EGW WritingsLuke 10

This Day With God

Be His Messenger, April 14

TDG 113.3

“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:1-3)....

TDG 113.4

“And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you” (verses 8, 9).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 55, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 55, 1894, par. 1

“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold I send you forth as lambs among wolves.” [Luke 10:1-3.]

9LtMs, Ms 55, 1894, par. 2

When Jesus sent out the twelve previous to the sending out of the seventy, their mission differed somewhat in character to that of the mission of the seventy. They were sent out two and two, “not into the way of the Gentiles,” or “into any city of the Samaritans,” but they were commanded to “Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” [Matthew 10:5, 6.] But when Christ appointed the seventy, He sent them “into every city and place, whither he himself would come.” [Luke 10:1.] He gave them directions similar to that which He had given to the twelve, but the seventy were sent into Samaria, into the regions where He had formerly forbidden His disciples to go. In His charge to the seventy Christ acted upon the principle that he announced in these words, “He that receiveth you receiveth me.” “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.” [Matthew 10:40; Luke 10:16.]

9LtMs, Ms 55, 1894, par. 4

Satan made a most determined effort to assail the Son of God to influence Him to avoid the terrible future; but He knew from whence these temptations came and He refused to listen to the enemy’s suggestions. He set His face determinedly to go to Jerusalem, and He would not be turned aside. On every hand He saw the poor sheep without a shepherd, and the enemy suggested that it would be better for Him to wait, that He could alleviate much distress and woe by avoiding the path of pain. There was much that He could do to stay the tide of evil. He groaned in spirit as He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of harvest that he would send forth laborers into the harvest.” [Verse 2.]

Homeward Bound

Satan Fell Like Lightning, October 25

HB 326.1

I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.—Luke 10:18.

HB 326.4

Like the apostles, the seventy [see Luke 10:1] had received supernatural endowments as a seal of their mission. When their work was completed, they returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” Jesus answered, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” The scenes of the past and the future were presented to the mind of Jesus. He beheld Lucifer as he was first cast out from the heavenly places. He looked forward to the scenes of His own agony, when before all the worlds the character of the deceiver should be unveiled. . . .

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 53—The Last Journey From Galilee

DA 485.1

As the close of His ministry drew near, there was a change in Christ’s manner of labor. Heretofore He had sought to shun excitement and publicity. He had refused the homage of the people, and had passed quickly from place to place when the popular enthusiasm in His favor seemed kindling beyond control. Again and again He had commanded that none should declare Him to be the Christ.

DA 485.2

At the time of the Feast of Tabernacles His journey to Jerusalem was made swiftly and secretly. When urged by His brothers to present Himself publicly as the Messiah, His answer was, “My time is not yet come.” John 7:6. He made His way to Jerusalem unobserved, and entered the city unannounced, and unhonored by the multitude. But not so with His last journey. He had left Jerusalem for a season because of the malice of the priests and rabbis. But He now set out to return, traveling in the most public manner, by a circuitous route, and preceded by such an announcement of His coming as He had never made before. He was going forward to the scene of His great sacrifice, and to this the attention of the people must be directed.

DA 485.3

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” John 3:14. As the eyes of all Israel had been directed to the uplifted serpent, the symbol appointed for their healing, so all eyes must be drawn to Christ, the sacrifice that brought salvation to the lost world.

DA 485.4

It was a false conception of the Messiah’s work, and a lack of faith in the divine character of Jesus, that had led His brothers to urge Him to present Himself publicly to the people at the Feast of Tabernacles. Now, in a spirit akin to this, the disciples would have prevented Him from making the journey to Jerusalem. They remembered His words concerning what was to befall Him there, they knew the deadly hostility of the religious leaders, and they would fain have dissuaded their Master from going thither.

DA 486.1

To the heart of Christ it was a bitter task to press His way against the fears, disappointment, and unbelief of His beloved disciples. It was hard to lead them forward to the anguish and despair that awaited them at Jerusalem. And Satan was at hand to press his temptations upon the Son of man. Why should He now go to Jerusalem, to certain death? All around Him were souls hungering for the bread of life. On every hand were suffering ones waiting for His word of healing. The work to be wrought by the gospel of His grace was but just begun. And He was full of the vigor of manhood’s prime. Why not go forward to the vast fields of the world with the words of His grace, the touch of His healing power? Why not take to Himself the joy of giving light and gladness to those darkened and sorrowing millions? Why leave the harvest gathering to His disciples, so weak in faith, so dull of understanding, so slow to act? Why face death now, and leave the work in its infancy? The foe who in the wilderness had confronted Christ assailed Him now with fierce and subtle temptations. Had Jesus yielded for a moment, had He changed His course in the least particular to save Himself, Satan’s agencies would have triumphed, and the world would have been lost.

DA 486.2

But Jesus had “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” The one law of His life was the Father’s will. In the visit to the temple in His boyhood, He had said to Mary, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49. At Cana, when Mary desired Him to reveal His miraculous power, His answer was, “Mine hour is not yet come.” John 2:4. With the same words He replied to His brothers when they urged Him to go to the feast. But in God’s great plan the hour had been appointed for the offering of Himself for the sins of men, and that hour was soon to strike. He would not fail nor falter. His steps are turned toward Jerusalem, where His foes have long plotted to take His life; now He will lay it down. He set His face steadfastly to go to persecution, denial, rejection, condemnation, and death.

DA 486.3

And He “sent messengers before His face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for Him.” But the people refused to receive Him, because He was on His way to Jerusalem. This they interpreted as meaning that Christ showed a preference for the Jews, whom they hated with intense bitterness. Had He come to restore the temple and worship upon Mount Gerizim, they would gladly have received Him; but He was going to Jerusalem, and they would show Him no hospitality. Little did they realize that they were turning from their doors the best gift of heaven. Jesus invited men to receive Him, He asked favors at their hands, that He might come near to them, to bestow the richest blessings. For every favor manifested toward Him, He requited a more precious grace. But all was lost to the Samaritans because of their prejudice and bigotry.

DA 487.1

James and John, Christ’s messengers, were greatly annoyed at the insult shown to their Lord. They were filled with indignation because He had been so rudely treated by the Samaritans whom He was honoring by His presence. They had recently been with Him on the mount of transfiguration, and had seen Him glorified by God, and honored by Moses and Elijah. This manifest dishonor on the part of the Samaritans, should not, they thought, be passed over without marked punishment.

DA 487.2

Coming to Christ, they reported to Him the words of the people, telling Him that they had even refused to give Him a night’s lodging. They thought that a grievous wrong had been done Him, and seeing Mount Carmel in the distance, where Elijah had slain the false prophets, they said, “Wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” They were surprised to see that Jesus was pained by their words, and still more surprised as His rebuke fell upon their ears, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” And He went to another village.

DA 487.3

It is no part of Christ’s mission to compel men to receive Him. It is Satan, and men actuated by his spirit, that seek to compel the conscience. Under a pretense of zeal for righteousness, men who are confederate with evil angels bring suffering upon their fellow men, in order to convert them to their ideas of religion; but Christ is ever showing mercy, ever seeking to win by the revealing of His love. He can admit no rival in the soul, nor accept of partial service; but He desires only voluntary service, the willing surrender of the heart under the constraint of love. There can be no more conclusive evidence that we possess the spirit of Satan than the disposition to hurt and destroy those who do not appreciate our work, or who act contrary to our ideas.

DA 488.1

Every human being, in body, soul, and spirit, is the property of God. Christ died to redeem all. Nothing can be more offensive to God than for men, through religious bigotry, to bring suffering upon those who are the purchase of the Saviour’s blood.

DA 488.2

“And He arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto Him again; and, as He was wont, He taught them again.” Mark 10:1.

DA 488.3

A considerable part of the closing months of Christ’s ministry was spent in Perea, the province on “the farther side of Jordan” from Judea. Here the multitude thronged His steps, as in His early ministry in Galilee, and much of His former teaching was repeated.

DA 488.4

As He had sent out the twelve, so He “appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself was about to come.” Luke 10:1, R. V. These disciples had been for some time with Him, in training for their work. When the twelve were sent out on their first separate mission, other disciples accompanied Jesus in His journey through Galilee. Thus they had the privilege of intimate association with Him, and direct personal instruction. Now this larger number also were to go forth on a separate mission.

DA 488.5

The directions to the seventy were similar to those that had been given to the twelve; but the command to the twelve, not to enter into any city of the Gentiles or of the Samaritans, was not given to the seventy. Though Christ had just been repulsed by the Samaritans, His love toward them was unchanged. When the seventy went forth in His name, they visited, first of all, the cities of Samaria.

DA 488.6

The Saviour’s own visit to Samaria, and later, the commendation of the good Samaritan, and the grateful joy of that leper, a Samaritan, who alone of the ten returned to give thanks to Christ, were full of significance to the disciples. The lesson sank deep into their hearts. In His commission to them, just before His ascension, Jesus mentioned Samaria with Jerusalem and Judea as the places where they were first to preach the gospel. This commission His teaching had prepared them to fulfill. When in their Master’s name they went to Samaria, they found the people ready to receive them. The Samaritans had heard of Christ’s words of commendation and His works of mercy for men of their nation. They saw that, notwithstanding their rude treatment of Him, He had only thoughts of love toward them, and their hearts were won. After His ascension they welcomed the Saviour’s messengers, and the disciples gathered a precious harvest from among those who had once been their bitterest enemies. “A bruised reed shall He not break, and the dimly burning flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth.” “And in His name shall the Gentiles trust.” Isaiah 42:3, margin; Matthew 12:21.

DA 489.1

In sending out the seventy, Jesus bade them, as He had bidden the twelve, not to urge their presence where they were unwelcome. “Into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not,” He said, “go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” They were not to do this from motives of resentment or through wounded dignity, but to show how grievous a thing it is to refuse the Lord’s message or His messengers. To reject the Lord’s servants is to reject Christ Himself.

DA 489.2

“I say unto you,” Jesus added, “that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.” Then His mind reverted to the Galilean towns where so much of His ministry had been spent. In deeply sorrowful accents He exclaimed, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.”

DA 489.3

To those busy towns about the Sea of Galilee, heaven’s richest blessings had been freely offered. Day after day the Prince of life had gone in and out among them. The glory of God, which prophets and kings had longed to see, had shone upon the multitudes that thronged the Saviour’s steps. Yet they had refused the heavenly Gift.

DA 489.4

With a great show of prudence the rabbis had warned the people against receiving the new doctrines taught by this new teacher; for His theories and practices were contrary to the teachings of the fathers. The people gave credence to what the priests and Pharisees taught, in place of seeking to understand the word of God for themselves. They honored the priests and rulers instead of honoring God, and rejected the truth that they might keep their own traditions. Many had been impressed and almost persuaded; but they did not act upon their convictions, and were not reckoned on the side of Christ. Satan presented his temptations, until the light appeared as darkness. Thus many rejected the truth that would have proved the saving of the soul.

DA 489.5

The True Witness says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” Revelation 3:20. Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the word of God or through His messengers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the voice of Jesus asking for entrance. With every knock unheeded, the disposition to open becomes weaker. The impressions of the Holy Spirit if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life, and of the great eternity beyond. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth.

DA 490.1

Like the apostles, the seventy had received supernatural endowments as a seal of their mission. When their work was completed, they returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” Jesus answered, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.”

DA 490.2

The scenes of the past and the future were presented to the mind of Jesus. He beheld Lucifer as he was first cast out from the heavenly places. He looked forward to the scenes of His own agony, when before all the worlds the character of the deceiver should be unveiled. He heard the cry, “It is finished” (John 19:30), announcing that the redemption of the lost race was forever made certain, that heaven was made eternally secure against the accusations, the deceptions, the pretensions, that Satan would instigate.

