EGW WritingsRevelation 3

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 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 19, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 19, 1889, par. 1

Spoke in the tabernacle in the forenoon from Revelation 3. I urged upon the people the necessity of religion in their homes, and of educating and training their children to have well-balanced characters that the Lord can approve.

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 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 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 11 (1896)

Ms 32, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 3

The book that was sealed was not the book of Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel which related to the last days. The Scripture says, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” [Daniel 12:4.] When the book was opened, the proclamation was made, “Time shall be no longer.” [Revelation 10:6.] The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be prepared to stand in the latter days.

11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 14

All that God has in prophetic history specified to be fulfilled in the past has been, and all that is yet to come in its order will be. Daniel, God’s prophet, stands in his place. John stands in his place. In the Revelation the Lion of the tribe of Judah has opened to the students of prophecy the book of Daniel, and thus is Daniel standing in his place. He bears his testimony, that which the Lord revealed to him in vision of the great and solemn events which we must know as we stand on the very threshold of their fulfillment.

11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 25

The very same Satan is at work to undermine the faith of the people of God at this time. There are persons ready to catch up every new idea. The prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation are misinterpreted. These persons do not consider that the truth has been set forth at the appointed time by the very men whom God was leading <to do this special work.> These men followed on step by step in the <very fulfillment> of prophecy, and those who have not had a personal experience in this work are to take the Word of God and believe on “their word” [John 17:20] who have been led by the Lord in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. These messages, received and acted upon, are doing their work to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God. If we search the Scriptures to confirm the truth God has given His servants for the world, we shall be found proclaiming the first, second, and third angels’ messages.

11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 37

From those who have rejected truth, the light of God has departed. They did not heed the message of the True Witness, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Revelation 3:18.] But that message will do its work, and a people will be prepared to stand without fault before God. John beheld this company, and he says, “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white; for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” [Revelation 19:7, 8.]

11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 38

Prophecy has been fulfilling, line upon line. The more firmly we stand under the banner of the third angel’s message, the more clearly shall we understand the prophecy of Daniel, for the Revelation is the supplement of Daniel. The more fully we accept the light presented by the Holy Spirit through the consecrated servants of God, the deeper and surer, even as the eternal throne, will appear the truths of ancient prophecy; we shall be assured that men of God spake as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost. Men must themselves be under the influence of the Holy Spirit in order to understand the Spirit’s utterances through the prophets. These messages were given, not for those that uttered the prophecies, but for us who are living amid the scenes of their fulfillment.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 174, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 174, 1899, par. 8

God desires the light found in the books of Daniel and Revelation to be presented in clear lines. It is painful to think of the many cheap theories picked up and presented to the people by ignorant, unprepared teachers. Those who present their human tests, and the nonsensical ideas they have concocted in their own minds, show the character of the goods in their treasure house. They have laid in store shoddy material. Their great desire is to make a sensation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 12, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 12, 1899, par. 2

The Word of God is to be the great lesson book in all our schools. From Genesis to Revelation it is full of instruction in practical godliness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 209, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 209, 1899, par. 7

Dwell more on the Revelation. Read, explain, and enforce its teachings.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 232, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 232, 1899, par. 18

We are to give to the people the warnings contained in Revelation. But many workers are engaged in a line of work that is disqualifying them to preach the Word <and do the very work God has appointed them to do.>

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 18, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 18, 1900, par. 7

Those who profess to believe the truth are not to separate themselves from the commandment-keeping people of God, as altogether more righteous than those God has appointed to preach His Word, to explain the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation, to give the warnings regarding the law of God and the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, the seal of the living God. The Lord declares that the Sabbath is the sign between Him and His people.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 5, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 5, 1900, par. 5

At our camp meetings, when you have a congregation before you for only two weeks, do not defer the presentation of the Sabbath question until everything else is presented, supposing you are paving the way for it. Lift up the standard—the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Make this the important theme. Then by your strong arguments wall it in, and make it of still greater force. Dwell more on the Revelation. Read, explain, and enforce its teachings.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 16, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 16, 1900, par. 2

In the past, teachers have declared Daniel and the Revelation to be sealed books, and the people have turned from them. The veil whose apparent mystery has kept many from lifting it, God’s own hand has withdrawn from these portions of His Word. The very name, “Revelation,” contradicts the statement that it is a sealed book. Revelation means that something of importance is revealed. The truths of this book are addressed to those living in these last days. We are standing with the veil removed in the holy place of sacred things. We are not to stand without. We are to enter, not with careless, irreverent thoughts, not with impetuous footsteps, but with reverence and godly fear. We are nearing the time when the prophecies of the book of revelation are to be fulfilled.

15LtMs, Lt 16, 1900, par. 9

When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven, that heart and mind will be impressed in regard to the character all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart. The Lord will bless all who will seek humbly and meekly to understand that which is revealed in the Revelation. This book contains so much that is large with immortality and full of glory that all who read and search it earnestly receive the blessing to those “that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” [Revelation 1:3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 59, 1900

Daniel and Revelation

15LtMs, Ms 59, 1900, par. 23

The books of Daniel and the Revelation are one. One is a prophecy, the other a revelation; one a book sealed, the other a book opened. John heard the mysteries which the thunders uttered, but he was commanded not to write them. The special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a delineation of events which would transpire under the first and second angels’ messages. It was not best for the people to know these things, for their faith must necessarily be tested. In the order of God, most wonderful and advanced truths would be proclaimed. The first and second angels’ messages were to be proclaimed, but no further light was to be revealed before these messages had done their specific work. This is represented by the Angel standing with one foot on the sea, proclaiming with a most solemn oath that time should be no longer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 52, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 52, 1900, par. 1

There is a work to be done for the world, a work that has not been done. The Lord’s warning to His people is: “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. 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.” [Revelation 3:3, 4.]

