EGW WritingsLuke 14

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 48, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 48, 1895, par. 11

I met with the brethren of the Sydney church, and with many of the new converts, at a hall in Petersham yesterday. Many who have newly come into the faith came down from Ashfield in the afternoon, and the hall was full to overflowing. The Lord gave me an earnest message to bear to all present. I spoke from the first fifteen verses of the fourteenth [chapter] of Luke, and the Holy Spirit impressed the truth upon the hearts of the people. What joy was expressed in the countenances of those who have newly been converted. We had a praise and thanksgiving meeting. What a marked change was apparent in Brother Hardy, and in Brother and Sister Humphreys! What testimonies they bore, making manifest the fact that Christ is formed within, the hope of glory! It is nothing less than a miracle that these men who have been like lions should have been changed to be like lambs.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 18—“Go Into the Highways and Hedges”

COL 219.1

The Saviour was a guest at the feast of a Pharisee. He accepted invitations from the rich as well as the poor, and according to His custom He linked the scene before Him with His lessons of truth. Among the Jews the sacred feast was connected with all their seasons of national and religious rejoicing. It was to them a type of the blessings of eternal life. The great feast at which they were to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, while the Gentiles stood without, and looked on with longing eyes, was a theme on which they delighted to dwell. The lesson of warning and instruction which Christ desired to give, He now illustrated by the parable of a great supper. The blessings of God, both for the present and for the future life, the Jews thought to shut up to themselves. They denied God’s mercy to the Gentiles. By the parable Christ showed that they were themselves at that very time rejecting the invitation of mercy, the call to God’s kingdom. He showed that the invitation which they had slighted was to be sent to those whom they despised, those from whom they had drawn away their garments as if they were lepers to be shunned.

COL 220.1

In choosing the guests for his feast, the Pharisee had consulted his own selfish interest. Christ said to him, “When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors, lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.”

COL 220.2

Christ was here repeating the instruction He had given to Israel through Moses. At their sacred feasts the Lord had directed that “the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat, and be satisfied.” Deuteronomy 14:29. These gatherings were to be as object lessons to Israel. Being thus taught the joy of true hospitality, the people were throughout the year to care for the bereaved and the poor. And these feasts had a wider lesson. The spiritual blessings given to Israel were not for themselves alone. God had given the bread of life to them, that they might break it to the world.

COL 221.1

This work they had not fulfilled. Christ’s words were a rebuke to their selfishness. To the Pharisees His words were distasteful. Hoping to turn the conversation into another channel, one of them, with a sanctimonious air, exclaimed, “Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.” This man spoke with great assurance, as if he himself were certain of a place in the kingdom. His attitude was similar to the attitude of those who rejoice that they are saved by Christ, when they do not comply with the conditions upon which salvation is promised. His spirit was like that of Balaam when he prayed, “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.” Numbers 23:10. The Pharisee was not thinking of his own fitness for heaven but of what he hoped to enjoy in heaven. His remark was designed to turn away the minds of the guests at the feast from the subject of their practical duty. He thought to carry them past the present life to the remote time of the resurrection of the just.

COL 221.2

Christ read the heart of the pretender, and fastening His eyes upon him He opened before the company the character and value of their present privileges. He showed them that they had a part to act at that very time, in order to share in the blessedness of the future.

COL 221.3

“A certain man,” He said, “made a great supper, and bade many.” When the time of the feast arrived, the host sent his servant to the expected guests with a second message, “Come; for all things are now ready.” But a strange indifference was shown. “All with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.”

COL 222.1

None of the excuses were founded on a real necessity. The man who “must needs go and see” his piece of ground, had already purchased it. His haste to go and see it was due to the fact that his interest was absorbed in his purchase. The oxen, too, had been bought. The proving of them was only to satisfy the interest of the buyer. The third excuse had no more semblance of reason. The fact that the intended guest had married a wife need not have prevented his presence at the feast. His wife also would have been made welcome. But he had his own plans for enjoyment, and these seemed to him more desirable than the feast he had promised to attend. He had learned to find pleasure in other society than that of the host. He did not ask to be excused, made not even a pretense of courtesy in his refusal. The “I cannot” was only a veil for the truth—“I do not care to come.”

COL 222.2

All the excuses betray a preoccupied mind. To these intended guests other interests had become all-absorbing. The invitation they had pledged themselves to accept was put aside, and the generous friend was insulted by their indifference.

COL 222.3

By the great supper, Christ represents the blessings offered through the gospel. The provision is nothing less than Christ Himself. He is the bread that comes down from heaven; and from Him the streams of salvation flow. The Lord’s messengers had proclaimed to the Jews the advent of the Saviour; they had pointed to Christ as “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. In the feast He had provided, God offered to them the greatest gift that Heaven can bestow—a gift that is beyond computation. The love of God had furnished the costly banquet, and had provided inexhaustible resources. “If any man eat of this bread,” Christ said, “he shall live for ever.” John 6:51.

COL 223.1

But in order to accept the invitation to the gospel feast, they must make their worldly interests subordinate to the one purpose of receiving Christ and His righteousness. God gave all for man, and He asks him to place His service above every earthly and selfish consideration. He cannot accept a divided heart. The heart that is absorbed in earthly affections cannot be given up to God.

COL 223.2

The lesson is for all time. We are to follow the Lamb of God whithersoever He goeth. His guidance is to be chosen, His companionship valued above the companionship of earthly friends. Christ says, “He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” Matthew 10:37.

COL 223.3

Around the family board, when breaking their daily bread, many in Christ’s day repeated the words, “Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.” But Christ showed how difficult it was to find guests for the table provided at infinite cost. Those who listened to His words knew that they had slighted the invitation of mercy. To them worldly possessions, riches, and pleasures were all-absorbing. With one consent they had made excuse.

COL 224.1

So it is now. The excuses urged for refusing the invitation to the feast cover the whole ground of excuses for refusing the gospel invitation. Men declare that they cannot imperil their worldly prospects by giving attention to the claims of the gospel. They count their temporal interests as of more value than the things of eternity. The very blessings they have received from God become a barrier to separate their souls from their Creator and Redeemer. They will not be interrupted in their worldly pursuits, and they say to the messenger of mercy, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Acts 24:25. Others urge the difficulties that would arise in their social relations should they obey the call of God. They say they cannot afford to be out of harmony with their relatives and acquaintances. Thus they prove themselves to be the very actors described in the parable. The Master of the feast regards their flimsy excuses as showing contempt for His invitation.

COL 224.2

The man who said, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come,” represents a large class. Many there are who allow their wives or their husbands to prevent them from heeding the call of God. The husband says, “I cannot obey my convictions of duty while my wife is opposed to it. Her influence would make it exceedingly hard for me to do so.” The wife hears the gracious call, “Come; for all things are now ready,” and she says, “‘I pray thee have me excused.’ My husband refuses the invitation of mercy. He says that his business stands in the way. I must go with my husband, and therefore I cannot come.” The children’s hearts are impressed. They desire to come. But they love their father and mother, and since these do not heed the gospel call, the children think that they cannot be expected to come. They too say, “Have me excused.”

COL 225.1

All these refuse the Saviour’s call because they fear division in the family circle. They suppose that in refusing to obey God they are insuring the peace and prosperity of the home; but this is a delusion. Those who sow selfishness will reap selfishness. In rejecting the love of Christ they reject that which alone can impart purity and steadfastness to human love. They will not only lose heaven, but will fail of the true enjoyment of that for which heaven was sacrificed.

COL 225.2

In the parable, the giver of the feast learned how his invitation had been treated, and “being angry, said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.”

COL 225.3

The host turned from those who despised his bounty, and invited a class who were not full, who were not in possession of houses and lands. He invited those who were poor and hungry, and who would appreciate the bounties provided. “The publicans and the harlots,” Christ said, “go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31. However wretched may be the specimens of humanity that men spurn and turn aside from, they are not too low, too wretched, for the notice and love of God. Christ longs to have care-worn, weary, oppressed human beings come to Him. He longs to give them the light and joy and peace that are to be found nowhere else. The veriest sinners are the objects of His deep, earnest pity and love. He sends His Holy Spirit to yearn over them with tenderness, seeking to draw them to Himself.

COL 226.1

The servant who brought in the poor and the blind reported to his master, “It is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” Here Christ pointed to the work of the gospel outside the pale of Judaism, in the highways and byways of the world.

COL 226.2

In obedience to this command, Paul and Barnabas declared to the Jews, “It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you; but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set Thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that Thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” Acts 13:46-48.

COL 226.3

The gospel message proclaimed by Christ’s disciples was the announcement of His first advent to the world. It bore to men the good tidings of salvation through faith in Him. It pointed forward to His second coming in glory to redeem His people, and it set before men the hope, through faith and obedience, of sharing the inheritance of the saints in light. This message is given to men today, and at this time there is coupled with it the announcement of Christ’s second coming as at hand. The signs which He Himself gave of His coming have been fulfilled, and by the teaching of God’s word we may know that the Lord is at the door.

COL 227.1

John in the Revelation foretells the proclamation of the gospel message just before Christ’s second coming. He beholds an angel flying “in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.” Revelation 14:6, 7.

COL 227.2

In the prophecy this warning of the judgment, with its connected messages, is followed by the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven. The proclamation of the judgment is an announcement of Christ’s second coming as at hand. And this proclamation is called the everlasting gospel. Thus the preaching of Christ’s second coming, the announcement of its nearness, is shown to be an essential part of the gospel message.

COL 228.1

The Bible declares that in the last days men will be absorbed in worldly pursuits, in pleasure and money-getting. They will be blind to eternal realities. Christ says, “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37-39.

COL 228.2

So it is today. Men are rushing on in the chase for gain and selfish indulgence as if there were no God, no heaven, and no hereafter. In Noah’s day the warning of the flood was sent to startle men in their wickedness and call them to repentance. So the message of Christ’s soon coming is designed to arouse men from their absorption in worldly things. It is intended to awaken them to a sense of eternal realities, that they may give heed to the invitation to the Lord’s table.

COL 228.3

The gospel invitation is to be given to all the world—“to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Revelation 14:6. The last message of warning and mercy is to lighten the whole earth with its glory. It is to reach all classes of men, rich and poor, high and low. “Go out into the highways and hedges,” Christ says, “and compel them to come in, that My house may be filled.”

COL 228.4

The world is perishing for want of the gospel. There is a famine for the word of God. There are few who preach the word unmixed with human tradition. Though men have the Bible in their hands, they do not receive the blessing that God has placed in it for them. The Lord calls upon His servants to carry His message to the people. The word of everlasting life must be given to those who are perishing in their sins.

COL 229.1

In the command to go into the highways and hedges, Christ sets forth the work of all whom He calls to minister in His name. The whole world is the field for Christ’s ministers. The whole human family is comprised in their congregation. The Lord desires that His word of grace shall be brought home to every soul.

COL 229.2

To a great degree this must be accomplished by personal labor. This was Christ’s method. His work was largely made up of personal interviews. He had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience. Through that one soul the message was often extended to thousands.

COL 229.3

We are not to wait for souls to come to us; we must seek them out where they are. When the word has been preached in the pulpit, the work has but just begun. There are multitudes who will never be reached by the gospel unless it is carried to them.

