EGW WritingsMatthew 23
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 2
Read Matthew 23 in the BibleMatthew 23:1-39
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 67—Woes on the Pharisees
DA 610.1
It was the last day of Christ’s teaching in the temple. Of the vast throngs that were gathered at Jerusalem, the attention of all had been attracted to Him; the people had crowded the temple courts, watching the contest that had been in progress, and they eagerly caught every word that fell from His lips. Never before had such a scene been witnessed. There stood the young Galilean, bearing no earthly honor or royal badge. Surrounding Him were priests in their rich apparel, rulers with robes and badges significant of their exalted station, and scribes with scrolls in their hands, to which they made frequent reference. Jesus stood calmly before them, with the dignity of a king. As one invested with the authority of heaven, He looked unflinchingly upon His adversaries, who had rejected and despised His teachings, and who thirsted for His life. They had assailed Him in great numbers, but their schemes to ensnare and condemn Him had been in vain. Challenge after challenge He had met, presenting the pure, bright truth in contrast to the darkness and errors of the priests and Pharisees. He had set before these leaders their real condition, and the retribution sure to follow persistence in their evil deeds. The warning had been faithfully given. Yet another work remained for Christ to do. Another purpose was still to be accomplished.DA 611.1
The interest of the people in Christ and His work had steadily increased. They were charmed with His teaching, but they were also greatly perplexed. They had respected the priests and rabbis for their intelligence and apparent piety. In all religious matters they had ever yielded implicit obedience to their authority. Yet they now saw these men trying to cast discredit upon Jesus, a teacher whose virtue and knowledge shone forth the brighter from every assault. They looked upon the lowering countenances of the priests and elders, and there saw discomfiture and confusion. They marveled that the rulers would not believe on Jesus, when His teachings were so plain and simple. They themselves knew not what course to take. With eager anxiety they watched the movements of those whose counsel they had always followed.DA 611.2
In the parables which Christ had spoken, it was His purpose both to warn the rulers and to instruct the people who were willing to be taught. But there was need to speak yet more plainly. Through their reverence for tradition and their blind faith in a corrupt priesthood, the people were enslaved. These chains Christ must break. The character of the priests, rulers, and Pharisees must be more fully exposed.DA 612.1
“The scribes and the Pharisees,” He said, “sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” The scribes and Pharisees claimed to be invested with divine authority similar to that of Moses. They assumed to take his place as expounders of the law and judges of the people. As such they claimed from the people the utmost deference and obedience. Jesus bade His hearers do that which the rabbis taught according to the law, but not to follow their example. They themselves did not practice their own teaching.DA 612.2
And they taught much that was contrary to the Scriptures. Jesus said, “They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” The Pharisees enjoined a multitude of regulations, having their foundation in tradition, and unreasonably restricting personal liberty. And certain portions of the law they so explained as to impose upon the people observances which they themselves secretly ignored, and from which, when it served their purpose, they actually claimed exemption.DA 612.3
To make a show of their piety was their constant aim. Nothing was held too sacred to serve this end. To Moses God had said concerning His commandments, “Thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.” Deuteronomy 6:8. These words have a deep meaning. As the word of God is meditated upon and practiced, the whole man will be ennobled. In righteous and merciful dealing, the hands will reveal, as a signet, the principles of God’s law. They will be kept clean from bribes, and from all that is corrupt and deceptive. They will be active in works of love and compassion. The eyes, directed toward a noble purpose, will be clear and true. The expressive countenance, the speaking eye, will testify to the blameless character of him who loves and honors the word of God. But by the Jews of Christ’s day all this was undiscerned. The command given to Moses was construed into a direction that the precepts of Scripture should be worn upon the person. They were accordingly written upon strips of parchment, and bound in a conspicuous manner about the head and wrists. But this did not cause the law of God to take a firmer hold of the mind and heart. These parchments were worn merely as badges, to attract attention. They were thought to give the wearers an air of devotion which would command the reverence of the people. Jesus struck a blow at this vain pretense:DA 613.1
“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for One is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called master: for One is your Master, even Christ.” In such plain words the Saviour revealed the selfish ambition that was ever reaching for place and power, displaying a mock humility, while the heart was filled with avarice and envy. When persons were invited to a feast, the guests were seated according to their rank, and those who were given the most honorable place received the first attention and special favors. The Pharisees were ever scheming to secure these honors. This practice Jesus rebuked.DA 613.2
He also reproved the vanity shown in coveting the title of rabbi, or master. Such a title, He declared, belonged not to men, but to Christ. Priests, scribes, and rulers, expounders and administrators of the law, were all brethren, children of one Father. Jesus impressed upon the people that they were to give no man a title of honor indicating his control of their conscience or their faith.DA 613.3
If Christ were on earth today, surrounded by those who bear the title of “Reverend” or “Right Reverend,” would He not repeat His saying, “Neither be ye called masters: for One is your Master, even Christ”? The Scripture declares of God, “Holy and reverend is His name.” Psalm 111:9. To what human being is such a title befitting? How little does man reveal of the wisdom and righteousness it indicates! How many of those who assume this title are misrepresenting the name and character of God! Alas, how often have worldly ambition, despotism, and the basest sins been hidden under the broidered garments of a high and holy office! The Saviour continued:DA 613.4
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Again and again Christ had taught that true greatness is measured by moral worth. In the estimation of heaven, greatness of character consists in living for the welfare of our fellow men, in doing works of love and mercy. Christ the King of glory was a servant to fallen man.DA 614.1
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites,” said Jesus; “for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.” By perverting the Scriptures, the priests and lawyers blinded the minds of those who would otherwise have received a knowledge of Christ’s kingdom, and that inward, divine life which is essential to true holiness.DA 614.2
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.” The Pharisees had great influence with the people, and of this they took advantage to serve their own interests. They gained the confidence of pious widows, and then represented it as a duty for them to devote their property to religious purposes. Having secured control of their money, the wily schemers used it for their own benefit. To cover their dishonesty, they offered long prayers in public, and made a great show of piety. This hypocrisy Christ declared would bring them the greater damnation. The same rebuke falls upon many in our day who make a high profession of piety. Their lives are stained by selfishness and avarice, yet they throw over it all a garment of seeming purity, and thus for a time deceive their fellow men. But they cannot deceive God. He reads every purpose of the heart, and will judge every man according to his deeds.DA 614.3
Christ unsparingly condemned abuses, but He was careful not to lessen obligation. He rebuked the selfishness that extorted and misapplied the widow’s gifts. At the same time He commended the widow who brought her offering for God’s treasury. Man’s abuse of the gift could not turn God’s blessing from the giver.DA 614.4
Jesus was in the court where were the treasure chests, and He watched those who came to deposit their gifts. Many of the rich brought large sums, which they presented with great ostentation. Jesus looked upon them sadly, but made no comment on their liberal offerings. Presently His countenance lighted as He saw a poor widow approach hesitatingly, as though fearful of being observed. As the rich and haughty swept by, to deposit their offerings, she shrank back as if hardly daring to venture farther. And yet she longed to do something, little though it might be, for the cause she loved. She looked at the gift in her hand. It was very small in comparison with the gifts of those around her, yet it was her all. Watching her opportunity, she hurriedly threw in her two mites, and turned to hasten away. But in doing this she caught the eye of Jesus, which was fastened earnestly upon her.DA 615.1
The Saviour called His disciples to Him, and bade them mark the widow’s poverty. Then His words of commendation fell upon her ear: “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all.” Tears of joy filled her eyes as she felt that her act was understood and appreciated. Many would have advised her to keep her pittance for her own use; given into the hands of the well-fed priests, it would be lost sight of among the many costly gifts brought to the treasury. But Jesus understood her motive. She believed the service of the temple to be of God’s appointment, and she was anxious to do her utmost to sustain it. She did what she could, and her act was to be a monument to her memory through all time, and her joy in eternity. Her heart went with her gift; its value was estimated, not by the worth of the coin, but by the love to God and the interest in His work that had prompted the deed.DA 615.2
Jesus said of the poor widow, She “hath cast in more than they all.” The rich had bestowed from their abundance, many of them to be seen and honored by men. Their large donations had deprived them of no comfort, or even luxury; they had required no sacrifice, and could not be compared in value with the widow’s mite.DA 615.3
It is the motive that gives character to our acts, stamping them with ignominy or with high moral worth. Not the great things which every eye sees and every tongue praises does God account most precious. The little duties cheerfully done, the little gifts which make no show, and which to human eyes may appear worthless, often stand highest in His sight. A heart of faith and love is dearer to God than the most costly gift. The poor widow gave her living to do the little that she did. She deprived herself of food in order to give those two mites to the cause she loved. And she did it in faith, believing that her heavenly Father would not overlook her great need. It was this unselfish spirit and childlike faith that won the Saviour’s commendation.DA 615.4
Among the poor there are many who long to show their gratitude to God for His grace and truth. They greatly desire to share with their more prosperous brethren in sustaining His service. These souls should not be repulsed. Let them lay up their mites in the bank of heaven. If given from a heart filled with love for God, these seeming trifles become consecrated gifts, priceless offerings, which God smiles upon and blesses.DA 616.1
When Jesus said of the widow, She “hath cast in more than they all,” His words were true, not only of the motive, but of the results of her gift. The “two mites which make a farthing” have brought to God’s treasury an amount of money far greater than the contributions of those rich Jews. The influence of that little gift has been like a stream, small in its beginning, but widening and deepening as it flowed down through the ages. In a thousand ways it has contributed to the relief of the poor and the spread of the gospel. Her example of self-sacrifice has acted and reacted upon thousands of hearts in every land and in every age. It has appealed to both the rich and the poor, and their offerings have swelled the value of her gift. God’s blessing upon the widow’s mite has made it the source of great results. So with every gift bestowed and every act performed with a sincere desire for God’s glory. It is linked with the purposes of Omnipotence. Its results for good no man can measure.DA 616.2
The Saviour continued His denunciations of the scribes and Pharisees: “Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? and, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?” The priests interpreted God’s requirements according to their own false and narrow standard. They presumed to make nice distinctions as to the comparative guilt of various sins, passing over some lightly, and treating others of perhaps less consequence as unpardonable. For a money consideration they excused persons from their vows. And for large sums of money they sometimes passed over aggravated crimes. At the same time these priests and rulers would in other cases pronounce severe judgment for trivial offenses.DA 616.3
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” In these words Christ again condemns the abuse of sacred obligation. The obligation itself He does not set aside. The tithing system was ordained by God, and it had been observed from the earliest times. Abraham, the father of the faithful, paid tithes of all that he possessed. The Jewish rulers recognized the obligation of tithing, and this was right; but they did not leave the people to carry out their own convictions of duty. Arbitrary rules were laid down for every case. The requirements had become so complicated that it was impossible for them to be fulfilled. None knew when their obligations were met. As God gave it, the system was just and reasonable; but the priests and rabbis had made it a wearisome burden.DA 617.1
All that God commands is of consequence. Christ recognized the payment of tithes as a duty; but He showed that this could not excuse the neglect of other duties. The Pharisees were very exact in tithing garden herbs, such as mint, anise, and rue; this cost them little, and it gave them a reputation for exactness and sanctity. At the same time their useless restrictions oppressed the people and destroyed respect for the sacred system of God’s own appointing. They occupied men’s minds with trifling distinctions, and turned their attention from essential truths. The weightier matters of the law, justice, mercy, and truth, were neglected. “These,” Christ said, “ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”DA 617.2
Other laws had been perverted by the rabbis in like manner. In the directions given through Moses it was forbidden to eat any unclean thing. The use of swine’s flesh, and the flesh of certain other animals, was prohibited, as likely to fill the blood with impurities, and to shorten life. But the Pharisees did not leave these restrictions as God had given them. They went to unwarranted extremes. Among other things the people were required to strain all the water used, lest it should contain the smallest insect, which might be classed with the unclean animals. Jesus, contrasting these trivial exactions with the magnitude of their actual sins, said to the Pharisees, “Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.”DA 617.3
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” As the whited and beautifully decorated tomb concealed the putrefying remains within, so the outward holiness of the priests and rulers concealed iniquity. Jesus continued:DA 617.4
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.” To show their esteem for the dead prophets, the Jews were very zealous in beautifying their tombs; but they did not profit by their teachings, nor give heed to their reproofs.DA 618.1
In the days of Christ a superstitious regard was cherished for the resting places of the dead, and vast sums of money were lavished upon their decoration. In the sight of God this was idolatry. In their undue regard for the dead, men showed that they did not love God supremely, nor their neighbor as themselves. The same idolatry is carried to great lengths today. Many are guilty of neglecting the widow and the fatherless, the sick and the poor, in order to build expensive monuments for the dead. Time, money, and labor are freely spent for this purpose, while duties to the living—duties which Christ has plainly enjoined—are left undone.DA 618.2
The Pharisees built the tombs of the prophets, and adorned their sepulchers, and said one to another, If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have united with them in shedding the blood of God’s servants. At the same time they were planning to take the life of His Son. This should be a lesson to us. It should open our eyes to the power of Satan to deceive the mind that turns from the light of truth. Many follow in the track of the Pharisees. They revere those who have died for their faith. They wonder at the blindness of the Jews in rejecting Christ. Had we lived in His day, they declare, we would gladly have received His teaching; we would never have been partakers in the guilt of those who rejected the Saviour. But when obedience to God requires self-denial and humiliation, these very persons stifle their convictions, and refuse obedience. Thus they manifest the same spirit as did the Pharisees whom Christ condemned.DA 618.3
