EGW WritingsPsalms 18

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 61, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 61, 1911, par. 9

“I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Psalm 18:1-3. The Lord is full of mercy and love and compassion.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 116, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 45

Having repented of the sin that has stood between us and our God, we can see His matchless charms and realize His boundless love for us. His arms are ever outstretched to receive repentant sinners. Shall we not praise Him and glorify His name? How much glory do we give Him for the blessings He bestows upon us? How much glory has He received for His work of transformation in this Sanitarium? I am glad that He has been working so manifestly. I am glad that His Holy Spirit is cherished in your hearts. Are you acknowledging His goodness, praising Him with the voice of melody? Will you not henceforth praise Him more than you have praised Him in the past? Will you not lift up your soul to Him often, that you may gain strength through communion with Him? Let no one be ashamed to say, with the Psalmist: “I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” [Psalm 18:1, 2.]

17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 46

As you confess before men and women your confidence in the Lord, additional strength is imparted to you. Determine to praise Him. With firm determination comes increased will power; and soon you will find that you cannot help praising Him. With David you will say: “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. ... The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath He recompensed me.” [Verses 3, 20.] Those who use their hands to work iniquity and to deal unjustly cannot expect the blessing of the Lord to rest upon them; but those who keep their hands from evildoing can declare: “I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all His judgments were before me, and I did not put away His statutes from me. I was also upright before Him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.” [Verses 21-23.]

17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 48

The Psalmist continues: “With the merciful thou wilt show Thyself merciful.” [Psalm 18:25.] Let us begin to put into practice the instruction given us in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, showing mercy to those who are afflicted. “With an upright man Thou wilt show Thyself upright.” God will reward men according to their uprightness. “With the pure Thou wilt show Thyself pure; and with the froward Thou wilt show Thyself froward”—that is, as God meets us where we are, so we are to meet men where they are. [Psalm 18:25, 26.] Let us not, by refusing to meet our fellow men where they are, place ourselves outside the compass of God’s love and mercy.

17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 49

The next few verses are especially comforting to the afflicted: “For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. For Thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. For by Thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.” [Verses 27-29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 91, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 91, 1891, par. 22

Do not dwell on your weakness. You may feel it all you please, and, because you know it, trust in Jesus. Lean your whole weight upon His arm. That will ever bear your whole weight and every burden of your soul. But never let the enemy hear you speaking one discouraging word. Let him understand you are strong in the strength of the Mighty One, the Lord God of Hosts. Magnify Him, Eld. Olsen. Frame your mind to look upon Jesus at all times and in all places, and say “He is my Helper, my strong Tower, my Rock, and my Fortress.” [Psalm 18:2.] The Lord Jesus will make you strong in His strength.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Defender, October 7

JNN 296.1

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.—Psalm 18:2

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 166, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 33

“There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness his secret place: his pavilion round about him was dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies.” [Psalm 18:4-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 20, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 20, 1892, par. 20

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears.” “He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me.” [Psalm 18:6, 9.] “I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications.” [Psalm 116:1.] This has been my experience day and night during my sickness.

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

MR No. 1405—Excerpts From Diary, July 6-31, 1892; Strong Expressions of Faith in Spite of Physical Trials

19MR 297.1

Preston, Melbourne, July 25, 1892—Last night I spent many wakeful hours in prayer. I am resolved to cast myself, body, soul, and spirit, upon the Lord. I cannot take drugs. They do me no good, but harm. I long for the blessing of the Lord. My heart goes out after God. I tremble at His word. I am encouraged as I look to Jesus and recount His lovingkindnesses: “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears.” “He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me” (Psalm 18:6, 19). “I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications” (Psalm 116:1). This has been my experience day and night during my sickness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 34, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 34, 1892, par. 42

Last night I spent many wakeful hours in prayer. I am resolved to cast myself, body, soul, and spirit, upon the Lord. I cannot take drugs. They do me no good, but harm. I long for the blessing of the Lord. My heart goes out after God. I tremble at His word. I am encouraged as I look to Jesus and recount His lovingkindnesses: “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” “He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:6, 19. “I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.” Psalm 116:1. This has been my experience day and night during my sickness.

