EGW WritingsMatthew 22

Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 554—Photographs

8MR 78.3

The first great commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37.) Here is allowed no separation of the affections from God. In 1 John 2:15-17 we read, “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. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” Now if the pictures made have a tendency to separate the affections from God, and are worshiped in the place of God, they are idols. Have those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ exalted these things above God, and given their affections to them? Has their love for treasures filled a place in their hearts that Jesus should occupy?

Selected Messages Book 2

Chapter 13—Should Christians Be Members of Secret Societies?

2SM 125.1

I ask you who take pleasure in these associations, who love the gathering for indulgence in wit and merriment and feasting, Do you take Jesus with you? Are you seeking to save the souls of your companions? Is that the object of your association with them? Do they see and feel that there is in you a living embodiment of the Spirit of Christ? Is it manifest that you are a witness for Christ, that you belong to a peculiar people, zealous of good works? Is it manifest that your life is governed by the divine precepts, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37), and, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 19:19)? To speak to the hearts and consciences of those that are ready to perish, is beyond the power of one who does not himself surrender all for Christ. But where do your fluency and warmth of speech show that your interest is centered?

Selected Messages Book 3

Chapter 45—Balanced Counsel on Picture-making and Idolatry

3SM 330.3

The first great commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). Here is allowed no separation of the affections from God. In 1 John 2:15-17 we read, “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. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” Now if the pictures made have a tendency to separate the affections from God, and are worshiped in the place of God, they are idols. Have those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ exalted these things above God, and given their affections to them? Has their love for treasures filled a place in their hearts that Jesus should occupy?

Sons and Daughters of God

We Are to Love the Lord With All Our Hearts, February 14

SD 51.1

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matthew 22:37.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4

Camp Meetings

4T 281.1

The tent was full, and about two hundred persons stood outside the canvas, unable to find room inside. I spoke from the words of Christ in answer to the question of the learned scribe as to which was the great commandment in the law: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37. The blessing of God rested upon me, and my pain and feebleness left me. Before me were a people whom I might not meet again until the judgment; and the desire for their salvation led me to speak earnestly and in the fear of God, that I might be free from their blood. Great freedom attended my effort, which occupied one hour and ten minutes. Jesus was my helper, and His name shall have all the glory. The audience was very attentive.

Ye Shall Receive Power

The Spirit Can Be Grieved, January 25

YRP 33.4

God has bought us, and He claims a throne in each heart. Our minds and bodies must be subordinated to Him; and the natural habits and appetites must be made subservient to the higher wants of the soul. But we can place no dependence upon ourselves in this work. We cannot with safety follow our own guidance. The Holy Spirit must renew and sanctify us. And in God’s service there must be no halfway work. Those who profess to serve God and yet indulge their natural impulses will mislead other souls. Said Christ, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). “This do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:28).—Manuscript Releases 18:47, 48.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

“Your Reasonable Service”

2TT 214.2

In the time of ancient Israel the priests critically examined every offering that was brought as a sacrifice. If any defect was discovered, the animal was refused; for the Lord had commanded that the offering should be “without blemish.” We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice to God, and should we not seek to make the offering as perfect as possible? God has given us every instruction necessary for our physical, mental, and moral well-being; and it is the duty of every one of us to bring our habits of life into conformity with the divine standard in every particular. Will the Lord be pleased with anything less than the best we can offer? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.” Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27. If you do love Him with all your heart you will desire to give Him the best service of your life, and you will seek to bring every power of your being into harmony with the laws that will promote your ability to do His will.

Testimony for the Church — No. 28

Camp-Meetings.

T28 22.1

The tent was full, and about two hundred persons stood outside the canvas, unable to find room inside. I spoke from the words of Christ in answer to the question of the learned scribe as to which was the great commandment in the law: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

Separation From the World

CT 329.2

Those who would be worshipers of the true God must sacrifice every idol. Jesus said to the lawyer, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:37, 38. The first four precepts of the Decalogue allow no separation of affections from God. Nor must anything share our supreme delight in Him. We cannot advance in Christian experience until we put away everything that separates us from God.

