EGW WritingsJohn 9

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 51—“The Light of Life”

DA 463.1

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

DA 463.2

When He spoke these words, Jesus was in the court of the temple specially connected with the services of the Feast of Tabernacles. In the center of this court rose two lofty standards, supporting lampstands of great size. After the evening sacrifice, all the lamps were kindled, shedding their light over Jerusalem. This ceremony was in commemoration of the pillar of light that guided Israel in the desert, and was also regarded as pointing to the coming of the Messiah. At evening when the lamps were lighted, the court was a scene of great rejoicing. Gray-haired men, the priests of the temple and the rulers of the people, united in the festive dances to the sound of instrumental music and the chants of the Levites.

DA 463.3

In the illumination of Jerusalem, the people expressed their hope of the Messiah’s coming to shed His light upon Israel. But to Jesus the scene had a wider meaning. As the radiant lamps of the temple lighted up all about them, so Christ, the source of spiritual light, illumines the darkness of the world. Yet the symbol was imperfect. That great light which His own hand had set in the heavens was a truer representation of the glory of His mission.

DA 463.4

It was morning; the sun had just risen above the Mount of Olives, and its rays fell with dazzling brightness on the marble palaces, and lighted up the gold of the temple walls, when Jesus, pointing to it, said, “I am the light of the world.”

DA 464.1

By one who listened to these words, they were long afterward re-echoed in that sublime passage, “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not.” “That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:4, 5, R. V., 9. And long after Jesus had ascended to heaven, Peter also, writing under the illumination of the divine Spirit, recalled the symbol Christ had used: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19.

DA 464.2

In the manifestation of God to His people, light had ever been a symbol of His presence. At the creative word in the beginning, light had shone out of darkness. Light had been enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, leading the vast armies of Israel. Light blazed with awful grandeur about the Lord on Mount Sinai. Light rested over the mercy seat in the tabernacle. Light filled the temple of Solomon at its dedication. Light shone on the hills of Bethlehem when the angels brought the message of redemption to the watching shepherds.

DA 464.3

God is light; and in the words, “I am the light of the world,” Christ declared His oneness with God, and His relation to the whole human family. It was He who at the beginning had caused “the light to shine out of darkness.” 2 Corinthians 4:6. He is the light of sun and moon and star. He was the spiritual light that in symbol and type and prophecy had shone upon Israel. But not to the Jewish nation alone was the light given. As the sunbeams penetrate to the remotest corners of the earth, so does the light of the Sun of Righteousness shine upon every soul.

DA 464.4

“That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” The world has had its great teachers, men of giant intellect and wonderful research, men whose utterances have stimulated thought, and opened to view vast fields of knowledge; and these men have been honored as guides and benefactors of their race. But there is One who stands higher than they. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” “No man hath seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” John 1:12, 18. We can trace the line of the world’s great teachers as far back as human records extend; but the Light was before them. As the moon and the stars of the solar system shine by the reflected light of the sun, so, as far as their teaching is true, do the world’s great thinkers reflect the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. Every gem of thought, every flash of the intellect, is from the Light of the world. In these days we hear much about “higher education.” The true “higher education” is that imparted by Him “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” Colossians 2:3; John 1:4. “He that followeth Me,” said Jesus, “shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

DA 465.1

In the words, “I am the light of the world,” Jesus declared Himself the Messiah. The aged Simeon, in the temple where Christ was now teaching, had spoken of Him as “a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” Luke 2:32. In these words he was applying to Him a prophecy familiar to all Israel. By the prophet Isaiah, the Holy Spirit had declared, “It is too light a thing that Thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6, R. V. This prophecy was generally understood as spoken of the Messiah, and when Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” the people could not fail to recognize His claim to be the Promised One.

DA 465.2

To the Pharisees and rulers this claim seemed an arrogant assumption. That a man like themselves should make such pretensions they could not tolerate. Seeming to ignore His words, they demanded, “Who art Thou?” They were bent upon forcing Him to declare Himself the Christ. His appearance and His work were so at variance with the expectations of the people, that, as His wily enemies believed, a direct announcement of Himself as the Messiah would cause Him to be rejected as an impostor.

DA 465.3

But to their question, “Who art Thou?” Jesus replied, “Even that which I have also spoken unto you from the beginning.” John 8:25, R.V. That which had been revealed in His words was revealed also in His character. He was the embodiment of the truths He taught. “I do nothing of Myself,” He continued; “but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” He did not attempt to prove His Messianic claim, but showed His unity with God. If their minds had been open to God’s love, they would have received Jesus.

DA 466.1

Among His hearers many were drawn to Him in faith, and to them He said, “If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

DA 466.2

These words offended the Pharisees. The nation’s long subjection to a foreign yoke, they disregarded, and angrily exclaimed, “We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest Thou, Ye shall be made free?” Jesus looked upon these men, the slaves of malice, whose thoughts were bent upon revenge, and sadly answered, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” They were in the worst kind of bondage,—ruled by the spirit of evil.

DA 466.3

Every soul that refuses to give himself to God is under the control of another power. He is not his own. He may talk of freedom, but he is in the most abject slavery. He is not allowed to see the beauty of truth, for his mind is under the control of Satan. While he flatters himself that he is following the dictates of his own judgment, he obeys the will of the prince of darkness. Christ came to break the shackles of sin-slavery from the soul. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” sets us “free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2.

DA 466.4

In the work of redemption there is no compulsion. No external force is employed. Under the influence of the Spirit of God, man is left free to choose whom he will serve. In the change that takes place when the soul surrenders to Christ, there is the highest sense of freedom. The expulsion of sin is the act of the soul itself. True, we have no power to free ourselves from Satan’s control; but when we desire to be set free from sin, and in our great need cry out for a power out of and above ourselves, the powers of the soul are imbued with the divine energy of the Holy Spirit, and they obey the dictates of the will in fulfilling the will of God.

DA 466.5

The only condition upon which the freedom of man is possible is that of becoming one with Christ. “The truth shall make you free;” and Christ is the truth. Sin can triumph only by enfeebling the mind, and destroying the liberty of the soul. Subjection to God is restoration to one’s self,—to the true glory and dignity of man. The divine law, to which we are brought into subjection, is “the law of liberty.” James 2:12.

DA 466.6

The Pharisees had declared themselves the children of Abraham. Jesus told them that this claim could be established only by doing the works of Abraham. The true children of Abraham would live, as he did, a life of obedience to God. They would not try to kill One who was speaking the truth that was given Him from God. In plotting against Christ, the rabbis were not doing the works of Abraham. A mere lineal descent from Abraham was of no value. Without a spiritual connection with him, which would be manifested in possessing the same spirit, and doing the same works, they were not his children.

DA 467.1

This principle bears with equal weight upon a question that has long agitated the Christian world,—the question of apostolic succession. Descent from Abraham was proved, not by name and lineage, but by likeness of character. So the apostolic succession rests not upon the transmission of ecclesiastical authority, but upon spiritual relationship. A life actuated by the apostles’ spirit, the belief and teaching of the truth they taught, this is the true evidence of apostolic succession. This is what constitutes men the successors of the first teachers of the gospel.

DA 467.2

Jesus denied that the Jews were children of Abraham. He said, “Ye do the deeds of your father.” In mockery they answered, “We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.” These words, in allusion to the circumstances of His birth, were intended as a thrust against Christ in the presence of those who were beginning to believe on Him. Jesus gave no heed to the base insinuation, but said, “If God were your Father, ye would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from God.”

DA 467.3

Their works testified of their relationship to him who was a liar and a murderer. “Ye are of your father the devil,” said Jesus, “and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stood not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.... Because I say the truth, ye believe Me not.” John 8:44, 45, R. V. The fact that Jesus spoke the truth, and that with certainty, was why He was not received by the Jewish leaders. It was the truth that offended these self-righteous men. The truth exposed the fallacy of error; it condemned their teaching and practice, and it was unwelcome. They would rather close their eyes to the truth than humble themselves to confess that they had been in error. They did not love the truth. They did not desire it, even though it was truth.

DA 467.4

“Which of you convicteth [Revised Version] Me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe Me?” Day by day for three years His enemies had been following Christ, trying to find some stain in His character. Satan and all the confederacy of evil had been seeking to overcome Him; but they had found nothing in Him by which to gain an advantage. Even the devils were forced to confess, “Thou art the Holy One of God.” Mark 1:24. Jesus lived the law in the sight of heaven, in the sight of unfallen worlds, and in the sight of sinful men. Before angels, men, and demons, He had spoken, unchallenged, words that from any other lips would have been blasphemy: “I do always those things that please Him.”

DA 468.1

The fact that although they could find no sin in Christ the Jews would not receive Him proved that they themselves had no connection with God. They did not recognize His voice in the message of His Son. They thought themselves passing judgment on Christ; but in rejecting Him they were pronouncing sentence upon themselves. “He that is of God,” said Jesus, “heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.”

DA 468.2

The lesson is true for all time. Many a man who delights to quibble, to criticize, seeking for something to question in the word of God, thinks that he is thereby giving evidence of independence of thought, and mental acuteness. He supposes that he is sitting in judgment on the Bible, when in truth he is judging himself. He makes it manifest that he is incapable of appreciating truths that originate in heaven, and that compass eternity. In presence of the great mountain of God’s righteousness, his spirit is not awed. He busies himself with hunting for sticks and straws, and in this betrays a narrow and earthly nature, a heart that is fast losing its capacity to appreciate God. He whose heart has responded to the divine touch will be seeking for that which will increase his knowledge of God, and will refine and elevate the character. As a flower turns to the sun, that the bright rays may touch it with tints of beauty, so will the soul turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that heaven’s light may beautify the character with the graces of the character of Christ.