Radiant Religion

Deliverance from Suffering and His Wrath, February 15

RRe 48.1

He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivereth me, because He delighteth in me. Psalm 18:19.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 43—Christ the Life-giver

1SM 299.1

God honors those who obey Him. “The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness,” said David; “according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me” (Psalm 18:20-22).

The Signs of the Times

February 13, 1912

ST February 13, 1912, par. 9

God honors those who obey Him. “The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness,” said David; “according to the cleanness of my hands hath He recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all His judgments were before me, and I did not put away His statutes from me.” Psalm 18:20-22.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 142, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 142, 1902, par. 18

The psalmist declares, “The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from iniquity. Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight. With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful; and with an upright man thou wilt show thyself upright; with the pure thou wilt show thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt show thyself froward. For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. For thou wilt light my candle; the Lord God will enlighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried; he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me up upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by my arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation; and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, so that my feet did not slide.” [Psalm 18:20-36.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 191, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 191, 1902, par. 9

But you are not to admit as an error that which is not an error. God wants His servants to make straight paths for their feet. Cultivate mercy and compassion for those whose perceptions are clouded, and whose work, therefore, is of a character that God cannot endorse. Go straight forward, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. While you are worked by Him, you can say with assurance, “All His judgments were before me, and I did not put away His statutes from me. I was also upright before Him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in His eyesight. With the merciful Thou wilt show Thyself merciful; with an upright man Thou wilt show Thyself upright; with the pure Thou wilt show Thyself pure; and with the froward Thou wilt show Thyself froward. For Thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. For Thou wilt light my candle: the Lord God will enlighten my darkness. For by Thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried; He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him. For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places. ... Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation; and Thy right hand hath holden me up, and Thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slide.” [Psalm 18:22-33, 35, 36.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 87, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 87, 1899, par. 13

Those who made a definite demand received their wages—nothing more. Does not this teach us that faith is needed in the service of Christ? To the hireling God shows Himself true to the bargain made. He holds them to the exact sum they specified. Thus He would teach us to trust implicitly in Him. To the humble and confiding, who are willing to accept any sum, however meagre, He surprises with a large reward because they put thankfulness and joy into their work. David declares, “Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight. With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt show thyself upright; with the pure thou wilt show thyself pure; and with the forward thou wilt show thyself forward. For thou wilt save the afflicted people, but will bring down high looks.” [Psalm 18:24-27.]

In Heavenly Places

God’s Word Our Guide and Counselor, May 5

HP 132.1

For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. Psalm 18:28.

Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887

The Testimony of S. N. Haskell

EGWE 244.2

“The testimony of every true prophet will agree with the testimony of the prophets of God before him, and it may be a further development of the same truth uttered by them. The words of God are definite and pure, ‘as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever.” Psalm 12:6, 7. The words of God are represented as being refined; ‘As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried’ (refined, margin). Psalm 18:30. In Psalm 119:140, we find it spoken of as being ‘very pure’ (refined, margin)....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 46, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 46, 1900, par. 18

Do not murmur at God, but change your attitude and say: “As for God His way is perfect. The Word of the Lord is tried. He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him. For who is God save the Lord? Or who is a Rock save our God?” [Psalm 18:30, 31.] Change your present attitude else you will make great sorrow for yourself. Every man drawing his life and spirit and knowledge from God is sure to increase in efficiency. He may learn from his brethren and receive help from them, and not feel that he is humiliating himself to improve in every way possible.

15LtMs, Lt 46, 1900, par. 22

Some ministers can take some subjects and carry them more clearly and powerfully than another man; and shall one feel offended that a choice is made of the very one who has been enabled to present some subjects with a power that others could not use? To every man God has given his work. It is not the work of any man to exhibit himself. He should reveal Christ as best he can, and in faith say, “It is God that girdeth me with strength and maketh my way perfect.” [Verse 32.] “Let not man glory in men.” [1 Corinthians 3:21.] Nothing is so absurd and offensive to God, as for any man to feel and do as you have done. Your will must be given up to God. Walk in all humility of mind, and let God do all the exalting. Man may praise, not himself, but the Lord. “Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation, and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me that they did not slide.” [Psalm 18:35, 36.]

