EGW WritingsRevelation 2
Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 4
Read Revelation 2 in the BibleRevelation 2:2
Selected Messages Book 2
Cold Formalism or Fanaticism
2SM 20.4
The labor of love springs from the work of faith. Bible religion means constant work. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. We are to be zealous of good works, be careful to maintain good works. And the true Witness says: “I know thy works” (Revelation 2:2).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 41, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 41, 1900, par. 16
God says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 2:2.] The moral palsy of evil and sin will not only destroy the soul of the one who departs from strict principles, but will have a power to reproduce the same on others and wound them for life. It is not safe to be occasional Christians. We must be Christlike in all our actions. Then through grace we are safe for time and for eternity. The experimental knowledge of the grace received in times of trial is of more value than gold or silver. It confirms the trusting, believing one in faith, in confidence that he has an ever present helper in Jesus Christ, and it gives him a firmness, a boldness in God, that leads him to take God at His word and trust Him with unwavering faith when brought into most trying positions. The Wonderful Counsellor will be his strength.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 55, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 55, 1894, par. 4
What power did I have, notwithstanding my position and relation to the work, to change the order of things in the councils and decisions made in Battle Creek by men, firm and set and determined to have their own way? Verily none at all. There is One who saith, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 2:2.] What reason have I to have implicit confidence in decisions in these councils, who have treated the message and the messenger as they have done? Have I not every reason to believe if they could manage to place me in trying places they would do it? They have done it. I have thought I would hunt up all the expenses I have had to meet on my own account, since coming to Australia, for calligraph work and preparation of articles for to get out matters that I have been awakened in the night season to prepare, and to give the figures to my brethren in your councils; but I will not take the trouble. God knows the whole history. I am sick and disgusted with the management of those things.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 81, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 81, 1894, par. 3
This will enable you to bear disappointment, whether in great or little things, and <your trial> will surely come. Hold firmly to the hand of Christ. Do not wrench yourself away from your Saviour. Ever believe that He has passed through all your trials, and that God will have a care for your rights, for He loves justice and judgment. The more closely you view the character of Jesus, the more readily can you leave yourself in His hands who judgeth righteously. Your soul is precious in the sight of Jesus, for you have been purchased by the blood of His [God’s] only begotten Son. Keep your mind uplifted in a prayerful frame. Trust in God every moment, leave your rights, your honor, and your justification in the hands of One who says to both the highest and the lowliest of human beings, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 2:2.]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 10 (1895)
Lt 76, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 76, 1895, par. 4
There are men holding responsible positions, and many think that they would prove traitors to the cause and work of God should they intimate that these men were in the wrong. But the Lord has a controversy with these men, who have followed the natural tendency of their own minds and have been led by their own selfish impulses <passing for zeal for the Lord.> The way in which they have dealt with Frank Belden’s case will not afford them any pleasure when they have to face the record on the books of heaven in the great day of God, and stand before Him who says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 2:2.] The time is coming when there will be an investigation of the characters of the living and the dead.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 4, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 4, 1895, par. 9
Shall everything pass under the control of men whom we know have not a living connection with God? He who says, “I know thy works,” hears all their suggestions, listens to all their plans. [Revelation 2:2.] The institutions of God’s own creating, which He established upon principles of justice and equity, they are seeking to make a means of oppression, forcing the Lord’s workers to accept terms which they themselves, were the situation reversed, would not accept.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 72, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 72, 1895, par. 1
Who are the virgins? All professed believers. What is represented by the ten virgins? A party watching their Lord’s appearing. This parable represents real Christians who have life in themselves and the spurious who have not the oil of grace. They profess but do not possess that character which will give them entrance into the marriage supper of the Lamb. The wise virgins have oil in their vessels with their lamps—unseen principles which reveal them to be the ones whom the Lord is acquainted with, to whom the Lord saith, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 2:2.] They have an open communion with God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 17, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 17, 1897, par. 12
Christ declares, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 2:2.] Does the Lord seem to be too far away, too indistinct, to produce any appreciable effect on the conduct of the human agent? Shall the hellish shadow of [Satan] ever be penetrated by living faith? Christ is a personal, present Saviour, one who is ordering all things for His own glory. He is accessible at all times if we will come to Him in contrition of soul. I would urge upon all in Battle Creek to wake from your spiritual death-like slumber. Unless you do, it will pass into the slumber of eternal death.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 81, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 81, 1897, par. 10
When the people will, as in the church in Oakland, excuse themselves from sustaining their own church demands, that church is in deep need of a ministry that is of a different order than that which it has had. The men who are handling sacred things will need to discern more clearly spiritual things; and if they will begin to rely upon the tithe money to use in the several places where there is a gap and where means are needed in Battle Creek and Oakland, the Lord will surely remove His blessing from these churches. You know nothing experimentally of the poverty in foreign countries. We need some of your abundance here. When men shall be properly exercised to present to the people their duty as Christians to support their church expenses; when they shall themselves present more abundantly their gifts and offerings to carry forward the work, then God will bless the faithful messenger, and He will bless the members of the churches, for He says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 2:2.]Revelation 2:2-3
Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Spirituality and Efficiency
2TT 209.2
God has selected a people in these last days whom He has made the depositaries of His law, and this people will ever have disagreeable tasks to perform. “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.” Revelation 2:2, 3. It will require much diligence and a continual struggle to keep evil out of our churches. There must be rigid, impartial discipline exercised; for some who have a semblance of religion will seek to undermine the faith of others and will privily work to exalt themselves.From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 57—John Sees the Visions of the Revelation
TT 303.2
“I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear evil men but have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and found them to be false; I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for My name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.” Revelation 2:2, 3, RSV.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 53, 1887
5LtMs, Lt 53, 1887, par. 14
God has selected a people in these last days whom He has made the depositaries of His law, and this people will ever have disagreeable tasks to undertake. “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil, and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.” [Revelation 2:2, 3.] It will require much diligence and a continual struggle to keep evil out of the church. There must be rigid, impartial discipline exercised, for there will be those who have a semblance of religion who will seek to undermine the faith of others, and who are privily at work to exalt themselves and perpetuate their defects.Revelation 2:2-5
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 32, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 32, 1906, par. 1
I received your letter this morning, and I desire to write to you today. I am deeply impressed that unless we humble our hearts before God, confessing our sins, the Lord will certainly humble us. There has been a great lack of love and respect for one another. And why?—Because, as Jesus words it, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” This is specified as a moral fall. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]21LtMs, Lt 32, 1906, par. 3
Christ declares of His followers, “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands!” [Isaiah 49:16.] Let every church member understand that his relationship with Christ is of such a character that his every difficulty is fully known to the Lord. “I know thy works, and thy labor,” Christ declares of those who are ministering in His church. [Revelation 2:2.] He deals in no uncertainties. “I know thy works, and thy labor.” He keeps an account of every day’s labor. He is acquainted with the spirit in which the work is done. Never can He excuse any underhanded work, any dishonesty. Not one thread of deception is to be drawn into the figure of the pattern.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 136, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 136, 1902, par. 6
The messages to the seven churches were given to John by Him who holds in His right hand the seven stars. The people of God are under His special care and protection. He will ever treat them as the representatives of His character, if they are sanctified through the Word. In the message to the church at Ephesus, God declares, “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil, and hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.” [Revelation 2:2, 3.]17LtMs, Ms 136, 1902, par. 7
Yet the reproof comes, “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly (unexpectedly), and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Verses 4, 5.]17LtMs, Ms 136, 1902, par. 22
The word, “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love,” is applicable to many living in this time. [Revelation 2:4.] God calls for immediate repentance and reformation. It is time for a great change to take place among the people who are looking for the second appearing of their Lord. Soon strange things will take place. God will hold us responsible for the way in which we treat the truth. Our purity of faith and action will decide our future.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 80, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 80, 1901, par. 10
The Lord commends the church of Ephesus for possessing some things in harmony with the truth: “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.” [Revelation 2:2, 3.]16LtMs, Lt 80, 1901, par. 11
“Nevertheless,” He says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Verses 4, 5.]16LtMs, Lt 80, 1901, par. 12
I am instructed to say that these words are applicable to the churches in their present condition. The love of God has been lost, and this means the absence of love for one another. There is a reason why there is so much human working, and so little of the pure grace of God in men’s hearts. Self, self, self is cherished and is striving for the supremacy. How long will this continue to be as it has been? Unless there is a reconversion, there will be such a lack of godliness that the church will be represented by the barren fig tree. Great light has been given to the church. She has been given abundant opportunity for bearing much fruit. But selfishness has come in; and God says, “Except thou repent, <I will come unto thee quickly and remove the candlestick out of his place.”> [Verse 5.] His Spirit will not always strive with man. Those who do not bear good fruit are sure to bear evil fruit. Although they have a name to live, they are virtually dead.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 166, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 166, 1902, par. 14
“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.] Those addressed in these words had lost their first love—the love of which Christ declared, “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:35.] They had done that for which God had highly commended them. “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and how thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.” [Revelation 2:2, 3.] But in spite of these good works, the leaving of their first love made their efforts unacceptable to God.17LtMs, Ms 166, 1902, par. 15
God says to His people today, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Verses 4, 5.] Will they heed the reproof? Will they dare to trifle with so direct and decided a statement, and keep their command excellencies blasted as with a mildew because they allow Satan to steal in among them? “Thou hast left thy first love,” and therefore there is no steadfastness of purpose. Without this love, all knowledge, all capabilities, all outward zeal and service, are worthless. You do not receive from Christ grace to impart to others. And while you do not reveal the love that Christ has commanded you to reveal, your light is not shining forth to the world.17LtMs, Ms 166, 1902, par. 20
Through the love that the church at Ephesus had dropped out of their practice, the knowledge of God and Christ is to be revealed to the world. Let those who today are living without this love remember that their eternal salvation depends on their heart-felt repentance. God says to them, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 84, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 84, 1894, par. 8
The love of Christ will be the theme of every tongue, and it will no more be said by the True Witness, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] The people of God will be abiding in Christ, the love of Jesus will be revealed, and one Spirit will animate all hearts, regenerating and renewing in the image of Christ, fashioning all hearts alike. As living branches of the True Vine, all will be united to Christ the living Head. Christ will abide in every heart, guiding, comforting, sanctifying and presenting to the world the unity of the followers of Jesus, thus bearing testimony that the heavenly credentials are supplied to the remnant church. In the oneness of Christ’s church it will be proved that God sent His only begotten Son into the world.9LtMs, Ms 84, 1894, par. 14
The remnant church are called to go through an experience similar to that of the Jews, and the true Witness, who walks up and down in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, has a solemn message to bear to His people. He says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] The love of God has been waning in the church, and as a result the love of self has sprung up into new activity. With the loss of love for God, there has come the loss of love for the brethren.9LtMs, Ms 84, 1894, par. 15
The church may meet all the description that is given of the Ephesian church, and yet fail in vital godliness. Of them Jesus said, “I know thy works, and thy labor and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Verses 2-4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 200, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 200, 1899, par. 5
It is a dangerous presentation to John that the church has much that is commendable (see Revelation 2:2, 3), “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (v. 4). No outward service should be considered sufficient if the first love is left. It is genuine heart service that Christ requires. Man has left Christ out of this service. This means man is depending largely upon his own capabilities.14LtMs, Ms 200, 1899, par. 6
“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” Devote yourselves earnestly, heartily, to My service as I have instructed you, “else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (v. 5). There is a serious reflection to come in here with the church generally, and those who acted a part in the proclamation of the everlasting gospel (see Revelation 14:6, 7). The attention is called to God, and the sincerity of His worship. Here is a saying that is to be a proclaimed with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 61—Christ the Center of the Message
1SM 385.1
Look at the cross of Calvary. It is a standing pledge of the boundless love, the measureless mercy, of the heavenly Father. O that all might repent and do their first works. When the churches do this, they will love God supremely and their neighbors as themselves. Ephraim will not envy Judah, and Judah will not vex Ephraim. Divisions will then be healed, the harsh sounds of strife will no more be heard in the borders of Israel. Through the grace freely given them of God, all will seek to answer the prayer of Christ, that His disciples should be one, even as He and the Father are one. Peace, love, mercy, and benevolence will be the abiding principles of the soul. The love of Christ will be the theme of every tongue, and it will no more be said by the True Witness, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:4). The people of God will be abiding in Christ, the love of Jesus will be revealed, and one Spirit will animate all hearts, regenerating and renewing all in the image of Christ, fashioning all hearts alike. As living branches of the True Vine, all will be united to Christ, the living head. Christ will abide in every heart, guiding, comforting, sanctifying, and presenting to the world the unity of the followers of Jesus, thus bearing testimony that the heavenly credentials are supplied to the remnant church. In the oneness of Christ’s church it will be proved that God sent His only-begotten Son into the world.1SM 387.1
