, if we practiced the pure principles of obedience to Christ, we could. If we were wholly sanctified, we could represent the faith that we profess, showing to the world what it means to be true followers of Jesus Christ. We shall never be translated, we shall never see the Lord Jesus Christ, unless a most decided change takes place in our characters.

21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, par. 8

“I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was.” [Verses 4, 5.] Here two personages are brought to view, the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, par. 9

“I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world; Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me; and they have kept Thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever Thou hast given Me are of Thee. For I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me. I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; for they are Thine. And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and 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.” [Verses 6-11.]

21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, par. 12

“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name; those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” [Verses 12-16.]

21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, par. 13

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are 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.” [Verses 20-23.]

21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, par. 15

Christ’s prayer to the Father was for your oneness. Then meet the request of the Saviour; make this oneness possible by acting your part to cleanse yourself from every evil work and by becoming converted. Who are included in this prayer?—Not only those then numbered and acknowledge as disciples, but “them also which shall believe on Me through their word.” [Verse 20.]

21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, par. 20

The gospel was written out to be taught “to every creature” [Mark 16:15], to be translated into all languages, and brought understandingly in various lines before the world. And Christ with His divine aid will supply all the necessities of His workers. “I in them, and Thou in Me,” He says, “that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me. Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee; but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [John 17:23-26.]

21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, par. 21

By their oneness, the workers for Christ are to show that they bear the divine credentials. Their work is to be carried on harmoniously. The union for which Christ calls will perfect Christian character. This is shown in the words, “I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one.” [Verse 23.]

21LtMs, Ms 29, 1906, par. 24

This Christ insists upon. Believers are to preserve close unity with the Saviour. Consider the words, “I in them, and Thou in Me.” [Verse 23.] Here is the power that is to convince the world. Christ dwelling in the heart is the life of the “new man.” [Ephesians 4:24.] Shall we not be converted? Shall we not say, “We will become one with Christ as He is one with the Father”?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 9, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, par. 6

It is of the utmost consequence that we remember that we have a Shepherd who calls His sheep by name. The good Shepherd condescended to pitch His tent amidst human encampments, to teach His followers the way of life. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,” the chosen sheep of His pasture. [John 1:14.] In the prayer recorded in the seventeenth of John, the good Shepherd identifies His interests with those of fallen humanity. Think of Christ, the adored of the angels, in the attitude of a suppliant. He was a mighty petitioner, seeking at the hands of the Father fresh supplies of grace and coming forth invigorated and refreshed to impart His lessons of assurance and hope. Look at His kneeling form, as in the moonlit hours He pours forth His soul to the Father. Behold the angels watching the earnest suppliant. His prayer rises to all heaven in our behalf. He is our Elder Brother, compassed with human infirmities, and in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, par. 10

Read the prayer recorded in the seventeenth of John. “I have given them Thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. ... Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” [Verses 14, 17, 18.]

21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, par. 12

“And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are 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. Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee; but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou has sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 19-26.]

21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, par. 15

What an argument of power is the prayer, “That they all may be one; a Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are 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.” [John 17:21-23.]

21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, par. 17

This unity is not brought into the practical life as Christ has specified it should be. When professing Christians meet the requirements of this prayer of Christ, there will be true, solid conversions. Self will not be magnified; self will not strive for the highest place. At any cost believers will meet the requirement, “I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one.” The desired result is plainly stated, “That the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them as Thou hast loved Me.” [Verse 23.] “The glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them, that they may be one, even as We are one; I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one,” one in the grand, pure truth of the Bible, free from all sophistry. [Verses 22, 23.] This is the oneness that God requires.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 72, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 72, 1906, par. 22

Read the prayer of Christ recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John, and practice its teachings. Christ says:

21LtMs, Lt 72, 1906, par. 24

“Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee; but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 20-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 142, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 142, 1906, par. 5

When the appointed hour came, I went over to the usual place of meeting and was surprised to find the chapel crowded. I feared I should fail, but began talking about the last prayer of Christ, as recorded in the seventeenth of John. The moment I began to speak, strength was imparted, and I was relieved of my hoarseness and spoke without difficulty for nearly an hour. My illness seemed to disappear, and my mind was clear. As soon as I finished speaking, the hoarseness came upon me again, and I am still under difficulty, coughing and sneezing.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 58, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 58, 1906, par. 13

“Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee; but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [John 17:18-26.]

21LtMs, Lt 58, 1906, par. 26

Let us remember that doubts are dangerous. If entertained, they lead to unbelief. “Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, which leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” [Matthew 7:13, 14.] There are plain words to speak and intelligent warnings to be given. All our people need now to seek for the impartation of the Holy Spirit. Enter into no contention, but put away dissension and strife, and seek to answer the prayer recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John. I beg of you to pray, pray, with heart and soul and voice.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 114, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 114, 1906, par. 3

I greatly desire that every move that is made shall be in accordance with Christ’s prayer recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John. We must not pull apart; for this is not pleasing to God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 119, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 1

I have a chapter before me, the seventeenth chapter of John, the last prayer of Christ with His disciples before His crucifixion; and this prayer is a sermon for every one of us. Christ has presented matters here which lie at the foundation of all true Christian experience. “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes unto heaven, and 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.” [Verses 1-3.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 3

“And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” [Verse 3.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 5

“I have glorified Thee on the earth. I have finished the work Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee.” [Verses 4, 5.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 7

“Before the world was. I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world. Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me, and they have kept Thy word.” [Verses 5, 6.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 8

Of course, every one that God has given to Christ keeps His Word. They keep the Word of the Father. “Now they have known that all things whatsoever Thou hast given Me are of Thee.” [Verse 7.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 10

“For I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest Me, and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me. I pray for them. I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me, for they are Thine.” [Verses 8, 9.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 12

“And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine, and I am glorified in them.” [Verse 10.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 13

Will you think of this, professors of religion? Will you think of this, who claim to be children of God, Christ’s little ones? “I am glorified in them.” [Verse 10.] Do we so conduct ourselves that we pursue such a course of purity and dignity and wholeheartedness in the cause and work of God, that Christ can be glorified in us? This is the test of our character.

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 16

“I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” [Verses 11-13.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 18

“And now come I to Thee, and these things I speak in the world, that they might have their joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” [Verses 13, 14.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 20

“I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” [Verse 15.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 21

They have got a work to do in the world, every one of us has; to every man is appointed his work; and if you come up to the judgment, and if you have done nothing but just look out for yourself, why, just accordingly will be your reward. “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Now sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy word is truth.” [Verses 16, 17.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 23

“Thy word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world, and for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” [Verses 17-19.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 25

“As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” [Verse 18.] How? Did He send us without any spiritual help to which to look—upon Christ as a human being? Why? He sent us because Christ had that power; and He came, clothing His power with humanity, that humanity might grasp divinity, and that you might rejoice in being partakers of the divine nature. “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified.” How? “Through the truth.” [Verses 19, 17.] Do you try, every one, to teach your children, your household, what the truth is, that it is a sanctifying power? They must know what the Word is, they must understand its power; they must take hold with all the strength of their being; and then what? Why, the divine nature comes in; you are a partaker of the divine nature, and you have overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust. That is our only hope.

