EGW WritingsMatthew 13

Christ’s Object Lessons

The Soil—by the Wayside

COL 44.2

The seed sown by the wayside represents the word of God as it falls upon the heart of an inattentive hearer. Like the hard-beaten path, trodden down by the feet of men and beasts, is the heart that becomes a highway for the world’s traffic, its pleasures and sins. Absorbed in selfish aims and sinful indulgences, the soul is “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13. The spiritual faculties are paralyzed. Men hear the word, but understand it not. They do not discern that it applies to themselves. They do not realize their need or their danger. They do not perceive the love of Christ, and they pass by the message of His grace as something that does not concern them.

Christ’s Object Lessons

In Stony Places

COL 46.4

It is not because men receive the word immediately, nor because they rejoice in it, that they fall away. As soon as Matthew heard the Saviour’s call, immediately he rose up, left all, and followed Him. As soon as the divine word comes to our hearts, God desires us to receive it; and it is right to accept it with joy. “Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:7. And there is joy in the soul that believes on Christ. But those who in the parable are said to receive the word immediately, do not count the cost. They do not consider what the word of God requires of them. They do not bring it face to face with all their habits of life, and yield themselves fully to its control.

COL 47.2

The hot summer sun, that strengthens and ripens the hardy grain, destroys that which has no depth of root. So he who “hath not root in himself,” “dureth for a while”; but “when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” Many receive the gospel as a way of escape from suffering, rather than as a deliverance from sin. They rejoice for a season, for they think that religion will free them from difficulty and trial. While life moves smoothly with them, they may appear to be consistent Christians. But they faint beneath the fiery test of temptation. They cannot bear reproach for Christ’s sake. When the word of God points out some cherished sin, or requires self-denial or sacrifice, they are offended. It would cost them too much effort to make a radical change in their life. They look at the present inconvenience and trial, and forget the eternal realities. Like the disciples who left Jesus, they are ready to say, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” John 6:60.

COL 48.3

The only hope for these souls is to realize in themselves the truth of Christ’s words to Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.” “Except a man be born from above, he can not see the kingdom of God.” John 3:7, 3, margin.

A Call To Stand Apart

Chapter 6—The Answer Lies in the Soil

CSA 18.3

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and hebecometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.

CSA 19.6

“He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man.” Matthew 13:37. Christ had come, not as a king, but as a sower; not for the overthrow of kingdoms, but for the scattering of seed; not to point His followers to earthly triumphs and national greatness, but to a harvest to be gathered after patient toil and through losses and disappointments.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 2—“The Sower Went Forth to Sow”

COL 33.1

By the parable of the sower, Christ illustrates the things of the kingdom of heaven, and the work of the great Husbandman for His people. Like a sower in the field, He came to scatter the heavenly grain of truth. And His parable teaching itself was the seed with which the most precious truths of His grace were sown. Because of its simplicity the parable of the sower has not been valued as it should be. From the natural seed cast into the soil, Christ desires to lead our minds to the gospel seed, the sowing of which results in bringing man back to his loyalty to God. He who gave the parable of the tiny seed is the Sovereign of heaven, and the same laws that govern earthly seed sowing govern the sowing of the seeds of truth.

COL 33.2

By the Sea of Galilee a company had gathered to see and hear Jesus—an eager, expectant throng. The sick were there, lying on their mats, waiting to present their cases before Him. It was Christ’s God-given right to heal the woes of a sinful race, and He now rebuked disease, and diffused around Him life and health and peace.

COL 34.1

As the crowd continued to increase, the people pressed close about Christ until there was no room to receive them. Then, speaking a word to the men in their fishing boats, He stepped into the boat that was waiting to take Him across the lake, and bidding His disciples push off a little from the land, He spoke to the multitude upon the shore.

COL 34.2

Beside the sea lay the beautiful plain of Gennesaret, beyond rose the hills, and upon hillside and plain both sowers and reapers were busy, the one casting seed and the other harvesting the early grain. Looking upon the scene, Christ said—

COL 34.3

“Behold, the sower went forth to sow; and as he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured them” (R.V.); “some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth; and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.”

COL 34.4

Christ’s mission was not understood by the people of His time. The manner of His coming was not in accordance with their expectations. The Lord Jesus was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. Its imposing services were of divine appointment. They were designed to teach the people that at the time appointed One would come to whom those ceremonies pointed. But the Jews had exalted the forms and ceremonies and had lost sight of their object. The traditions, maxims, and enactments of men hid from them the lessons which God intended to convey. These maxims and traditions became an obstacle to their understanding and practice of true religion. And when the Reality came, in the person of Christ, they did not recognize in Him the fulfillment of all their types, the substance of all their shadows. They rejected the antitype, and clung to their types and useless ceremonies. The Son of God had come, but they continued to ask for a sign. The message, “Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” they answered by demands for a miracle. Matthew 3:2. The gospel of Christ was a stumbling block to them because they demanded signs instead of a Saviour. They expected the Messiah to prove His claims by mighty deeds of conquest, to establish His empire on the ruins of earthly kingdoms. This expectation Christ answered in the parable of the sower. Not by force of arms, not by violent interpositions, was the kingdom of God to prevail, but by the implanting of a new principle in the hearts of men.

COL 35.1

“He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man.” Matthew 13:37. Christ had come, not as a king, but as a sower; not for the overthrow of kingdoms, but for the scattering of seed; not to point His followers to earthly triumphs and national greatness, but to a harvest to be gathered after patient toil and through losses and disappointments.

COL 35.2

The Pharisees perceived the meaning of Christ’s parable, but to them its lesson was unwelcome. They affected not to understand it. To the multitude it involved in still greater mystery the purpose of the new teacher, whose words had so strangely moved their hearts and so bitterly disappointed their ambitions. The disciples themselves had not understood the parable, but their interest was awakened. They came to Jesus privately and asked for an explanation.

COL 35.3

This was the desire which Christ wished to arouse, that He might give them more definite instruction. He explained the parable to them, as He will make plain His word to all who seek Him in sincerity of heart. Those who study the word of God with hearts open to the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, will not remain in darkness as to the meaning of the word. “If any man willeth to do His will,” Christ said, “he shall know of the teaching whether it be of God, or whether I speak from Myself.” John 7:17, R.V. All who come to Christ for a clearer knowledge of the truth will receive it. He will unfold to them the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, and these mysteries will be understood by the heart that longs to know the truth. A heavenly light will shine into the soul temple, and will be revealed to others as the bright shining of a lamp on a dark path.

COL 36.1

“The sower went forth to sow” (R.V.). In the East the state of affairs was so unsettled, and there was so great danger from violence that the people dwelt chiefly in walled towns, and the husbandmen went forth daily to their labor outside the walls. So Christ, the heavenly Sower, went forth to sow. He left His home of security and peace, left the glory that He had with the Father before the world was, left His position upon the throne of the universe. He went forth, a suffering, tempted man; went forth in solitude, to sow in tears, to water with His blood, the seed of life for a world lost.

COL 36.2

His servants in like manner must go forth to sow. When called to become a sower of the seed of truth, Abraham was bidden, “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee.” Genesis 12:1. “And he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8. So to the apostle Paul, praying in the temple at Jerusalem, came the message from God, “Depart; for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.” Acts 22:21. So those who are called to unite with Christ must leave all, in order to follow Him. Old associations must be broken up, plans of life relinquished, earthly hopes surrendered. In toil and tears, in solitude, and through sacrifice, must the seed be sown.

COL 37.1

“The sower soweth the word.” Christ came to sow the world with truth. Ever since the fall of man, Satan has been sowing the seeds of error. It was by a lie that he first gained control over men, and thus he still works to overthrow God’s kingdom in the earth and to bring men under his power. A sower from a higher world, Christ came to sow the seeds of truth. He who had stood in the councils of God, who had dwelt in the innermost sanctuary of the Eternal, could bring to men the pure principles of truth. Ever since the fall of man, Christ had been the Revealer of truth to the world. By Him the incorruptible seed, “the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever,” is communicated to men. 1 Peter 1:23. In that first promise spoken to our fallen race in Eden, Christ was sowing the gospel seed. But it is to His personal ministry among men and to the work which He thus established that the parable of the sower especially applies.

COL 38.1

The word of God is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germinating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God’s word. Christ says, “The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life.” John 5:24. In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God.

COL 38.2

Every seed brings forth fruit after its kind. Sow the seed under right conditions, and it will develop its own life in the plant. Receive into the soul by faith the incorruptible seed of the word, and it will bring forth a character and a life after the similitude of the character and the life of God.

COL 38.3

The teachers of Israel were not sowing the seed of the word of God. Christ’s work as a teacher of truth was in marked contrast to that of the rabbis of His time. They dwelt upon traditions, upon human theories and speculations. Often that which man had taught and written about the word, they put in place of the word itself. Their teaching had no power to quicken the soul. The subject of Christ’s teaching and preaching was the word of God. He met questioners with a plain, “It is written.” “What saith the Scriptures?” “How readest thou?” At every opportunity, when an interest was awakened by either friend or foe, He sowed the seed of the word. He who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Himself the living Word, points to the Scriptures, saying, “They are they which testify of Me.” And “beginning at Moses and all the prophets,” He opened to His disciples “in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” John 5:39; Luke 24:27.

COL 39.1

Christ’s servants are to do the same work. In our day, as of old, the vital truths of God’s word are set aside for human theories and speculations. Many professed ministers of the gospel do not accept the whole Bible as the inspired word. One wise man rejects one portion; another questions another part. They set up their judgment as superior to the word; and the Scripture which they do teach rests upon their own authority. Its divine authenticity is destroyed. Thus the seeds of infidelity are sown broadcast; for the people become confused and know not what to believe. There are many beliefs that the mind has no right to entertain. In the days of Christ the rabbis put a forced, mystical construction upon many portions of Scripture. Because the plain teaching of God’s word condemned their practices, they tried to destroy its force. The same thing is done today. The word of God is made to appear mysterious and obscure in order to excuse transgression of His law. Christ rebuked these practices in His day. He taught that the word of God was to be understood by all. He pointed to the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority, and we should do the same. The Bible is to be presented as the word of the infinite God, as the end of all controversy and the foundation of all faith.

COL 40.1

The Bible has been robbed of its power, and the results are seen in a lowering of the tone of spiritual life. In the sermons from many pulpits of today there is not that divine manifestation which awakens the conscience and brings life to the soul. The hearers can not say, “Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32. There are many who are crying out for the living God, longing for the divine presence. Philosophical theories or literary essays, however brilliant, cannot satisfy the heart. The assertions and inventions of men are of no value. Let the word of God speak to the people. Let those who have heard only traditions and human theories and maxims hear the voice of Him whose word can renew the soul unto everlasting life.

COL 40.2

Christ’s favorite theme was the paternal tenderness and abundant grace of God; He dwelt much upon the holiness of His character and His law; He presented Himself to the people as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let these be the themes of Christ’s ministers. Present the truth as it is in Jesus. Make plain the requirements of the law and the gospel. Tell the people of Christ’s life of self-denial and sacrifice; of His humiliation and death; of His resurrection and ascension; of His intercession for them in the courts of God; of His promise, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3.

COL 40.3

Instead of discussing erroneous theories, or seeking to combat the opponents of the gospel, follow the example of Christ. Let fresh truths from God’s treasure house flash into life. “Preach the word.” “Sow beside all waters.” “Be instant in season, out of season.” “He that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord.” “Every word of God is pure.... Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” 2 Timothy 4:2; Isaiah 32:20; Jeremiah 23:28; Proverbs 30:5, 6.

COL 41.1

“The sower soweth the word.” Here is presented the great principle which should underlie all educational work. “The seed is the word of God.” But in too many schools of our day God’s word is set aside. Other subjects occupy the mind. The study of infidel authors holds a large place in the educational system. Skeptical sentiments are interwoven in the matter placed in school books. Scientific research becomes misleading, because its discoveries are misinterpreted and perverted. The word of God is compared with the supposed teachings of science, and is made to appear uncertain and untrustworthy. Thus the seeds of doubt are planted in the minds of the youth, and in time of temptation they spring up. When faith in God’s word is lost, the soul has no guide, no safeguard. The youth are drawn into paths which lead away from God and from everlasting life.