COL 229.4

The invitation to the feast was first given to the Jewish people, the people who had been called to stand as teachers and leaders among men, the people in whose hands were the prophetic scrolls foretelling Christ’s advent, and to whom was committed the symbolic service foreshadowing His mission. Had priests and people heeded the call, they would have united with Christ’s messengers in giving the gospel invitation to the world. The truth was sent to them that they might impart it. When they refused the call, it was sent to the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind. Publicans and sinners received the invitation. When the gospel call is sent to the Gentiles, there is the same plan of working. The message is first to be given “in the highways”—to men who have an active part in the world’s work, to the teachers and leaders of the people.

COL 230.1

Let the Lord’s messengers bear this in mind. To the shepherds of the flock, the teachers divinely appointed, it should come as a word to be heeded. Those who belong to the higher ranks of society are to be sought out with tender affection and brotherly regard. Men in business life, in high positions of trust, men with large inventive faculties and scientific insight, men of genius, teachers of the gospel whose minds have not been called to the special truths for this time—these should be the first to hear the call. To them the invitation must be given.

COL 230.2

There is a work to be done for the wealthy. They need to be awakened to their responsibility as those entrusted with the gifts of heaven. They need to be reminded that they must give an account to Him who shall judge the living and the dead. The wealthy man needs your labor in the love and fear of God. Too often he trusts in his riches, and feels not his danger. The eyes of his mind need to be attracted to things of enduring value. He needs to recognize the authority of true goodness, which says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

COL 230.3

Those who stand high in the world for their education, wealth, or calling, are seldom addressed personally in regard to the interests of the soul. Many Christian workers hesitate to approach these classes. But this should not be. If a man were drowning, we would not stand by and see him perish because he was a lawyer, a merchant, or a judge. If we saw persons rushing over a precipice, we would not hesitate to urge them back, whatever might be their position or calling. Neither should we hesitate to warn men of the peril of the soul.

COL 231.1

None should be neglected because of their apparent devotion to worldly things. Many in high social positions are heartsore, and sick of vanity. They are longing for a peace which they have not. In the very highest ranks of society are those who are hungering and thirsting for salvation. Many would receive help if the Lord’s workers would approach them personally, with a kind manner, a heart made tender by the love of Christ.

COL 231.2

The success of the gospel message does not depend upon learned speeches, eloquent testimonies, or deep arguments. It depends upon the simplicity of the message and its adaptation to the souls that are hungering for the bread of life. “What shall I do to be saved?”—this is the want of the soul.

COL 232.1

Thousands can be reached in the most simple and humble way. The most intellectual, those who are looked upon as the world’s most gifted men and women, are often refreshed by the simple words of one who loves God, and who can speak of that love as naturally as the worldling speaks of the things that interest him most deeply.

COL 232.2

Often the words well prepared and studied have but little influence. But the true, honest expression of a son or daughter of God, spoken in natural simplicity, has power to unbolt the door to hearts that have long been closed against Christ and His love.

COL 232.3

Let the worker for Christ remember that he is not to labor in his own strength. Let him lay hold of the throne of God with faith in His power to save. Let him wrestle with God in prayer, and then work with all the facilities God has given him. The Holy Spirit is provided as his efficiency. Ministering angels will be by his side to impress hearts.

COL 232.4

If the leaders and teachers at Jerusalem had received the truth Christ brought, what a missionary center their city would have been! Backslidden Israel would have been converted. A vast army would have been gathered for the Lord. And how rapidly they could have carried the gospel to all parts of the world. So now, if men of influence and large capacity for usefulness could be won for Christ, then through them what a work could be accomplished in lifting up the fallen, gathering in the outcasts, and spreading far and wide the tidings of salvation. Rapidly the invitation might be given, and the guests be gathered for the Lord’s table.

COL 232.5

But we are not to think only of great and gifted men, to the neglect of the poorer classes. Christ instructs His messengers to go also to those in the byways and hedges, to the poor and lowly of the earth. In the courts and lanes of the great cities, in the lonely byways of the country, are families and individuals—perhaps strangers in a strange land—who are without church relations, and who, in their loneliness, come to feel that God has forgotten them. They do not understand what they must do to be saved. Many are sunken in sin. Many are in distress. They are pressed with suffering, want, unbelief, despondency. Disease of every type afflicts them, both in body and in soul. They long to find a solace for their troubles, and Satan tempts them to seek it in lusts and pleasures that lead to ruin and death. He is offering them the apples of Sodom, that will turn to ashes upon their lips. They are spending their money for that which is not bread and their labor for that which satisfieth not.

COL 233.1

In these suffering ones we are to see those whom Christ came to save. His invitation to them is “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.... Hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live.” Isaiah 55:1-3.

COL 233.2

God has given a special command that we should regard the stranger, the outcast, and the poor souls who are weak in moral power. Many who appear wholly indifferent to religious things are in heart longing for rest and peace. Although they may have sunken to the very depths of sin, there is a possibility of saving them.

COL 233.3

Christ’s servants are to follow His example. As He went from place to place, He comforted the suffering and healed the sick. Then He placed before them the great truths in regard to His kingdom. This is the work of His followers. As you relieve the sufferings of the body, you will find ways for ministering to the wants of the soul. You can point to the uplifted Saviour, and tell of the love of the great Physician, who alone has power to restore.

COL 234.1

Tell the poor desponding ones who have gone astray that they need not despair. Though they have erred, and have not been building a right character, God has joy to restore them, even the joy of His salvation. He delights to take apparently hopeless material, those through whom Satan has worked, and make them the subjects of His grace. He rejoices to deliver them from the wrath which is to fall upon the disobedient. Tell them there is healing, cleansing for every soul. There is a place for them at the Lord’s table. He is waiting to bid them welcome.

COL 234.2

Those who go into the byways and hedges will find others of a widely different character, who need their ministry. There are those who are living up to all the light they have, and are serving God the best they know how. But they realize that there is a great work to be done for themselves and for those about them. They are longing for an increased knowledge of God, but they have only begun to see the glimmering of greater light. They are praying with tears that God will send them the blessing which by faith they discern afar off. In the midst of the wickedness of the great cities many of these souls are to be found. Many of them are in very humble circumstances, and because of this they are unnoticed by the world. There are many of whom ministers and churches know nothing. But in lowly, miserable places they are the Lord’s witnesses. They may have had little light and few opportunities for Christian training, but in the midst of nakedness, hunger, and cold they are seeking to minister to others. Let the stewards of the manifold grace of God seek out these souls, visit their homes, and through the power of the Holy Spirit minister to their needs. Study the Bible with them and pray with them with that simplicity which the Holy Spirit inspires. Christ will give His servants a message that will be as the bread of heaven to the soul. The precious blessing will be carried from heart to heart, from family to family.

COL 235.1

The command given in the parable, to “compel them to come in,” has often been misinterpreted. It has been regarded as teaching that we should force men to receive the gospel. But it denotes rather the urgency of the invitation, and the effectiveness of the inducements presented. The gospel never employs force in bringing men to Christ. Its message is “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.” Isaiah 55:1. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come.... And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17. The power of God’s love and grace constrains us to come.

COL 235.2

The Saviour says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20. He is not repulsed by scorn or turned aside by threatening, but continually seeks the lost ones, saying, “How shall I give thee up?” Hosea 11:8. Although His love is driven back by the stubborn heart, He returns to plead with greater force, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” The winning power of His love compels souls to come in. And to Christ they say, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” Psalm 18:35.

COL 235.3

Christ will impart to His messengers the same yearning love that He Himself has in seeking for the lost. We are not merely to say, “Come.” There are those who hear the call, but their ears are too dull to take in its meaning. Their eyes are too blind to see anything good in store for them. Many realize their great degradation. They say, I am not fit to be helped; leave me alone. But the workers must not desist. In tender, pitying love, lay hold of the discouraged and helpless ones. Give them your courage, your hope, your strength. By kindness compel them to come. “Of some have compassion, making a difference; and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.” Jude 22, 23.

COL 236.1

If the servants of God will walk with Him in faith, He will give power to their message. They will be enabled so to present His love and the danger of rejecting the grace of God that men will be constrained to accept the gospel. Christ will perform wonderful miracles if men will but do their God-given part. In human hearts today as great a transformation may be wrought as has ever been wrought in generations past. John Bunyan was redeemed from profanity and reveling, John Newton from slave dealing, to proclaim an uplifted Saviour. A Bunyan and a Newton may be redeemed from among men today. Through human agents who co-operate with the divine, many a poor outcast will be reclaimed, and in his turn will seek to restore the image of God in man. There are those who have had very meager opportunities, who have walked in ways of error because they knew no better way, to whom beams of light will come. As the word of Christ came to Zacchaeus, “Today I must abide at thy house” (Luke 19:5), so the word will come to them; and those who were supposed to be hardened sinners will be found to have hearts as tender as a child’s because Christ has deigned to notice them. Many will come from the grossest error and sin, and will take the place of others who have had opportunities and privileges but have not prized them. They will be accounted the chosen of God, elect, precious; and when Christ shall come into His kingdom, they will stand next His throne.

COL 236.2

But “see that ye refuse not Him that speaketh.” Hebrews 12:25. Jesus said, “None of those men which were bidden shall taste of My supper.” They had rejected the invitation, and none of them were to be invited again. In rejecting Christ, the Jews were hardening their hearts, and giving themselves into the power of Satan so that it would be impossible for them to accept His grace. So it is now. If the love of God is not appreciated and does not become an abiding principle to soften and subdue the soul, we are utterly lost. The Lord can give no greater manifestation of His love than He has given. If the love of Jesus does not subdue the heart, there are no means by which we can be reached.

COL 237.1

Every time you refuse to listen to the message of mercy, you strengthen yourself in unbelief. Every time you fail to open the door of your heart to Christ, you become more and more unwilling to listen to the voice of Him that speaketh. You diminish your chance of responding to the last appeal of mercy. Let it not be written of you, as of ancient Israel, “Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone.” Hosea 4:17. Let not Christ weep over you as He wept over Jerusalem, saying, “How often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Luke 13:34, 35.

COL 237.2

We are living in a time when the last message of mercy, the last invitation, is sounding to the children of men. The command, “Go out into the highways and hedges,” is reaching its final fulfillment. To every soul Christ’s invitation will be given. The messengers are saying, “Come; for all things are now ready.” Heavenly angels are still working in co-operation with human agencies. The Holy Spirit is presenting every inducement to constrain you to come. Christ is watching for some sign that will betoken the removing of the bolts and the opening of the door of your heart for His entrance. Angels are waiting to bear the tidings to heaven that another lost sinner has been found. The hosts of heaven are waiting, ready to strike their harps and to sing a song of rejoicing that another soul has accepted the invitation to the gospel feast.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 19, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 19, 1899, par. 14

“It came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees, to eat bread on the Sabbath day, that they watched him. ... And he put forth a parable to them which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of thee. And he that bade him and thee come and say to thee, Give this man place, and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” [Luke 14:1, 7-11.]

14LtMs, Ms 19, 1899, par. 20

Christ opened before His disciples the principles to be maintained. “When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends,” He said, “nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: but thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things he said unto them, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.” [Luke 14:12-15.] The eating of bread seemed to be the great lesson to him.

14LtMs, Ms 19, 1899, par. 22

The second invitation was given to the poor and needy. “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city,” the master said, “and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” [Luke 14:21-24.]

14LtMs, Ms 19, 1899, par. 28

Some grasp quickly the hope presented; others not so readily. Let the workers remember that the invitation is to be given to all. Practical work is to be done. “Compel them to come in.” [Luke 14:23.] Active work must be done in laying hold of the poor souls who have scarcely enough sense left to know whether they have souls to be saved. They have lost their sense of eternal realities. Then let the workers act as Christ would were He in their place.