15LtMs, Ms 52, 1900, par. 3

Is every effort being put forth whereby the professed Christian churches may be reached? A special message is to be given. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” See Revelation 3:6-13. Their eternal interest is involved.

15LtMs, Ms 52, 1900, par. 4

Here is a message which we are commanded to bring before the churches that are living in transgression of the law of God. In every church will be found those who are addressed. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” It is not the common sinner, not the class that makes no profession of piety, who are here addressed. The voice is to be heard by the churches. See Revelation 3:14-16.

15LtMs, Ms 52, 1900, par. 6

Because they have so great satisfaction in their own human endeavors, “because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked; I counsel thee to buy of me gold” (faith and love) “tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Verses 17, 18.]

15LtMs, Ms 52, 1900, par. 8

The third chapter of Revelation is appropriate to the time in which we now live. “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.” [Verses 1, 2.] “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” [Daniel 5:27.] When carnal security, pride, and contempt of God’s holy law and His service are expressed by those who profess to be God’s people, the Lord declares that unless they repent He will punish them. [Revelation 3:3.]

15LtMs, Ms 52, 1900, par. 12

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent.” It is true conversion of the whole man that God requires. “Behold,” He says, “I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am sat down with my Father in his throne.” [Revelation 3:19-21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 68, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 68, 1900, par. 15

The whole gospel from Genesis to Revelation is the means appointed and specified of God through which to reveal His will to the people, and it is to be appreciated, respected, and heeded.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 142, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 142, 1901, par. 2

Will our brethren bear in mind that we are living amid the perils of the last days? Read Revelation in connection with Daniel. Teach these things.—Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers, No. 8, p. 24.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 130, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 130, 1901, par. 50

“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 to the angel of the church in Pergamos write.” “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write.” “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write.” “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write.” Revelation 2, 3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 70, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 70, 1901, par. 9

The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light which streams from the cross of Calvary, and in connection with the wondrous, central truth of the Saviour’s atonement. Those who study the Redeemer’s wonderful sacrifice grow in grace and knowledge.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 232, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 232, 1902, par. 33

Let us give more time to the study of the Bible. We do not understand the Word. In the first few verses of Revelation we are told that we must understand what the revelation of Jesus Christ means; and when we as a people understand what the book of Revelation means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival. We do not now understand fully the lessons taught in this book, notwithstanding the injunction in the first few verses to search and to study it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 155, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 18

In the third chapter we read: “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. 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. 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.” [Verses 1-4.]

17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 39

The wicked will finally perish. We do not desire to perish with them. We desire to live a life that measures with the life of God. We desire to see the King in His beauty. We desire to behold the Lord Jesus when He comes with power and great glory. To this end we desire to overcome in every trial; for Christ declares, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” [Revelation 3:21.]

17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 40

There is a heaven to win and a hell to shun. Men and women should be in earnest in regard to matters of eternal interests. Our work is to lead others to lay hold on the strength of the Mighty One. With His long human arm Christ encircles the fallen race, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. He has opened the way, so that the most sinful may find access to the Father. He declares, “I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” [Verse 8.]

17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 44

To His church Christ bears the consolation: “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 out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” [Revelation 3:4, 5.]

17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 46

“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; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name.” [Revelation 3:7, 8.]

17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 48

“Because thou hast 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. 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.” [Revelation 3:10-12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 166, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 166, 1902, par. 26

Give heed to this message. “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Revelation 3:14-18.]

17LtMs, Ms 166, 1902, par. 27

O what a description! How many there are in this fearful condition. I earnestly entreat every minister to study diligently the third chapter of Revelation; for in it is portrayed the condition of things existing in the last days. Study carefully every verse in this chapter; for through these words Jesus is speaking to you.

17LtMs, Ms 166, 1902, par. 29

There are souls who are striving to keep themselves in the love of God. In the third of Revelation two classes of church members are brought to view. Christ Himself declared to His servant John, “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 shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot our his name out of the book of life; but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 4-6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 224, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 224, 1902, par. 11

I ask men here in this congregation, What are you worshiping? Are you converted? Do you profess to believe the truth of Daniel and Revelation? Have you become nearly insane over your own specious theories? Has the living God taken possession of heart, mind, and soul? Have you been critically examining your own life by the Word of God, and has it had its influence to break you from the idolatry and imagery you have framed to make of none effect the Word of the living God?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 223, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 223, 1902, par. 11

I have been deeply impressed by the Spirit of God that we are to pass through severe trials. Everyone’s faith will be tested. We must study carefully the old waymarks. These experiences in the past are to be revived. Daniel is to stand out conspicuously with the Revelation given to John on the Isle of Patmos.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 170, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 170, 1902, par. 16

We need to study Revelation in connection with Daniel. Both of these books are to be carefully and prayerfully studied, and as we study them, we are to pray that their importance may be impressed on our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 3, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 3, 1902, par. 22