Reflecting Christ

Useful Occupation Better Than Games, June 22

RC 187.1

It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. Psalm 18:32.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 18—“Go Into the Highways and Hedges”

COL 235.2

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

Ye Shall Receive Power

In Moments of Despair, May 4

YRP 133.4

In moments of perplexity, when Satan suggests doubt and discouragement, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up as a standard against him the faithful sayings of Christ, and the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness will flash into your mind and soul. When Satan would overwhelm you with despair, the Holy Spirit will point you to the intercession made for you by a living Saviour. Christ is the fragrance, the holy incense, which makes your petitions acceptable to the Father. When the light of Christ’s righteousness is fully understood and accepted, love, joy, peace, and inexpressible gratitude will pervade the soul, and the language of him who is blessed will be “Thy gentleness hath made me great” (Psalm 18:35).—The Signs of the Times, August 22, 1892.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Experience Following the 1888 Minneapolis Conference; The Danger of Legalism; Emphasizing Religious Liberty

1888 376.2

The conversion of souls has been made mysterious and complicated. Oh, tell the sinners, “Look and live.” Study and practice Christ. “Thy gentleness,” said David, “hath made me great” (Psalm 18:35). Just open the door and let Jesus come in, and He will abide in the soul temple, and we may abide in Christ and rejoice in His love.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 77, 1902

2SAT 197.5

Never should parents scold their children. Never should they administer punishment while in a fit of passion. Children cannot be trained aright in this manner. Angry parents need to be chastened by the rod themselves, instead of chastening their children. Punishment in anger only hurts and provokes. Do you want a home in heaven? We are all desirous of reaching heaven. But does anyone desire to reach heaven in order that he may fret and scold or punish in anger, and exercise arbitrary authority? On the other hand, do we not desire to reach heaven because peace reigns there; because on every side we shall hear the words, “Thy gentleness hath made me great” (Psalm 18:35).

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 48—Who Is the Greatest?

HLv 296.1

God places His own signet on men, not by rank, not by wealth, not by intellectual greatness, but by their oneness with Christ. “Thou hast also given me,” said David, “the shield of Thy salvation: ... and Thy gentleness”—as an element in the human character—“hath made me great.” Psalm 18:35.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 30, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 30, 1889, par. 71

The conversion of souls has been made mysterious and complicated. Oh, tell the sinners, “Look and live!” [Numbers 21:8.] Study and practice Christ. “Thy gentleness,” said David, “hath made me great.” Psalm 18:35. Just open the door and let Jesus come in, and He will abide in the soul temple, and we may abide in Christ and rejoice in His love.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 1f, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 1f, 1890, par. 29

As the bow in the cloud is formed by the union of the sunlight and the shower, so the rainbow encircling the throne represents the combined power of mercy and justice. It is not justice alone that is to be maintained, for this would eclipse the glory of the rainbow of promise above the throne; man could see only the penalty of the law. Were there no justice, no penalty, there would be no stability to the government of God. It is the mingling of judgment and mercy that makes salvation full and complete. It is the blending of the two that leads us, as we view the world’s Redeemer and the law of Jehovah, to exclaim, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 8a, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 8a, 1891, par. 4

“Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] The gentleness, forbearance, longsuffering, mercy, and patience have greater power than you imagine. God wants us to cultivate that side of the question. If justice and its twin sister mercy do not stand together, it is a terrible thing. You want the world and whatever you are connected with. ...

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 45, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 45, 1892, par. 19

What would the angels say if you could hear their voices? “When I saw you looking upon the Commander of all heaven dying upon the cross, and saw that it was your sins that was laid upon Him, that you may have another chance, a probation wherein your fidelity would be proved, His amazing love subdued your heart, broke every barrier down, and you believed in Jesus, you loved Him that gave His life for you. You saw Him full of grace and truth, and you exclaimed, ‘Thy gentleness hath made me great.’ [Psalm 18:35.] The whole heavenly host rejoiced when we saw you occupying your position in church capacity, and through this channel we could speak through your voices to the world as agents of our loved Commander. Your capabilities devoted to Jesus Christ would bring many sons and daughters to glory. Not more surely is the place prepared in the heavenly mansions for His people than your appropriate place is designed of God in the earth to be co-workers with your Saviour.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 28, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 28, 1892, par. 8