14LtMs, Ms 19, 1899, par. 35

The whole world is to hear the gospel invitation. Those who have fallen through sin to the very lowest depths are not to be excluded. They are to hear the invitation, “Come.” They are to be brought in where the light of truth shines forth. They will think when the invitation is made that they are not fit to be in such company, that their dress is not appropriate. The Lord says, “Compel them to come in.” [Luke 14:23.] Listen to no excuse. Make them come as they are. Take right hold of them.

14LtMs, Ms 19, 1899, par. 37

“Compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” [Luke 14:23.] What a message for the ministers of Christ! Our Lord now removes the veil and proclaims the supper His own. The time will come when those who refuse the invitation would give all for another opportunity. But He will not allow one of them to taste of His supper. Paul declares, “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ; to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose, which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Ephesians 3:8-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 8, 1874

2LtMs, Ms 8, 1874, par. 7

In the 14th chapter of Luke, (verse 16), we find that there was made a great supper and many were bidden. Servants were sent forth to say to those that were bidden, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Verse 17.] But they made excuse.

2LtMs, Ms 8, 1874, par. 16

In the 13th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, 46th verse, we find that if we put God’s work from us, and judge ourselves unworthy of everlasting life, we have no reason to expect an entrance into the kingdom. The 24th verse of the 14th chapter of Luke informs us that “none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.”

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 10 (1895)

Lt 142, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 142, 1895, par. 1

May Lacey has just sent to remind me that letters can go to New Zealand today, and now it is ten o’clock, but I will write you a few lines. My health is very good for me, for which I am very thankful. Monday night I slept until twelve o’clock; no more sleep for me. I dressed and wrote fifteen pages, before breakfast, upon the parable of the supper, Luke fourteen. Rode out with Brother Caldwell as May and Sister Rousseau went to Sydney.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 143, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 143, 1895, par. 2

Sabbath, I spoke in the hall at Ashfield, which was well filled with interested listeners. The call to the supper, (Luke 14), was the subject presented. We then had a social meeting, which was particularly interesting. Several were present who were in the valley of decision and large hope is entertained that they will have the courage to decide to be fully on the Lord’s side, keeping all the commandments of God. I was surprised to see the number of eighty-five present, and the children, or youth, listened with intense interest. The interest is steadily increasing at Ashfield.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 141, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 141, 1895, par. 4

I spoke upon Luke fourteen, the first fourteen verses of the chapter. They desired me to speak upon the invitation to the supper, but I left that for another occasion. I wanted that all should have an opportunity to witness for Christ. The testimony of Brother Richardson was that he should never forget the words spoken by Sister White. They set matters before him of eternal interest, which made him feel that he was responsible to God for the use of light God had given him. Brother Hare spoke well of the danger with him of not preserving humility before God. I had made earnest application of Christ’s words and of His instruction [in Luke 14:7-11]—Christ marked how some took the highest rooms at the feast.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 59, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 45

May Lacey accompanied me to Petersham, eleven miles, the new place of meeting. A neat hall was filled to overflowing. Brother McCullagh had spoken at Ashfield in the forenoon, Brother Hare had been at Parramatta, and both were at the meeting in Petersham. The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking upon the fourteenth of Luke, the first portion of the chapter. There was then a testimony meeting. Those newly come to the faith came from Ashfield, and they bore witness for Jesus. The blessing of the Lord rested upon us. Brethren Humphrey and Hardy appear entirely changed men in spirit. They were bearing the change in their very countenance. I thought of the words spoken by God, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

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

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 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 10 (1895)

Ms 58, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 58, 1895, par. 1

I went to the tent this afternoon at 3 p.m. to fulfil my appointment. I did not expect to have much of a congregation, but we had a good congregation of most intelligent-looking men and women. My text was Luke 14:2-14. The Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and I spoke with great freedom in the demonstration of the Spirit and power of God. All listened as if spellbound. I am told one man said, “I could have listened another hour and a half and not become weary.” Two outsiders were talking together and one said to the other, “They are certainly right on the Sabbath question.” “Yes,” answered the other, “that is so.” The interest is greater than it has ever been in this island.

10LtMs, Ms 58, 1895, par. 2

I felt that I had a message for the people. I spoke of the dangers which our Saviour saw imperiling the souls of men in striving for the highest place, as given in Luke 14:8-11. This was spoken as a parable, but it described scenes He had witnessed Himself in actual life.

10LtMs, Ms 58, 1895, par. 3

He closes His parable “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” [Verse 11.] How much need have we to practice this lesson spoken in a parable, in humbling in the place of exalting ourselves! How much better will be our situation, to be honored with lifting up, in the place of lifting up and exalting ourselves. I can only intimate a few ideas now, but Maggie Hare has taken down the discourse.

10LtMs, Ms 58, 1895, par. 4

“Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsman, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” [Verses 12-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 54a, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 54a, 1898, par. 4

“And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come, for all things are now ready. And they with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come: I pray thee have me excused. So that servant came and showed his lord these things.” [Luke 14:7-21.]

13LtMs, Lt 54a, 1898, par. 6

The servant told his lord, and the master of the house was angry; for those he had bidden had insulted him by refusing his gracious invitation, which was a great condescension for him to make. “And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” [Verses 23, 24.]

13LtMs, Lt 54a, 1898, par. 7

Have our churches in America understood this parable? It was the outcasts, the publicans and sinners, the despised of the nation, of whom Christ said, “Compel them to come in.” [Verse 23.] Has not this class been overlooked by us, as though they were not worth any effort?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 54, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 54, 1898, par. 5

“When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him; and he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room, that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher; then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” [Luke 14:8-11.]

13LtMs, Lt 54, 1898, par. 7

This is followed by another parable, showing that our first attention should be given to those who are most needy: “When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makes a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind; and thou shalt be blest; for they cannot recompense; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” [Verses 12-14.]

13LtMs, Lt 54, 1898, par. 8

One of the Pharisees present, hoping to turn the conversation into another channel, exclaimed with a sanctimonious air, “Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.” [Verse 15.] His remark was designed to turn away the minds of the guests from the subject of their practical duty. He thought to turn their minds from the work of the present life to the time of the resurrection of the just. But Jesus read the heart of the pretender, and fastening His eyes upon Him opened before the company the character and value of their present privileges. He showed them that they had a part to act at the present time in order to share in the blessedness of the future. He would have them understand that the privileges of service which they lightly regarded, and the invitation which they were slighting, would be sent to those whom they despised as of little value in the sight of God.

13LtMs, Lt 54, 1898, par. 9

“Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many; and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” [Verses 16-20.] None of those who were bidden are represented as making a flat refusal to come to the wedding; but all gave frivolous excuses. Other things absorbed their attention, and they said, “I pray thee, have me excused.”

13LtMs, Lt 54, 1898, par. 10

It was a great condescension for Him who had prepared this supper to extend this invitation to those who were bidden, and they had insulted Him by offering these frivolous excuses. “And the lord said unto his servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men that were bidden shall taste of my supper.” [Verses 23, 24.]

13LtMs, Lt 54, 1898, par. 14

The ministers to whom have been committed the oracles of God should have the most intense interest and travail of soul to see the Master’s table filled, but they have not felt this burden as they ought. The command has come, “Go into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in.” [Luke 14:23.] In obedience to this, we must go to the heathen who are near us, and to those who are afar off. The “publicans and harlots” must hear the Saviour’s invitation, which, through the kindness and long-suffering of the messengers bringing the invitation, becomes a compelling power to lift and elevate those who are sunk in the lowest depths of spiritual wickedness, without God, and without hope in the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 108, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 108, 1901, par. 7

As a people we have much to learn. Men are continually making the mistake of striving to do great things in their own supposed strength. By their actions they say, “See what I can do, what great service I can accomplish for the Lord.” They are unwilling to take time to do with faithfulness the humble duties which fall to them. God requires His servants to perform the very smallest duty with exactness, fidelity, and unselfishness. To him who shows faithfulness in that which is least, God says, “Friend, come up higher.” [Luke 14:10.] But let God, not man, do the exalting.

In Heavenly Places

God Honors the Humble, August 22

HP 241.1

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 14:11.

This Day With God

Heavenly Invitation, May 3

TDG 132.1

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 14:11.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 12, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 12, 1890, par. 16

The lesson of Christ in the parable of the Pharisee and the publican is recorded for the benefit of all who believe the words of Christ. It was spoken to some who the Great Teacher saw were self-conceited, full of their own righteousness, and despised others. “Whosoever exalted himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” [Luke 14:11.] Your position is that of exalting self. Your assumption of excellency that does not belong to you will certainly exclude you from the grace which can truly exalt. True righteousness never produces such fruit; false righteousness always does.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 77, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 77, 1905, par. 2

Scenes passed before me, showing that transactions had taken place that were not calculated to be a blessing to them. I say to these two souls, The law of the divine economy is that “He that humbleth himself shall be exalted, and he that exalteth himself shall be abased.” [Luke 14:11.] The Lord will not trust with success those who would take the credit to themselves. They will gain success if they will not allow the attitude of human beings to discourage them. These physicians are not to stop at their present point of usefulness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 105, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 105, 1908, par. 17

The measure of our future success will be the measure of our dependence upon God and our humility of heart. We need the presence of the Holy Spirit in the heart to keep us from self-exaltation and self-praise. The law of the divine economy is, “He that humbleth himself shall be exalted; and he that exalteth himself shall be abased.” [See Luke 14:11.]

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Reward of Service

GW 512.1

“When thou makest a dinner or a supper,” said Christ, “call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” [Luke 14:12-14.]

GW 519.1

What rejoicing there will be as these redeemed ones meet and greet those who have had a burden in their behalf! And those who have lived, not to please themselves, but to be a blessing to the unfortunate who have so few blessings,—how their hearts will thrill with satisfaction! They will realize the promise, “Thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” [Luke 14:14.]

Prayer

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11.

Pr 296.1

When we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we ask for others as well as ourselves. And we acknowledge that what God gives us is not for ourselves alone. God gives to us in trust, that we may feed the hungry. Of His goodness He has prepared for the poor. Psalm 68:10. And He says, “When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors.... But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:12-14.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 37—The Reward of Service

6T 305.1

“When thou makest a dinner or a supper,” Christ said, “call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:12-14.

The Ministry of Healing

Chapter 28—Ministry of the Home

MH 353.1

“When thou makest a dinner or a supper,” Christ says, “call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:12-14.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Give us this day our daily bread.”—Matthew 6:11.

MB 111.1

When we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we ask for others as well as ourselves. And we acknowledge that what God gives us is not for ourselves alone. God gives to us in trust, that we may feed the hungry. Of His goodness He has prepared for the poor. Psalm 68:10. And He says, “When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors.... But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:12-14.

Homeward Bound

Home Missions, September 22

HB 291.4

“When thou makest a dinner or a supper,” Christ says, “call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:12-14.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 103, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 103, 1900, par. 2

“And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto them, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.” [Luke 14:12-15.]

15LtMs, Ms 103, 1900, par. 3

In answer to this, Christ gave the parable of the supper. The feast is prepared, and the lord sends his servants to the guests he had invited, saying, “Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” [Verses 17-20.]