Messages to Young People

Separation From the World

MYP 377.2

Those who would be worshipers of the true God must sacrifice every idol. Jesus said to the lawyer, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first commandment.” Matthew 22:37, 38. The first four precepts of the decalogue allow no separation of the affections from God. Nor must anything share our supreme delight in Him. We cannot advance in Christian experience until we put away everything that separates us from God.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1

Chapter 60—Consecration

1T 289.2

If we would be spiritual worshipers of Jesus Christ, we must sacrifice every idol and fully obey the first four commandments. Matthew 22:37, 38: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” The first four commandments allow no separation of the affections from God. Nor is anything allowed to divide, or share, our supreme delight in Him. Whatever divides the affections, and takes away from the soul supreme love to God, assumes the form of an idol. Our carnal hearts would cling to our idols and seek to carry them along; but we cannot advance until we put them away, for they separate us from God. The great Head of the church has chosen His people out of the world and requires them to be separate. He designs that the spirit of His commandments shall draw them to Himself and separate them from the elements of the world. To love God and keep His commandments is far from loving the world’s pleasures and friendship. There is no concord between Christ and Belial. The people of God may safely trust in Him alone and without fear press on in the way of obedience.

The Faith I Live By

Religion to Be Supreme, August 2

FLB 220.1

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. Matthew 22:37, 38.

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4b

Consecration

4bSG 79.3

If we would be spiritual worshipers of Jesus Christ, we must sacrifice every idol, and fully obey the first four commandments. Matthew 22:37, 38. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.”

The Review and Herald

February 18, 1862

RH February 18, 1862, Art. A, par. 5

If we would be spiritual worshipers of Jesus Christ we must sacrifice every idol, and fully obey the first four commandments. Matthew 22:37, 38: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.”

Testimony for the Church — No. 7

Consecration

T07 48.1

If we would be spiritual worshipers of Jesus Christ we must sacrifice every idol, and fully obey the first four commandments. Matthew 22:37, 38. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 111, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 111, 1893, par. 10

Jesus says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. ... Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Matthew 22:37, 39.] “This do,” said Christ, “and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:28.] I call upon all who are managers in our Institutions to awake, and reason from high principles, and determine what shall be your future course. Will you break the spell that Satan has put upon you? Will you seek to be cleansed from the guilty record that is registered against you? God has honored you by giving you a connection with his work; but if this connection with sacred responsibilities does not increase your piety in practical life, does not aid you in the cultivation of mercy, long-suffering and goodness, does not make you tender-hearted, pitiful, courteous, Christlike, then your condemnation will be in proportion to the responsibility of the position you have accepted. It will be in proportion as your example in transgression as a responsible man is of influence to work injury in representing the attributes of Satan instead of those of the Father in heaven. Great light has come to this people and the work of wrath is a strange work for God, but when it is necessary he will vindicate his name, bringing forth his judgment as the light and his righteousness as the noonday.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 53, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 53, 1894, par. 14

I ask you who take pleasure in these associations, who love the gatherings for indulgence in wit and merriment and feasting, do you take Jesus with you? Are you seeking to save the souls of your companions? Is that the object of your association with them? Do you see and feel that there is in you a living embodiment of the Spirit of Christ? Is it manifest that you are [a] witness for Christ, that you belong to the peculiar people, zealous of good works? Is it manifest that your life is governed by [the] divine precepts: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,” and “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”? [Matthew 22:37, 39.] To speak to the hearts and consciences of those who are ready to perish is beyond the power of one who does not himself surrender all for Christ. But where does your fluency and warmth of speech show that your interest is centered?

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

Holidays Unto God

CT 345.1

Gatherings for amusement confuse faith and make the motive mixed and uncertain. The Lord accepts no divided heart. He wants the whole man. He made all there is of man. He offered a complete sacrifice to redeem the body and soul of man. That which He requires of those whom He has created and redeemed is summed up in these words: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.... Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Matthew 22:37-39. God will accept nothing less than this.—Special Testimonies On Education, 80-83.

God’s Amazing Grace

Includes Love to God and Man, May 17

AG 145.1

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.... And ... thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 22:37-39.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

MR No. 55—The Spirit that Should Characterize the Work of Seventh-day Adventist Physicians

1MR 215.2

Many have deceived the world, betrayed the cause of Christ, and put the Lord of glory to an open shame by misrepresenting His character. These lie against the truth. They countenance and practice principles that in no way correspond with the truth of God. Many are willing to benefit themselves at another’s disadvantage, and this proves that the truth has not been brought into the sanctuary of the soul, and that God’s law is a dead letter to them. The commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart, and ... thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-39). They have failed to learn the lesson of the pure Son of God. The True Witness says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:4, 5).