COL 41.2

To this cause may in great degree be attributed the widespread iniquity in our world today. When the word of God is set aside, its power to restrain the evil passions of the natural heart is rejected. Men sow to the flesh, and of the flesh they reap corruption.

COL 41.3

And here, too, is the great cause of mental weakness and inefficiency. In turning from God’s word to feed on the writings of uninspired men, the mind becomes dwarfed and cheapened. It is not brought in contact with deep, broad principles of eternal truth. The understanding adapts itself to the comprehension of the things with which it is familiar, and in this devotion to finite things it is weakened, its power is contracted, and after a time it becomes unable to expand.

COL 41.4

All this is false education. The work of every teacher should be to fasten the mind of the youth upon the grand truths of the word of Inspiration. This is the education essential for this life and for the life to come.

COL 42.1

And let it not be thought that this will prevent the study of the sciences, or cause a lower standard in education. The knowledge of God is as high as heaven and as broad as the universe. There is nothing so ennobling and invigorating as a study of the great themes which concern our eternal life. Let the youth seek to grasp these God-given truths, and their minds will expand and grow strong in the effort. It will bring every student who is a doer of the word into a broader field of thought, and secure for him a wealth of knowledge that is imperishable.

COL 42.2

The education to be secured by searching the Scriptures is an experimental knowledge of the plan of salvation. Such an education will restore the image of God in the soul. It will strengthen and fortify the mind against temptation, and fit the learner to become a co-worker with Christ in His mission of mercy to the world. It will make him a member of the heavenly family; and prepare him to share the inheritance of the saints in light.

COL 43.1

But the teacher of sacred truth can impart only that which he himself knows by experience. “The sower sowed his seed.” Christ taught the truth because He was the truth. His own thought, His character, His life-experience, were embodied in His teaching. So with His servants: those who would teach the word are to make it their own by a personal experience. They must know what it is to have Christ made unto them wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. In presenting the word of God to others, they are not to make it a suppose-so or a may-be. They should declare with the apostle Peter, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His majesty.” 2 Peter 1:16. Every minister of Christ and every teacher should be able to say with the beloved John, “The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.” 1 John 1:2.

COL 43.2

That with which the parable of the sower chiefly deals is the effect produced on the growth of the seed by the soil into which it is cast. By this parable Christ was virtually saying to His hearers, It is not safe for you to stand as critics of My work, or to indulge disappointment because it does not meet your ideas. The question of greatest importance to you is, How do you treat My message? Upon your reception or rejection of it your eternal destiny depends.

COL 44.1

Explaining the seed that fell by the wayside, He said, “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside.”

COL 44.3

As the birds are ready to catch up the seed from the wayside, so Satan is ready to catch away the seeds of divine truth from the soul. He fears that the word of God may awaken the careless, and take effect upon the hardened heart. Satan and his angels are in the assemblies where the gospel is preached. While angels of heaven endeavor to impress hearts with the word of God, the enemy is on the alert to make the word of no effect. With an earnestness equaled only by his malice, he tries to thwart the work of the Spirit of God. While Christ is drawing the soul by His love, Satan tries to turn away the attention of the one who is moved to seek the Saviour. He engages the mind with worldly schemes. He excites criticism, or insinuates doubt and unbelief. The speaker’s choice of language or his manner may not please the hearers, and they dwell upon these defects. Thus the truth they need, and which God has graciously sent them, makes no lasting impression.

COL 45.1

Satan has many helpers. Many who profess to be Christians are aiding the tempter to catch away the seeds of truth from other hearts. Many who listen to the preaching of the word of God make it the subject of criticism at home. They sit in judgment on the sermon as they would on the words of a lecturer or a political speaker. The message that should be regarded as the word of the Lord to them is dwelt upon with trifling or sarcastic comment. The minister’s character, motives, and actions, and the conduct of fellow members of the church, are freely discussed. Severe judgment is pronounced, gossip or slander repeated, and this in the hearing of the unconverted. Often these things are spoken by parents in the hearing of their own children. Thus are destroyed respect for God’s messengers, and reverence for their message. And many are taught to regard lightly God’s word itself.

COL 46.1

Thus in the homes of professed Christians many youth are educated to be infidels. And the parents question why their children are so little interested in the gospel, and so ready to doubt the truth of the Bible. They wonder that it is so difficult to reach them with moral and religious influences. They do not see that their own example has hardened the hearts of their children. The good seed finds no place to take root, and Satan catches it away.

COL 46.2

“He that receiveth the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while; for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.”

COL 46.3

The seed sown upon stony ground finds little depth of soil. The plant springs up quickly, but the root cannot penetrate the rock to find nutriment to sustain its growth, and it soon perishes. Many who make a profession of religion are stony-ground hearers. Like the rock underlying the layer of earth, the selfishness of the natural heart underlies the soil of their good desires and aspirations. The love of self is not subdued. They have not seen the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the heart has not been humbled under a sense of its guilt. This class may be easily convinced, and appear to be bright converts, but they have only a superficial religion.

COL 47.1

The roots of the plant strike down deep into the soil, and hidden from sight nourish the life of the plant. So with the Christian; it is by the invisible union of the soul with Christ, through faith, that the spiritual life is nourished. But the stony-ground hearers depend upon self instead of Christ. They trust in their good works and good impulses, and are strong in their own righteousness. They are not strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Such a one “hath not root in himself”; for he is not connected with Christ.

COL 48.1

There are very many who claim to serve God, but who have no experimental knowledge of Him. Their desire to do His will is based upon their own inclination, not upon the deep conviction of the Holy Spirit. Their conduct is not brought into harmony with the law of God. They profess to accept Christ as their Saviour, but they do not believe that He will give them power to overcome their sins. They have not a personal relation with a living Saviour, and their characters reveal defects both hereditary and cultivated.

COL 48.2

It is one thing to assent in a general way to the agency of the Holy Spirit, and another thing to accept His work as a reprover calling to repentance. Many feel a sense of estrangement from God, a realization of their bondage to self and sin; they make efforts for reform; but they do not crucify self. They do not give themselves entirely into the hands of Christ, seeking for divine power to do His will. They are not willing to be molded after the divine similitude. In a general way they acknowledge their imperfections, but they do not give up their particular sins. With each wrong act the old selfish nature is gaining strength.

COL 48.4

True holiness is wholeness in the service of God. This is the condition of true Christian living. Christ asks for an unreserved consecration, for undivided service. He demands the heart, the mind, the soul, the strength. Self is not to be cherished. He who lives to himself is not a Christian.

COL 49.1

Love must be the principle of action. Love is the underlying principle of God’s government in heaven and earth, and it must be the foundation of the Christian’s character. This alone can make and keep him steadfast. This alone can enable him to withstand trial and temptation.

COL 49.2

And love will be revealed in sacrifice. The plan of redemption was laid in sacrifice—a sacrifice so broad and deep and high that it is immeasurable. Christ gave all for us, and those who receive Christ will be ready to sacrifice all for the sake of their Redeemer. The thought of His honor and glory will come before anything else.

COL 49.3

If we love Jesus, we shall love to live for Him, to present our thank offerings to Him, to labor for Him. The very labor will be light. For His sake we shall covet pain and toil and sacrifice. We shall sympathize with His longing for the salvation of men. We shall feel the same tender craving for souls that He has felt.

COL 50.1

This is the religion of Christ. Anything short of it is a deception. No mere theory of truth or profession of discipleship will save any soul. We do not belong to Christ unless we are His wholly. It is by halfheartedness in the Christian life that men become feeble in purpose and changeable in desire. The effort to serve both self and Christ makes one a stony-ground hearer, and he will not endure when the test comes upon him.

COL 50.2

“He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.”

COL 50.3

The gospel seed often falls among thorns and noxious weeds; and if there is not a moral transformation in the human heart, if old habits and practices and the former life of sin are not left behind, if the attributes of Satan are not expelled from the soul, the wheat crop will be choked. The thorns will come to be the crop, and will kill out the wheat.

COL 50.4

Grace can thrive only in the heart that is being constantly prepared for the precious seeds of truth. The thorns of sin will grow in any soil; they need no cultivation; but grace must be carefully cultivated. The briers and thorns are always ready to spring up, and the work of purification must advance continually. If the heart is not kept under the control of God, if the Holy Spirit does not work unceasingly to refine and ennoble the character, the old habits will reveal themselves in the life. Men may profess to believe the gospel; but unless they are sanctified by the gospel their profession is of no avail. If they do not gain the victory over sin, then sin is gaining the victory over them. The thorns that have been cut off but not uprooted grow apace, until the soul is overspread with them.

COL 51.1

Christ specified the things that are dangerous to the soul. As recorded by Mark He mentions the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things. Luke specifies the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life. These are what choke the word, the growing spiritual seed. The soul ceases to draw nourishment from Christ, and spirituality dies out of the heart.

COL 51.2

“The cares of this world.” No class is free from the temptation to worldly care. To the poor, toil and deprivation and the fear of want bring perplexities and burdens. To the rich come fear of loss and a multitude of anxious cares. Many of Christ’s followers forget the lesson He has bidden us learn from the flowers of the field. They do not trust to His constant care. Christ cannot carry their burden, because they do not cast it upon Him. Therefore the cares of life, which should drive them to the Saviour for help and comfort, separate them from Him.

COL 51.3

Many who might be fruitful in God’s service become bent on acquiring wealth. Their whole energy is absorbed in business enterprises, and they feel obliged to neglect things of a spiritual nature. Thus they separate themselves from God. We are enjoined in the Scriptures to be “not slothful in business.” Romans 12:11. We are to labor that we may impart to him who needs. Christians must work, they must engage in business, and they can do this without committing sin. But many become so absorbed in business that they have no time for prayer, no time for the study of the Bible, no time to seek and serve God. At times the longings of the soul go out for holiness and heaven; but there is no time to turn aside from the din of the world to listen to the majestic and authoritative utterances of the Spirit of God. The things of eternity are made subordinate, the things of the world supreme. It is impossible for the seed of the word to bring forth fruit; for the life of the soul is given to nourish the thorns of worldliness.

COL 52.1

And many who are working with a very different purpose, fall into a like error. They are working for others’ good; their duties are pressing, their responsibilities are many, and they allow their labor to crowd out devotion. Communion with God through prayer and a study of His word is neglected. They forget that Christ has said, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. They walk apart from Christ, their life is not pervaded by His grace, and the characteristics of self are revealed. Their service is marred by desire for supremacy, and the harsh, unlovely traits of the unsubdued heart. Here is one of the chief secrets of failure in Christian work. This is why its results are often so meager.

COL 52.2

“The deceitfulness of riches.” The love of riches has an infatuating, deceptive power. Too often those who possess worldly treasure forget that it is God who gives them power to get wealth. They say, “My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:17. Their riches, instead of awakening gratitude to God, lead to the exaltation of self. They lose the sense of their dependence upon God and their obligation to their fellow men. Instead of regarding wealth as a talent to be employed for the glory of God and the uplifting of humanity, they look upon it as a means of serving themselves. Instead of developing in man the attributes of God, riches thus used are developing in him the attributes of Satan. The seed of the word is choked with thorns.

COL 53.1

“And pleasures of this life.” There is danger in amusement that is sought merely for self-gratification. All habits of indulgence that weaken the physical powers, that becloud the mind, or that benumb the spiritual perceptions, are “fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11.

COL 53.2

“And the lusts of other things.” These are not necessarily things sinful in themselves, but something that is made first instead of the kingdom of God. Whatever attracts the mind from God, whatever draws the affections away from Christ, is an enemy to the soul.