15LtMs, Ms 103, 1900, par. 4

The second invitation was given to the poor and needy. “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city,” the master said, “and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” [Verses 21-24.]

15LtMs, Ms 103, 1900, par. 8

Some grasp quickly at the hope presented; others not so readily. Let the workers remember that the invitation is to be given to all. Practical work is to be done. “Compel them to come in.” [Luke 14:23.] Earnest work must be done in laying hold of the poor souls who have scarcely enough sense left to know whether they have souls to be saved. They have lost their sense of eternal realities. Then let the workers act as Christ would were he in their place.

15LtMs, Ms 103, 1900, par. 13

The whole world is to hear the gospel invitation. Those who have fallen through sin to the very lowest depths are not to be excluded. They are to hear the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] They are to be brought to where the light of truth shines forth. They will think when they hear the invitation that they are not fit to be seen in such company. The Lord says, “Compel them to come in.” [Verse 23.] Listen to no excuses. Make them come as they are. “Ye beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference; and others save with fire, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever.” [Jude 20-25.]

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 26—“Friends by the Mammon of Unrighteousness”

COL 370.1

After relating the parable, Christ said, “The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” That is, worldly-wise men display more wisdom and earnestness in serving themselves than do the professed children of God in their service to Him. So it was in Christ’s day. So it is now. Look at the life of many who claim to be Christians. The Lord has endowed them with capabilities, and power, and influence; He has entrusted them with money, that they may be co-workers with Him in the great redemption. All His gifts are to be used in blessing humanity, in relieving the suffering and the needy. We are to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to care for the widow and the fatherless, to minister to the distressed and downtrodden. God never meant that the widespread misery in the world should exist. He never meant that one man should have an abundance of the luxuries of life, while the children of others should cry for bread. The means over and above the actual necessities of life are entrusted to man to do good, to bless humanity. The Lord says, “Sell that ye have, and give alms.” Luke 12:33. Be “ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” 1 Timothy 6:18. “When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.” Luke 14:13. “Loose the bands of wickedness,” “undo the heavy burdens,” “let the oppressed go free,” “break every yoke.” “Deal thy bread to the hungry,” “bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” “When thou seest the naked, ... cover him.” “Satisfy the afflicted soul.” Isaiah 58:6, 7, 10. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. These are the Lord’s commands. Are the great body of professed Christians doing this work?

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

MR No. 1546—How Shall We Celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas?

21MR 222.4

Thanksgiving Day will be respected, but how is it used? This day’s privileges are turned out of their proper course and it is made a day of feasting and gluttony. Is it a day to set your tables with luxuries and load them down with sweetmeats and condiments for you and yours? Christ said, “When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:13, 14. Now, you may not be at a loss to number how many Thanksgivings are kept according to this rule.

My Life Today

Make the Home a Blessing to Others, July 16

ML 201.1

When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: ... for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:13, 14.

Our Father Cares

The Eternal Reward of Reaching Out, November 22

OFC 338.1

When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:13, 14.

Reflecting Christ

The Eternal Reward of Reaching Out, August 31

RC 257.1

When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:13, 14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 8, 1880

3LtMs, Ms 8, 1880, par. 4

Thanksgiving Day will be respected, but how is it used? This day’s privileges are turned out of their proper course, and it is made a day of feasting and gluttony. Is it a day to set your tables with luxuries and load them down with sweetmeats and condiments for you and yours? Christ said, “When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:13, 14. Now, you may not be at a loss to number how many Thanksgivings are kept according to this rule.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Called to the Wedding Feast (Sermon by Ellen G. White In Washington, Township, Iowa, Cir. 1874.)

1SAT 5.3

In the 14th chapter of Luke, verse 16, we find that there was made a great supper and many were bidden. Servants were sent forth to say to those that were bidden, “Come; for all things are now ready” [Verse 17]. But they made excuses.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 47, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 47, 1895, par. 2

Those who, since the Minneapolis meeting, have had the privilege of listening to the words spoken by the messengers of God, Elder A. T. Jones, Professor Prescott, Brethren E. J. Waggoner, O. A. Olsen, and many others, at the camp meetings and ministerial institutes, have had the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready. Come to the supper prepared for you.” [See Luke 14:16, 17.] Light, heaven’s light, has been shining. The trumpet has given a certain sound. Those who have made their various excuses for neglecting to respond to the call, have lost much. The light has been shining upon justification by faith and the imputed righteousness of Christ. ...

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 86, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 86, 1895, par. 3

Those who, since the Minneapolis meeting, have had the privilege of listening to the words spoken by the messengers of God, Elder A. T. Jones, Professor Prescott, Brethren E. J. Waggoner, O. A. Olsen, and many others, at the camp meetings and ministerial institutes, have had the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready. Come to the supper prepared for you.” [See Luke 14:16, 17.] Light, heaven’s light, has been shining. The trumpet has given a certain sound. Those who have made their various excuses for neglecting to respond to the call have lost much.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 24, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 24, 1891, par. 39

“The first said unto Him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.” [Luke 14:16-18.] In putting his property before service for Christ, this man exalted a matter of minor importance above that which was of far greater importance.

7LtMs, Ms 24, 1891, par. 40

“And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.” [Verse 19.] This man represents those whose minds are so completely engrossed in caring for their earthly possessions, that they cannot appreciate the goodness and mercy of Christ in conferring upon them the honor of being invited guests at the great supper.

7LtMs, Ms 24, 1891, par. 41

“And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” [Verse 20.] The sin of this man was not in marrying, but in marrying one who divorced his mind from the higher and more important interests of life. Never should a man allow wife and home to draw his thoughts away from Christ, or to lead him to refuse to accept the gracious invitations of the gospel.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Worldly Interests and Heavenly Treasures

1TT 361.3

“Then said He unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at suppertime to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.” Luke 14:16-21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 182, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 182, 1909, par. 9

The Lord had many out-of-door meetings. Many discourses were given until the numbers following Him were as many as five thousand. The Saviour illustrated by the parable of the great supper that there must be no boundary lines. The gospel message is to go outside of halls and meetinghouses. His Word is, “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind”—all that will enter—and “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that My house may be filled.” Luke 14:21, 23. Outdoor sermons! God bids you go out into the streets and lanes of the city, and through your earnest invitations compel them to come in. More camp-meetings must be held in many places—in the cities and out in country places. “Compel them to come in.” We are half asleep.

24LtMs, Lt 182, 1909, par. 15

And here we are, away down in 1909. We see and sense the developments that have taken place and the necessity of urgency now in bearing the last message of warning to a guilty world. We read the New Testament history and the words of Christ in the parable of the “Great Supper.” [Luke 14:16.] The outdoor preaching and the preaching in tents in camp-meetings means more in 1910 than in 1842 and ’43 and ’44. Will we consider these things? I have been over the ground and had the experience since I was fifteen years old. I have been instructed line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, but these littles meant to me, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” [Isaiah 30:21.] Let nothing cause you to deviate. Follow the instruction given, and impart the light as you receive it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 11b, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 11b, 1894, par. 17

“A certain man,” said Christ, “made a great supper, and bade many; and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So the servant came, and shewed the Lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry, said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto his servant, Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” [Luke 14:16-23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 149, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 149, 1898, par. 1

“Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and showed his Lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry, said to his servant, God out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” [Luke 14:16-23.]

13LtMs, Ms 149, 1898, par. 2

The invitation to the supper was given, and for their refusal to come the guests were excluded from the feast. “I say unto you,” He said, “That none of these men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” [Verse 24.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

MR No. 1180—Put Away Differences; Love One Another; Proclaim the Truth

15MR 307.3

[Luke 14:16-24, quoted.] When the message of God is brought to them, many will thus excuse themselves. But the work must be pressed wherever there is an opening. Men and money are needed to carry it forward. Still there is opportunity for us to share the Saviour’s self-denial and sacrifice for the salvation of souls.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 132, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 132, 1901, par. 4

It is not the men who are apparently the most eloquent, it is not the young men who do not reveal the sanctification of the truth, who are the most efficacious in sowing the seed and gathering the harvest. The Lord has placed you in New York as His workman to give the message to the people, saying, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

16LtMs, Lt 132, 1901, par. 5

“A certain man made a great supper, and bade many; and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” [Verses 16-24.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

Love of the Things That Are in the World

19MR 245.4

Christ has given a parable [see Luke 14:16-24] in regard to the manner in which men and women receive the gospel invitation. “A certain man.” He said, “made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse.

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

MR No. 150—A Visit to Tasmania

2MR 260.1

Sabbath forenoon I spoke in Hobart, five miles from the home of Brother Lacey. The Lord gave me a message for the people. My text was Luke 14:16-24. The word seemed to make a deep impression upon minds and there is, we know, a work to be done in human hearts and a reformation to take place in human characters that will give this people a close connection with God....

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Put Away Differences; Love One Another; Proclaim the Truth

[Luke 14:16-24, quoted.]

The Bible Echo

October 28, 1895

BEcho October 28, 1895, par. 1

“Then said He unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many; and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” Luke 14:16-24.

From the Heart

The Great Supper, April 1

FH 103.1

A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, “Come, for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:16, 17. (Read Luke 14:16-24.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 77, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 77, 1893, par. 51

“Then the Master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” [Luke 14:16-24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 54, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 54, 1895, par. 5

Sabbath forenoon I spoke in Hobart, five miles from the home of Brother Lacey. The Lord gave me a message for the people. My text was Luke 14:16-24. The Word seemed to make a deep impression upon minds and there is, we know, a work to be done in human hearts and a reformation to take place in human characters that will give this people a close connection with God. Brother Foster has his place with his old employer in Hobart, but he is wandering in the mazes of darkness and unbelief. I am so sorry, for he might be a great blessing to the church. I do not think his wife stands with him fully and I do not think she knows just where she does stand. It is difficult to ascertain her true position.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 9, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 9, 1898, par. 40

When the invitation is given, Come for all things are now ready, will you say, “I cannot come to the gospel feast. I cannot heed your invitation. My neighbors will think me foolish, and will ridicule; and I cannot bear ridicule. I must not displease my neighbors. I must attend to my farm. I must work on the Sabbath. I must hire men to work for me on the Sabbath. If I keep the commandments of God, I cannot be in harmony with my neighbors.” When the gospel invitation is thus slighted—an invitation purchased at the cost of the life of the Son of God—Jesus says, Those who have despised My offer shall not taste of My supper. [Luke 14:16-24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 96, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 96, 1898, par. 11

“Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto his servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” [Luke 14:16-24.]

13LtMs, Lt 96, 1898, par. 14

“If any man come to me,” Christ said, “and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” [Verse 26.] These words mean that every action, every principle of disobedience, every violation of God’s holy law, is to be hated. Every influence of word, or action, that is in opposition to the laws of the kingdom of righteousness if it is in father, in mother, in sisters, in brethren, or in our own minds and hearts, is to be despised. The invitation is given, the gospel feast is prepared, and all are invited to come.

13LtMs, Lt 96, 1898, par. 15

The excuses made by father, mother, brethren, or friends for their disobedience to God’s requirements are not to draw any from entire willing, glad obedience. Everything savoring of excuse is to be turned from with decision. Everything that would lead us to seek our own personal advantage is to be repudiated, and hated as a temptation of Satan. Said Christ, “Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me,” practicing the self-denial of which I have given an example in My life, “cannot be my disciple.” [Verse 27.]