DA 490.3

Beyond the cross of Calvary, with its agony and shame, Jesus looked forward to the great final day, when the prince of the power of the air will meet his destruction in the earth so long marred by his rebellion. Jesus beheld the work of evil forever ended, and the peace of God filling heaven and earth.

DA 490.4

Henceforward Christ’s followers were to look upon Satan as a conquered foe. Upon the cross, Jesus was to gain the victory for them; that victory He desired them to accept as their own. “Behold,” He said, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

DA 490.5

The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power. The Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones. With Him there can be no such thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat; we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. When temptations and trials come, do not wait to adjust all the difficulties, but look to Jesus, your helper.

DA 493.1

There are Christians who think and speak altogether too much about the power of Satan. They think of their adversary, they pray about him, they talk about him, and he looms up greater and greater in their imagination. It is true that Satan is a powerful being; but, thank God, we have a mighty Saviour, who cast out the evil one from heaven. Satan is pleased when we magnify his power. Why not talk of Jesus? Why not magnify His power and His love?

DA 493.2

The rainbow of promise encircling the throne on high is an everlasting testimony that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. It testifies to the universe that God will never forsake His people in their struggle with evil. It is an assurance to us of strength and protection as long as the throne itself shall endure.

DA 493.3

Jesus added, “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Rejoice not in the possession of power, lest you lose sight of your dependence upon God. Be careful lest self-sufficiency come in, and you work in your own strength, rather than in the spirit and strength of your Master. Self is ever ready to take the credit if any measure of success attends the work. Self is flattered and exalted, and the impression is not made upon other minds that God is all and in all. The apostle Paul says, “When I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10. When we have a realization of our weakness, we learn to depend upon a power not inherent. Nothing can take so strong a hold on the heart as the abiding sense of our responsibility to God. Nothing reaches so fully down to the deepest motives of conduct as a sense of the pardoning love of Christ. We are to come in touch with God, then we shall be imbued with His Holy Spirit, that enables us to come in touch with our fellow men. Then rejoice that through Christ you have become connected with God, members of the heavenly family. While you look higher than yourself, you will have a continual sense of the weakness of humanity. The less you cherish self, the more distinct and full will be your comprehension of the excellence of your Saviour. The more closely you connect yourself with the source of light and power, the greater light will be shed upon you, and the greater power will be yours to work for God. Rejoice that you are one with God, one with Christ, and with the whole family of heaven.

DA 494.1

As the seventy listened to the words of Christ, the Holy Spirit was impressing their minds with living realities, and writing truth upon the tablets of the soul. Though multitudes surrounded them, they were as though shut in with God.

DA 494.2

Knowing that they had caught the inspiration of the hour, Jesus “rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered to Me of My Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father, and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal Him.”

DA 494.3

The honored men of the world, the so-called great and wise men, with all their boasted wisdom, could not comprehend the character of Christ. They judged Him from outward appearance, from the humiliation that came upon Him as a human being. But to fishermen and publicans it had been given to see the Invisible. Even the disciples failed of understanding all that Jesus desired to reveal to them; but from time to time, as they surrendered themselves to the Holy Spirit’s power, their minds were illuminated. They realized that the mighty God, clad in the garb of humanity, was among them. Jesus rejoiced that though this knowledge was not possessed by the wise and prudent, it had been revealed to these humble men. Often as He had presented the Old Testament Scriptures, and showed their application to Himself and His work of atonement, they had been awakened by His Spirit, and lifted into a heavenly atmosphere. Of the spiritual truths spoken by the prophets they had a clearer understanding than had the original writers themselves. Hereafter they would read the Old Testament Scriptures, not as the doctrines of the scribes and Pharisees, not as the utterances of wise men who were dead, but as a new revelation from God. They beheld Him “whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:17.

DA 494.4

The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must be enthroned within. Human science is too limited to comprehend the atonement. The plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy cannot explain it. It will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reasoning cannot fathom. The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour.

DA 495.1

Full of instruction were the lessons which Christ taught as He slowly made His way from Galilee toward Jerusalem. Eagerly the people listened to His words. In Perea as in Galilee the people were less under the control of Jewish bigotry than in Judea, and His teaching found a response in their hearts.

DA 495.2

During these last months of His ministry, many of Christ’s parables were spoken. The priests and rabbis pursued Him with ever-increasing bitterness, and His warnings to them He veiled in symbols. They could not mistake His meaning, yet they could find in His words nothing on which to ground an accusation against Him. In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, the self-sufficient prayer, “God, I thank Thee that I am not as the rest of men,” stood out in sharp contrast to the penitent’s plea, “Be merciful to me the sinner.” Luke 18:11, 13, R. V., margin. Thus Christ rebuked the hypocrisy of the Jews. And under the figures of the barren fig tree and the great supper He foretold the doom about to fall upon the impenitent nation. Those who had scornfully rejected the invitation to the gospel feast heard His warning words: “I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of My supper.” Luke 14:24.

DA 495.3

Very precious was the instruction given to the disciples. The parable of the importunate widow and the friend asking for bread at midnight gave new force to His words, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Luke 11:9. And often their wavering faith was strengthened by the memory that Christ had said, “Shall not God do justice for His elect, which cry to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will do them justice speedily.” Luke 18:7, 8, R. V., margin.

DA 495.4

The beautiful parable of the lost sheep Christ repeated. And He carried its lesson still farther, as He told of the lost piece of silver and the prodigal son. The force of these lessons the disciples could not then fully appreciate; but after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as they saw the ingathering of the Gentiles and the envious anger of the Jews, they better understood the lesson of the prodigal son, and could enter into the joy of Christ’s words, “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad;” “for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” Luke 15:32, 24. And as they went out in their Master’s name, facing reproach and poverty and persecution, they often strengthened their hearts by repeating His injunction, spoken on this last journey, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:32-34.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 53—The Last Journey From Galilee

HLv 328.1

As the close of His ministry drew near, there was a change in Christ’s manner of labor. Heretofore He had sought to shun publicity, refused the homage of the people, and had commanded that none should declare Him to be the Christ.

HLv 328.2

At the time of the Feast of Tabernacles He had made His way to Jerusalem unobserved, and entered the city unannounced. But not so with His last journey. He now traveled in the most public manner, preceded by such an announcement of His coming as He had never made before. He was going to the scene of His great sacrifice, and to this the attention of the people must be directed.

HLv 328.3

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” John 3:14. All eyes must be drawn to Christ, the sacrifice that brought salvation to the lost world.

HLv 328.4

The disciples would have prevented Him from making the journey to Jerusalem. They knew the deadly hostility of the religious leaders. To Christ it was a bitter task to lead His beloved disciples to the anguish and despair that awaited them at Jerusalem. And Satan was at hand to press his temptations. Why should He now go to Jerusalem, to certain death? On every hand were suffering ones waiting for healing. He was full of the vigor of manhood’s prime. Why not go to the vast fields of the world with the words of His grace, the touch of His healing power? Why not give light and gladness to those darkened and sorrowing millions? Why face death now and leave the work in its infancy? The foe assailed Christ with fierce and subtle temptations. Had Jesus changed His course in the least to save Himself, the world would have been lost.

HLv 329.1

But Jesus had “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” The one law of His life was the Father’s will. In His boyhood, He had said to Mary, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49. But in God’s great plan the hour for the offering of Himself for the sins of men was soon to strike. He would not fail nor falter. His foes had long plotted to take His life; now He would lay it down.

HLv 329.2

And He “sent messengers before His face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for Him.” But the people refused to receive Him, because He was on His way to Jerusalem. Little did they realize that they were turning from their doors the best gift of heaven. But all was lost to the Samaritans because of their prejudice and bigotry.

HLv 329.3

James and John, Christ’s messengers, were greatly annoyed at the insult; they were filled with indignation because He had been so rudely treated by the Samaritans. They reported to Christ that the people had even refused to give Him a night’s lodging. Seeing Mount Carmel in the distance, where Elijah had slain the false prophets, they said, “Wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them?” They were surprised at Jesus’ rebuke: “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” And He went to another village.

HLv 329.4

It is no part of Christ’s mission to compel men to receive Him. He desires only voluntary service, the willing surrender of the heart under the constraint of love. There can be no more conclusive evidence that we possess the spirit of Satan than the disposition to hurt and destroy those who do not appreciate our work, who act contrary to our ideas. Nothing can be more offensive to God than for men, through religious bigotry, to bring suffering on those who are the purchase of the Saviour’s blood.

HLv 330.1

A considerable part of the closing months of Christ’s ministry was spent in Perea, the province beyond the Jordan from Judea. See Mark 10:1. Here the multitude thronged His steps, and much of His former teaching was repeated.

HLv 330.2

As He had sent out the Twelve, so He “appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of Him, two by two into every town and place where He Himself was about to come.” RSV. For some time these disciples had been in training for their work. They had had the privilege of intimate association with Him and direct personal instruction.

HLv 330.3

The command to the Twelve—not to enter into any city of the Gentiles or the Samaritans—was not given to the Seventy. Though Christ had been repulsed by the Samaritans, His love toward them was unchanged. In His name the Seventy visited, first of all, the cities of Samaria.

HLv 330.4

In His commission to the disciples just before His ascension, Jesus mentioned Samaria with Jerusalem and Judea as the places where they were first to preach the gospel. When they went to Samaria, they found the people ready to receive them. The Samaritans saw that, notwithstanding their rude treatment of Him, Jesus had only thoughts of love toward them, and their hearts were won. After His ascension the disciples gathered a precious harvest from among those who had once been their bitterest enemies. “A bruised reed shall He not break, and the dimly burning flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth.” Isaiah 42:3, margin.

HLv 330.5

In sending out the Seventy, Jesus bade them not to urge their presence where they were unwelcome. “Into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not,” He said, “go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” They were not to do this from resentment or wounded dignity, but to show how grievous it is to refuse the Lord’s message. To reject the Lord’s servants is to reject Christ Himself.

HLv 331.1

“I say unto you,” Jesus added, “it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.” Then His mind reverted to the Galilean towns where so much of His ministry had been spent. Day after day the Prince of life had gone in and out among them. The glory of God had shone upon the multitudes that thronged the Saviour’s steps. Yet they had refused the heavenly Gift.

HLv 331.2

The rabbis had warned against receiving the doctrines taught by this new teacher. In place of seeking to understand the Word of God for themselves, the people honored the priests and rulers, rejected the truth, and kept their traditions. Many had been almost persuaded, but they did not act on their convictions. Thus many rejected the truth that would have proved the saving of the soul.

HLv 331.4

When their work was completed, the Seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” Jesus answered, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” Beyond the cross of Calvary, with its agony and shame, Jesus looked forward to the great final day when Satan will meet his destruction in the earth so long marred by his rebellion.

HLv 332.1

Henceforth Christ’s followers were to look on Satan as a conquered foe. Upon the cross, Jesus was to gain the victory for them; that victory He desired them to accept as their own. “Behold,” He said, “I have given unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

HLv 332.2

The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power. When temptations and trials come, look to Jesus, your helper. Thank God, we have a mighty Saviour, who cast out the evil one from heaven. Why not talk of Him? God will never forsake His people in their struggle with evil.

HLv 333.1

As the Seventy listened to Christ, the Holy Spirit was writing truth on the soul. Though multitudes surrounded them, they were as though shut in with God.

HLv 333.2

Knowing that they had caught the inspiration of the hour, Jesus “rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight.”

HLv 333.4

The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. Human science is too limited to comprehend the plan of redemption. Philosophy cannot explain it. But the science of salvation can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour.

HLv 333.5

Full of instruction were the lessons Christ taught as He slowly made His way toward Jerusalem. In Perea the people were less under the control of Jewish bigotry than in Judea, and His teaching found a response in their hearts.

From Heaven With Love

Religious Leaders Turned Many Against Christ

HLv 331.3

The True Witness says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” Revelation 3:20. Every entreaty in the Word or through God’s messengers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the voice of Jesus asking entrance. With every knock unheeded, the disposition to open becomes weaker. The impressions of the Holy Spirit, if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life and of eternity beyond. Condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth.