Little did the Jews realize the terrible responsibility involved in rejecting Christ. From the time when the first innocent blood was shed, when righteous Abel fell by the hand of Cain, the same history had been repeated, with increasing guilt. In every age prophets had lifted up their voices against the sins of kings, rulers, and people, speaking the words which God gave them, and obeying His will at the peril of their lives. From generation to generation there had been heaping up a terrible punishment for the rejecters of light and truth. This the enemies of Christ were now drawing down upon their own heads. The sin of the priests and rulers was greater than that of any preceding generation. By their rejection of the Saviour, they were making themselves responsible for the blood of all the righteous men slain from Abel to Christ. They were about to fill to overflowing their cup of iniquity. And soon it was to be poured upon their heads in retributive justice. Of this, Jesus warned them:DA 619.1
“That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.”DA 619.2
The scribes and Pharisees who listened to Jesus knew that His words were true. They knew how the prophet Zacharias had been slain. While the words of warning from God were upon his lips, a satanic fury seized the apostate king, and at his command the prophet was put to death. His blood had imprinted itself upon the very stones of the temple court, and could not be erased; it remained to bear testimony against apostate Israel. As long as the temple should stand, there would be the stain of that righteous blood, crying to God to be avenged. As Jesus referred to these fearful sins, a thrill of horror ran through the multitude.DA 619.3
Looking forward, Jesus declared that the impenitence of the Jews and their intolerance of God’s servants would be the same in the future as it had been in the past:DA 619.4
“Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city.” Prophets and wise men, full of faith and the Holy Ghost,—Stephen, James, and many others,—would be condemned and slain. With hand uplifted to heaven, and a divine light enshrouding His person, Christ spoke as a judge to those before Him. His voice, that had so often been heard in gentleness and entreaty, was now heard in rebuke and condemnation. The listeners shuddered. Never was the impression made by His words and His look to be effaced.DA 619.5
Christ’s indignation was directed against the hypocrisy, the gross sins, by which men were destroying their own souls, deceiving the people and dishonoring God. In the specious deceptive reasoning of the priests and rulers He discerned the working of satanic agencies. Keen and searching had been His denunciation of sin; but He spoke no words of retaliation. He had a holy wrath against the prince of darkness; but He manifested no irritated temper. So the Christian who lives in harmony with God, possessing the sweet attributes of love and mercy, will feel a righteous indignation against sin; but he will not be roused by passion to revile those who revile him. Even in meeting those who are moved by a power from beneath to maintain falsehood, in Christ he will still preserve calmness and self-possession.DA 620.1
Divine pity marked the countenance of the Son of God as He cast one lingering look upon the temple and then upon His hearers. In a voice choked by deep anguish of heart and bitter tears He exclaimed, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” This is the separation struggle. In the lamentation of Christ the very heart of God is pouring itself forth. It is the mysterious farewell of the long-suffering love of the Deity.DA 620.2
Pharisees and Sadducees were alike silenced. Jesus summoned His disciples, and prepared to leave the temple, not as one defeated and forced from the presence of his adversaries, but as one whose work was accomplished. He retired a victor from the contest.DA 620.3
The gems of truth that fell from Christ’s lips on that eventful day were treasured in many hearts. For them new thoughts started into life, new aspirations were awakened, and a new history began. After the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, these persons came to the front, and fulfilled their divine commission with a wisdom and zeal corresponding to the greatness of the work. They bore a message that appealed to the hearts of men, weakening the old superstitions that had long dwarfed the lives of thousands. Before their testimony human theories and philosophies became as idle fables. Mighty were the results flowing from the words of the Saviour to that wondering, awestruck crowd in the temple at Jerusalem.DA 620.4
But Israel as a nation had divorced herself from God. The natural branches of the olive tree were broken off. Looking for the last time upon the interior of the temple, Jesus said with mournful pathos, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Hitherto He had called the temple His Father’s house; but now, as the Son of God should pass out from those walls, God’s presence would be withdrawn forever from the temple built to His glory. Henceforth its ceremonies would be meaningless, its services a mockery.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 67—Jesus’ Last Visit to the Temple
HLv 408.1
It was the last day of Christ’s teaching in the temple. There stood the young Galilean, bearing no earthly honor or royal badge. Surrounding Him were priests in rich apparel, rulers with robes and badges, and scribes with scrolls in their hands, to which they made frequent reference. Jesus stood calmly, as one invested with the authority of heaven. He looked unflinchingly upon His adversaries who thirsted for His life. Their schemes to ensnare Him had been in vain. Challenge after challenge He had met, presenting pure, bright truth in contrast to the darkness and errors of the priests and Pharisees. The warning had been faithfully given. Yet another work remained for Christ to do.HLv 408.2
The people were charmed with His teaching, but they were greatly perplexed. They had respected the priests and rabbis, yet they now saw these men trying to cast discredit on Jesus, whose virtue and knowledge shone brighter from every assault. They marveled that the rulers would not believe on Jesus, when His teachings were so plain and simple. They themselves knew not what course to take.HLv 408.3
In the parables it was Christ’s purpose to warn the rulers and instruct the people. But there was need to speak yet more plainly. Through their blind faith in a corrupt priesthood, the people were enslaved. These chains Christ must break. “The scribes and the Pharisees,” He said, “sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”HLv 409.1
The scribes and Pharisees assumed to take Moses’ place as expounders of the law, but they did not practice their own teaching. And they taught much that was contrary to the Scriptures: “They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” Certain portions of the law they so explained as to impose upon the people observances which they themselves secretly ignored or from which they actually claimed exemption.HLv 409.2
“They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one Teacher, and you are all brethren. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for you have one Master, the Christ.” RSV.HLv 409.3
In such plain words the Saviour revealed the selfish ambition that was ever reaching for place and power, displaying a mock humility, while the heart was filled with avarice and envy. The Pharisees were ever scheming to secure the first attention and special favors. This practice Jesus rebuked.HLv 409.4
He also reproved the vanity shown in coveting the title of rabbi, or master. Priests, scribes, and rulers were all brethren, children of one Father. The people were to give no man a title of honor indicating his control of their conscience or their faith.HLv 409.5
If Christ were on earth today, surrounded by those who bear the title of “Reverend” or “Right Reverend,” would He not repeat His saying, “Neither be called masters, for you have one Master, the Christ”? The Scripture declares of God, “Holy and reverend is His name.” Psalm 111:9. How many who assume this title misrepresent the name and character of God. How often have worldly ambition and the basest sins been hidden under the broidered garments of a high and holy office!HLv 410.1
The Saviour continued: “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself will be exalted.” Again and again Christ had taught that true greatness is measured by moral worth. In the estimation of heaven, greatness of character consists in living for the welfare of our fellowmen. Christ the King of glory was a servant to fallen man.HLv 410.2
“You shut the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither enter yourselves, nor allow those who would enter to go in.” RSV. By perverting the Scriptures, the priests and lawyers blinded the minds of those who would otherwise have received a knowledge of Christ’s kingdom.HLv 410.3
You “devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.” The Pharisees gained the confidence of pious widows, and then represented it as a duty for them to devote their property to religious purposes. Having secured control of their money, the wily schemers used it for their own benefit. To cover their dishonesty, they offered long prayers in public, and made a great show of piety. The same rebuke falls on many in our day. Their lives are stained by selfishness and avarice, yet they throw over it all a garment of seeming piety.HLv 410.4
Christ unsparingly condemned abuses, but He was careful not to lessen obligation. Man’s abuse of the gift could not turn God’s blessing from the giver.HLv 410.5
Jesus was in the court and watched those who came to deposit their gifts. Many of the rich brought large sums with great ostentation. Jesus looked upon them sadly, but made no comment on their liberal offerings. Presently His countenance lighted as He saw a poor widow approach hesitatingly, as though fearful of being observed. She looked at the gift in her hand. It was very small in comparison with the gifts of those around her, yet it was her all. She hurriedly threw in her two mites (“copper coins,” RSV) and turned to hasten away. But in doing this she caught the eye of Jesus fastened earnestly upon her.HLv 411.1
The Saviour bade His disciples mark the widow’s poverty. Then His words of commendation fell on her ear: “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all.” Tears of joy filled her eyes as she felt that her act was appreciated. Many would have advised her to keep her pittance for her own use; it would be lost sight of among the many costly gifts brought to the treasury. But she believed the service of the temple to be of God’s appointment, and she was anxious to do her utmost to sustain it. She did what she could, and her act was to be a monument to her memory through all time, and her joy in eternity.HLv 411.2
She “hath cast in more than they all.” The large donations of the rich had required no sacrifice, and could not be compared in value with the widow’s mite.HLv 411.3
Motive gives character to our acts, stamping them with ignominy or with high moral worth. Little duties cheerfully done, little gifts which make no show, often stand highest in God’s sight. The poor widow deprived herself of food in order to give those two mites to the cause she loved. And she did it in faith, believing that her heavenly Father would not overlook her need. This unselfish spirit and childlike faith won the Saviour’s commendation.HLv 411.4
Many among the poor long to show their gratitude to God for His grace and truth. Let them lay up their mites in the bank of heaven. If given from a heart filled with love for God, these seeming trifles become priceless offerings which God smiles on and blesses.HLv 411.5
When Jesus said of the widow, She “hath cast in more than they all,” His words were true, not only of the motive, but of the results of her gift. The “two copper coins, which make a penny” (RSV) have brought to God’s treasury an amount of money far greater than the contributions of those rich Jews. That little gift has been like a stream, widening and deepening through the ages. In a thousand ways it has contributed to the relief of the poor and the spread of the gospel. Her example of self-sacrifice has acted and reacted on thousands of hearts in every land and in every age. God’s blessing upon the widow’s mite has made it the source of great results. So with every gift bestowed with a sincere desire for God’s glory. Its results for good no man can measure.HLv 412.1
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, justice, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” The obligation itself, Christ did not set aside. The tithing system was ordained by God, observed from earliest times. Abraham paid tithes of all that he possessed. As God gave it, the system was just and reasonable, but the priests and rabbis had made it a wearisome burden.HLv 412.2
The Pharisees were very exact in tithing garden herbs, such as mint, anise, and rue; this cost little and gave them a reputation for exactness and sanctity. At the same time, the weightier matters of the law, justice, mercy, and truth were neglected. “These,” Christ said, “ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”HLv 412.3
Other laws had been perverted by the rabbis in like manner. In the directions given through Moses, the use of swine’s flesh and of certain other animals was prohibited, as likely to fill the blood with impurities and to shorten life. But the Pharisees went to unwarranted extremes. The people were required to strain all the water used, lest it should contain the smallest insect, which might be classed with the unclean animals. Contrasting these trivial exactions with the magnitude of actual sins, Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.”HLv 413.1
“You are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” RSV. The whited and beautifully decorated tomb concealed the putrefying remains within. So the outward holiness of the priests and rulers concealed iniquity.HLv 413.2
Jesus continued: “You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ Thus you witness against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.” RSV.HLv 413.3
A superstitious regard was cherished for the resting places of the dead, and vast sums of money were lavished on their decoration. In the sight of God this was idolatry. It showed that they did not love God supremely, nor their neighbor as themselves. Today many neglect the widow and the fatherless, the sick and the poor, in order to build expensive monuments for the dead. Duties to the living—duties which Christ has plainly enjoined—are left undone.HLv 413.4
The Pharisees said one to another, If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have united with them in shedding the blood of God’s servants. At the same time they were planning to take the life of His Son. This should open our eyes to the power of Satan to deceive the mind that turns from the light of truth. Many wonder at the blindness of the Jews in rejecting Christ. Had we lived in His day, they declare, we would never have been partakers in the guilt of those who rejected the Saviour. But when obedience to God requires self-denial and humiliation, these very persons refuse obedience. They manifest the same spirit as did the Pharisees.HLv 413.5
Little did the Jews realize the terrible responsibility involved in rejecting Christ. In every age prophets had lifted up their voices against the sins of kings, rulers, and people, obeying God’s will at the peril of their lives. There had been heaping up a terrible punishment for the rejecters of light and truth. By their rejection of the Saviour, the priests and rulers were making themselves responsible for the blood of all the righteous slain from Abel to Christ. They were about to fill to overflowing their cup of iniquity. And soon it was to be poured on their heads in retributive justice. Of this, Jesus warned them:HLv 414.1
“That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.”HLv 414.2
The scribes and Pharisees knew how the prophet Zacharias had been slain. While words of warning from God were on his lips, a satanic fury seized the apostate king, and at his command the prophet was put to death. See 2 Chronicles 24:18-22. His blood had imprinted itself on the very stones of the temple court, and remained to bear testimony against apostate Israel. As long as the temple should stand, there would be the stain of that righteous blood, crying to God to be avenged. As Jesus referred to these fearful sins, a thrill of horror ran through the multitude.HLv 414.3
Looking forward, Jesus declared that the impenitence of the Jews would be the same in the future as it had been in the past:HLv 414.4
“Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them ye shall scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city.” With hand uplifted to heaven and a divine light enshrouding His person, Christ spoke as a judge, in rebuke and condemnation. The listeners shuddered. Never was the impression made by His words and His look to be effaced.HLv 414.5
Christ’s indignation was directed against the gross sins by which men were destroying their own souls, deceiving the people, and dishonoring God. But He spoke no words of retaliation. He manifested no irritated temper. Divine pity marked the countenance of the Son of God as He cast one lingering look on the temple and then on His hearers. In a voice choked by anguish and bitter tears He exclaimed, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” In the lamentation of Christ the very heart of God poured forth. It was the mysterious farewell of the long-suffering love of the Deity.HLv 415.1
Pharisees and Sadducees were alike silenced. Jesus summoned His disciples and prepared to leave the temple, not as one defeated, but as one whose work was accomplished. He retired a victor from the contest.HLv 415.2