13LtMs, Lt 96, 1898, par. 16

Christ then presented before His hearers the parable of the building of the tower. “Which of you,” He said, “intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another King, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand. Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an embassage, and desireth conditions of peace.” [Verses 28-32.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Chapter 2—The Commission

8T 16.1

Not with tame, lifeless utterance is the message to be given, but with clear, decided, stirring utterances. Hundreds are waiting for the warning to escape for their lives. The world needs to see in Christians an evidence of the power of Christianity. Not merely in a few places, but throughout the world, messengers of mercy are needed. From every country is heard the cry: “Come over, ...and help us.” Rich and poor, high and low, are calling for light. Men and women are hungering for the truth as it is in Jesus. When they hear the gospel preached with power from on high, they will know that the banquet is spread for them, and they will respond to the call: “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17.

The Review and Herald

January 20, 1903

RH January 20, 1903, Art. A, par. 6

God’s servants are to make use of every resource for enlarging his kingdom. The apostle Paul declares that it is “good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth,” that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” 1 Timothy 2:3, 4, 1. And James says, “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20. Every believer is pledged to unite with his brethren in giving the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17. Each is to encourage the others in doing whole-hearted work. Earnest invitations will be given by a living church. Thirsty souls will be led to the water of life.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Promised Power

3TT 207.2

Not with tame, lifeless utterance is the message to be given, but with clear, decided, stirring utterances. Hundreds are waiting for the warning to escape for their lives. The world needs to see in Christians an evidence of the power of Christianity. Not merely in a few places, but throughout the world, messengers of mercy are needed. From every country is heard the cry: “Come over, ... and help us.” Rich and poor, high and low, are calling for light. Men and women are hungering for the truth as it is in Jesus. When they hear the gospel preached with power from on high, they will know that the banquet is spread for them, and they will respond to the call: “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

A Personal Appeal

1TT 254.1

I beg of you, my brother, to search your heart diligently and inquire: “What road am I traveling, and where will it end?” You have reason to rejoice that your life has not been cut off while you have no certain hope of eternal life. God forbid that you should longer neglect this work, and so perish in your sins. Do not flatter your soul with false hopes. You see no way to get hold again but one so humble that you cannot consent to accept it. Christ presents to you, even to you, my erring brother, a message of mercy: “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17. God is ready to accept you and to pardon all your transgressions, if you will but come. Though you have been a prodigal, and have separated from God and stayed away from Him so long, He will meet you even now. Yes; the Majesty of heaven invites you to come to Him, that you may have life. Christ is ready to cleanse you from sin when you lay hold upon Him. What profit have you found in serving sin? what profit in serving the flesh and the devil? Is it not poor wages you receive? Oh! turn ye, turn ye; for why will ye die?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 7, 1869

2LtMs, Lt 7, 1869, par. 4

Here is a momentous subject. The marriage feast has been prepared. The word of gracious invitation has gone forth, “Come for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 15, 1887

5LtMs, Lt 15, 1887, par. 6

Sound the note of warning, “Come; for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] In the time in which we are living, skepticism, infidelity, speculation, and Phariseeism abound to divert the mind from the vital questions at issue. False reports, false representations of character, calumny, and every species of reproach will be originated by the great deceiver to throw discredit upon the Word of God and those who advocate it. But what voice shall say, Quit the field; it costs too much in time, and calls for too great an outlay of means, and is a hard and unprofitable field? Oh, never let this voice call you away from the work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 67, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 67, 1893, par. 4

The Lord Jesus who gave His life for the world, that not one need perish, will acknowledge and give sufficiency to those who will assume the burdens and work in His name. He weighs every difficulty, and will help in every emergency. Our faith may be tested and tried, but help will come. The work must not stand still in these countries but must advance. The true light shineth into all hearts directly from God. The Spirit operates divinely upon all. Many may resist and refuse to become sons and daughters of God, but the invitation must go to them all the same for a witness that God has extended to them the gracious invitation, “Come for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 66, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 66, 1894, par. 4

I feel deeply for the students of the school. My heart is drawn out for the youth. I see so large a work which they can do if they consecrate their life to Jesus. The Lord will give the youth power of influence as they lift their voice in the invitation, “Come, for all things are ready.” [Luke 14:17.] Every evil practice must be hated and overcome. Christ is to be formed within, the hope of glory. Then He will shine forth in the character.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 105, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 26

If we looked at our lives and our influence in the light of the word of God, we should realize more deeply its solemnity. We should consider the fact there are many with whom we are brought into contact who gather the only knowledge they have of God and Christ from our words and actions. Then what a positive necessity there is that our thoughts and words should be right in every respect, lest we fail to represent Christ and manifest his truth. The question is, is the heart right? Through faith and prayer, we may know that our hearts are one with the heart of Christ, and that God loves us as he loves his Son. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us, and because he kept his Father’s commandments, his abiding place was in the Father’s love. He says of his followers, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” [John 20:21.] “Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth god for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden underfoot of men.” [Matthew 5:13.] How can any remain in darkness who possess a Bible and searches the Scriptures, desiring to understand the conditions upon which eternal life is founded. But if we care not to hear the voice of God, if we are like those who were invited to the supper and begin to make excuses, and one go to his farm and another to his merchandise we shall not be benefitted by the heavenly invitation to “Come to my supper; for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 64a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 64a, 1895, par. 5

God has let men feel the power of truth, but they are not all doing their appointed work in seeking to save that which was lost. Everyone is to have the armor on, prepared to win others to obedience of the law of God. I see so much given to those who already have. These wonderful meetings for those who wish to get more strength are depriving the world of the very work that should be done. Our ministers should now be working for the saving of the lost. The weeks spent in gatherings to fit men for work might better, far better, be spent in going to the highways and the hedges with the proclamation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 47, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 47, 1895, par. 90

The heavenly intelligences are waiting for human agents with whom they can cooperate as missionaries in the dark parts of the earth. God is waiting for men to engage in home missionary work in our large cities, and men and women are retained in Battle Creek when they should be distributed in the cities and towns along the highways and hedges. They should be calling and bidding men to come to the marriage supper, “for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] There will be missionaries who will do good work in the Master’s vineyard who do not go to Battle Creek.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 45, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 45, 1895, par. 17

If families would locate in the dark places of the earth, places where the people are enshrouded in spiritual gloom, and let the light of Christ’s life shine through them, a great work might be accomplished. Let them begin their work in a quiet, unobtrusive way, not drawing on the funds of the conference until the interest becomes so extensive that they cannot manage it without ministerial help. Christ’s manner of working is the best in all cases. He sent out His disciples two and two, with a definite message. His instructions to them was, “As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [Matthew 10:7.] Our message is no less definite, we may declare just as positively that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We should extend the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready” to every nation, tongue, and people. [Luke 14:17.] The message declaring that the Lord of glory is soon coming in the clouds of heaven is to go “to every creature.” [Mark 16:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 87, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 87, 1895, par. 13

You cannot afford to lose your soul, and if you trust in Jesus you will not. Come to Jesus every day just as you are, and in meekness and lowliness of heart abide in Christ from the strife of tongues. Persevere in your wrestlings until with joyous heart you learn that there is a God in Israel. With hearts all subdued and broken, give the invitation to all, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] With longing desire, with loving entreaty, even as a father yearns toward his children, so give the invitation to lost souls.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 94, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 94, 1895, par. 4

You have every reason for praising God for His lovingkindness and tender mercy. His all-atoning blood is available to all your children. If you do not overtax your physical powers, you can in the name of Jesus do much precious work. Your children now appreciate only in a partial manner the blessing God has given them in such a mother. Schooled in the furnace of affliction, she has found Jesus to be her only true foundation. All else she has found unworthy to depend or build upon; for all else was as sliding sand. “To you therefore which believe He is precious.” [1 Peter 2:7.] Should the mother be removed from her children, it would be a loss which never could be repaid. I entreat the children to carefully and tenderly guard their mother, and save her from every physical taxation. Your mother will not save herself, or heap benefits upon herself. You children must try to preserve that life, that influence, which will do God service. Let no unhappy divisions occur; for these divisions become a corroding sorrow to your mother. She grieves when all her children are not walking in the truth, united in the faith. There is no benefit to be reaped in keeping up controversy. Walk in love as dear children. The spirit of God is striving with the children, inviting them to Christ, saying, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] Will you not obey?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 72, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 72, 1895, par. 2

The possession of the Word is a personal privilege granted to all. The invitation is sent forth, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] Here is a personal invitation to all to come to the gospel feast. This invitation creates a personal responsibility. The feast is the Word of the living God inviting a personal faith. Neither human birth nor to be descendants of Abraham—or members of any church—will save any soul. There must be a visible connection with God. That faith which works by love to the Lord Jesus Christ that reveals our true preference, our firm reliance, our entire willing obedience and consecration, secures for us a complete identification with Christ, incurring feelings, desires, and interests, that bind up our life with Christ Jesus. We become one with Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 135, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 135, 1897, par. 10

If Brother Philip Wessels had taken up the work appointed him by God, he would now have been engaged in seeking to bring light and truth to thousands that are in darkness. A great work might have been done in South Africa, by all that have received the truth there, if they had divested themselves of their accusing spirit. If they had believed the words, “All ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8], if they had realized that with God there is no caste, but that in His sight every soul is precious, God would have worked through them. But there is constant danger of losing the simplicity of the work, and of trying to forward it on lines which the Lord cannot approve. If those whom the Lord has appointed to do His work do not feel the necessity of manifesting Christlike humility at every step, God will entrust His work to other agencies. If these respond to the light, they will take the place of those who refused to go out into the highways and the hedges with the invitation, “Come for all things are now ready. The gospel feast is prepared; come to the royal feast.” [See Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 12, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 12, 1897, par. 21

Let all bear in mind that the Lord will not accept half-hearted service. Those who love to do the will of God can do perfect service. Let not the heart that hears the gracious invitation of mercy, “Come, for all things are now ready” [Luke 14:17], still feel to question as to the outcome of the matter, saying, How much shall I have to yield up. You have no arguments on this point. If we follow on to know the Lord, willingly, gladly, we shall know “that his going forth is prepared as the morning.” [Hosea 6:3.] If we have decided to obey Christ, we shall respond to His call, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” [Matthew 16:24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 168, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 168, 1897, par. 7

The gospel in both Old and New Testaments has been most earnestly and interestingly presented. The gospel feast is spread and the invitation is given to all to sit at the supper so abundantly supplied for all who will come. No one can be made to eat and feast on spiritual food, and no one will become an all-round Christian without himself being a grateful partaker of the gospel feast. All who fully yield obedience to the call, “Come; for all things are now ready” (Luke 14:17), are highly privileged with precious opportunities for spiritual development and training.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

An Ever-Widening Work

7T 14.3

God’s servants are to make use of every resource for enlarging His kingdom. The apostle Paul declares that it is “good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth,” that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” 1 Timothy 2:3, 4, 1. And James says: “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20. Every believer is pledged to unite with his brethren in giving the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17. Each is to encourage the others in doing wholehearted work. Earnest invitations will be given by a living church. Thirsty souls will be led to the water of life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 96, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 96, 1897, par. 9

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” [Matthew 5:8.] How would they see God in the way that Enoch saw Him? They had the privilege of walking and talking with God. By faith Enoch lived in the presence of God three hundred years. By faith he saw the faith of Jesus. He was taken into special favor with Him. The priests and rulers needed just such an experience as Enoch had. They needed a continual sense of the presence of God. O what riches of grace the Lord longed to bestow upon the favored people of God. It is represented in the call to the supper prepared for them, “Come for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 147, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 147, 1897, par. 37