From Heaven With Love

Secret of Personal Power

HLv 332.3

Jesus added, “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Be careful lest self-sufficiency come in, and you work in your own strength. Self is ever ready to take the credit if any success attends the work. When we realize our weakness, we learn to depend on a power not inherent. See 2 Corinthians 12:10. Nothing reaches so fully down to the deepest motives of conduct as a sense of the pardoning love of Christ. We are to come in touch with God; then we shall be imbued with His Holy Spirit that enables us to come in touch with our fellowmen. The more closely you connect yourself with the Source of light and power, the greater power will be yours to work for God.

HLv 333.3

The honored of the world, the so-called great and wise men, could not comprehend the character of Christ. But to fishermen and publicans it had been given to see the Invisible. From time to time, as they surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s power, the disciples’ minds were illuminated. They realized that the mighty God, clad in the garb of humanity, was among them. Often as He had presented the Old Testament Scriptures, and showed their application to Himself, they had been lifted into a heavenly atmosphere. They had a clearer understanding than the original writers themselves. Hereafter they would read the Old Testament Scriptures as a new revelation from God. They beheld Him “whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him.” John 14:17.

HLv 333.6

During the last months of His ministry, many of Christ’s parables were spoken. The priests and rabbis could not mistake His meaning, yet they could find nothing on which to ground an accusation against Him. The beautiful parable of the lost sheep Christ repeated. And He carried its lesson still farther, as He told of the lost piece of silver and the prodigal son. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as the disciples went out in their Master’s name facing reproach, poverty, and persecution, they often strengthened their hearts by repeating His injunction spoken on this last journey: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:32-34.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 119, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 119, 1905, par. 10

“Behold,” Christ said, “I send you forth as lambs among wolves.” [Luke 10:3.] But you are not to assume the character of wolves, to hurt and to destroy. Do not, by a determination to carry out your own mind and spirit, create dissensions among yourselves. The disposition to make self supreme has been for years a barrier, preventing the work of God from being carried forward solidly in the South. If all our brethren had acted under the direction of Christ, in self-denial and self-sacrifice, the work in the South would be greatly advanced today. Thousands would have been converted to God, and men of ability would have been raised up who could have acted an important part in accomplishing the Lord’s purpose.

20LtMs, Lt 119, 1905, par. 16

“Carry neither purse nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: and heal the sick that are therein, and say to them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” [Luke 10:1-9.]

20LtMs, Lt 119, 1905, par. 18

“But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” [Verses 10, 11.]

20LtMs, Lt 119, 1905, par. 20

“Woe unto thee Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shall be thrust down to hell.” [Verses 13-15.] The cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum had received great opportunity through the ministry of Christ and His disciples; and having rejected the truth, their condemnation was greater than that of those who had not received so great light.

20LtMs, Lt 119, 1905, par. 21

The disciples who were sent forth received their authority from Christ. Jesus said to them, “He that heareth you heareth Me; and he that despiseth you despiseth Me; and he that despiseth Me despiseth Him that sent Me.” [Verse 16.]

20LtMs, Lt 119, 1905, par. 24

“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” [Verse 17.]

20LtMs, Lt 119, 1905, par. 26

“And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents, and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” [Verses 18-20.]

20LtMs, Lt 119, 1905, par. 27

The Saviour had followed the disciples in their work. He rejoiced at the success that attended their efforts put forth in faith. The disciples did not complain of the hardship, fatigue, or opposition they had encountered. They rejoiced as they reported to their Master, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” [Verse 17.]

20LtMs, Lt 119, 1905, par. 28

Jesus assured them that He had beheld their success. “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven,” He said. [Verse 18.] Satan was once an angel of light in the heavenly courts. He was entrusted with an important position. But he coveted more power and sought to be even as God. As a result of his unholy apostasy, he and his followers were cast out of heaven and became angels of darkness. As Satan was cast out of heaven, so also he will be dispossessed of his dominion in the hearts and minds of those who will glorify God.

20LtMs, Lt 119, 1905, par. 31

“And He turned Him unto His disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things which ye see: for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see these things which ye see, and have not seen them: and to hear these things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” [Verses 23, 24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 108, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 108, 1899, par. 14

These words apply to the churches and to many of those in positions of trust in the work of God. Your position does not make your character. To all who are in responsible positions Christ says, “Be ye therefore perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] This command is an application of the great lesson of love Christ gave the lawyer who came to Him with the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.] This lawyer had heard the words which just previous to this Christ had spoken to His disciples.

14LtMs, Ms 108, 1899, par. 16

Christ had appointed seventy disciples, and sent them “into every city and place whither he himself would come.” [Verse 1.] These returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you, but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

14LtMs, Ms 108, 1899, par. 17

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father, and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. And he turned him to his disciples and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things which ye see; for I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” [Verses 17-24.]

14LtMs, Ms 108, 1899, par. 18

The lawyer had been deeply convicted, but he made an attempt to carry out the purposes of Christ’s enemies by asking the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ answered, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said; “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 25-28.]

14LtMs, Ms 108, 1899, par. 19

Willing to justify himself, the lawyer asked, “And who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.] In answer Christ told him of the man who had been robbed by thieves, and then left by the roadside, wounded and half dead. “And by chance there came down a certain priest that way; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.” [Verses 30-32.] Those who should have helped him did not. They looked upon their suffering fellow-creature, and then passed by on the other side. Thus it is today.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Work and Baptism of Holy Spirit Needed

1SAT 178.2

Religion is a personal matter. We are not saved by companies; we are not saved by having our names on the church books; we are not saved by numbers. The matter is, How is it with my soul? Have I made the surrender to God? Luke 10. Read the test made to Christ, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ responds to the lawyer, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” (Read the whole on this point.) Am I converted to God? Has His transforming power made me a new man? Am I kind? Have I the attributes of Christ, or the attributes of Satan? Am I polite to God whose property in souls I am responsible for? Am I kind? Am I patient? Am I tender? Do I have the love of Christ for the souls for whom He has died?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 35, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 35, 1891, par. 24

Religion is a personal matter. We are not saved by companies; we are not saved by having our names on the church books; we are not saved by numbers. The matter is, How is it with my soul? Have I made the surrender to God? Luke 10. Read the test made to Christ, What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? Christ responds to the lawyer, What is written in the law? How readest thou? (Read the whole on this point.) Am I converted to God? Has His transforming power made me a new man? Am I kind? Have I the attributes of Christ or the attributes of Satan? Am I polite to God whose property in souls I am responsible for? Am I kind? Am I patient? Am I tender? Do I have the love of Christ for the souls for whom He has died?

7LtMs, Ms 35, 1891, par. 31

What we want is the deep movings of the Spirit of God. What we want is to be sanctified of God here, body and spirit. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all the heart”—not two-thirds of it, not a quarter of it—“with all thy heart, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.]

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 14 (1899)

Ms 182, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 182, 1899, par. 2

There was a large number on Sabbath afternoon and the Lord was truly in our midst. I spoke from (Luke 10), the question of the lawyer, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And the answer Christ threw back upon the lawyer, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” The lawyer said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 25-28.] It is not the mere assent to the evidence of truth, but it is the carrying out of every principle God requires.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 197, 1899

circa 1899

Previously unpublished.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 1

Read Luke chapter 8. Read this whole chapter. This chapter is important. Read especially the parable of the sower, [beginning with] verse 4. All these words are important to us.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 2

Here is brought to view, [Luke] chapter 9, the fact that there were evil spirits at work to confuse the minds—even devils—turned out of heaven to counterwork. But the Lord Jesus is the superior. “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.” [Verse 1.] There were fallen angels working to confuse and make the minds of the people darkened with Satan’s counterworking power. But Christ appointed His disciples notwithstanding Satan’s working.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 3

Satan was the fallen angel [along with] his rebellious company. And now Jesus sent His chosen few to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Now a work is given to His disciples: “And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching” (Luke 9:3-6). Read this whole chapter. Here is where Christ makes His work counter to satanic agencies. This chapter brings to us assurance of the heavenly agencies working with Christ against satanic agencies. Here is the supremacy of the divine over the satanic. Read this revelation of the divine working of the heavenly. This whole chapter distinctly opens to us the agencies that are at work—one to save souls and [the other] the fallen order that were turned out of heaven. Read and be wise.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 4

Luke 10, verse 21. Nothing rejoices the heart of the Lord Jesus so much as the progress of the Gospel and adding souls to the church of such as shall be saved. Conversion of souls from sin to holiness is Christ’s joy—a full joy in [the converting] of even one soul. He rejoiced in spirit, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: for I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” Luke 10:21-24.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 5

The Lord would have our people in Battle Creek take into their labors those who have not heard the message of warning which is for their soul’s salvation to know. Plants have to be made in many places. Battle Creek is becoming congested. All who carry responsibilities and, in this perilous period of time, will bind themselves up with those who have had great light yet refused to accept it—where is their wisdom? When the terrible conflict shall come and the strength of Israel is gone, God inquires, What will you do, unfaithful shepherds, with the flock committed to your charge to protect and save from the ruin you have brought upon them because they have dishonored My name? What have you done with My flock, My beautiful flock? Where wilt thou take them for shelter? How can they escape the bewildering snares? You have bound them up with unbelievers. What deception will come upon leaders, educators, especially upon physicians! The Lord has given them warning but they heeded not His voice: “Thou hast brought men, transgressors of My law, to be captains and become heads.”

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 6

Hezekiah began to give himself away when he showed his treasures to the ambassadors of the king of Babylon, tempting him thereby to come and plunder his boasted possessions. Those who betray sacred trusts in alliance with unbelievers, and confide in them, make rods for themselves, having lost the favor of God in whom they should have trusted. They have brought a weakness of Christian example to other souls because they have not made straight paths for their feet, “because thou hast not trusted in Me, your God, fully, nor in the power of truth in perfect, full obedience to all My commandments.” Unfaithful stewards, your reward will be according to your works.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 7

There is contention and strife marked in all your assemblies, and God is dishonored. There are voices that are unreasonable, judging one another, and then there is retaliation. The Lord is not pleased with physicians who are working in Chicago, who are spending money lavishly amid the lower classes and berating the ministers that will not do the very same work they are doing. This work is consuming and not producing. Very few [of those who] have all their lives been educated in sin will be saved to become true laborers to win souls to the truth. Labor is to be done for the poor as well as for the rich, but the means and talents of our ministers are not to be used to make a Salvation Army record. Let them attend to their work that God has given them to do, but the Lord has another class of work to be done at this period of this earth’s history.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 8

The voice was speaking, instructing Dr. Kellogg clearly in warning. Dr. K, you are carrying on this work heavily while fields are suffering for spiritual light. Come into line; [let] all come into line; ministers and physicians are to harmonize. You are making sad work, Dr. K. You are getting your arms about a class that will not be in any way wise leaders who can be trusted. Ministers are set aside. Because they are not prepared to leave their church work to follow your example, you have instituted a war against them.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 9

You and your associates are making a mistake, a mistake. The work is being swayed in a way where much money will be consumed, but there will be very little, if any, producing. Your movements are not in the Lord’s order and their [method of] carrying the work in America is not in right lines. You did start the work and should have an interest in it, but it has been made all and in all. The money you would draw to be expended is leaving the work in the churches without means to pay their ministers, and the very work God would have done is not done. The besotted drunkards, supposed to be reformed, listen to the words of Dr. K and his pressing down upon the Lord’s ministers because they do not unite with him is out of place. This kind of irreverence for God’s ministers is not inspired of God. It is something that God condemns. It is a lack of respect for the ministers that you, Dr. K, have no more right to [exhibit] than they have to do the same thing to you, as they see what lengths you are carrying your ideas to work in the slums.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 10