On that eventful day, in many hearts new thoughts started into life, and a new history began. After the crucifixion and resurrection, these persons came to the front with wisdom and zeal. They bore a message that appealed to hearts. Before their testimony human theories and philosophies became as idle fables.HLv 415.3
But Israel as a nation had divorced herself from God. Looking for the last time on the interior of the temple, Jesus said with mournful pathos, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” As the Son of God should pass out from those walls, God’s presence would be withdrawn forever from the temple built to His glory. Its ceremonies would be meaningless, its services a mockery.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.12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 42
How terrible was it to Christ, whose heart overflowed with love for those whom He had purchased with human agony, to see Jerusalem fast filling up the figures of the reckoning that Christ keeps with nations and individuals. With tears in His eyes and voice He exclaimed, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye (could not? no; ye) would not.” [Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34.] You would not yield up your determination to turn from the light, and to resist every measure which heaven has ordained for your peace and salvation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 92a, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 92a, 1898, par. 36
These parables were spoken after the solemn lessons given in the twenty-third and twenty-fourth chapters of Matthew, when Christ dwelt particularly upon His second coming, and revealed things which would transpire before His second appearing in the clouds of heaven. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” He said, “thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.” [Matthew 23:37.]13LtMs, Ms 92a, 1898, par. 40
But Christ could not do for Israel all that He desired to do, because they would not respond to His invitations. “Ye would not,” He said. Their will was stubborn and unyielding. His last words to the impenitent nation were, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” [Matthew 23:37-39.]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.15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 16
“All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] “Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] Our owner is God. The same blood that purchased one brother, purchased the next also, and the next. All are born of God by the same Spirit. All are members of the same body, and are worked by the same Spirit. All feed on the flesh and blood of the Son of God, the Word, which is Spirit and life. The sustenance of all comes from the same Source. We must not think it a virtue to differ. We are in close bonds of relationship one with another. If the same vitalizing current is flowing through our minds and hearts, we shall act in harmony. In failing to do this, we deny the Source of all spiritual life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 165, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 165, 1901, par. 13
Christ reproved the Pharisees, saying, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” [Matthew 23:23, 24.]16LtMs, Lt 165, 1901, par. 14
Some in our day, by their attitude toward the law as revealed in Galatians, have brought a sad chapter into their life-experience. <Repeat not the past.> Let none indulge in speculative theories or call attention to things that do not pertain to the great and solemn work of deciding their own eternal destiny. The twenty-third of Matthew describes the condition of those who are blinded, who cannot discern the relative importance of things that they should understand.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 134, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 134, 1902, par. 11
Carelessness in regard to the principles that must be brought into the life practice is a fatal mistake and needs special attention. He who is saved must set things right in his own heart. In the days of Christ the religious leaders neglected the weightier matters of the law for matters of minor importance. The Saviour reproved them, saying, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these things ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” [Matthew 23:23, 24.]17LtMs, Lt 134, 1902, par. 12
Some in our day, by their attitude toward the law as revealed in Galatians, have brought a sad chapter into their life experience. Let none repeat the past. Let none indulge in speculative theories or call attention to things that do not pertain to the solemn work of deciding their own eternal destiny. The twenty-third of Matthew describes the condition of those who are so blinded spiritually that they cannot discern the relative importance of things which they should understand.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.Matthew 23:2-3
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 72, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 72, 1909, par. 24
W. C. White: Jesus said at one time, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works.” [Matthew 23:2, 3.] Now the law says that a man shall not practice medicine unless he has a diploma from a college, and unless he has passed the examination of the state board and has a certificate. The law would not recognize the diplomas of our physicians unless they have studied some things that we do not think are really essential. For instance, in their preparation they have to study a number of things that we think they might get along without, but we can teach them. We do not have to teach these subjects in their way; we can teach them in our way. When it comes to the study of drugs, they teach how to give them. We can teach the dangers of using them and how to get along without them. In some other schools they teach geology on the evolution basis. We can teach geology and show that the theory of evolution is false.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 71, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 71, 1909, par. 24
W. C. White: Jesus said at one time, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works.” [Matthew 23:2, 3.] Now the law says that a man shall not practice medicine unless he has a diploma from a college, and unless he has passed the examination of the state board and has a certificate. The law would not recognize the diplomas of our physicians unless they have studied some things that we do not think are really essential. For instance, in their preparation they have to study a number of things that we think they might get along without, but we can teach them. We do not have to teach these subjects in their way; we can teach them in our way. When it comes to the study of drugs, they teach how to give them. We can teach the dangers of using them, and how to get along without them. In some other schools they teach geology on the evolution basis. We can teach geology and show that evolution is false.Matthew 23:2-23
Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 61—Christ the Center of the Message
1SM 386.2
Jesus came to impart to the human soul the Holy Spirit, by which the love of God is shed abroad in the heart; but it is impossible to endow men with the Holy Spirit, who are set in their ideas, whose doctrines are all stereotyped and unchangeable, who are walking after the traditions and commandments of men, as were the Jews in the time of Christ. They were very punctilious in the observances of the church, very rigorous in following their forms, but they were destitute of vitality and religious devotion. They were represented by Christ as like the dry skins which were then used as bottles. The gospel of Christ could not be placed in their hearts; for there was no room to contain it. They could not be the new bottles into which He could pour His new wine. Christ was obliged to seek elsewhere than among the scribes and the Pharisees for bottles for His doctrine of truth and life. He must find men who were willing to have regeneration of heart. He came to give to men new hearts. He said, “A new heart also will I give you.” But the self-righteous of that day and of this day feel no need of having a new heart. Jesus passed by the scribes and the Pharisees, for they felt no need of a Saviour. They were wedded to forms and ceremonies. These services had been instituted by Christ; they had been full of vitality and spiritual beauty; but the Jews had lost the spiritual life from their ceremonies, and clung to the dead forms after spiritual life was extinct among them. When they departed from the requirements and commandments of God, they sought to supply the place of that which they had lost, by multiplying their own requirements, and making more rigorous demands than had God; and the more rigid they grew, the less of the love and Spirit of God they manifested. Christ said to the people: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.” “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” (Matthew 23:2-7, 23).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 84, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 84, 1894, par. 13
Christ said of the scribes and Pharisees: “The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do ye not after their works; for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. ... Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” [Matthew 23:2-7, 23.]Matthew 23:2-39
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 71, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 1
Christ is in the temple for the last time. He had given warnings and denunciations to the Pharisees and scribes while at their table, invited there that they might find something whereby they might cause him to be put to death. Now He addresses them and His disciples saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.” [Matthew 23:2.] The Jewish teachers stood up to read the Scriptures, but were seated when they expounded them. As persons exalted, they supposed themselves capable of acting in the place of Moses as interpreters of the law given by God.12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 2
“All therefore,” continued Christ, “whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say (when teaching the law from the Scriptures) and do not.” [Verse 3.] They did not bring their own works into accordance with the written Word. They enjoined upon others what they were to do, but their own teaching they did not practice. “For they bind heavy burdens (of requirements and exactions) and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders: but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 3
“But all their works they do to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called of men, Rabbi, rabbi.” [Verses 4-7.] Whatsoever good thing they do, whatever zeal they show, is not that they may obey and honor God, but to gain approval and respect for themselves, that others may think them pious and holy. Their phylacteries were strips of parchment, with scriptures written upon them, and were worn upon the wrists, the forehead, and the arms. But all this outward appearance of piety was, through their spiritual pride, only violating both the spirit and the letter of the law.12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 4
The oft repeated “Rabbi” was very acceptable to the ear, but Jesus warned His disciples against this. He said to them, “But be not ye called rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.” [Verses 8-10.]12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 6
Of this list of sins the scribes and Pharisees were guilty; and it was for this reason that Christ denounced them. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” He said, “for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men.” [Verse 13.] And to the lawyers He said, “Woe unto you lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.” [Luke 11:52.]12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 10
“Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify, and some of them ye shall scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city. That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel, to the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily, I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.” [Matthew 23:14, 15, 23-36.]12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 11
Anguish, deep and unfathomable, pressed upon the soul of Christ; and in the intense pain of unrequited love He exclaimed, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, (Not content to receive with indifference and spurning God’s messages sent by His servants unto thee, your enmity and hatred against God you have vented upon His messengers. You will not suffer them to live.) how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.” [Verse 37.] The same works that ye do to My messengers whom I send will be reflected back upon you. Refusing to be gathered, you will realize what it means to be scattered, to be the despised of all nations.12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 17
“Behold, your house is left unto you desolate,” Christ said, “For I say unto you, ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” [Matthew 23:38, 39.] In the lamentation of Christ, the very heart of God was pouring itself forth in His representative. This is the separation struggle, the mysterious farewell of the long-suffering love of Deity. It is the expression of abused, rejected love. Christ had exhausted every resource.12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 19
“Behold your house is left unto you desolate.” [Matthew 23:38.] The chosen nation of God must receive its eternal retribution for its refusal of Christ. Here the Jewish nation, as a nation, was divorced from God; the natural branches of the olive tree were cut off.Living by Principle
Heart Service
PH048 41.4
Matthew 23:2-4, 10-12: The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat; all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders: but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.... Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.PH048 42.4
Matthew 23:25, 26, 38, 39: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisees cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter that the outside of them may be clean also.... Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.Matthew 23:3
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 22—Saying and Doing
COL 278.4
In the parable the son who said, “I go, sir,” represented himself as faithful and obedient; but time proved that his profession was not real. He had no true love for his father. So the Pharisees prided themselves on their holiness, but when tested, it was found wanting. When it was for their interest to do so, they made the requirements of the law very exacting; but when obedience was required from themselves, by cunning sophistries they reasoned away the force of God’s precepts. Of them Christ declared, “Do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not.” Matthew 23:3. They had no true love for God or man. God called them to be co-workers with Him in blessing the world; but while in profession they accepted the call, in action they refused obedience. They trusted to self, and prided themselves on their goodness; but they set the commands of God at defiance. They refused to do the work which God had appointed them, and because of their transgression the Lord was about to divorce Himself from the disobedient nation.Matthew 23:4
The Great Controversy
Chapter 35—Liberty of Conscience Threatened
GC 568.2
Papists place crosses upon their churches, upon their altars, and upon their garments. Everywhere is seen the insignia of the cross. Everywhere it is outwardly honored and exalted. But the teachings of Christ are buried beneath a mass of senseless traditions, false interpretations, and rigorous exactions. The Saviour’s words concerning the bigoted Jews, apply with still greater force to the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church: “They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” Matthew 23:4. Conscientious souls are kept in constant terror fearing the wrath of an offended God, while many of the dignitaries of the church are living in luxury and sensual pleasure.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 35—Character and Aims of the Papacy
GC88 568.2
Papists place crosses upon their churches, upon their altars, and upon their garments. Everywhere is seen the insignia of the cross. Everywhere it is outwardly honored and exalted. But the teachings of Christ are buried beneath a mass of senseless traditions, false interpretations, and rigorous exactions. The Saviour’s words concerning the bigoted Jews, apply with still greater force to the Romish leaders: “They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” [Matthew 23:4.] Conscientious souls are kept in constant terror, fearing the wrath of an offended God, while the dignitaries of the church are living in luxury and sensual pleasure.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 30—Character and Aims of the Papacy
4SP 384.2
Papists place crosses upon their churches, upon their altars, and upon their garments. Everywhere is seen the insignia of the cross. Everywhere it is outwardly honored and exalted. But the teachings of Christ are buried beneath a mass of senseless traditions, false interpretations, and rigorous exactions. The Saviour’s words concerning the bigoted Jews apply with still greater force to the Romish leaders: “They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” [Matthew 23:4.] Conscientious souls are kept in constant terror, fearing the wrath of an offended God, while the dignitaries of the church are living in luxury and sensual pleasure.Matthew 23:4-38
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Ms 5, 1882
3LtMs, Ms 5, 1882, par. 14