All church members are on trial. All who dishonor the name of God will have no place in His kingdom. Let all, for their own soul’s sake, obtain guiding light from the experience of the past. The great Head who moves in the midst of the candlesticks will never be without a church. Faithful and true witnesses to His name and His glory will stand unflinchingly when the test comes. If some fail to testify to the Word, their candle will be put out. It will be demonstrated who are the faithless ones, and those who are faithful will take the places of those who refuse to shine. Some will refuse to shine for Christ and His glory, but others will shine. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” [Revelation 2:5.] Revelation 3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 231, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 231, 1902, par. 41

Publications; I have seen that one should be on Daniel and Revelation, published right together, making scarcely any remarks or explanations, or but very few. That has been shown me for years. And they should be sold to those whom you can sell them to, and give them away to those whom you cannot sell them to.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 165, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 165, 1902, par. 20

We do not dwell sufficiently upon the Revelation and the book of Daniel. These books should be published together in pamphlet form, with a few explanations added, and they should be circulated everywhere. The words of inspiration will do their appointed work; for the Holy Spirit will impress hearts in regard to the prophecies given. In this pamphlet it should be made plain that a revelation is not a mystery which cannot be understood, but rather a mystery revealed. These two books may be prepared for publication in a pamphlet bound inexpensively, costing but a trifle, and small enough to be carried in the pocket. Printed together, the books of Daniel and the Revelation will speak to the people and tell their own story.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 184, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 184, 1903, par. 10

I am again given a message to the many collected at Battle Creek, to go out as missionaries for God and take up your appointed work. If those who have been in Battle Creek have been learning from the Word of God, they can go forth as God’s witnesses take the Word just as it reads and bring it to the people who are accepting the pattern the archdeceiver is presenting to deceive, if possible, the very elect. Shall any influence hold men in Battle Creek? Shall God’s witnesses, men and women, be held there, and let Satan with his sophistries have possession of unworked fields? Read the first and second and third chapters of Revelation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 154, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 154, 1903, par. 6

The Lord Jesus regarded it as important to call special attention to the value of a study of the last book in the Bible. The Revelation is not something so mystical that we cannot understand it and impart to students a knowledge of its teachings.

18LtMs, Ms 154, 1903, par. 8

There is significance in the fact that Christ deemed it of importance to come to John and to repeat over and over again, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22.] All our churches are in need of a reformation. They are in need of present truth, not of suppositions and vagaries. Many things contrary to the truth will come in. Among us are those who will express spiritualistic ideas that have no scriptural foundation—ideas that men and women should never express and advocate.

18LtMs, Ms 154, 1903, par. 29

In the future we must meet stern realities—trials that will test our loyalty to God and His truth. The beautiful theories that are being presented by some will not help us in the hour of trial and difficulty. We are to study the truths of the three angels’ messages and to believe in and worship a God who is able to carry us through the time of trouble. God desires [us] to act like men and women who have the truth. The first, second, and third angels’ messages are presented in the last book of the Bible—in Revelation. This book is not a mystery; it is a message to the churches, easily understood by those who have willing ears to hear the instruction that Christ came to deliver to us through His servant John.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 1, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 1, 1903, par. 4

The books of Daniel and the Revelation should be bound together and published. A few explanations of certain portions might be added, but I am not sure that these would be needed.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 31, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 31, 1903, par. 6

In the messages to the churches, given in the first,second, and third chapters of Revelation, is given the history of Satan’s effort to bring dissension into the church. I know something in regard to these difficulties, which must be met today. The members of the church in Ephesus, the message to which is given in verses one to five of the second chapter, possessed excellent qualifications, and these are mentioned by the true Witness. But Satan through his subtlety succeeded in destroying much of the good that had been accomplished. Christ was therefore compelled to say to them: “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.]

18LtMs, Lt 31, 1903, par. 7

The message to the church in Sardis is full of instruction for us: “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. 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. 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 out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” [Revelation 3:1-5.]

18LtMs, Lt 31, 1903, par. 8

The explanation of the condition existing in the churches today is given more fully in the message to the Laodicean church: “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold not hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” [Verses 14-19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 210, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 210, 1903, par. 1

The closing scenes of this earth’s history are near at hand. The unfulfilled predictions of the book of Revelation are soon to be fulfilled. This prophecy is now to be studied with diligence by the people of God and should be clearly understood. It does not conceal the truth; it clearly forewarns, telling us what will be in the future.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 263, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 263, 1903, par. 27

A sad and alarming chapter in our experience has for years been opening before us, and much of its record needs to be blotted out with the blood of redeeming love. There are some who are betraying the truth and betraying their Saviour. Let them dismiss from their minds the theories of the great deceiver. Let them humble their hearts before God. Let them fix their minds on the science of truth contained in His Word. In the books of Daniel and the Revelation they will find truths to understand which will tax the mind to the utmost.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 141, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 141, 1903, par. 1

We are nearing the closing scenes of this earth’s history, when the predictions of Revelation, yet unfilled, are to be fulfilled. The book of Revelation is now to be studied and understood by the people of God. It does not conceal, but forewarns, telling us what will be in the future.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 114, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 25

In the third chapter of Revelation we find our duty plainly marked out: “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.” [Verse 1.]

18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 27

“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 2, 3.] There can be no genuine repentance without sincere prayer. At your daily work, at your place of business, wherever you are, pray for the keeping power of God, and He will keep you from falling.