God has not placed any such burden upon you to magnify that which you suppose to be failure in the ministers when working on the same plan. They see you carrying things to great extremes, and your masterful spirit is exercised without showing the proper respect to the Lord’s chosen men to preach the gospel. You would gather means from every source possible to expend in a work the Lord has not appointed you or them to do, because the work in the highways will reach many more souls that have not ruined soul, body, and spirit, disqualifying them to have wisdom and judgment under your training. There is danger, great danger, in your appointing the medical students to do this work.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 11

We have a work to do—house to house labor. We ask our people to save their means which now is so very scarce to support our camp meetings. We have all classes that come to these meetings, and there are appointed ones to look after high and low to see that the poor are fed and assisted, then instructed, and the papers and publications placed in their hands are received. This is our plan to work: to call them to our meetings, holding [the meetings] in localities near the cities and within reach of the cities. This is the way that is outlined before me that we should work.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 12

God calls for the means being used so lavishly on the outcasts of our cities to come to us to be able to work these new fields that have never been worked, never heard the truth. O my brethren and sisters in America, why are things being swayed as they are with so little accomplished with the means that is being saved? You may suppose that you are being led by the Lord, but you have turned out of the way while you give so much time and money. There will be found men of splendid genius but lost in the quicksand of ungovernable passions and imbruted habits, detestable vices.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 13

The Lord has instructed me to instruct you, Dr. K, that you are not appointed of God to carry things as you are doing. I must raise my voice against this. There is a great, ennobling work to be done to reach the higher classes. Men will be converted to become true laborers together with God. There will be conscientious workers. Your Gospel Wagon enterprise is a mistake. Well organized [labor] is needed in every place where the truth is brought to the people in our cities. I have seen the work of the Lord in this country, but there is so little means to do [it] with. Were my husband alive, I could speak to him and we [could] consult together in regard to the work and how it shall be carried.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 14

Bro. John Kellogg, I speak to you. There are schemes you are devising to make your name a praise in all the earth, but you are in a position that God cannot work with you. You have in various ways worked out of God’s lines, arm in arm with unbelieving ministers. Your works were greatly magnified, and their results. And then they put articles in the papers, and it was just as you told them, and you denied them to me when presented to you. But I did not say unto you all the truth in these matters. It was getting out of your line that is spoiling your experience, and it may be because of your pride of heart you will never see clear light again. We are calling and pleading for means that you handle so lavishly, and why do you not respond?

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 15

Your lessons are being learned in a school that is not of a character that will qualify you for the high and noble work worthy of God that would stand the test of the judgment. Men who are working with an eye single to the glory of God are men of humble prayer. You have done much with means to exalt JHK. There is an infidelity that is taking possession of your soul that you would, could you see all the outcome of your plans, despise yourself. I will leave much unsaid. I have diaries which make more definite statements.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 16

I see you becoming an untruthful man. This bears down my soul with grief inexpressible. What can I say to help you? You are devising, you are planning, that Battle Creek shall bear the name of JHK as a remarkable man, but the curtain has been lifted. You are represented to me as seated at the marriage supper without the true significance of your state, and the Lord Jesus came in and said, “Friend, how comest thou in hither without the wedding garment?” [Matthew 22:12.] I do not want you to continue this kind of labor until our work shall be lowered into the dust. God has a most sacred work to be done and you are moulding minds not after the order of our Lord.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 17

There was work to be done in all our cities in evangelistic labor, but [not] to sink the grand and holy work of God which is to stand before nations [by] the denominated people of God [who are] appointed to do a sacred work before the highest authority in temperance. Bringing converts to accept the work, to see saloons closed and one of the greatest evils no longer dealing out poisoned liquor that create madness and bloodshed, this kind of work can be handled at our camp meetings in a wise way. The truth as it is in Jesus, in all its bearings, to be proclaimed as represented in Isaiah 58, is all after God’s order, but Dr. Kellogg began a warfare and encouraged students that they must have an education in the slum work of Chicago. While some good may be done, what amount of means is expended for so very little returns?

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 18

This has not been the Lord’s way, while our camp meetings will reach all classes. God has not laid this burden upon Seventh-day Adventists to do this certain work, for then the means and time are spent that should be given to the cities to get access to the people, planning and working to reach the higher classes especially upon the subject of temperance. While the whole world is to be reached with the message of the law of God on the Sabbath question, means are being absorbed in various experiments that are consuming but not producing. The Lord looks upon the cities in America that are not having well-planned methods made [in their behalf]. Give the warnings to the world. I am instructed that the means that are consumed in this one place, Chicago, would carry the truth to thousands, and this ought not to be. But the withholding [of means] is because a variety of manufacturing is engaged in that the Lord has not ordained.

14LtMs, Ms 197, 1899, par. 19

There needs to be altogether a different understanding in regard to the ministers and the physicians. This management is not altogether on one side, but if there was a true converting power of God circulating like the healthful current of blood in the body, great changes would take place. Ministers are not respectful to Dr. Kellogg in the matter of health reform. There is a position taken that creates disunion, and this is displeasing to God. This matter is an entering wedge, but Dr. K knows the light that has been given decidedly against tea, Java coffee, and flesh meats, and then he has felt altogether too much injured and he has despised the course of some of the ministers. The course of some has been decidedly against the light God has given, but Dr. K has felt too strongly. I have given my decided testimony against these indulgences; it was an injury to the ministers and worked up division, but Dr. K has borne down on the ministers as a body in an unjustifiable manner.

NP

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 21, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 21, 1889, par. 38

I know that the honor and glory of God are being revealed at this meeting. All your careless shortcomings are to be seen, repented of, acknowledged, and the Lord Jesus is to be in the thought, in the longing of soul, in the intensity of desire. Faith must be exercised, but faith without works is dead, being alone. The ministers may preach, and unless their own souls take hold with more intensity of desire and with a perseverance that they do not now possess, not one-hundredth part will be accomplished at this meeting that must be and should be realized. Let the inquiry come from convicted souls, What must I do to inherit eternal life? Read (Luke 10), Christ’s recipe for such necessities as at this time. The ministers are in danger of preaching long discourses and putting the crib too high.

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 16 (1901)

Lt 205, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 205, 1901, par. 13

The lesson of (Luke 10) contains the answer to the question asked, Shall we put up buildings to make more conveniences in addition to the buildings already created? The counsel of God says, No, no! You are overgrown, spreading over too much ground! To divide and subdivide in many interests in several places would have been in accordance with the lessons taught by Jesus Christ, especially verse 25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 148, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 148, 1902, par. 5

As you read the tenth chapter of Luke, cannot you see that we have a serious work before us? God’s people are to enlist the whole being, heart, mind, soul, and strength in His service.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 40, 1889

NP

Circa November 1889

Previously unpublished.

6LtMs, Ms 40, 1889, par. 1

Luke 10:25-37. The lawyer who made this inquiry of Christ had been leavened with the spirit of unbelief which so largely came into the hearts of the Pharisees. With the priests and rulers he had become prejudiced against Jesus of Nazareth because He presented ideas that were not in harmony with their own teachings. In the place of coming to the Scriptures with a desire to understand the truth of these lessons given by our Lord, they came with a determination to make of none effect His words which did not harmonize with their practical life.

6LtMs, Ms 40, 1889, par. 2

The lawyer, imbued with the spirit of controversy and determined to carry out this spirit of criticism [in order ] to get something out of the mouth of Christ which would give them an excuse to condemn Him, made this inquiry, “What shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Jesus placed the burden of answer upon himself. “What saith the law? how readest thou?” And he answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Jesus answered him, “Thou hast answered right; this do and thou shalt live”—that is, live eternal life. But he was not pleased; he had not succeeded in obtaining the real object of his inquiry. “This do and thou shalt live” condemned his practice, and he, willing to justify his course, said, “And who is my neighbor?” Then the Lord Jesus presented a case to make plain or explain who is our neighbor.

6LtMs, Ms 40, 1889, par. 3

The Lord, the Searcher of human hearts, opened to this lawyer where he failed to keep the law of God. In his idea of seclusion and separation from those not in harmony with himself, he had neglected to carry out the very principles of the law of God. Christ reveals the far-reaching principles of the law of God: that it enjoins not merely formal services but the love of God to be practiced in just such unselfish deeds as were done to the unfortunate man by the sect whom they despised, and that this work compassed both love to God and love to man. The answer of Christ, “This do and thou shalt live,” awakened his conscience. [Verse 28.]

6LtMs, Ms 40, 1889, par. 4

God is weaving the great events of human destinies. It is the Lord who brings men over the ground where they have opportunities to connect with their fellow men and do the works of mercy and love which are the true principles of the law of God. “And who is my neighbor?” brings out in the lessons of Christ the principles of the law of God which the Pharisees had ignored. A priest in holy office who, it is supposed, would have pity, “passed by on the other side.” He did not seize the precious privilege of doing the work it was his privilege to do, but left the sufferer, it may be, to die. Then came a Levite, one who was peculiarly favored of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 141, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 141, 1902, par. 2

The tenth chapter of Luke contains instruction that should receive our careful consideration. Here the Word of God is stated in such simple language that none need misunderstand. Christ had appointed seventy disciples, and before sending them out, He gave them instruction in regard to their work. They were to go out “two and two.” [Verse 1.] He knew that in their work one man’s mind and one man’s judgment would not be sufficient. Two were to go forth together, to be united in counsel and effort. Why do we not make Christ’s rule our rule?

17LtMs, Ms 141, 1902, par. 3

Christ sent these disciples “into every city and place whither He Himself would come,” and as He sent them, He said, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth laborers into His harvest. Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as sheep among wolves. Carry neither purse nor scrip, nor shoes, and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.” [Verses 1-5.]

17LtMs, Ms 141, 1902, par. 5

“And if the son of peace be there,” Christ continued, “your peace shall rest upon it; but if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give; for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you, and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you; notwithstanding, be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.” [Verses 6-12.]

17LtMs, Ms 141, 1902, par. 6

“Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shall be thrust down to hell.” [Verses 13-15.]

17LtMs, Ms 141, 1902, par. 8

“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name. And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” [Verses 17-20.]

17LtMs, Ms 141, 1902, par. 16

Returning to the tenth chapter of Luke, we read: “Behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” Christ asked, laying on the lawyer the burden of answering his own question. “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” And Christ said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 40, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 40, 1903, par. 2

At that time it was customary for a writer to send his manuscript to some one for examination and criticism. Luke chose Theophilus, as a man in whom he had confidence, to perform this important work. He first directs the attention of Theophilus to the record of Christ’s life as given in the book of Luke which had also been addressed by the same writer to Theophilus. He says:

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 190, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 190, 1903, par. 13

What can we do in our present life? What is it we shall do? Christ had been preaching to them about eternal interests in the tenth chapter of Luke. When the Pharisees put up the lawyer to ask a question that they thought would incriminate Christ, and give an occasion against Him, the lawyer stood up, tempting Him, and asked Him, What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? [Verse 25.] And what did He tell them?

18LtMs, Ms 190, 1903, par. 14

The Saviour puts the whole burden right upon the ones that asks the question. He gives the whole burden into his hands, and He said to him, What is written in the law? He was a lawyer and mightily troubled. Christ knew that he was in great confusion of mind. “What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said,” (now there is something positive here; it not something that we can turn just as we please), “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 26-28.]

18LtMs, Ms 190, 1903, par. 15

It came so unexpected upon the multitude, the way it was answered, that they did not know what to do with themselves. “But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?” “And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked (he came a little nearer and looked on him) and passed by on the other side.” [Verses 29-32.]

18LtMs, Ms 190, 1903, par. 17

“But a certain Samaritan (whom the Pharisees and Sadducees all despised) as he journeyed that way, came where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” [Verses 33, 34.]