DA 468.3

Jesus continued, drawing a sharp contrast between the position of the Jews and that of Abraham: “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad.”

DA 468.4

Abraham had greatly desired to see the promised Saviour. He offered up the most earnest prayer that before his death he might behold the Messiah. And he saw Christ. A supernatural light was given him, and he acknowledged Christ’s divine character. He saw His day, and was glad. He was given a view of the divine sacrifice for sin. Of this sacrifice he had an illustration in his own experience. The command came to him, “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, ... and offer him ... for a burnt offering.” Genesis 22:2. Upon the altar of sacrifice he laid the son of promise, the son in whom his hopes were centered. Then as he waited beside the altar with knife upraised to obey God, he heard a voice from heaven saying, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from Me.” Genesis 22:12. This terrible ordeal was imposed upon Abraham that he might see the day of Christ, and realize the great love of God for the world, so great that to raise it from its degradation, He gave His only-begotten Son to a most shameful death.

DA 469.1

Abraham learned of God the greatest lesson ever given to mortal. His prayer that he might see Christ before he should die was answered. He saw Christ; he saw all that mortal can see, and live. By making an entire surrender, he was able to understand the vision of Christ, which had been given him. He was shown that in giving His only-begotten Son to save sinners from eternal ruin, God was making a greater and more wonderful sacrifice than ever man could make.

DA 469.2

Abraham’s experience answered the question: “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” Micah 6:6, 7. In the words of Abraham, “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering,” (Genesis 22:8), and in God’s provision of a sacrifice instead of Isaac, it was declared that no man could make expiation for himself. The pagan system of sacrifice was wholly unacceptable to God. No father was to offer up his son or his daughter for a sin offering. The Son of God alone can bear the guilt of the world.

DA 469.3

Through his own suffering, Abraham was enabled to behold the Saviour’s mission of sacrifice. But Israel would not understand that which was so unwelcome to their proud hearts. Christ’s words concerning Abraham conveyed to His hearers no deep significance. The Pharisees saw in them only fresh ground for caviling. They retorted with a sneer, as if they would prove Jesus to be a madman, “Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast Thou seen Abraham?”

DA 469.4

With solemn dignity Jesus answered, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.”

DA 469.5

Silence fell upon the vast assembly. The name of God, given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence, had been claimed as His own by this Galilean Rabbi. He had announced Himself to be the self-existent One, He who had been promised to Israel, “whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2, margin.

DA 470.1

Again the priests and rabbis cried out against Jesus as a blasphemer. His claim to be one with God had before stirred them to take His life, and a few months later they plainly declared, “For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest Thyself God.” John 10:33. Because He was, and avowed Himself to be, the Son of God, they were bent on destroying Him. Now many of the people, siding with the priests and rabbis, took up stones to cast at Him. “But Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.”

DA 470.2

The Light was shining in darkness; but “the darkness apprehended it not.” John 1:5, R. V.

DA 470.3

“As Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.... When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”

DA 471.1

It was generally believed by the Jews that sin is punished in this life. Every affliction was regarded as the penalty of some wrongdoing, either of the sufferer himself or of his parents. It is true that all suffering results from the transgression of God’s law, but this truth had become perverted. Satan, the author of sin and all its results, had led men to look upon disease and death as proceeding from God,—as punishment arbitrarily inflicted on account of sin. Hence one upon whom some great affliction or calamity had fallen had the additional burden of being regarded as a great sinner.

DA 471.2

Thus the way was prepared for the Jews to reject Jesus. He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” was looked upon by the Jews as “stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted;” and they hid their faces from Him. Isaiah 53:4, 3.

DA 471.3

God had given a lesson designed to prevent this. The history of Job had shown that suffering is inflicted by Satan, and is overruled by God for purposes of mercy. But Israel did not understand the lesson. The same error for which God had reproved the friends of Job was repeated by the Jews in their rejection of Christ.

DA 471.4

The belief of the Jews in regard to the relation of sin and suffering was held by Christ’s disciples. While Jesus corrected their error, He did not explain the cause of the man’s affliction, but told them what would be the result. Because of it the works of God would be made manifest. “As long as I am in the world,” He said, “I am the light of the world.” Then having anointed the eyes of the blind man, He sent him to wash in the pool of Siloam, and the man’s sight was restored. Thus Jesus answered the question of the disciples in a practical way, as He usually answered questions put to Him from curiosity. The disciples were not called upon to discuss the question as to who had sinned or had not sinned, but to understand the power and mercy of God in giving sight to the blind. It was evident that there was no healing virtue in the clay, or in the pool wherein the blind man was sent to wash, but that the virtue was in Christ.

DA 471.5

The Pharisees could not but be astonished at the cure. Yet they were more than ever filled with hatred; for the miracle had been performed on the Sabbath day.

DA 471.6

The neighbors of the young man, and those who knew him before in his blindness, said, “Is not this he that sat and begged?” They looked upon him with doubt; for when his eyes were opened, his countenance was changed and brightened, and he appeared like another man. From one to another the question passed. Some said, “This is he;” others, “He is like him.” But he who had received the great blessing settled the question by saying, “I am he.” He then told them of Jesus, and by what means he had been healed, and they inquired, “Where is He? He said, I know not.”

DA 472.1

Then they brought him before a council of the Pharisees. Again the man was asked how he had received his sight. “He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because He keepeth not the Sabbath day.” The Pharisees hoped to make Jesus out to be a sinner, and therefore not the Messiah. They knew not that it was He who had made the Sabbath and knew all its obligation, who had healed the blind man. They appeared wonderfully zealous for the observance of the Sabbath, yet were planning murder on that very day. But many were greatly moved at hearing of this miracle, and were convicted that He who had opened the eyes of the blind was more than a common man. In answer to the charge that Jesus was a sinner because He kept not the Sabbath day, they said, “How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?”

DA 472.2

Again the rabbis appealed to the blind man, “What sayest thou of Him, that He hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.” The Pharisees then asserted that he had not been born blind and received his sight. They called for his parents, and asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who ye say was born blind?”

DA 472.3

There was the man himself, declaring that he had been blind, and had had his sight restored; but the Pharisees would rather deny the evidence of their own senses than admit that they were in error. So powerful is prejudice, so distorting is Pharisaical righteousness.

DA 472.4

The Pharisees had one hope left, and that was to intimidate the man’s parents. With apparent sincerity they asked, “How then doth he now see?” The parents feared to compromise themselves; for it had been declared that whoever should acknowledge Jesus as the Christ should be “put out of the synagogue;” that is, should be excluded from the synagogue for thirty days. During this time no child could be circumcised nor dead be lamented in the offender’s home. The sentence was regarded as a great calamity; and if it failed to produce repentance, a far heavier penalty followed. The great work wrought for their son had brought conviction to the parents, yet they answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: but by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.” Thus they shifted all responsibility from themselves to their son; for they dared not confess Christ.

DA 473.1

The dilemma in which the Pharisees were placed, their questioning and prejudice, their unbelief in the facts of the case, were opening the eyes of the multitude, especially of the common people. Jesus had frequently wrought His miracles in the open street, and His work was always of a character to relieve suffering. The question in many minds was, Would God do such mighty works through an impostor, as the Pharisees insisted that Jesus was? The controversy was becoming very earnest on both sides.

DA 473.2

The Pharisees saw that they were giving publicity to the work done by Jesus. They could not deny the miracle. The blind man was filled with joy and gratitude; he beheld the wondrous things of nature, and was filled with delight at the beauty of earth and sky. He freely related his experience, and again they tried to silence him, saying, “Give God the praise: we know that this Man is a sinner.” That is, Do not say again that this Man gave you sight; it is God who has done this.

DA 473.3

The blind man answered, “Whether He be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.”

DA 473.4

Then they questioned again, “What did He to thee? how opened He thine eyes?” With many words they tried to confuse him, so that he might think himself deluded. Satan and his evil angels were on the side of the Pharisees, and united their energies and subtlety with man’s reasoning in order to counteract the influence of Christ. They blunted the convictions that were deepening in many minds. Angels of God were also on the ground to strengthen the man who had had his sight restored.

DA 474.1

The Pharisees did not realize that they had to deal with any other than the uneducated man who had been born blind; they knew not Him with whom they were in controversy. Divine light shone into the chambers of the blind man’s soul. As these hypocrites tried to make him disbelieve, God helped him to show, by the vigor and pointedness of his replies, that he was not to be ensnared. He answered, “I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be His disciples? Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art His disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence He is.”

DA 474.2

The Lord Jesus knew the ordeal through which the man was passing, and He gave him grace and utterance, so that he became a witness for Christ. He answered the Pharisees in words that were a cutting rebuke to his questioners. They claimed to be the expositors of Scripture, the religious guides of the nation; and yet here was One performing miracles, and they were confessedly ignorant as to the source of His power, and as to His character and claims. “Why herein is a marvelous thing,” said the man, “that ye know not from whence He is, and yet He hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this Man were not of God, He could do nothing.”