The Review and Herald

September 6, 1877

RH September 6, 1877, par. 16

Monday evening I stood in the stand of the Danvers tent. A large congregation was before me; I never stood in the presence of a more intelligent looking people; they were evidently of the best class of society. The tent was full, and about 200 persons stood outside the canvas, unable to find room inside. I went into the stand with great weariness and trembling. My throat and lungs were very painful, and in a state of congestion; but I had found comfort in pleading with God for help in this emergency. I knew that if any degree of success attended my labors, it would be through the strength of One mightier than I. Committing myself to God, I commenced to speak from the words of Christ in answer to the question of the learned scribe as to which was the great commandment in the law: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,” etc. Matthew 22:37-39.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 73, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 73, 1896, par. 15

These gatherings for amusement confuse faith, and make the motive mixed and uncertain. The Lord accepts no divided heart. He wants the whole man. He made all there is of man. He offered a complete sacrifice to redeem the body and soul of man. That which He requires of those whom He has created and redeemed is summed up in these words, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind ... Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Matthew 22:37-39.] God will accept nothing less than this.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 58, 1911

25LtMs, Lt 58, 1911, par. 7

This is the message you are to bear to perishing souls in their sins. If they will come to Christ in repentance, He will receive them. And He will recreate them in His image. God gave His Son, that men and women might be partakers of the divine nature. The sword of justice fell upon Him, that they might go free. He died that they might live. God’s first and great commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” The second is like it: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” [Matthew 22:37, 39, 40.]

In Heavenly Places

Christ Exemplified God’s Law, February 1

HP 38.2

In the councils of heaven it was determined that there must be given to mankind a living exemplification of the law. Having decided to make this great sacrifice, God left nothing obscure, nothing indefinite, in regard to the salvation of the human race. He gave to mankind a standard by which to form character. With an audible voice and in awful grandeur He spoke His law from Mount Sinai. Distinctly He stated what we must do in order to render acceptable obedience to Him and ... remain loyal to His law. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40).

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 27—The Character of the Law of God

1SM 218.1

The divine law requires us to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves. Without the exercise of this love, the highest profession of faith is mere hypocrisy. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments,” says Christ, “hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40).

Education

Chapter 1—Source and Aim of True Education

Ed 16.2

Like the first is the second commandment—“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Matthew 22:39. The law of love calls for the devotion of body, mind, and soul to the service of God and our fellow men. And this service, while making us a blessing to others, brings the greatest blessing to ourselves. Unselfishness underlies all true development. Through unselfish service we receive the highest culture of every faculty. More and more fully do we become partakers of the divine nature. We are fitted for heaven, for we receive heaven into our hearts.

Sons and Daughters of God

We Will Love Our Neighbors as Ourselves, February 15

SD 52.1

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 22:39.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”—Matthew 7:12.

MB 134.3

In your association with others, put yourself in their place. Enter into their feelings, their difficulties, their disappointments, their joys, and their sorrows. Identify yourself with them, and then do to them as, were you to exchange places with them, you would wish them to deal with you. This is the true rule of honesty. It is another expression of the law. “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Matthew 22:39. And it is the substance of the teaching of the prophets. It is a principle of heaven, and will be developed in all who are fitted for its holy companionship.

With God at Dawn

We Must Have Love for Others, January 25

WGD 27.1

Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 22:39.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 13, 1869

2LtMs, Lt 13, 1869, par. 37

Cornelia [Cornell], you have a great lesson to learn. To deny self, and cease to be self-caring; love self less, and the Lord and His cause with an unselfish love. The second commandment, she has not carried out in her life. The second commandment is like it, namely, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Matthew 22:39.] She will have to work upon a different principle or she will never hear the “well done good and faithful servant” [Matthew 25:23] from the lips of the Master.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 116, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 116, 1898, par. 1

The principle of God’s Word most disregarded is that which enjoins upon us the necessity of loving God supremely, and the result is that men find it impossible to obey the second great principle of the law, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Matthew 22:39.] Just in accordance with the seed sown will be the harvest reaped. The test is now upon us. Which shall it be? transgression or loyalty, obedience or disobedience, to these commandments?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 46, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 46, 1888, par. 9

My brother, the success which has attended you in business has nearly ruined your soul. You have lost nearly [all] spiritual discernment, and your ideas of righteousness and unrighteousness have become confused. Look closely to your business career and ask yourself how far you have brought into your character the principles of the last six commandments—“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Matthew 22:39, 40.] Inquire, Am I a Christian? Do I reveal to the world a Christlike disposition and character?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 11, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 11, 1902, par. 15

How was this a new commandment? Christ had already declared the last six commands of the decalogue to be summed up in the words, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Matthew 22:39, 40.] What, then, was there new in the command to love one another? The disciples had not loved one another as Christ had loved them. And they had not yet seen the fulness of the love Christ was to reveal in man’s behalf. They were yet to see Him dying on the cross for their sins. Through His life and death they were to receive a new conception of love. The command to love one another was to gain a new meaning in the light of His self-sacrifice. In the light shining from the cross of Calvary they were to understand the meaning of the words, “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 95, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, par. 18