18LtMs, Ms 190, 1903, par. 18

This circumstance was known to many of them. “And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and said to the host, Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will pay thee. Which one of these two thinkest thou was the neighbor to him that fell among thieves?” [Verses 35, 36.]

18LtMs, Ms 190, 1903, par. 19

The people had a great respect for parables, and Christ had to resort to parables because if He specified anything that made an application to any of the persons present, they would be enraged in a moment. But He covered His teachings under the parable. And therefore here was this striking illustration before them, and then the question. Well, that lawyer, before he knew it, it came right from his lips, and from the lips of the hearers. Now let us see what they said: “And he said, He that showed mercy on him.” And others voiced his words. “Then said Jesus unto him, Go thou and do likewise.” [Verse 37.] Now, here is our duty.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 153, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 15

The lawyer asked Christ, What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? That question was asked, that they might get something from the lips of Christ that they might condemn, and take His life. Christ turns that question right over to the lawyer. “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” He [the lawyer] understood very well. He stated, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with”—one quarter of your heart? With one half of your soul? No. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ replied, “Thou hast answered right. This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 17

You will read in the tenth chapter of Luke all about it. He brought up that poor, sad soul, whom some robber had met and cut and wounded apparently unto death. A priest came and looked at him, but he passed over on the other side. A Levite came and looked at him. Now it was the business of the Levites to attend to all such concerns as that, but it was so forbidding, he went away and left him. But one came there, and he was a Samaritan, and he looked at him, and he got off his horse, and examined him, and bound up his wounds, and then he took him and placed him on his own beast. And then he walked by his side, until he came to some hotel, and he said, “Take care of him” and he paid them some money, and said, “When I come again, if there is a larger price, I will pay you.” Now the question was asked, Who was neighbor to him that fell among thieves? [Verses 30-36.]

19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 18

As the lawyer got his lips ready to answer, they had got so wrought up by this parable, that they forgot their prejudice, and there were a score of voices that cried out, “He that had mercy on him.” [Verse 37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 160, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 18

That question is to be found in Luke 10. There you will see the very question that is to have a bearing upon our lives. He tells us in Luke that those who rejected the plain message that He sends, “even the very dust of your feet,” verses 11-13.

19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 20

Verse 14. “Capernaum.” There is where His greatest labors were spent, His greatest miracles wrought. Verse 15. Why? Because they had not improved their privileges. They had had the plain word from Jesus Christ, and they had chosen fables in the place of the Word. Now that is just the result.

19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 21

Verses 16-18. What was He referring to? He is just coming to the point that His death was to demonstrate. His death was to demonstrate that he who was occupying the position of Satan, occupying the position of false theories in regard to religion, he would be exposed in all his fallacy. You cannot afford it. Time is too short. Now, as He lifted His hand to heaven, in anticipation He saw the time when the power of Satan would be broken.

19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 23

Verse 19. Do you know every serpent they tread upon? No more than the children of Israel. God kept the serpents bound that they could do them no harm. But when they became so indifferent to all the mercies the Lord had given them in leading them out, and were constantly murmuring and complaining, Christ—where was He? He was in the pillar of cloud. Every word that Moses gave them came from Christ, and Christ gave it to the people. Well then, when they insulted the Lord by departing from Him, He let the serpents loose upon them. The plague was upon them, and they were dying off, and then they came to Moses. “Pray for us, pray for us, that this plague may be removed.” [Numbers 21:7.]

19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 25

[Luke 10] Verse 20. It is worth everything to us whether our names are written in heaven. It means everything. If we are not faithful so that our names can be written in heaven, we never will enter the pearly gates of the city of God. If you continue in sin, you never can enter the kingdom of God.

19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 27

Verse 21. From them that are stretching for the highest sophistry, the highest education, He has hid the great substantial truths that shall live through time and last through eternity.

19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 28

Verses 22, 23. So we can see if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end. That is just what we can see.

19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 29

Verse 24. There was a great crowd around Him. There was a great crowd of Pharisees, of priests and rulers, that hoped to catch something out of His lips whereby they might condemn Him and kill Him.

19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 30

Verse 25. That is your question. Now let Christ answer it. Verse 26. Others had put the lawyer up to ask this question.

19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 31

Verses 27, 28. This is the very work that is appointed unto us. Then the lawyer ... Verse 29.

19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 32

Then they think, How many shall we take in as our neighbor? And Christ gives that whole parable; you can read it in Luke 10:25 to the close of the chapter. You can find out what you can do to inherit eternal life. That is the very parable Christ has brought up. He did not tell you that there is a wonderful higher education that you have to obtain in sophistries, and in various spiritualistic ideas, but He gives you the solid foundation that He Himself has created by giving His own life for the life of the world. He knows what our foundation is. Will you study these things and remember them?

19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 33

My very being is drawn out after God. We want to be in a position where the truth shall have its cleansing, refining, elevating, ennobling power upon the human mind, and all the sophistries in the world cannot begin to climb up to that tower which is given unto us who will live upon the plan of addition. God help us to add faith to faith, virtue to virtue, and so live that we shall honor our Redeemer. We shall glorify our Saviour by our works, and the works testify of the surety of the truth and faith which we represent. We must represent the truth. We are not to represent any fallacy. There are some who greatly desire to get hold of some new thing to make a test of. Now right here is God’s test, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God ... mind.” [Verse 27.] Does that not take all there is of a man? Does it not take every power of your being? You have no right to let your thoughts run at random, to read novels, to study books and pour over those that tell of hypnotism and all these fallacies that are existing in these last days, because Satan is right by your side when you do it. He instills his own sophistry right into your minds. Take the Bible.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 130, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, par. 11

I call upon every man and woman who has a knowledge of the truth. There is one path of science that is safe for you to travel. “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” was the question asked by the lawyer. The scribes and Pharisees who prompted him were hoping the answer would be of a character that would give them an opportunity to take advantage and condemn Christ. The Lord Jesus returns His answer to the lawyer, “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” And the lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Said Christ, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Yes, he should have that life that measures with the life of God.

21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, par. 45

The lawyer’s question of Christ, Christ laid distinctly upon himself to answer: “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” Luke 10:25, 26. He does not go into a scientific problem, but He presents truth, clear and unadulterated. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ responds decidedly, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” Verses 27, 28.

21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, par. 46

That lawyer was being convicted through the teaching of Christ that he did not love God supremely nor his neighbor as himself, and he said, “Who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.] He was not left in the dark. There is related the history of the wounded man. Please read in (Luke 10) of how he was treated by the highest authority of the Jewish rulers, while a Samaritan passed that way and saw him and did not pass by on the other side, but alighted from his beast, relieved his wounds the best he could, and then put him upon his own beast and led the animal, keeping diligent and strict watch of his charge until he came to an inn where he left him, paid for the care he should receive, and promised to settle the bill if it amounted to more.

21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, par. 47

The question before that congregation of people was, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?” And the lawyer answered distinctly, “He that showed mercy on him.” Other voices blended with the lawyer’s. Jesus said, “Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 36, 37.] This practical lesson, set before that group of people, opened many blind eyes.

This Day With God

Invitation to All, June 21

TDG 181.1

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Luke 10:2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 15, 1876

3LtMs, Lt 15, 1876, par. 8

Our committee has gone and I will finish this in morning. Mail three hours late tonight. Just received your last letter dated April 20. I am glad you are so happy. I am free and happy too, so we will work on, hoping in God, believing in Him and looking constantly for greater light and blessings. I long for clearness of mind and to be imbued with the Spirit of God. We humbly trust in God and walk tremblingly before Him. Never was there a time when I felt more the need of divine aid. The accounts of the conversion of French brethren is truly cheering. May the good work go on. Pray ye, says Christ, to the Lord of the harvest that He may send laborers into His vineyard, for the harvest is great and the laborers are few. [Luke 10:2.] A great work is to be done and a short time to do it in.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 43, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, par. 14

We want [to] work while it is day for the night cometh in which no man can work. “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.] “Pray ye therefore the Lord of harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.” “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.” [Luke 10:2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 74, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 74, 1892, par. 18

Well may we heed the words of Christ, “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into the harvest.” [Luke 10:2.] The harvest of the world is to be gathered into sheaves for the garner. Where are the reapers? Agencies of every kind are to be set in operation. Every follower of Christ can do something. Not to do the part God requires of you in this great work is to show that Christ is not appreciated and to earn the condemnation of Christ as a wicked and slothful servant. “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad.” [Matthew 12:30.] Every means that the believer possesses of influence and of money is to be employed, and that to the very uttermost. Work while it is day, for the night cometh in which no man can work. Our lamps are to be kept bright and burning, and every one is to be a faithful steward of the grace of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 28, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 28, 1893, par. 4

We see so much work to be done every way and in every place, and we turn mournfully from the field where they are in suffering need of workers, saying “The harvest is great but the laborers are few.” [Luke 10:2.] The workers need daily the divine touch. We need so much consecrated, spiritual worshipers. We have great, precious, solid truths which the people need, and we are longing to present the jewels of truth before them. But they are instructed by their teachers to turn away their ears from hearing the truth, and they are turned unto fables.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 155, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, par. 20

“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.” [Luke 10:2.] We need daily conversion to God to qualify us individually for the work to be done in our world. The line is being drawn more distinctly between the loyal and true children of God, obedient to all of His commandments, and those who are making void the law of God by precept and example. We need to strengthen and to intensify our own conceptions of individual duty by earnest prayer and entire consecration to God, that we may shine as lights in our world, illuminate the darkness of the world, increase the faith, and awaken zeal in hearts that are cold and languishing. First we ourselves need to be perfectly converted, that we may afterward strengthen our brethren.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 82, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 82, 1899, par. 4

“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.” [Luke 10:2.] When Christ made this statement there were scribes and Pharisees, priests and rulers, in every city and town in the land. The Saviour saw that these religious teachers were wholly unfitted to minister to the spiritual needs of the people. “Ye know not the Scriptures, nor the power of God,” He said to them. “Ye do teach for doctrine the commandments of men.” [Matthew 22:29; 15:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 208a, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 208a, 1902, par. 24

As Christ saw the world’s need, He said, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth laborers into His harvest.” [Luke 10:2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 77, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 77, 1907, par. 6

The Lord does not bid you separate from the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. They need all the light you can give them. You are not to learn of them, but of Jesus Christ. Flash all the light possible into their pathway. You can agree with them on the ground of the pure, elevating principles that first brought into existence the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. “Behold,” said Christ, “I send you forth as lambs among wolves.” [Luke 10:3.] If He sends His disciples on such a mission, will He not work through you to open the Scriptures to those who are in error? Cherish the fragrance of that love that Christ has revealed for fallen humanity, and by precept and example teach the truth as it is in Jesus.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 126, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 126, 1908, par. 2

I have a special message for our people. A representation was given me. We are to awaken in this year 1908. We are claiming to be the Lord’s disciples. Do we work as the disciples worked? Are we fulfilling the words Christ gave to His disciples, “I send you forth as lambs among wolves”? [Luke 10:3.] “Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” [Matthew 10:16.] You cannot possibly be standing before the Lord Jesus today as His professed believers and yet manifest little concern for the welfare of fallen man. We have a work to do. You may be having benevolent thoughts, but what are you doing? Some can be reached by publication; others cannot. I ask you, Will you not now realize the time is passing and whole communities are unwarned? Personal effort will do much good.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 244, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 244, 1908, par. 1

I cannot rest because of the many representations made to me, showing that our people are in danger of losing precious opportunities of working earnestly and wisely for the proclamation of the third angel’s message. Satan, with all his agencies, is working to hold God’s people back from giving all their powers to His service. But as a people we are to be active and decidedly in earnest, improving every opportunity to increase our usefulness in religious lines. We are to be “not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] Possessing true godliness and a knowledge of the Word of God, every church member may become a working agency, laboring with dignity and confidence, yet with humble dependence, remembering the words of Christ to His first disciples, “I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” [Luke 10:3; Matthew 10:16.] We need to exercise wisdom in all our ways if we would work in the name and fear of God. Unfeigned faith is what we need; for faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 43, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 43, 1894, par. 10