*****

COL 53.3

When the mind is youthful and vigorous and susceptible of rapid development, there is great temptation to be ambitious for self, to serve self. If worldly schemes are successful, there is an inclination to continue in a line that deadens conscience, and prevents a correct estimate as to what constitutes real excellence of character. When circumstances favor this development, growth will be seen in a direction prohibited by the word of God.

COL 53.4

In this formative period of their children’s life, the responsibility of parents is very great. It should be their study to surround the youth with right influences, influences that will give them correct views of life and its true success. Instead of this, how many parents make it their first object to secure for their children worldly prosperity. All their associations are chosen with reference to this object. Many parents make their home in some large city, and introduce their children into fashionable society. They surround them with influences that encourage worldliness and pride. In this atmosphere the mind and soul are dwarfed. The high and noble aims of life are lost sight of. The privilege of being sons of God, heirs of eternity, is bartered for worldly gain.

COL 54.1

Many parents seek to promote the happiness of their children by gratifying their love of amusement. They allow them to engage in sports, and to attend parties of pleasure, and provide them with money to use freely in display and self-gratification. The more the desire for pleasure is indulged, the stronger it becomes. The interest of these youth is more and more absorbed in amusement, until they come to look upon it as the great object of life. They form habits of idleness and self-indulgence that make it almost impossible for them ever to become steadfast Christians.

COL 54.2

Even the church, which should be the pillar and ground of the truth, is found encouraging the selfish love of pleasure. When money is to be raised for religious purposes, to what means do many churches resort? To bazaars, suppers, fancy fairs, even to lotteries, and like devices. Often the place set apart for God’s worship is desecrated by feasting and drinking, buying, selling, and merrymaking. Respect for the house of God and reverence for His worship are lessened in the minds of the youth. The barriers of self-restraint are weakened. Selfishness, appetite, the love of display, are appealed to, and they strengthen as they are indulged.

COL 54.3

The pursuit of pleasure and amusement centers in the cities. Many parents who choose a city home for their children, thinking to give them greater advantages, meet with disappointment, and too late repent their terrible mistake. The cities of today are fast becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah. The many holidays encourage idleness. The exciting sports—theatergoing, horse racing, gambling, liquor-drinking, and reveling—stimulate every passion to intense activity. The youth are swept away by the popular current. Those who learn to love amusement for its own sake open the door to a flood of temptations. They give themselves up to social gaiety and thoughtless mirth, and their intercourse with pleasure lovers has an intoxicating effect upon the mind. They are led on from one form of dissipation to another, until they lose both the desire and the capacity for a life of usefulness. Their religious aspirations are chilled; their spiritual life is darkened. All the nobler faculties of the soul, all that link man with the spiritual world, are debased.

COL 55.1

It is true that some may see their folly and repent. God may pardon them. But they have wounded their own souls, and brought upon themselves a lifelong peril. The power of discernment, which ought ever to be kept keen and sensitive to distinguish between right and wrong, is in a great measure destroyed. They are not quick to recognize the guiding voice of the Holy Spirit, or to discern the devices of Satan. Too often in time of danger they fall under temptation, and are led away from God. The end of their pleasure-loving life is ruin for this world and for the world to come.

COL 55.2

Cares, riches, pleasures, all are used by Satan in playing the game of life for the human soul. The warning is given, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15, 16. He who reads the hearts of men as an open book says, “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life.” Luke 21:34. And the apostle Paul by the Holy Spirit writes, “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil; which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:9, 10.

COL 56.1

Throughout the parable of the sower, Christ represents the different results of the sowing as depending upon the soil. In every case the sower and the seed are the same. Thus He teaches that if the word of God fails of accomplishing its work in our hearts and lives, the reason is to be found in ourselves. But the result is not beyond our control. True, we cannot change ourselves; but the power of choice is ours, and it rests with us to determine what we will become. The wayside, the stony-ground, the thorny-ground hearers need not remain such. The Spirit of God is ever seeking to break the spell of infatuation that holds men absorbed in worldly things, and to awaken a desire for the imperishable treasure. It is by resisting the Spirit that men become inattentive to or neglectful of God’s word. They are themselves responsible for the hardness of heart that prevents the good seed from taking root, and for the evil growths that check its development.

COL 56.2

The garden of the heart must be cultivated. The soil must be broken up by deep repentance for sin. Poisonous, Satanic plants must be uprooted. The soil once overgrown by thorns can be reclaimed only by diligent labor. So the evil tendencies of the natural heart can be overcome only by earnest effort in the name and strength of Jesus. The Lord bids us by His prophet, “Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.” “Sow to yourselves in righteousness; reap in mercy.” Jeremiah 4:3; Hosea 10:12. This work He desires to accomplish for us, and He asks us to co-operate with Him.

COL 57.1

The sowers of the seed have a work to do in preparing hearts to receive the gospel. In the ministry of the word there is too much sermonizing, and too little of real heart-to-heart work. There is need of personal labor for the souls of the lost. In Christlike sympathy we should come close to men individually, and seek to awaken their interest in the great things of eternal life. Their hearts may be as hard as the beaten highway, and apparently it may be a useless effort to present the Saviour to them; but while logic may fail to move, and argument be powerless to convince, the love of Christ, revealed in personal ministry, may soften the stony heart, so that the seed of truth can take root.

COL 57.2

So the sowers have something to do that the seed may not be choked with thorns or perish because of shallowness of soil. At the very outset of the Christian life every believer should be taught its foundation principles. He should be taught that he is not merely to be saved by Christ’s sacrifice, but that he is to make the life of Christ his life and the character of Christ his character. Let all be taught that they are to bear burdens and to deny natural inclination. Let them learn the blessedness of working for Christ, following Him in self-denial, and enduring hardness as good soldiers. Let them learn to trust His love and to cast on Him their cares. Let them taste the joy of winning souls for Him. In their love and interest for the lost, they will lose sight of self. The pleasures of the world will lose their power to attract and its burdens to dishearten. The plowshare of truth will do its work. It will break up the fallow ground. It will not merely cut off the tops of the thorns, but will take them out by the roots.

COL 58.1

The sower is not always to meet with disappointment. Of the seed that fell into good ground the Saviour said, This “is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” “That on the good ground are they, which, in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”

COL 58.2

The “honest and good heart” of which the parable speaks, is not a heart without sin; for the gospel is to be preached to the lost. Christ said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17. He has an honest heart who yields to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He confesses his guilt, and feels his need of the mercy and love of God. He has a sincere desire to know the truth, that he may obey it. The good heart is a believing heart, one that has faith in the word of God. Without faith it is impossible to receive the word. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.

COL 59.1

This “is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it.” The Pharisees of Christ’s day closed their eyes lest they should see, and their ears lest they should hear; therefore the truth could not reach their hearts. They were to suffer retribution for their willful ignorance and self-imposed blindness. But Christ taught His disciples that they were to open their minds to instruction, and be ready to believe. He pronounced a blessing upon them because they saw and heard with eyes and ears that believed.

COL 59.2

The good-ground hearer receives the word “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13. Only he who receives the Scriptures as the voice of God speaking to himself is a true learner. He trembles at the word; for to him it is a living reality. He opens his understanding and his heart to receive it. Such hearers were Cornelius and his friends, who said to the apostle Peter, “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” Acts 10:33.

COL 59.3

A knowledge of the truth depends not so much upon strength of intellect as upon pureness of purpose, the simplicity of an earnest, dependent faith. To those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance, angels of God draw near. The Holy Spirit is given to open to them the rich treasures of the truth.

COL 59.4

The good-ground hearers, having heard the word, keep it. Satan with all his agencies of evil is not able to catch it away.

COL 59.5

Merely to hear or to read the word is not enough. He who desires to be profited by the Scriptures must meditate upon the truth that has been presented to him. By earnest attention and prayerful thought he must learn the meaning of the words of truth, and drink deep of the spirit of the holy oracles.

COL 60.1

God bids us fill the mind with great thoughts, pure thoughts. He desires us to meditate upon His love and mercy, to study His wonderful work in the great plan of redemption. Then clearer and still clearer will be our perception of truth, higher, holier, our desire for purity of heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy thought will be transformed by communion with God through the study of Scriptures.

COL 60.2

“And bring forth fruit.” Those who, having heard the word, keep it, will bring forth fruit in obedience. The word of God, received into the soul, will be manifest in good works. Its results will be seen in a Christlike character and life. Christ said of Himself, “I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8. “I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me.” John 5:30. And the Scripture says, “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6.

COL 60.3

The word of God often comes in collision with man’s hereditary and cultivated traits of character and his habits of life. But the good-ground hearer, in receiving the word, accepts all its conditions and requirements. His habits, customs, and practices are brought into submission to God’s word. In his view the commands of finite, erring man sink into insignificance beside the word of the infinite God. With the whole heart, with undivided purpose, he is seeking the life eternal, and at the cost of loss, persecution, or death itself, he will obey the truth.

COL 60.4

And he brings forth fruit “with patience.” None who receive God’s word are exempt from difficulty and trial; but when affliction comes, the true Christian does not become restless, distrustful, or despondent. Though we can not see the definite outcome of affairs, or discern the purpose of God’s providences, we are not to cast away our confidence. Remembering the tender mercies of the Lord, we should cast our care upon Him, and with patience wait for His salvation.

COL 61.1

Through conflict the spiritual life is strengthened. Trials well borne will develop steadfastness of character and precious spiritual graces. The perfect fruit of faith, meekness, and love often matures best amid storm clouds and darkness.

COL 61.2

“The husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.” James 5:7. So the Christian is to wait with patience for the fruition in his life of the word of God. Often when we pray for the graces of the Spirit, God works to answer our prayers by placing us in circumstances to develop these fruits; but we do not understand His purpose, and wonder, and are dismayed. Yet none can develop these graces except through the process of growth and fruit bearing. Our part is to receive God’s word and to hold it fast, yielding ourselves fully to its control, and its purpose in us will be accomplished.

COL 61.3

“If a man love Me,” Christ said, “he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23. The spell of a stronger, a perfect mind will be over us; for we have a living connection with the source of all-enduring strength. In our divine life we shall be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. We shall no longer live the common life of selfishness, but Christ will live in us. His character will be reproduced in our nature. Thus shall we bring forth the fruits of the Holy Spirit—“some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.”

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

MR No. 1182—A Caution Against Heavy Investment in Food Manufacture

15MR 321.3

All are to hear the last message of warning. The prophecies in the book of Revelation, chapters 12 to 18, are being fulfilled. In the eighteenth chapter is recorded the very last call to the churches. This call is now to be given. In the nineteenth chapter, the time is pictured when the beast and the false prophet are taken and cast into the lake of fire. The dragon, who was the instigator of the great rebellion against heaven, is bound and cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. Then follows the resurrection of the wicked and the final destruction of Satan and all the wicked, and the final triumph and reign of Christ in this earth.

From Heaven With Love

Caiaphas Urges Deceit

HLv 522.2

But there were witnesses whom they could not silence. Many had heard of the soldiers’ testimony to Christ’s resurrection. And certain of the dead who came forth with Christ appeared to many and declared that He had risen. The priests and rulers were in continual dread, lest in walking the streets or within the privacy of their own homes, they should come face to face with Christ. Bolts and bars were but poor protection against the Son of God. By day and by night that awful scene when they had cried, “His blood be on us, and on our children,” was before them. Matthew 27:25.

From Heaven With Love

The Guarantee of Our Resurrection

HLv 522.3

When the voice of the mighty angel was heard at Christ’s tomb, saying, Thy Father calls Thee, the Saviour came forth from the grave by the life that was in Himself. Christ had proclaimed in triumph, “I am the resurrection and the life.” These words could be spoken only by the Deity. All created beings are dependent recipients of the life of God. Only He who is one with God could say, I have power to lay down My life, and I have power to take it again. See John 10:18.