The scribes and Pharisees made high pretension to godliness, but did not practice what they enjoined upon the people. Christ said of them, “They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” [Matthew 23:4.] “They ... love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues.” [Verses 5, 6.] They “shut up the kingdom of heaven against men,” neither going in themselves not permitting others to enter; who for a pretense made long prayers, but secretly devoured widows’ houses; who compassed sea and land to make one proselyte, but left him more than ever the child of hell; who paid tithe of mint and anise and cummin, but omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and the love of God; who made clean the outside of the platter, but practiced the grossest extortion and excess; who were like whitened sepulchers, beautiful without, but inwardly full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. They built the tombs of the prophets and garnished the sepulchers of the righteous, but their fathers killed the prophets, and their own hearts were full of deceit and iniquity. These were denounced by our Saviour as formalists, hypocrites, fools, and blind guides, serpents, a generation of vipers, who would receive retribution from the hand of divine justice. [Verses 13-38.]Matthew 23:8
Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Right Principles Essential
GW 424.2
At this time God’s cause is in need of men and women who possess rare qualifications and good administrative powers; men and women who will make patient, thorough investigation of the needs of the work in various fields; those who have a large capacity for work; those who possess warm, kind hearts, cool heads, sound sense, and unbiased judgment; those who are sanctified by the Spirit of God, and can fearlessly say No, or Yea and amen, to propositions; those who have strong convictions, clear understanding, and pure, sympathetic hearts; those who practice the words, “All ye are brethren;” [Matthew 23:8.] those who strive to uplift and restore fallen humanity.—Testimonies for the Church 7:246-249.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 64, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 64, 1900, par. 5
It is not enough for us to know and respect the words of the Scriptures. We must enter into the understanding of them, studying them earnestly, eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. Christians will reveal the degree to which they do this by the healthiness of their spiritual character. We must know the practical application of the Word to our own individual character-building. We are to be holy temples, in which God can live and walk and work. Never must we strive to lift ourselves above the servants whom God has chosen to do His work and to honor His holy name. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Let us apply this Word to our individual selves, comparing Scripture with Scripture.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 105, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 105, 1900, par. 11
“All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] God is our owner. The same blood that purchased one brother purchased the next also, and the next. All are born of God by the same Spirit. All are members of the same body, and are worked by the same Spirit. The sustenance of all comes from the same source. All feed on the flesh and blood of the Son of God, the Word, which is spirit and life. We must not think it a virtue to differ. We are in close bonds of relationship with one another. If the same vitalizing current is flowing through our minds and hearts, we shall not act in harmony. In failing to do this, we deny the Source of all spiritual life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 156, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 156, 1901, par. 19
At this time God’s cause is in need of men and women who possess rare qualifications and good administrative powers; persons who will make patient, thorough investigation of the needs of the work in various fields; persons who have a large capacity for work; persons who possess kind and warm hearts, cool heads, sound sense, and unbiased judgment; persons who are sanctified by the Spirit of God, and can fearlessly say No or Yea and Amen to propositions; persons who have strong convictions, clear understanding, and pure, sympathetic hearts; persons who practice the words, “All ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8]; persons who strive to uplift and restore fallen humanity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 196, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 196, 1901, par. 14
“All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Let each bear the other’s burden. Let each treat the other as he himself would wish to be treated in his place. Let the one who is tempted to speak harsh words ask himself, “How should I like to have such words spoken to me?”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 156a, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 156a, 1901, par. 16
God’s cause at this time is in special need of men and women who possess Christlike qualifications for service, executive ability, and a large capacity for work; who have kind, warm, sympathetic hearts, sound common sense, and unbiased judgment; who will carefully weigh matters before they approve or condemn; and who can fearlessly say No or Yea and Amen; who, because they are sanctified by the Spirit of God, practice the words, “All ye are brethren,” striving constantly to uplift and restore fallen humanity. [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 140, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 140, 1901, par. 65
Many movements are being made that spring from the finite wisdom of men, but not from the wisdom of Him who is unerring. The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, and men in every position of trust are to be ruled by Him. While they should guard every soul as God’s purchased possession, and prevent oppression on the one hand, they should also manifest unselfishness in all their dealings, and practice self-denial, ever giving heed to the words of the Lord, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] The Lord God is our Ruler, His laws are to be brought into our practical life, and especially are they to rule our institutions.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 192, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 192, 1901, par. 9
The light given me in regard to the movements relative to the bakery at College View is that they were not in harmony with the Spirit of God. That experience the Lord forbids to ever be repeated. No man should subscribe his name to, or bind himself about with, such restrictions. God is not in it. The manna given to the children of Israel was for the whole people. “He that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack.” [Exodus 16:18.] The spirit manifested in that council at College View and its results, as revealed to me by the Lord while in Australia, will not soon be effaced from my memory. The spirit manifested by one of the representatives of the college, and his strong language, were displeasing to God. They made Satan rejoice. The circumstances that led to this crisis were the exercising of a power of brother over brother that God forbids. The Lord says, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 58, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 58, 1901, par. 3
“All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] He who is in the Lord’s service is to act as Christ’s helping hand. God wants all who serve Him to manifest a tender, compassionate sympathy for His children. Oh, why do so many forget to be gentle and compassionate? Why do men exalt self? Why are they so willing to hurt and bruise the souls of God’s chosen ones? By this harsh, unloving dealing the angels are made sad.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 117a, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 117a, 1901, par. 1
The Word of God is to be obeyed. Believers are to be united in Christian love and fellowship. All egotism and Pharisaism is to be put away. There is to be no measurement of one another. Let us remember the words, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] The spiritual prosperity of each church member depends on his unselfish love for others.The Ministry of Healing
Saved by Hope
MH 166.3
“Who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? “One is your Master; ... and all ye are brethren.” “Why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?” “Let us not therefore judge one another: ... but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” 1 Corinthians 4:7; Matthew 23:8; Romans 14:10, 13.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 99, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 99, 1901, par. 4
There are those who have an excellent understanding of the Word, but who are always criticizing the work of others. Let us pray that we may be of one mind and one judgment. Let no one think that it is a virtue to stand on the side of the criticizer, unable to see the great work to be done nigh and afar off. We know that there will be some who will put into the minds of their brethren thoughts and suggestions that should be repressed. The sowing of this seed causes dissension and strife to spring up. May God convert the jealous and suspicious ones who see a yoke of bondage in uniting with their brethren in counsel and prayer regarding important movements. The Lord says, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 149, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 149, 1901, par. 3
God’s Word declares, “Ye have one Master, even Christ.” [Matthew 23:8.] The Bible and the Bible alone is to be our guide. Evangelistic work is not to be carried on in the selfish, self-exalted manner in which Elder Franke has carried it on. The means that come into the hands of the workers in the Lord’s cause belong to God and are to be used in an economical manner. When large sums of money are given to the work, let a portion of the means be laid by; for there will be emergencies to meet in the Lord’s great vineyard.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 15, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 15, 1901, par. 20
Those who have influence over their fellow men are never to feel that they are to rule, to exercise authority. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Our churches and our institutions are not to be conducted according to the ideas and plans of men, but according to the directions and principles God has given in His Word.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 16, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 16, 1901, par. 18
It is professed believers who need converting. God calls upon those who stand in responsible positions in our institutions to represent the principles of truth in every business transaction. In all their dealings with those connected with them they are to show in word and deed and spirit that they esteem others better than themselves. They are to come down from their self-bestowed exaltation, so that in practical life they may live out the words, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] When, like the apostles on the day of Pentecost, they are all of one accord, the glory of the Lord will be revealed. Of the experience of the apostles at that time we read: “When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 2:1-4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 199, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 199, 1901, par. 44
If I had strength, I should write more on this subject. But at present my work is to say that to bind all our sanitariums under one association is giving men power that it is not God’s will that they should have. I must lift my voice against all confederacies. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Put not your signature to agreements that will bind our sanitariums up with one association, for this God forbids.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 153, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 153, 1901, par. 17
If those who believe the truth permit Satan to control them, they will enter into wicked devising to show their supremacy. God says, “Hands off.” Remember the words, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Let self die and let God live in the heart.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 116, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 116, 1901, par. 6
It is not in accordance with the mind of the Lord to encourage suspicion, jealousy, envy, and evil surmising. The Lord desires His people to unite and to look constantly to Jesus. They are to work in sympathy and love, with entire confidence in one another. Christ declares, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 162, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 162, 1902, par. 9
Contention in the church is always attended with a dearth of spirituality. The Lord cannot be glorified by a contentious church. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Cultivate the grace of God. Lift up your hearts in prayer to Him for His keeping power. Avoid all contention among yourselves. Use every means within your reach to restrain the unsanctified words that are ever upon the tongue—words that would cast a reflection upon others. Be true to one another. We are bought with a price; therefore in word and act we should glorify God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 30, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 30, 1902, par. 4
There are many who need to understand that it is not position that makes the man, but the faithful performance of duty out of love to Christ and to His service. If managers and directors expect to be respected, they must carry with them into the daily life the atmosphere of obedience to Christ’s requirements. They are to show the energy of sound, practical good sense. The love of Christ revealed in the daily life will do more than anything else to provoke those working with them to love and good works. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Treat one another kindly, and mark the result.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 143, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 143, 1902, par. 7
Before God’s servants take up any work, they are to pray to God in all humility, and with a sense of their dependence upon God, realizing that they must be worked by His Spirit. They are to guard against setting themselves up as kings, because if they attempt to do this, they will dishonor the Lord and make a failure of their work. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]The Upward Look
Who Is King? March 1
UL 74.1
For one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. Matthew 23:8.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 170, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 170, 1902, par. 12
“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” [Verse 12.] All of God’s servants have a work to do in His vineyard. In the church of God no one is to set himself up in kingly power and authority. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Be very courteous in speech, very kindly in action. Respond to the invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 12, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 12, 1903, par. 8
“This is the victory that overcometh the world, even your faith.” [1 John 5:4.] I will pray for you, my son. I remember the church and work in Nashville in my prayers as we assemble for morning and evening worship. I want you all to remember that you are to live your prayers. Daily you are to strive to live in unity with one another. Allow no variance or strife to enter the church. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] You can have sweet fellowship with one another if you will that this shall be. Never, never lose sight of the light and glory of God. Strive for unity. This is the best medical missionary work that can be done.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 82, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 82, 1903, par. 15
Selfishness He sternly rebuked, sparing not even His disciples. “All ye are brethren,” He would say to any one seeking the highest place. [Matthew 23:8.] Those who were unjust and unfair in their dealings writhed under His parables. He shielded no one, however high his position, who had been guilty of hypocrisy or fraud.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 50, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 50, 1903, par. 7
“Abhor that which is evil.” [Verse 9.] Then you will have nothing to do with worldly, underhand, sharp schemes that would seemingly benefit yourself, but would injure another. You will remember the words, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 3, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 3, 1903, par. 5
Before God’s servants take up any work, they are to pray to God in all humility and with a sense of their dependence upon God, realizing that they must be worked by His Spirit. They are to guard against setting themselves up as kings, because if they do this, they will dishonor the Lord and make a failure of their work. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 207, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 207, 1905, par. 7
“All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] When the lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” the Saviour laid upon the inquirer the burden of answering. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” He asked. “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 129, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 129, 1905, par. 6
Medical missionaries and Bible teachers are not the authors or finishers of our faith. Do not spoil the men who are chosen to do a certain work. These teachers are not to be deified as if they were gods. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Men are not to be ruined by being upheld in a wrong course and placed where God should be.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 311a, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 311a, 1906, par. 6