Suffering, want, despondency, misery, unbelief, the ministers of God will meet every day. Their work is not a work of self-pleasing or self-indulgence. Many, many souls are unsaved. Fasten yourselves by faith to the Lord Jesus, and tell sinners that the Saviour is calling for them. Entreat them to tarry not, for He is calling, “Come; for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] These are days of peril for souls. Be instant in season and out of season. Be always ready, saying, Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth. What precious blessings the Lord longs to give to the self-denying, self-sacrificing worker! God would have His servants at their post of duty, their loins girt about with truth. Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and hope to the end, watching, waiting, praying, and working.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 6, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 6, 1897, par. 8

What an account thousands will have to answer for in their selfish living to please themselves! Their lives ought to be a living sacrifice to God. Those who have received so much labor were not glorifying God; they had a work to do in giving the invitation to the gospel feast, “Come; for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 25, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 25, 1897, par. 1

The Lord has aggressive work to be done. To every human being He has committed [his] work, and He would have His servants stand at their post of duty. But many are unwilling to do anything for the Master that will incur self-denial and self-sacrifice. They will hover over the ninety and nine who are safely sheltered from danger, but refuse to go out into the highways and hedges with the gospel message, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] There must be an awakening amongst the people of God. The entire church is to be tested. There will be those who go out into the highways and hedges who will labor with patient earnestness, simplicity, and zeal united with earnest effort to restore health to the body. On the part of such there will be most decided efforts made to awaken to life the souls that are dead in trespasses and sins.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 110, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 110, 1898, par. 12

The work is a wide, broad work, and God is displeased that those who, professing to have a knowledge of the truth, expect constant labor of the ministers in order to hold them up. They should catch the zeal of Christ and themselves work for the poor outcasts. As stewards of the grace of God, every church member should feel an individual responsibility to have life and root in himself. God does not want His people to hang their weight upon the ministers. He would have them feel the burden of souls, and go out into the highways and hedges with the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] The Lord expects every believer to take hold of the work, to be self-denying as was the Master, to engage soul, body, and spirit in the work of saving souls.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 198, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 198, 1898, par. 4

Arriving at their destination Jesus made as if He would pass along, but they invited Him to abide with them, and He went in with them. Would it not be well for us to give the heavenly Messenger that same invitation? Shall we not desire Him to “abide with us”? [Verse 29.] Jesus is passing by today. He is nigh at hand. When we invite Him to remain with us, He in turn bids us to the Gospel feast. O let us heed the call, “Come for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 55a, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 55a, 1898, par. 5

The medical missionary work is to the work of the church as the right arm to the body. The third angel’s message goes forth proclaiming the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The medical missionary work is the gospel in practice. All the lines of work are to be harmoniously blended in giving the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 52, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 52, 1898, par. 2

I am fully in harmony with the medical missionary work, but that mission must, to a large extent, make its own way, and be self-supporting. And it will be thus if it is conducted properly. Your bakery in Melbourne also, if managed properly, should bring in that which will carry it forward, until our financial outlook is a more favorable one. All that has to do with the medical missionary work is to be carried forward with the gospel message. God’s people are to go into the highways and the byways with the gospel invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] We must keep in mind that this great enterprise is to be as the Lord has represented it—as the arm is to the body; it is not to be treated as the whole body.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 43a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 43a, 1898, par. 18

The Lord’s call to His supper is, “Come; for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] Speak to those that are ready to perish. Those in high social positions are worthy of far more being done for them than has been done. Let God’s ministers feel the burden of this work. Let their wives take up this work, and in Christian humility, dignified by Christ’s grace, present the truth as it is in Jesus. Let them be prepared to attend mother’s meetings, or other meetings in which they can speak words for the Master. But enter into no opposition, create no controversy.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 5—After the Camp Meeting

6T 72.1

By camp meetings held in the cities thousands will be called out to hear the invitation to the feast: “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17. After arousing the interest of the people, we should not cut these meetings short, pulling down all the tents and giving the impression that the meeting is over. Just at the time when hundreds have become interested, the greatest good may be accomplished by faithful and earnest work. Therefore the meetings should be so managed that the public interest may be maintained.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 55, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 55, 1898, par. 4

The standard is to be uplifted, and the atonement of Christ presented as the grand, central truth. The medical missionary work is to the cause of God as the right arm of the body. The third angel’s message goes forth, proclaiming the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Medical missionary work is the gospel in practice. All lines of the work are to be blended in a complete whole in giving the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 184, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 184, 1898, par. 51

You all want your hearts alive to the great and important message, “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17. One soul who refuses the invitation will be guilty, through his talent of influence, of keeping away many souls. Keeping away from Jesus is refusing the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready.” Take your family with you, take your relatives with you; draw with Christ. Refuse, and your spiritual necessities are not met. Nothing will meet your necessities but to eat of the Bread of Life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 44, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 44, 1899, par. 12

It is yours to refuse or accept the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] You may accept the truth or you may place yourself in a position where the truth cannot reach you. The Lord calls upon you to vindicate his law, not only by precept, but by example. Give your heart to God as a New Year’s gift. Make no halfway surrender. Decide now and forever that you can no longer serve God and mammon. Take the Word of God as it reads, and say, This shall be my Counsellor.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 28, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 28, 1899, par. 15

How then can a response be made when the invitation is heard, “Come; for all things are now ready”? [Luke 14:17.] How is it possible for a man to receive the commendation, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” [Matthew 25:21], when he has been disobedient, unthankful, unholy? He has trained the mind to disregard God’s plainest requirements, to dislike religious things. He loves the things of earth more than the things of heaven.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 72, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 72, 1899, par. 3

I believe the Lord will give more souls as sheaves in the very field where you are now laboring. Christ is your Helper and your God. Take firm hold of His strength, and you will see the salvation of God. We must reach the people just where they are. One phase of our work is to give the compelling message, for there are those who need your urgency to make them decide to obey the Word. “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] I am so glad that so many have taken hold of the truth. This is as it should be. Everything should be done that can be done to win souls to Christ. Then everything possible should be done to draw them to Him. The work is to be done that is represented by Jude as “pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” [Jude 23.] God will work to co-operate with His chosen workers. We are never alone. One can chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 10, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 10, 1899, par. 32

The Holy Spirit, attending the worker together with God, enables him to gather in the sheaves. It is not learned men, not eloquent men, who are to be depended upon to do the work now needed, but humble men, who are learned in the school of Christ, who are meek and lowly in heart, who will give the invitation to the supper, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] Those who beg at midnight for loaves to feed the hungry souls, will be successful. The law of God is that as we receive we are to impart. All the churches in our land need the self-denying, self-sacrificing spirit of Christ. God’s people are no longer to continue in sin, they are to lay hold of the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. If human hands have never been laid upon them in ordination, there is One who will give fitness for the work if they ask for it in faith. In the name of the Lord I entreat you, Ask and receive the Holy Spirit. But this Spirit can only be received by those who are consecrated, who will deny self, lifting the cross and following the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 76, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 76, 1900, par. 3

The Lord has made it the duty of His people to follow the example of Christ in presenting the truth. The kingdom of heaven is at hand and all must repent and seek the Lord. A large number are doing nothing, except selfishly, to look out for their own advantage. The call has been made, the invitation to the great supper has been given, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] We see how this call is ignored. We see men’s excuses for not accepting the invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Then comes the fearful announcement, They have been invited and have refused; they shall not taste of My supper.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 52, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 52, 1900, par. 36

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

This Day With God

God Will Work With You, January 31

TDG 39.5

You have every reason for praising God for His loving kindness and tender mercy. His all-atoning blood is available to all your children. If you do not overtax your physical powers, you can in the name of Jesus do much precious work.... To you therefore which believe, He is precious.... Walk in love as dear children. The Spirit of God is striving with the children, inviting them to Christ, saying, “Come; for all things are now ready” (Luke 14:17). Will you not obey?—Letter 94, January 31, 1895, to the widowed mother of a large family of adult children.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 12, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 12, 1900, par. 28

Again, I ask my brethren in Australia and wherever this appeal may go, Will you help us with your gifts in our emergency? Will you help in erecting a memorial for the Lord in Sydney? Such an institution will give character to our work. It will bring the truth before many persons of the higher classes, who might never see the light of truth but for the Lord’s agencies in medical missionary lines. Through this instrumentality Jesus, the Prince of life, will be uplifted before those who are suffering and are subdued by affliction. As their hearts are softened by the grace of God, some will listen to the gospel and will see its claims upon them. They will give ear to the last message of mercy to the world, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 12a, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 12a, 1900, par. 22

Again, I ask my brethren in Australia and wherever this appeal may go, Will you help us with your gifts in our emergency? Will you help in erecting a memorial for the Lord in Sydney? Such an institution will give character to our work. It will bring the truth before many persons of the higher classes, who might never see the light of truth but for the Lord’s agencies in medical missionary lines. Through this instrumentality Jesus, the Prince of life, will be uplifted before those who are suffering and are subdued by affliction. As their hearts are softened by the grace of God, some will listen to the gospel and will see its claims upon them. They will give ear to the last message of mercy to the world, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 127, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 127, 1901, par. 50

God’s servants are to make use of every resource for enlarging His kingdom. The apostle Paul, a faithful steward of the grace of God, declares that it is “good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth,” that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” [1 Timothy 2:3, 4, 1.] And James says, “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” [James 5:20.] Every member of the church is pledged to unite with his brethren in giving the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] Each is to encourage the other in doing whole-souled work. Earnest invitations will come from a living church. Thirsty souls will be led to the water of life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 186, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 186, 1901, par. 4

Angels are constantly giving the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready” [Luke 14:17]; but they are not commissioned to force men to accept it. God earnestly desires all to accept this invitation. But he uses no force. He leaves man to choose for himself. Compassion and pardon await the repentant sinner. God stands ready to forgive when the heart is opened to the divine influence of his grace; but this grace is not and cannot be a substitute for repentance and confession. Grace and light can never convert the soul unless the human agent places his will on the right of right.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 43, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 43, 1902, par. 19

Do not evade the cross of self-denial and self-sacrifice. Strive to realize the need of unquestioning obedience to the highest authority, the need of glorifying God in spirit, in word, in action. You must consecrate yourself to God. You must bear the fruit of the Spirit. In order to express the love of God, you must cherish earnest, whole-souled religion. Henceforward, you must work on a higher plane of action. Use your talent of speech to speak words that will comfort and bless and edify. Even if you are not working in the Conference, you can do genuine, earnest work for the Master. To scores and even hundreds you may say, “Come; for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 99, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 99, 1902, par. 15

It is not learned men, not eloquent men, who are needed now, but humble men, who in the school of Christ have learned to be meek and lowly, who will go forth into the highways and hedges to give the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] Those who beg at midnight for loaves for hungry souls will be successful. It is a law of heaven that as we receive we are to impart.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 18, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 18, 1903, par. 8

Keep in view the nobler world by revealing the self-denial and self-sacrifice of Him who gave His life that He might take away the sin of the world. Oh, in a work of self-denial and self-sacrifice, men and women can stand, as if within the open portals of the city of God, surveying the glory within, and saying, “Come; for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