The remnant church is called to go through an experience similar to that of the Jews; and the True Witness, who walks up and down in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, has a solemn message to bear to His people. He says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:4, 5). The love of God has been waning in the church, and as a result, the love of self has sprung up into new activity. With the loss of love for God there has come the loss of love for the brethren. The church may meet all the description that is given of the Ephesian church, and yet fail in vital godliness. Of them Jesus said, “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:2-4).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 108, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 108, 1899, par. 9
To the church at Ephesus John wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the words of Christ, “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:2-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 118, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 118, 1903, par. 13
To His church today Christ says: “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:2-5.]18LtMs, Ms 118, 1903, par. 18
Let all give careful attention to this instruction. Let those who have a name to live, but who are dead, heed these words of mercy and encouragement and warning. “Be watchful,” ye stewards who have thought it your privilege to ascend to high places, “and do the first works.” “Strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” [Revelation 3:2; 2:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 186, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 186, 1903, par. 8
Never are medical missionaries to falsify or to make untrue statements in order to bring about certain ends and to accomplish certain purposes; for to every one who stoops to engage in such a work, God, who reads the heart, will say: “I know his works. His good deeds do not excuse his sinful works.” “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen [a sad, moral fall], and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:2-5.]18LtMs, Lt 186, 1903, par. 14
Let all give careful attention to this instruction. Let those who have a name that they live, but who are dead, heed these words of mercy and encouragement and warning. “Be watchful,” ye stewards who have thought it your privilege to ascend to the highest places, “and do thy first works.” “Strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” [Revelation 2:5; 3:2.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Revelation 2:1-29
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 161, 1904
College View, Nebraska
September 17, 1904
Portions of this manuscript are published in CTr 101.
19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 1
“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John: who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.” [Revelation 1:1, 2.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 2
Let those who desire a special blessing heed the following words: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 3
“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven spirits of which are before his throne; and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever, Amen.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 4
“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 5
“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” [Verses 3-9.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 6
John had a message for the people in his day. But the people became so tired of hearing of Jesus and of the characters they were to perfect through Him, that they even thought to kill the faithful messenger. This plan being thwarted, they banished him to the lone, rocky isle of Patmos. They thought that if he were separated from his fellow men, his testimony would be silenced and he would live out the remainder of his life in mournful solitude. But God was with the lonely exile, and opened to his view the glories of heaven, and the things that “must shortly come to pass.” [Verse 1.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 7
John bore no uncertain message. “That which was from the beginning,” he says, “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto that eternal life, which was with the Father, and which was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 8
We have, as did John, a message to bear of the things that we have seen and heard. God is not giving us a new message. We are to proclaim the old message that brought us out of the churches in 1843 and 1844. We need the Holy Spirit to kindle in our hearts anew the zeal and earnestness that were then manifested among God’s people. I thank God that there are yet a few living who can remember those days, and who know whereof we speak.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 9
John continues: “These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” [Verse 5.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 10
The Lord does not want us to walk in darkness and perplexity. He desires us to know the truth as it is in Jesus, and wherever we go to proclaim that truth. By word of mouth and also by our life practice, we must reveal Jesus unto the world.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 11
“If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 12
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” [1 John 1:7-10; 2:1-6.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 13
We need individually to take heed that in our hearts may abide the truth as it is in Jesus. God has placed none of us on the judgment seat to pronounce sentence against any of the brethren. There is only one Judge—the One who died for us, who took upon Himself our nature, and all the infirmities of humanity, that we might stand on vantage ground with God.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 14
Let us read further concerning John’s message as found in the book of Revelation:19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 15
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia: unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.” [Revelation 1:10, 11.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 16
These churches represent the complete church of God—all who shall be saved. We are not to confine our labors to those who have nominally united with the church. We are not to make a Jerusalem center in any place, not even in College View. We have a work to do for those who have never heard the truth, and we should seek earnestly for the power of the Holy Spirit, that as faithful servants of God we may act our part in giving the message to every nation on the earth. Then we shall see the work of salvation accomplished.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 17
To John was given a revelation of God as He will appear to us when He comes in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He saw a personal being; not an essence. “I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks: and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and His countenance was as the sun shineth in His strength.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 18
“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forever more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” [Verses 12-20.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 19
Every church should be a light in the world. If there is in your church a deadness and a stagnation, come together, as the disciples came together before the day of Pentecost, and plead with God until you receive the light of life. Then let the light shine to all around you. Do not go on from week to week and year to year without knowing whether or not you are in the love of God. When Jesus went away, He promised to send the Holy Spirit, and we have a right to claim that promise. God wants us to work with the power of the Holy Spirit. We need a living, abiding principle within, a principle that will keep us in the truth.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 20
Are we to sit still and say nothing? Let your voice utter the praises of God. Let the world see that you have a living zeal, a living tongue and voice, and let them know that you are heaven-bound.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 21
“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:1-4.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 22
Will you consider your first love, the experience you had when, if you were genuinely converted, you saw, as it were, the face of Him who is invisible, and the brightness of His countenance was upon you? O what light, what power, what love filled your heart! Have you lost that love? We want to carry with us every day the light and power of our first experience.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 23
There are grave responsibilities resting upon us as a people. Every one is to help the one next to him. Every one must strive earnestly to keep his own soul in the love of God, that he may not be a hindrance to others, and that his example shall not cause roots of bitterness to spring up in the hearts of others. It will not pay to lead others into strange paths.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 24
Make Friday a true preparation day for the Sabbath. Make it a rule that when Friday comes you will think over the events of the week, and consider what you have said or done that would misrepresent Christ, or that might be a stumbling block in the way of your neighbor. Make all such things right, and then when you come to the Sabbath meetings, your hearts will not be as cold as a stone, unresponsive to the love of God. You will be susceptible to the influences of the Holy Spirit, and filled with the praise of God.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 25
We must ennoble and lift up the Sabbath if we would keep it holy unto the Lord. God wants to purify and cleanse us. If we are careless about the observance of the Sabbath, doing unnecessary work because we do not realize its sacredness, we need to be converted on this point. Then when we meet together, Christ will be in our midst as He has promised to be with those who have met together in His name. Like John, we will be in the Spirit on the Lord’s day.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 26
God expects greater things of us than we now reveal. He is not glorified by our dwelling on the lowlands; He calls us to a higher platform, that His church may be the light of the world.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 27
Bring your cases to the Lord, and cast your helpless souls upon Jesus Christ. Wrestle as did Jacob, until you will obtain the victory. You remember how he wrestled all night with an enemy, as he supposed. God could have easily taken away his strength, but finally He touched Jacob’s thigh, and it was put out of joint. Then Jacob realized that this was no enemy, and in response to the entreaty “Let me go, for the day breaketh,” Jacob responded, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] And when we seek with such an intensity for the blessing of God, we shall receive it.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 28
Return to your first love. We want a revival of our old message and experiences. Let no man take this message from you. Let no one come in with his masterly sophistries and steal away your Lord, leaving you without Christ and without God. Cling to the mighty One, and you will see His power again manifested as we have not seen it for many years.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 29
When we first received the message that Christ was to come in the clouds of heaven, we had the power and the Spirit of God, as we proclaimed these truths. We lived the truth, and the truth made us free. Praise and thanksgiving to God were heard in our meetings, and as the people went home from those meetings, their voices would be heard in the streets praising God. But we have lost our first love, and we must revive it. When the love of Christ is in your hearts, there will be thanksgiving and praise.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 30
“Remember therefore from whence thou are fallen.” This is a moral fall. “Repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.] There is a reformatory work to be done in our churches.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 31
“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” [Revelation 3:1.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 32
When Christ lives in us, we will reveal, both in our home, and outside of our home, His love, His grace, and His power.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 33
“Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” [Verse 2.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 34
Eternal interests are at stake with every one of us. We shall all be tried and tempted. Many act as though there were no devil, no tempter, no conflict between good and evil. Unless you realize that you have something to contend against, your feet will slip from under you. Some one will come to your churches with a message, and you will be unable to discern light from darkness, and be just as likely to accept the darkness as the light.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 35
“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” [Verse 3.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 36
Many are bringing themselves into close affinity to the world. Many have not heeded the light that has called upon us to place our children under the best influences, where they will hear the truth. Many have not yet heeded the instruction of the Lord to take their children from the public schools, and place them in schools where they can learn the truths of the Word of God, line upon line, and precept upon precept. Their education should be made preparatory to the education that is to be continued in the higher school above.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 37
When the judgments of God were about to fall upon the land of Egypt, Christ gave instruction through Moses that the children of Israel were to call their children in and keep them under their own roof. If any should be found in the houses of the Egyptians, they would not escape the plagues. Keep your children close to you, and, so far as possible, away from worldly and evil influences. The Lord wants you to prepare your children for the future, immortal life. Unless we are careful, our children will imbibe the same spirit of unbelief that was revealed among the Israelites of old, by reason of which God could not bring them into the promised land.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 38
Let us put on the whole armor of God and act like men who are waiting for their Lord to come in the clouds of heaven. When you do this, souls will be converted. Your ministers will not labor month after month and bring no one into the truth. We are to hunt and fish for men. Sometimes you will catch fish, and sometimes you will not, but we are to persevere in the work of God, knowing that He has given us a message to unbelievers, a message that will win its way to many hearts.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 39
“Thou hast a few names, even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” [Verses 4, 5.] Do we need greater inducement than this?19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 40
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia, write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.” [Verse 7.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 41
Do not cast your helpless soul on any one but Jesus Christ. He is the One that openeth. He is the One that closeth. But be sure that you enter the open door that Christ has opened that you may approach unto Him.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 42
“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou has a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” [Verse 8.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 43
Cannot the Lord say more of us than that we have a little strength? He acknowledges even the little strength, but we want a greater power.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 44
“Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou has kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 45
“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new name.” [Verses 9-12.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 46
The rest of the chapter I will not read today, but I ask you to consider the message to the Laodicean church. Its members are neither cold nor hot. They get angry when they please, they do wickedly when they please, and they are so obnoxious to God that He says He will spue them out of His mouth. Yet He gives them precious counsel and speaks words of hope. Notwithstanding their terrible condition, He 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 sup with him, and he with me.” [Verse 20.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 47
I leave you to think of these words of Christ. And remember that during this meeting is a good time to seek the Lord with all your heart.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 47a, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 47a, 1886, par. 14
The Lord would not have us be so excitable, in such a hurry. The counsels of God in His Word were not given in a few days, on the high-pressure plan. It took a long period of time to bring out the Bible history. Under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, a chapter was written, a psalm composed, a proverb penned, a vision recorded, and so down through the ages the will and purposes of God were brought out. About fifteen hundred years passed from the time Moses began to write the book of Genesis, down to the completion of the Revelation by the beloved John.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 149, 1904
Redfield, California
December 14, 1904
Previously unpublished.