HLv 522.4

Christ arose from the dead as the first fruits of those that slept, and His resurrection took place on the very day when the wave sheaf was to be presented before the Lord. For more than a thousand years when the people went up to Jerusalem to the Passover, the sheaf of first fruits, the first heads of ripened grain, was waved as a thank offering before the Lord. Not until this was presented could the sickle be put to the grain. The sheaf dedicated to God represented the harvest. So Christ’s resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 89, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 89, 1895, par. 5

Byron Belden, May, and I went to Ashfield last Sabbath. One hundred were in the hall. I spoke from (Matthew 13) on the treasure hidden in the field and on the merchantman selling goodly pearls. There was deep feeling in the meeting, and the softening influence of the Spirit of God was in the midst. We had an excellent testimony meeting, and those newly come into the faith bore a good witness for Christ and the truth. Several more have taken their position, and spoke for the first time. Next Sunday ten or twelve will go forward in baptism, and as so many are now in the valley of decision, I feel that my burden is with the people of Ashfield and Petersham.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 81—“The Lord Is Risen”

HLv 520.1

The night of the first day of the week had worn slowly away. Christ was still a prisoner in His tomb. The Roman seal was unbroken; the Roman guards were keeping their watch. Had it been possible, the prince of darkness would have kept forever sealed the tomb that held the Son of God. But heavenly angels that excel in strength were waiting to welcome the Prince of life.

HLv 520.2

“And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven.” The bright beams of God’s glory illuminated his pathway. “His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.”

HLv 520.3

This messenger was he who fills the position from which Satan fell. As he rolled away the stone, heaven seemed to come down to earth. The soldiers saw him removing the stone as he would a pebble, and heard him cry, Son of God, come forth; Thy Father calls Thee. They saw Jesus come forth from the grave and heard Him proclaim over the rent sepulcher, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” As He came forth in majesty and glory, the angel host welcomed Him with songs of praise.

HLv 520.4

At sight of the angels and the glorified Saviour, the Roman guard had fainted and become as dead men. When the heavenly train was hidden from their view, they arose and, staggering like drunken men, hurried to the city, telling those whom they met the wonderful news. They were making their way to Pilate, but the priests and rulers sent for them to be brought first into their presence. Trembling with fear, their faces colorless, the soldiers told all, just as they had seen it. They said, It was the Son of God who was crucified; we have heard an angel proclaiming Him as the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory.

HLv 521.1

Caiaphas tried to speak. His lips moved, but they uttered no sound. The soldiers were about to leave when Caiaphas at last found speech. Wait, wait, he said. Tell no one the things you have seen.

HLv 521.2

“Say ye,” said the priests, “His disciples came by night, and stole Him away while we slept.” Here the priests overreached themselves. If they were asleep, how could they know? And if the disciples had been proved guilty of stealing Christ’s body, would not the priests have been first to condemn them? Or if the sentinels had slept, would not the priests have been foremost in accusing them to Pilate?

HLv 521.3

The soldiers were horrified. Sleeping at their post was an offense punishable with death. Should they bear false witness and place their own lives in peril? How could they stand the trial, even for the sake of money, if they perjured themselves?

HLv 521.4

The priests promised to secure the safety of the guard, saying that Pilate would not desire to have such a report circulated any more than they did. The Roman soldiers sold their integrity for money. They came before the priests burdened with a startling message of truth; they went out with a burden of money, and on their tongues a lying report.

HLv 521.5

Meanwhile the report of Christ’s resurrection had been carried to Pilate. Though he had condemned the Saviour unwillingly, he had felt no real compunction until now. In terror he now shut himself within his house, determined to see no one. But the priests made their way into his presence and urged him to overlook the sentinels’ neglect of duty. He himself privately questioned the guard. They dared not conceal anything, and Pilate drew from them an account of all that had taken place. He did not prosecute the matter further, but from that time there was no peace for him.

HLv 522.1

The priests, in putting Christ to death, had made themselves the tools of Satan. Now they were entirely in his power, entangled in a snare from which they saw no escape but in continuing their warfare against Christ. The only hope for them was to prove Christ an impostor by denying that He had risen. They bribed the soldiers and secured Pilate’s silence.

HLv 523.1

As Christ arose, He brought from the grave a multitude of captives. See Matthew 27:52. They were those who at the cost of their lives had borne testimony to the truth. Now they were to be witnesses for Him who had raised them from the dead.

HLv 523.2

During His ministry, Jesus had raised the dead to life. But these resurrected ones were not clothed with immortality. They were still subject to death. But those who came forth from the grave at Christ’s resurrection were raised to everlasting life. They ascended with Him as trophies of His victory over death and the grave. They went into the city and appeared unto many, declaring, Christ has risen from the dead, and we be risen with Him. Risen saints bore witness to the truth of the words, “Thy dead men shall live, together with My dead body shall they arise.” Isaiah 26:19.

HLv 523.3

In our Saviour, the life that was lost through sin is restored. He is invested with the right to give immortality. “I am come,” He said, “that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:54. To the Christian, death is but a sleep, a moment of silence and darkness. “When Christ, who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:4.

HLv 523.4

The voice that cried from the cross, “It is finished,” will penetrate the graves and unbar the tombs, and the dead in Christ shall arise. At the Saviour’s resurrection a few graves were opened, but at His second coming all the precious dead shall hear His voice and come forth to glorious immortal life. The same power that raised Christ from the dead will raise His church above all powers, not only in this world, but also in the world to come.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 88, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 88, 1898, par. 1

After Jesus had spoken the parables recorded in the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, He ended by inquiring, “Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” [Verses 51, 52.]

13LtMs, Ms 88, 1898, par. 20

The apostle Paul charged Timothy, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” “Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to thee, keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in you.” “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” [2 Timothy 2:1, 2; 1:13, 14; 2:15.] What height and depth and breadth there is in these words. Paul understood that those who have been enlightened by the Holy Spirit have a most important talent in their keeping. His words teach the same lesson taught by Christ’s words, “Every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” [Matthew 13:52.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

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

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 317, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 317, 1905, par. 7

My brethren, read as for your lives the instruction contained in the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, and take heed to yourselves. Let no man blind you by his human sophistries or his mocking burlesque of sacred things, which is as blasphemy. In (Mark 13:1, 2), we read, “And as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples saith unto Him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? There shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Study this whole chapter. It is a warning. Let us prayerfully ask ourselves, Who shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ acquitted, without spot or stain upon his character?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 317a, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 317a, 1905, par. 6

My brethren, read as for your lives the instruction contained in the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, and take heed to yourselves. Let no man blind you by his human sophistries or his mocking burlesque, which is as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 115, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, par. 22

Where are the wise men who will voice the words of Christ. Study the thirteenth chapter of Matthew. It is all important. They are the words of the great Medical Missionary. Here are revealed the two working forces. Study the Word. Become familiar with the lessons of Christ. I want all to turn away from the deceptive wiles of the enemy that would allure you into works and ways that God has not called you to. Be content to take the products of the soil, the fruits and grains and vegetables, and prepare them in a healthful way. We need not the most expensive food preparations that men can provide. If men of the world desire to handle these expensive foods, let them do so; but let the children of God be satisfied with the simple preparations that give just as good blood, just as good physical strength. Yield not to the temptation to so tie up the means we need in the cause of God, to thus bind up men of talent. The Lord will bless the simple foods prepared for His people. This I give to you as the light God has given me.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 116, 1909

Newark, New Jersey

June 20, 1909

Previously unpublished.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 1

Scripture reading, Matthew 13:1-12. O! how thankful I am for these words, because we need them so much. These were the words that Christ was giving that they needed so much, and some fell upon good ground and brought forth fruit. And now we want every one of us to be in a position where they can understand the words, the precious words, of Jesus Christ.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 2

The Father gave His Son to the world, His only begotten Son from heaven. He laid aside His royal robe and laid off His royal crown. And there He came as a babe in Bethlehem, that He might take humanity just as it was, and that He might take it from infancy, so that He might know how to bring His teachings to fathers and mothers and children, and for all that should come to hear Him. We think how Christ made such wonderful provisions for us. He came as a poor man. He came as a poor man’s son, that He might know how to sympathize with those who were in poverty and suffering with diseases, so that He might know how to help them, and bring them consolation and help and strength in every time of need. Oh! it was everything to us, that Christ could take us, just as we are, and that He could begin to work for our interests, for the salvation of our souls.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 3

In the Bible is the highest education that can ever be given to man upon the earth. Why? Because that Christ accepted the disposition of man; He had divinity, and He was humanity combined with divinity. See the blessing in that for us—that divinity could be united with humanity. And thus it was that humanity could become sufficient, by faith laying hold upon the divinity of Christ. That is why Christ came just as a little child, and from His earliest childhood, angels guarded Him.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 4

Angels would not permit that Satan should have any power over Him in babyhood or childhood, and then He began to understand what His position was. He knew what His mission was. He was to represent divinity in humanity, so that humanity, although compassed with temptations that they have to meet with while working with their hands, might have divinity to assist them in their struggle with the various problems and dispositions. Previously, their fathers and mothers did not really understand what they should do to care for these children in their very childhood; that not a word should be spoken to annoy them, not to pound them in anger, and thus destroy all their influence over them.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 5

What mothers need, and what fathers need, is the precious love of Jesus in their hearts, that the converting power of God should be upon the father’s mind, and the mother’s mind, in dealing with their children. And thus as their children come up in years, they would know that they had Christian parents. Well, you say, What if they are not Christians? Well then, they are sinners; and we want them to become Christians, just as soon as possible, and to bring themselves into connection with God. You want to help them. Why? Because you have children to save. Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. And then you will have a pleasant home, if you love God and keep His commandments; and if you do not, you shall not have.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 6

You want to love God every one of you. Fathers and mothers, that is the work for you, to begin to love God with all your heart, and all your soul. You will have Jesus Christ as your helper to give you a tender and loving heart, and a sweet spirit, that you may teach your children to love the Lord, and that they may have a place in the kingdom of God. When the gates will be swung back upon their glittering hinges, only they that have kept the truth shall enter in. They shall see the King in His beauty. And then mothers who have taught their children not to pattern after the worldly fashions will rejoice with them. I am so glad to see, here today, that so many have not their hats on to prevent the people behind them from seeing. In this, you are casting a good influence.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 7

You will find that when sickness may come upon some of your neighbors, they will begin to say: What was it that that minister said, or what did that lady missionary say? And thus you may be enabled to lead them to Christ. But that means that we should always be living missionaries for the Lord, ever sowing the seeds of truth. It may be with you just as it was when Christ was upon the earth, and when He taught His disciples.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 8

I only want to speak a few words on this occasion, and then I want to give chance for those who are with us to speak. Then I may have another opportunity that we may meet again. But what we want now is that every one of us shall remember that Christ was a little child, and that He knows just what care and tenderness our children need. That is why He took divinity from childhood, divinity and humanity combined. And when we want our children to become perfect in character, we should ever keep before them the perfection of Christ; and then work out our own salvation.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 9

You want to walk on the side of Christ, because He began His work in His very childhood. And He began His work for us, and to give us a pattern.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 10

I am so thankful when I consider that when mothers did not know what to do with their children, they said, “We will take them to Jesus. We have heard that if we bring them to Christ, that He will bless them. I am going to take my children to Christ, and here are my neighbors. I want them also to go with me.” Well, there was quite a company there with their children. Christ was teaching in the temple, and these children were brought in; and the disciples began to send them away. They did not want the Saviour disturbed. But Christ caught the words, and He said: “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 19:14.] And He takes the little children in His arms, and upon His knees, and then Christ speaks to them in words of comfort, and the mothers go back to their homes. Do you think that they ever forgot the lessons that Christ taught there? He said to His disciples, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not.”

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 11

If we come to Him just as we are, and ask Him to let His blessing rest upon us, then we may exercise that same spirit toward our own children. Now, what we want is heaven. But we know that nothing impure can enter the kingdom of heaven. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him, might have everlasting life”—that life that measures with the life of God. [John 3:16.]