Through all my sickness the last eight months, I have had during my sleepless hours, the most precious contemplations of the love of God to man, expressed in the wonderful sacrifice made to save him from ruin. I loved to repeat the name of Jesus, how full of sweetness, light, and love it is! Looking upon the cross, at the humiliations and sufferings endured in bearing our sins, that His righteousness might be imputed to us, softens the heart and fills the soul with His love. He seems so strong, so compassionate that we exclaim “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 18b, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 18b, 1891, par. 5

How many dishonor God by hardness of heart. We live from day to day dependent upon the mercy of God. We must seek continually for forgiveness, and yet how reluctant are we to forgive others. Should Christ deal with us in as heartless a manner as we deal with one another, there would be no hope for us. No provocation can be so grievous as to authorize us to harbor feelings of dislike, of resentment and retaliation. How grievous to the Lord has been our continual transgression. Think how entirely dependent we are upon Him, the continual recipients of His beneficence and mercy, and yet doing continually those things that are not pleasing in His sight; but does He cast us off? No, He bears with our perversity, and is ever ready to forgive us when we see our mistakes and errors, when we repent and humble ourselves before Him. Should the Lord keep a reckoning with us, what a debt would appear against us! But we can say every day, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.]

God’s Amazing Grace

When We Fail, October 21

AG 302.2

Nothing but divine power can regenerate the human heart and imbue souls with the love of Christ, which will ever manifest itself with love for those for whom He died. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. When a man is converted to God, a new moral taste is supplied, a new motive power is given, and he loves the things that God loves.... Love, joy, peace, and inexpressible gratitude will pervade the soul, and the language of him who is blessed will be, “Thy gentleness hath made me great” (Psalm 18:35).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16f, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16f, 1892, par. 24

We must tell even those who profess to believe in Christ that they must cease to offend God by sinful excuses. Jesus has provided for every emergency. If they will walk where He leads the way, He will make rough places plain. He, with His experience, will create an atmosphere for the soul. He closes the door and brings the soul into seclusion with God, and the needy soul is to forget every one and everything but God. Satan will talk with him but speak aloud to God, and He will drive back the hellish shadow of Satan. With humble, subdued, thankful hearts they will come forth saying, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] The sincere seeker comes forth from the alliance with God rich in the assurance of His love, to go forth to distill a heavenly prayer wherever he goes. He can talk of the righteousness of Christ, he can talk the love of God with sincerity. He has trusted and he knows the Lord is good. Thus, work is to be done in all our churches.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 5a, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 5a, 1891, par. 3

He is a compassionate and loving Saviour, forgiving transgressions and sins; and as we behold and contemplate the evidences of His self-denying, self-sacrificing love, we may from the heart say, “Thy gentleness has made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] Great yes, highly favored, highly exalted; connected by faith with Jesus Christ, we are connected with every power in heaven. The whole heavenly agencies of God are interested in finite mortals. Why should they not be, are these not the King’s children, members of the royal family?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16e, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 19

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth much fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” [John 15:16.] O! what a depth of meaning [is] in those words! We can say from the heart, “Truth, Lord!” [Matthew 15:27.] We were not the ones to make the first movement toward Christ. It was our Redeemer who made the movement toward us. “And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me.” [John 12:32.] He touched your heart; by His grace, you responded and drew toward Jesus. Man would not make the first movement; he could not. Christ was lifted up on the cross. It was His love that brought Him to our world, His love expressed for fallen man that led Him to make an offering of His soul for sin. And as the heart responds in gratitude to this unspeakable love, the language of the soul is, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 18, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 18, 1891, par. 17

The Lord searches all hearts, and knows what is hidden in every mind. “The Lord looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of His habitation He looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.” [Psalm 33:13, 14.] “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” [Hebrews 4:13.] Oh, why do we not love and fear God? Why should not the language of the heart be, “Thy gentleness hath made me great”? [Psalm 18:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 50, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 50, 1893, par. 17