There is need now of the most efficient kind of labor to be done from house to house. The popular ministers will not let our work go forward and they remain silent. The wisdom of God is needed now. “Lo, I send ye forth,” said Christ, “as lambs among wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” [Luke 10:3; Matthew 10:16.] We want to be able to say as did Paul, “Whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” [Colossians 1:28.] God requires that His stewards be found faithful. We want to meet many precious souls in the kingdom, presenting them to Christ as trophies of the power of the Saviour’s love. In much love to you and yours.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 120, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 120, 1894, par. 5

When you are tempted, pray, and the Lord Jesus will lift up for you a standard against the enemy. Go on from strength to strength, and you and your associates may be living channels of light. Be in earnest, be humble, distrustful of self, walk circumspectly, and the Lord Jesus presents upon you and your associates the crown of life. You can never do the work that is to be done, in the enterprise you have entered upon, in your own strength. Christ said to the seventy whom He sent forth, “I send you as sheep among wolves,” but the tender Shepherd is looking and watching. [Luke 10:3.] Only trust Him implicitly and do not have any hard feelings nourished against anyone. Maintain your fellowship with God. Oh, watch unto prayer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 74, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 74, 1898, par. 3

The Lord does not bid you separate from the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. They need all the light you can give them. You are not to learn of them, but of Jesus Christ. Flash all the light possible into their pathway. You can agree with them upon the ground of the pure, elevating principles that first brought into existence the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. “I,” said Christ, “send you forth as lambs among wolves.” [Luke 10:3.] If He sends His disciples on such a mission, will He not work through them to open the Scriptures to those who are in error? Cherish the fragrance of that love that Christ has revealed for fallen humanity, and by precept and example teach the truth as it is in Jesus. Corruption extends everywhere, and the self you will meet in those who have been devoted working men and women all cause sadness. But I fear we often give up too easily.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 118, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 118, 1898, par. 9

This is the great peril of woman’s work in Christian temperance lines. The Lord does not bid you separate from the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. They need all the light you can give them. You are not to learn of them, but of Jesus Christ. Flash all the light possible into their pathway. You can agree with them on the ground of the pure, elevating principles that first brought into existence the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. “I,” said Christ, “send you forth as lambs among wolves.” [Luke 10:3.] If He sends His disciples on such a mission, will He not work through you to open the Scriptures to those who are in error? Cherish the fragrance of that love that Christ has revealed for fallen humanity, and by precept and example teach the truth as it is in Jesus.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 89, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 89, 1898, par. 28

There is a work to be done in faithful dealing one with another, that sin may not pass as righteousness. Plain facts must be stated, that evil workers may not be left to deceive through false statements. This work is not to be neglected. Said Christ to His disciples, “Behold I send you forth as lambs among wolves,” who claim to be religious but who are not. [Luke 10:3.] The wolves here referred to are those who have entertained a wolfish disposition to tear and devour the flock of God. But if these very wolves will see their wrong, and will humble themselves before God, if they will put on their robes of Christ’s righteousness, He will accept their repentance and transform their characters.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 93, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 93, 1902, par. 56

The time has not yet come for us to work as if there were no prejudice. Christ said, “I send you forth as lambs among wolves.” “Be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” [Luke 10:3; Matthew 10:16.] I have said to my brethren, If you see that by doing certain things that you have a perfect right to do, you create power of influences that will hinder the work of the truth, refrain from doing these things. Do nothing that will block the way for the presentation of the truth and close the minds of others against it. There is a world to save, and we gain nothing by creating prejudice and cutting loose from those we are trying to help. All things may be lawful, but all things are not expedient. We have no right to do anything that will obstruct the light that is shining from heaven; yet by a wrong course of action we may imperil the work and close the door that God has opened for the entrance of the truth. The final issue on the Sabbath question has not yet come, and by imprudent actions we may bring on a crisis before the time.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 37—The First Evangelists

DA 351.3

On this first tour the disciples were to go only where Jesus had been before them, and had made friends. Their preparation for the journey was to be of the simplest kind. Nothing must be allowed to divert their minds from their great work, or in any way excite opposition and close the door for further labor. They were not to adopt the dress of the religious teachers, nor use any guise in apparel to distinguish them from the humble peasants. They were not to enter into the synagogues and call the people together for public service; their efforts were to be put forth in house-to-house labor. They were not to waste time in needless salutations, or in going from house to house for entertainment. But in every place they were to accept the hospitality of those who were worthy, those who would welcome them heartily as if entertaining Christ Himself. They were to enter the dwelling with the beautiful salutation, “Peace be to this house.” Luke 10:5. That home would be blessed by their prayers, their songs of praise, and the opening of the Scriptures in the family circle.

DA 353.3

Those who are brought in controversy with the enemies of truth have to meet, not only men, but Satan and his agents. Let them remember the Saviour’s words, “Behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.” Luke 10:3. Let them rest in the love of God, and the spirit will be kept calm, even under personal abuse. The Lord will clothe them with a divine panoply. His Holy Spirit will influence the mind and heart, so that their voices shall not catch the notes of the baying of the wolves.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 18, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 18, 1895, par. 9

Let no untruth go forth traced by your pen. The harm you have done to your own soul, and the dishonor to God, should go no farther. God’s workmen must continue to bear the blame of being troublers of Israel, but they are not at liberty to make such assertions true. Go not into the assembly of scoffers, sit not in the seat of the scorners, keep away from the gatherings of those who will make your presence an occasion to speak to you humiliating things, and will pour contempt upon your faith. Have no controversy with these men. You have not to do with the men only, but with Satan and his synagogue. When compelled to meet them, remember the Saviour’s words, “I send you forth as lambs among wolves.” [Luke 10:3.] The Lord must be your dependence; He will clothe you with a divine panoply, and His Holy Spirit will influence your mind and heart so that your voice shall not catch the notes of the baying of the wolves.

10LtMs, Lt 18, 1895, par. 13

Let the unction from the Holy One pervade your whole being, and you will bear the impress of Christ. This is an armor that is proof against all the arrows of Satan. The safety of the messengers of truth is found in their possession of the meekness and lowliness of Christ. Jesus said, “In this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” [Luke 10:20.] The price of our high calling should be kept continually before us. As we look unto Jesus, self will sink into insignificance.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 37—The First Evangelists

HLv 235.4

On this first tour the disciples were to go only where Jesus had been before them and had made friends. Their preparation for the journey was to be simple. They were not to adopt the dress of religious teachers, nor use apparel to distinguish them from the humble peasants. They were not to call the people together for public service; their efforts were to be in house-to-house labor. In every place they were to accept the hospitality of those who would welcome them as if entertaining Christ Himself, entering the dwelling with the beautiful salutation, “Peace be to this house.” Luke 10:5. That home would be blessed by their prayers, their songs of praise, and the opening of the Scriptures in the family circle. The message they had to bear was the word of eternal life, and the destiny of men depended upon their reception or rejection of it. See Matthew 10:14, 15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 44, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 44, 1897, par. 13

In the East the customary greeting when visiting the house of a friend was, “Peace be to this house,” and in leaving it the same words were used. [Luke 10:5.] But Christ’s farewell is of an altogether different character. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” [John 14:27.] Much is embodied in these words. They are of richest import, and will be re-echoed to earth’s remotest bounds.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 117, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 117, 1894, par. 1

When Christ sent out the seventy he said to them, “Into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it, if not it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire, go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you; notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come nigh unto you.” [Luke 10:5-11.]

9LtMs, Ms 117, 1894, par. 2

They were not to speak this sentence upon the rejecters of mercy from motives of resentment or through wounded dignity; but because it is essential that men should understand that it is a grievous matter to refuse to receive the message and the messenger whom God sends. To mistreat the servants whom the Lord sends with a gospel message, is to mistreat Christ in the person of his saints. As Christ’s delegated messengers under the impulse of the Holy Spirit, they were to convey a solemn reproof to the people. Having thus instructed his disciples Christ said to them concerning the rejecters of his mercy, “But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.” Then in deep sorrowful accents the Saviour continued, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin, Woe unto thee, Bethsaida, for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven; shall be thrust down to hell.” [Verses 12-15.]

9LtMs, Ms 117, 1894, par. 4

The people of Chorazin and Capernaum hardened their hearts in refusing to receive light and evidence. Truth had been made clear and bright to their minds, and conviction had fastened upon them; but they had hardened their hearts, and had refused to be benefitted by the light that had shown upon them. The impression was wearing away, and now, while it is called today they hardened their hearts and woe fell upon them from the lips of Christ. Thus we see what peril there is in turning away from the truth. “He that heareth you heareth me, and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth Him that sent me.” [Luke 10:16.] On another occasion the Lord said, “If the world hate you, you know that it hated me before it hated you, if ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” [John 15:18-20.]

9LtMs, Ms 117, 1894, par. 7

Christ did not deceive his disciples as he sent them forth. He showed them the plan of the battle in the great controversy. He revealed to them the fact that they would meet with opposition for the truth’s sake. But on this occasion “the seventy returned again with joy, saying Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” [Luke 10:17, 18.] When Christ consented to give his soul an offering for the sins of the world, when the controversy ended at the cross, when he cried, “It is finished,” and died under the curse of sin, he made heaven eternally secure against accusations, the deceptions, the pretentions that Satan would instigate. No more would the enemy be able to gain sympathy from the universe of heaven, from worlds unfallen. Loyal angels never again would sympathize with him who had demonstrated that he was an accuser, a liar, and a murderer.

9LtMs, Ms 117, 1894, par. 8

Jesus said to his disciples, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” [Verse 19.] What a promise this is! Whosoever shall strike to wound and bruise one of Christ’s believing children, it were better for him, Christ has declared, that a mill-stone should be hanged about his neck and that he should be drowned in the depths of the sea. The life of every sincere believer is hid with Christ in God and though the outward man may suffer and perish, yet the inner life is safe with Christ.

9LtMs, Ms 117, 1894, par. 9

Jesus said to his followers, “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven,” immortalized among the heavenly hosts. [Verse 20.] The seventy listened to the words of Christ as if spell-bound; for the Holy Spirit was impressing their minds with living realities, and writing truth upon the tablets of the soul. Their hearts burned within them as they caught the inspiration of the words that fell from the lips of Christ. Though multitudes surrounded them, and though many hearts were deeply impressed, yet disciples of Christ were as though shut in with God.