18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 28

“If therefore thou wilt not watch, I will come upon thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” [Verse 3.]

18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 29

“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 out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” [Verses 4, 5.]

18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 31

“He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 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. I know thy works: behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name.” [Verses 6-8.]

18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 33

“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.” [Verse 9.]

18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 34

“Because thou hast 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.” [Verse 10.]

18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 36

“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” [Revelation 3:11.] Crowns are being prepared for us, but unless we strive, we shall not receive them. Let us seek to win the crowns of everlasting life.

18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 37

“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.” [Verse 12.] This does not mean that we shall be stationary as a pillar. But we shall bear responsibilities.

18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 39

“Take My yoke,” said Christ, “and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.] The rest that Christ gives brings the peace that passes all understanding. This peace we may have in our hearts by complying with Christ’s conditions for finding rest. “I will write upon him My new name.” [Revelation 3:12.] We may not now fully understand what some of these things mean. Let us leave with the Lord that which He has not revealed. When we see the King in His beauty, we shall understand many things that now we do not understand.

18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 40

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verse 13.]

18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 41

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.” [Verses 14-16.]

18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 44

“Because thou sayest, I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked; I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” [Verses 17-21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 170, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 170, 1903, par. 3

As we came into Los Angeles, I remembered One speaking words that were in Revelation. A great solemnity was upon that night, yet I had peace of mind, that now the warning was to come to the people.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 211, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 211, 1903, par. 11

Our Instructor passed on to the third chapter of Revelation and read the following:

18LtMs, Lt 211, 1903, par. 12

“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. 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.” [Verses 1-3.]

18LtMs, Lt 211, 1903, par. 16

“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: I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast 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. 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, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God; and I will write upon him My new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 4-13.]

18LtMs, Lt 211, 1903, par. 23

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 14-22.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 118, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 118, 1903, par. 15

In the third of Revelation is brought to view a most earnest work that must be done: “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. 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.” [Verses 1-3.]

18LtMs, Ms 118, 1903, par. 17

The divine Teacher continues: “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 out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” Then follow the impressive words, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 4-6.]

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.]

18LtMs, Ms 118, 1903, par. 19

The Messenger of heaven gives this warning. It comes not from human lips, but from the lips of One who cannot be “inspired” by human influence. The whole of the third chapter of Revelation was penned by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. Let us “hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verse 6.]

18LtMs, Ms 118, 1903, par. 20

“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; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name. 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 hast 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. 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 7-13.]

18LtMs, Ms 118, 1903, par. 22

“Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would that thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.” [Verses 14-16.] This is a most appropriate representation of the state of those who have once known and loved the truth. “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Verses 17, 18.]

18LtMs, Ms 118, 1903, par. 23

In this Scripture is portrayed a church fully satisfied with its spiritual condition, but under a terrible deception. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” [Verse 19.] These are not words concerning which some human being can say, “Somebody has told the human agent.” It is the Lord, the true Witness, who is speaking, and He will vindicate His Word to the letter. Shall we not unitedly engage in the work of searching our hearts diligently for the prevarications and subterfuges and other evils that God hates? Let us make most careful search; for it is a terrible thing for the very ones whom God has loved and co-operated with, to be rejected as offensive to Him.

18LtMs, Ms 118, 1903, par. 24

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” Again is given the admonition: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 20-22.] In the very last days of this earth’s history a revelation is given to the church. God will not leave any one without an opportunity to hear, if he will, “what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

18LtMs, Ms 118, 1903, par. 26

Again I call attention to the words: “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 hast 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. 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 from heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 9-13.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1

The Background Of Volume One

1T 6.5

In the latter part of 1856 attention was called to the “Laodicean” message of Revelation 3. Formerly this counsel was understood to apply to the Advent believers who had not followed in the advancing light of the third angel and who had organized themselves into another church, bitterly opposing the Sabbath truth. Now they saw themselves as “lukewarm” and in need of heeding the counsel of the true witness. For two years or more the believers were mightilystirred by this message, expecting that it would lead them directly into the loud cry of the third angel. The earnest messages in the Testimonies relating to this movement can better be understood with a knowledge of this background.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 176, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 176, 1896, par. 2

I have had to meet many things that required pen labor and voice labor to repress and counteract. Brother John Bell is having a large burden to get out that which he considers very precious matter upon Daniel and Revelation. It is a mixture of truth and error, supposition, and a mass of Scripture misapplied and misinterpreted. And yet he has the greatest assurance that he has great light. But as he had no knowledge of the experience through which we passed in the proclamation of the first and second angels’ messages, he cannot understand that his theories uproot the past leadings of God. This I am now seeking to present to him. For two nights in succession I was awake—one night at half past two o’clock a.m.; the next night at half past one o’clock a.m.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 186, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 186, 1903, par. 10

In the third of Revelation is brought to view a most earnest work that must be done: “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 known the truth), 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.” [Verses 1-3.]

18LtMs, Lt 186, 1903, par. 13

“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 out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” Then follow the impressive words, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 4-6.]

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.]

18LtMs, Lt 186, 1903, par. 15

The Messenger of heaven gives this warning. It comes not from human lips, but from the lips of One who cannot be “inspired” by any human influence. The whole of the third chapter of Revelation is penned by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. Let us “hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verse 6.]

18LtMs, Lt 186, 1903, par. 16

“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; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name. 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 hast 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. 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 7-13.]