This Day With God

Take Time to Be Holy, February 17

TDG 56.3

The work going on in the world means much to us all. It is now as it was when the message was given in Noah’s day, and the invitation went forth for all who would to enter the ark. We know not how soon the last message of warning may be given, and our cases fixed for eternity. But the Lord is gracious, and He presents the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready” (Luke 14:17).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 251, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 13

In this time, the last days of this earth’s history, the people of God are to be invested with all power. Angels as well as men are to take part in the great closing work. All heaven is interested. God and Christ and the angels have united with human instrumentalities in proclaiming the truth for this time. And every one who comes to the water of life is laid under contribution by God to give the invitation to others. Every church, every institution, every church member is to give the invitation, “Come to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” [See Revelation 19:9.] The angels have received command to unite with human beings in giving the message, “Come; for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 185, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 185, 1903, par. 22

Now we are to be laborers together with God. We are not to spend time in preaching discourses to those who know the truth, but we are to become so spiritual, through sanctification of the truth, that the presentations will be made in a marked manner, the direct opposite of the influence of the pride-bound churches, and entirely different from the genius of the world. Thousands are thirsting for the truth as it is in Jesus, but they do not know what makes them so spiritually sickly and dwarfed. They want the Bread of Life from heaven, which is Christ. And when they hear the gospel preached in the power of the Holy Spirit, their longing souls will know that the banquet is spread for them; and [the] call is given to them, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 203, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 203, 1903, par. 1

I cannot sleep this morning after three o’clock. I take my pen and write things which have been pressing upon my mind. I was in a very large assembly and there were two parties—one was on the right hand, another on the left. Both seemed to be very anxious. [Then] One of authority came in. [The] guests were those who had been invited to the Marriage Supper. An invitation had been taken up by sent messengers, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] There was an examination of the guests [who had] come, but many who were bidden made various excuses to excuse their not accepting the invitation. Then said Christ to His servants, “The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.” [Matthew 22:8, 9.] So those servants went at once into the highway and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good, and the wedding was furnished with guests. Here is the order of working; every effort must be [made].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 84, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 84, 1906, par. 10

The work going on in the world means much to us all. It is now as it was when the message was given in Noah’s day, and the invitation went forth for all who would to enter the ark. We know not how soon the last message of warning may be given and our cases fixed for eternity. But the Lord is gracious, and He presents the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] There was hope for all the inhabitants of the Noachic world to enter the ark before the door was closed. After it was closed, those who entered were severely tried; for they were in the ark a full week before the rain came. O what fearful scoffing and mocking and defiance of God there was by those who had refused to enter! But after the week was ended, the rain began to fall gently. This was a new thing. The rain continued until every living thing was destroyed from the face of the earth. But one family—the family that entered the ark—was saved.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 284, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 284, 1907, par. 14

O that our people would realize that the end of all things is at hand. My work is to reach those who have never heard the truth with the message, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

The Three Angels’ Messages

Health institutions and medical workers

3AM 175.3

The standard is to be uplifted, and the atonement of Christ presented as the grand, central truth. The medical missionary work is to the cause of God as the right arm of the body. The third angel’s message goes forth, proclaiming the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Medical missionary work is the gospel in practice. All lines of the work are to be blended in a complete whole in giving the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]—Letter 55, 1898 (June 15)

This Day With God

Choosing and Doing, March 19

TDG 87.4

The ability to enjoy the riches of glory will be developed in proportion to the desire we have for these riches. How shall an appreciation of God and heavenly things be developed unless it is in this life? If the claims and cares of the world are allowed to engross all our time and attention, our spiritual powers weaken and die because they are not exercised. In a mind wholly given to earthly things, every inlet through which light from heaven may enter, is closed. God’s transforming grace cannot be felt on mind and character. The talents which should be used in active piety, are ignored and neglected. How then can a response be made when the invitation is heard, “Come; for all things are now ready” (Luke 14:17)? How is it possible for a man to receive the commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” when he has been disobedient, unthankful, unholy? He has trained the mind to disregard God’s plainest requirements, to dislike religious things. He loves the things of earth more than the things of heaven.

An Appeal for Self-supporting Laborers to Enter Unworked Fields

Encouraging One Another

PH005 6.2

God’s servants are to make use of every resource for enlarging His kingdom. The apostle Paul declares that it is “good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come into the knowledge of the truth,” that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” 1 Timothy 2:3, 4, 1. And James says, “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20. Every believer is pledged to unite with his brethren in giving the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17. Each is to encourage the others in doing whole-hearted work. Earnest invitations will be given by a living church. Thirsty souls will be led to the water of life. Testimonies for the Church 7:14, 15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 70, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 70, 1893, par. 19

My brother, you missed a rich blessing at the camp meeting because you had gods whom you serve before the Lord, and I am so afraid that you will have so few thoughts of Jesus, and so little of His spirit of self-denial, that you will not see Him and He is when you need Him most, and Jesus will be a stranger to you, whom you know but very little about. I was so sorry for you and brother Stevens; that you seemed to be of one mind, and of one spirit, and while your thoughts were full of some projects of your own, you closed the door effectually to the sweet bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness; and self-complacency, so long cherished, reigns supreme. Your hearts and your minds were elsewhere. You received no blessing because you each had your idols set up in your heart. Although at great expense the heavenly feast of God was spread before you, and Christ was saying, “Come unto me; come for all things are now ready” you both refused to come. [Luke 14:17, 18.] O, my heart was so pained, for I hoped these meetings would be appreciated by you both. But this could not be until your soul temple was cleansed from every idol.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 39, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 39, 1900, par. 1

I have been doing my best to sleep during the past night, but a burden was on my soul for the people of Maitland. I have been in prayer, putting up my supplications to God that at this time, when decisions are being made in Maitland, many souls who have had the call, “Come to the supper,” may not with one consent begin to make excuse and refuse the heavenly invitation. [See Luke 14:17, 18.] The gospel feast has been provided at great cost, and the Lord is represented as sending out His invitation to come to the feast.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 69a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 69a, 1896, par. 42

God has made known His will in regard to us through His Word. “As the Father hath sent Me into the world so have I sent you into the world to save the world, but if the salt has lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted?” [See John 20:21; Matthew 5:13.] With our Bible speaking to us individually, clear and distinct upon these subjects, how can any one of us who has the Bible in our possession remain in darkness if we read the Scriptures and search the Scriptures with the interest that we should have where eternal interests are involved? If we care not to hear the voice of God speaking to us out of His Word—if one goes to his farm, another to his merchandise, and says, I cannot comply with the heavenly invitation, “Come to My supper for all things are now ready”—if the invited souls begin, with one consent, to make their excuses, the Lord is dishonored, His invitation slighted. [Luke 14:17-19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 31, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 2

I should be glad if I did not have to write the words I must write this morning. I have a message from the Lord for you. You have married a wife; but I shall not find fault with you on this account, unless you make your marriage an excuse for not responding to the invitation to the supper of the Lamb. Christ has prepared the feast and has sent out His servants with the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] In the parable of the call to the supper, Christ says, “They all with one accord began to make excuse.” The first said unto him, “I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused.” And another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused.” And another said, “I have married a wife and therefore I cannot come.” [Verses 18-20.]

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

House-to-House Work

3TT 301.3

Two Bible workers were seated in a family. With the open Bible before them, they presented the Lord Jesus Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour. Earnest prayer was offered to God, and hearts were softened and subdued by the influence of the Spirit of God. Their prayers were uttered with freshness and power. As the word of God was explained, I saw that a soft, radiant light illumined the Scriptures, and I said, softly: “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that My house may be filled.” Luke 14:23.

3TT 302.3

Eternity alone will reveal how far-reaching such a line of labor can be. Other lines of usefulness will open before those who are willing to do the duty nearest them. It is not learned, eloquent speakers that are needed now, but humble, Christ-like men and women, who have learned from Jesus of Nazareth to be meek and lowly, and who, trusting in His strength, will go forth into the highways and hedges to give the invitation: “Come; for all things are now ready.” Verse 17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 11, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 11, 1894, par. 17

Christ sent out a message, “Come to My supper.” The preparation is made, come to My supper. But they would not hear it. What was the matter? What had they got to do? One said, “I have bought a piece of ground and cannot come,” and another said, “I have a yoke of oxen,” and another, “I have married a wife,” and Christ was angry, and He said, “Go out into the highways and compel them to come in.” [Luke 14:18-23.] How? Were they to take and shackle them? They were to let the bright rays of light shine right upon them in clear, steady lines that they should follow the words of Jesus. “And I, if I be lifted up ..., will draw all men unto me.” [John 12:32.] Do you draw them unto Him? That is the very work that is to be done. Let us draw.

9LtMs, Ms 11, 1894, par. 19

Hide not yourself from your own flesh. Go to work right where you are among any people [where] there is work to do. “Lift up your eyes,” says Christ, “and look.” [John 4:35.] Why? For the fields are ripe and ready for harvest. What is interposing? Men interpose themselves right between the people and Christ. They are working in the lines of the enemy instead of in the light and power of truth, and the God of Heaven must see in the human agent the power that says, “Come, for all things are ready.” [Luke 14:17.] That is what we want. We want to give the people food. They are hungry. We do not want the froth; we do not want the fables, but we want the Word of the infinite God.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

House-to-House Work

9T 35.3

Two Bible workers were seated in a family. With the open Bible before them, they presented the Lord Jesus Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour. Earnest prayer was offered to God, and hearts were softened and subdued by the influence of the Spirit of God. Their prayers were uttered with freshness and power. As the word of God was explained, I saw that a soft, radiant light illumined the Scriptures, and I said, softly: “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that My house may be filled.” Luke 14:23.

9T 36.3

Eternity alone will reveal how far-reaching such a line of labor can be. Other lines of usefulness will open before those who are willing to do the duty nearest them. It is not learned, eloquent speakers that are needed now, but humble, Christlike men and women, who have learned from Jesus of Nazareth to be meek and lowly, and who, trusting in His strength, will go forth into the highways and hedges to give the invitation: “Come; for all things are now ready.” Verse 17.

An Appeal for Self-supporting Laborers to Enter Unworked Fields

A Representation of What May Be Done

PH005 39.3

Two Bible workers were seated in a family. With the open Bible before them, they presented the Lord Jesus Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour. Earnest prayer was offered to God, and hearts were softened and subdued by the influence of the Spirit of God. Their prayers were uttered with freshness and power. As the word of God was explained, I saw that a soft, radiant light illumined the Scriptures, and I said, softly, “Go out into, the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that My house may be filled.” Luke 14:23.

PH005 40.2

Eternity alone will reveal how far-reaching such a line of labor can be. Other lines of usefulness will open before those who are willing to do the duty nearest them. It is not learned, eloquent speakers that are needed now, but humble, Christ-like men and women, who have learned from Jesus of Nazareth to be meek and lowly, and who, trusting in His strength, will go forth into the highways and hedges to give the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 89, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 89, 1898, par. 9

The men who are indifferent to the call, “Come, for all things are now ready,” fail to express a love for the fallen race. [Luke 14:17-20.] The love of Christ should constrain every messenger to see in the message they bear the purest, deepest, love of God. His gospel feast is represented in the parable of the great supper. Then let every worker clothe himself with the mind of Christ, and reveal Christ in the invitation, manifesting the love of God, deep, earnest, and unquenchable, in his life and character. It was a free gift, and as we consider it, well may the question come home to our souls, “How much owest thou unto my Lord?” [Luke 16:5.] Present this in all its fulness, and it will grow deeper and more grand.