I know, by the burden which is rolled upon me, that many who are officiating in our schools need themselves to learn in the school of Christ His meekness, His tender dealing with the erring, His compassion and love. Until they are melted over and the dross separated from the character, they will work at cross-purposes. I am deeply grieved in my heart, for serious results in unwise dealings have followed, more serious than many are willing to admit to their own conscience or to God. Self is so large in many, ever striving for the mastery. There are those who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ who have never died to self. They have never fallen on the Rock and been broken. Until this shall be, they will live unto self; and if they die as they are, it is forever too late for their wrongs to be righted. I love their souls. Jesus loves their souls, and He will do a good work for them if they will humble themselves under His mighty hand, repent and be converted, [and] surrender every day to God. It must be a constant, daily surrender. We must be minute men and women, ever on guard over self, and watching to improve every opportunity to do good and only good for the souls for whom Christ has given His life to make them His own. When the human agents deal with these souls in a hard spirit, they grieve the heart of Christ, and put Him to open shame, for they misrepresent in their own character, the character of Christ. Said one, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] I pray to our heavenly Father that all connected with our schools may be in Christ as the branch is united to the vine.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 102, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 102, 1894, par. 1

“Whoso shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depths of the sea.” [Matthew 18:6.] What bearing do these words of Christ have upon our practical life? Is there in any one of us a feeling of self-importance, and have we a hasty, severe turn of mind? If so, let us turn and look upon the character of Christ until we are transformed in body, soul, and spirit, through His abundant grace, that we may be able to say, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 67, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 67, 1894, par. 37

Christ lived for the glory of God, and He lived not for Himself, but for guilty, ruined men. Every one who is willing to be like Jesus will work the works of God, and will be a laborer together with God. The gates of heaven will be open to those who have followed in the footsteps of Jesus; and they shall have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of our Lord. They will be among those who have beheld Jesus, and have been changed into His image. Jesus was beautiful in character. He was meek, He was gentle. The psalmist exclaimed, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 116, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 116, 1894, par. 8

We did not make the first movement toward Christ; it was our Redeemer who made the first movement toward us. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all unto me.” [John 12:32.] It was Christ who touched your hearts by his grace in order that you might respond, and draw toward Christ. Man could not make the first movement. Christ was lifted up on the cross in order that he might draw all unto him. Love brought him to our world, and led him to make the offering of his soul for <the sins of> fallen man. Responding in gratitude for this unspeakable love the soul exclaims, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] How should we feel as we come to understand that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life? Should each one not feel that he must put forth personal effort to lead souls to appreciate God’s unspeakable gift?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 11, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 11, 1895, par. 8

If we are children of the light we should walk in the light as Christ is in the light, and testify before the world, before angels and men, that the truth has power to transform human character and to cause men to represent Christ. With David our testimony should be, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] O, that we might have divine perceptions, and be able to appreciate the holy, sacred efficiency of the truth which fell from the lips of Christ! O, that a permanent impression might be made upon the hearts of all!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 20, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, par. 19

Christ is saying to us, “Come unto me. Right counsel and sound judgment belong to me. I have understanding and strength for you.” By faith we must rest in Christ, remembering the words of one who inspired by God to write, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] Ask God that He will give you much of the oil of His grace. Carefully consider every word, whether it be written or spoken. “Preach the word; be instant in season and out of season,” using only the weapon which Christ used—“It is written.” [2 Timothy 4:2.]

Lift Him Up

The Lost Sheep a Special Burden, July 14

LHU 209.4

Those who love Jesus will love those for whom Christ died. If many of the sinners that are around us had received the light which has blessed us, they would have rejoiced in the truth, and have been in advance of many that have had a long experience and great advantages. Take these lost sheep as your special burden, and watch for souls as they that must give an account. Draw not a glance to yourself, but cry with earnest, heartfelt interest, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” This is the Christian’s message to the world. This is the effective argument. Encourage your heart to put forth earnest endeavors to induce perishing souls to fix their eyes upon Him who was uplifted upon the cross; and remember that as you do this, unseen angels are ... impressing it upon the heart, and leading the soul to believe in Jesus. The sinner is enabled to see Jesus as He is—full of compassion, pity, and love—and he exclaims, “Thy gentleness hath made me great” (Psalm 18:35) (The Review and Herald, June 30, 1896).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 86, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, par. 18

Advice, reproof, and counsel should be given patiently, taking the bitterness of the self-mingling spirit out of it. The language should not be exaggerated, but should be gentle and humble. The stern, harsh spirit that humiliates and crushes the wrongdoer will seldom work a reformation. “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] It sets before the wrongdoer his sins, and helps him to recover himself from the snares of Satan.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 67, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 67, 1898, par. 6