18LtMs, Lt 186, 1903, par. 18

“Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.” [Verses 14-16.] This is a most appropriate representation of the state of those who have once known and loved the truth. “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Verses 17, 18.]

18LtMs, Lt 186, 1903, par. 19

In this Scripture is portrayed the entire history of a church fully satisfied with its spiritual condition, but under a terrible deception. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” [Verse 19.] These are not words concerning which some human being can say, “Somebody has informed the human agent.” The Lord, the true Witness, speaks, and He will vindicate His word to the letter. Shall we not unitedly engage in the work of searching diligently for the prevarications and subterfuges and other evil works that God hates? Let us make most careful search; for it is a terrible thing for the very ones whom the Lord has loved and co-operated with, to be spued out of His mouth.

18LtMs, Lt 186, 1903, par. 20

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” Again is given the admonition: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 20-22.] In the very last days of this earth’s history a revelation is given to the church. God will not leave any one without an opportunity to hear, if he will, “what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

18LtMs, Lt 186, 1903, par. 22

Again I call attention to the words: “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 hast 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. 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 from heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 9-13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 131, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 131, 1903, par. 11

As I read the book of Revelation, I wonder that many more do not study the wonderful instruction given to John on the Isle of Patmos. Notice the description given of Christ in the first chapter. The apostle says:

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 159, 1904

Omaha, Nebraska

September 11, 1904

Previously unpublished.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 1

Revelation 1:1-3. “Blessed is he that readeth.” Now consider this, whether you shall close the Revelation up and call it a sealed book, when it is just as it means, a revelation to those that are upon earth today.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 2

Verses 3-8. You notice who it is that wails. It is the kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 3

Verses 8, 9. He had that testimony to bear in regard to the true Word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, He whom wicked hands had taken and crucified. He kept repeating before the people the Bible, and the joy and peace of Christ. Now they wanted very much to stop that testimony and they tried to take his life will they did not dare to try again, and they thought they would take him away to that island and let him wear away his life among the rocks and the desolation there. He says, “for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” That is why he was there.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 4

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day.” [Verse 10.] What is that? The Sabbath of the Lord, which was given in Eden. The Sabbath of the Lord, which our God created. It is not the first day. This is the first day of the week, but it was the last day of the week that our Lord gave for the Sabbath. He had created the world in six days, and He rested on the seventh day, and then He gave His blessing to the seventh day. He rested on that day, and was refreshed, and He blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 5

Verses 10-19. You want to know all about it, that you may know how to escape the perils of the last days which are upon us; that you may know where your dependence is; that you may make no gods before you of men, but that you shall worship the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your mind, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and your neighbor as yourself. Upon these two commandments, love to God and love to man, hang all the law and the prophets. Now we want to all understand that we hang upon these two great principles, love to God and love to man.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 6

Verse 20. The seven churches, bear that in mind. There are angels appointed over every church that claims to believe in the truth of Jesus Christ being the only begotten Son of God.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 7

Verse 20 continued. That is, they are to give light. The churches are not to be in darkness in regard to the Word of God and His commandments. The churches are to reflect light upon the world.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 8

Chapter 2:1-3. You see that is a splendid declaration. What can there be against that church? Verses 4, 5. Now what is the matter? The love which characterized the life of Jesus Christ they have let drop out of their life. They could be just, and have patience, and all this, but they have left that love of Christ which should characterize their life practice. They had dropped it out of their faith, and what then? When that love was lost—how is it when you lose the love of God out of the heart, how is it with you? Why, there is a defection everywhere. It is the love of Christ that is to be brought right into the life, right into the family. It is to work constantly for every soul that is in darkness, that you can reflect light. If you get careless about those that are defective and do not understand their position, and do not care about their position, you have lost your first love, the first love that is expressed toward Christ is to be expressed toward His followers.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 9

He says to those that are represented as coming up before Him—one class on the right hand, and one on the left—He tells them, I was sick and in prison, and ye came not unto Me. And then He tells them that He was hungry, and they fed Him not, and then He goes on and tells the class of work they had not done. Now we want to know of any of us are in that position: In prison, they say, and they came not unto Him? Why, when saw we Thee thus? He says, Inasmuch as ye have not done it unto one of these, my brethren, ye have not done it unto Me.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 10

Then again He says to those that are on the right hand, I was hungry and ye fed Me, thirsty and ye gave Me drink, sick and in prison and ye came unto Me. Then they ask, When saw we Thee thus, Lord? He answers, Inasmuch as ye have done these merciful things to any that you saw in these positions you have done it unto Me. [Matthew 25:34-40.]

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 11

Now, there is a blessing that we shall have in laboring for souls as they that must give an account. Every one of us is responsible for some gift which God has given us. To every man He has given his work. Therefore we have a work to do for the Master, and He has His eye upon us.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 12

Here are the angels waiting to minister His grace to the churches, if they will, every one, have an open heart to receive His grace. But if they are all buried up in the world, they cannot stop to pray in their family and they cannot stop to become acquainted with their sons and their daughters. They want to make money so much, and they want to figure all the fields they have a harvesting, and all this. But do they know that the prayers offered to Jesus Christ and to the Father in His name, do they know that the angels are present to give them the Spirit that they shall want in doing all this work? Can you be surprised that they make mistakes, that they lose much because they do not take with a firm hand right hold of the hand of Christ, and be led and taught and guided by Him in whatever business they are engaged?