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 26

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word, that they all may be one.” [Verses 20, 21.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 28

“That they all may be one.” “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.” [Verses 21, 20.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 30

Now He says, “That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee.” Now take in the full sense of it. “That they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verse 21.] Then the world’s standard is to be given by those that claim to be Christians. It is the standard that is to be developed; and God is to be glorified by the standard that you will present to the world, if you are all united in presenting the correct standard and shall elevate and ennoble ourselves and those that are all around us—through our belief in Christ, through our words in season, through our working on the right hand and the left—that we may leave a correct impression on the world of what Christ is to be and we may be to Christ.

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 31

“That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verse 21.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 33

“That they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verse 21.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 34

Now it becomes us to carry the divine signature with us, that we are children of the living God: “And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them.” Now you just think of how privileged we are. “That they may be one, even as We are one.” [Verse 22.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 36

“I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one.” [Verse 23.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 38

“I in them, and Thou in Me.” [Verse 23.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 40

“That they may be made perfect in one, that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verse 23.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 41

And now here seems to be the largest presentation that taxes our faith to the utmost; and what is it? “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.” [Verse 23.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 43

“Now I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me be with me, where I am; that they may behold Thy glory.” [Verse 24.] They beheld His agony on the cross, they beheld the mocking crowd, and those that rejected Him, saying, Come down from the cross, come down, and we will believe on you. But the earthquake that came, and the darkness that enveloped the cross, hid the sufferings, the last agony, of Christ, from their sight; but there the graves were opened, and some of the saints came from the graves and went around in the city and showed themselves to many as a testimony.

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 44

“I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which Thou hast given Me, for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world,” away back before the world was created. [Verse 24.]

21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 45

“O righteous Father, the world doth not know Thee, but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me, and I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it, that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me, may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 25, 26.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]

MR No. 1196—Evangelism in Norwich, Connecticut, And Lynn, Massachusetts; Concern for Those Who Unsettle Faith in the Testimonies And Misinterpret the Scriptures

16MR 81.2

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 14, 15, 16, 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 21 (1906)

Lt 272, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 272, 1906, par. 5

On Sabbath, I ventured to speak. Our brethren and sisters of the churches around the Bay gathered in, and the large tent was well filled. A good interest was manifested as I spoke to them from the third of Matthew and the seventeenth of John. I sought to urge them to turn from their backslidings and to heed the words of Christ in His last prayer. I could only refer briefly to the necessity of the unity that should exist among the disciples of Christ.

21LtMs, Lt 272, 1906, par. 7

“Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [John 17:19-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 346, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 346, 1907, par. 3

Let us as ministers and teachers study the sermons of Christ and by prayerful effort learn to comprehend the very spirit of these discourses. They are to be presented so that the common people can understand them. Let us study over and over again the fourteenth to the seventeenth chapters of John. The last sermons of Christ and His last prayer for His disciples contain precious instruction, the treasures of which, study as we will, we can never exhaust.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 179, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 20

We want an understanding heart, that we may know what God would have us to do in these last days. God wants us to answer the prayer that Christ made as recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John. This is His last recorded prayer before His crucifixion. He prays for His disciples individually, and for all who should believe on Him through their word. He prays for a unity in diversity.

22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 21

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and 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.” [Verses 1-3.]

22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 24

O, that we all might truthfully say, as did Christ, “I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do.” [Verse 4.]

22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 27

“And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was. I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world: Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me; and they have kept Thy word.” [John 17:5, 6.]

22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 30

“I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given me; for they are Thine.” [John 17:8, 9.] God must work through them for the salvation of others in the world.

22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 31

“And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I am glorified in them.” [Verse 10.] Are we in our connection with humanity seeking to be glorified through Jesus Christ?

22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 32

“And now I am no more 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”—so many independent atoms?—No, “that they may be one, as we are one.” [Verse 11.] Let us not rest until there is with us all a unity of action. If we have settled down contentedly short of this high standard, let us arouse and press on.

22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 33

“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name: those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” [Verses 12, 13.] O, there is a joy in love of Christ.

22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 34

“I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” [Verses 14-18.]

22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 36

“And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” [Verse 19.] The truth, as revealed in the Word, is ever to be the standard of our actions.

22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 37

“That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verse 21.] Here is brought to view the unity for which we are to strive. If you are ready to separate from your brethren if they do not do exactly as you think is best, it is an evidence that you need to become a Bible Christian. You need to study the character of Christ, that you may understand His love for the world.

22LtMs, Ms 179, 1907, par. 39

“Father I will that they also whom Thou has given Me be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee; but I have known Thee, and these have know that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 22-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 145, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 145, 1907, par. 15

As laborers together with God, we should never neglect the precious privilege of prayer. The promise is given us, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” [Matthew 7:7, 8.] Let us present our petitions for grace and counsel, and plead that light be given us, that we may understand the Word. Let us pray for wisdom, that we may know how to communicate that Word for the encouragement of others. Let us often study the seventeenth chapter of John, wherein is recorded the wonderful prayer of Christ to His heavenly Father. Here we can learn how to pray, and to bring ourselves into right relation to God. The signs that foretell the second coming of Christ are fast fulfilling. Shall the people be left in ignorance of the great event before them and have to meet that awful day unprepared? God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever would receive Him might not perish, but have everlasting life. Heaven has made a complete offering for the salvation of the world. Shall those who profess to love God and keep His commandments be indifferent to the souls of men? No, no; they cannot be.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 84, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 84, 1907, par. 2

We have been receiving precious light from the Lord. The fourteenth to the seventeenth chapters of John contain precious instruction for our churches at this time. Christ was about to close His work on earth and return to His Father. He had told His disciples that He was about to leave them, and He understood their feelings at the thought that they were to lose their beloved Master. The bitterest cup His humanity must drink is about to be held to His lips; and He knows the result to them as well as to Himself. His three years of labor for His disciples had been to prepare them for the trials that were soon to open before them. Forgetting Himself and His suffering, He seeks to comfort His sorrowing disciples.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 288, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 288, 1907, par. 9

This is Christ’s instruction to every church, to every printing establishment, to every sanitarium and every school; and I am instructed to present them to you. I thought to write to all, for these words are addressed to all who claim to be Christians, but concluded to let this wonderful discourse speak to you. Let it make its impression on your heart. The words of Christ recorded in the 15th, 16th, and 17th chapters of John are needed by all. In every home they are to be presented as a message from God, telling how we may come into possession of the grace of Christ. If we refuse to comply with the conditions He lays down, we will be counted unworthy to have a place with His people when Christ comes in His glory. Our unworthiness will then be made to appear; for we shall be unable to look upon His face.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 115, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 115, 1908, par. 8

In the next place, I turn to (John 17), and read the prayer that Jesus offered before His crucifixion. There He prayed for sanctification. “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth.” [Verse 17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 25, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 25, 1908, par. 14

Here in this world we are to obtain a fitness for heaven. Seek God as you have never done before. Will you not now make certain work for eternity? Will you not read the prayer of Christ, recorded in John seventeen, and answer that prayer by an entire consecration to God? This is your only hope.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 39, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 39, 1908, par. 1

It will be profitable for us to consider some of the important truths contained in the last recorded prayer of Christ with His disciples just before His betrayal and crucifixion. From the seventeenth chapter of John we read:

23LtMs, Ms 39, 1908, par. 3

“I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was. I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world: Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me; and they have kept Thy word.” [Verses 1-6.]