DA 474.3

The man had met his inquisitors on their own ground. His reasoning was unanswerable. The Pharisees were astonished, and they held their peace,—spellbound before his pointed, determined words. For a few moments there was silence. Then the frowning priests and rabbis gathered about them their robes, as though they feared contamination from contact with him; they shook off the dust from their feet, and hurled denunciations against him,—“Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us?” And they excommunicated him.

DA 474.4

Jesus heard what had been done; and finding him soon after, He said, “Dost thou believe on the Son of God?”

DA 474.5

For the first time the blind man looked upon the face of his Restorer. Before the council he had seen his parents troubled and perplexed; he had looked upon the frowning faces of the rabbis; now his eyes rested upon the loving, peaceful countenance of Jesus. Already, at great cost to himself, he had acknowledged Him as a delegate of divine power; now a higher revelation was granted him.

DA 475.1

To the Saviour’s question, “Dost thou believe on the Son of God?” the blind man replied by asking, “Who is He, Lord, that I might believe on Him?” And Jesus said, “Thou hast both seen Him, and it is He that talketh with thee.” The man cast himself at the Saviour’s feet in worship. Not only had his natural sight been restored, but the eyes of his understanding had been opened. Christ had been revealed to his soul, and he received Him as the Sent of God.

DA 475.2

A group of Pharisees had gathered near, and the sight of them brought to the mind of Jesus the contrast ever manifest in the effect of His words and works. He said, “For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.” Christ had come to open the blind eyes, to give light to them that sit in darkness. He had declared Himself to be the light of the world, and the miracle just performed was in attestation of His mission. The people who beheld the Saviour at His advent were favored with a fuller manifestation of the divine presence than the world had ever enjoyed before. The knowledge of God was revealed more perfectly. But in this very revelation, judgment was passing upon men. Their character was tested, their destiny determined.

DA 475.3

The manifestation of divine power that had given to the blind man both natural and spiritual sight had left the Pharisees in yet deeper darkness. Some of His hearers, feeling that Christ’s words applied to them, inquired, “Are we blind also?” Jesus answered, “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin.” If God had made it impossible for you to see the truth, your ignorance would involve no guilt. “But now ye say, We see.” You believe yourselves able to see, and reject the means through which alone you could receive sight. To all who realized their need, Christ came with infinite help. But the Pharisees would confess no need; they refused to come to Christ, and hence they were left in blindness,—a blindness for which they were themselves guilty. Jesus said, “Your sin remaineth.”

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

II. Ellen White’s Views and Role Regarding the Shut Door

1EGWLM 49.5

In writing out her first vision, Ellen White used the expression “the wicked world which God had rejected,” although she did not elaborate on its meaning.45Ellen G. Harmon, “Letter to Enoch Jacobs,” Day-Star, Jan. 24, 1846, pp. 31, 32; Ellen G. White to Joseph Bates, Lt 3, 1847 (July 13, 1847). Her first vision was reprinted using the same “wicked world” expression in the broadside To the Little Remnant Scattered Abroad, Apr. 6, 1846, and James White, ed., A Word to the “Little Flock,” p. 14. Apollos Hale and Joseph Turner had used the same broad term but in a specifically circumscribed manner when they wrote of “the wicked world” that had “rejected the [Advent] truth” and “turned away their ears with loathing from its warnings and promises.”46A. Hale and J. Turner, “Has Not the Savior Come as the Bridegroom?” Advent Mirror, January 1845, pp. 3, 4. Likewise, William Miller had written of “the wicked world, who had scoffed at the idea of Christ’s second coming.”47William Miller, Evidence From Scripture and History of the Second Coming of Christ About the Year 1843 (Boston: J. V. Himes, 1842), p. 188. Ellen White and those closely associated with her may have attached for a time a broader connotation to “the wicked world,” but the designation allows for a less-universal application, as the above examples suggest. Ellen White’s own interpretation of the vision, when called upon to explain it in 1883, was that “no reference is made [in the vision] to those who had not seen the light, and therefore were not guilty of its rejection.”48Ellen G. White, Ms 4, 1883 (c. 1883); idem,Selected Messages, book 1, p. 64. The biblical principle that a person is responsible for the light they receive through the working of the Holy Spirit was applied by Ellen White to those who had rejected the Advent experience before 1844. The story of the blind man in John 9 articulates this principle. “Jesus said to [the Pharisees], ‘If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, “We see.” Therefore your sin remains.’”49John 9:41, NKJV. The message and language of Ellen White’s first vision remains compatible with this spiritual rejection principle, even though her interpretation and that of her associates may have needed further correction.50Herbert Douglass, Messenger of the Lord, pp. 554, 555.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

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

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 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.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 51—“The Light of Life”

HLv 313.1

“I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

HLv 313.2

It was morning; the sun had just risen above the Mount of Olives, and its rays fell with dazzling brightness on the marble palaces, and lighted up the gold of the temple walls, when Jesus, pointing to it, said, “I am the light of the world.” These words were long afterward reechoed by the apostle John in that sublime passage, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” “The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world.” John 1:4, 5, 9, RSV. God is light; and in the words, “I am the light of the world,” Christ declared His oneness with God and His relation to the whole human family. It was He who at the beginning had caused the “light to shine out of darkness.” 2 Corinthians 4:6. He is the light of sun, moon, and star. As the sunbeams penetrate to the remotest corners of the earth, so does the light of the Sun of Righteousness shine on every soul.

HLv 313.3

“That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” Men of giant intellect and wonderful research, whose utterances have opened vast fields of knowledge, have been honored as benefactors of their race. But One stands higher than they. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” “No man hath seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” John 1:12, 18. We can trace the line of the world’s great teachers as far back as human records extend; but the Light was before them. As the moon and the stars of the solar system reflect the light of the sun, so, as far as their teaching is true, do the world’s great thinkers reflect the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. The true “higher education” is that imparted by Him “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3. “He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

HLv 314.1

When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” the people could not fail to recognize His claim to be the Messiah, the Promised One. To the Pharisees and rulers this claim seemed arrogant. That a man like themselves should make such pretensions they could not tolerate. They demanded, “Who art Thou?” They were bent upon forcing Him to declare Himself the Christ. His wily enemies believed that His appearance and work were so at variance with the expectations of the people that a direct announcement of Himself as the Messiah would cause Him to be rejected as an impostor.

HLv 314.2

But Jesus replied, “Even what I have told you from the beginning.” RSV. He was the embodiment of the truths He taught. “I do nothing on My own authority,” He continued, “but speak thus as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me.” He did not attempt to prove His Messianic claim, but showed His unity with God.

HLv 314.3

Among His hearers many were drawn to Him in faith, and to them He said, “If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

HLv 314.4

These words offended the Pharisees. “We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest Thou, ye shall be made free?” Jesus looked on these men, slaves of malice, and sadly answered, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” They were in the worst kind of bondage—ruled by the spirit of evil.

HLv 315.1

Every soul that refuses to give himself to God is under the control of another power. He is in the most abject slavery, his mind under the control of Satan. Christ came to break the shackles of sin-slavery from the soul. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

HLv 315.2

In the work of redemption there is no compulsion. Man is left free to choose whom he will serve. When the soul surrenders to Christ, there is the highest sense of freedom. The expulsion of sin is the act of the soul itself. When we desire to be set free from sin, and cry out for a power out of and above ourselves, the powers of the soul are imbued with the energy of the Holy Spirit, and they obey the dictates of the will in fulfilling the will of God.

HLv 315.3

The only condition on which the freedom of man is possible is that of becoming one with Christ. Sin can triumph only by destroying the liberty of the soul. Subjection to God is restoration to one’s self—to the true glory and dignity of man. The divine law, to which we are brought into subjection, is “the law of liberty.” James 2:12.

HLv 315.4

The Pharisees had declared themselves the children of Abraham. The true children would not try to kill One who was speaking the truth given Him from God. A mere lineal descent from Abraham was of no value. Without possessing the same spirit and doing the same works, they were not his children.

HLv 315.5

As descent from Abraham was proved, not by name and lineage, but by likeness of character, so apostolic succession rests not on the transmission of ecclesiastical authority, but on spiritual relationship. A life actuated by the apostles’ spirit, the belief and teaching of the truth they taught—this is the true evidence of apostolic succession.

HLv 315.6

Jesus said, “Ye do the deeds of your father.” In mockery the Jews answered, “We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.” These words, in allusion to the circumstances of His birth, were intended as a thrust against Christ in the presence of those who were beginning to believe on Him. Jesus gave no heed to the base insinuation, but said, “If God were your Father, ye would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from God.”

HLv 316.1

“You are of your father the devil,” said Jesus. “Your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him... . If I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?” RSV. The fact that Jesus spoke the truth with certainty was why He was not received by the Jewish leaders. The truth offended these self-righteous men. The truth exposed the fallacy of error; it condemned their teaching and practice; and it was unwelcome. They did not love truth.

HLv 316.2

“Which of you convicts Me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?” RSV. Day by day for three years Christ’s enemies had been trying to find some stain in His character. Satan had been seeking to overcome Him but had found nothing in Him by which to gain an advantage. Even the devils were forced to confess, “Thou art the Holy One of God.” Mark 1:24. Jesus lived the law in the sight of heaven, in the sight of unfallen worlds, and in the sight of sinful men. He had spoken, unchallenged, words that from any other lips would have been blasphemy: “I do always those things that please Him.”

HLv 316.3

The Jews did not recognize God’s voice in the message of His Son. They thought themselves passing judgment on Christ; but they were pronouncing sentence on themselves. “He that is of God,” said Jesus, “heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.”