I am to bear a message regarding the dangers of a man exercising a ruling power over his fellow men. “All ye are brethren,” said Christ. [Matthew 23:8.] There must be no dominating one over another. Let all do unto others as they would wish others to do unto them. Antagonism among brethren is displeasing to God. There should be co-operation, each brother working in harmony with his brethren.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 129, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 129, 1907, par. 4
I have been awake during the night season, since ten p.m. I am instructed to say, There are some who now need a new phase of experience. Let every man now take up his appointed work. Let no one think that he has been appointed of God to do a work of ordering his brethren, but let him go to work himself and seek with all the powers of his soul to understand the will of God concerning himself. Let him place himself where he can learn of the great Teacher. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 173, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 173, 1907, par. 1
I am instructed to bear my testimony to all who make large demands for their service. God’s servants are not to do so. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Those who would walk humbly with God here, and win the crown of eternal life, must be self-sacrificing missionaries.The Upward Look
Trust Your Brethren, April 17
UL 121.1
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. Matthew 23:8.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 67, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 67, 1907, par. 14
The Lord would have His people stand true to His honor and guard carefully the interests of one another. “All ye are brethren,” He declares. [Matthew 23:8.] No injustice, no false dealing is to mark their actions. The Lord entrusts means and advantages to His stewards, that they may guard the interests of one another, that there may be unity among His covenant-keeping people, and that they may be a praise to Him in the earth. He calls them to be a people whom He can ever bless with still greater advantages, both temporal and spiritual, and thus honor them above the transgressors of His law. He would have them ever keep in memory the fact that they are to do His work in the earth, to be His hands of ministration, imparting His blessings and gifts to men. It is the design of God that in the unity of those who believe in Christ, the gospel of Jesus shall be proclaimed to the world. Those who have accepted the gift of His Son are to co-operate with Him in saving others.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 156, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 156, 1907, par. 3
You have been represented to me as holding yourself aloof from these brethren. Had you gone to them in the Spirit of Christ, and studied with them the needs of the field, you would have said, These brethren need some of the means we are handling. Had you inquired into their needs, and advocated the dividing with them of the means given for the work in that field, considering that “All ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8], you would have done a work well pleasing to the Lord. Those who withdraw their sympathy and help from their fellow laborers, God will deal with in a way to show them His displeasure.22LtMs, Lt 156, 1907, par. 4
God does not require His servants all to work in precisely the same way. Each worker should thank God that he has a part in the Lord’s vineyard, and each should believe that the Lord is leading his brother workers as verily as he believes that the Lord is leading him. The words of Christ, “All ye are brethren,” should ever be kept in mind. [Verse 8.] The spirit that leads the workers to measure themselves among themselves, and to estimate the value of a worker according to human judgment, is not the Spirit of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 32a, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 32a, 1908, par. 29
God forbids you to put yokes on the necks of His servants. Brethren Sutherland and Magan have a right to solicit means for the support of the Madison school. This wonderful burden to restrict their work, which some suppose God has bestowed upon them with their official position, has never been laid upon them. If they were standing free on the high platform of truth, they would never accept the responsibility of framing rules and regulations that will hinder and cramp the laborers in their work for this time. When they learn the lesson that “All ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8], and realize that their fellow workers sometimes know just as well as they do how to use in the wisest way the talents and capabilities entrusted to them, they will remove the yokes that they are now binding upon them and will give them credit for love for souls and a desire to labor unselfishly to promote the interests of the cause.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 32, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 32, 1908, par. 20
To those in our conferences who have felt that they had the authority to forbid the gathering of means in certain territory, I now say: This matter has been presented to me again and again. I now bear my testimony in the name of the Lord to those whom it concerns. Wherever you are, withhold your forbiddings. The work of God is not to be thus trammeled. God is being faithfully served by men whom you have been watching and criticizing. They fear and honor the Lord; they are laborers together with Him. God forbids you to put any yoke on the necks of His faithful servants. It is the privilege of these workers to accept gifts or loans, that they may invest them to help in doing an important work that greatly needs to be done. There are some who have wrong views regarding the responsibility which God has placed upon them with their official position. They bear a heavy burden to control—a burden that has never been laid upon them by the Lord. Those who are standing free on the high platform of truth will not accept the responsibility of framing rules and regulations that hinder and cramp God’s chosen laborers in their work for the training of missionaries. When men learn the lesson that “all ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8], and realize that their fellow workers may know just as well as they how to use in the wisest way the talents and capabilities entrusted to them, they will remove many yokes that are now binding their brethren and will give them credit for having love for souls and a desire to labor unselfishly to promote the interests of the cause.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 80, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 80, 1909, par. 2
“All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] It is not the privilege of any man to bear down upon another as you have borne down upon Brother Covell. You have misjudged him, and have used strong language regarding his course of action, and have spoken to him in a way that he did not deserve. He was asked to carry certain responsibilities, and this he did.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 178, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 178, 1909, par. 16
Let the men carrying responsibilities treat those who labor with them with the same consideration that they would wish to receive were they the helpers and others the leaders. “All ye are brethren,” the Saviour declared. [Matthew 23:8.] Position does not give a man kingly authority. The meekness of Christ is a wonderful lesson given to the fallen world. Learning this meekness from the great Teacher, the worker will become Christlike.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 75, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 75, 1910, par. 4
The world is to be worked; the gospel is to be preached to every creature. If they will hear and understand, they may be converted. But in order for the gospel to do its work, every worker must <first> go to Jesus and cast his helpless soul upon Him. Do not think that you must be exalted. “All we are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] If we will seek the Lord with all our hearts, we will know of the doctrine. We have the Word, and we are to walk with all humility of mind in accordance with that Word, and if we do this, we shall certainly have evidence that we are <doing our work as> children of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 63, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 63, 1910, par. 12
Think before you speak and practice. Have no foolish conversation. “By thy words thou shalt be justified or by thy unsanctified words thou shalt be condemned.” [Matthew 12:37.] Let all consider that this world is to be the fitting-up place for our future condemnation or our eternal reward. Never dismiss the fear of God. Your life is to be goodness revealed, manifested. Decidedly hold fast your integrity. The Word of God directs your safe course of action. The fitting-up process means much to every soul. But a small number are educated from childhood to study the Word of God and practice the same as their standard of duty. Precious lessons are given, which should be a savor of life unto life. I am instructed to keep before the many, that the Word of God is their standard of duty, to cultivate the graces of the Holy Spirit, that they may have the meekness they must have daily. Then they will be “Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] “One is your master, even Christ.” [Matthew 23:8.] The Lord gave Christ to our world to be our true pattern. To Him we are responsible. I urge upon fathers and mothers to oft say, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” [Luke 4:8.] The great and essential matter with every soul is to be converted daily by communing with God in earnest prayer. Encourage the heart to pant after God. One of the most earnest prayers in the Bible is “Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10.] “Out of the heart are the issues of life.” [Proverbs 4:23.]This Day With God
God’s Dealings With Men, June 23
TDG 183.4
Human sympathy should be cherished in every heart. It is an attribute of God, and is never to be banished. “All ye are brethren” (Matthew 23:8). God has laid upon men the responsibility of giving sympathy to their fellow men, of helping the needy, the wounded, the bruised. Many are demoralized by their own course of action, but who of the human family can understand, as God understands, the cause of their misery?This Day With God
Ye All Are Brethren, July 2
TDG 192.3
There is coming in among us a spirit which God will not suffer to rule. Never should Christians feel that they are lords over God’s heritage. There should not be among Christians a spirit which makes some patrons and some proteges. The commandments of God forbid this. “All ye are brethren” (Matthew 23:8). No man is to think that he is the owner of the minds and capabilities of his brethren. He is not to think that others must submit to his dictation. He is liable to err, liable to make mistakes, as every man is. He is not to try to control matters in accordance with his ideas.The Publishing Ministry
Chapter 22—Wages for Publishing-House Workers
PM 239.4
The Lord will have faithful men who love and fear Him connected with every school, every printing office, health institution, and publishing house. Their wages should not be fashioned after the worldling’s standard. There should be, as far as possible, excellent judgment exercised to keep up, not an aristocracy, but an equality, which is the law of heaven. “All ye are brethren” (Matthew 23:8). A few should not demand large wages, and such wages should not be presented as an inducement to secure ability and talents. This is placing things on a worldly principle. The increase of wages brings with it a corresponding increase of selfishness, pride, display, self-gratification, and needless extravagance that the people who do their utmost to pay their tithes and present their offerings to God do not have. Poverty is seen in all their borders. The Lord loves the one just as much as the other, with the exception that the self-sacrificing, humble, contrite souls who love God and strive to serve Him, are ever kept nearer to the great heart of Infinite Love than the man who feels at liberty to have all the good things of this life.—Selected Messages 2:192.The General Conference Bulletin
October 1, 1901
GCB October 1, 1901, par. 20
If the workers in America will impart to others of their great mercies, they will see prosperity in England. They will sympathize with the workers who are struggling with difficulties there, and will have the heart to say, not only in word, but in action, “All ye are brethren,” Matthew 23:8. They will see a great work done in London, all through the cities of England, and throughout the different European countries.Australasian Union Conference Record
June 1, 1902
AUCR June 1, 1902, par. 20
If the workers in America will impart to others of their great mercies, they will see prosperity in England. They will sympathize with the workers who are struggling with difficulties there, and will have the heart to say, not only in word, but in action, “All ye are brethren,” Matthew 23:8. They will see a great work done in London, all through the cities of England, and throughout the different European countries.Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)
The Butler Paper on Leadership
2BIO 400.4
When he started publishing the Signs of the Times in Oakland, California, in June, 1874, he devoted several editorials to the subject, opening his remarks by quoting Matthew 23:8,“One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren.” He pointed out:Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Houses of Worship
GW 432.4
In our churches the pews should not be rented. The wealthy are not to be honored above the poor. Let no distinction be made. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)
Differing Views on the Philosophy of Leadership
2BIO 463.7
Of course, there was no hiding the point that he was referring to James White as that leader. An action passed at the conference session when Butler made this presentation called for it to be published in a pamphlet and circulated widely. This was done in the late spring of 1874. Beginning in June, James White chose to publish in the Signs of the Times a series of three editorials refuting Butler’s position on leadership. He opened his remarks by quoting Matthew 23:8: “One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” White pointed out:Ministry to the Cities
Cities Outside North America
MTC 177.3
If the workers in America will impart to others of their great mercies, they will see prosperity in England. They will sympathize with the workers who are struggling with difficulties there, and will have the heart to say, not only in word but in action: “All ye are brethren” (Matthew 23:8). They will see a great work done in London, all through the cities of England, and throughout the different European countries.—Testimonies For The Church 6:25, 26. (1900)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 30, 1887
5LtMs, Lt 30, 1887, par. 20
You must live and work for Christ’s sake. Selfishness is to have no part in the work of God. The desire to have one’s own way, contrary to the judgment of co-workers, is to find no place in our institutions. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] A spirit of love and tenderness is to be shown. In our sanitariums, and in any institution, kind words, pleasant looks, a condescending demeanor are of great value. There is a charm in the intercourse of men who are truly courteous. In business transactions what power for good a little condescension has!Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 22, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 22, 1890, par. 47
You who are appointed as directors are, yourselves, to be under the direction of Christ. Take your orders from Him, and give them to the workers in the spirit of Christ, remembering that “all ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] We are reformers and we are not to accept a human standard but to be governed by the principles of heaven. It does not become reformers to confine the work of reform to some special points, to the neglect of others. If wealth is brought to the sanitarium by the sacrifice of one Christlike attribute or principle, souls will be discouraged, and one soul is worth more than the whole world. Remember that Christ will deal with you as you deal with those under your care.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 25a, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 25a, 1891, par. 16
The Lord will have faithful men who love and fear Him connected with every school, every printing office, health institution and publishing house. Their wages should not be fashioned after the worldling’s standard. There should be, as far as possible, excellent judgment exercised to keep up, not an aristocracy, but an equality, which is the law of heaven. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 31, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 31, 1892, par. 5
The Lord is displeased with the want of harmony that has existed among the workers. He cannot impart His Holy Spirit, for they are bent on having their own way, and the Lord presents to them His way. Great discouragement will come in from Satan and his confederacy of evil, but “all ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8], and it is an offence to God when you allow your individual, unsanctified traits of character to be active agencies to discourage one another.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 55, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 55, 1891, par. 11