23LtMs, Ms 39, 1908, par. 5

“Now they have known that all things whatsoever Thou hast given Me are of Thee. For I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me.” [Verses 7, 8.]

23LtMs, Ms 39, 1908, par. 7

“I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; for they are Thine. And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I am glorified in them.” [Verses 9, 10.]

23LtMs, Ms 39, 1908, par. 9

“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.” [Verse 11.]

23LtMs, Ms 39, 1908, par. 11

“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name: those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have”—perplexity, sorrow, or groaning?—No, no—“that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” [Verses 12, 13.]

23LtMs, Ms 39, 1908, par. 13

“I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” [Verses 14, 15.]

23LtMs, Ms 39, 1908, par. 15

“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” [Verses 16, 17.]

23LtMs, Ms 39, 1908, par. 17

“As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” [Verses 18, 19.]

23LtMs, Ms 39, 1908, par. 19

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their words; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verses 20, 21.]

23LtMs, Ms 39, 1908, par. 24

“Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [John 17:24-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 91, 1909

Boulder, Colorado

September 4, 1909

Portions of this manuscript are published in RH 01/13/1910.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 1

Mrs. E. G. White, Boulder, Colorado, Sabbath, September 4, 1909.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 2

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and 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.” [John 17:1-3.]

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 3

The eternal life, of which the Saviour speaks, He clearly defines. Let us seek to understand the full meaning of these words:

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 4

“I have glorified Thee on the earth,” the Saviour continued: “I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was. I have manifested Thy name unto the men whom Thou gavest Me out of the world: Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me; and they have kept Thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever Thou hast given Me are of Thee. For I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest Me; and they have received them; and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; for they are Thine. And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I am glorified in them.” [Verses 4-10.]

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 5

I pray that these words may have due weight upon our hearts at all times and in all places. There are many among us who have not considered it their privilege to understand the mystery of godliness; but if they would do this, they would come up on to a higher plane of action.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 6

“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. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name: those that Thou hast given Me I have kept; and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” [Verses 11-15.]

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 7

It is important that those who are striving for eternal life understand the statement of Christ regarding the means of their sanctification. The Saviour prayed for His disciples, “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” [Verses 17-19.] Unless we have the sanctification of the Spirit of God, the truth that we claim to believe will be of little advantage to us.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 8

“As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” [Verse 18.] It is not for the professing believer to sit down and take life easily, as though there were nothing to be done. There is a great work to be accomplished, and every one who attains unto eternal life is to co-operate with Jesus Christ. “Neither pray I for these alone,” the Saviour said, “but for them also that shall believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are 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.” [Verses 20-23.]

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 9

Ministers and people are included in these words. All are to be one, even as Christ was one with the Father. There can be no perfection in division. Those who believe in Jesus Christ will be one in their interest for the souls who are perishing out of Christ. The fact is that we have lost sight of our individual responsibility, and we need to take it up in the name of the Lord. When this prayer of Christ’s is answered for His people in this age, when this unity exists among Seventh-day Adventists, there will be a tremendous influence going forth from them to the world. Reformations will take place; first in our own ranks, and then in those for whom we labor, will be seen the transformation of character for which Christ so earnestly prayed.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 10

“Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold Thy glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 24-26.]

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 11

“When Jesus had spoken these words, He went with His disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which He entered, and His disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed Him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with His disciples. Judas therefore, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am He. And Judas also, which betrayed Him, stood with them. As soon as He had said unto them, I am He, they went backward, and fell to the ground.” [John 18:1-6.]

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 12

Christ could have delivered Himself from the hands of His enemies, had He chosen to do so. But He was sent to bear the sins of the world, and He must pay the penalty of man’s transgression. “Then asked He them again, Whom seek ye? and they answered, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am He: if therefore ye seek Me, let these go their way: that the saying might be fulfilled which He spake, Of them which Thou gavest Me have I lost none.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 13

“Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it? Then the band and the captain and the officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound Him, and led Him away to Annas first; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, which was high priest that same year. Now Caiaphas was he which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 14

“And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then said the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 15

“The high priest then asked Jesus of His disciples and of His doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou Me? Ask them that heard Me what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. And when He had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest Thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou Me?” [Verses 7-23.]

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 16

I ask you to read these Scriptures at your leisure, and as you read remember that your salvation has been purchased at infinite cost, and that because of this solemn responsibilities rest upon you. I will leave these words with you, and will ask you to consider another Scripture which has a special bearing upon us as a people at this time.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 17

Luke, writing in the first and second chapters of Acts, says, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandment unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which saith He, ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 18

“When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times and the seasons which the Father hath put into His own power. But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witness unto Me, both in Jerusalem and in Judea, and in all Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” [Acts 1:1-8.]

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 19

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 20

“And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? ... And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 21

“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell in Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken unto my words, for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing that it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And on my servants and on my handmaidens will I pour out of My Spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy: and I will show wonders in the heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” [Acts 2:1-8, 12-21.]

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 22

My brethren and sisters, let us study to know what is the work devolving upon us individually. You have something to do for those who are around you, and for those afar off. We have no right to devote all our means for the enjoyment of our present life. We have no right to spend dollars to glorify and indulge self. The judgments of God that are coming upon the earth are certainly not far off, and we should be up and doing our part. As we consider what Christ has suffered for us, we should seek to come into a position of self-denial and self-sacrifice, that we may help in the salvation of the souls that are in peril of everlasting destruction. We can have no excuse to offer to God for neglect of this work.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 23

Are we getting ready for the judgment? Are we preparing to meet the Lord? There is a work to be done for those who are afar off and for those who are nigh. We are to enter cities and towns and villages that have been left without the message of warning for these last days. We do not realize how near we are to the end of this earth’s history. We do not realize the value of the souls for whom Christ gave His precious life. We need to put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness and work in harmony with Him, in harmony with His ministers, in harmony with all who truly believe the truth for this time.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 24