HLv 316.4

Many who delight to quibble, to criticize, seeking for something to question in the Word of God, think that this is evidence of independence of thought and mental acuteness. But hunting for sticks and straws betrays a narrow and earthly nature, a heart that is fast losing its capacity to appreciate God. As a flower turns to the sun, that the bright rays may touch it with tints of beauty, so will the soul turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that heaven’s light may beautify the character with the graces of Christ.

HLv 317.1

Jesus continued: “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad.” Abraham offered up the most earnest prayer that before his death he might behold the Messiah. And a supernatural light was given him. He was given a view of the divine sacrifice for sin. Of this sacrifice he had an illustration in his own experience. The command came to Him, “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, ... and offer him ... for a burnt offering.” Genesis 22:2. Upon the altar he laid the son of promise, then with knife upraised to obey God he heard a voice from heaven saying, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from Me.” Genesis 22:12. This terrible ordeal was imposed on Abraham that he might see the day of Christ and realize the great love of God for the world, so great that He gave His only-begotten Son to raise it from its degradation.

HLv 317.2

By making an entire surrender, Abraham was shown that in giving His only Son to save sinners from eternal ruin, God was making a greater and more wonderful sacrifice than ever man could make.

HLv 317.3

In God’s provision of a sacrifice instead of Isaac, it was declared that no man could make expiation for himself; the pagan system of sacrifice was wholly unacceptable to God. No father was to offer up his son or daughter for a sin offering. The Son of God alone can bear the guilt of the world.

HLv 317.4

Christ’s words concerning Abraham conveyed to His hearers no deep significance. The Pharisees saw in them only fresh ground for caviling. They retorted with a sneer, as if they would prove Jesus to be a madman, “Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast Thou seen Abraham?”

HLv 318.1

With solemn dignity Jesus answered, “Verily, verily I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”

HLv 318.2

Silence fell on the vast assembly. The name of God, given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence, had been claimed by this Galilean Rabbi. He had announced Himself to be the self-existent One, He “whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2.

HLv 318.3

Again the priests and rabbis cried out against Jesus as a blasphemer. Because He was, and avowed Himself to be, the Son of God, they were bent on destroying Him. Many of the people, siding with the priests and rabbis, took up stones to cast at Him. “But Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple.”

HLv 318.4

“As Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. And His disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him... . When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”

HLv 318.5

It was generally believed by the Jews that sin is punished in this life. Satan, the author of sin and its results, had led men to look on disease and death as proceeding from God. One on whom some great affliction had fallen had the burden of being regarded as a great sinner. Thus the way was prepared for the Jews to reject Jesus. He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” was looked upon by the Jews as “stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted,” and they hid their faces from Him. Isaiah 53:4, 3.

HLv 319.1

The belief of the Jews in regard to the relation of sin and suffering was held by Christ’s disciples. Having anointed the eyes of the blind man, Jesus sent him to wash in the pool of Siloam, and the man’s sight was restored. Thus Jesus answered the question of the disciples in a practical way. The disciples were not to discuss as to who had sinned or had not sinned, but to understand the mercy of God in giving sight to the blind. There was no healing virtue in the clay or in the pool where the blind man was sent to wash; the virtue was in Christ.

HLv 319.2

The Pharisees, astonished at the cure, were more than ever filled with hatred, for the miracle had been performed on the Sabbath day.

HLv 319.3

The neighbors who knew the young man in his blindness looked on him with doubt, for when his eyes were opened, his countenance was changed and brightened, and he appeared like another man. Some said, “This is he”; others, “he is like him.” But he settled the question by saying, “I am he.” He then told them of Jesus, and by what means he had been healed, and they inquired, “Where is He? He said, I know not.”

HLv 319.4

Before a council of the Pharisees the man was asked how he had received his sight. “He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because He keepeth not the Sabbath day.” The Pharisees appeared wonderfully zealous for the observance of the Sabbath, yet were planning murder on that very day. But many were convicted that He who had opened the eyes of the blind was more than a common man. They said, “How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?”

HLv 319.5

Again the rabbis appealed to the blind man. “What sayest thou of Him, that He hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.” The Pharisees then asserted that he had not been born blind. They called for his parents and asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who ye say was born blind?”

HLv 320.1

There was the man himself, declaring he had been blind and had had his sight restored; but the Pharisees would rather deny the evidence of their own senses than admit that they were in error. So powerful is prejudice, so distorting is Pharisaical righteousness.

HLv 320.2

The Pharisees had one hope left, and that was to intimidate the man’s parents. They asked, “How then doth he now see?” It had been declared that whoever should acknowledge Jesus as the Christ should be “put out of the synagogue,” that is, excluded for thirty days. The sentence was regarded as a great calamity. The great work wrought for their son had brought conviction to the parents, yet they answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: but by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.” Thus they shifted all responsibility to their son.

HLv 320.3

The Pharisees’ questioning and prejudice, their unbelief in the facts of the case, were opening the eyes of the multitude. The question in many minds was, Would God do such mighty works through an impostor, as the Pharisees insisted that Jesus was?

HLv 320.4

The Pharisees could not deny the miracle. Filled with joy and gratitude, the blind man freely related his experience. Again the Pharisees tried to silence him. “Give God the praise; we know that this Man is a sinner.” That is, Do not say again that this Man gave you sight; it is God who has done this.

HLv 320.5

The blind man answered, “Whether He be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.”

HLv 321.1

As these hypocrites tried to make him disbelieve, God helped him to show, by the vigor and pointedness of his replies, that he was not to be ensnared. He answered, “I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? Will ye also be His disciples? Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art His disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence He is.”

HLv 321.2

The Lord gave the man grace and utterance so that he became a witness for Christ in words that were a cutting rebuke to his questioners. Here was One performing miracles, and they were confessedly ignorant as to the source of His power. “Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where He comes from, and yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if any one is a worshiper of God and does His will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that any one opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” RSV.

HLv 321.3

The man’s reasoning was unanswerable. The Pharisees were spellbound before his pointed, determined words. For a few moments there was silence. Then the frowning priests and rabbis gathered about them their robes, as though they feared contamination from contact with him. “Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us?” And they excommunicated him.

HLv 321.4

Jesus heard what had been done, and finding him soon after, said, “Dost thou believe on the Son of God?”

HLv 321.5

For the first time the blind man looked on the face of his Restorer. He had seen his parents troubled and perplexed; he had looked on the frowning faces of the rabbis; now his eyes rested on the loving, peaceful countenance of Jesus. Already, at great cost to himself, he had acknowledged Him as a delegate of divine power; now a higher revelation was granted him.

HLv 321.6

To the Saviour’s question, the blind man replied by asking, “Who is He, Lord, that I might believe on Him?” And Jesus said, “Thou hast both seen Him, and it is He that talketh with thee.” The man cast himself at the Saviour’s feet in worship. Christ had been revealed to his soul, and he received Him as the Sent of God.

HLv 322.1

A group of Pharisees had gathered near, and the sight of them brought to the mind of Jesus the contrast ever manifest in the effect of His words and works. “For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.” The people at the Saviour’s advent were favored with a fuller manifestation of the divine presence than the world had ever enjoyed before. But in this very revelation, judgment was passing upon men. Their character was tested, their destiny determined.

HLv 322.2

Some of His hearers, feeling that Christ’s words applied to them, inquired, “Are we blind also?” Jesus answered, “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin.” If God had made it impossible for you to see the truth, your ignorance would involve no guilt. “But now ye say, We see.” You believe yourselves able to see, and reject the means through which alone you could receive sight. The Pharisees refused to come to Christ, hence were left in blindness. Jesus said, “Your sin remaineth.”

From the Heart

The Blind Man Healed, August 22

FH 246.1

Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. John 9:3.

A Call To Stand Apart

Chapter 15—Social Justice

CSA 62.6

Those who are taught to earn what they receive will more readily learn to make the most of it. And in learning to be self-reliant, they are acquiring that which will not only make them self-sustaining, but will enable them to help others. Teach the importance of life’s duties to those who are wasting their opportunities. Show them that Bible religion never makes men idlers. Christ always encouraged industry. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” He said to the indolent. “I must work ... while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Matthew 20:6; John 9:4. 87The Ministry of Healing, 195.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 7—As a Child

DA 73.1

Throughout His life on earth, Jesus was an earnest and constant worker. He expected much; therefore He attempted much. After He had entered on His ministry, He said, “I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4. Jesus did not shirk care and responsibility, as do many who profess to be His followers. It is because they seek to evade this discipline that so many are weak and inefficient. They may possess precious and amiable traits, but they are nerveless and almost useless when difficulties are to be met or obstacles surmounted. The positiveness and energy, the solidity and strength of character, manifested in Christ are to be developed in us, through the same discipline that He endured. And the grace that He received is for us.

The Ministry of Healing

Missionary Families

MH 195.3

Those who are taught to earn what they receive will more readily learn to make the most of it. And in learning to be self-reliant, they are acquiring that which will not only make them self-sustaining, but will enable them to help others. Teach the importance of life’s duties to those who are wasting their opportunities. Show them that Bible religion never makes men idlers. Christ always encouraged industry. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” He said to the indolent. “I must work ... while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Matthew 20:6; John 9:4.

The Upward Look

Christ, Our Example in Labor for Others, October 18

UL 305.1

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4.