19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 1
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is the in midst of the paradise of God. And unto the angel of the church of Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan.” Revelation 2:4, 5, 7-9.19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 2
Here we see perplexing things are coming in, commingling with the people of God. Here are two parties presented before us. One party is presented to John as a party that are putting into exercise every human capability under the Holy Spirit of God, and they are encouraged with the greatest promises given to any person that lives—if they are striving to be overcomers. Here is the promise, if they will stand out from all pretentious claims that will be brought in as truth for this time, which sentiments it is Satan’s plan to insinuate in minds, as has been done, spiritualistic deceptions for truth. Will the churches of today see and sense their dangers?19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 3
“But are of the synagogue of Satan.” [Verse 9.] Here is a warning coming to our people, of assertions from those who claim to be Jews and are not. They claim to stand as believing present truth when they have brought in sentiments that have falsified the truth and have so mingled these pretentious, superior beliefs with the truth that, through their erroneous suppositions, the soul will in future test and trial give up the foundation of the faith for fables. God says to every man, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” [Mark 14:38.] There is a class that will be prominent who will give up the faith, and the seducing spirits of satanic agencies will overcome them through specious temptations. It is plainly stated of this class that they claim “they are Jews, and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan.” [Revelation 2:9.]19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 4
“Fear none of those things”—the blasphemous claims—“which thou shalt suffer.” Verse 10. When, through pretensions, a work will be done like that of Judas, fear not if you do suffer. Engage in no human worldly policy to save yourselves from betrayal; yield not at all to Satan’s devising. He tempted Christ: “‘All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me’ [Matthew 4:9], I am in possession of the genuine religious sentiments.” Answer, No. “Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Now the Holy Spirit speaketh. Listen: “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” [Revelation 2] Verses 10, 11. Here are statements to be presented and taken into the mind. Persecutions will come from the pretentious who are joined to Satan’s army. They say they are Jews but are not.19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 5
“And to the angel of the church of Pergamos write; These things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast My name, and has not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.” Verses 12, 13.19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 6
We see that some will lose their lives for the truth’s sake. False testimonies will be borne by those who say they are Jews and are not, but lie; and false witness of false professors will carry out the farce, even to the killing of the righteous.19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 7
“Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” Verse 16. There will be raised up faithful witnesses who will bring forth the words of truth, sharper than any twoedged sword. Their words will bring in many souls to become true converts to the truth, and men and women will go forth proclaiming the very message for the last test to the world, in contradistinction to the party who say they are Jews but who are not. God knows. He says their words are blasphemies. They have heeded seducing spirits and are of the synagogue of Satan. Of some, though, dwelling “where Satan’s seat is,” it is said, “Thou holdest fast My name, and has not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr who was slain among you where Satan dwelleth.” Verse 13.*****
19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 8
“For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant plant: and He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.” Isaiah 5:7. What cry? They are not treated as God would have stewards treat those who are God’s heritage, and the Lord looks upon every scene of injustice as described in (verses 8 and 9): “Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! In mine ears said the Lord of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant.”19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 9
I have seen in Southern California exactly this representation. In place after place there are homes “great and fair” that are not inhabited. Costly buildings have been built, and then they have stood for years. Orchards once productive are left to ruin. What is the matter? The explanation is given in (verses 11 and 12): “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! And the harp and the viol, the tabret and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of His hands.” Isaiah 5:11, 12. Pleasure seekers have taken up and created many places at great expense. The Lord has not given them the rain of heaven. “Many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair.” [Verse 9.] We have seen this. “Therefore My people have gone into captivity because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.” Isaiah 5:13.19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 10
The light I have is that the history of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram will be repeated. There will be those who will bring in confusion in sentiments and will misinterpret and misapply the testimonies God has given. They will make them to say and advocate many things that have no foundation in truth. They do just that which many are doing with the Word of God. They wrest the Scriptures in their interpretation of them, to create a vindication, if possible, of their own theories. They will do the same with the light given in warnings to the people of God in this our day.19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 11
We shall find many in these last days who will pursue a course very similar in spirit and action to that which Judas pursued. They will virtually press themselves close to Christ, as Judas did. They attend the Passover supper; they attend the ceremony of the feet washing. For Judas was the first one that Jesus served. In the Garden of Gethsemane He went through His human agony with tears, sweating as it were great drops of blood; but an angel from heaven strengthened Him, and He went forth with His disciples. Judas had told the wicked priests and rulers that whomsoever he should kiss was the one they were to seize and hold fast. Stepping out suddenly from darkness to the light of lanterns and torches, Jesus stood before them and calmly said, “Whom seek ye?” Not one of them had courage to answer. Then one said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus saith unto them, “I am He.” [John 18:4, 5.] But what did these men see? Angels of God are revealed to them in companionship with Jesus, and every one of them falls backward to the ground.19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 12
Christ could easily have escaped. He stood before them transfigured, just as they will see Him upon the throne, to judge and condemn these very men. The impression that was represented before them was sufficient to decide every man that Christ was all He claimed to be. The vision was removed. Satan and his angels inspired those men. Judas fell helpless with the rest, but he braced himself to go through with it; for certainly, thought Judas, Christ will deliver Himself and greatly would his name be magnified by bringing about such a victory. Judas salutes Jesus with a kiss. Christ did not turn upon the traitor with righteous indignation. He rises far above the level of human presentation. He will give all beholders an example of gentleness, forbearance, and longsuffering. Jesus does not refuse or return the salutation. He longs, even to the last moment, to save this man from working out his own ruin.19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 13
The Lord Jesus says, “‘Friend, wherefore art thou come?’ [Matthew 26:50.] Canst thou imagine that after that which I revealed to you at the supper table, I am in ignorance of thy action on this occasion? Hast thou no sense of righteousness, to betray Me, thy Master who has borne so much from thy specious infidelity? ‘Betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?’” [Luke 22:48.]19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 14
There and then there was hope for Judas if he had then honored his Lord by his confession. Oh, what pathos was in that voice! The Lord Jesus could and would have saved Judas as He afterward saved the thief on the cross had Judas yielded and confessed his traitor’s work, even then. How different would have been the history! How freely would Christ have forgiven him. And he knew what Christ’s words, previously spoken, meant when He said, “Woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It had been better for that man if he had not been born.” [Matthew 26:24.]19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 15
And he who has rejected light and turned to his own devising—it would be better for him if he never had been born, for God could have done all things without him and His name could have been more consistently honored and glorified for His own soul’s sake.19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 16
We are brought oft to test and trial. What the Lord would have us to do is that every man and woman is to stand true as steel to principle, now, just now, as they ought always to do. When God gives us a work to do we are to do our very best, relying wholly upon the Lord. Brethren and sisters, if we do this in the simplicity of true virtue, wearing Christ’s yoke and learning of Christ His meekness, His lowliness of heart, there is nothing that can prevail against us. Friends or foes, reproach or trials, there is nothing in the universe that is strong enough to stand against a soul that is bound to believe every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, without straining the truth to meet human inventions. A soul that has put self out of calculation, and is bound to advance heavenly principles, will go up, not down. God will change the erratic nature and whole purposes of his life if he will be humble, loyal, true as steel to principle.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 193, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 193, 1905, par. 5
So there is a light that is to go forth from us, and here we are to be the light of the world. Christ said it. And if we are to be the light of the world, we are to gather up every divine ray of light and let it shine upon the pathway of others. Never was there a time in our history when it was more essential for us to stand in living communication with God than at the present time. Light is sown for the righteous, and truth for the upright in heart. Now, that is what we want. We want to gather all the divine rays of light that shine on these churches. We want to be one of them, and we want that light to shine upon us. Here we read in the second chapter:20LtMs, Ms 193, 1905, par. 6
Verses 1-5. Now here is a work that is before us. There is a love that should dwell in the hearts of every one of us that live in response to the love that dwelt in Jesus Christ. He has given His life for us. He has taken us into right relation to Himself if we will exercise that love for one another that He has shown to us. And it is of the highest value to us to be placed in such a connection with Jesus Christ that His light and His love shall shine into our hearts. I never saw a more opportune time where we ought to be taking heed to the things that are taking place right around us to show us what must come upon the earth soon. Well, why is it that these things are presented to us of losing the first love? Now I will read in the third chapter a verse or two.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 26, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 26, 1905, par. 14
We are to heed the messages that God has given in the Revelation. This book is the revelation of Jesus Christ given to John and written out by him. It behooves every one to become familiar with the Word of the Spirit given to John and penned by him in the Isle of Patmos.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 22, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 22, 1905, par. 1
The message given to John on the Isle of Patmos is to come to the people as it is. The whole of the instruction found in the book of Revelation is to be dwelt upon with an intense earnestness that has not yet been seen. There are many who treat this book with as little concern as if it were a sealed book, which contains no light for the present time. But it is not sealed. It was given to John to give to the churches.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 14, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 5
We need now to be diligently searching the book of Revelation—the history that Christ revealed to John on the Isle of Patmos, bidding him write it in a book, that the churches might know what was to take place on this earth just before the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 351, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 351, 1905, par. 10
He believes straight present truth. There is not one thread of spiritualistic science which would take the world in its deceivings. It is solemn, serious truth which is before the people, the truth of the first, second, and third angels’ messages, linking Daniel and Revelation together. And the grasp he has of the people is marvelous. The Lord has put His Spirit into the mind, heart, and soul of Brother Simpson. He is firm upon the testimonies. This work should be taken up in every city now without delay.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 188, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 21
I want to speak to you in Revelation. Now we know that the Revelation came to John, and John was one that was always speaking the truth. His faith did not change at all. There are men who come up and tell you some great fallacy. You just set them aside.20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 34
Verses 18-20. Chapter 2:1. Now you can see that every one of us has a connection if we are children of God. We have a connection with heaven by the angels that descend that ladder of shining brightness, and reflect the light and the glory of God. They are ascending and descending that ladder of shining brightness to give light, to give grace, to give strength. And when you neglect your prayers in your house, you say, We can do without you. That is what your conduct says. We want the living prayers going up to God that we shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. We must cling to that faith that is unto salvation.20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 35
Verses 2-5. Now there is a love that is gone from us, and we had better cultivate the love of Christ in our hearts. We had better devote our strength to pleading with God in prayer that we may have a new heart. “A new heart,” He says, “I will give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Then if He will give us a new heart, let us take it. Let us stop complaining and faultfinding and talking unbelief. Let us put on the whole armor of righteousness, and let us seek the Lord, and having done all, to stand. Stand firmly for the truth. Do not be wavering this way and that way, because some will bring a fallacious message unto you. We must hold the first message we had from the beginning.20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 36