The Word of God declares, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” [Luke 10:27; Matthew 22:40.] The Lord has a controversy with his people, Many of them do not keep His commandments. As a people, we are far from being doers of the Word of God. Self, highly estimated, strives for recognition. We are told to love our neighbors as ourselves, but too often we disregard this command, walking far apart from those we should help, and cherishing self, calling for praise and recognition. But unless we change this course, and diligently study and faithfully practice the word of God, we shall not be able to endure the perils of the last day.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 66, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 66, 1897, par. 24

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” [Mark 12:30, 31.] This is the obedience required to the claims of the law of God. On these two commandments—love for God and love for man—“hang all the law and the prophets.” [Matthew 22:40.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 82a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 82a, 1897, par. 9

My brother, my sister, what can we do, what can we say to those whom we know do not obey the first four precepts of the decalogue, neither the last six, when we consider that this plain answer is truth, and that those who are not obeying the law of God in precept and example are, notwithstanding they make the highest profession, living in disobedience to the whole principles of the moral law? That law of God will teach the whole duty of man. He turned the confusion upon themselves: “Thou has answered right: this do, and thou shalt live, for on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” [Luke 10:28; Matthew 22:40.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 88, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 88, 1897, par. 18

Christ died to save sinners, not in their sins, but from their sins. The warning given in Revelation shows us the terrible consequence of transgression. By lips that will not lie, God’s law is declared to be holy, just, and good. Our duty to obey this law is to be the burden of the last message of mercy to the world. God’s law is not a new thing. It is not holiness created, but holiness made known. It is a code of principles expressing mercy, goodness, and love. It presents to fallen humanity the character of God, and states plainly the whole duty of man. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” This command contains the principles of the first four precepts. “And thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Mark 12:30, 31.] Upon these two great principles, the Word of God declares, hang all the law and the prophets. [Matthew 22:40.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 22, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 22, 1899, par. 4

The lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ answered, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” “He answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] These are the two great principles of the law. Upon these two principles “hang all the law and the prophets.” [Matthew 22:40.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 30, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 30, 1904, par. 7

To love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves—this is the fulfilling of the law. “Upon these two great principles hang all the law and the prophets.” [Matthew 22:40.] Well does Satan understand this, and he works with all his power to prevent the manifestation of the divine love in the human heart.

That I May Know Him

Our Perfect Pattern, April 15

TMK 111.4

The centuries that have passed since Christ was among men have not lessened the confidence of our testimony that Christ is all that He claimed to be. Today the question may be repeated, “What think ye of Christ?” (Matthew 22:42), and without a moment’s hesitation the answer may be given, “He is the light of the world, the greatest religious thinker and teacher the world has ever known.” All who hear His voice today, all who study the principles set forth in His teaching, must say, in truthfulness, as did the Jews of His day, “Never man spake like this man.” “Is not this the Christ?” (John 7:46; 4:29).22The Youth’s Instructor, September 16, 1897.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 26, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 26, 1897, par. 9

I ask you, Frank Belden, “What think ye of Christ?” [Matthew 22:42.] You are dear to my soul, and I ask you, “What think ye of Christ?” Every man and woman is making his or her choice of their leader. Will you have this man, Christ Jesus, as your personal Saviour? Will you own Him? Will you have Him as your Ruler? Then look unto Jesus and live. I ask you, “What think ye of Christ?” Whose Son is He? If you say He is the Son of the living God, and to whom shall I go but unto my Saviour, He will receive you. Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith, you will be changed into His likeness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 13, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 13, 1899, par. 12

“What think ye of Christ?” [Matthew 22:42.] What is He to you personally? Is your faith centered in Him as your Redeemer? Do you believe that He saves you from sin, that He imputes to you His righteousness?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 107, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 107, 1904, par. 23

The things which God commissioned John to send to the churches are not to be set aside as idle tales while speculations regarding what will be in the future life are brought in. God has never revealed just what will be in the future life, neither has He authorized any one to bring in theories regarding this subject. The salvation of souls does not depend on such theories. Yet precious time is given to the discussion of such subjects as whether children will be born in the new earth, while vital, important truths are passed over and neglected. Let our people remember that on subjects regarding which God has not spoken, silence is eloquence. “What think ye of Christ?” [Matthew 22:42.] This is the all-important question for every one to answer. Do you receive Him as a personal Saviour? To all who receive Him He gives power to become sons of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 102, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 102, 1897, par. 2

“The Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies [thy] footstool.” [Matthew 22:44.] “And there was given unto him dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages should serve and obey him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” [Daniel 7:14.] “And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” [Matthew 24:31.]