To Be Like Jesus

Work Faithfully, Using Time Wisely, March 4

BLJ 72.1

I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. John 9:4, NKJV.

The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters

May 6, 1907

PC 119.1

Every church member is to be engaged in active service for the Master. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” asks the Master. “Go work today in My vineyard. Work while it is day; for the night cometh in which no man can work.” “Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord.” Can we comprehend it? We are Christ’s property, bought with a price even the precious blood of Christ. (Matthew 21:28; John 9:4; Isaiah 43:10)

The Review and Herald

May 4, 1911

RH May 4, 1911, par. 5

Christ came to this world for a purpose,—to perform a divine mission. Every other consideration was subordinated to the fulfilment of this work. “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me,” he declared, “and to finish his work.” John 4:34. And knowing that the opposition to his labors would wax stronger until finally he must cease, he said, further: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4. And when the sad hour came that cruel hands were laid on the son of God, on that same night when to the emissaries of the great adversary the words were spoken, “this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Jesus “lifted up his eyes to heaven,” and could say to his father, “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.”

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Church Schools Needed

2TT 456.4

Wherever there are a few Sabbathkeepers, the parents should unite in providing a place for a day school where their children and youth can be instructed. They should employ a Christian teacher who, as a consecrated missionary, shall educate the children in such a way as to lead them to become missionaries. Let teachers be employed who will give a thorough education in the common branches, the Bible being made the foundation and the life of all study. Parents should gird on the armor and by their own example teach their children to be missionaries. They should work while it is day, for “the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4. If they will put forth unselfish efforts, perseveringly teaching their children to bear responsibilities, the Lord will work with them.

From Heaven With Love

As a Carpenter, Christ Honored Work

HLv 43.1

Jesus was an earnest and constant worker. He expected much; therefore He attempted much. He said, “I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4. Jesus did not shirk care and responsibility, as do many who profess to be His followers. Because they seek to evade this discipline, many are weak, inefficient, nerveless, and almost useless when difficulties are met. The positiveness and strength of character manifested in Christ are to be developed in us, through the same discipline He endured. The grace He received is for us.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 10, 1869

2LtMs, Lt 10, 1869, par. 8

Work on, my brother, “while the day last: the night cometh; when no man can work.” John 9:4. Oh, draw near to God. Live in Him and walk even as He walked.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 1, 1874

2LtMs, Ms 1, 1874, par. 38

“Ye are my witnesses,” saith the Lord. [Isaiah 43:10.] “Work while the day lasts, for the night cometh, in which no man can work.” [John 9:4.]

Maranatha

Time of Sealing Soon Over, August 22

Mar 242.1

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 21a, 1871

2LtMs, Lt 21a, 1871, par. 10

The talents that are yours today may be demanded of you on the morrow. Up, up to duty. The heavenly Master has given you an example. He was often wearied in body and in spirit, yet hear Him say, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is today; the night cometh when no man can work.” John 9:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 11, 1878

3LtMs, Lt 11, 1878, par. 17

I see our people need spiritual power, self-sacrifice, and a spirit of prayer. How can we arouse them to feel their necessity to obtain an individual experience in the things of God, that they may [be] living channels of light. The enemy is constantly at work to engross the minds of many who profess the truth in caring for themselves and to feel content in doing nothing for God. Oh, that they may see and may feel before it shall be too late. We have not one moment to spend in idle inaction. Every one has a work to do [for] the Master, and every moment is golden to them that they may do their work while the day lasts. “The night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 45, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, par. 26

Of the church the Lord says, Why stand ye here all the day idle? Work while it is day. The night cometh, when no man can work. [Matthew 20:6; John 9:4.] There is no time for us to plan and study how we can amuse ourselves, please our own fancies, follow our own methods. The mind may reach high attainments by being directed in the right channel, but if not properly cultivated it reaches no higher than the lowlands of earth. It settles in the dust. God means that His people shall have a deep and rich experience themselves for the benefit of others. He means that the capabilities of the mind shall be developed and shall triumph over circumstances. God is to be made the center of everything. Earthly things are not to be allowed to have the ascendency.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 42, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 41

Every man and woman has had the ransom money paid by Jesus Christ. “Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price”—even the precious blood of the Son of God. [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] Your time is not your own to employ as you choose; it is God’s time, and you are required to do His will. You must see that every moment of life is invested with importance and should be used and not abused and wasted. There are to be no idlers in the Lord’s vineyard. To everyone He says, “Why stand ye here all the day idle? Go labor today in My vineyard. Work while it is day, for the night cometh in which no man can work.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28; John 9:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 19b, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 19b, 1892, par. 19

Who will be a personal worker, self-denying, self-sacrificing, as was the Son of the infinite God? Who will carry a burden for perishing souls? Everyone who claims to be a child of God must walk in the footsteps of the Redeemer. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23. Time is short; we must work while the day lasts, for “the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4. Mercy is still pleading for the sinner. All heaven is interested to save perishing souls. But while some in our churches are doing all that they can do, and are filled with intense interest and zeal for souls, there are hundreds and thousands who carry no burden, and live wholly for themselves.

7LtMs, Lt 19b, 1892, par. 50

How many will mourn for lost opportunities when it is eternally too late! Today we have talent and opportunity, but we know not how long these may be ours. Then let us work while it is day, for the night cometh in which no man can work. (see John 9:4) “Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching.” Luke 12:37

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 16, 1891, par. 10

All the devotion that has been given to the Mt. Vernon Sanitarium was called for in another direction. If Jesus were on the ground, He would repeat the words spoken eighteen hundred years ago, “Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already for harvest.” [John 4:35.] “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” [Matthew 20:6.] “The night cometh, when no man can work.” [John 9:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16a, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 16a, 1891, par. 15

All the devotion that has been given to the Mt. Vernon Sanitarium was called for in another direction. If Jesus were on the ground, He would repeat to you the words spoken eighteen hundred years ago, “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” [John 4:35.] “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” [Matthew 20:6.] “The night cometh, when no man can work.” [John 9:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 77, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 77, 1893, par. 54

The Lord is soon to come. We must work while the day lasts, for the night is coming, in which no man can work. John 9:4. O, many, many have lost the spirit of self-denial and sacrifice. They have been burying their money in temporal possessions. There are men whom God has blessed, whom He is testing to see what response they will make to His benefits. They have withheld their tithes and offerings until their debt to the Lord God of hosts has become so great that they grow pale at the thought of rendering unto the Lord His own—a just tithe. Make haste, brethren, you have now opportunity to be honest with God; delay not. For your souls’ sake, no longer rob God in tithes and offerings.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 26, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 26, 1894, par. 13

Just as soon as Abraham pitched his tent he erected his altar, where he offered his morning and evening sacrifices to God. Today God wants you to offer up your morning and evening petitions to Him. Are you weak in moral power? Man, a partaker of the divine nature, may overcome what? The corruptions that are in the world through lust. That man may do justice in everything, and teach his children to do justice in everything, not by being idle, but that God had given them hands [that do] not hang useless. He wants everyone to exercise the talents that God has given them, waiting, watching, praying, and working. “The night cometh when no man can work.” [John 9:4.] You know not how soon the time will come when your hands will be folded on your breast until you come forth in the resurrection. You know not how soon you may be called. Every day you are to go on [in] a progressive work of sanctification; it is a work of a lifetime. Today we are to sow the fruits of the Spirit of Christ in our own character. His goings forth are prepared as the morning. As you follow on to know the Lord, you will understand more and more the light that is in reserve for you.

Our Father Cares

A Life of Strength, May 12

OFC 144.1

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 90, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 90, 1895, par. 5

Do you wish to do the will of your Father who is in heaven? Then you must have a vital connection with God. Have you felt that it was necessary to represent Christ in the home life, and in association one with another? Were this necessity always realized, how many unnecessary dissensions would be avoided, how much alienation and strife among brethren would be put away! How little self-denial, how little self-sacrifice is manifested in many of the homes that are called Christian homes! But true Christians must practice true godliness. They must follow the example of Christ, who declared, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” [John 4:34.] Let the words of your lips be, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.” [John 9:4.] Now is your time to work; soon it will be too late.