[Revelation 2] Verse 5. Chapter 3:1. I can only touch a point here and there. There are a good many who have a name to live, but they are dead. Why? Because the life-giving power is not in them. They are not connected with the Life-giver. When the life-giving power comes to us we are not dead. “If ye then be risen with Christ, by baptism, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.” [Colossians 3:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 34, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 34, 1905, par. 1
I feel intensely anxious that as a people we may stand without fault before the throne of God. God is not pleased with our present condition. It is of the utmost importance that every one of us stand on higher and holier ground. In Revelation we have a message to those who have gone out of the way.20LtMs, Ms 34, 1905, par. 2
“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write: These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name’s sake has labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove the candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:1-5.]20LtMs, Ms 34, 1905, par. 7
“I know thy work, and thy labor,” He says. [Verse 2.] He has graven us upon the palms of His hands. Shall we not show ourselves worthy of His commendation? Shall we not love Him and love our ministering brethren?20LtMs, Ms 34, 1905, par. 9
A decided rebuke is given to the church, “Thou hast left thy first love.” [Verse 4.] There are men today who are drifting away from the ark of safety. They are too proud to let others think they need to repent. But unless they heed the message of Christ, their candlestick will be removed out of its place. The third chapter of Revelation also contains important messages. “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things saith He that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.” [Verses 1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 121, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 121, 1906, par. 5
The second chapter of Revelation speaks of a loss that has been sustained in the losing of their first love. In this position Christ is lost with the love, and they do not know this. The life of a Christian is the life of love. The Lord does not set one brother to educate the faculty of criticizing another brother. If wrong exists, go right to the one who is wrong. Talk with him; pray with him. Let this work be carried on in our meetings, and you see if it does not let in the bright sunshine from the presence of Jesus. More than this, your meetings can be the greatest blessing to every minister and worker by showing I am my brother’s keeper. It is a part of God’s great plan that one brother should look after the interest of his brother, to help him—not to hurt and cripple and destroy.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 234, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 234, 1906, par. 20
“This I can say, that never, since I became fully acquainted with that system which we denominate ‘the present truth’ [2 Peter 1:12], so as to comprehend it in its sublime proportions, its divine harmony, and its inseparable connections, have I had the least shadow of misgiving as to its truthfulness in its fundamental principles, and its stability and final triumph, as the work of God. It is evident, also, that this work before its close must present the fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel and some prophecies of the book of Revelation. And to whatever degree I may have persuaded myself that this cause might have been so far developed without this feature which we call the gift of prophecy, it was only to look for something of the kind to appear in the future; for without this, it would lack one of the tests of being the work of the last generation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 352, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 352, 1906, par. 9
Elder Simpson is arousing a good interest by his meetings. People of all classes come out to hear and to see the life-size images that he has of the beasts of Revelation. A great many Catholics come to hear him. Much of his preaching is in words of the Bible. He uses as few of his own words as possible. So if his hearers war against what he says, they war against the Word of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 372, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 6
For several weeks, meetings have been held in Oakland in a large tent pitched close by the post office. Elder Simpson has had wonderful success in this series of meetings. His method has been to make Scripture explain Scripture; and the Holy Spirit has convinced many hearts of the truth. The people cannot but accept a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” The beasts used as symbols in the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation he has presented before the people in life-size images, and this has impressed the people strongly. He has lectured only in the evening, when men are released from their work and can come out to hear. After a few weeks of labor he presented the Sabbath, again making the Bible prove every statement.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 350, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 350, 1906, par. 6
He has large life-like representations of the beasts and symbols in Daniel and the Revelation, and these are brought forward at the proper time to illustrate his remarks. Not one careless or unnecessary word escapes his lips. He speaks forcibly and solemnly. Many of his hearers have never before heard discourses of so solemn a nature. They manifest no spirit of levity, but a solemn awe seems to rest upon them. He takes up a collection only once a week, but he receives sufficient to defray his expenses without being obliged to call upon the conference.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 349, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 349, 1906, par. 10
The Lord has been working with Elder Simpson, teaching him how to give to the people this last warning message. His method of making the words of the Bible prove the truth for this time, and his use of the symbols presented in Revelation and Daniel, are effective. Let the young men learn as for their lives what is truth and how it should be presented. We are living in the last days of the great conflict; the truth alone will hold us securely in this time of trouble. The way should be prepared for Elder Simpson to give the message, and our young men should attend his evening meetings.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 326, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 326, 1906, par. 8
Brother Simpson dwells especially upon the prophecies in the books of Daniel and the Revelation. He has large representations of the beasts spoken of in these books. These beasts are made of papier-mâché, and by an ingenious invention, they may be brought at the proper time before the congregation. Thus he holds the attention of the people, while he preaches the truth to them. Through this effort hundreds will be led to a better understanding of the Bible than they ever had before, and we trust that there will be many conversions. Those who attend his lectures and are not converted must practically reject the Word of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 11, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, par. 8
The Saviour foretold that in the latter days false prophets would appear and draw away disciples after them; and also that those who in this time of peril should stand faithful to the truth that is specified in the book of Revelation would have to meet doctrinal errors so specious that, if it were possible, the very elect would be deceived.21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, par. 12
Some talk of “principles” that actuate their service and their teachings; but neither in word nor in deed, by strict integrity and by proper dealing, do they reveal that a work of grace has transformed the heart. They are not drawing from Christ the wholesome light and life and grace by which deep impressions are made upon minds, causing them to become more and still more Christlike. Some of those who claim to follow certain well-defined “principles,” walk and talk like unconverted worldlings. To such, the words of Christ are repeated over and over again: “I know thy works.” [Revelation 2:2.] This is the message sent to the church at Ephesus.21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, par. 13
“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus” the aged prophet John was bidden to write: “These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Verses 1-5.]21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, par. 15
In view of the many virtues enumerated, how striking is the charge brought against the church at Ephesus: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love!” [Verse 4.] This church had been highly favored. It was planted by the apostle Paul. In the same city was the temple of Diana, which, in point of grandeur, was one of the marvels of the world. The Ephesian church met with great opposition, and some of the early Christians suffered persecution; and yet some of these very ones turned from the truths that had united them with Christ’s followers and adopted, in their stead, the specious errors devised by Satan.21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, par. 16
This change is represented as a spiritual fall. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works”—as outlined in the preceding verses. [Verse 5.] They believers did not sense their spiritual fall. They knew not that a change had taken place in their hearts, and that they would have to repent because of the noncontinuance of their first works. But God in His mercy called for repentance, for a return to their first love and to the works that are always the result of true, Christlike love.21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, par. 17
“Repent, and do the first works,” the Saviour pleads; “or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Verse 5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 368, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 368, 1906, par. 3
In presenting before the people the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, Brother Simpson illustrates them by large images of the beasts of these prophecies; and this is creating a wonderful interest. He uses the Bible to prove every statement he makes and tells the people if they have any controversy with the truth he is teaching, their controversy must be with the Bible itself. This method of making the Bible prove the Bible makes a deep impression on the minds of those assembled. The Lord is impressing many minds.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 376, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 376, 1906, par. 24
The Lord Jesus sent a mighty angel to make plain to John by the use of symbols the things that were to transpire until the coming of Christ. He was bidden to write the instruction in a book for the benefit of the seven churches. This writing we now have preserved in the book of Revelation, but this book is understood by only a very few. It contains the message for the last days, and we are to dwell much upon these prophecies.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 400, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 400, 1906, par. 9
Brother Simpson’s meetings were largely attended, and the people listened to his words with spellbound interest; the interest continued from first to last. With his Bible in his hand, and basing all his arguments on the Word of God. Brother Simpson traced out before the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. His own words were few; he made the Scriptures themselves explain the truth to the people. After giving them the truth, Elder Simpson would draw an expression of opinion from his congregation. “Now,” he would say, “those who see the truth of what I am saying, raise your hands;” and in response many hands would be raised. I can only poorly represent to you the interest his work has created.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 21, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, par. 6
Nov. 1905. I slept well during the past night, from seven o’clock until half-past two. It is the Sabbath of the Lord, and I shall speak in the church at St. Helena this morning. My health is very good. I attend to my writings continuously, that everything may be in readiness if I should be taken away at a moment’s notice. I do not regard that time with any fear or distrust. I am heeding to the best of my knowledge the message that Christ came from heaven to give John, as recorded in the first, second, and third chapters of Revelation.21LtMs, Ms 21, 1906, par. 7
“But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not known this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye already have hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers; even as I received of My Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 2:24-29.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 105, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, par. 5
The manner of Elder Simpson’s work reminds me of the efforts that were put forth in 1843 and 1844. He does not make prominent his own words, but reads the Bible, explaining one scripture by another. He dwells largely on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and uses many illustrations and suitable figures to impress the truth. To represent the beasts of Daniel and Revelation, he has prepared lifelike images of papier-mâché.21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, par. 27
The Lord Jesus sent a mighty angel to make plain to John, by the use of symbols, the things that were to come to pass until the coming of Christ. He was bidden to write the instruction in a book for the benefit of the seven churches. This writing we now have preserved in the book of Revelation, but this book is understood by only a very few. It contains the message for the last days, and we are to dwell much upon these prophecies.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 388, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 388, 1906, par. 3
The manner of Elder Simpson’s work reminds me of the efforts that were put forth in 1843 and 1844. He does not make prominent his own words, but reads the Bible, explaining one Scripture by another. He dwells largely on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and uses many illustrations and suitable figures to impress the truth. To represent the beasts of Daniel and Revelation, he has prepared life-like images of papier-mâché.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 67, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 67, 1907, par. 17
The message of the gospel, from Genesis to Revelation, is God’s appointed means through which to reveal His will to men. It is to be appreciated, respected, and carefully studied. In a humble, prayerful spirit, Scripture is to be compared with Scripture. In the fourth chapter of Ephesians, the plan of God is so plainly and simply revealed, that all His children may lay hold upon the truth. Here the means which He has appointed to keep unity in His church, that its members may reveal to the world a healthy religious experience, is plainly declared. Those who conform their lives to obedience to the commandments of God, and are united in the faith of the Scriptures; those who are bound together as one in Christ Jesus, their lives hid with Christ in God, will practice the golden rule, doing to others as they would have others do to them. They will bear a living, abiding testimony that the Father loves them even as He loves His Son, and their testimony will have a powerful influence with the unbelieving world. These souls appreciate the great gift of God to our world; their course in life testifies that Christ has not died for them in vain. They make use of the provision made by heaven at infinite cost to draw souls to obedience to the law of God. Co-operating with the great Master Worker, they become laborers together with God. They become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Their consistent Christian lives magnify the law of God and make it honorable before the gainsaying world. Their deportment in courtesy and unwavering fidelity, their justice and mercy demonstrate to the world that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 95, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 95, 1909, par. 16