My brethren and sisters, we are not half awake. We do not half appreciate the precious time that is passing into eternity. Many are clinging to their old habits and practices, and some are even denying Christ as Peter did. These lose the blessing that they would have at every step if they would follow on to know the Lord. Let us press together. It is no time now for us to quarrel among ourselves, no time to draw apart. Let us not thus counterwork the work that God is seeking to do for us and through us. We need the cementing power of the Spirit of God to come upon this people.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 25

God has a work for His people to do for the world; and if they will work in harmony with one another and with heaven, He will demonstrate His power in their behalf as He did for His first disciples on the day of Pentecost. Those days of preparation in which the disciples prepared themselves by prayer and a putting away of all disunion brought them into such close relation to God that he could work for them and through them in a marvelous manner. Today God desires to accomplish great things through the faith and works of His believing people. But we need to stand in right relation to God, that we may understand His voice when He speaks to us.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 26

As a people we have had great light and many privileges, yet we are far behind where we should be in advanced spirituality. Every sanitarium, every institution in our ranks should stand forth as a representative of the living principles of truth. In every department of their work, God’s glory and the advancement of His kingdom should be the first consideration. If the workers in these institutions do not do this, they will be held accountable for the souls that are lost as the result of their unconsecrated lives.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 27

The Lord wants us to come into line. He wants us to realize the precious privileges that are ours if we will come into right relation to Him. There are in our institutions some who have no understanding of what it means to be truly converted to God. Mental and physical powers are unconverted; their lips speak unsanctified words. Night after night I am unable to sleep because of the representations that are made to me regarding these things. Some of our people are doing all they can to stand in right relation to God, but others are pulling back. There are some who, because of their lack of consecration, are hindering souls from coming to Christ.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 28

Our medical institutions should stand where the glory of God can be clearly revealed through them. It used to be so in the beginning of our work when the sanitarium was first established at Battle Creek. Now we have sanitariums in many places. An important question for us to answer is, Who shall occupy the positions of greater or less responsibility in these institutions. It should be those whose daily lives emit the light of truth, who with sanctified tongues speak only those words that will prove a blessing to others. If the work is done that God desires to see accomplished as the result of the establishment of our sanitarium work, we cannot hold in these institutions workers who give evidence that they are unconverted. We must have those who are wholly surrendered to God. Time is passing, and souls are perishing for lack of the truth. Let the light shine forth from our sanitariums in clear, distinct rays. May the God of Israel impress upon the hearts and minds of our people the sacredness and the importance of the work to be done. If men and women will co-operate with God with all the powers of their being consecrated to Him, they will stand as ministers of righteousness to their fellow beings.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 29

I know the burdens that many of our sanitariums carry, and I am instructed to say to those in positions of responsibility in these institutions, Be careful whom you select to connect with the sanitarium. Let every influence be of such a character as will draw with Christ. Then the sick will understand that Christ is there. Let the meek and lowly Saviour be represented in the dress of the workers, in the words they speak, in the spirit they manifest. And if there are those who will not come into harmony, let them go to some other place where there is not so much at stake.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 30

The blessing of God is waiting to come in large measure upon the workers in the Boulder Sanitarium. I have seen angels of God hovering, hovering, hovering over the workers there. But there are some who refuse to be converted. They feel too important to come under discipline to God. Let the workers understand that they are responsible to God to see that the best influence is exerted in this institution, that the salvation of God may be revealed. The Lord desires to see each one acting his part intelligently as a laborer together with Him, that the light of heaven may come into our institutions and a wonderful work be done.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 31

Instruction was given me in the night season that I must bear my message to this people, for I was shown that there are those who greatly need a deep heart work done for them. They do not receive enough of the Spirit of God, gained by fasting and earnest prayer. They need to get a view of the heavenly angels co-operating with the human agents for the uplifting of men. They need to accept the promises and assurances of God and walk out on them in faith. They need to learn how to present the truths of the Word to those around them in all their binding force and in all their encouragement, that the sick may feel the influence of the Spirit of God upon heart and mind and character and be converted.

24LtMs, Ms 91, 1909, par. 32

May God bless you, my brethren and sisters. My heart is drawn out in tenderness and love for you. You are a large company here. Will you not consecrate yourselves to God? We invite you to come to Jesus, to believe in Him, and receive from Him the outpouring of His Holy Spirit. He will give you this if you will ask in faith believing. Then work in harmony with Him to disseminate truth. Let us not go away from this meeting unconverted. If you will seek to answer in your lives individually the last prayer of Christ for His disciples, you will follow on to know the Lord. And you will find that His goings forth are prepared as the morning. This is not like the fading strength and glory of the setting sun. He likens the Christian’s experience to the morning, the rising sun, which is ever increasing in warmth and light and power.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 44, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 44, 1909, par. 2

Last night I spent a wakeful night. I have been having a siege of influenza. For two weeks this has been upon me, and I have suffered much discomfort from it. Last night, although I could not sleep much, I suffered no pain. It seemed, when I did lose consciousness in sleep, that I was giving earnest, solemn warnings to our churches concerning the work that is before us. Every soul should now be making decided efforts to come into harmony with that last recorded prayer of Christ’s for His disciples. The whole of this seventeenth chapter of John is of deepest interest. We are instructed to study this chapter, that we may comprehend its teachings. Here is placed before us in clear lines what is the higher education. O how earnest should every one of us who claim to believe the truth for this time be in seeking for a thorough, deep experience in the things of God.

24LtMs, Lt 44, 1909, par. 3

“I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world,” Christ prayed, “but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” “As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world; and for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone; but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee; that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verses 15-21.]

24LtMs, Lt 44, 1909, par. 5

“Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world.” [Verses 22-24.]

24LtMs, Lt 44, 1909, par. 9

“I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; for they are Thine. And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and 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.” [Verses 1-11.]

24LtMs, Lt 44, 1909, par. 10

I ask you to read prayerfully every verse of this chapter; and if you are perplexed to know what means the higher education, read these words again, and study the teachings and works of Christ. No higher education can be presented in any educational institution than is comprehended in the prayer of Christ. And this prayer, comprehensive as it is, may be understood by all who seek for knowledge and understanding in spiritual things. O that the teachings of this prayer might be brought more fully into the religious life of our people, and its refining, purifying, unselfish principles be truly appreciated! I am instructed to keep before the people the need of our having high motives and purposes. The aim of Christ’s life was to receive of the Father, that He might give, by precept and by unselfish service, that which would save men and women from sinning and turn the rebellious into paths of righteousness. “For their sakes I sanctify Myself,” He said, “that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” [Verse 19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 11, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 11, 1909, par. 4

If we would study the prayer of Christ recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John, we would understand what a grievous mistake we make when we introduce into the church those things that create division and strife. Christ prayed that His followers might be one with Him as He was one with the Father. He desired that they themselves should pray earnestly to become one in faith and understanding of His word. The closeness of the relation that He would have exist between Himself and His people is brought to view in the words, “All Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine: and I am glorified in them.” [Verse 10.]