10LtMs, Lt 90, 1895, par. 21

The Lord owns you all. The Lord has chosen Daniel to be his own child, to be used in the work and cause of God for the glory of the Master. I speak to you, Daniel: Give your heart to the Lord. Take your stand for Jesus. Heaven is worth everything to you. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] I call upon the Brethren Wessels to help one another in working along Christ’s lines. I entreat of you to work in such a way as to build up one another. Do not let variance come in, but work in harmony in glorifying God. The Lord desires that you give yourselves wholly to Him. When you are discouraged, go to Him, and pray to Him. Do not hide your talents by burying them in worldly enterprises. The day of the Lord is fast hastening, and the exhortation to us is, “Work while the day lasts; for lo, the night cometh, in which no man can work.” [See John 9:4.] Precious time is being wasted, and the money which belongs to God is kept from his treasury by binding it up in worldly enterprises.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 7, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 7, 1896, par. 24

While probationary time lasts, men should work the works of God, “for the night cometh, when no man can work.” [John 9:4.] God requires of everyone vigilant work, combined with faithful waiting and watching. Working alone will not do. Bustle and continual activity is not enough to satisfy the requirements of God. We must “rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” [Psalm 37:7.] <We must not move hurriedly.> We must work and watch and pray and wait.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 2, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 2, 1897, par. 3

God measures His people by His own unerring precepts. Will a man rob God of the time and the activity that He claims for His service? Time is very precious. Much can be accomplished in a day. But the Lord has never stipulated the eight-hour day system. He has said, “Work ... while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” [John 9:4.] Again he says, “Why stand ye here all the day idle? Go work in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 79a, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 79a, 1898, par. 11

Do we believe that we are living in the last days of this earth’s history? We have a large work before us. We must have hearts that can feel. Has not the work at the school, at the present time, a special meaning for us whom God has made the repositaries of sacred truth that is full of eternal results? Are we not to be bearers of the sacred light of the Word which is to lighten all nations? Are we chosen vessels unto the Lord? Has God made us the light of the world? Christ said, “I must work while it is day.” [John 9:4.] We occupy the position of Christians, followers of Christ, and what are we really doing? If we have truly given ourselves to the Lord, we shall live in covenant relation to Him, taking His Word as our guide at every step. If we maintain this position, we will be laborers together with God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 69, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 69, 1898, par. 16

Are we chosen vessels unto the Lord? Has God made us the light of the World? Christ said, “I must work while the day lasts.” [John 9:4.] We occupy the position of Christians, and what are we about? If we have given ourselves to the Lord, we will live in covenant relation to Him, taking the Word as our guide at every step. If we occupy this position, we will be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 65, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 65, 1898, par. 16

“Why,” inquires the Master, “stand ye here all the day idle? Work while it is day; for the night cometh when no man can work.” [See Matthew 20:6; John 9:4.] O, brethren, be consecrated in the hands of God. Be as a lamp that burneth in a dark and godless world. God expects us to appreciate our varied endowments, as so many talents to be faithfully put out to the exchangers, and multiplied by constant use. The Lord expects His followers to be models of correctness in all their relations of life, and [to] shine forth in good works to the world. If every moment is appreciated and properly employed, there is sufficient time for all that is needed to be done for ourselves and for the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 120, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 120, 1899, par. 15

God has claims upon us which we can evade only at eternal loss to ourselves. But in God’s service there is perfect freedom. Consider the life of Christ. Standing at the head of humanity, serving His Father, He is the Pattern of what every son should and may be. He was given to our world to show us how to live the commandments of God. He counted no sacrifice too great, no toil too hard, in order to accomplish the work He came to do. At the age of twelve He said to His earthly parent, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” [Luke 2:49.] He had heard the call and taken up the work. At another time He said, “I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day; the night cometh when no man can work.” [John 9:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 147, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 147, 1899, par. 11

Again I entreat my brethren to send us the fruits of their self-denial in freewill offerings; for we are directed by God to advance in new territories. “The night cometh, when no man can work.” [John 9:4.] Christ came into our world to save it from ruin by connecting it with the infinite God, for this was the only way. Christ’s followers are to be channels of light to this apostate world. Who will follow the example of Christ, the great Teacher?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 4, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 4, 1899, par. 27

Of all countries, Australia most resembles America. It is her sister. All classes of people are here. And the truth has not been resented and rejected. There are thousands of honest souls praying for light. God’s watchmen are called to stand on the walls of Zion, and to give the warning, “The morning cometh, and also the night,” the night wherein no man can work. [Isaiah 21:12; John 9:4.] While the angels are holding the four winds, a message is to enter every field in Australia as fast as possible. There is no time to be lost.

Our High Calling

Watch, Pray, Work, October 23

OHC 302.1

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4.

OHC 302.6

It is ours to make the record which we desire to meet hereafter. Would we have its pages filled with the history of earnest work for God and humanity? Let us follow in the footsteps of Him who declared, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4.50The Review and Herald, May 1, 1883.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 33, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 33, 1899, par. 17

Every hour of life is to be filled with good deeds, with a diligent cultivation of the entrusted talents. We all need to cultivate tenderness and love for each other, and when we are converted we shall do this. All who enter the kingdom of God must strive most earnestly to be commandment keepers. They must be brought into harmony with the law of God. “Work while it is called today.” [See John 9:4; Hebrews 3:13.] This is the lesson each must learn. We must constantly watch and strive, fighting manfully the good fight of faith, never ceasing in our efforts to run the race with patience, that we may receive the prize. It is only by earnest endeavor that we can win eternal life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 4, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 4, 1899, par. 51

Of all countries, Australia most resembles America. It is her sister. All classes of people are here, and God’s watchmen are called to stand on the walls of Zion, and to give the warning, “The morning cometh, and also the night”—the night wherein no man can work. [Isaiah 21:12; John 9:4.] The Lord has moved me. My spirit burns within me to think that this destitute field should be treated as it has been treated.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 39, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 39, 1900, par. 14

Let those who are planning the work remember that it is a work which needs to be done as speedily as possible. Let consecrated, zealous efforts be made. Let there be as little outlay of means as possible in hiring labor. Let the workers show a spirit of self-sacrifice and an earnest desire to carry the work forward with expedition. It is the will of God that those who are connected with this work shall do their very best during the hours that they work. Let them not feel obliged to work only eight hours a day. The Lord Jesus says, “Are there not twelve hours in the day in which men ought to work? Work while the day lasts; for the night cometh in which no man can work.” [John 11:9; 9:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 88, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 88, 1901, par. 8

Self-denial is to be brought into the daily experience of each worker. Let them say to one another, Come; we will put all earnestness into our labors; “for the night is at hand, when no man can work.” [John 9:4.] Let no one lose minutes by talking, when he should be working. There are times when he has no right to talk nor to stand still. Make not others idle by tempting them to listen to your conversation. Not only is your own time lost, but that of others is wasted when you spend in chatting the time you should spend doing your work. The Word of inspiration tells us that we are to be “not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] Then let all take hold of the work in earnest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 43, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 43, 1901, par. 26

How can the Lord bless those who manifest a spirit of “I don’t care”—spirit which leads them to walk contrary to the light which the Lord has given them? But I do not ask you to take my words. Lay Sister White to one side. Do not quote my words again as long as you live until you can obey the Bible. When you make the Bible your food, your meat and your drink, when you make its principles the elements of your character, you will know better how to receive counsel from God. I exalt the precious Word before you today. Do not repeat what I have said, saying, “Sister White said this,” and “Sister White said that.” Find out what the Lord God of Israel says, and then do what He commands. Christ said, “I must work the works of Him that sent Me.” [John 9:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 43b, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 43b, 1901, par. 24

How can the Lord bless those who manifest a spirit of “I don’t care,” a spirit which leads them to walk contrary to the light which the Lord has given them? But I do not ask you to take my words. Lay Sister White on one side. Do not quote my words again as long as you live till you can obey the Bible. When you make the Bible your food, your meat and your drink, when you make its principles the elements of your character, you will know better how to receive counsel from God. I exalt the precious Word before you today. Do not repeat what I have said, saying, “Sister White said this,” and, “Sister White said that.” Find out what the Lord God of Israel says, and then do what He commands. Christ said, “I must work the works of him that sent me.” [John 9:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 20, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 20, 1902, par. 14

Christ always encouraged industry. “Why stand ye here all the day idle,” He said to the indolent. [Matthew 20:6.] “Work while the day lasts; for the night cometh, in which no man can work.” [See John 9:4.] He showed that God has entrusted every one with talents, which are to be improved and multiplied by faithful use. Seeing men absorbed in pursuit of worldly riches, using their entrusted capabilities to obtain advantage over one another, He explained, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Mark 10:23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 6, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 6, 1902, par. 44

My brethren and sisters, study the prayer Christ taught His disciples. If we would but bring His spirit and life into the church, we should exert an influence that would move the world. Where are the sowers and the reapers, to sow the seed and gather in the harvest? “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” [Matthew 9:37, 38.] Yes, pray most earnestly that the Lord will send forth more laborers into the His harvest. To the indolent and indifferent comes the inquiry, “Why stand ye here all the day idle? Work while the day lasts; for the night cometh in which no man can work.” [Matthew 20:6; John 9:4.] The night is stealing on us. Soon it will be here. Soon the doors now thrown open for the entrance of truth will be closed. Now is the time for the Lord’s people to return to Him His own in gifts and offerings and in willing, earnest service.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 51, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 51, 1903, par. 14

O how can we cherish sin, when we are standing on the borders of the eternal world? The injunction comes, “Work while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.” [John 9:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 146, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 146, 1903, par. 23

We have no time to lose. “I must work the works of Him that sent Me,” said Christ, “while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.” [John 9:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 96, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 96, 1905, par. 15

Did our great Example ever speak an idle word? Was He not diligent in warning the people of danger and pointing out the sure and safe path that leads to life eternal? “I must work the works of Him that sent Me,” He declared, “while it is day; for the night cometh, wherein no man can work.” [John 9:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 190, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 190, 1907, par. 10

Every church member is to engage in active service for the Master. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” He asks. “Go work today in My vineyard. Work while it is day; for the night cometh, when no man can work.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28; John 9:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 170, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 170, 1907, par. 15

Every church member is to be engaged in active service for the Master. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” asks the Master. “Go work today in My vineyard. Work while it is day; for the night cometh in which no man can work.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28; John 9:4.] “Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord.” [Isaiah 43:10.] Can we comprehend it? We are Christ’s property, bought with a price, even the precious blood of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 49, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 49, 1907, par. 19

In His earthly life, the Saviour gives us an example of the hallowed lives that may be ours if we will devote our days to doing good to the souls that need our help. It is our privilege to bring joy to the sorrowful, light to the darkened, and life to the perishing. The Lord’s message comes to us, “Why stand ye here all the day idle; work while it is day; for the night cometh when no man can work.” [See Matthew 20:6; John 9:4.] Every word we speak, every act we perform that conduces to the happiness of others will conduce to our own happiness and make our lives like the life of Christ. Our daily duties are to be cheerfully accepted and cheerfully performed. Our chief duty is to reveal in words and deportment a life which will make manifest the attributes of heaven. The Word of life is given to us to study and practice. Our actions are to be in strict conformity to the laws of the kingdom of heaven. Then heaven can approve our work, and the talents we employ in His service will multiply for greater usefulness. The consecrated life will shine amid the moral darkness of the world, guiding perishing souls to the truth of the Word.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Divine Worker, March 23

JNN 91.1

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.”—John 9:4

Reflecting Christ

Awake, and Watch for Souls, July 9

RC 204.1

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4.