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 13

If you are in a business where you must sacrifice the truth, in order, as you suppose, to make a success of that business, you make one of the greatest mistakes in your life. You cannot afford any such doing as that.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 14

Now the warning comes that they are making a wonderful mistake in losing their first love. They love one another because they loved Christ. They love the great Teacher, and they loved every one who believed in Him. Well, they did not carry out that principle, to watch for souls as they that must give an account. If one man is neglectful in his duty, he teaches another to be neglectful too. If one man is steadfast in his family—“Here are my children, here are those to whom God has given me the care. I must bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. I must let no opportunity pass that I shall not give them the light, and that I shall not teach them how to pray and how to love God, and how to love one another, and how to be true and honest and kind and faithful”—he teaches another to be steadfast, too.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 15

Now I see that the children are looking at me very interestedly, some of them, and I want to tell you that is just what the Lord wants children to learn of their parents. God has given them their responsibilities. Every one of you, children, is to look to your parents to be educated, and God forbid that they should disappoint the Lord in giving the wrong mold to the character, of indulgence, because you children desire to have your own way. Now, obey your parents, children, and they will do faithfully by you. They do not want to cross your track, but they want you to walk in the right path, just as God wants His family that is here before me, the whole of them, to walk after His counsel, because that counsel will always lead them in the very track that leads them to the kingdom of glory.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 16

Your parents, if they love and serve God, will lead their children in the pathway of obedience. If children disobey their parents, they will not be brought under the control of their teachers in the educational line. They will not be brought under the control of their teachers in the ministerial work, and therefore they are left to drift. You cannot afford it, parents.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 17

You want to take your appointed work, and do it diligently. Every father, every mother, is responsible to God to let the light shine in the home, in the family, and to represent the teachings of Jesus Christ as full of light and blessing, and His restraining influence is to keep them from Satan’s power, so they will not yield to the temptations of the devil.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 18

The Lord wants to do a great work with all the parents that are here, so that this great camp meeting shall not be in vain unto you. He wants your heart to be brought where all the rubbish that has been placed before your heart is gone, so that when you hear the knock of Christ, in impressions to your duty in the Word which He gives you, you can throw the door wide open and say, Abide with me, and you will recognize the power of the grace of Christ that will carry you through your difficulties in the home.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 19

But you want a home of prayer. You want a home that is characterized by the sweetness of the grace of God. You want not an impatient word to escape your lips. You want to hold your mouth together and say, I will not say one word that shall irritate the mind of wife or children. You are accounted of God to be priests, as fathers, of the family, and you are accounted of Him to preserve the love of Christ in your heart and in your mind, to train your children that they will not touch tobacco, that they will not touch liquor, that they will not have anything to do with the sinful practices which are lessening the brain nerve strength and the brain power and the physical strength, so that the body and the mind and the soul is under the control of the power of darkness. He wants you to educate as priests.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 20

You are the house-band of the family. Bind them together. Bind them to your heart and bind your heart to them, and bring up these children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. If they offend, take the work of Scripture, and sit right down and show them the consequence of it. Take it even if your wheat is neglected and your corn is neglected, or even if some mercantile enterprise is neglected. You cannot afford to lose you own souls that you shall come up to the gate of the city of God with your children, and you cannot get in, there is no room there. God forbid it should be thus. The Lord is in earnest with us.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 21

Now here the candlestick is be removed out of its place unless they repent.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 22

Revelation 3:1. Sardis was considered a very godless place. How many here are in that position? How many are not drinking of the living waters and eating of the bread of life every day, and fitting for translation to that world so that their life will measure with the life of God?

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 23

Verse 2. “... ready to die.” Fathers, that is your work. Mothers, what are the mothers? To be treated as queen in the home, to be treated as one that is to be respected before all your children old or young. What is she? The teacher, from their very babyhood to teach the children to respect the mother and to help her bear the burdens and the responsibilities that shall come upon the mother, that she shall not be laid in the grave prematurely and the children left orphans.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 24

The very work you are to do is to begin in your home, and then carry your children to the church of God, and respect there the authority, and you will find that your peace will be as a river. The righteousness of Christ will be represented.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 25

Verse 3. “and repent.” Do not give up the things that you have received and heard because they condemn your course of action. Hold fast, and respect the light that God has given you.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 26

Remainder of Verse 3. Do you know how many accidents you read about? Men are plunged right into death without a moment’s warning, and we know not what may happen to us unless the power of God protects us from these things.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 27

“Thou hast a few names, even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments.” Thank God that there are a few names even in Sardis, “and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.” [Verse 4.] They were not defiled with the unbelief; they were not defiled with whatever corruption was around them, “and they shall walk with Me in white.” They have not defiled their garments. We will strive for that more than we have ever done before.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 28

Verse 5. “He that overcometh.” Now there is a work of overcoming evil, and this comes to us today in the strongest power, and we are to take note of this. Verse 5.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 29

O, that is a splendid position to be in, and we want—from the light God has given me—we want to take a higher standard than we have yet taken. You have got to realize the responsibility that rests upon you, that you must exercise toward your God, that you are to repent of evil, that you are to place yourself in right relation to God, that the truth of heavenly origin shall sanctify the entire man.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 30