Then let us be exceedingly jealous of our own spirit and attributes that we be not found warring against one another, and weakening one another because we imagine evil things. There is no respect of persons with God, high or low, rich or poor, learned or ignorant. “We are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Then let us guard the interest of one another, doing in every case as we would be pleased to be done by.Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]
MR No. 550—Diversity and Unity in God’s Work
8MR 69.1
“All ye are brethren.” (Matthew 23:8.) “Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.) Our owner is God. The same blood that purchased one brother, purchased the next also, and the next. All are born of God by the same Spirit. All are members of the same body, and are worked by the same Spirit. All feed on the flesh and blood of the Son of God, the Word, which is Spirit and life. The sustenance of all comes from the same source. We must not think it a virtue to differ. We are in close bonds of relationship one with another. If the same vitalizing current is flowing through our minds and hearts, we shall act in harmony. In failing to do this, we deny the Source of all spiritual life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 6, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 6, 1891, par. 7
While in St. Louis a year ago, as I knelt in prayer, these words were presented to me as if written with a pen of fire: “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] The Spirit of God rested upon me in a wonderful manner, and matters were opened to me in regard to the church at St. Louis and in other places. The spirit and words of some in regard to members of the church were an offense to God. They were closing the door of their hearts to Jesus. Among those in St. Louis who believe the truth, there are colored brethren who are true and faithful, precious in the sight of the God of heaven, and they should have just as much respect as any of God’s children. Those who have spoken harshly to them, or have despised them, have despised the purchase of the blood of Christ; and they need the transforming grace of Christ in their own hearts, that they may have the pitying tenderness of Jesus toward those who love God with all the fervor that they themselves are capable of.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 77, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 77, 1893, par. 16
Yet this blind warfare is continued. Men of the same faith, in the same city, turn their weapons against each other. It is an astonishment to the heavenly universe. I feel deeply grieved, and if these things are a grief to me, how do they appear to Jesus, who suffered untold agony upon the cross to redeem men from the power of Satan and make them one in Christ? “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] What can lead brethren to present before the world opposite opinions without first coming together in love and comparing views to see if they cannot come into harmony? Will my brethren tell me what spirit is moving them to action?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 44, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 44, 1894, par. 17
But when there is, on the part of the laborers, so manifest a disregard of Christ’s express command that we love one another as He has loved us, how can we expect that brethren will heed the commandments of finite men, and the regulations and definite specifications as to how each shall labor? The wisdom that prescribes for us must be supernatural, else it will prove a physician that cannot heal, but will only destroy. We would better seek God with the whole heart, and lay down self-importance, for “all ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 16, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 16, 1894, par. 9
There are men who should be respected because they are laborers together with Christ, and “all ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Sound doctrine is to be brought into contact with actual life, and it is to produce sound practice. The form of sound words is to be valued above gold. The searching maxims of God’s Word are to search men’s work. The great I AM says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 2:2.] The truth is to be practiced, to be acted out, and then it will elevate the life, sanctify and ennoble the teacher and <also the> receiver of truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 27, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 27, 1894, par. 24
God wants an entirely different order of things. He wants these men who think it is their duty to block the wheels to put their shoulder to the chariot of truth, and roll it up the steep ascent. They should remember that Christ says of His disciples, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Those who have despised the men who have borne the message of God have despised not the men, but the Lord who has given them their message and their work. All this God will require at their hands.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 53, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 53, 1894, par. 26
The cautions which God has given are to be regarded. Christ has said concerning His disciples, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Everyone is to give an account of himself to God. Confidence and respect must be cherished in the heart of Elder Daniells towards God’s ministers and agencies. Do not lay down any specified rules or prescribe any details of actions as to how God’s agents shall do their work.9LtMs, Lt 53, 1894, par. 30
Let men leave the work for the worker to do with an eye single to the glory of God. God may see that it is necessary to release every president of his charge who does not understand what is comprehended in his special work. He who mistakes his duties is in danger of working at cross purposes with God, and of imperiling the souls of his fellow workers as well as his own soul, because he does not recognize the fact that his fellow laborers are to be linked up with him. Christ said, “All ye are brethren.” [Verse 8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 11, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 11, 1895, par. 24
<Every man> is under the control of the great “I am.” [Exodus 3:14.] His laws must be respected, and men who follow Christ will remember that Jesus has said, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] He who sees the end from the beginning will bring order out of confusion. He will do justice and judgment. The prophet says, “I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the end of the wicked shall be cut off.” [Psalm 37:35-38.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 63, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 63, 1895, par. 46
The masterly spirit which is natural with some, to control, to be sharp and dictatorial, comes under the lording over God’s heritage, and has lost to our cause precious souls. This is because the finite human agent was not in connection with God. Those who occupy a position of important stewardship which has brought them in connection with the souls for whom Christ has died, precious in the sight of the Lord, should be precious to all who have connection with them, corresponding with the estimate in which God regards them. Many have been treated in a harsh manner, according to the disposition of men, and not according to the mind and spirit which dwelt in Jesus Christ. His Word declares, “All ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8], and the consideration is never to be absent from the mind, we must all meet these again with whom we associate around the judgment seat of Christ. Then God and not men will be the Judge of all. He will deal justly with the cases of every individual.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 75, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 75, 1895, par. 3
Many movements are being made that spring from the finite wisdom of men, but not from the wisdom of Him who is unerring. The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, and men in every position of trust are to be ruled by Him. While they should guard every soul as God’s purchased possession, and prevent oppression on the one hand, they should also manifest unselfishness in all their dealings, and practice self-denial, ever giving heed to the words of the Lord, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] The Lord God is our Ruler, His laws are to be brought into our practical life, and especially are they to rule our institutions.Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]
MR No. 920—The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Lost Son
11MR 371.2
Men often commit wrong through ignorance or want of judgment. In many instances there is no premeditated wrong; it is caused through a lack of thoughtfulness. The one who treats this as sin is himself a sinner. There is with many a keen imagination that makes them offender for a word or action. But often the one judged is innocent in the sight of God. The accuser, who has permitted the tempter to ruffle his feelings, needs to humble his soul before God, to be purified and refined by the Holy Spirit, to love as brethren, be kind, be courteous. The promise to all is, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you: (James 4:7). If one errs, remember that this is no more than you yourself have done. Put away evil surmisings. Christ says, “All ye are brethren” (Matthew 23:8).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 65, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 65, 1895, par. 10
God has made men responsible beings, and placed them in circumstances favorable to obedience to His will. In the dignity of their God-given manhood, they are to be governed and controlled by God Himself, not by any human intelligence in our world. Man is ever to acknowledge that God lives and reigns; men are never to become lords over God’s heritage. They are to consider that “all ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] In the very fact that men are free moral agents, God teaches us not to be forced or compelled into any course of action, also that as responsible beings in co-partnership with God, we are to represent God in character. We are to have an interest in our brother, in our neighbor, in all around.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 54, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 54, 1895, par. 22
God expects His workers to be tender-hearted. How merciful are the ways of God. See Deuteronomy 10:17-20; 2 Chronicles 20:5-7, 9; 1 Peter 1:17. But the rules God has given have been disregarded, and strange fire has been offered before the Lord. The spirit of domination is extending to the presidents of our conferences. But if a man is sanguine of his own powers, and seeks to exercise dominion over his brethren, feeling that he is invested with authority to make his will the ruling power, the best and only safe course is to remove him, lest great harm be done, and he lose his own soul, and imperil the souls of others. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Those in authority should manifest the spirit of Christ. They should deal as He would deal with every case that requires attention. They should go weighted with the Holy Spirit.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 29, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 29, 1895, par. 18
In the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, the true object of government is beautifully represented by the great tree “whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation.” [Verse 21.] Now, if God had called a man, or any set of men at Battle Creek to rule in any sense, that representation of the tree shows the only kind of ruling acceptable to Him—a government that protects, restores, relieves, but never savors of oppression. The poor, especially, are to be kindly treated. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Aid is to be given to the oppressed, and not one soul that bears the image of God is to be placed at the footstool of a human being. The greatest possible kindness and freedom are to be granted to the purchase of the blood of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 58, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 58, 1895, par. 50
Those who occupy important positions, who are brought in contact with souls for whom Christ has died, should place upon men the estimate God has placed upon them and regard them as precious. But many have treated the purchase of Christ’s blood in a harsh manner, in harmony with the disposition of men instead of according to the mind and spirit of Christ. Of His disciples Christ says, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] We should ever keep in mind the relation which we bear one to another, and remember that we must meet those with whom we associate here around the judgment seat of Christ. God will be the Judge, and He will deal justly with every individual.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 55, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 55, 1895, par. 50
The spirit of domination is extending to the presidents of our conferences. If a man is sanguine of his own powers and seeks to exercise dominion over his brethren, feeling that he is invested with authority to make his will the ruling power, the best and only safe course is to remove him, lest great harm be done, and he lose his own soul and imperil the souls of others. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] This disposition to lord it over God’s heritage will cause a reaction unless these men change their course. Those in authority should manifest the Spirit of Christ. They should deal as He would deal with every case that requires attention. They should go weighted with the Holy Spirit. A man’s position does not make him one jot or tittle greater in the sight of God; it is character alone that God values.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 7, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 7, 1895, par. 8
Is the working of the cause of God to be entrusted to such hands? Are souls for whom Christ has died to be manipulated at the will of men who have refused the light given them of heaven? We should be afraid of man-made laws, and of plans and methods that are not in accordance with the principles of the Word of God concerning man’s relation to his fellow. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 85, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, par. 13
The power of principle is not neutralized by the force of habit acquired to rule down everything that does not please the mind and administer to pride and self-exaltation. Self becomes a terrible tyrant, and thinks that everything will be a success that is carried by storm. That will of man, finite, erring, becomes the will of his fellow men, who think it their prerogative to rule. “All ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8] is put out of his practice, and hearts are hardened that Christ has died to save. The rule-or-ruin principle might better quickly find a natural death. It becomes a man who holds any responsibility to consider that he is not the Lord, and for his own soul’s sake, for the sake of Christ who has bought souls by his most precious blood, these souls are to be treated as God’s property and not as the property of any man.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 54, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, par. 12
There should be no lording it over God’s heritage, for those who do the most disagreeable work, out of love for God, are as precious in His sight as those in higher positions of trust. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] There can be no neglect in regard to the duties you owe to these souls, who are workers, without the disapproval and condemnation of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 81, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, par. 37
Twenty years ago, I was surprised at the cautions and warnings given me in reference to the publishing house on the Pacific Coast—that it was ever to remain independent of all other institutions; that it was to be controlled by no other institution, but was to do the Lord’s work under His guidance and protection. The Lord says, “All ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8], and the Pacific Press is not to be envied and looked upon with jealousy and suspicion by the stronger publishing house at Battle Creek. It must maintain its own individuality, and be strictly guarded from any corruption. It must not be merged into any other institution. The hand of power and control at Battle Creek must not reach across the continent to manage it.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 6, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 6, 1896, par. 1
The Lord has a controversy with you. I have no need to specify the reason; you have had them laid open before you again and again. The clean hands, the pure, unselfish, holy purposes have not been brought into your practice, and the benediction of God has not come upon many of those who handle sacred things. The lifting up of the soul and speaking vanity, and the lifting up of men to manage their fellow men, body and soul, is all open before God, with whom we have to do. There is no man or set of men that can manage men. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] The Holy Spirit of God alone can do this. When you, because of your position, supposed you could say the word, and it would be done just after your idea, you made a mistake. Truth, honor, and integrity have been compromised to gain certain advantages. Justice hath fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]
MR No. 94—Material for Facing Life
1MR 395.3