He who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities invites us, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest.” God’s Word is pledged in our behalf. How many make a practical application of this promise? Listen to the voice of Christ, “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.] Students, you are safe only as you connect yourselves with Christ on perfect submission and obedience. The yoke is easy, for Christ carries the weight. As you lift the burden of the cross, it will become light. It is a pledge to you of eternal life. You can follow gladly after Christ, exclaiming at every step, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] If you follow on to know the Lord, you will have the sympathies of a friend.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 164, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 164, 1898, par. 14

He who shows that he appreciates the grace he receives by imparting it to others receives increased grace, in proportion to the grace he imparts. He is so full of joy that he receives by imparting it to others receives increased grace, in proportion to the grace He imparts. He is so full of joy that he exclaims, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] The one great lesson that all must learn—the poor sinner dead in trespasses and sins, and the professed Christian who has known the truth, but has clung to his unsanctified elements of character—is that Christ will save to the uttermost all who will come to Him. “Him that cometh to me,” He says, “I will in no wise cast out.” [John 6:37.] The poor, the suffering, the sinful, may in Christ find all they need. As soon as they receive Jesus as their personal Saviour, the cries of distress and woe are changed to songs of praise and thanksgiving.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 150, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 150, 1899, par. 3

Do not for one moment entertain the idea that a tender, courteous spirit, revealed by kind words, by patience, by perfect control of self, is a species of weakness. Said one of Christ, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] Every day let the sanctification of the Spirit of God flood every soul. When the souls of all the workers in the Review and Herald Office, high or low, are flooded by this sanctification, the words spoken will be Christlike. They will not cut and bruise and wound the souls that Christ has purchased with His own blood.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 149, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 149, 1899, par. 10

I cannot at this time say all that might be said on this point. There is to be no criticism upon such things as are mentioned in Brother Mountain’s letter. I see nothing at all to condemn in the action of Brother Hickox on the points referred to. Enough of this work of criticism has had a natural growth in New Zealand, and it needs now to be weeded out by the roots. God help us to have an education in the line of thinking no evil and speaking no evil, to watch closely every tendency of the human heart, that it may be softened and subdued, and bear the fruit of kindness, love, patience, and long-suffering. O that we all might look to Jesus, and say, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] We want to be above all disposition to carp, to make the service of God disagreeable because of human ideas and suppositions. God is too wise to err, too good to due us harm.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 6, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 6, 1899, par. 21

I want to cry to my brethren, Clear the way for Jesus Christ by self-renunciation. Let the great work be done in us and for us, so that we shall not say, “See what I am doing,” but, “Behold the goodness and love of God,” for “his gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] The Lord will work wonderfully for you in your camp meeting if you will renounce self, and do every little duty in the name of Jesus. We are to write the name of Jesus on all that we do and on all that we have. We are to express His love in our words. We can reveal His Spirit in the very tones of our voice, in the expression of our countenance, in our walk and conversation. We are to imitate Christ in all His perfection. Constantly we are to improve our powers, that we may do better work for Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 157, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 157, 1899, par. 20

Have faith in God, my brethren and sisters. Move forward and upward. The cause of God calls for men of self-reliance, men who will stand firm as a rock to principle under every circumstance, men who sense their responsibilities and know the source of their strength. That man who prays and depends upon God will never imperil his own spiritual interests or the work and cause of God. His faculties will not be misapplied. A self-trained, self-disciplined man, his whole character is transformed. His thoughts are educated, his passions are softened, subdued, and sanctified. Jesus Christ is his companion, and he works with Christ. No selfish spirit is manifested in harsh words or unkind actions; for he looks in love and confidence to his Companion and says, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] True and worthy motives inspire him, for he is sanctified by the spirit of the Master Worker.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 91, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 91, 1901, par. 41

There is a world to be saved. Such a work is to be done by our people, that often at night I sit up in my bed and wring my hands in agony, and ask, “O God, will thy people ever understand?” I believe they will, when they come to the foot of the cross of Christ, and sit at His feet as did Mary, to learn of Him. If the teachers attending this Institute will follow the Bible rule and be Bible Christians, they will be God’s helping hand. God wants every one of you to be His helping hand; and if you yield yourself to Him, He will teach and work through you, that you may be able to impart to others. Then you will be able to say, “O God, ‘thy gentleness hath made me great.’” [Psalm 18:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 44, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 44, 1901, par. 17