24LtMs, Ms 11, 1909, par. 5

One of Christ’s last works for His disciples before His betrayal and crucifixion was to commit them to the keeping of His Father, and to pray that the spirit of unity and love might be always manifest in them. “I am no more in the world,” He prayed, “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. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name; those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now I come to Thee, and these things I speak unto the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” [Verses 11-17.]

24LtMs, Ms 11, 1909, par. 7

“As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world,” Christ continued. “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also that shall believe on Me through their word; that they also may be one, as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee; that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [Verses 18-21.]

24LtMs, Ms 11, 1909, par. 10

“Father I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee, but I have known Thee; and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verses 22-26.]

24LtMs, Ms 11, 1909, par. 12

“For their sakes I sanctify Myself,” Christ said, “that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” [Verse 19.]

24LtMs, Ms 11, 1909, par. 17

I am instructed to keep before our people the need of having high motives and purposes. The church of Christ on earth is to represent Christ’s character and work. The aim of Christ’s life was to receive of the Father, that He might give, in precept, and in unselfish service, that which would save men and women from sinning and turn the rebellious into paths of righteousness. “For their sakes I sanctify Myself,” He said, “that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” [John 17:19.] He stood before the human race as the representative of the Father. He devoted all the powers of His being to the work of redemption. For this He withdrew from the glories of heaven and set His feet in the path of humiliation and trial. He humbled Himself that He might uplift mankind. As He took up His earthly work and saw the duties and the trials that confronted Him, He did not fail nor become discouraged. His great desire was to establish the cross between divinity and humanity that man might be reconciled to God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 135, 1909

San Jose, California

October 7, 1909

Previously unpublished.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 1

John 17. “These words spake Jesus ... life eternal.” [Verses 1-3.] Now that is what we want to know. Put your mind right on to it to know.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 2

“And this is life eternal ... Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” [Verse 3.] There is a world in that for us, an eternal world. He has pledged us life eternal if we know it.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 3

“That they might know Thee ... before the world was.” [Verses 3-5.] What a prayer for Christ to offer, the One that left the royal courts in pity for us that He might save perishing souls. And O, how anxious we should be to reach every soul possible. How earnest we should be to keep the mind centered upon ministry and the great sacrifice He has made in our behalf.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 4

“And now, O Father, glorify ... before the world was.” [Verse 5.] Before the world was made.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 5

“I have manifested thy name ... out of the world.” [Verse 6.] Now that is the very work that is resting upon every one of us. Ministers, in giving the Word, they can manifest it.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 6

“I have manifested thy name ... out of the world.” [Verse 6.] Now we are to do just the work as far as in us in possible that Christ gave us the example.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 7

“Thine they were, and ... believed that Thou didst send me.” [Verses 6-8.] Now we are to pattern after Christ. Pattern His works, and if we do that, we shall make no miss, we shall have heaven.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 8

“I pray for them ... that they may be one, as we are one.” [Verses 9-11.] What a request is that to make, “That they may be one as we are.” What a privilege it is! What a position it places us in! It is wonderful. “That they may be one as we are.”

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 9

“While I was with them in the world ... joy fulfilled in themselves.” [Verses 12, 13.] The Lord does not want us to be light and trifling, nothing in that line, but He wants us to have the joy of being one with Christ. And if we can be one with Christ we can ask what we will, and it shall be done unto us. Let us every one of us place ourselves in the most favorable position, that we may have a part that can rejoice in the wonderful, wonderful sacrifice that was made, lest we should be lost. Now we are where we can grasp the promises.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 10

“And now come I to thee ... joy fulfilled in themselves.” [Verse 13.] Well, the Lord then does not want us to go mourning and groaning, but He wants us to have faith, He wants us to speak with courage, He wants us to speak in faith to those that are around us. He does not want us to go mourning and groaning. No, He does not want us to have that experience, because Christ took upon Him our sins, that we might have that joy fulfilled in ourselves if we grasp the promises that have been given us in the Word.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 11

“I have given them thy word ... wouldst keep them from the evil.” [Verses 14, 15.] Now the One that made that prayer, you may be sure if you are in temptation and in trial in the world, that you shall put your trust and confidence in Him, and He will be with you. Will we go groaning and mourning because we do not feel just as we want to? Feeling has nothing to do with it. It is the promises that are left us that we are to grasp, and that we are to enjoy, and that we are to present to others. But if we go along mourning as if we had no Saviour, we dishonor Him, and we must not do that. We must keep our minds uplifted, and think what a sacrifice He had made that our humanity might grasp His divinity, and therefore that we have hope and confidence and trust in the Lord Jesus.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 12

“I pray not that thou ... thy word is truth.” [Verses 15-17.] And if we are to be sanctified through the Word that we shall believe, we shall be brought into that sacred fellowship to be laborers together with Jesus Christ, to help every soul that is possible to be helped. Christ gave His life for these souls, therefore we should place ourselves in right relation to them, and seek to do all we possibly can to make them overcomers in unity with us.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 13

“Sanctify them through ... sent them into the world.” [Verses 17, 18.] Now just see our position. There He brings Himself right in relation to us, and us to Him. O, we have solemn responsibilities upon us, not to go gloomy, not to go mourning, because then you cannot represent that blessed, glorious hope, large with faith, and big with immortality. And when we do have such a hope and cherish it, when we meet with disappointments and trials, we think it is not as much as Jesus had. He has given us an example how He acted in all these strait places, and we will try to follow Him.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 14

“Sanctify them through ... sent them into the world.” [Verses 17, 18.] Now you just think, we are repeating His work. We are to present and lift up the cross of Calvary and show that we shall all have part in the life that is to come if we will come in unison with Jesus Christ.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 15

“As thou has sent me ... sanctified through the truth.” [Verses 18, 19.] Then we have a wonderful message, to bring people into Bible truth, just as it is given to us in the Word. We cannot keep silent; we must be acquainted with the Word, and we must present it to men and women. We have a position that we may win souls to Christ. It is a wonderful work.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 16

“And for their sakes ... through the truth.” [Verse 19.] We want to know that our feet are planted on the platform of eternal truth.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 17

“Neither pray I for these ... through their word.” [Verse 20.] Now when we are laboring for souls, to try to have them see the glorious hope of the gospel that is set before them, we may remember that Christ has prayed for them, that Christ is at our right hand, and the angels of God commissioned to do their work to bring them into the truth. That is the very work to be done.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 18

“And for their sakes ... on me through their word.” [Verses 19, 20.] Now you see that it becomes every one of us to stand in right relation to God, that we may proclaim His Word to souls that are ready to perish and then that we may guard them carefully, tenderly, put no stumbling block in their way, but that we may work in harmony with angels, we may work in harmony with Jesus Christ, and we may perfect a Christian character, because we are doing the very work that Christ has told us to do.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 19

“Neither pray I for these—through their word.” [Verse 20.] Now, there is an important work for us to do. It won’t do to be light and trifling and giddy, nor will it be right to be censorious, nor will it be right to make the path of the unbeliever ask hard as possible. We must come right to their side and help them, and try to remove their difficulty from them.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 20