If we will study the book of Revelation and seek to understand its full significance, we shall see the necessity of putting away from our lives all the frivolity that so often marks our experience. We will have little desire for the foolish novel and the amusements of the world. Satan is determined to have the victory, and we are half asleep. What we need is workers, men and women who will do their duty in the fear of God. Many will say, We cannot all be ministers. Yes; you can; there is some work of ministry for each to do for perishing souls. There are many lines of work which as Christians we should become interested in. Christ wants every soul to copy His example of self-denial and self-sacrifice. He desires that all men shall have eternal life in the kingdom of God. But we cannot indulge coarseness or discourtesy or self-indulgence there. Therefore we must be daily overcomers here—overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 69, 1912
25LtMs, Ms 69, 1912, par. 42
The Old Testament, containing the prophecies of the coming of Christ, is now made of small account. The cry now is, “The Christ, the Christ! The gospel, the gospel!” But the gospel is taught all the way through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The gospel is revealed in all the prophecies of the first advent of Christ as the Saviour of men. Every act of the old dispensation to turn men away from sin or to bring them forgiveness was done with reference to the Saviour who was to come. He was the steppingstone by which man was to be exalted.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 41, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, par. 15
The word of Christ, the True Witness, after enumerating the good qualities of the Ephesus Church, says: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” Revelation 2:4. There is a loss of the love of Christ out of the heart, and as the result they do not properly esteem the true workers. Those who love God in spirit and in truth will improve every opportunity to place themselves where they catch the light of God’s promises and see in them His mind, His will and purpose toward us. And every jot of light you receive you will reflect on others because we love Jesus and want His name to be a praise in all the earth. We will, if we love Jesus, make Him manifest to the world as the Sun of Righteousness and thus reveal to them the one true and living God. To become self-centered is to close the door of our hearts to Jesus Christ.6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, par. 18
Shall the words of Christ be applicable to us? “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, (leaving the first love is represented as a moral fall which requires repentance and faith and doing) and repent, and do thy first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2] Verses 4, 5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 36, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 36, 1894, par. 14
I am much alarmed and deeply stirred as I see so little of the compassion and sympathy of Christ manifested by brother toward brother. There is such coldness, such indifference for human wants and human woes. I greatly fear lest God shall let His judgments fall heavily upon those who have not the tenderness of Christ for His heritage. In (Revelation 2) the cause of this sad condition is given: “Thou has lost thy first love.” [Verse 4.] The distress, the sufferings, of God’s people are unalleviated, the cries ascend to heaven, and God will take their case in hand; He will surely avenge them. It is a time now when we cannot for a moment take the spiritual eye from Christ Jesus. His admonition to us is, “What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” [Mark 13:37.] Is there one professed Christian who needs not the warning, and whose heart will not bear watching? The heart must be kept with all diligence, under constant watchfulness. We must be ever looking unto Jesus, saying, “Be Thou my Pattern.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 50, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 50, 1894, par. 9
Christ says in Revelation the second chapter—read it. We have read it; we have had the Bible right before us; we know all about what it says; and we may read it again and again, but feel no burden to practice it. Here it speaks of the people. “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.” [Verses 2, 3.] Now we would not think there was anything the matter with them when such commendation is given them. We would suppose they were a perfect people. But who is judging them? “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.” [Verse 1.] Who is represented by the seven stars representing the churches? “Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks .... Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Verses 1, 4.]9LtMs, Ms 50, 1894, par. 10
Jesus Christ has revealed Himself to us in the richness of His goodness, of His mercy, of His compassion. He has represented His character to us in various and decided lines—the precious Saviour has done it. Here we have it in the 34th chapter of Exodus and the fifth verse: “The Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” [Verses 5-7.] Now we have His character. We will read the fifth verse [Revelation 2]: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”9LtMs, Ms 50, 1894, par. 11
Why, that very love that is circulating in the character of God was to be imparted to the children of God, and reproduced in the children of God, and His character repeated in them to the world. He says, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Verse 5.] Now we can see the light that God has for us, the precious truth, and grace, and glory, and power, that He has that will stream down upon His people, if they love God with their whole heart and their neighbor as themselves.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 110, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, par. 17
On Sunday afternoon I spoke to a full congregation in the new chapel at North Fitzroy. I had a most solemn message. The first, second, and third chapters of Revelation. The truth was felt and many hearts were deeply moved. Elder Haskell has preached every evening but one since Sabbath. Elder Hare spoke once before he left for Western Australia to commence work in the regions beyond.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 93, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 93, 1896, par. 5
“Ye are the salt of the earth. But what if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted?” [Verse 13.] Read Revelation; read from the beginning to the close. Not only read, but study most earnestly, determined to understand. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” [Revelation 1:3.] Read chapter 2:1-6. There is to be a doing of the first work, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent.” [Verses 4, 5.] See also chapter 3:1-8.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 56, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, par. 10
I cannot write more; I must close. I will have some things sent by next mail. Study Revelation in connection with Daniel, for history will be repeated. We must be true and faithful amid the iniquity that abounds. At no period of time are we in so much danger as when prosperity seems to crown our efforts. Self must be hidden in God. We are living amid the perils of the last days, and many of us are insensible to the perils that threaten our world. We, with all our religious advantages, ought to know far more today than we do know. “Watch therefore,” said Jesus, “for ye know not when the time is. Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Mark 13:33; Matthew 24:42, 44.] “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.” [Luke 13:3.] The right hand is to be cut off; the right eye is to be plucked out. There is hidden depravity that needs to be carefully considered and uprooted. God help us individually to purify our souls by obeying the truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 173, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, par. 13
We are of little faith. When we shall seek the Lord with all our hearts, when we shall have due respect for those who have borne the burden in the heat of the day for their works’ sake, when we love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves, then will the truth prosper in our hands and go forth as a lamp that burneth. We need to heed the second chapter of Revelation and understand what it means to lose our first love. We need to humble our hearts before God and then He will see it is safe for Him to work with us and for us.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 59, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, par. 7
It was the Lion of the tribe of Judah who unsealed the book and gave to John the revelation of what should be in these last days. Daniel stood in his lot to bear his testimony, which was sealed until the time of the end, when the first angel’s message should be proclaimed to our world. These matters are of infinite importance in these last days, but while “many shall be purified, and made white, and tried,” “the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand.” [Verse 10.] How true this is. Sin is the transgression of the law of God, and those in the denominational churches who will not accept the light in regard to the law of God, will not understand the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. The book of Daniel is unsealed in the revelation to John, and carries us forward to the last scenes of this earth’s history.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 75, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 75, 1897, par. 1
Those who accept Christ will follow on to know the Lord. This acceptance means conversion through the Holy Spirit’s power and efficiency. The working of the Holy Spirit upon the human agent brings to him a conviction of sin, makes him susceptible to truth, [and] enables him to discern and make earnest application of it to his own heart. This power preserves him from falling under temptation, and imparts to him wisdom in winning souls to Christ. And every true believer who will follow on to know the Lord will have this power working in him. He will discern in Christ not only the Alpha of Genesis, but the Omega of Revelation. He will learn by personal experience that Christ is the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star, and that it is through His church, His people in their unity, that He is to shine in undimmed luster to the world. He beholds himself as the work of Christ. Having the mind of Christ, he walks in His footsteps, and his good works and love for others testify to the world that He is Christ, that God has sent His Son to impart His Spirit to His people, and that they may represent Christ in their love for one another.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 1, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 1, 1897, par. 1
I am drawn out to address you. I am in great travail of soul for our people. We are living amid the perils of the last days. A superficial faith results in a superficial experience. There is a repentance that needs to be repented of. All genuine experience in religious doctrines will bear the impress of Jehovah. All should see the necessity of understanding the truth for themselves individually. We must each understand the doctrines that have been studied out carefully and prayerfully. It has been revealed to me that there is among our people a great lack of knowledge in regard to the rise and progress of the third angel’s message. There is great need to search the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation, and learn the texts thoroughly, that we may know what is written.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 40, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 40, 1894, par. 17
From Genesis to Revelation the conditions upon which eternal life is promised are made plain. God requires that those who shall enter heaven shall be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. “Keep My commandments and live” is the requirement of God. [Proverbs 4:4.] But one says, “My conscience does not condemn me in not keeping the commandments of God.” But in the Word of God we read that there are good and bad consciences, and the fact that your conscience does not condemn you in not keeping the law of God does not prove that you are uncondemned in His sight. Take your conscience to the Word of God, and see if your life and character are in accordance with the standard of righteousness which God has revealed in His Word. You can then determine whether or not you have an intelligent faith, and what manner of conscience is yours.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 107, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 107, 1897, par. 2
But much ignorance of Scripture prevails, even among those that preach the Word. Well-educated, intelligent men preach at the Word, and around the Word, but they do not touch the inner meaning of the Word. They do not present truth in its genuine simplicity. These men, considering themselves authority, tell their hearers that they cannot understand either Daniel or Revelation. Many ministers make no effort to explain Revelation. They call it an unprofitable book to study. They regard it as a sealed book, because it contains the record of figures and symbols. But the very name that has been given it—“Revelation”—is a denial of this supposition. Revelation is a sealed book, but it is also an opened book. It records marvelous events, that are to take place in the last days of this earth’s history. The teachings of this book are definite, not mystical and unintelligible. In it the same line of prophecy is taken up as in Daniel. Some prophecies God has repeated, this showing that importance must be given to them. The Lord does not repeat things that are of no great consequence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 52, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 2
After His crucifixion and resurrection, thousands would be led to open the Scriptures with an intense desire to study the prophecies, from Genesis to Revelation. And they would see with anointed eyes the predictions in the prophetic Roll of the advent of a divine Teacher. In Christ crucified they would see the very work done which the prophecies declared He would do to proclaim the gospel, the Word of life to a world that was shadowed and corrupted by transgression and sin. And the words of Christ would be gathered up; the New Testament would declare to them a work which would thrill the world.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 33, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 33, 1897, par. 3
Christ has given us the truth in Daniel and Revelation. In this age we can see the necessity of drawing men to Christ. This draws them to one another in that confidence, that love, that unity, for which Christ prayed in His last prayer with and for His disciples. This unity was essential for their spiritual growth. This world is a battle field, upon which the powers of good and evil are in ceaseless warfare.12LtMs, Ms 33, 1897, par. 26
Read and become faithful students of the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. The Revelation is “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” Again this is repeated, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth save he which receiveth it.” [Revelation 1:1-3; 2:11, 17.]12LtMs, Ms 33, 1897, par. 30