The Lord will have faithful men who love and fear him connected with every school, every printing office, health institution and publishing house. Their wages should not be fashioned after the worldling’s standard. There should be, as far as possible, excellent judgment exercised to keep up, not an aristocracy, but an equality, which is the law of heaven, “All ye are brethren” (Matthew 23:8). A few should not demand large wages, and such wages should not be presented as an inducement to secure ability and talents. This is placing things on a worldly principle. The increase of wages brings with it a corresponding increase of selfishness, pride, display, self-gratification and needless extravagance that the people who do their utmost to pay their tithes and present their offerings to God do not have. Poverty is seen in all their borders. The Lord loves the ones just as much as the other, with the exception that the self-sacrificing, humble, contrite souls who love God and strive to serve Him, are ever kept nearer to the great heart of infinite love than the man who feels at liberty to have all the good things of this life.—Manuscript 25a, 1891, pp. 5,6. (Untitled Manuscript, 1891.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 102a, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, par. 7
I will not now hold my peace. I will not say to those who are going contrary to the light God has given, who follow the imagination of their own hearts, It shall be well with thee. If I should hold my peace, the blood of souls would be on my garments. I must speak the words of the Lord. The Lord cannot justify those who have been and are still following a course of oppression. They are not doing His will. In their speech and their dealing they are not following the example of Christ; they do not bear in mind, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] I had hoped that the old harsh, unchristian manner of dealing with the workmen would never be practiced again, but my heart trembles today for the workers in high and low position. These things are an offence to God, and He will not pass them by. He will surely judge for these things; for men are made to err from the Lord.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 22, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, par. 7
The question for the church to settle is, Who is prepared to stand up for the Lord at this time, even in difficult circumstances? After most earnestly asking the Lord in prayer, let the words be heard, “Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me.” [Exodus 32:26.] Let there be no striving for supremacy, no strife, for God’s Word declares, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] There is a wrong in your midst. Minds in the church are being leavened by an influence that does not proceed from God, but which has been introduced, not suddenly, but gradually, until the whole church needs to inquire diligently, What spirit is prompting us to action? Will it lead to unity of mind and to correct principles? As Christians, we are but one firm, and we are to act in all things as the Lord Jesus would act were He in our place. But there has been and is in the church an unsanctified independence, which does not show submission to God. The members need to feel upon their minds an influence that is from above, not from beneath.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 135, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 135, 1897, par. 10
If Brother Philip Wessels had taken up the work appointed him by God, he would now have been engaged in seeking to bring light and truth to thousands that are in darkness. A great work might have been done in South Africa, by all that have received the truth there, if they had divested themselves of their accusing spirit. If they had believed the words, “All ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8], if they had realized that with God there is no caste, but that in His sight every soul is precious, God would have worked through them. But there is constant danger of losing the simplicity of the work, and of trying to forward it on lines which the Lord cannot approve. If those whom the Lord has appointed to do His work do not feel the necessity of manifesting Christlike humility at every step, God will entrust His work to other agencies. If these respond to the light, they will take the place of those who refused to go out into the highways and the hedges with the invitation, “Come for all things are now ready. The gospel feast is prepared; come to the royal feast.” [See Luke 14:17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 21, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 21, 1897, par. 41
The disciples of Christ are composed of men of varied ability and talent. But the rich and the poor meet together in church capacity. They stand there as disciples of Christ. All distinctions are lost sight of. All embrace each other as Christians. If men are one with Christ, they will be one with each other. “All ye are brethren,” He said. [Matthew 23:8.] They are pilgrims and strangers, seeking a better country, even a heavenly; therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He hath prepared for them a city.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 6, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 6, 1897, par. 13
The moral apathy that is prevailing in our churches today would be largely corrected if they would consider that they are under service to God to do the very work Christ did when He was upon the earth [and] went about doing good. The very work that Dr. Kellogg has been managing is the very kind of work the whole of our churches are bound to do under covenant relation to God. They are to love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves. They are to realize that “all ye are brethren,” that there are no favorites with God. [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 50a, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 50a, 1897, par. 2
“All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] To no one has the Lord given permission to rule over a brother. All need their hearts refined and cleansed from weakness, from natural and hereditary traits of character. All are amenable to God. If a brother errs in his ministerial work, remember that you have all erred and shown great want of faith in the Lord. Yet God has not discarded you and given you no place to work. Had He done this, His action would have been just as sensible as your action in this case.12LtMs, Lt 50a, 1897, par. 12
Let not the shepherds of God’s pasture treat coldly their fellow-laborers. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] The Lord Jesus died to save sinners; and He longs to see men with hearts tender and full of compassion, not full of self-dignity. This must be laid in the dust. Ministers must touch lovingly and tenderly their brother minister, who is battling with difficulties that appear stubborn and unyielding. But in your decisions in regard to this case, you have shown much more of self and earthliness than of kindness, meekness, gentleness, or love.12LtMs, Lt 50a, 1897, par. 47
O, remember that we are His offspring, children of one family. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] His tender mercies are over all His works. Ever bear in mind that money is of little value compared with souls. Many, if left to impulse, represent God as stern, watching to denounce and condemn; who would not receive a soul in error as long as he has a legal excuse for not helping him. It is not God who is thus represented; for He is full of goodness and mercy and truth. Christ came to remove all such feelings and thoughts of God. He wants every erring soul to “look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] He would have them feel that God’s yearning, fatherly love is toward them. He has revealed that which is not apprehended.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 53, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 53, 1897, par. 5
Now, this is the right of every being that has breath and life. This is just as much the privilege of Brother Hickox as it is the privilege of Brother Farnsworth or Brother Crothers or Brother Daniells. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Brother Hickox is under service to Jesus Christ, not to man, or any counsel of men. This man-rule has done a great amount of mischief in separating the soul from God, and in educating a trust and dependence upon human agents that the Lord condemns. What evidence have our brethren that Brother Hickox was not chosen of God to do His work? What right have you to leave him out of your confidence, and refuse to sustain him, as though the Lord has given you the right to do this? Brother Hickox should have had a place to work from the first period that he was ready to work. He has done nothing that should have kept him handicapped, so that he could not work. You know not but that he has done the very best thing that could be done under the circumstances. God does not look upon many things [as] man does.12LtMs, Lt 53, 1897, par. 8
“All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Men chosen of God are to be left far more to His management, and less, far less, to the supposed wisdom of human instrumentalities. How men dare take men away from a work, or forbid them doing service to God and refuse to link up with them, for the reasons that exist in this case, I cannot explain only on the ground that they do not understand that they are not to assume the place of God. O, for more love, and less self. May the Lord help us to seek Him with a whole heart, that we may find Him.Selected Messages Book 2
Wages for Institutional Workers
2SM 192.2
The Lord will have faithful men who love and fear Him connected with every school, every printing office, health institution, and publishing house. Their wages should not be fashioned after the worldling’s standard. There should be, as far as possible, excellent judgment exercised to keep up, not an aristocracy, but an equality, which is the law of heaven. “All ye are brethren” (Matthew 23:8). A few should not demand large wages, and such wages should not be presented as an inducement to secure ability and talents. This is placing things on a worldly principle. The increase of wages brings with it a corresponding increase of selfishness, pride, display, self-gratification, and needless extravagance that the people who do their utmost to pay their tithes and present their offerings to God do not have. Poverty is seen in all their borders. The Lord loves the one just as much as the other, with the exception that the self-sacrificing, humble, contrite souls who love God and strive to serve Him, are ever kept nearer to the great heart of infinite Love than the man who feels at liberty to have all the good things of this life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 28, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 28, 1897, par. 4
“All ye are brethren” will be the sentiment of every child of faith. [Matthew 23:8.] When the followers of Christ are one with Him, there will be no first and last, no less respected or less important ones. A blessed, brotherly fellowship one with another will bind all <who truly receive the Lord> Jesus Christ in a firm loyalty that cannot be broken. All will be equally one with Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 15, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 15, 1897, par. 8
Christ declares, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] We are all exposed to the same temptations, the same danger of making mistakes. These is no security, no support, in the midst of trial, but the conviction that God is present, watching over His people, and ready to answer their cries. “Then thou shalt call, and the Lord will answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday; and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:9-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 7, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 7, 1897, par. 10
Christ has declared, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] But how little of brotherly love has been manifested. The masterful, selfish, overbearing spirit will prove a curse in any line of business, but the injury it does to the work and cause of God is beyond the estimate that finite man can place upon it. At the very heart of the work they have lied against the truth. Deception, fraud, selfishness, and covetousness, which is idolatry have been brought in and mingled with the sacred offerings. Are there any so far deceived, so blinded, that they cannot distinguish the sacred from the common?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 50, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 50, 1897, par. 2
“All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] To no one has the Lord given permission to rule over a brother. All need their hearts refined and cleaned from weakness, from natural and hereditary traits of character. All are amenable to God. If a brother errs in his ministerial work, remember that you have all erred and shown great want of faith in the Lord. Yet God has not discarded you and given you no place to work. Had He done this, His action would have been just as sensible as your action in this case.12LtMs, Lt 50, 1897, par. 11
Let not the shepherds of God’s pasture treat coolly their fellow laborers. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] The Lord Jesus died to save sinners, and He longs to see men with hearts tender and full of compassion, not full of self-dignity. This must be laid in the dust. Ministers must touch lovingly and tenderly their brother minister, who is battling with difficulties that appear stubborn and unyielding. But in your decisions in regard to this case, you have shown much more of self and earthliness than of kindness, meekness, gentleness, or love.12LtMs, Lt 50, 1897, par. 45
O, remember that we are His offspring, children of one family. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] His tender mercies are over all His works. Ever bear in mind that money is of little value compared with souls. Many, if left to impulse, represent God as stern, watching to denounce and condemn, who would not receive a soul in error as long as he has a legal excuse for not helping him. It is not God who is thus represented, for He is full of goodness and mercy and truth. Christ came to remove all such feelings and thoughts of God. He wants every erring soul to “look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] He would have them feel that God’s yearning, fatherly love is toward them. He has revealed that which is not apprehended.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 49, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 49, 1897, par. 14
The secret of success is not in our learning, not in our position, for “all ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8], not in our numbers or entrusted talents; not in the will of man. All the Lord’s workers, feeling their inefficiency, must contemplate Christ; and through Him who is the strength of all strength, the thought of all thought, the willing and obedient will gain victory after victory. The Lord God of Israel is our strength.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 20, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 20, 1897, par. 14
Many, many church members have sold themselves, soul, body, and spirit—to enjoyment? No; none can know what enjoyment is till they lay their accumulated treasure at the feet of Jesus—to covetousness and idolatry. Church members are to be true and faithful servants of the Lord. They are to use their entrusted capital to bless the needy in their churches. Churches are to be established where the people of God may worship Him. The seats are not to be rented. The wealthy are not to be honored above the poor. No distinction is to be made. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 32, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 32, 1897, par. 11
It was Christ who breathed on His disciples, and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” [John 20:22.] And Christ is represented by His Holy Spirit today in all parts of the world. He will give the inspiration of His Holy Spirit to those who are of a contrite heart. Let there be more dependence upon the Holy Spirit’s efficiency, and far less upon human agencies. Some, at least, have no evidence that they have an abiding Christ, and that He has inspired them with wisdom in counsel through the transfusion of His own self in the heart. There are among our leaders those who are living a life separate from Christ. While they are looked to, trusted in, and relied upon as the great council of God, they have not the mind of Christ. Jesus Christ, living in the faculties of the consecrated human agents, will act through every organ. They will depend upon and choose the will of God, and conform to His character. All pride, all superiority, all arbitrary exactment will be put away; they will feel that they are “all brethren.” [See Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 81, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 81, 1898, par. 25
Human sympathy should be cherished in every heart. It is an attribute of God, and is never to be banished. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] God has laid upon men the responsibility of giving sympathy to their fellow men, of helping the needy, the wounded, the bruised. Many are demoralized by their own course of action, but who of the human family can understand, as God understands, the cause of their misery. There are in our world today many wounded, cheerless hearts who need relief. The Lord has agencies for brightening the lives of these disconsolate ones. We may each put our talents out to usury by lifting the clouds, and letting in the sunlight of hope and faith in Him who “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9
An Example of Brotherly Kindness
9T 197.2
When our brethren in Scandinavia faced a financial crisis, the testimony was given that we must not permit our brethren to stand as bankrupt before the world. That would have been dishonoring to God. And the prompt and liberal action of our American brethren was an acknowledgment that the difference in nationality could not release them from their duty to assist one another in the work of God. “All ye are brethren.” Matthew 23:8. We are one in the unity of the truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 177, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 177, 1898, par. 6