“Neither pray I for these alone ... and I in them.” [Verses 20-26.] Only think of the comparison.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 21

“That they also may be one ... that thou hast sent me.” [Verse 21.] It is a wonderful importance that is attached to how we carry ourselves, whether we carry ourselves in meekness, in kindness, in tenderness and reach after these souls.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 22

“That they all may be one ... that Thou hast sent me.” [Verse 21.] There is a great deal depending on our actions, a great deal depending on how we conduct ourselves as Christians. And if we will take this in, and fully answer that prayer of Christ, we shall have angels to guard us on every side. Yes. Don’t put a stumbling block in their way. Now here is the grand point of it:

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 23

“And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them.” [Verse 22.] You just think of it! We are doing this work in connection with Christ, trying to save souls that are out of Christ, working for unbelievers to try to have them see what Christ will be to them, and they to Christ. Why, there is a world to be saved. We have a great deal to do.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 24

“And the glory which ... have given them.” [Verse 22.] The glory! You just think of it. How? How is it that you get the glory? Well, the truth of God’s Word we carry out in practice as we teach sinners and transgressors the way, and as they receive this truth, it is “that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” [Verse 21.]

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 25

“And the glory which ... as thou hast loved me.” [Verses 22, 23.] Now that is a great statement, and yet Christ made it right in His prayer. Then we will believe it, we will take it. We will act upon it.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 26

“Father, I will that ... in them, and I in them.” [Verses 24-26.] Now it is our privilege to stand on vantage ground, and if we do not stand on vantage ground, we cannot properly represent our Lord. And we want now to be in that position that we shall believe the truth for the truth’s sake.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 27

I want to tell you I am so grateful that after the serious trial that came upon me on the journey coming through the elevated bridges where the snow came, I nearly lost my life, and I have been struggling ever since, to get so that I could speak to the people again. I could speak a little to them upon the farm where the school is just being located, and I have spoken to you yesterday. And if you could know how grateful I was to feel that my strength was coming back, and to think that God was going to permit me to be able—I do not know how long—to bear His message still. I am just as thankful as I can be.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 28

And that last time, they had been pleading and pleading for me to come to different places, to Salt Lake City, saying, You never have been here. Well, Willie thought I had better go, and he would do the most of the speaking, for I had been laboring very hard in Colorado. I could speak a few words. He didn’t speak a word. He had to take care—we were delayed on the cars, and he had to look out for all the baggage, and I stood there one hour. It is the first night I have spoken in Salt Lake City, I guess for forty years. That is, to give a discourse to the people. I may have been in a meeting and spoken a few words.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 29

But the Lord gave me freedom. There were mothers that had come in, bringing their little children with them, for miles, bringing their children on the cars, and they would have been so disappointed, because they had sent for us to do this; and I was able to speak. I am so grateful to the Lord. I know all the circumstances connected with it were disagreeable before getting there, rain, rain, rain, but the Lord gave me liberty and I never saw a company that was so pleased, and so grateful, that Sister White had really come to speak to them. And I was so glad that I had the privilege.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 30

I could not sleep that night, it was lost. We could get to bed after speaking, but we had to get right up about three o’clock to take the cars, and there we had to wait for the cars at least an hour.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 31

Now I want to tell you that I am grateful. Next month I shall be eighty-two years old. God has kept me so that my memory in regard to His Word and the light that He has given me does not dim. I am very thankful for this.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 32

Now, that is all I am going to say to you at this time, but I am hoping that now I shall be able and that I can again speak to the people. But I have not dared to speak to them in this hot weather that we have had. I wanted to, but I have not dared to.

24LtMs, Ms 135, 1909, par. 33

Now you may know that I have the deepest interest for you all, that you shall be overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of your testimony. Let the testimony come, and you will find that the glory of God will be revealed, and Christ, you may know, is laboring with you. May the blessing of God rest upon you shall by my prayer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 68, 1911

Riverside, California

April 8, 1911

Previously unpublished.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 1

John 17:1-6. What a commendation was that to the disciples!

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 2

Verses 6-10. That is the very position that every Christian should stand in, in order to have such a commendation. And it is worth everything to us individually to stand true to principle, to stand true to profession, to have a fast hold of the Mighty One, and when we do that we are safe. Yes, we are hid with Christ in God.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 3

Verse 10. Now what an effort there should be for every soul of us to understand what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 4

Verse 11. That oneness is the most sacred thing that we are to preserve: unity and confidence in one another. We are to keep this confidence sacred and not allow anything in our course of conduct so that we shall lose that confidence so precious. Do we realize the responsibility that rests upon everyone to fulfill that very expectation of Christ and so exert an influence that shall extend not only to the little company that you have here? No, no. There is a large company all around us, and we are to carry out the very principles of truth in heart, in mind, in soul, in speech, in prayer, and in overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Let us bear this in mind. Now, do not feel that it is a very little thing if you entertain enmity or feelings that are not sustained by Christ against your brethren.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 5

Verses 12, 13. Wonderful request!

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 6

Verses 14-15. Here we are professed Christians. We must work just as Christ worked to present the truth in its clearness, and not feel that there is nothing for us to do. We are to prepare a people to be fitted to stand the last great trials that will come, and when at last, if they have borne up, they will be prepared to stand, and will say, “Lo, this is our God, we have waited for Him, and He will save us.” [Isaiah 25:9.]

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 7

[John 17] Verses 16, 17. Well now, we want to be sure that we have under our feet the platform of everlasting truth. “Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth.” Now, we have all these encouragements, and we want to lay right hold of every evidence possible to build ourselves up, not in ourselves but in the truth. And what if we do? Why, the world will know it. The world will understand it, and we shall place ourselves in the right relation toward the world so that our works and our words and our testimony shall come from a heart that is sanctified, and that is being refined by the grace of God and fitted up for whatever trials may come upon us. What we want is sanctification through the truth. “Thy word is truth.”