When the students of prophecy shall set their hearts to know the truths of Revelation, they will realize what an importance is attached to this search. Christ Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Genesis of the Old Testament, and the Revelation of the New. Both meet together in Christ. Adam and God are reconciled by the obedience of the second Adam, who accomplished the work of overcoming the temptations of Satan and redeeming Adam’s disgraceful failure and fall. The two Adams will meet in Paradise and embrace each other, while the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, and all who have refused the opportunities and privileges given to them at such an infinite cost, and have not returned to their loyalty, will be shut out of Paradise.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 11, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 11, 1897, par. 2
God has chosen a people who are to proclaim the third angel’s message to the world. They are to be a separate and peculiar people in this world of churches who are transgressing His commandments. We have a special work to do to prepare the people for the greatest event the world has ever seen. The books of Daniel and Revelation are of great consequence to us, and should be studied with great earnestness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 21, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 21, 1897, par. 29
Here we have the Alpha of Genesis and the Omega of Revelation. The blessing is promised to all those who keep the commandments of God, and who co-operate with Him in the proclamation of the third angel’s message. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning Star.” [Revelation 22:16.] That which Christ has spoken in the Old Testament is for all the world. What He has said in reference is His commandments is not Yea and Nay, but Yea and Amen.12LtMs, Ms 21, 1897, par. 40
Those who make light of the third angel’s message do it because they know little of Daniel or Revelation. They have not read with a determination to find out the meaning by prayer, by study, and by fasting. If they had had the experience of Daniel or of John, they would know that the third angel’s message will go forth unto perfect victory. Those who proclaim that message because they see and believe it will understand that very much is comprehended in it. The third angel is represented as flying through the heavens with a banner on which is inscribed “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.] All who will gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their defection, and loyalty from their treason, will triumph with the third angel’s message.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 185, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 185, 1897, par. 1
I am in great travail of soul for our people. We are living in the perils of the last days. A superficial faith results in a superficial experience. There is a repentance that needs to be repented of. All genuine experience in religious doctrines will bear the impress of Jehovah. All should see the necessity of understanding the truth for themselves individually. We must understand the doctrines that have been studied out carefully and prayerfully. It has been revealed to me that there is among our people a great lack of knowledge in regard to the rise and progress of the third angel’s message. There is great need to search the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation, and to learn the texts thoroughly, that we may know what is written.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 157, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 157, 1897, par. 13
Brother Haskell has great liberty in opening the Scriptures to others. He gives opportunity to all. The first class is in the morning meeting at six o’clock. Then there will be other lessons given by Elder Haskell. At ten o’clock Sister Haskell gives lessons from Revelation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 67, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 67, 1895, par. 14
Christ came in the form of humanity to live the law of God. He was the Word of life. He came to be the gospel of salvation to the world, and to fulfill every specification of the law. Jesus is the Word, the guidebook, which must be received and obeyed in every particular. How necessary that this mine of truth be explored, and the precious treasures of truth be discovered and secured as rich jewels. The incarnation of Christ, His divinity, His atonement, His wonderful life in heaven as our Advocate, the office of the Holy Spirit—all those living, vital themes of Christianity are revealed from Genesis to Revelation. The golden links of truth form a chain of evangelical truth, and the first and staple link is found in the great teachings of Christ Jesus. Why, then, should not the Scriptures be ennobled and exalted in every school in our land? How little children are educated to study the Bible as the Word of God, and feed upon its truths, which are the flesh and blood of the Son of God! “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood” (that is, continue to receive the words of Christ, and practice them) “hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” [John 6:53-56.] “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” [1 John 3:24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 69, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 69, 1897, par. 15
Our youth must have well-conducted schools, where they can gain an all-round education. From Genesis to Revelation the gospel shines forth with no uncertain light. From the time when God talked with Adam and Eve in Eden, giving them heavenly instruction, the light has continued to shine down through the ages. Christ appeared to His servant John, and gave him a revelation of the closing events of this earth’s history.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 141, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 141, 1897, par. 39
Daniel and Revelation must be studied, as well as the other prophecies of the Old and New Testament. Let there be light, yes, light in your dwellings. For this we need to pray. The Holy Spirit, shining upon the sacred page, will open our understanding, that we may know what is truth. We can appropriately say, as said the disciples, when Jesus walked with them on their way to Emmaus after He had risen from the dead. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures. And “they said one to another, Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures?” [Luke 24:32.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 98a, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 98a, 1897, par. 49
All who join the ranks of Sabbathkeepers should become diligent Bible students, that they may know the pillars and ground work of the truth. They should study prophetic history, which has brought us down point by point to where we are at the present time. This is God’s plan for our school. Young men should attend who desire to become educated for any line of work, who have capabilities and see the necessity of learning more and still more where we stand today in prophetic history, uniting link after link in the prophetic chain, even from Genesis to Revelation. Christ is the Alpha, the first link, and the Omega, the last link, of the gospel chain, which is welded in Revelation. These young men will not have fixed habits of wrong, or defects in disposition and character that will make them inflexible.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 41, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 41, 1898, par. 5
God has shown His people what is truth. He has opened to them the books of Daniel and Revelation, which set forth the truth for this time. Those who have closed their ears and their understanding to this truth, have imitated the people who in Christ’s day would not receive the light. Evidence may be piled upon evidence, but men’s hearts may be so hardened by the deceitfulness of sin that evidence, though greatly increased, will prove nothing to them, because it is not proof they want, but their own way.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 89, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 89, 1898, par. 5
Daniel and the Revelation should be gotten out in little books and made as simple as possible. This should be given to every church, and to the people scattered everywhere. It is not a money making scheme, but it will bring in means to invest in getting out other books. Elder Haskell has a whole treasure house of precious things, and he should be tenderly cherished, and everything provided for him that will help him in his work. These precious things should be taken down in shorthand, and given to our people.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 132, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 132, 1898, par. 1
The Bible lies at the foundation of all true education. The faithful student finds that Scripture can only be tested by Scripture. There is no contradiction in the Word of God. The entire revelation which Jesus Christ gave to John is rehearsed by Moses in the Exodus, and in the plagues which the Lord brought upon Egypt.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 123, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 123, 1898, par. 7
This is our work. The light that we have upon the third angel’s message is the true light. The mark of the beast is exactly what it has been proclaimed to be. All in regard to this matter is not yet understood, and will not be understood until the unrolling of the scroll; but a most solemn work is to be accomplished in our world. “Cry aloud; spare not; lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sin.” [Verse 1.] A message is to be given to arouse the churches. Every effort is to be made to give the light not only to our people, but to the world. I have been given light that the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation are to be printed in small books, with the necessary explanations, and sent all through the world. Our own people need to have the light in clearer lines before them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 180, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 180, 1898, par. 4
We are seeing and feeling that there is much to be done, and may the Lord strengthen and bless us all to do His work intelligently. We need to study the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation more earnestly. The truth we need is revealed in Revelation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 54, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 54, 1898, par. 8
Perfection of character is required by God, and this is kept before us in His Word from Genesis to Revelation. “When Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” [Genesis 17:1.] To Israel God said, “I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy for I am holy. ... For I am the Lord your God that bringeth you out of the land of Egypt, to by your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” “And the Lord spake unto Moses saying, Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Ye shall fear every man his mother and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.” [Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 199, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 199, 1898, par. 5
The books of Daniel and Revelation are to be carefully and prayerfully studied. You are to connect with your brethren in presenting before the people all the light you can on these two books. The Lord wants not only your talent of ability; He wants the united talents of those He has commissioned to preach the gospel, so that the best and strongest Scriptural truths shall be linked together and combined as a perfect whole.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 139, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 139, 1896, par. 3
I am very anxious to get out Testimony No. 34 now. I have secured Eliza’s help. I will undertake that work which ought to have been done years ago. I have things that should come to the people. Time is short. The end of all things is at hand. We are to give more diligent searching to Revelation. Here is a book opened for those who shall live in these last days of time. Daniel and Revelation are the books applicable to us and should be carefully studied and with much prayer. Read the first three verses:11LtMs, Lt 139, 1896, par. 5
There is not that attention given to Revelation there should be. Much more should be said in regard to the coming of our Lord. There should be most earnest attention given to the Word.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 136a, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 136a, 1898, par. 39
There must be no more opposing work done among our people. We are to press together and “seal the law among my disciples.” [Isaiah 8:16.] How is this to be done? By closing up the divided ranks and standing a united company with our faces to the foe. The second and third chapters of Revelation present our position as it should be. It is now time that we worked intelligently as one mind and one heart and united meet the foe.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 121, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 121, 1899, par. 44
The second chapter of Revelation presents a church in a condition which calls for reformation. The church possesses excellent qualification, but there is need of individual heart-searching. “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.” [Verses 1-3.]14LtMs, Ms 121, 1899, par. 45
The True Witness mingles commendation and encouragement with His reproof and warning. The reproof comes because they have lost from their hearts something which they once had. “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee,” He says, “because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works: or else I will come to thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Verses 4, 5.]14LtMs, Ms 121, 1899, par. 47
“These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.” [Verse 1.] These words assure us of Christ’s constant presence with His church. Those who are knit together in love will find Him an ever present Friend. Though they are in the deepest poverty and abasement for Christ’s sake, they are never alone, never without His sympathy and love. The light of His presence shines upon all who are united in Him, and this light they in turn are to reflect to the world.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 102b, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 102b, 1899, par. 11
I must now leave the matter with you, for you must consider for yourself; but you could be a great help to me. The Lord would strengthen you in making a change now. I see that W. C. White is fully in harmony with what I have written to you. He thinks that after you have been here two years you will then be settled [as to] what is best for you to do. My health is good when I do not have to stand on my feet to speak so often; but I am getting old. What I have to do I wish to do quickly and solidly. I wish now to take the Old Testament history from Solomon to the last chapter of Malachi, and the New Testament from the ascension of Christ to the Revelation; but how can I do it? Brother Colcord is helping me. W. C. White is necessarily called to advise and to attend frequent councils, for with the buildings being erected we need constant help from the Lord to teach us His way and His will.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 243, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 243, 1899, par. 9
I would be greatly pleased could you unite with us in Australia in our work. You would understand [the work] better that anyone we could get to help me in getting out my testimonies which the people need so much. If I had more help, I would now begin to write, and finish up the New Testament history and then take up the Old Testament history. Which do you think would be the best—the revision of the Life of Paul and the Apostles from Acts through to Revelation, or the Old Testament from Solomon down to Malachi? I would be so pleased if I could have your help. Willie is called off on so many business matters that I cannot hope to have much of his time and careful planning.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 150, 1899
NP
October 26, 1899 [typed]
Portions of this manuscript are published in CG 310; 7BC 954; 4MR 416; CTr 312.