I tell you in the name of the Lord, you have not the Spirit of Christ and you are not a doer of His Word. You are not to dishonor God, speaking evil of any one. You are controlled by another spirit, and I cannot for a moment call evil good and good evil. You are doing harm to Brother Hughes. He is catching your spirit, to order and to dictate in his position. You both do not understand that “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] The Lord God of heaven will not bless any such a spirit. Those who cannot treat those who are in mind and intellect fully equal with themselves as brethren and laborers together had better step down and out of any place of stewardship, for they will do great harm to the students and also to themselves.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 80, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 80, 1898, par. 12
Men often commit wrong through ignorance or want of judgment. In many instances there is no premeditated wrong; it is caused through a lack of thoughtfulness. The one who treats this as sin is himself a sinner. There is with many a keen imagination that makes them offender for a word or action. But often the one judged is innocent in the sight of God. The accuser, who has permitted the tempter to ruffle his feelings, needs to humble his soul before God, to be purified and refined by the Holy Spirit, to love as brethren, be kind, be courteous. The promise to all is, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” [James 4:7, 8.] If one errs, remember that this is no more than you yourself have done. Put away evil surmisings. Christ says, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 116, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 116, 1898, par. 24
The most essential work now to be done is to consider the words of Christ, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Each must stand in his lot and place to do the work appointed him, in perfect harmony with his brethren. All are to seek to strengthen and build up the waste places to hold aloft the Bible standard, to voice the third angel’s message, to live the truth, to exercise mercy and the love of God, and be ready for any work that may be next in the service of God. They are to bear in mind the teachings of Christ upon the Mount of Olives, and mark the attributes which He calls blessed. “Blessed are the meek,” He says, “for they shall inherit the earth.” “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” “Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.” [Matthew 5:5-7.] Then let us cultivate the precious attribute of mercy, for it will be reflected back to us again.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 180, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 180, 1898, par. 11
I have been deeply burdened in regard to the dissensions that are created out of inferior things. All of us are dependent on the atonement. Christ is the good Shepherd of His sheep and how the Lord is dishonored to see His sheep crowding and pushing one another. What a representation is this! “All ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8], but the Devil will work the imagination to create differences, if we will allow him to do this. If we are answering the prayer of Christ, we shall all be one with Christ and the Father through Christ—one with Christ as He is one with the Father, joint heirs with Jesus Christ to the heavenly inheritance.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 78, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 78, 1898, par. 5
I hope our brethren will be guarded on the point of criticism; for with many in Melbourne this has become a part of their education. They overlook that which is good in men, and attack that which is not so pleasing to their own ideas. Christ declares, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 17, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 17, 1898, par. 13
Read this chapter carefully. Do not refuse to be enlightened by God’s Word. Let no hardness of heart come into your souls. Let brotherly love be cherished. I ask you to put Brother Leininger on his feet, and then let him get out of Healdsburg. See that he is placed in a situation where he can support himself. But bear in mind that I will certainly do all that you refuse to do. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Those who read these lines should bear in mind that God may bring you over this same ground. I am more sorry than I can express that I am compelled to write such things to you who have your Bibles. Your duty is plainly defined. Oh, how hard it is to deny self daily, to take up the cross, and follow Jesus. I now leave this with you.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 110, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 110, 1898, par. 7
The Lord acknowledges no caste. He never makes one rule for dependents, and one for those who have a large amount of His capital to trade upon. Those who have the largest amount of talent and influence are under the greatest obligation to render back to the Lord His own. There is not one God for the master and one for the dependent. All are God’s servants. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] There is not one rule for the superior and one for the inferior. Oh, my brother, if we could all bear this in mind, what a different world would be developed. There is one law to which all, the lordly and the lowly, are amenable. Abraham, the father of the faithful, combining faith and works in their proper place, will command his household after him, by precept and example. He will do justice and judgment, and keep the way of the Lord.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 106, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 106, 1899, par. 33
We are to work together, in accordance with the words, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] We are to try to bring all the perfection possible into our own characters and into the characters of those connected with us. We are not to act as though we were better than those around us. If we have the sunshine of Christ’s righteousness in our hearts, if Christ is abiding in us, we will recognize Christ in our brethren, and therefore we shall work together harmoniously.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 210, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 210, 1899, par. 6
“All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] As brethren we are identified with Christ and with one another. As brethren we are identical with christ, and through His grace identical with one another. And as we wash the feet of Christ’s followers, it is as though we were indeed touching the Son of God. We do this act because Christ told us to do it, and Christ Himself is among us. His Holy Spirit does the work of uniting our hearts. To become one with Christ requires self-denial and self-sacrifice at every step.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 139, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 139, 1899, par. 4
The large churches have had great light and privileges. Let them remember that it is not their large organs, their vocal and instrumental music, which will recommend their worship to God. There must be seen true consecration. The tree must reveal its soundness by yielding a harvest of precious fruit. Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, temperance, faith—these are the fruits borne on the Christian tree. “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh, with its affections and lusts.” [Galatians 5:24.] The cross of Calvary is our hope, and this hope will abide with us as we draw our inspiration from Christ. “All ye are brethren,” Christ said. [Matthew 23:8.] Brother linked with brother, we are to develop the attributes of Christ.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Chapter 3—Extension of the Work in Foreign Fields
6T 26.1
If the workers in America will impart to others of their great mercies, they will see prosperity in England. They will sympathize with the workers who are struggling with difficulties there, and will have the heart to say, not only in word but in action: “All ye are brethren.” Matthew 23:8. They will see a great work done in London, all through the cities of England, and throughout the different European countries.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 149, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 149, 1899, par. 1
I was instructed in America, and have been instructed since coming to this country, that there would be many things to be adjusted in regard to the settlement of accounts in America and Australia. There are those who are so constituted that they should not be placed where they will have to deal with other minds as one in charge. They have traits of character that would place their brethren in difficult positions. Thus pain and suffering would be caused when there was no need of it. They would exercise an arbitrary authority, and manifest an overbearing spirit, that would imperil the souls of their fellow men. They lack judgment in dealing with their brethren, and a great positiveness takes possession of them. They do not treat their brethren as they would wish to be treated were they in similar circumstances. They forget that Christian courtesy, forbearance, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, pity, and love are to be exercised. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] There is need of the Spirit of the Master.14LtMs, Ms 149, 1899, par. 3
When a man takes control of any other man’s conscience, he is entirely out of his place. The Lord has not delegated to any man the work of ruling his brother. There are times when powers pass through strait places. They are depressed. They want to do the will of God, and they long to clasp a friendly hand. Brethren differ in ideas, for their temperaments are unlike. One is more speculative then practical; another thinks his position gives him authority to say what the next man should and must do, without any argument on the point. “All ye are brethren.” [Verse 8.] Let each resolve that he will not, under any provocation, show a cheapness and littleness of spirit, that he will speak no words in bitterness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 4, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 4, 1899, par. 56
If the workers in America had imparted to others of their great mercies, they would have seen prosperity in England. They would have sympathized with the workers who are struggling with difficulties there, and would have had the heart to say, not only in word, but in action, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] The strengthening of the work in English-speaking countries, would have given our laborers a hundredfold more influence than they have had to plant the standard of truth in many places.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 109, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 109, 1899, par. 13
The Lord sees that things are swaying heavily in medical missionary lines, while the work in other branches is calculated to give wrong impressions which will not easily be effaced from the mind. Ideas which should be strictly guarded in any service God has appointed have been perverted, and impressions have been made, displeasing to God. One man’s mind and judgment is not to become a controlling power. God forbid that this should be. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 95, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 95, 1899, par. 9
In the name of the Lord I would say to the teachers in our schools, Attend to your appointed work. You are not called upon by God to engage in politics. “All ye are brethren,” Christ declares, “and as one you are to stand under the banner of Prince Emmanuel.” [See Matthew 23:8.] “What doth the Lord thy God require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?” [Deuteronomy 10:12, 13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 101, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 101, 1899, par. 2
I testify to you that this has not been done as God requires. My fellow laborers in a high and holy calling, you have a work to do. Clear the King’s highway, make His paths straight, that holy angels may come into our institutions. Remember that whatever your position, you are only men and not God. The Lord says to you, “Above all things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” [Verse 14.] What is charity? It is love for God and for your fellow laborers. “All ye are brethren,” Christ declares. [Matthew 23:8.] He includes every soul from the highest to the least.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 26, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 26, 1899, par. 22
God calls for staunch, loyal, faithful men in His work, men who will not be bought or sold, men not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. “One is your Master, even Christ.” [Matthew 23:8.] To God we are individually responsible, and that responsibility is a sacred trust which can be discharged only when these words are firmly followed, “Whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” [Colossians 3:17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 133, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 133, 1899, par. 19
While enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, Christ gave direction regarding this love. Distinctly and clearly He laid down the principles of heaven as rules which His chosen people are to observe in their dealings one with another. These principles Christ lived out in His life of humanity. In His sermon on the mount He presented the motives and obligations which should govern the lives of His followers. “All ye are brethren,” He said. [Matthew 23:8.] “Treat the purchase of my blood as I have given you example.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 8, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 8, 1899, par. 7
It is God’s will that those to whom He has entrusted talents should look ahead, and with far-seeing judgment, with tact and ingenuity, establish the work aright. This is not done by making the proudest show among the nations of earth. God designs that those whom He has appointed to do His work shall have ingrained in their character the words, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 4, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 4, 1899, par. 87
The Lord has sent to these places His servants who have had experience and who can carry forward their several branches of the work. To withhold means from them is to neglect the Lord’s direct requirements. Not one-hundredth part of the work has been done that could have been accomplished if the workers in America had imparted to others of their great mercies. They would have seen prosperity in England. They would have sympathized with the workers who are struggling with difficulties there, and would have had the heart to say, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] The strengthening of the work in English-speaking countries would have placed them where they would have had twentyfold more influence than they have had to plant the standard of truth in many places.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 26, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 26, 1899, par. 5
New principles and decided movements are to find place in our institutions for the guidance and instruction of the youth, that they may be aided to apply Bible principles to all that they do. Bible rules are to guide in the daily life, that the light of God may be seen in the welfare of the youth in our institutions. Every worker is to be a laborer together with God. No human being is to be put in a low place to be lorded over by any man, whatever his position. No one is to be kept from expressing his opinion. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] All ye have one Father. All ye are members of one family.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 10, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 10, 1899, par. 12
“‘All ye are brethren.’ [Matthew 23:8.] We stand in the harness together. We who are in America will not require and retain everything, while our fellow workers have nothing, and the cause of God is estimated by its manifest poverty. Christ loves the workers in Australia and other portions of the field, as He loves those whom He has made His stewards in trust in America.” As Dr. Kellogg spoke these words his face was pale, and he spoke as under the inspiration of the Spirit of God.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Matthew 23:1-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 115, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 115, 1894, par. 1
“Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. ... But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your master, even Christ: and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth; for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” [Matthew 23:1-3, 8-12.]9LtMs, Ms 115, 1894, par. 5
Christ proclaimed principles to his people that do not sustain the practice of exalting men that is so prevalent in the world. He says “And call no man your father (except those who are your fathers by ties of relationship) upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.” [Matthew 23:9, 10.] The distinctions that are made by man are not to be recognized in the church of Christ. He says, “all ye are brethren.” [Verse 8.] The disciples of Christ were neither to covet nor receive titles of honor or distinction, in order that they might be exalted above others. In this way men have come to regard the clergy with undue reverence, and have looked upon them as spiritual beings, putting man in the place of God. No title should be given to any man which belongs alone to Christ.