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 12

If we will only come to Him just as we are, in meekness and dependence, and tell Him we want Him to bless us, our humanity will take hold of His divinity. Divinity must be combined with humanity, and thus we can walk in unity and know that our work is done in simplicity and meekness and dependence upon God; we will certainly see the results.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 13

Well, what a happy family we should be. What peace we could bring into our homes. What joy to our children and ourselves. Then we are partakers of the divine nature, having overcome those dispositions of selfishness and wickedness that separate us from God. By taking right hold of the power of God that He has sent in Jesus Christ—the divine—we shall overcome the corruptions that are in the world through lust. On which side are we? We ought to be on the side of Christ, and of heaven. Oh! I want to be on the side of heaven. I want that life that measures with the life of God. Everlasting life is ours if we will follow on to know the Lord. We shall know His going forth is prepared as the morning. It does not come all at once.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 14

It is Christ who says, “Let your light so shine before men that they, by seeing your good works, shall glorify your Father, which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Now, I ask you, will you take hold of His divine nature? God help us that we may give our hearts to Him this very day. It is hard work, when we have been brought up unconverted, surrounded by temptations upon every side, to yield ourselves to God. But we cannot afford to give up the conflict, for we have a heaven to win, and a hell to shun.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 15

We want to bring our children right up to Christ, and the gates of the city, that when the gates are swung back upon their glittering hinges, and only they that have kept the truth may enter in; that as families we may remain unbroken. Let us do everything for our children, that they may have a welcome into the city of God with rejoicing; when the harps of gold are placed in their hands, they will fill all heaven with rich music. Now I want to give chance for some of the rest to talk. I may have another opportunity to talk with you.

24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 16

But what I want is the blessing of God to come right into your hearts. I want you to arouse, and I want you to be able to sing the song of redemption. I want you to join in the song of praise and thanksgiving. Will you do it? God grant that you may. There is a heaven to win, and a hell to shun. We cannot afford to give up the battle, and thus lose heaven, because many of the angels sympathized with Satan, and were cast out of heaven. Take right hold of Jesus Christ, by faith, and the blessing of God will be with you, every step of the way. Oh! will you do it? God grant that you may. Now I will give way to others.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 187, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 187, 1909, par. 2

Read Christ’s Object Lessons and Matthew 13. Trace the references from chapter to chapter and verse by verse. Take it in. Read the book Christ’s Object Lessons, every teacher, and consider that the Lord would not have instructed me so that I could present it to others if the Lord Jesus had not a lesson to give for teachers and principals of our schools to follow.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 28, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 28, 1909, par. 12

Study the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of Matthew. Here is an example of Christ’s teachings and the manner of His work. His lessons have been faithfully reported by His believing disciples. They should leave their impression on the hearts of all believers to the end of time. Let all who believe the truth for these last days follow the teachings of Christ, study His instructions, and bring into their ministry of the Word those teachings that Christ recognized as essential to higher education. I am pained as I see books presented for the study of the students that will not impart the higher education. I have been shown that One chosen of God and precious has given in His teachings the principles that underlie true education. There cannot proceed from human minds or lips instruction higher than His.

Lift Him Up

The Heavenly Sower, February 24

LHU 69.1

Behold, a sower went forth to sow. Matthew 13:3.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Heavenly Sower, September 9

JNN 267.1

“Behold, a sower went out to sow.”—Matthew 13:3

To Be Like Jesus

One Small Book Produced Big Results, September 14

BLJ 272.1

Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside.... But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Matthew 13:3-9, NKJV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 30, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 30, 1898, par. 4

“And he spake many things to them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow. And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon stony places where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had no root, they withered away; and some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprung up and choked them: but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.” [Matthew 13:3-8.]

13LtMs, Ms 30, 1898, par. 7

“And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprung up and choked them.” “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” [Verses 7, 22.]

13LtMs, Ms 30, 1898, par. 11

“And the disciples came and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because to you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; but to them is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I unto them in parables: because they seeing see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive.” [Matthew 13:10-14.]

13LtMs, Ms 30, 1898, par. 12

Did Christ blind the eyes, so that the people could not discern? He gave them great light, and from time to time added to the light by the exposition of prophecy. What then eclipsed the light? The answer is given, “For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” [Verses 15-17.]

13LtMs, Ms 30, 1898, par. 14

Christ came to our world to sow the seeds of truth. All who have the privilege of hearing the Word, and who receive it not, must render an account of their rejection of the instructions and warnings given. They are represented as those who “seeing see not, and hearing hear not, neither do they understand.” [Verse 13.] They will not see and hear the precious word of truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 26, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 26, 1898, par. 7

And He spake many things to them in parables, saying, “Behold a sower went forth to sow.” [Matthew 13:3.] The Saviour has the illustration before Him. That man, to all human appearance, is throwing away his substance. He is indeed parting with his seed; but is he throwing it away? “And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and chocked them: but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.” [Verses 4-8.]

13LtMs, Ms 26, 1898, par. 8

“And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given: and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away, even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not: and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand: and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed: lest at any time they would see with their eyes, and would understand with their heart and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.” [Verses 10-16.]

13LtMs, Ms 26, 1898, par. 11

Christ now tells them the meaning of the parable. It is the kingdom of God that is represented. His Word is the seed. “Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower,” He says. “When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which receiveth seed by the wayside. But he that receiveth the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that receiveth seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word and he becometh unfruitful.” [Matthew 13:18-22.]

13LtMs, Ms 26, 1898, par. 13

“But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” [Verse 23.]

Radiant Religion

Joy in Buying the Treasure, November 6

RRe 312.1

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Matthew 13:4.

From the Heart

Stony-ground Hearers, April 6

FH 108.1

Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. Matthew 13:5.

From the Heart

Thorny-ground Hearers, April 7

FH 109.1

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. Matthew 13:7.

From the Heart

Good-ground Hearers, April 8

FH 110.1

But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:8.

Homeward Bound

Good-Ground Hearers, January 21

HB 36.1

But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.—Matthew 13:8.

This Day With God

Let Christ Guide, December 18

TDG 361.1

And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Matthew 13:10, 11.

TDG 361.4

It is the close connection with God which opens and makes quick and sharp the understanding. Men in Christ’s day brought upon themselves that blindness that in seeing they see not and the willful deafness that in hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. Jesus told them that there was no reason for them to be surprised at what He had stated in regard to their unbelief, for Isaiah had predicted the same [Matthew 13:13-15 quoted]....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 226, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 226, 1907, par. 14

“But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” [Matthew 13:10-17.]

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

In Co-Operation with Christ

CT 399.1

The Saviour’s promise, “Whosoever hath, to him shall be given” (Matthew 13:12), applies also to the reception of truth. To him who seeks to understand its teachings will be given increased understanding. To him who reveals that he possesses the spirit of truth will be given a larger measure of the Spirit, that he may work out his own salvation. The work of reflecting Christ to the world will not be done boastingly, but in fear and trembling, yet in the power of the Spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 3, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 3, 1909, par. 10

Man is now on probation, a probation in which his life is to learn to reveal the principles that underlie true higher education. He who reveals that he possesses the spirit of truth, to him will be given increased light that he may work out his own salvation. This work will not be done boastingly, but with fear and trembling, yet in the power of the Spirit. The Saviour’s promise, “Whosoever hath, to him shall be given,” applies also [to] the reception of truth. [Matthew 13:12.] To him who seeks to understand its teachings will be given increased understanding.

24LtMs, Ms 3, 1909, par. 13

But truth will never be forced upon the heart that fights against it and resists its entrance. This is the class of whom the prophet spoke when he said, “Their heart is waxed gross.” “They seeing see not.” [Matthew 13:15, 13.] This class of worldly professors is all about us, careless, proud, indifferent, opposed in will and character to the truth; they see the evidence of the truth as it is presented by the servants of God, but they will not yield to its transforming influence. They will not learn the lessons that God is seeking to teach them and bring the truths of His Word into their practical life.

Ellen G. White: The Australian Years: 1891-1900 (vol. 4)

Chapter 7—(1893) On to New Zealand

4BIO 71.4

The Lord gave me special help. Ideas came to me when speaking that had not before been in my thoughts. I was instructed, as well as instructing others. I spoke from the words of Christ in Matthew 13:12-17, and dwelt especially on the last verse: “Verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 5, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 5, 1893, par. 13

I praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy to me, for I know that special help was given to me on this occasion. The Lord is good; the precious subjects of Bible truths are full of marrow and fatness. I spoke from the words of Christ, Matthew 13:12-17. The last verse, “For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” I presented the case of those now living upon the earth as highly favored above all people because of the precious light of truth, advanced light, hidden truths unfolded to us in our day. I felt the subject matter intensely, and I know I had the Holy Spirit to bring things to my remembrance. O, I thank and praise the Lord; he gives strength and power to the weak, to those who have no strength.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 24, 1882

3LtMs, Lt 24, 1882, par. 12

Men in Christ’s day brought upon themselves that blindness that in seeing they see not and the willful deafness that in hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. Jesus told them that there was no reason for them to be surprised at what He had stated in regard to their unbelief, for Isaiah had predicted the same. “By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” Matthew 13:13-15.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 1—Teaching in Parables

COL 17.2

The Scripture says, “All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; ... that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 13:34, 35. Natural things were the medium for the spiritual; the things of nature and the life-experience of His hearers were connected with the truths of the written word. Leading thus from the natural to the spiritual kingdom, Christ’s parables are links in the chain of truth that unites man with God, and earth with heaven.

COL 20.2

In the earlier part of His ministry, Christ had spoken to the people in words so plain that all His hearers might have grasped truths which would make them wise unto salvation. But in many hearts the truth had taken no root, and it had been quickly caught away. “Therefore speak I to them in parables,” He said; “because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.... For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed.” Matthew 13:13-15.

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

MR No. 1017—Treasure Hid in a Field

13MR 129.1

The blessings of the gospel are compared to treasure hid in a field “the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field” [Matthew 13:44].

13MR 129.3

Christ wept over Jerusalem, saying: [Luke 19:42; Matthew 13:13-15, quoted].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 48, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 48, 1898, par. 1

The blessings of the gospel are compared to treasure hid in a field, “the which when a man findeth it, he hideth it, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” [Matthew 13:44.]

13LtMs, Ms 48, 1898, par. 3

Christ wept over Jerusalem, saying, O that thou hadst known, even thou in this thy day, the things that belong unto thy peace. But now they are hid from thine eyes. “Therefore,” He said, “I speak unto them in parables; because they seeing, see not, and hearing, they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing, ye shall see, and shall not perceive; for this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their eyes are dull of hearing, and their ears they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” [Verses 13-15.]

Christian Education

Chapter 17—Formality, Not Organization, An Evil

CE 140.2

It is a fearful thing to have great light and blessing, to have many opportunities and privileges, and yet make no saving use of them. Those who do not make a saving use of their opportunities, will be condemned by the privileges God has granted to them; but those who walk in the light will have increased light. Those who have had the light of truth, and yet have failed to walk in the light, are under the same sentence of condemnation as were Chorazin and Bethsaida. Shall not these warnings be heeded? Shall not these admonitions have weight with us? In the near future it will be seen just who have been walking humbly with God, and who have been obeying his orders. Those who have been walking in the sparks of their own kindling will lie down in sorrow. It will be seen that they have made a terrible mistake. O let us awake! light is now shining; let the windows of the mind and heart be open to welcome the heaven-sent rays. Shall Jesus say of those who profess to obey the truth, and yet who fail to walk in its light, “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them”? [Matthew 13:14, 15.]—MS.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 54, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 54, 1895, par. 2

Christ said of the Jews, “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive; for this people’s heart is waxen gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed.” [Matthew 13:14, 15.] Thus it is with some men who are connected with the great and important interests in our institutions.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 55, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 55, 1895, par. 16

Christ said of the Jews, “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people’s heart is waxen gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed.” [Matthew 13:14, 15.] Thus it is with some men who are connected with the great and important interests in our institutions.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 13, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 13, 1898, par. 7

“By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” [Matthew 13:14-17.]