In all wisdom people are to be warned and taught. Those who are seeking to win souls to Christ must be guarded in every action, lest they make a wrong impression on those for whom they are working. The Lord will give success to those who in spiritual and temporal lines will deal faithfully with human minds. Let those who work for Christ put on Christ. Then there will be a continual advancement in knowledge and understanding, an advancement that will make an impression on the world. Those who are daily learning of Christ will become so meek and lowly that Christ can lead them. He will go before them as their righteousness. As they follow in His footsteps, fulfilling His requirements, many will take knowledge of them that they have been with Christ. Their lives are conformed to the truth, and as they reveal the Saviour’s character in their lives, they are doing the work that He did. As they behold Christ they are changed from glory to glory, from character to character. Such believers will move the world. Let us strive for Christ’s peace and gentleness, that it may be said of us as it was said of Him, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 81, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 81, 1901, par. 36

Teach the apprentices to do their work with exactitude. This is the instruction God desires you to give. To give the apprentices the education they need will require time. It may seem that you cannot afford so much time. But the time expended in this work will bring splendid interest; O, it will bring splendid interest! As you strive to give the youth in your care a perfect education, your work will be approved by God. You are working with Christ. Those for whom you work may be faulty. They may have inherited from their parents tendencies to wrong. Be kind to them. God wants us to stand where we can say, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

The Proper Way to Deal With Students in Our Schools

9MR 55.3

“Thy gentleness hath made me great” (Psalm 18:35). The gentleness, forbearance, longsuffering, mercy, and patience have greater power than you imagine. God wants us to cultivate that side of the question. If justice and its twin sister, mercy, do not stand together, it is a terrible thing. You want the world and whatever you are connected with.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 8, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 8, 1902, par. 8

We need to seek God most earnestly. Let us study the words of one of Christ’s followers, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] We must bring ourselves into line. We must gain complete control of our words, of the tones of the voice, and of our actions. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” [Galatians 6:7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 130, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 130, 1902, par. 21

The life of Christ must become our life, our light, our exceeding great reward. Then our words will bear a living testimony that in our lives we are not lying against the truth we claim to believe. If Christ is indeed formed within, the Hope of glory, the soul will be filled with Christlike joy. As true believers, we shall sit together with Christ in heavenly places. Our hearts will be humble, our spirits contrite. We will have fervent love one for another, <and the preparedness for heaven will begin with us here on earth,> and the world will believe that God has sent His Son into the world to save sinners. The proof that we are not of the world will be the manifestation of Christ’s glory—His character—in the life practice. When He dwells in the heart, we shall manifest that tenderness, that love, that fervency of spirit, which reveals His character formed within. Many will acknowledge that Christ’s followers can with truthfulness say, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 77, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 27

Never should parents scold their children. Never should they administer punishment while in a fit of passion. Children cannot be trained aright in this manner. Angry parents need to be chastened by the rod themselves instead of chastening their children. Punishment in anger only hurts and provokes. Do you want a home in heaven? We are all desirous of reaching heaven. But does any one desire to reach heaven in order that he may fret and scold or punish in anger, and exercise arbitrary authority? On the other hand, do we not desire to reach heaven because peace reigns there; because on every side we shall hear the words, “thy gentleness hath made me great”? [Psalm 18:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 164, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 164, 1902, par. 33

My brother, I have an intense desire that you shall be a man after God’s heart. You must make a change in your life. You have most precious truth to present, but you must put on the gospel shoes—your feet must be “shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” [Ephesians 6:15.] Your manner of addressing people is not always pleasing to God. You need to feel His converting power upon your soul every day. You are full of physical strength and energy, and you need much of the grace of Christ, that it may be said of you as it was of Him, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] When the Holy Spirit takes possession of your mind and controls your strong feelings, you will be more Christlike.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 196, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 196, 1903, par. 18

In this life, every soul must make decisions that will determine his destiny in the future life. The grace of Jesus Christ bringeth salvation. When you make an entire surrender, and become Christ’s little children, you will be able to say, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 257, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 257, 1903, par. 21