14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 1
“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John; who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep the those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.” [Revelation 1:1-3.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 2
“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before the throne; and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 3
“I John,” the apostle writes, “who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” [Verses 4-9.] The same spirit which worked in the children of disobedience in Christ’s day was working against His followers. Notwithstanding the evidence given them, the Jewish people had not repented of their treatment of the Son of God, and now John, the oldest of Christ’s first disciples, was exiled for the faith.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 4
The ruling powers at Jerusalem were amazed at John’s testimony concerning the One whom they had condemned to death. The life and character of Christ had stood out before the world in sharp contrast with the life and character of the professedly religious rulers of the nation. His life of purity condemned their lives of selfishness and iniquity. And their jealousy and hatred of Him was intense. “The world is gone after him,” they declared, and they determined to rid themselves of Him. [John 12:19.] At His condemnation they hired false witnesses to witness against Him, and the representations of these men stirred the lawless mob to a pitch of frenzy.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 5
When Barabbas was placed by the side of Christ, and Pilate asked, “Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?” they cried, “Barabbas, release unto us Barabbas.” [Matthew 27:17; Luke 23:18.] “What shall I do then with Jesus,” Pilate asked. And they answered, “Let him be crucified.” [Matthew 27:22.] The thief and murdered was released, while the Son of God, who was free from every taint of evil, was condemned to die. Evil angels, under their leader Satan were the unseen agencies in this work. It was they who inspired the priests and rulers with the spirit of rebellion that originated with Satan.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 6
Christ was crucified, but He arose from the dead, appeared to His disciples, and ascended to heaven, escorted by myriads of heavenly beings. At the Father’s throne He received the assurance that His sacrifice was accepted, and that the world, divorced from God by sin, was drawn across the gulf and given another trial. Receiving Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour, man might become an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ; “for God so love the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him might not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 7
John had been closely associated with the Saviour during His life of ministry. He had heard His wonderful words and had seen His wonderful deeds, and his testimony was given in clear lines. Out of the abundance of a heart overflowing with love for Christ he spoke, and no power could stay his words. If we will study the epistles of John, we will understand why it was that this disciple could not be left in his old age to live in peace among his brethren. “That which was from the beginning,” he writes, “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 8
“I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, O, do not this abominable thing that I hate. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness. ... Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the streets of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate as at this day.” [Jeremiah 44:4-6.] A wicked ruler thought to silence John’s testimony, and John was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil. But his testimony was not silenced. The servant of God was preserved as were the three worthies in the fiery furnace. The Son of God was with him, abiding in his heart by faith.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 9
Like his Master, John patiently submitted to every attempt to put him to death. When his enemies cast him into the cauldron of boiling oil, they thought to hear no more from him. But as the words of satanic origin were spoken, “Thus perish all who believe in that deceiver, Jesus Christ of Nazareth,” John declared, “My Master patiently submitted to all that Satan and his angels could devise to humiliate and torture Him. He gave His life to save the world. He died that we might live. I am honored in being permitted to suffer for His sake. I am only a weak, sinful man, but Christ was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sin and sinners. He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.” John’s words, while suffering at the hands of his enemies, had an influence, and he was removed from the cauldron by the very ones who had cast him in.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 10
It was after this that John was sent to the isle of Patmos, where, separated from his companions in the faith, his enemies supposed he would die from hardship and neglect. But John made friends and converts even there. They thought that they had at last placed the faithful witness where he could no longer trouble Israel or the wicked rulers of the world. But all the heavenly universe saw the result of the conflict with the aged disciple and his separation from his companions in the faith.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 11
God and Christ and the heavenly host were John’s companions on the isle of Patmos. From them he received instruction which he imparted to those separated with him from the world. There he wrote out the visions and revelations he received from God, telling of the things which would take place in the closing period of this earth’s history. When his voice would no longer witness for the truth, when he could no longer testify of the One he loved and served, the messages given to him on that rocky, barren coast were to go forth as a lamp that burneth. Every nation, kindred, tongue, and people would learn the sure purpose of the Lord, not concerning the Jewish nation merely, but every nation upon the earth.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 12
“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” [Isaiah 55:8-13.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 13
The Sabbath that God instituted in Eden was as precious to John on Patmos as when he was with his companions in the cities and towns. The precious promises God had given regarding this day he repeated and claimed as his own. It was the sign to him that God was his, for had not God declared, “Verily, my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. ... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 14
“I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day,” John writes, “and heard behind me a great voice, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches. ... And I turned to see the voice that spake with me, and being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothes with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with [a] golden girdle. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as show, and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 15
“And he had in his right hand seven stars, and out of his mouth went a sharp, two-edged sword; and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive forever more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are and the things which shall be hereafter.” [Revelation 1:10-19.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 16
The book of Revelation is to be understood because it is a revelation of the things which shall be in the last days. The future is large with importance to all who act a part in the closing scenes of this earth’s history, when only two parties will be recognized, the lowly who keep the commandments of God, and the disloyal, who refuse allegiance, and trample on the fourth commandment and every other law that stands in the way of their interests.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 17
True religion is human nature brought to the perfection of the character of Christ. “I have kept my Father’s commandments,” Christ declared. [John 15:10.] Outward show, expensive churches, a multiplicity of ceremonies and traditions, is not religion. Purity of heart and lowliness of life alone bear the signature of heaven. A certain lawyer came to Christ with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ placed the answering of the question upon the lawyer himself. “What is written in the law?” He asked. “How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” But the lawyer, willing to justify himself, said, “And who is my neighbor?” Then by the parable of the good Samaritan Christ showed who is our neighbor. [Luke 10:25-37.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 18
The gospel comprehends all that the family of God on earth should believe and practice. The law of God is far-reaching in its demands, and impresses the mind [of the believer] with a continual sense of his obligation to God and his dependence upon Him. Love to God and love to our neighbor are the two great principles underlying it, and these principles are binding upon every member of the human family. Those who refuse to obey God’s law place themselves in the ranks of the enemy, as did the angels in the heavenly courts, when they united with the great apostate.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 19
True religion consists of repentance toward God because of transgression, and faith in Christ to save from sin. There is no power in the law to save the transgressor. The law convicts the sinner of sin, but it cannot save. Christ, the Lawgiver, must receive the convicted, repentant sinner, and pardon him. The Son of God gave His life that man might have a second probation. Every advantage which God gave His Son He would give to the members of the human family, that none should perish, but all become law-abiding citizens of His kingdom.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 20
John declares sin to be the transgression of the law, and faith in Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour is the only way of escape from its penalty. In God’s redemptive plan for the restoration of fallen man to himself, Christ was the sacrifice. He bore in His own body the sin of the world, that whosoever would might come and have everlasting life. The prayer of Christ to his father was in behalf of His disciples, and those who through their labors would become His followers.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 21
Jesus “lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou has given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent.” [John 17:1-3.] Satan is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. Those who choose Christ will believe in Him as a personal Saviour, and these will have a personal experience in the knowledge of the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.*****
14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 22
In the nineteenth chapter of Matthew is recorded the case of the rich young ruler. This man’s desires and tastes were not offensive, but favorable to the growth of spirituality. As he saw Christ blessing the little children, he was convinced that He must be a very good man. He was sure he could live in perfect harmony with Him. Hastening to the Saviour, he knelt before Him, and said, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” “Why callest thou me good?” Christ asked. “There is none good but one; that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He said unto him, Which?” Jesus answered, “Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother, and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Verses 16-19.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 23
“And the young man said unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” [Verse 20.] He had been flattered for his amiable traits of character. He was willing to do good things, and he flattered himself that by his strict integrity in dealing with his fellow men he was fulfilling the law. The perfection of character which he thought he possessed ranked him in the same state spiritually as was Paul, when, touching the letter of the law, he thought he was blameless. But no human standard can save a soul from death. God’s standard must be seen, acknowledged, and followed.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 24
“If thou wilt be perfect,” Christ said, “go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” [Verse 21.] Jesus needed the co-operation of just such men, whom God has entrusted with His goods. It is God’s plan that those to whom He has given money or houses or lands shall act as His faithful almoners, relieving the suffering of their fellow beings, and in this way winning them to the Saviour.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 25
By helping the Saviour to help the needy, suffering ones around him, the young ruler would indeed have been laying up treasure in heaven. The test had come to him. What would the result be? When he heard Christ’s words, “he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.” [Verse 22.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 26
Jesus tested the young ruler by a true standard—the law of righteousness, which requires man to love his neighbor as himself; and the ruler proved himself to be destitute of love either for God or man. He thought himself perfect, but he was weighed in the balances of the sanctuary and found wanting. He was alienated from God, for he counted that which God had given him in trust as of far more value than heavenly treasure. He went away sorrowful, because he could not selfishly retain his possessions and at the same time have the pleasure of following Christ.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 27
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And when his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?” [Verses 23-25.] They had expected the young ruler to do as Matthew had done, and because of his refusal they were sorrowful and dejected. Jesus said, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” [Verse 26.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 28
Today the Holy Spirit works upon some who are not as self-confident as this young ruler. There are men and women who are truly converted, as was Paul. He says, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence; for without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained into life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.” [Romans 7:7-12.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 29
If the rich young ruler had seen by the light of the commandment that he was sinful, if like Paul he had honored God by obeying the commandments in spirit and in truth, his sinful nature would have been slain by the law, and he would have laid hold of eternal life.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 30
James has a message for the church. He says, “Hearken, my beloved brethren; hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seat?” [James 2:5, 6.] Can we say that there is none of this attribute in us? Alas, we cannot. May God call to repentance the men who have imperilled His cause, before it is everlastingly too late. “If ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well; but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” [Verses 8, 9.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 31
The rich young ruler represents many in our world today. God has entrusted His goods to them that they may advance His kingdom by planting the standard of truth in places where the message has never been heard. But they do not carry out God’s purpose. The words, “Deny thyself, take up thy cross, and follow me,” cut directly across their cherished plans, and they refuse to obey. [Matthew 16:24.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 32
If rich men keep the commandments of God, they will do the work that needs to be done for those whom Christ has purchased with His blood. In this way only can they follow Christ. In order to save suffering humanity from perishing in sin, He left the royal courts to come to this earth. Laying aside His kingly crown and royal robe, He resigned His high command in the heavenly courts, and for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. When God entrusts man with riches, it is that he may adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour by using his earthly treasure to advance the kingdom of God in our world. He is to represent Christ, and therefore is not to live to please and glorify himself, to receive honor because he is rich.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 33