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

MR No. 895—Minneapolis General Conference and its Aftermath

11MR 240.1

Christ, when talking to the people of His time, told them that they had blinded their eyes and closed their ears lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and be converted and He should save them. (Matthew 13:15.) Light had been given them, but they would not receive it. Darkness was upon them, and they would come and pick the little flaws, and draw the minds of the people away from the solemn truth that was for them. Now, how will it be with us? We don’t want to kill ourselves here laboring for you, but will you labor for yourselves? We want to know whether we will have the rich blessing of the Lord resting upon us, and we realize that He sheds His rich light and glory upon us. This is my prayer.—Manuscript 2, 1889, 2-4. (“Picking Flaws,” May 12, 1889.)

Selected Messages Book 2

Chapter 13—Should Christians Be Members of Secret Societies?

2SM 135.3

There is a blindness upon human minds that is willful. Jesus said, “This people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them” (Matthew 13:15). The work of God for the salvation of men is the one work of supreme importance to be carried forward in our world; but many do not see this, because their interest is more with the ranks of the enemy than with the loyal soldiers of Christ. They do not see the necessity of the cooperation of the human with the divine agency. The Lord has bidden us: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12, 13). This is the plan which God has revealed to us to guide us in all the plans and purposes of life. But while men pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), many reject the very means by which God would establish His kingdom.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

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

1SAT 97.1

Christ, when talking to the people of His time, told them that they had blinded their eyes and closed their ears lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and be converted and He should save them. (See Matthew 13:15) Light had been given them, but they would not receive it. Darkness was upon them, and they would come and pick the little flaws, and draw the minds of the people away from the solemn truth that was for them. Now, how will it be with us? We don’t want to kill ourselves here laboring for you, but will you labor for yourselves? We want to know whether we will have the rich blessing of the Lord resting upon us, and we realize that He sheds His rich light and glory upon us. This is my prayer.—Manuscript 2, 1889. (MR 900.22)

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Picking Flaws

1888 306.1

Christ, when talking to the people of His time, told them that they had blinded their eyes and closed their ears lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and be converted and He should save them. (See Matthew 13:15.) Light had been given them, but they would not receive it. Darkness was upon them, and they would come and pick the little flaws, and draw the minds of the people away from the solemn truth that was for them. Now, how will it be with us? We don’t want to kill ourselves here laboring for you, but will you labor for yourselves? We want to know whether we will have the rich blessing of the Lord resting upon us, and we realize that He sheds His rich light and glory upon us. This is my prayer.—Manuscript 2, 1889.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 53, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 53, 1894, par. 44

There is a blindness upon human minds that is willful. Jesus said, “This people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” [Matthew 13:15.] The work of God for the salvation of men is the one work of supreme importance to be carried forward in our world; but many do not see this because their interest is more with the ranks of the enemy than with the loyal soldiers of Christ. They do not perceive the necessity for the cooperation of the human with the divine agency.

Homeward Bound

Stay Focused on Jesus, April 11

HB 120.1

Blessed are your eyes for they see.—Matthew 13:16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 19c, 1874

2LtMs, Lt 19c, 1874, par. 11

These difficulties, opposition, disappointments, and discouragements they must meet again in a more decided, intense manner, but they must be firm as a rock to principle. If we are Christians, we must be Christlike, we must reflect light. Said Christ, “Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.” Matthew 13:16. And we can but speak the things we see and we hear. We hope, we pray, and we work, and we want these newly come to the faith to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 41, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, par. 61

Said Jesus on one occasion, “Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.” Matthew 13:16. What we hear and what we see is not alone for our benefit, but to be repeated by pen and voice and presented to others. The glad tidings of salvation shall be for all people. If the grace of God in rich measure is revealed to any one of us, it is for the purpose that we shall communicate the same, speaking the things which we have seen and heard.

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

MR No. 1593—A Call to Prepare for the Final Crisis

21MR 437.2

Christ said, “Blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them” [Matthew 13:16, 17]. Blessed are the eyes which saw the things that were seen in 1843 and 1844.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 54, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 54, 1906, par. 8

Christ said, “Blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears; for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” [Matthew 13:16, 17.] Blessed are the eyes which saw the things that were seen in 1843 and 1844. The message was given. And there should be no delay in repeating the message; for the signs of the times are fulfilling; the closing work must be done. A great work will be done in a short time. A message will soon be given by God’s appointment that will swell into a loud cry. Then Daniel will stand in his lot, to give his testimony.

Homeward Bound

Keep Your Eyes on Christ, January 28

HB 43.1

For assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it.—Matthew 13:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 86, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 86, 1907, par. 8

Christ illustrated this work in the parable of the sower. “Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower,” He said; “when anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he that received seed by the wayside. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while; for when tribulation or persecution ariseth, because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received the seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground, is he that heareth the word and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty.” [Matthew 13:18-23.]

22LtMs, Lt 86, 1907, par. 10

“Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while he slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? And he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest, I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.” [Matthew 13:24-30.]

22LtMs, Lt 86, 1907, par. 14

“Another parable spake He unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in thee measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. All these things spake Jesus unto them in parables; and without a parable spake He not unto them. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet saying, I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.” [Verses 33-35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 102, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 102, 1901, par. 4

In the church militant, there are tares with the wheat. Christ declared, “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” [Matthew 13:24-30.]

16LtMs, Lt 102, 1901, par. 5

“Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” [Verses 36-43.]

16LtMs, Lt 102, 1901, par. 7

“Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” [Verses 18-22.]

Selected Messages Book 2

How to Be Preserved From Deceptive Influences

2SM 353.3

It is not by force that Satan takes possession of the human mind. While men sleep, the enemy sows tares in the church. While men are spiritually sleeping, the enemy accomplishes his work of iniquity. It is when his subject “understandeth it not” (Matthew 13:19) that he catcheth away the good seed sown in the heart. When men and women are in this condition, when their spiritual life is not being constantly fed by the Spirit of God, Satan can imbue them with his spirit, and lead them to work his works.…

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 9, 1863

1LtMs, Ms 9, 1863, par. 2

The Sower has been sowing the gospel seed. Some of the seeds fell by the wayside and the fowls came and devoured them up. This parable applies to the young as well as to those older. Jesus explains the parable to His disciples. “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart.” Matthew 13:19. The young, I saw, may hear the truth but do not scoff at it or oppose it. They think all they hear true, but do not investigate for themselves. They look to some other one. “If he embraces the truth, I will also.” They do not think seriously upon the worth of the soul and the worth of Jesus’ love. They merely desire heaven but do not choose it. A few jesting remarks from foolish companions whose life is folly are sufficient to destroy the few transient thoughts they have had in regard to their eternal interest. [Manuscript was not finished.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 26, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 26, 1899, par. 1

“When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and snatcheth away that which was sown in his heart.” [Matthew 13:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 136, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 136, 1903, par. 5

Christ explains, in the parable of the sower and the seed, the need of guarding against the enemy. “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not,” He says, “then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart.” [Matthew 13:19.] After one has heard the truth, he is in great need of personal labor. Questions arise in his mind. Satan is watching for an opportunity to lead him to doubt. The enemy chooses agencies whom he sends to him to misstate the words of the one who gave the message. “Then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart.” The tempted one opens his mind to the evil agencies and yields to the tempter. Thus Satan turns the truth of God into a lie. The one that was convicted loses the blessed influence that if cherished would have meant eternal life to him. Satan takes possession of the heart, and it becomes hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 244, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 244, 1907, par. 7

It is not by force that Satan takes possession of the human mind. While men sleep, the enemy sows tares in the church. While men are spiritually sleeping, the enemy accomplishes his work of iniquity. It is when his subject “understandeth it not” that he catcheth away the good seed sown in the heart. [Matthew 13:19.] When men and women are in this condition, when their spiritual life is not being constantly fed by the Spirit of God, Satan can imbue them with his spirit and lead them to work his works.

Radiant Religion

But Be Rooted to Endure Trial and Temptation, November 12

RRe 318.1

He that receiveth the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the Word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the Word, by and by he is offended. Matthew 13:20, 21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 13, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 13, 1902, par. 20

In recording the parable of the sower, Luke says, “And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.” [Luke 8:7.] Matthew speaks more definitely: “He also that received seed among thorns is he that heareth the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” [Matthew 13:22.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 85, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 85, 1894, par. 15

“He that receiveth the seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundred fold, some sixty, and some thirty.” [Matthew 13:23.] Shall the expectation of the sower of the seed be disappointed? God forbid, for it is for the present and eternal good of the receiver that the seed sown be received into good ground. When it is received in faith, it springs up and bears fruit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 73, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 73, 1897, par. 25

“The seed is the word of God.” “He that receiveth the seed into good ground is he that heareth the word and understandeth it, which also beareth fruit (even the fruit of the lips, in appropriate words to the glory of God); and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.” [Luke 8:11; Matthew 13:23.] Christ was fruitful, because He had that faith that works by love and purifies the soul.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Risen Saviour, September 20

JNN 278.1

“But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”—Matthew 13:23

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

MR No. 995—Greater Concern and Zeal Needed for Soul Winning

12MR 336.1

Satan has placed his active agents along the passage to dispute the way of every soul. Christ has encouraged His followers not to be intimidated. Press on; urge your way through. “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (Matthew 13:24). Darling, cherished idols will have to be given up, and the sins that have been indulged, even if it comes as close as the plucking out of the right eye or cutting off the right arm. Agonize! Force your way through the very armies of hell that oppose your passage.

Christ Triumphant

The Lord Trusts Us to Sow Good Seed for a Good Harvest, August 17

CTr 236.1

The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. Matthew 13:24, 25, NRSV.

The Upward Look

The Influence of Mind on Mind, April 11

UL 115.1

The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. Matthew 13:24, 25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 52, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 52, 1899, par. 1

“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field, but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then the tares appeared also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servant said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay, lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.” [Matthew 13:24-30.]

14LtMs, Ms 52, 1899, par. 2

There are tares in the church, and the inquiry is made, “Wilt thou that we go and gather them up?” The answer is, No; “let both grow together until the harvest.” [Verses 28, 29.] Should the work of condemning church-members and purifying the church be committed to the human agent, terrible mistakes would be made. But all judgment is committed to the Son of God, who in humanity lived the law of God. He understands the strength of the temptations that come to every child of His.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 4—Tares

COL 70.1

“Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.”

COL 70.2

“The field,” Christ said, “is the world.” But we must understand this as signifying the church of Christ in the world. The parable is a description of that which pertains to the kingdom of God, His work of salvation of men; and this work is accomplished through the church. True, the Holy Spirit has gone out into all the world; everywhere it is moving upon the hearts of men; but it is in the church that we are to grow and ripen for the garner of God.

COL 70.3

“He that sowed the good seed is the Son of man.... The good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one.” The good seed represents those who are born of the word of God, the truth. The tares represent a class who are the fruit or embodiment of error, of false principles. “The enemy that sowed them is the devil.” Neither God nor His angels ever sowed a seed that would produce a tare. The tares are always sown by Satan, the enemy of God and man.

COL 71.1

In the East, men sometimes took revenge upon an enemy by strewing his newly sown fields with the seeds of some noxious weed that, while growing, closely resembled wheat. Springing up with the wheat, it injured the crop and brought trouble and loss to the owner of the field. So it is from enmity to Christ that Satan scatters his evil seed among the good grain of the kingdom. The fruit of his sowing he attributes to the Son of God. By bringing into the church those who bear Christ’s name while they deny His character, the wicked one causes that God shall be dishonored, the work of salvation misrepresented, and souls imperiled.

COL 71.2

Christ’s servants are grieved as they see true and false believers mingled in the church. They long to do something to cleanse the church. Like the servants of the householder, they are ready to uproot the tares. But Christ says to them, “Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest.”