Sons and Daughters of God

He Was Industrious, May 4

SD 131.1

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Church Schools Needed

6T 198.2

Wherever there are a few Sabbathkeepers, the parents should unite in providing a place for a day school where their children and youth can be instructed. They should employ a Christian teacher who, as a consecrated missionary, shall educate the children in such a way as to lead them to become missionaries. Let teachers be employed who will give a thorough education in the common branches, the Bible being made the foundation and the life of all study. Parents should gird on the armor and by their own example teach their children to be missionaries. They should work while it is day, for “the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4. If they will put forth unselfish efforts, perseveringly teaching their children to bear responsibilities, the Lord will work with them.

That I May Know Him

A Life of Strength, May 29

TMK 155.1

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4.

Reflecting Christ

Every True Christian to Be a Light Bearer, July 2

RC 197.1

I am the light of the world. John 9:5.

Counsels on Health

Christ’s Manner of Healing

CH 30.3

In the Saviour’s manner of healing there were lessons for His disciples. On one occasion He anointed the eyes of a blind man with clay and bade him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.... He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” John 9:7. The cure could be wrought only by the power of the Great Healer, yet Christ made use of the simple agencies of nature. While He did not give countenance to drug medication, He sanctioned the use of simple and natural remedies.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Remedial Agencies

GW 221.1

On one occasion Christ anointed the eyes of a blind man with clay, and bade him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.... He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” [John 9:7.] The cure could be wrought only by the power of the great Healer, yet Christ made use of the simple agencies of nature. While He did not give countenance to drug medication, He sanctioned the use of simple and natural remedies.

Lift Him Up

Spiritual and Physical Maladies Healed, September 1

LHU 258.4

In the Saviour’s manner of healing there were lessons for His disciples. On one occasion He anointed the eyes of a blind man with clay, and bade him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.... He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing” (John 9:7). The cure could be wrought only by the power of the Great Healer, yet Christ made use of the simple agencies of nature....

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 86—Go Teach All Nations

DA 824.1

In the Saviour’s manner of healing there were lessons for His disciples. On one occasion He anointed the eyes of a blind man with clay, and bade him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.... He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” John 9:7. The cure could be wrought only by the power of the Great Healer, yet Christ made use of the simple agencies of nature. While He did not give countenance to drug medication, He sanctioned the use of simple and natural remedies.

The Ministry of Healing

Confession of Sin

MH 233.1

On one occasion Christ anointed the eyes of a blind man with clay and bade him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.... He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” John 9:7. The cure could be wrought only by the power of the Great Healer, yet Christ made use of the simple agencies of nature. While He did not give countenance to drug medication, He sanctioned the use of simple and natural remedies.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Great Healer, March 22

JNN 90.4

In the Saviour’s manner of healing there were lessons for His disciples. On one occasion He anointed the eyes of a blind man with clay, and bade him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.... He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing” (John 9:7). The cure could be wrought only by the power of the Great Healer, yet Christ made use of the simple agencies of nature. While He did not give countenance to drug medication, He sanctioned the use of simple and natural remedies.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 97, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 97, 1901, par. 10

Christ’s miracle of restoring the sight of the man who had been born blind was a wonderful evidence of the truth of His mission. When the people saw the transformation, they said to the man, “How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash; and I went and washed; and I received sight. Then said they unto him, Where is he? And he said, I know not.” [John 9:10-12.]

16LtMs, Ms 97, 1901, par. 11

Then they brought him to the Pharisees, “and again the Pharisees asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I was healed, and do see.” [Verse 15.]

16LtMs, Ms 97, 1901, par. 12

But with hearts hardened by prejudice and unbelief, the Pharisees said, “Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner. He answered, and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not; one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye would not hear; wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses; as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners; but if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began, was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. They answered, and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.” [Verses 24-34.]

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

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

1SAT 95.2

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

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Picking Flaws

1888 304.2

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

A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White

Texts of Scripture Referred to on Page 8

ExV 40.9

He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear; wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? John 9:20-27.

Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White

A Severe Trial

The Fifty Texts Luke 1:20
John 16:15
Acts 2:4
Acts 4:29, 30
Acts 4:31
Matthew 7:6
Matthew 7:7-12
Matthew 7:15
Matthew 24:24
Colossians 2:6, 7
Colossians 2:8
Hebrews 10:35-37
Hebrews 10:38, 39
Hebrews 4:10, 11
Hebrews 4:12
Philippians 1:6
Philippians 1:27-29Philippians 2:13-15
Ephesians 6:10-13
Ephesians 6:14-18
Ephesians 4:32
1 Peter 1:22
John 13:34, 35
2 Corinthians 13:5
1 Corinthians 3:10, 11
1 Corinthians 3:12, 13
Acts 20:28-30
Galatians 1:6-9
Luke 12:3-7
Luke 4:10, 11
2 Corinthians 4:6-9
2 Corinthians 4:17, 18
1 Peter 1:5-7
1 Thessalonians 3:8Mark 16:17, 18
John 9:20-27
John 14:13-15
John 15:7, 8
Mark 1:23-25
Romans 8:38, 39
Revelation 3:7-13
Revelation 14:4, 5
Philippians 3:20
James 5:7, 8
Philippians 3:21
Revelation 14:14-17
Hebrews 4:9
Revelation 21:2
Revelation 14:1
Revelation 22:1-5

Early Writings

Texts Referred to on Preceding Page

EW 29.2

His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: but by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that He was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this Man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether He be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. Then said they to him again, What did He to thee? how opened He thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? Would ye also be His disciples? John 9:20-27.

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2

Chapter 10—Trials and Victories

2SG 59.2

Luke 1:20; John 16:15; Acts 2:4; 4:29-31; Matthew 7:6-12, 15; 24:24; Colossians 2:6-8; Hebrews 10:35-39; 4:10-12; Philippians 1:6, 27-29; 2:13-15; Ephesians 6:10-18; 4:32; 1 Peter 1:22; John 13:34, 35; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 3:10-13; Acts 20:28-30; Galatians 1:6-9; Luke 12:3-7; 4:10, 11; 2 Corinthians 4:6-9, 17, 18; 1 Peter 1:5-7; 1 Thessalonians 3:8; Mark 16:17, 18; John 9:20-27; 14:13-15; 15:7, 8; Mark 1:23-25; Romans 8:38, 39; Revelation 3:7-13; 14:4, 5; Philippians 3:20; James 5:7, 8; Philippians 3:21; Revelation 14:14-17; Hebrews 4:9; Revelation 21:2; 14:1; 22:1-5.

Life Sketches Manuscript

Some Erroneous Theories

Luke 1:202 Corinthians 4:6-9, 17, 18John 16:151 Peter 1:5-7Acts 2:4, 429-311 Thessalonians 3:8Matthew 7:6-12, 15; 24:24Mark 15:17, 18Colossians 2:6-8John 9:20-27; 14:13-15; 15:7, 8 Hebrews 10:35-39; 4:10-12 Mark 1:23-25Philippians 1:6, 27-29; 2:13-15 Romans 8:38, 39Ephesians 6:10-18; 4:32 Revelation 3:7-13; 14:4, 51 Peter 1:22Philippians 3:20John 13:34, 35James 5:7, 82 Corinthians 13:5Philippians 3:211 Corinthians 3:10-13Revelation 14:14-17Acts 20:28-30Hebrews 4:9Galatians 1:6-9Revelation 21:2; 14:1; 22:1-5Luke 12:3-7; 10, 11

From Here to Forever

The First Angel’s Message

HF 236.1

Ministers, who as watchmen should have been the first to discern the tokens of Jesus’ coming, had failed to learn the truth from the prophets or from the signs of the times. Love for God and faith in His Word had grown cold, and the advent doctrine only aroused their unbelief. As of old the testimony of God’s Word was met with the inquiry: “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed?” John 7:48. Many discouraged the study of the prophecies, teaching that the prophetic books were sealed and were not to be understood. Multitudes, trusting their pastors, refused to listen; and others, though convinced of the truth, dared not confess it lest they should be “put out of the synagogue.” John 9:22. The message God sent for testing the church revealed how great was the number who had set their affections on this world rather than on Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 140, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 45

Christ was called a sinner, and the truth of His words was disputed. “He is a sinner,” said the Jews. [John 9:24.] “He eateth with publicans and sinners,” and they sneered at Him for doing this. To the charge Jesus made answer, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:11, 13.] To the homes of the publicans He went when invited, sitting at their tables as an honored guest, in word and act setting all present a godly example. Upon their thirsty hearts His words fell with blessed, life-giving power. The questions that He asked shed light into their minds. Wherever He went, He sowed the seeds of truth, confirming the convicted and drawing souls to the light of His wisdom.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 24a, 1882

3LtMs, Lt 24a, 1882, par. 20

These unhappy feelings arrest or enfeeble digestion. The nervous system is partaking of the disorders and outbreaks of a self-willed, stubborn heart, and in many cases with which we are familiar, all the untrained undisciplined disposition is excused on the ground of nervousness. The true spirit of evil is in the long habits of indulgence, in selfishness which has never been seen as such, in pride and large self-valuation, which makes them think they do not occupy positions which they are fitted to fill. The whole soul is diseased; the whole heart is sick. The prayer should go forth from unfeigned lips, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. The truly converted soul can testify that “Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. “Whereas I was blind, now I see.” [John 9:25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 52, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 52, 1900, par. 36

But the Lord has a special work for His delegated messengers. They are to give the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] This invitation is to be given to those who have not taken their position to obey the fourth commandment. These will rejoice that they have not been cut down as cumberers of the ground while living in disobedience to the commandments of God. When they become enlightened, there is a vast reformation wrought in the whole religious life. They can say as did the blind man whom Jesus healed, “Whereas I was once blind, now I see.” [John 9:25.]