The world values men according to their possessions, but the Owner of the whole world does not so value men.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 34
God’s messages come to His people, but they have not been, and are not yet, willing to receive them. He is testing them as surely as He was testing the young ruler when He said to [him], “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me.” [Matthew 19:21.] God calls upon His people to turn from the earthly to the heavenly, to yield up to Him His own. Nothing that they have is theirs; they themselves are not their own, for God’s Word declares, “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 35
“Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” [James 2:10.] A great work needs to be done in our churches. The members are not prepared for the coming of the Lord. God’s law needs to be written in heart and mind. Many, like the rich young ruler, when tested and tried, will refuse to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Christ. When the test comes to a man, and he refuses to obey, he shows that he is unregenerate in heart, whatever may be the outward propriety of his conduct, or whatever belief he may claim to have in the truth. He needs to have the law brought home to his conscience, that he may see the exceeding sinfulness of sin. He must die to self. Until self is crucified, he cannot know what spiritual holiness is.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 36
When the heart is cleansed from sin, Christ is placed on the throne which self-indulgence and love of earthly treasure once occupied. The image of Christ is seen in the expression of the countenance. Sanctification through the Spirit is carried forward in the soul. Self-righteousness is banished. There is seen the putting on of the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.” [Colossians 3:1.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 37
The note of warning has been given, “Set your affection on things above, and not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory.” [Verses 2-4.] God accepts no divided service. Not one jot of the claims of the law can be abated to meet man in his fallen condition. Man must reach the highest standard. He must show a desire for perfection of character proportionate to the value of the object of which he is in pursuit.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 38
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever, the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are thy than gold, yea, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned, and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” [Psalm 19:7-14.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 39
The religion of Christ never makes the receiver coarse, rough, or uncourteous. God’s law is the transcript of His character, and every jot and tittle of that law was given to men and women for their good, to keep them from moral corruption. It was nonconformity to the law of God that so degraded the inhabitants of the old world that the imaginations of their hearts was evil, and that continually. God’s Spirit strove with the men of that time, seeking to bring them back to purity and loyalty.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 40
“God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood, rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and thou shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. ... And behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shalt die.” [Genesis 6:12-14, 17.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 41
God said to Noah, “My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh; yet his days his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” [Verse 3.] For one hundred and twenty years the people were to hear the warning. Noah was a faithful preacher of righteousness, and day after day his warning voice was heard. Day after day the people saw his faith demonstrated in the building of the ark. And at first some received the message, but the restraint of righteousness was obnoxious to them, and they threw off everything that disturbed their carnal indulgence.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 42
“As the days of Noah were,” Christ declares, “so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 43
We have reached the time when we are to take heed to the warning given, “Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, That if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 44
“Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken, the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Verses 42-51.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 45
The very same state of things that existed in Noah’s time exists today in our world. From pulpit and from press, by voice and pen, the proclamation goes forth that the law of God is done away. God calls upon those who know the truth to impart the light they have received. Like Noah they are to lift their voice in warning, saying, The end of all things is at hand.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 46
Voice the warning of Christ. Let it be given with intense fervor. Let not any one who believes the truth invest their means in worldly enterprises. Wherever a company of people is raised up, a humble house of worship should be built. We should not seek to make a grand display any where, for this would not advance the work. In all our buildings, churches, sanitariums, and schools, our economy should testify to our principles.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 47
Years ago school building should have been erected in other places besides Battle Creek, not large buildings, but buildings suitable for church schools, in which the children and youth could receive a true education. The lesson books used should be of a character to bring the law of God to the attention. The Bible should be made the foundation of education. In this work the light and strength and power of the truth will be magnified. Youth from the world, whose minds have not been depraved by habits of sensuality, will connect with these schools, and will there be converted. There mouths may indeed be stopped for a while by the false theories entertained by the parents, but in the end truth will triumph. This kind of missionary work, I am instructed, will have a most telling influence in extending the light and knowledge of truth.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 48
Crowding so many interests into Battle Creek has closed doors to cities and towns in which interested efforts should have been made to advance the truth we claim to believe. The number of our churches would be greatly multiplied if the light which had been selfishly hoarded in a few places had been imparted.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 49
In all our work the law of God must be presented, with its far-reaching requirements, to lead men and women and youth to see the need of loyalty to God. The efforts put forth to rescue degraded outcasts will not be of any avail unless the claims of the law of Jehovah are imprinted on mind and heart. God has enjoined nothing that is not necessary to bind up humanity with God. The law calls upon all who claim to believe in Christ to love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves. When love for God is cherished in the heart, love for those Christ has purchased with His own blood will be seen.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 50
“Verily, my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” [Exodus 31:13.] This is the true sanctification [that] it is essential for all to have. There is no genuine sanctification apart from the sign of loyalty to God, for God says so. “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever.” [Verses 16, 17.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 51
God has given man the Sabbath which He instituted in Eden as a memorial of the work of creation, that as man shall look at the heavens, at the sun, moon, and stars, and at the earth, he may remember that in six days God formed the world, and on the seventh He rested and was refreshed.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 52
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets;” Christ said, “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:17-19.] Not that they will in their transgression ever have a place in the family of God, but whatever their position on this earth may have been, the books of heaven declare them to be wanting. “But whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” [Verse 19.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 53
The law of God is the principle of true holiness. Abolish one precept of that law, and you are breaking all the commandments. The gospel requires perfect obedience. The law of God is to be written on the heart; then it will be revealed in the character.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 54
Paul declares that the law of God is holy, just, and good. From the least to the greatest command God has given, not one is to be treated indifferently. Not one can be spared. God’s commands are true and righteous altogether. Not one command can we safely ignore, even though [it] may cut across what we suppose to be a chance of making a success in lines of worldly commerce. Christ says, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mark 8:34.] Better to suffer the loss of earthly advantages, to endure poverty, reproach, imprisonment, and even death itself, for the sake of the cause of truth, than to make shipwreck of the faith by complying with evil practices.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 55
The divine grace which enters a renewed mind is a pervading, active, intense principle, which works like leaven till it has assimilated all to itself. It does not cease its absorbing operations till it has assimilated to itself all with which it comes in contact. It does not correct some evils and leave others untouched. The gospel will not tolerate vice or corruption of any kind. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” [Psalm 19:7.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 56
Whatever in thought, word, or deed; in temper, affection, habit, or disposition is not in perfect harmony with the law of God, the Holy Spirit instantly detects. It then presents the gospel looking glass, that the sinner may see himself in his sinfulness. Sin and the Holy Spirit cannot dwell in the same heart. As the Spirit works upon the heart, the divine virtues of truth are implanted. There is seen that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Man accepts the invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest;” and he finds rest because there is perfect conformity between his will and the will of God. [Matthew 11:28, 29.] He is made a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 57
We are not to look upon God as did the man who made a wrong use of his talent, as a harsh judge, and exacting creditor. The Lord is a rich giver, and by His gifts He places men in positions where they can trade upon His goods, and in this life lay up in store for themselves a good foundation for the time to come.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 58
God’s gifts are bestowed in accordance with the ability of the human agent to use the entrusted gifts. The world is a vineyard, let out to husbandmen, who are to return to the Lord the fruit thereof in its season. But God receives very little fruit. Many are like the man with the one talent. This man failed to make any use of his gift. He might have been a provider had he put his gift out to the exchanger, but he was only a consumer. Anxious to benefit himself, he hid his lord’s talent in the earth, thinking that if he improved it, he would be called upon to give it all back to the owner.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 59
God is a rich provider. He is a fountain of inexpressible love, and He desires all to remember that as His faithful servants they are to use His bountiful provisions to relieve the necessities of suffering human beings whom He has bought with the blood of His only begotten Son. This He did that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 78, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 78, 1900, par. 1
“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write, These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks. I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil, and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:1-5.]15LtMs, Ms 78, 1900, par. 3
“These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand.” [Verse 1.] Read these words with a desire to understand them. God has supreme authority over His workmen, over those who by appointment fill positions of trust in His church. They are to receive responsibilities with a self-distrust, and are to work under God’s ministration. They are to receive power from Him to increase the talents lent them in trust. They are to strive to become wise, faithful workers, possessing clear discernment and wise mastership.15LtMs, Ms 78, 1900, par. 6
“Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.” [Revelation 2:1.] This shows Christ’s relation to the churches. He watches them with an intense interest to see whether they are in such a condition spiritually that they can advance His kingdom. Christ is present in every assembly of the church. If those who have maintained an attitude of proud self-sufficiency, who have domineered over God’s people, failing entirely to reveal Christlike love, could see how their conduct has grieved the Saviour, how quickly would they leave their place to be filled by someone who would better represent the Redeemer!15LtMs, Ms 78, 1900, par. 8
“I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.” [Verses 2, 3.] He who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks is conversant with the history and experience of every one who has subscribed His name as receiving and believing in Him. His commendation and reproof are to be highly respected. Of His people He says, “I have graven them upon the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] He cherishes carefully every act of love and endurance performed by them. God calls for diligence in His service. Be patient; endure hardness as good soldiers of the cross. Those who are in sacred office must control self and endure patiently.15LtMs, Ms 78, 1900, par. 10
“And thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.” [Verse 2.] There are those who are vain talkers. Their mouths need to be stopped. Their influence is misleading. When their pretensions are examined, they will be weighed in the balances and found wanting. Then faithful reproof may save them.15LtMs, Ms 78, 1900, par. 11
“Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Verse 4.] At the first, the experience of the church of Ephesus was marked by childlike fervor and simplicity. A lively, earnest, heartfelt love for Christ was expressed. The believers talked and prayed and rejoiced in the love of God because Christ was an abiding presence in their hearts. O how this warmth of love glorified His name! The praise of God was on their lips, and their attitude of thanksgiving was in perfect accord with the thanksgiving of the heavenly family. The world took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus and learned of Him.15LtMs, Ms 78, 1900, par. 20
The leaven of truth needs to be introduced into society. The means of God’s people should be used to carry forward His work in new fields. But many have selfishly grasped for themselves all the means they dared, and then have coveted more. Grave evils have snapped the life and zeal and virtue of the church. Let us change quickly, or He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, will say to us as He said to the church of Ephesus, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] The work that God desires to see done by Seventh-day Adventists is not done. Unless there is a decided change, the people will accept as truth that which is not truth.15LtMs, Ms 78, 1900, par. 32
The faith of those who are set as watchmen on the walls of Zion is never to be eclipsed. They are to watch for souls as they that must give an account. Over and over again Christ repeats the words, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 2:2.] “He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” [Verse 7.]15LtMs, Ms 78, 1900, par. 33
This message is of great value to all who will receive it. The second chapter of Revelation contains lessons which the church needs to learn. Let the members hear and receive and show a faith corresponding to their profession by a sanctified activity in the Lord’s work. Let not ministers hover over the churches, but go outside the camp to warn unbelievers. Let young men, going forth into the harvest field, prove themselves to be called and chosen and faithful.