COL 71.3

Christ has plainly taught that those who persist in open sin must be separated from the church, but He has not committed to us the work of judging character and motive. He knows our nature too well to entrust this work to us. Should we try to uproot from the church those whom we suppose to be spurious Christians, we should be sure to make mistakes. Often we regard as hopeless subjects the very ones whom Christ is drawing to Himself. Were we to deal with these souls according to our imperfect judgment, it would perhaps extinguish their last hope. Many who think themselves Christians will at last be found wanting. Many will be in heaven who their neighbors supposed would never enter there. Man judges from appearance, but God judges the heart. The tares and the wheat are to grow together until the harvest; and the harvest is the end of probationary time.

COL 72.1

There is in the Saviour’s words another lesson, a lesson of wonderful forbearance and tender love. As the tares have their roots closely intertwined with those of the good grain, so false brethren in the church may be closely linked with true disciples. The real character of these pretended believers is not fully manifested. Were they to be separated from the church, others might be caused to stumble, who but for this would have remained steadfast.

COL 72.2

The teaching of this parable is illustrated in God’s own dealing with men and angels. Satan is a deceiver. When he sinned in heaven, even the loyal angels did not fully discern his character. This was why God did not at once destroy Satan. Had He done so, the holy angels would not have perceived the justice and love of God. A doubt of God’s goodness would have been as evil seed that would yield the bitter fruit of sin and woe. Therefore the author of evil was spared, fully to develop his character. Through long ages God has borne the anguish of beholding the work of evil, He has given the infinite Gift of Calvary, rather than leave any to be deceived by the misrepresentations of the wicked one; for the tares could not be plucked up without danger of uprooting the precious grain. And shall we not be as forbearing toward our fellow men as the Lord of heaven and earth is toward Satan?

COL 72.3

The world has no right to doubt the truth of Christianity because there are unworthy members in the church, nor should Christians become disheartened because of these false brethren. How was it with the early church? Ananias and Sapphira joined themselves to the disciples. Simon Magus was baptized. Demas, who forsook Paul, had been counted a believer. Judas Iscariot was numbered with the apostles. The Redeemer does not want to lose one soul; His experience with Judas is recorded to show His long patience with perverse human nature; and He bids us bear with it as He has borne. He has said that false brethren will be found in the church till the close of time.

COL 74.1

Notwithstanding Christ’s warning, men have sought to uproot the tares. To punish those who were supposed to be evildoers, the church has had recourse to the civil power. Those who differed from the established doctrines have been imprisoned, put to torture and to death, at the instigation of men who claimed to be acting under the sanction of Christ. But it is the spirit of Satan, not the Spirit of Christ, that inspires such acts. This is Satan’s own method of bringing the world under his dominion. God has been misrepresented through the church by this way of dealing with those supposed to be heretics.

COL 74.2

Not judgment and condemnation of others, but humility and distrust of self, is the teaching of Christ’s parable. Not all that is sown in the field is good grain. The fact that men are in the church does not prove them Christians.

COL 74.3

The tares closely resembled the wheat while the blades were green; but when the field was white for the harvest, the worthless weeds bore no likeness to the wheat that bowed under the weight of its full, ripe heads. Sinners who make a pretension of piety mingle for a time with the true followers of Christ, and the semblance of Christianity is calculated to deceive many; but in the harvest of the world there will be no likeness between good and evil. Then those who have joined the church, but who have not joined Christ, will be manifest.

COL 74.4

The tares are permitted to grow among the wheat, to have all the advantage of sun and shower; but in the time of harvest ye shall “return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.” Malachi 3:18. Christ Himself will decide who are worthy to dwell with the family of heaven. He will judge every man according to his words and his works. Profession is as nothing in the scale. It is character that decides destiny.

COL 75.1

The Saviour does not point forward to a time when all the tares become wheat. The wheat and tares grow together until the harvest, the end of the world. Then the tares are bound in bundles to be burned, and the wheat is gathered into the garner of God. “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Then “the Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 98, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, par. 27

“The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.” [Matthew 13:24-30.]

11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, par. 28

“His disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered, and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that do offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” [Verses 36-43.]

Lift Him Up

Nature in the Light of Calvary, August 29

LHU 255.1

Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. Matthew 13:27, 28.

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

MR No. 1218—Counsel to Provide Adequate Facilities for Water Treatments; Eliminate Use of Poisonous Drugs; Reforms Needed

16MR 247.2

Christ never planted the seeds of death in the system. Satan planted these seeds when he tempted Adam to eat of the tree of knowledge, which meant disobedience to God. Not one noxious plant was placed in the Lord’s great garden, but after Adam and Eve sinned, poisonous herbs sprang up. In the parable of the sower the question was asked the master, “Didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it tares?” The master answered, “An enemy hath done this.” [Matthew 13:27, 28.] All tares are sown by the evil one. Every noxious herb is of his sowing, and by his ingenious methods of amalgamation he has corrupted the earth with tares.

Selected Messages Book 2

Remedies in the Natural World

2SM 288.2

Remedies That Cleanse the System—Christ never planted the seeds of death in the system. Satan planted these seeds when he tempted Adam to eat of the tree of knowledge which meant disobedience to God. Not one noxious plant was placed in the Lord’s great garden, but after Adam and Eve sinned, poisonous herbs sprang up. In the parable of the sower the question was asked the master, “Didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?” The master answered, “An enemy hath done this” (Matthew 13:27, 28). All tares are sown by the evil one. Every noxious herb is of his sowing, and by his ingenious methods of amalgamation he has corrupted the earth with tares.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 39, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 39, 1891, par. 4

Through association with the world, our institutions will become unsubstantial, unreliable; because these worldly elements introduced and placed in positions of trust, are looked up to as teachers to be respected in their educating, directing, and official position, and they are sure to be worked upon by the spirit of darkness so that the demarkation becomes not distinguished between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. The parable is given by Jesus Christ in regard to the field in which [it] was supposed was sown pure wheat, but the entrusted ones look upon the field with disappointment and inquire, “Didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?” The Master of the vineyard answered, “An enemy hath done this, while men slept.” [Matthew 13:27, 28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 65, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 65, 1899, par. 7

Christ never planted the seeds of death in the system. Satan planted these seeds when he tempted Adam to eat of the tree of knowledge, which meant disobedience to God. Not one noxious plant was placed in the Lord’s great garden, but after Adam and Eve sinned, poisonous herbs sprang up. In the parable of the sower the question was asked the master, “Didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? how then hath it tares?” The master answered, “An enemy hath done this.” [Matthew 13:27, 28.] All tares are sown by the evil one. Every noxious herb is of his sowing, and by his ingenious methods of amalgamation he has corrupted the earth with tares.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

The Wheat and Tares

1TT 311.1

In another parable which Jesus presented to His disciples, He likened the kingdom of heaven to a field wherein a man sowed good seed, but in which, while he was sleeping, the enemy sowed tares. The question was asked the householder: “Didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matthew 13:27-30. If faithfulness and vigilance had been preserved, if there had been no sleeping or negligence upon the part of any, the enemy would not have had so favorable an opportunity to sow tares among the wheat. Satan never sleeps. He is watching, and he improves every opportunity to set his agents to scatter error, which finds good soil in many unsanctified hearts.

Child Guidance

Chapter 6—The Book of Nature

CG 47.2

The Bible Interprets Nature’s Mysteries—The child, as he comes in contact with nature, will see cause for perplexity. He cannot but recognize the working of antagonistic forces. It is here that nature needs an interpreter. Looking upon the evil manifest even in the natural world, all have the same sorrowful lesson to learn—“An enemy hath done this.” Matthew 13:28.

Education

Chapter 10—God in Nature

Ed 101.1

In no other way can the foundation of a true education be so firmly and surely laid. Yet even the child, as he comes in contact with nature, will see cause for perplexity. He cannot but recognize the working of antagonistic forces. It is here that nature needs an interpreter. Looking upon the evil manifest even in the natural world, all have the same sorrowful lesson to learn—“An enemy hath done this.” Matthew 13:28.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 51a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 51a, 1895, par. 17

In the day when every man is rewarded according to his works, God will look at the hearts which have been deceived by your doubts, and will say, “An enemy hath done this.” [Matthew 13:28.] Your heart is not in the truth because the truth is not in your heart.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 84, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 84, 1897, par. 3

In the parable of the wheat and tares, the servant is presented as saying to the husbandman, Didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? how then hath it tares? Did the husbandman sow the tares? No: he answered, “An enemy hath done this.” [Matthew 13:28.] The enemy always sows the tares. Neither God nor His angels ever dropped a seed that would produce a tare. The enemy of God and man does this evil work, in order to afflict the human family. By making labor tenfold harder, so that much exertion is required for the cultivation of the earth, Satan leads men to murmur against the God of heaven as the cause of their misery. But Satan is the real cause of it. He makes labor toilsome, and by indulging do-nothing habits, men co-operate with him. By their own neglect, they bring about such a condition of things that briars and thorns multiply and choke the good seed.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

The Remnant Church Not Babylon

2TT 362.1

God has a church upon the earth who are His chosen people, who keep His commandments. He is leading, not stray offshoots, not one here and one there, but a people. The truth is a sanctifying power; but the church militant is not the church triumphant. There are tares among the wheat. “Wilt thou then that we ... gather them up?” was the question of the servant; but the master answered, “Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.” Matthew 13:28, 29. The gospel net draws not only good fish but bad ones as well, and the Lord only knows who are His.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 57, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 57, 1893, par. 9

God has a church upon the earth who are His chosen people, who keep His commandments. He is leading not stray, offshoots, not one here and one there, but a people. The truth is a sanctifying power; but the church militant is not yet the church triumphant. There are tares among the wheat. “Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?” was the question asked by the servants. But the Master said, “Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.” [Matthew 13:28, 29.] The gospel net draws not only good fish, but bad ones as well, and the Lord only knows who are His.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 11, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 11, 1893, par. 9

The gospel net gathers both good and bad fish. The tares spring up wherever there is wheat. The question was asked of Christ concerning the tares, “Wilt thou that we go and gather them out?” His answer was, “Nay, lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root out also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest.” [Matthew 13:28-30.] God does not lay upon finite human beings the responsibility of discovering the tares and rooting them up. At the time of the harvest He will send His angels to gather the wheat into His garner, and then the tares will be bound into bundles to be burned.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 179, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, par. 28

I might go on to great length, but I have not the heart to proceed further. This action has the displeasure of God upon it. There is and always will be tares among the wheat, and these tares spoil the harvest. But God says, Let the tares grow. Root them not up, lest ye root up the wheat also. [Matthew 13:29.] The wheat becomes so closely allied to the tares that in rooting up the tares the wheat also will be rooted up with them. It takes a discerning eye to discover the difference between the tares and the wheat, but in the last time, God will separate the tares from the wheat.

Help In Daily Living

Patience With the Erring

HDL 36.2

Till the end of time there will be tares among the wheat. When the servants of the householder, in their zeal for his honor, asked permission to root out the tares, the master said: “Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest.” Matthew 13:29, 30.

The Ministry of Healing

Forbearance Under Wrong

MH 493.2

Till the end of time there will be tares among the wheat. When the servants of the householder, in their zeal for his honor, asked permission to root out the tares, the master said: “Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest.” Matthew 13:29, 30.