9LtMs, Ms 117, 1894, par. 10

Knowing that they had caught the inspiration of the hour, Jesus “rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things which ye see; for I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear and have not heard them.” [Verses 21-24.] They received a rich blessing in seeing by faith the invisible. The long promised Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth was among them, and they were commissioned to bear to the world the message of that which they had seen and heard. They were to make known to the people the fact that the Majesty of heaven, the Lord of glory had clothed his divinity in the habiliments of humanity, and had come to the world. Divinity flashed through humanity, transfiguring his countenance as he said, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” [Verse 18.] As he uttered these words the minds of the disciples were illuminated, and they realized that the mighty God, clad in the garb of humanity, was among them. They beheld him as a man, and yet as one infinitely higher than angels, the Creator of all worlds, and equal with the Father in dignity, glory, and blessing. Yet he was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

Daughters of God

Chapter 8—“The Labourer Is Worthy of His Hire”

DG 106.1

Women to Receive Wages for Their Work—There are ministers’ wives—Sisters Starr, Haskell, Wilson, and Robinson—who have been devoted, earnest, whole-souled workers, giving Bible readings and praying with families, helping along by personal efforts just as successfully as their husbands. These women give their whole time, and are told that they receive nothing for their labors because their husbands receive wages. I tell them to go forward and all such decisions will be revised. The Word says, “The labourer is worthy of his hire.” Luke 10:7. When any such decision as this is made, I will, in the name of the Lord, protest. I will feel it my duty to create a fund from my tithe money to pay these women who are accomplishing just as essential work as the ministers are doing, and this tithe I will reserve for work in the same line as that of the ministers, hunting for souls, fishing for souls.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Proper Remuneration for Ministers

GW92 200.1

“Instead of bringing the expense of the work down to a low figure, it is your duty to bring the minds of the people to understand that the ‘laborer is worthy of his hire.’ [Luke 10:7.]” “The churches need to be impressed with the fact that it is their duty to deal honestly with the cause of God, not allowing the guilt to the worst kind of robbery to rest upon them, that of robbing God in tithes and offerings. When settlements are made with the laborers in his cause, they should not be forced to accept small remuneration because there is a lack of money in the treasury. Many have been defrauded of their just dues in this way, and it is just as criminal in the sight of God as for one to keep back the wages of those who are employed in any other regular business.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 959—Wages for Women Doing Gospel Work

12MR 160.2

There are ministers’ wives—Sisters Starr, Haskell, Wilson, and Robinson—who have been devoted, earnest, whole-souled workers, giving Bible readings and praying with families, helping along by personal efforts just as successfully as their husbands. These women give their whole time, and are told that they receive nothing for their labors because their husbands receive wages. I tell them to go forward and all such decisions will be revised. The Word says, “The labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7). When any such decision as this is made, I will in the name of the Lord, protest. I will feel it my duty to create a fund from my tithe money to pay these women who are accomplishing just as essential work as the ministers are doing, and this tithe I will reserve for work in the same line as that of the ministers, hunting for souls, fishing for souls. I know that the faithful women should be paid wages as it is considered proportionate to the pay received by ministers. They carry the burden of souls and should not be treated unjustly. These sisters are giving their time to educating those newly come to the faith and hire their own work done and pay those who work for them. All these things must be adjusted and set in order and justice be done to all. Proof-readers in the office receive their wages; those who are working at housework receive their wages, two dollars-and-a-half and three dollars a week. This I have had to pay and others have to pay. But ministers’ wives, who carry a tremendous responsibility, devoting their entire time, have nothing for their labor.

Pastoral Ministry

Salary

PaM 107.2

Laborers should not be forced to accept small remuneration because there is a lack of money in the treasury—Instead of bringing the expense of the work down to a low figure, it is your duty to bring the minds of the people to understand that the “laborer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7). The churches need to be impressed with the fact that it is their duty to deal honestly with the cause of God, not allowing the guilt to the worst kind of robbery to rest upon them, that of robbing God in tithes and offerings. When settlements are made with the laborers in His cause, they should not be forced to accept small remuneration because there is a lack of money in the treasury. Many have been defrauded of their just dues in this way, and it is just as criminal in the sight of God as for one to keep back the wages of those who are employed in any other regular business.—Testimonies for the Church 5:374.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 6, 1883

4LtMs, Lt 6, 1883, par. 7

My brother, you have not taken a course to encourage men to give themselves to the ministry. In the place of bringing the work down to a low figure, it is your duty to bring up the minds of people to understand that the “laborer is worthy of his hire.” [Luke 10:7.] And if these men feel the missionary spirit, they will economize in every way possible that they may have it in their power to help these missionaries.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 135, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 135, 1895, par. 12

But who pays for the labor of Brother Collins since the camp meeting? He has labored faithfully, and I believe that I have read in the Good Book, “The laborer is worthy of his hire.” [Luke 10:7.] I believe him to be as good and efficient a laborer as we have in the cause of God. He has a work to do, fully as useful in meetings held as our ministers, and I have felt that he cannot be spared to go to beg. The work is not finished by any means in Ashfield, and Sydney is to be decidedly worked, and just such a man as Collins is of great value. He has talent. He may not have that finished education that some have, but his heart is in the work. His praying, his speaking will do as much for the truth as the labors of our ministers. I cannot consent to have any less strength in this field than we now have. I wish there were one hundred men who would visit and work in the meetings as Brother Collins has been doing.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 137, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 137, 1898, par. 24

There are ministers’ wives, Sisters Starr, Haskell, Wilson and Robinson, who have been devoted, earnest, whole-souled workers, giving Bible readings and praying with families, helping along by personal efforts just as successfully as their husbands. These women give their whole time and are told that they receive nothing for their labors because their husbands receive their wages. I tell them to go forward and all such decisions will be revised. The Word says, “The laborer is worthy of his hire.” [Luke 10:7.] When any such decision as this is made I will, in the name of the Lord, protest. I will feel it my duty to create a fund from my tithe money, to pay these women who are accomplishing just as essential work as the ministers are doing, and this tithe I will reserve for work in the same line as that of the ministers, hunting for souls, fishing for souls. I know that the faithful women should be paid wages as is considered proportionate to the pay received by ministers. They carry the burden of souls, and should not be treated unjustly. These sisters are giving their time to educating those newly come to the faith and hire their own work done and pay those who work for them. All these things must be adjusted and set in order, and justice be done to all.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 142, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 142, 1903, par. 17

Instead of bringing the expense of the work down to a low figure, it is your duty to bring the minds of the people to understanding that the “laborer is worthy of his hire.” [Luke 10:7.] ... The churches need to be impressed with the fact that it is their duty to deal honestly with the cause of God, not allowing the guilt of the worst robbery to rest upon them, that of robbing God in tithes and offerings. When settlements are made with the laborers in His cause, they should not be forced to accept small remuneration because there is a lack of money in the treasury. Many have been defrauded of their just dues in this way, and it is just as criminal in the sight of God as for one to keep back the wages of those who are employed in any other regular business.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 33, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 33, 1912, par. 12

Instead of bringing the expense of the work down to a low figure, it is your duty to bring the minds of the people to understanding that the “laborer is worthy of his hire.” [Luke 10:7.] The churches need to be impressed with the fact that it is their duty to deal honestly with the cause of God, not allowing the guilt of the worst robbery to rest upon them, that of robbing God in tithes and offerings. When settlements are made with the laborers in His cause, they should not be forced to accept small remuneration because there is a lack of money in the treasury. Many have been defrauded of their just dues in this way, and it is just as criminal in the sight of God as for one to keep back the wages of those who are employed in any other regular business.

Ministry to the Cities

Chapter 5—A Strategy for Reaching the Cities

MTC 58.4

To the Seventy sent forth later He said: “Into whatsoever city ye enter, ... heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you” (Luke 10:8, 9). ...

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 88, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 88, 1902, par. 14

The minister will often be called upon to act the part of a physician. He should have a training that will enable him to administer the simpler remedies for the relief of suffering. Ministers and Bible workers should prepare themselves for this line of work; for in doing it, they are following the example of Christ. They should be as well prepared by education and practice to combat disease of the body as they are to heal the sin-sick soul by pointing to the great Physician. They are fulfilling the commission Christ gave to the twelve and afterward to the seventy, “Into whatsoever city ye enter, ... heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” [Luke 10:8, 9.] Christ stands by their side as ready to heal the sick as when He was on this earth in person.

The Ministry of Healing

Chapter 9—Teaching and Healing

MH 139.2

To the Seventy sent forth later He said: “Into whatsoever city ye enter, ... heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” Luke 10:8, 9. The presence and power of Christ was with them, “and the Seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” Verse 17.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

A Call for Gospel Medical Missionaries

CT 465.2

The Seventy who were sent out a little later were also commissioned to “heal the sick” (Luke 10:9) as well as to announce the advent of the promised Redeemer. In their work of teaching and healing, the disciples followed the example of the Master Teacher, who ministered to both soul and body. The gospel which He taught was a message of spiritual life and physical restoration. Deliverance from sin and the healing of disease were linked together.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 33, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 33, 1901, par. 15

It is medical missionaries that are needed all through the field. Canvassers should improve every opportunity granted them to learn how to treat disease. Physicians should remember that they will often be required to perform the duties of a minister. Medical missionaries come under the head of evangelists. The workers should go forth two by two, that they may pray and consult together. Never should they be sent out alone. The Lord Jesus Christ sent forth His disciples two and two into all the cities of Israel. He gave them the commission, “Heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God has come nigh unto you.” [Luke 10:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 65, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 65, 1908, par. 13

There are many of our people who, if they would go out of the cities, and begin the labor in these byways, <and also highways,> would recover physical health. I urge our brethren to go out as missionaries, two and two, to these country places. Go in humility. Christ has given an example, and the Lord will certainly bless the efforts of those who will move out in the fear of God, bearing the message the Saviour gave to the first disciples, “The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” [Luke 10:9.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1016—Encouragement for a New Believer to Trust Christ and Believe the Testimonies

13MR 123.1

The Lord has marked every movement made by the leading men in our institutions and conferences. It is a perilous thing to reject the light that God sends. To Chorazin and Bethsaida heaven’s richest blessings had been freely offered. Day after day the Prince of life had gone in and out among them. The Glory of God, which prophets and kings had longed to see, had shone upon them. But they refused the heavenly Gift, and of them the Saviour said: [Luke 10:13, 14, quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 155, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 155, 1903, par. 19

This is the time when Satan’s deceptive power is exercised with intensity, not only upon the minds of inexperienced youth, but upon the minds of men and women of mature years. Men in positions of responsibility are in danger of changing leaders. This I know, because it has been plainly revealed to me. Even if Christ were in the Battle Creek Sanitarium in person, as He was upon this earth at the time of His first advent, He might not be able to win these men to stand on His side, where they could understand the terribly deceptive workings of satanic influences; else He never would have uttered the words: “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the Judgment, than for you.” [Luke 10:13, 14.] From this Scripture we learn that there are those who place themselves in positions where they will be in such a state of resistance against holy influences, that even the Word of truth and the pleadings of Christ Jesus do not effect their conversion.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 184, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 184, 1905, par. 11

When Christ was on this earth in person, He said of the cities which had seen so many of His mighty works, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been [done] in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.” [Luke 10:13, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 92, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 92, 1891, par. 10

O, shall not repentance take the place of unbelief and rebellion? or shall this state of impenitence and blindness continue until it shall be said unto us, as to the cities that spurned the offered mercies of Christ in the days of His ministry, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell”? [Luke 10:13-15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 17, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 17, 1903, par. 12

“Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.” [Luke 10:13-15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 24, 1862

1LtMs, Lt 24, 1862, par. 6

As a people, I was shown we cannot be too careful what influence we exert, and we should watch every word. When we by word or act place ourselves upon the enemy’s battle ground, we drive holy angels from us, and encourage and attract evil angels in crowds around us. This you have done, Brother R, and by your unguarded, willful course have caused unbelievers to look upon Sabbathkeepers all around you with suspicion. These words were presented before me as referring to the servants of God: “He that heareth you heareth Me; and he that despiseth you despiseth Me; and he that despiseth Me despiseth Him that sent Me.” [Luke 10:16.] May God help you, my dear, deceived brother, to see yourself as you are, and to have your sympathies with the body.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 64, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 64, 1890, par. 3

He identified Himself with humanity and said to His disciples, “He that receiveth you receiveth Me,” their Redeemer. [Matthew 10:40.] “He that rejecteth you, rejecteth Me.” [Luke 10:16.] Jesus has purchased man by an infinite price and owns the perishing souls the world over. He sends men as agents to work in behalf of man, giving them messages of mercy to bear to the sinful race. Humanity touches humanity. Many make serious blunders now, as in former times when Christ came to our world in the garments of humanity. He works with human instrumentalities and gives to His messengers a message from Himself to bear to perishing souls.