Christ left the royal courts. He came to our world, that He might stand at the head of humanity, and in giving His life, this world that was divorced from God was drawn back into favor with God, because the righteousness of Christ bridged the gulf; and therefore we are bought with a price, and what a price! Shall we neglect such a salvation? Is not heaven worth anything to us? God grant that there may be a turning unto the Lord with heart and mind and soul. You cannot love Him too much. You cannot serve Him too devotedly. You will find that if you let your light shine, how? He says, Let your light shine to those that are around you, that by beholding your good works, they will glorify your Father which is in heaven.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 31

One scheming man who professes to be a Christian, O he will do so much harm! He will plant so many tares, he will bring on the foundation hay and wood and stubble and all that stuff, and all this is blocking the way to his own salvation, and all this is block the way to his family’s salvation. You cannot afford it.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 32

What is heaven? It is eternal life to us. And then I ask you to cleanse yourself from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. This is your work, whatsoever others may say of you. Whatever you may lose by the trickery of others, do not go into the same business yourself. You know how it feels to be robbed of anything; do not commit robbery yourselves. What you want is to represent the character of a faultless life that Christ came to this earth to show you in humanity what humanity can be. He was tempted of the devil in all points as you are, and yet there He stood unsullying in His dignity, not yielding one point, to teach you what humanity can be and what it should be.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 33

You want to preserve your mind. You do not want to take tobacco into your lips. You do not want to drink liquor. We have enough of it, and from the light God has given me, nine-tenths of the accidents that happen with loss of life are because of the liquor saloons, and it is because men will patronize them. God wants us, as Seventh-day Adventists, to take our position upon health reform, and to keep the brain power in a clear, healthful, strengthened position, to discern righteousness from unrighteousness, and to discern evil, so that we shall not come in the path of the destroyer. Now Christ looks upon such, and the whole heavenly host He has given to work for you.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 34

Angels of God are ascending and descending the ladder of shining brightness. And what is it for? It is to minister unto you who shall be heirs of salvation if you will accept the ministry. But if you go into your house and have a storming around in the house as a professed Christian, you are a servant of the devil, and the devil is working right through you. Now stop and consider that there is something for you to overcome, and God will give you strength and power from on high, and you will gain the victory. What you want is a pleasant, temperate household. What you want is a heart that can give thanksgiving and praise to God every day.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 35

How much praise do you give to the heavenly Father for His keeping power? How much praise do you give that He waters the earth, and causes the soil to produce its treasure and the trees of the field their fruit? I ask you, What do you give to God? When you harvest the fruit, do you say, “Praise the Lord”? “Children, let us bow right down here and praise God for the blessing that He has given us in fruits and grains.”

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 36

Can you wonder that with a family so ungrateful He brings them to reflection by giving them dearth and poverty? Can you wonder when the children of Israel were so unmindful of all that God was doing for them? Who was He? The Christ of God. He was in the cloud, giving directions, leading the children of Israel, and when they should stop, the cloud descended to show them where the tent should be, watching over them all the way through. When they should come up and go on their journey, the cloud lifted and every tent was in motion to continue their travels. But lo, there was a bitten company. He let the serpents loose; He did not restrain them. Then they began to call on Moses to pray that the plague might be staid.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 37

A serpent was lifted upon a pole, and there it was lifted before them. Christ uses is as a figure, that as the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness, so Christ was to be lifted up.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 38

God is not pleased with such ingratitude as you give Him. He wants you to praise Him. Why can you not be polite to God? You are polite, and teach politeness, to one another, why can you not give thanksgiving to God for His mercies and blessings? Why can you not manifest a character that you appreciate the great favors that God gives you?

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 39

If you do these things you may be sure that the Lord will take notice of them, and will let His blessing rest upon you. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth God. Do you not think it would be well in our households and in our fields to make it a business to send our praise to God, that He shall be glorified, and let Him know that His big family upon earth acknowledges His goodness, acknowledges what He has done for them?

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 40

What we want is to take up our neglected duties, and my message is: to go to work on this point. Now this is the work that has been neglected.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 41

Verse 5. Do you not all want your name confessed?

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 42

Verses 6, 7. “no man shutteth.” Consider that. There is not a man upon earth that can shut the door between you and your God. There is an open entrance that you can have if you will, if you will send your petition within the open door.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 43

“And shutteth, and no man openeth.” [Verse 7.] When that door is shut, when mercy’s sweet voice shall no more he heard in invitations, all the sympathy of the world and friends can never open that door, but it is open today, and we want to open the heart to the rich grace of God.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 44

Verse 8. O, the name of Christ is going to be denied in a much bolder manner that it is today. The name of Christ, here He is our only hope. It is His name that gives us access to the Father.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 45

Verses 9, 10. The hour of temptation is coming upon the world in a far stronger light, but the judgments of God are also coming upon the world. And we shall find that soon there shall be a time of trouble as never was since there was a nation, for thus saith the God of Israel.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 46

Verse 11. For half a century God has been giving light to His people through His Word just where they were standing in prophecy. We will have the sophistry of the last days to meet. We shall have masters of sophistry, and we shall have them come in to do away with the light and the grace and power of God. But we want to say, You can be an overcomer because Christ loves us. They need not overcome you, but you that have had the truth be sure that you hold fast the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 47