That I May Know Him

Tares Among the Wheat, June 22

TMK 179.1

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Matthew 13:30.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 52, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 11

Many have dishonored the great and important message which God has committed to His church to leaven the world. There must be harmonious action. Mutual love and confidence constitute moral forces which will be a power for good. Satan sees this, and he manages to sow tares among the wheat. Many know not the gospel as the power of God unto salvation. All must press together; and all who have the spirit of Christ will do this. Those who have another spirit will hold off and become workers with the powers that do not draw with Christ, but who scatter abroad. These will remain as tares among the wheat until the Master says, “gather out the tares, and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” [Matthew 13:30.] Christ will recognize every kernel of wheat.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 82, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 82, 1900, par. 14

Well is it for us that God is full of pity and compassion. He has given command that the wheat and the tares are to grow together until the harvest. He sees that the roots of the wheat are entwined with the roots of the tares, and that if the tares were ruthlessly torn up, the wheat also would be disturbed; and He says, “Let both grow together until the harvest.” [Matthew 13:30.] The Lord alone can separate the wheat from the tares, and this He will do at the appointed time.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 96, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 96, 1900, par. 16

Well is it for us that God is full of pity and compassion. He has given command that the wheat and the tares are to grow together until the harvest. He sees that the roots of the wheat are entwined with the roots of the tares, and that if the tares were ruthlessly torn up, the wheat also would be disturbed; and He says, “Let both grow together until the harvest.” [Matthew 13:30.] The Lord alone can separate the wheat from the tares, and this He will do at the appointed time.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 201, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 201, 1902, par. 12

In the time of the harvest the Lord will say to His reapers, “Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into My barn.” [Matthew 13:30.] God has a people on the earth who will see the evil of every phase of oppression and will refuse to unite with the enemy in carrying out his plans.

The Upward Look

Let Them Grow Together, March 4

UL 77.1

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Matthew 13:30.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 96, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 96, 1893, par. 1

There are many sinners in Zion, and they are likened to tares among the wheat. But Christ has said, “Let them both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest, I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” [Matthew 13:30.] We have no discouraging message for the church. Although reproofs and cautions and corrections have been made, yet the church has stood as God’s instrumentality to diffuse light. The commandment-keeping people of God have sounded forth a warning to the world, to all languages, tongues, and kindreds. The church of God is a living witness, a continual testimony, to convince men if accepted, to condemn them if resisted and rejected.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 144, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 144, 1897, par. 16

In every church we shall find tares among the wheat. Christ says, “Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.” [Matthew 13:30.] There will be those who have had every opportunity to become sons and daughters of God. But they decided that they would not wear Christ’s yoke of obedience. Their names were on the church books, but they did not live a Christian life. They did not at the very start knit their souls with Christ. Let all unite with Christ first, and then unite with the church. Those who place their names on the church record without surrendering all to Christ, expecting to take with them their own habits and practices, dishonor their Saviour. Their words are against Christ, their actions, are contrary to Him. Yet they expect a great amount of labor to be devoted to them. They expect to be towed along by <others’> preaching and praying, while they do not receive the engrafted Word into their hearts.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 48, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 48, 1897, par. 20

All this represents the condition of the church. But what are we to do? To sit in judgment upon these poor, delinquent ones, to condemn them, and root them out, is not given to mortal men to do. God has not given this work to any human being. “Let both grow together until the harvest,” said Christ. [Matthew 13:30.] Christ is the judge. He has bought man. Man is His property. The Redeemer does not want to lose one soul, and His experience with Judas is recorded to show His long patience with perverse human nature.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 51, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 51, 1898, par. 10

Please read the invitation to the supper, and the last call made. Study to see what is being done to meet the command of Jesus. I cannot understand why this indifference is manifested, why you should stand off and criticize and draw away. The gospel net is to be cast into the sea, and it draws both good and bad. But because this is so, shall men and women ignore the efforts made to save those who will believe, and who will unite in the work of reaching that class of which Christ spoke in His rebuke to the Pharisees? “Sinners and harlots,” He said, “go into the kingdom before you?” [Matthew 21:31.] Will you not see that in every church there are those who have no connection with God? But Christ says, “Let the tares and the wheat grow together until the harvest, then I will send my angel to gather out the tares and burn them, but the wheat will I gather into my barn.” [See Matthew 13:30, 39.]

The Great Controversy

Chapter 18—An American Reformer

GC 321.1

Taking the manner in which the prophecies had been fulfilled in the past as a criterion by which to judge of the fulfillment of those which were still future, he became satisfied that the popular view of the spiritual reign of Christ—a temporal millennium before the end of the world—was not sustained by the word of God. This doctrine, pointing to a thousand years of righteousness and peace before the personal coming of the Lord, put far off the terrors of the day of God. But, pleasing though it may be, it is contrary to the teachings of Christ and His apostles, who declared that the wheat and the tares are to grow together until the harvest, the end of the world; that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse;” that “in the last days perilous times shall come;” and that the kingdom of darkness shall continue until the advent of the Lord and shall be consumed with the spirit of His mouth and be destroyed with the brightness of His coming. Matthew 13:30, 38-41; 2 Timothy 3:13, 1; 2 Thessalonians 2:8.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 18—An American Reformer

GC88 321.1

Taking the manner in which the prophecies had been fulfilled in the past, as a criterion by which to judge of the fulfillment of those which were still future, he became satisfied that the popular view of the spiritual reign of Christ—a temporal millennium before the end of the world—was not sustained by the Word of God. This doctrine, pointing to a thousand years of righteousness and peace before the personal coming of the Lord, put far off the terrors of the day of God. But, pleasing though it may be, it is contrary to the teachings of Christ and his apostles, who declared that the wheat and the tares are to grow together until the harvest, the end of the world; [Matthew 13:30, 38-41.] that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse;” [2 Timothy 3:13, 1.] that “in the last days perilous times shall come;” [2 Timothy 3:13, 1.] and that the kingdom of darkness shall continue until the advent of the Lord, and shall be consumed with the spirit of his mouth, and be destroyed with the brightness of his coming. [2 Thessalonians 2:8.] The doctrine of the world’s conversion and the spiritual reign of Christ was not held by the apostolic church. It was not generally accepted by Christians until about the beginning of the eighteenth century. Like every other error, its results were evil. It taught men to look far in the future for the coming of the Lord, and prevented them from giving heed to the signs heralding his approach. It induced a feeling of confidence and security that was not well founded, and led many to neglect the preparation necessary in order to meet their Lord.

Christ in His Sanctuary

The Study of the Prophecies

CIHS 75.1

Taking the manner in which the prophecies had been fulfilled in the past as a criterion by which to judge of the fulfillment of those which were still future, he became satisfied that the popular view of the spiritual reign of Christ—a temporal millennium before the end of the world—was not sustained by the word of God. This doctrine, pointing to a thousand years of righteousness and peace before the personal coming of the Lord, put far off the terrors of the day of God. But, pleasing though it may be, it is contrary to the teachings of Christ and His apostles, who declared that the wheat and the tares are to grow together until the harvest, the end of the world; that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse;” that “in the last days perilous times shall come;” and that the kingdom of darkness shall continue until the advent of the Lord and shall be consumed with the spirit of His mouth and be destroyed with the brightness of His coming. Matthew 13:30, 38-41; 2 Timothy 3:13, 1; 2 Thessalonians 2:8.

A Call To Stand Apart

Chapter 8—How to Have Faith

CSA 29.1

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Matthew 13:31-32.

God’s Amazing Grace

Like Mustard Seed, January 9

AG 17.1

The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, ... which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Matthew 13:31, 32.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 35, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 35, 1898, par. 5

“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all seeds; but when it is grown it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” [Matthew 13:31, 32.] This tiny seed as described when planted, in process of time springs up, first the blade, then the stalk, and then the spreading branches, so that the birds lodge in it. From nature Christ drew this representation of the kingdom of heaven. When nature is comprehended and understood, it is among the most instructive teachers of divine knowledge.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 5—“Like a Grain of Mustard Seed”

COL 76.1

In the multitude that listened to Christ’s teaching there were many Pharisees. These noted contemptuously how few of His hearers acknowledged Him as the Messiah. And they questioned with themselves how this unpretending teacher could exalt Israel to universal dominion. Without riches, power, or honor, how was He to establish the new kingdom? Christ read their thoughts and answered them:

COL 76.2

“Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?” In earthly governments there was nothing that could serve for a similitude. No civil society could afford Him a symbol. “It is like a grain of mustard seed,” He said, “which, when it is sown upon the earth, though it be less than all the seeds that are upon the earth, yet when it is sown, groweth up, and becometh greater than all the herbs, and putteth out great branches; so that the birds of the heaven can lodge under the shadow thereof.” (R.V.).

COL 77.1

The germ in the seed grows by the unfolding of the life-principle which God has implanted. Its development depends upon no human power. So it is with the kingdom of Christ. It is a new creation. Its principles of development are the opposite of those that rule the kingdoms of this world. Earthly governments prevail by physical force; they maintain their dominion by war; but the founder of the new kingdom is the Prince of Peace. The Holy Spirit represents worldly kingdoms under the symbol of fierce beasts of prey; but Christ is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. In His plan of government there is no employment of brute force to compel the conscience. The Jews looked for the kingdom of God to be established in the same way as the kingdoms of the world. To promote righteousness they resorted to external measures. They devised methods and plans. But Christ implants a principle. By implanting truth and righteousness, He counterworks error and sin.

COL 77.2

As Jesus spoke this parable, the mustard plant could be seen far and near, lifting itself above the grass and grain, and waving its branches lightly in the air. Birds flitted from twig to twig, and sang amid the leafy foliage. Yet the seed from which sprang this giant plant was among the least of all seeds. At first it sent up a tender shoot, but it was of strong vitality, and grew and flourished until it reached its present great size. So the kingdom of Christ in its beginning seemed humble and insignificant. Compared with earthly kingdoms it appeared to be the least of all. By the rulers of this world Christ’s claim to be a king was ridiculed. Yet in the mighty truths committed to His followers the kingdom of the gospel possessed a divine life. And how rapid was its growth, how widespread its influence! When Christ spoke this parable, there were only a few Galilean peasants to represent the new kingdom. Their poverty, the fewness of their numbers, were urged over and over again as a reason why men should not connect themselves with these simple-minded fishermen who followed Jesus. But the mustard seed was to grow and spread forth its branches throughout the world. When the earthly kingdoms whose glory then filled the hearts of men should perish, the kingdom of Christ would remain, a mighty and far-reaching power.

COL 78.1

So the work of grace in the heart is small in its beginning. A word is spoken, a ray of light is shed into the soul, an influence is exerted that is the beginning of the new life; and who can measure its results?

COL 78.2

Not only is the growth of Christ’s kingdom illustrated by the parable of the mustard seed, but in every stage of its growth the experience represented in the parable is repeated. For His church in every generation God has a special truth and a special work. The truth that is hid from the worldly wise and prudent is revealed to the child-like and humble. It calls for self-sacrifice. It has battles to fight and victories to win. At the outset its advocates are few. By the great men of the world and by a world-conforming church, they are opposed and despised. See John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, standing alone to rebuke the pride and formalism of the Jewish nation. See the first bearers of the gospel into Europe. How obscure, how hopeless, seemed the mission of Paul and Silas, the two tentmakers, as they with their companions took ship at Troas for Philippi. See “Paul the aged,” in chains, preaching Christ in the stronghold of the Caesars. See the little communities of slaves and peasants in conflict with the heathenism of imperial Rome. See Martin Luther withstanding that mighty church which is the masterpiece of the world’s wisdom. See him holding fast God’s word against emperor and pope, declaring, “Here I take my stand; I can not do otherwise. God be my help.” See John Wesley preaching Christ and His righteousness in the midst of formalism, sensualism, and infidelity. See one burdened with the woes of the heathen world, pleading for the privilege of carrying to them Christ’s message of love. Hear the response of ecclesiasticism: “Sit down, young man. When God wants to convert the heathen, He will do it without your help or mine.”

COL 79.1

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

COL 79.2

“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are” (1 Corinthians 1:26-28); “that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5).

COL 79.3

And in this last generation the parable of the mustard seed is to reach a signal and triumphant fulfillment. The little seed will become a tree. The last message of warning and mercy is to go to “every nation and kindred and tongue” (Revelation 14:6-14), “to take out of them a people for His name” (Acts 15:14; Revelation 18:1). And the earth shall be lightened with His glory.