Radiant Religion

The Seventy Disciples Rejoiced in His Power, October 22

RRe 297.1

The seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name. Luke 10:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 22, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, par. 41

When the seventy returned from their missionary tour, they said with astonishment and joy, “Even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” [Luke 10:17.] They had spoken the words of Christ, and the result was a glorious manifestation of His power.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 197, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 197, 1907, par. 5

Now, the light that I have is that every soul of us must cling together in harmony. Every one of us must work so that we will have an intelligence of what Christ means in these lessons that He gives. When the disciples started out from place to place, and the sick were healed they returned all full of joy, saying, “Even the devils are subject unto us.” [Luke 10:17.] Then Christ showed them that they need not be glad for that, but they could be glad that their names were written in the book of heaven.

The Ministry of Healing

“I Give Unto You Power”

MH 94.1

Like the twelve apostles, the seventy disciples whom Christ sent forth later received supernatural endowments as a seal of their mission. When their work was completed, they returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” Jesus answered, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” Luke 10:17, 18.

MH 94.2

Henceforth Christ’s followers are to look upon Satan as a conquered foe. Upon the cross, Jesus was to gain the victory for them; that victory He desired them to accept as their own. “Behold,” He said, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Verse 19.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 67, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 67, 1910, par. 23

The seventy disciples sent out by Christ on their missionary tour returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” And Christ said unto them, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” [Luke 10:17-19.] This Scripture refers to the opposition we shall realize from men, satanic agencies. Will our churches be converted and walk in the counsels of God? The Lord in this age of the world calls for men and women on whom we can depend, who will be laborers together with God, [who] are consecrated to do the will of our Father in heaven.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16f, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16f, 1892, par. 27

Elder Haskell, the reason our ministers are so inefficient is because they go to their work, and come from their labors if they have any success, full of themselves. The disciples of Christ did this when they said, “Even the spirits are subject unto us.” [Luke 10:17, 20.] Jesus could discern their danger, and He said, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile.” [Mark 6:31.] Come out of the din of battle, away from the conflict, and hold communion with God. Thus it is with many workers; they are too strong, too full of self. The Lord cannot lead them, or teach them, or use them to His glory, for they are wise in their own conceits, and vainly imagine that the Lord cannot do without them. Self must be buried.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 262, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 262, 1903, par. 34

The seventy disciples sent out by Christ on a missionary tour returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name. And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” [Luke 10:17-19.]

18LtMs, Lt 262, 1903, par. 35

Should we not find encouragement in this assurance? But Jesus wishes to draw our minds higher than the contemplation of earthly blessings. “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not,” He said, “that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” [Verse 20.]

18LtMs, Lt 262, 1903, par. 37

“And He turned Him unto His disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes that see the things that ye see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” [Verses 21-24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 139, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 139, 1898, par. 18

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in Spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; even so, Father; for it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father; and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes that see the things that ye see: for I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” [Luke 10:17-24.]

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

MR No. 1587—True Christianity; Being a Good Samaritan

21MR 414.3

I then said to the congregation that I had to present to them the science of higher education. Luke 10:17-24. Now all listen, “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (verse 25). Here is a question of highest science.

21MR 414.4

The Lord Jesus turned over the question to the lawyer himself. “He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said unto him, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?” (verses 26-29). Then Christ gave a parable of the Good Samaritan. This is the true science of Christianity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 390, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 390, 1904, par. 3

I then said to the congregation that I had to present to them the science of higher education. Luke 10:17-24. Now all listen, “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25. Here is a question of highest science. The Lord Jesus turned over the question to the lawyer himself. “He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said unto him, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?” verses 26-29. Then Christ gave a parable of the Good Samaritan. This is the true science of Christianity. The great question is, What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? This is the science of what constitutes the higher education; and when this question is properly adjusted, the capabilities of the whole man are called into full exercise. There will be no agitation of the question whether the world is round or flat, but the whole burden of the soul is: What shall I do to inherit eternal life? We need now to make every talent that God has given us to be employed to His name’s glory.

God’s Amazing Grace

Angel Reinforcements, September 6

AG 257.1

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Luke 10:19.

Our Father Cares

Angel Reinforcements, August 22

OFC 246.1

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Luke 10:19.

Prayer

“Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13, R.V.

Pr 301.4

To us, as to Peter, the word is spoken, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:31, 32. Thank God, we are not left alone. He who “so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), will not desert us in the battle with the adversary of God and man. “Behold,” He says, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”—Matthew 6:13, R. V.

MB 119.1

To us, as to Peter, the word is spoken, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:31, 32. Thank God, we are not left alone. He who “so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), will not desert us in the battle with the adversary of God and man. “Behold,” He says, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19.

Homeward Bound

You Are Not Alone, April 12

HB 121.4

To us, as to Peter, the word is spoken, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” (Luke 22:31, 32.) Thank God, we are not left alone. He who “so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), will not desert us in the battle with the adversary of God and mankind. “Behold,” He says, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19.)

Lift Him Up

The Judgment Set—The Books Opened, November 9

LHU 327.3

The book of life contains the names of all who have ever entered the service of God. Jesus bade His disciples: “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Paul speaks of his faithful fellow workers, “whose names are in the book of life” (Philippians 4:3). Daniel, looking down to “a time of trouble, such as never was,” declares that God’s people shall be delivered, “every one that shall be found written in the book.” And the revelator says that those only shall enter the city of God whose names “are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Daniel 12:1; Revelation 21:27).

The Faith I Live By

Judged From the Records, July 23

FLB 210.3

The book of life contains the names of all who have ever entered the service of God. Jesus bade His disciples, “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20. Paul speaks of his faithful fellow workers, “Whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:3....

The Great Controversy

Chapter 28—Facing Life’s Record

GC 480.3

The book of life contains the names of all who have ever entered the service of God. Jesus bade His disciples: “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20. Paul speaks of his faithful fellow workers, “whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:3. Daniel, looking down to “a time of trouble, such as never was,” declares that God’s people shall be delivered, “everyone that shall be found written in the book.” And the revelator says that those only shall enter the city of God whose names “are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Daniel 12:1; Revelation 21:27.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 28—The Investigative Judgment

GC88 480.3

The book of life contains the names of all who have ever entered the service of God. Jesus bade his disciples, “Rejoice, because your names are written in Heaven.” [Luke 10:20.] Paul speaks of his faithful fellow-workers, “whose names are in the book of life.” [Philippians 4:3.] Daniel, looking down to “a time of trouble, such as never was,” declares that God’s people shall be delivered, “everyone that shall be found written in the book.” [Daniel 12:1.] And the Revelator says that those only shall enter the city of God whose names “are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” [Revelation 21:27.]

From Here to Forever

Chapter 28—Facing Our Life Record

HF 296.2

The books of record in heaven are to determine the decisions of the judgment. The book of life contains the names of all who have ever entered the service of God. Jesus bade His disciples: “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Paul speaks of his fellow workers, “whose names are in the book of life.” Daniel declares that God’s people shall be delivered, “every one that shall be found written in the book.” And the revelator says that those only shall enter the City of God whose names “are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Daniel 12:1; Revelation 21:27.

Christ in His Sanctuary

Whose Cases Considered?

CIHS 174.1

The book of life contains the names of all who have ever entered the service of God. Jesus bade His disciples: “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20. Paul speaks of his faithful fellow workers, “whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:3. Daniel, looking down to “a time of trouble, such as never was,” declares that God’s people shall be delivered, “everyone that shall be found written in the book.” And the revelator says that those only shall enter the city of God whose names “are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Daniel 12:1; Revelation 21:27.

Homeward Bound

The Books of Record in Heaven, October 18

HB 319.4

The book of life contains the names of all who have ever entered the service of God. Jesus bade His disciples: “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20.) Paul speaks of his faithful fellow workers, “whose names are in the book of life.” (Philippians 4:3.) Daniel, looking down to “a time of trouble, such as never was,” declares that God’s people shall be delivered, “everyone that shall be found written in the book.” And the revelator says that those only shall enter the city of God whose names “are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Daniel 12:1; Revelation 21:27.)

Radiant Religion

My Name Is Written in Heaven, January 25

RRe 27.1

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20.

The Upward Look

Have You Accepted the Invitation? October 17

UL 304.4

All who have the light of the Word presented to them are highly favored. That Word is the bread of life to those who eat of it. “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” (Luke 10:21).

UL 304.5

The priests and scribes and rulers were so self-sufficient that they would not heed the words of Christ. They were convicted, their understanding was convinced, but they would not receive the Sent of God. They had been privileged with every temporal and spiritual advantage, but Christ looked upon them as rejecters of all the mercy and compassion and tenderness and love that He had come to the world to bring them. They turned away from the light and evidence that Christ had given them, and scorned His mercy. He looked upon them with yearning desire, and said, “Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight” (verse 21). He was grieved that the people most favored upon the face of the earth should be the very ones to deny Him and refuse His offer of everlasting life.

Radiant Religion

To Reveal Himself to Humble Men, February 27

RRe 60.1

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight. Luke 10:21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 143, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 143, 1898, par. 11

All who have the light of the Word presented to them are highly favored. That Word is the bread of life to those who eat of it. “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” [Luke 10:21.]

13LtMs, Ms 143, 1898, par. 12

The priests and scribes and rulers were so self-sufficient that they would not heed the words of Christ. They were convicted, their understanding was convinced, but they would not receive the Sent of God. They had been privileged with every temporal and spiritual advantage, but Christ looked upon them as rejecters of all the mercy and compassion and tenderness and love that He had come to the world to bring them. They turned away from the light and evidence that Christ had given them, and scorned His mercy. He looked upon them with yearning desire, and said, “Even so, Father; for so it seemeth good in thy sight.” [Verse 21.] He was grieved that the people most favored upon the face of the earth should be the very ones to deny Him and refuse His offer of everlasting life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 7, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 7, 1900, par. 11

The papal power has arrogated to itself the power to change times and laws, ignoring the fourth commandment. Many of the skeptical religionists of the present day regard the belief of Seventh-day Adventists in the Sabbath, and their belief in the near and personal appearing of Jesus Christ, to reign as a King over the whole earth, as childish notions. All kinds of stories are told of us. People admit we are a good sort of people, but they say that we are far behind in intellectual superiority, that we do not keep abreast of the times. Hear the testimony of Christ: “In that hour,” we read, “Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.” [Luke 10:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 74, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 74, 1895, par. 3

We want to humble ourselves, and become like little children. Christ prayed, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.” [Luke 10:21, 22.] The world cannot understand these things.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 102, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 102, 1902, par. 13

“What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” This question is answered by the daily life of the genuine Christian. The Lifegiver knows perfectly well what we must do. To the lawyer who put this question to Him, He answered, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” The lawyer replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

17LtMs, Ms 102, 1902, par. 14

These words plainly outline the terms upon which we may secure the life that measures with the life of God. This lesson, so simple, so plain, given in so few words, sheds upon the world a flood of light. “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Verse 28.] None need walk in crooked paths.

17LtMs, Ms 102, 1902, par. 15

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight.” [Verse 21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 17, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 17, 1893, par. 1

Luke 10:21-25. [This is] the most important question ever presented to human minds; from the youngest to the oldest we want to know this. What does Jesus say? He lets him answer himself. Vs. 26. Love God with one quarter of [the] heart and [the] rest given to [the] world? No. Verses 27, 28. Live and have life that runs parallel with [the] life of Jehovah. Vs. 29. He presents man, wounded and bruised, as his neighbor. Verses 30, 31, 32. These are men in responsible positions, [but with] no pity. Verses 33, 34, 35. What does it mean to love God with all the heart, and thy neighbor as thyself? The two great arms—love to God, and love to our neighbor. To hold God supremely. And [the] last six commandments, love to our fellow man. Thank God that the first four commandments are not put after [the] last six, because when we love God supremely we have the mind of Christ. John 3:16. Here is [the] love of God to man, and love of man for God. There is not one of you that loves God unless you love your neighbor. Why? Because he is the purchase of the blood of Christ. There is love for sinners. We would not any more enclose ourselves in four walls, and shut ourselves away from the suffering. It takes more than four walls to make us happy.