Your imperfections are not few, and your failure to obtain the heavenly treasure will make you bankrupt for eternity unless you buy of Christ the pure gold tried in the fire. Keep your eyes fixed on Christ. Study His life—a life filled with goodness, grace, and truth. Follow His example. Ask yourself, Am I, in purpose and character, like Christ? The contemplation of the Saviour will attract you more and more strongly to Him. It is the beholding of the love of Jesus that gives light and life to the soul. Study the excellence of the character of Christ. Remember that to Him has been given all power. This power is for you, if you will have it. As you become a humble, faithful witness for Christ, you will be able to say, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 94, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 94, 1905, par. 6

Those who are connected with our sanitariums must be educators. By pleasant words and kindly deeds they are to make the gospel attractive. If we would teach others, we ourselves must daily learn lessons from Christ. There are some who do not comprehend the sacredness of the work of God. Those of the least ability, the most thoughtless and even the indolent youth, especially demand our prayerful consideration. We need special wisdom to know how to help those who seem inconsiderate and thoughtless. Said David, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.]

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

MR No. 1216—Experience Following the 1888 Minneapolis Conference; The Danger of Legalism; Emphasizing Religious Liberty

16MR 236.2

The conversion of souls has been made mysterious and complicated. Oh, tell the sinners, “Look and live.” Study and practice Christ. “Thy gentleness,” said David, “hath made me great” (Psalm 18:35). Just open the door and let Jesus come in, and He will abide in the soul temple, and we may abide in Christ and rejoice in His love.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 51—United With the Living Vine

1SM 336.1

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Nothing but divine power can regenerate the human heart and imbue souls with the love of Christ, which will ever manifest itself with love for those for whom He died. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. When a man is converted to God, a new moral taste is supplied, a new motive power is given, and he loves the things that God loves; for his life is bound up by the golden chain of the immutable promises to the life of Jesus. Love, joy, peace, and inexpressible gratitude will pervade the soul, and the language of him who is blessed will be, “Thy gentleness hath made me great” (Psalm 18:35).

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 48—Who Is the Greatest?

DA 437.3

The sincere, contrite soul is precious in the sight of God. He places His own signet upon men, not by their rank, not by their wealth, not by their intellectual greatness, but by their oneness with Christ. The Lord of glory is satisfied with those who are meek and lowly in heart. “Thou hast also given me,” said David, “the shield of Thy salvation: ... and Thy gentleness”—as an element in the human character—“hath made me great.” Psalm 18:35.

This Day With God

The Charming Christian, March 11

TDG 79.4

If we would teach others, we ourselves must daily learn lessons from Christ. There are some who do not comprehend the sacredness of the work of God. Those of the least ability, the most thoughtless and even the indolent youth, especially demand our prayerful consideration. We need special wisdom to know how to help those who seem inconsiderate and thoughtless. Said David, “Thy gentleness hath made me great” (2 Samuel 22:36, Psalm 18:35).

Ye Shall Receive Power

In Cooperation With the Spirit, February 25

YRP 64.2

If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Nothing but divine power can regenerate the human heart and imbue souls with the love of Christ, which will ever manifest itself with love for those for whom He died. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. When a man is converted to God, a new moral taste is supplied, a new motive power is given, and he loves the things that God loves; for his life is bound up by the golden chain of the immutable promises to the life of Jesus. Love, joy, peace, and inexpressible gratitude will pervade the soul, and the language of him who is blessed will be, “Thy gentleness hath made me great” (Psalm 18:35).

With God at Dawn

The Heathen and the Stranger Shall Obey God, June 6

WGD 159.1

As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me. Psalm 18:44.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 70—The Prosperous Reign of David

EP 518.6

Blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of my
salvation:
Even the God that executeth vengeance for me,
and subdueth peoples under me.
He rescueth me from mine enemies.
Psalm 18:46-48

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 70—The Reign of David

PP 715.4

“The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the
God of my salvation:
Even the God that executeth vengeance for me, and subdueth
peoples under me. He rescueth me from mine enemies:
Yea, Thou liftest me up above them that rise up against me:
Thou deliverest me from the violent man.
Therefore I will give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, among the
nations,
And will sing praises unto Thy name.
Great deliverance giveth He to His king;
And sheweth loving-kindness to His anointed,
To David and to his seed, forevermore.” Psalm 18:46-50, R.V.