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 5—“Like a Grain of Mustard Seed”

COL 79.1

The great leaders of religious thought in this generation sound the praises and build the monuments of those who planted the seed of truth centuries ago. Do not many turn from this work to trample down the growth springing from the same seed today? The old cry is repeated, “We know that God spake unto Moses; as for this fellow [Christ in the messenger He sends], we know not from whence he is.” John 9:29. As in earlier ages, the special truths for this time are found, not with the ecclesiastical authorities, but with men and women who are not too learned or too wise to believe the word of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 77, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 77, 1886, par. 4

The Lord blessed me with His Spirit as I presented before them the plan of redemption and what constituted genuine faith in Jesus Christ, the atoning Sacrifice. Faith in the Son of God goes deeper than many discern. “Dost thou believe on the Son of God?” John 9:35. This inquiry is of deep spiritual import and of the uttermost importance. It is not to admit our faith in the world’s Redeemer, but do we believe in Him as our Saviour? Have we an intelligent faith? To accept Christ as our Saviour as an article of faith is not enough. We are not to lay this knowledge aside as a memento to look at occasionally, but to believe on the Son of God as our own Saviour and bring Him into our life, practicing His virtues, the very life hid with Christ in God. To believe on Christ is to have God dwell in the soul; and the words and works and even the thoughts are brought into subjection to the Spirit of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 45, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 45, 1894, par. 7

“Dost thou believe on the Son of God?” [John 9:35.] You are just as dependent upon Christ for all that you receive as is the weakest, poorest, and humblest soul. “Dost thou believe on the Son of God?” A mere speculative belief amounts to nothing. Do you believe on the Son of God as your personal Saviour? Then if you believe with all your heart, God dwells in the soul, and the soul in God. You represent Jesus. Those who have been chosen as presidents of conferences are on test and trial to see if they will be wise men in positions of trust, to reveal whether Christ is working in and through them so that they can represent His character and express themselves in their words and actions toward His heritage for whom He has given His own precious life. He will not suffer these men who are entrusted with responsibilities to harm His children. He will punish all who are acting in His stead if they suffer one to be hurt, bruised, or discouraged and become crippled in spirit, or influence through the course they pursue, or if they look with indifference on the wrong course of another who claims to believe the truth. He will surely punish the one who misrepresents Christ in character, in words, in attitude.

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

MR No. 144—As the End Draws Near

2MR 229.3

The Lord has presented before me that those who have been in any measure blinded by the enemy, and who have not fully recovered themselves from the snare of Satan, will be in peril because they cannot discern light from heaven, and will be inclined to accept a falsehood. This will affect the whole tenor of their thoughts, their decisions, their propositions, their counsels. The evidences that God has given are no evidence to them, because they have blinded their own eyes by choosing darkness rather than light. Then they will originate something they call light, which the Lord calls sparks of their own kindling, by which they will direct their steps. The Lord declares, “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: Walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have at mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow” [Isaiah 50:10, 11]. Jesus said, “For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.” “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.” “He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” [John 9:39; 12:46, 48].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 1f, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 1f, 1890, par. 21

The Lord declares, “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks; walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have at mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.” [Isaiah 50:10, 11.] Jesus said, “For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.” [John 9:39.] “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him; the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” [John 12:46, 48.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 173, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 173, 1898, par. 6

“Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have at mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.” Isaiah 50:10, 11. “And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they that see might be made blind.” John 9:39.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 143, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 50

At the time of the loud cry of the third angel, those who have been in any measure blinded by the enemy, who have not fully recovered themselves from the snare of Satan, will be in peril, because it will be difficult for them to discern the light from heaven, and they will be inclined to accept falsehood. Their erroneous experience will color their thoughts, their decisions, their propositions, their counsels. The evidences that God has given will be no evidence to those who have blinded their eyes by choosing darkness rather than light. After rejecting light, they will originate theories which they will call “light,” but which the Lord calls “Sparks of their own kindling,” by which they will direct their steps. The Lord declares, “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.” [Isaiah 50:10, 11.] Jesus said: “For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.” [John 9:39.] “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. ... He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” [John 12:46, 48.]

16LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 78

Christ declared, “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” [John 9:41.] “If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.” [John 15:24.] To His disciples He said, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” [Verse 10.] “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.] “He that hateth me hateth my Father also.” [John 15:23.] “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” [1 John 2:4.]

Manuscript Release No. 926

The Fannie Bolton Story: A Collection Of Source Documents

MR926 56.3

The warnings, the appeals, the precious light given, the jewels of truth were apparently of no value to Fannie. She was feeling so rich in her supposed treasure of talents, that she wanted nothing. Sacred things were of no more value to her than the common fire, and she worked and walked in its light. [Isaiah 50:11; John 9:39-41 quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 40, 1887

5LtMs, Ms 40, 1887, par. 1

“Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with Him heard these words, and said unto Him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin; but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” John 9:39-41. Had those wicked Pharisees been really blind or ignorant by misfortune, or through want of capacity or opportunity of instruction, they would have been comparatively free from guilt in their determined opposition to Christ. But they had the most favorable opportunity to obtain an understanding of the Scriptures, and prided themselves upon their knowledge and discernment, while they were wilfully closing their eyes to the light. Christ declared of them, “Ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God.” Mark 12:24. They had stubbornly refused to be instructed; therefore all the opportunities which they enjoyed, all the wisdom, ability, and knowledge of which they proudly boasted, would only increase their condemnation in the day of final judgment.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 2, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 2, 1889, par. 5

We see that we are in no better condition than the Jewish people. God gave them the clear light that they might stand as His holy, peculiar people. He had given them the prophets, and then Christ Himself had come in order that He might present the truth to them. But when His own nation rejected Him, He turned away. He told them, “Ye have ears, but ye hear not, eyes have ye but ye see not.” Then they inquired, “Are we blind also?” Christ said, “If ye were blind no sin would be attached, but it is because light has come and ye choose darkness rather than light.” [John 9:39-41.] Was it a real darkness? No, it was not. The light of truth had shone upon them, but Satan was throwing his blinder before their eyes, and they received it not.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 51, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, par. 49

I told her that was not possible. She was not saved in walking against the light of truth. Jesus said, “For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin; but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” [John 9:39-41.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 104, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 104, 1895, par. 3

“Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled, this shall ye have of mind hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.” Isaiah 50:11. “And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto Him, Are we blind also? And Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” John 9:39-41.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 35b, 1877

3LtMs, Lt 35b, 1877, par. 4

“No, my sister, not if you see the light and refuse to walk in it, any sooner than the Jews who had the light that Christ was the Messiah, yet, because He was a Saviour of humiliation, but few would accept Him. He was the light of the world. He made the world, and yet the world knew Him not. The light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not. When the question was asked by the scribes and Pharisees, ‘Are we blind also?’ said Christ, ‘If ye were blind ye would have no sin, but now ye say ye see, therefore your sin remaineth. This is your condemnation, that Christ has come into the world and men choose darkness rather than light. If I had not come, ye would have had no sin.’ [John 9:40, 41; 3:19; 15:22.]”

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

MR No. 895—Minneapolis General Conference and its Aftermath

11MR 238.2

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 35a, 1877

3LtMs, Lt 35a, 1877, par. 18

“This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light.” John 3:19. “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.” John 15:22. Cf. John 9:41. It is never safe to be indifferent to light. If professedly great and good men do not obey the law of God, is it any reason we should transgress? Men who are lifted up in self-confidence and pride will venture to do many things the simple, humble Christian would never venture to do. It was the scribes, the rulers, the priests, men in holy office, men who believed their righteousness was above the whole world, who persecuted Christ. These pious pretenders were the fiercest persecutors Jesus had. They were bitterness itself, cruel as the grave. They could smite God’s dear Son. They could with revengeful cruelty exult in His weary, pale, suffering appearance. It was the teachers of the people that mocked Him while He hung upon the cross.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 180, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 180, 1902, par. 5

This is not new light to you, Willie Kellogg. Christ said to the Pharisees, “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin, but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” [John 9:41.] And He said again, “This is your condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men choose darkness rather than light.” [John 3:19.]