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 8

Verses 18-20. Well, then, what have you to do? You are to work in the same line that Christ worked. You may not be able to be a minister, but you can minister nevertheless by your words, by your devotion, by your sacredness of character devoted to God. You can do this.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 9

Verse 21. What a testimony we can bear for Christ although He is not personally in our midst so that we can see Him, but yet His influence in power reaches to you today through His Word.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 10

Verses 22-26.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 11

Fathers and mothers, you have a great responsibility upon you, and if your children and yourselves should enter into the kingdom of heaven through the determined efforts you have made, what an eternity of bliss it will be to fathers and mothers to see their children saved in the kingdom of heaven! And this is our work here upon the earth. Fathers and mothers, do we know that there is a grand review, and that it is taking place day by day? Do not, I beseech of you, forget that your children are the purchase of the blood of Jesus Christ who came to our world to save the sinner, that he should not perish but be saved by receiving righteousness and truth and happiness through believing in Jesus Christ.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 12

Therefore, parents are to give the greater diligence to their children that they shall be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. And it is not always by the severe words that you speak or the rod that you use, but it is to watch and guard your children lest they shall be overtaken in the snare of the enemy and have to be reproved or punished. Now, the Lord wants fathers and mothers to take their children and treat them tenderly. They are God’s purchase. They are purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. Do not stir up the minds of your children by hasty censure, but take them right alone and talk with them and pray with them. I have found that this is one of the best ways of dealing with children. Do not break out upon them and blame them, but show them that Christ died for them, and you want that their behavior should be such that they will be acceptable in the presence of Christ.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 13

Shall Christ have died in vain? Shall He have given His life in vain for your children? Do not scold. Take them right apart, kneel down by yourselves in a room and, fathers and mothers, present the children and ask the Lord to let His Holy Spirit rest upon the children. But let not one angry word proceed out of your lips, because if you do it may turn the scale for them so that it will be, as it were, impossible for them to recover that wound that you have made.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 14

Now what are we striving for? What have we met here for? We have met here that we might be a help and strength and speak a word, perhaps, in season. I want to tell fathers and mothers that many of them lead their children into disorderly words and actions by their own harsh words. Take them aside and pray with them. What are we seeking for? We are after a life that measures with the life of God. And you want, or you should want, your children to be brought to a sacred nearness to yourself because you love them, a sacred nearness because you want that they should have that life that measures with the life of God; because you want a harp to be placed in their hands, and a crown to be placed on their heads; and because you want them to honor God by praising Him with thanksgiving and giving glory to the God of heaven because they have been purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 15

This is the message that has been given to me or you would not see me at my age traveling around as I am and speaking to the people. But just as long as God gives me strength I shall be in His work, speaking these word. Work for the salvation of your children. Do not scold them or fret at them, because you may close the door that you never can open again. You may close the door by finding fault or by hasty punishment so that you never can break down the barrier. Now, you want your families saved. You want them to have an entrance into the kingdom of heaven. You want them to have that life that measures with the life of God. Well then, try to save them right here.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 16

I have been charged to speak these words to parents, and recently the charge has been repeated that mothers neglect to bring their children up to love and to fear and to glorify God because of the hasty disposition of the father or the mother. It will not pay. It will not bring reformation. You want the truth. You want your children to be brought up so that they shall be useful members of society, that they shall attend school, that they may become intelligent so as to conduct schools themselves if time lasts. What you want is heaven, to have your children saved in the kingdom of glory. What are you going to do about it? There is such neglect. Do not quarrel with the children. Do not do it. Do not do it.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 17

Bow down and ask God to help you that you may so train your children that they will love you. Indulge them if you can do it without doing them harm. Speak to them words of encouragement. You must know that the devil will tempt them in every way possible so that they shall neglect to do their duties for father and mother which can make father and mother the happiest persons that live. I bear the living testimony, for I have pled before God, and I bear a living testimony to fathers and mothers and to the children. We want these children to obey father and mother, and we want these children to have hearts softened and tendered with the Holy Spirit of God. We want these children, from the youngest to the grown-up men and women, to understand that there is a heaven to win and a hell to shun.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 18

We want to get ready, for the end is near, very near, and we want that we can meet our children in the kingdom of God, and see the crown of glory placed upon their brows and the harp in their hands. And they will sing the songs of heaven and be saved in the kingdom of God. Why cannot you take a little pains here? Cannot you try to meet your children in their deficiency of character and teach them kindly and tenderly and show them how it grieves the Holy Spirit of God to have them cross and rough and fighting among themselves? Teach them that Jesus loves them, and all such conduct will close the gates of heaven that they can never enter. Then, fathers and mothers, try to soften the hearts of your children. Try in every way; kneel right down with them and pray with them.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 19

The father may often have to attend to business, but whenever he can, he should unite with the mother. We have a work to do at home. God help us to do it and not neglect to it. We want heaven, but if we should go into heaven with our spirits unsubdued and our character uncorrected—why, we could never get there or our children! They have learned the same things from us. Let us teach them something better. What are we striving for? Eternal life. Well then, tell your children that if they will follow on to know the Lord they will know that His going forth is prepared as the morning.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 20

Now I have given you these few words. I want you to consider this point: that you must be interested in your children and speak to them encouragingly and tenderly, and yet if you have to correct them, do it because you love and fear God and you do not want them lost. May the Lord help us. I want to tell you, every one, that we have a character to form if we shall ever see the kingdom of heaven and the King in His beauty, and it is for our happiness to know this and follow it out. You will be happy. Why? Because Christ makes you happy because you are doing His work, the work of the mother and the father, and you are helping the Lord to bring these children up so that they will be helpers with you in the work of trying to help other souls.

25LtMs, Ms 68, 1911, par. 21

I plead with fathers and mothers to know that passion never cures a child’s passion. An exhibition of passion never cures. You want to treat them tenderly and tell them that they will have to meet all these wrongs unless they overcome them, and that Jesus Christ left the royal courts of heaven and came right down into this world to do that very work for fathers and mothers, that they should seek to overcome and that they should obtain precious victories. Now I will leave these words with you. Do not forget the words that I tell you because you can stir up passions in a child so that he may never get over it. Speak kindly if they have made a mistake. If they have done wrong, it will not cure it for you to scold about it. Tell them they have grieved the Saviour who wants them to be saved, and tell them it is for their own interests to try to seek for that life which measures with the life of God. I will leave these remarks with you.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]

Counsel Regarding the Work in England

3MR 19.2

I beseech you in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to put away everything like spiritual pride and love of supremacy. Become as little children if when the warfare is ended you would become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. Read John 17 over and over again. That prayer of our Saviour offered to His Father in behalf of His disciples, is worthy to be oft repeated, and carried in the practical life. This will raise fallen man; for the Lord has promised that if we preserve this unity, God will love us as He loved His Son; the sinner will be saved, and God eternally glorified.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 53, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 53, 1912, par. 24

Jesus loves us. The seventeenth chapter of John shows how full and how broad is the mercy and love that He waits to bestow upon all who will walk in obedience and humility before Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 62, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 62, 1910, par. 3

I would bring to your attention the last prayer of Christ, as recorded in John 17. There are many subjects upon which we can speak—sacred testing truths, beautiful in their simplicity. On these you may dwell with intense earnestness. But let not “the daily,” or any other subject that will arouse controversy among brethren, be brought in at this time; for this will delay and hinder the work that the Lord would have the minds of our brethren centered upon just now. Let us not agitate questions that will reveal a marked difference of opinion, but rather let us bring from the Word the sacred truths regarding the binding claims of the law of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 80, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 80, 1912, par. 1

John 17:1-26. It is Jesus that is speaking. You see how strong is the power that God has given, that we should be one as Christ is one with the Father.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 51, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 1

Scripture reading: John 17.