13LtMs, Lt 89, 1898, par. 11

The feast now is spread. The last invitation to be given is to go forth to all nations to the end of the world. This is our work. The messengers are now in a more special sense to call, “Hearken diligently.” The message is to go forth from the lips of human intelligences. He who came to our world to proclaim the message was the Lord Himself. Then tell the people that Christ came in human form, that His humanity might touch humanity, and that His divinity might lay hold upon divinity. His servants are to be linked together. “Ye are laborers together with God,” He says, “ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] If His workers will be worked by the Holy Spirit, a great work can be done. “Compel them to come in,” are the words addressed to the messengers, “that my house may be filled.” [Luke 14:23.] The Lord means that we shall be in earnest. If we are wholly consecrated to God, the Holy Spirit will work with us.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 81, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 81, 1898, par. 33

God has given men their choice. The richest banquets of spiritual as well as temporal blessings are prepared for those who perfect a character after the divine similitude. The Lord sends His messengers with the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” But many refuse the invitation, presenting various excuses as the reason why they cannot come. Then the Lord says to His messengers, “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.” When they return, saying, “Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room,” he says, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” [Luke 14:17, 21-24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 90, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 90, 1903, par. 8

Many of those who for years have heard the call to the marriage supper will not heed the urgent invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] Of those to whom the call has been given, but who persistently refuse to heed the invitation, Christ says, “They shall not taste of My supper.” [Verse 24.] He calls upon His messengers now to go to those who have not heard the call. “Go out into the highways and hedges,” He says, “and compel them to come in, that My house may be filled.” [Verse 23.] They are to give to all classes the invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 16, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 23

When the invitation is given, “Come for all things are ready.” Come, for all things are ready. The invitation is given, but one says, “I have got a wife and cannot come.” And another says, “I have married a wife and therefore I cannot come.” And another said, “I have bought a yoke of oxen and therefore I cannot come.” These are the excuses that people make today. Now the Master says, “Not one of these shall taste of my supper.” [Luke 14:17-20, 24.] It was [said to] the Jewish nation, and not only they but every nation under heaven [when], after the light comes and the invitation is given, “Come for all things are ready.” All things are ready, but they begin with one voice to make excuses why they cannot come. That is the reason why they do not believe.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 12, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 12, 1895, par. 22

They can close their ears, and when the invitation, and the bid, comes, “Come for all things are now ready,” why, one begins to make excuse, and says, Why, my merchandise; I cannot come. And another says, I have bought some oxen, and I cannot come. Another, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. They bring in these trivial excuses. And Jesus says, Not one that was bidden and refused shall taste of my supper. Now, we want to be careful about refusing. We want to be careful to accept the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” And He says, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come, that my house may be filled. [Luke 14:17-24.] Compel them. Shall they compel the intellect? The compelling power is the Holy Spirit of God, working with the human agent.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 46, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 46, 1896, par. 2

In this parable the Lord illustrates the manner in which God deals with men in regard to the gospel invitation. He presents the parable of a certain king who made a marriage supper for his son, and sent out invitations to those who thought themselves worthy to be bidden. But when the final call was made, “Come: for all things are now ready,” they would not come. [Luke 14:17, 18.] The general invitation is refused; but in order that he may assure himself that his guests understand the invitation he sends forth his servants to invite them personally to the feast; but although they are assured that all things are now ready, “they all with one consent began to make excuse.” [Verse 18.]

11LtMs, Ms 46, 1896, par. 3

One said, “I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it. I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them. I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” [Verses 18-20.] The manner of excuses urged for refusing the invitation cover the whole ground of excuses presented to the Spirit of God for refusing the gospel invitation. Men declare that they cannot jeopardize their worldly business by giving attention to the demands of the gospel. They hold their worldly enterprises as supreme, and think they have no time to serve God.

11LtMs, Ms 46, 1896, par. 8

The third excuse that is offered is, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” [Luke 14:20.] Our Saviour would teach us that the dearest earthly relation should not in any case divert our affections from God. We belong to Christ both by creation and redemption, and we practice robbery when we refuse to give God our heart-service. We are not to allow any earthly tie to stand between us and the gracious invitation of mercy.

11LtMs, Ms 46, 1896, par. 13

In this parable Jesus plainly warned the Jews of the fate that awaited Jerusalem in rejecting the only means that God had provided to save them. The Romans were permitted to carry out their purpose and to destroy the fated city. Then said He to His servants, “The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all that they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.” [Matthew 22:8-10.] In Luke the Lord bids His servants to “go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in ... Bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. ... For I say unto you that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” [Luke 14:21, 23, 24.]

11LtMs, Ms 46, 1896, par. 14

The question is often asked, Why is it that there are not more great men, not more noted men, among the ranks of those who believe the truth? The parable answers this question. Christ has sent an invitation to the great men of the earth for whom He has paid the ransom of His own precious blood. They have heard the messenger say, “Come: for all things are now ready” [Verse 17], but they have also listened to the voice of the wily foe, and have adopted the varied excuses which he has framed for them in refusing the gracious call.

11LtMs, Ms 46, 1896, par. 17

“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” [Luke 14:25, 26.] This scripture is not to be taken to mean that we are to feel any enmity towards any of our relatives or friends, for this would not be in accordance with the commands of God, which enjoins upon us the duty of honoring father and mother, and of loving our neighbors as ourselves; but it means that no earthly relationship shall be regarded as an excuse for disobeying God. Husband and wife, parents and children, relatives and friends are to obey the requirement of God. We are His inheritance, His sons and daughters, both by creation and by the ransom that has been paid for our redemption.

11LtMs, Ms 46, 1896, par. 18

Our first duty is to God, and we are to obey Him, even if it is against the will of father or mother, relatives or friends, or against the rulers of our land. If our relatives are in opposition to the commandments of God, they are on the enemy’s side of the question, and to follow their example would be to show insult to the Spirit of God. Where Christ abides in the heart we shall feel our moral accountability, and will not live to please ourselves. We shall realize the force of what Christ says, “Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” [Verse 27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 197, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 197, 1898, par. 1

In the parable of the call to the speaker, the servants of the Lord of the feast are bidden to go forth and say to the invited guests, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] This represents the gospel invitation that is extended to all the world. The way has been opened so that all many come. To every one of us the blessed assurance is given, “yet there is room.” [Verse 22.] Those who accept the gospel invitation receive the grace of Christ by whose influence they exert a compelling power, constraining others to come in to the feast. They are endowed with earnestness of spirit, and even when repulsed and abused they are enabled to press the necessity of compliance with the terms of salvation upon those to whom the gospel invitation is sent. They will not be repulsed or cease their entreaties. They are endowed with the missionary spirit which is persevering and untiring.

13LtMs, Ms 197, 1898, par. 5

Self-importance made the Pharisees hardhearted, coarse, rough, and unimpressible. They were greatly offended because Christ in His parables spoke words which reproved their harsh spirit, and which offered hope to those whom they considered infidels and dogs. Christ met with the greatest success when teaching the needy and unfortunate, for they received the richest blessings of His grace and mercy. He did not tell the poor that they would be exalted and honored and made wealthy if they believed in Him. He showed the weakness of all humanity, but also pointed out the help that He could give to the needy and brokenhearted. He said to those who were attracted to Him, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me; so shall he be my disciple.” [Matthew 16:24.] He says again, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” [Luke 14:27.]

13LtMs, Ms 197, 1898, par. 10

“Which of you, intending to build an house sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he has sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” [Luke 14:28-30.] The Jewish nation had laid the foundation of their religious faith in the typical sacrifices that prefigured the Lamb of God. Their religious service was represented by commencing to build a tower, and their failure to advance was represented by a failure to finish that which they had begun. Their building was incomplete for Christ was the stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to them.

13LtMs, Ms 197, 1898, par. 12

Christ presented another illustration that pictures the condition of the soul who does not count the cost. He said, “What king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an embassage, and desireth conditions of peace.” [Verses 31, 32.] The only hope for the Jewish nation was to be found in accepting Christ, in forsaking their sins and becoming reconciled to God. Had they done this, He would have worked for them as He had worked for them in the past, and would have brought them to the heavenly Canaan even as He had planted them in their temple. They were left amid the nations who hated them, and yet they continued their course of pride, and in their religious bigotry ostentatiously boasted of their superiority, without thinking or caring what the result would be.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 29, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 29, 1898, par. 3

“And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” [Luke 14:18-20.]

13LtMs, Ms 29, 1898, par. 6

“So the servant came and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house, being angry, said unto his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the lame, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.” [Luke 14:21, 22.]

13LtMs, Ms 29, 1898, par. 7

Then the third call was made, in the highways and hedges—a compelling call to the marriage supper of the Lamb: “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you that none of those men that were bidden shall taste of my supper.” [Verses 23, 34.]

13LtMs, Ms 29, 1898, par. 8

Here we see the necessity of improving every opportunity to urge the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” [Verse 17.] With what joy Christ looks upon every man of high degree who accepts the invitation. He has a work for those to do who will co-operate with the heavenly intelligences to carry the message to others. Jesus also looks upon the poor, those in a lowly condition of life, and rejoices in every guest brought in.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 5, 1877

3LtMs, Lt 5, 1877, par. 10

A man of very small talent becomes a leading mind as soon as his heart is fully consecrated to God. He is so hearty and so earnest in the cause of God, he follows Jesus so thoroughly, that he carries others along with him by sheer momentum. Godliness and heart power will have a telling influence upon the cause of God. Individual effort of working members of the church who will never plead, “I pray thee, have me excused” [Luke 14:18, 19], but will with earnest endeavor seek to build up the church, will accomplish more than pulpit effort without this necessary labor.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 34, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 34, 1892, par. 15

But where are the missionaries? Has not the truth for this time power to stir the souls of those who claim to believe it? When there is a call to labor, why should there be so many voices to say, “I pray thee, have me excused”? [Luke 14:18, 19.] In this country the standard of truth is to be established and exalted. There is great need of workers, and there are many ways in which they can labor. There is work for those in the higher as well as in the more humble positions. But we want none to come out to this field who have not a high sense of what it means to be a missionary. Individually all need a heart work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 70, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 70, 1896, par. 39

All are to stand as minutemen, ready to file into service at a moment’s warning, losing no opportunity that offers itself to hold forth the Word of life, to make known to others the unsearchable riches of Christ, for that opportunity neglected is forever beyond recall. Be ever ready to make the most of every presented opportunity for exercising your influence for the Master. From hour to hour in your varied life, these opportunities will open before you. They will be constantly coming and going. That opportunity of speaking in the hearing of some soul the Word of life may never offer itself again. Therefore let no one venture to say, “I pray thee have me excused.” [Luke 14:18, 19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 18, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 18, 1899, par. 2

The king sent his messengers first to the higher classes, those who were called his chosen people. But these, wholly intent on securing worldly gain, sent in their refusal, saying, “I pray thee, have me excused.” [Luke 14:18, 19.] They did not feel sufficient respect for the master of the feast to respond to his invitation. They are represented by the words. “Them that are turned back from the Lord; and those that have not sought the Lord, nor inquired for him.” Thinking their own wisdom sufficient, they have much to say, as though they were oracles of wisdom. The Lord declares, “Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord God; for the day of the Lord is at hand; for the Lord hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. And it shall come to pass, in the day of the Lord’s sacrifice, that I will punish the prince, and the king’s children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel. In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their master’s houses with violence and deceit.” [Zephaniah 1:6-9.]