25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 16

Let all appreciate the great sacrifice that has been made in their behalf and become faithful workers in bringing the knowledge of truth to those who know it not. Let the prayer of Christ be answered in each life: “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.] Fix your eyes upon the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, and be determined to follow on to know the Lord more and more perfectly.

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

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

20MR 325.2

If this is not a possible thing to do, then these words would not be written. This whole chapter may be read and most earnestly taken into the life practice, and so answer the prayer of Christ in John 17. [1 Corinthians 3:9-13, quoted.]—Manuscript 93, 1893.

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

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

2MR 326.3

I spoke in the afternoon from John 17. The Lord gave me much of His Holy Spirit. The house was full. I called those forward who wished to seek the Lord more earnestly and for those who wished to give themselves to the Lord a whole sacrifice. For a time not one made a move, but after a while many came forward and bore testimonies of confession. We had a precious season of prayer and all felt broken down, weeping and confessing their sins. Oh, that each may understand! It is their privilege to apportion out their means, putting it into circulation to supply the deficiencies by giving back to the Lord His own portion to advance His cause in the world.

Selected Messages Book 1

Not a Test Question

1SM 167.3

I would bring to your attention the last prayer of Christ, as recorded in John 17. There are many subjects upon which we can speak—sacred, testing truths, beautiful in their simplicity. On these you may dwell with intense earnestness. But let not “the daily,” or any other subject that will arouse controversy among brethren, be brought in at this time; for this will delay and hinder the work that the Lord would have the minds of our brethren centered upon just now. Let us not agitate questions that will reveal a marked difference of opinion, but rather let us bring from the Word the sacred truths regarding the binding claims of the law of God.

The Upward Look

Love as Christ Loves, January 17

UL 31.2

Christ’s prayer [in John 17] ... is an illustration of the intercession that He is offering for us before the Father.

UL 31.3

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth,” He prayed (verse 17). “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

UL 31.4

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are 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” (verses 18-23).

The Upward Look

The Price of Our Redemption, December 9

UL 357.3

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 ... [verses 1-3, quoted]....

A Call to the Watchmen

Our Attitude Toward Doctrinal Controversy

PH020 11.2

I would bring to your attention the last prayer of Christ, as recorded in John 17. There are many subjects upon which we can speak,—sacred, testing truths, beautiful in their simplicity. On these you may dwell with intense earnestness. But let not “the daily,” or any other subject that will arouse controversy among brethren, be brought in at this time; for this will delay and hinder the work that the Lord would have the minds of our brethren centered upon just now. Let us not agitate questions that will reveal a marked difference of opinion, but rather let us bring from the Word the sacred truths regarding the binding claims of the law of God.

Sons and Daughters of God

Oneness With Christ, October 15

SD 295.1

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one. John 17:22.

SD 295.4

I beseech you in the name of Jesus of Nazareth to put away everything like spiritual pride and love of supremacy. Become as little children if when the warfare is ended you would become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. Read John 17 over and over again. That prayer of our Saviour offered to His Father in behalf of His disciples, is worthy to be oft repeated, and carried in the practical life. This will raise fallen man; for the Lord has promised that if we preserve this unity, God will love us as He loved His Son; the sinner will be saved, and God eternally glorified.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Diary—January 1891

1888 878.3

Spoke in the meeting of the Ministers’ Institute from John 17. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Verse 3.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

To Every Man His Work

1888 1150.3

Please read this chapter [John 17] with careful, prayerful attention, and practice the petition which Christ made to His Father. Mark the twentieth to the twenty-third verses. This unity it is our work to cultivate. Even our thoughts are to be brought into captivity to Christ, that we may bind them about, and think no evil of our brethren.

Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, vol. 2

Not a Test Question

2NL 160.9

I would bring to your attention the last prayer of Christ, as recorded in John 17. There are many subjects upon which we can speak,—sacred, testing truths, beautiful in their simplicity. On these you may dwell with intense earnestness. But let not “the daily,” or any other subject that will arouse controversy among brethren, be brought in at this time; for this will delay and hinder the work that the Lord would have the minds of our brethren centered upon just now. Let us not agitate questions that will reveal a marked difference of opinion, but rather let us bring from the Word the sacred truths regarding the binding claims of the law of God.

Loma Linda Messages

E. G. White to Palmer and Ballenger, Feb. 20, 1905 (B. 75, 1905)

LLM 86.2

Pray earnestly. Read and study the prayer of Christ, as given in the seventeenth chapter of John, and then seek to live lives that will answer that prayer. Read also the messages given in the third chapter of Revelation. God sent His angel from heaven to give these messages. The message to the Laodicean church belongs to the church in Los Angeles, and to our churches generally. Will they arouse, and do the work that God has given them to do?

Ellen White: Woman of Vision

A Call To Halt The Controversy

WV 516.1

Then she referred to the last prayer of Christ calling for unity, brought to view in John 17, and commented, “There are many subjects upon which we can speak—sacred, testing truths, beautiful in their simplicity. On these you may dwell with intense earnestness. But,” she urged, “let not the ‘daily,’ or any other subject that will arouse controversy among brethren, be brought in at this time, for this will delay and hinder the work that the Lord would have the minds of our brethren centered upon just now.” And she pleaded, “Let us not agitate questions that will reveal a marked difference of opinion, but rather let us bring from the Word the sacred truths regarding the binding claims of the law of God” Ibid.

Ellen G. White: The Later Elmshaven Years: 1905-1915 (vol. 6)

A Call to Halt the Controversy

6BIO 259.3

Then she referred to the last prayer of Christ calling for unity, brought to view in John 17, and commented, “There are many subjects upon which we can speak—sacred, testing truths, beautiful in their simplicity. On these you may dwell with intense earnestness. But,” she urged, “let not the ‘daily,’ or any other subject that will arouse controversy among brethren, be brought in at this time, for this will delay and hinder the work that the Lord would have the minds of our brethren centered upon just now.” And she pleaded, “Let us not agitate questions that will reveal a marked difference of opinion, but rather let us bring from the Word the sacred truths regarding the binding claims of the law of God.”—Ibid.

Ellen G. White: The Early Elmshaven Years: 1900-1905 (vol. 5)

Off to New York

5BIO 139.5

The several churches in the New York area joined on the weekend in the mass meeting in Elder Haskell’s 59th Street Hall. The hall was packed, and Ellen White spoke to about seven hundred on Christ’s prayer for unity as set forth in John 17. At a later meeting she spoke there again to an audience of about the same size comprised of many non-Adventists. Her text was the first chapter of Second Peter and she spoke on a favorite subject,“Peter’s Ladder.” Looking back on the experience, she noted that the meetings were a “grand success” (Letter 183, 1901).

The Review and Herald

February 9, 1892

RH February 9, 1892, par. 20

Let every professed Christian read frequently and carefully the John 14:1, 15th, 16th, and 17th chapters of John. Read with a heart determined to understand the teachings of Christ, and to be a doer of his word.