Don’t let loose a single peg, and don’t try to move a single pillar, because God has established it, and He wants every soul to be steadfast in the faith that He has given to you. “Many shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” [1 Timothy 4:1.] But you are to stand holding the beginning of your confidence. Don’t let it go. You know God was with you there. You know you were helped there, and don’t let loose the truth of God that comes from any man’s lips that will try to sway you off from the real foundation of what is truth. It is true today just as much as when you were baptized with the Holy Spirit.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 48

You went down into the water, and you claimed to be dead unto the world. And then the three great powers, the Holy Spirit, the Father, and the Son, were the names that you were baptized in, and when in trial and when in perplexity you come right to these, and say, My Father, I plead with Thee for Thy Holy Spirit, that when You gave these to our world, You gave all heaven to the world in the three great powers that were in the heavenly courts. Now this is the plea that you are to make with God.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 49

You are to take your position on the Lord’s side, as His property, as His blood-bought heritage, and God forbid that you should crucify the Son of God afresh and put Him to an open shame by denying your faith. You cannot afford it.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 50

[Revelation 3] Verses 12 to 16. If they were cold there was some hope of reaching them. But when they were neither cold nor hot, though professing to be a child of God, but they were not influenced by His Spirit, the warm love of God was not in their hearts; they were insensible to His mercy and to His kindness and to His love.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 51

God wants this people to be converted, to come right to His feet, and He wants you there to humble your souls before Him, to confess and forsake your sins, and then you will become warm; you will let alone all things that are offensive in His sight.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 52

Verse 16. What does that mean? He takes our names right into His lips, and He tells His Father, Here are My hands; they are written, graven upon the palms of My hands, and He gives our names to the Father, and we must be kept from Satan’s snares. Angels of God are sent to keep us from falling. But He cannot take a lukewarm person in His mouth. They have no religion. They do not show it at home or in the church or in their gifts and offerings. Their selfishness is such that Christ cannot endure them—the world perishing in sin, and they, as it were, satisfied and asleep.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 53

Verse 17. Now this position He presents to us as a most offensive thing in the church; and you will find, when some of them are in heaven, that some of them are ministers; and when the work is to be finished in certain lands, you will find that persons have their feet on the brake, and they will hold the gospel carriage from rolling because there is a little expense involved. What you want is to be wide-awake. You want to have your camp meetings where there are unbelievers, and where they can have the knowledge of what we are. We are not afraid if we live for Christ. Christ will bear witness of us in impressing the minds of unbelievers.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 54

Verse 18. (It is the gold of Christ’s character)—verse 21. Now you see Christ overcame, and we must overcome through the merits of Jesus Christ.

19LtMs, Ms 159, 1904, par. 55

Verse 22. Now I have the following, on the close of this history, in another discourse, and I will leave you now with the exhortations that I have given. Study that chapter, and these things that John saw and was told to write in a book and send to the churches. And every church in every place who reads these things, to see what it means if they will be faithful, shall have Jesus Christ to blot out their sins and their transgressions if they will stay faithful and true and righteous till He shall come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory to take His faithful children unto Himself.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 57, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, par. 4

There is need of a much closer study of the Word of God; especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before in the history of our work. We may have less to say in some lines, in regard to the Roman power and the papacy, but we should call attention to what the prophets and apostles have written under the inspiration of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit has so shaped matters, both in the giving of the prophecy and in the events portrayed, as to teach that the human agent is to be kept out of sight, hid in Christ, and the Lord God of heaven and His law are to be exalted.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 87, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, par. 2

All who are preparing to meet the Lord at His coming should make the book of Revelation the subject of their earnest study and prayer. This book is just what its name signifies—a revelation of the important events that are to take place in the last days of this earth’s history. John because of his faithful trust in the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, was banished to the isle of Patmos. But his banishment did not separate him from Jesus Christ. The Lord knows all about His faithful servants, who for His sake are lying in prisons and dungeons, or who are banished to lonely islands; and He comforts them in their affliction. Christ visited John in his exile and opened to him the closing scenes of this world’s history.

11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, par. 8

The book of Revelation must be opened to the people. Many have been taught that it is a sealed book; but it is sealed only to those who reject light and truth. The truth it contains must be proclaimed, that people may have an opportunity to prepare for the events which are so soon to transpire. The third angel’s message must be presented as the only hope for the salvation of a perishing world.

11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, par. 13

The perils of the last days are upon us, and in our work we are to warn people of the danger they are in. Let not the solemn scenes which prophecy has revealed, be left untouched. If our people were half awake, if they realized the nearness of the events portrayed by John, such a reformation would be made in our churches, that many more would believe our message. We are God’s messengers, and we have not time to lose, for He calls upon us to watch for souls as they that must give account. Advance new principles, and crowd in the clear-cut truth. It will be as a sword working both ways. But do not be too ready to take a controversial attitude. There will be times when we must stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Present the truth as it is in Jesus. Let Daniel speak, let Revelation speak, and tell what is truth. But whatever phase of the subject is presented, uplift Jesus as the center of all hope, “the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” [Revelation 22:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 29, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, par. 17

Will our brethren bear in mind that we are living amid the perils of the last days? Read Revelation in connection with Daniel. Teach these things. Let discourses be short, spiritual, elevated. Let the preacher be full of the Word of the Lord. Let every man who enters the pulpit know that he has angels from heaven in his audience. And when these angels empty from themselves the golden oil of truth into the heart of him who is teaching the Word, then the application of the truth will be a solemn, serious matter. The angel messengers will expel sin from the heart, unless the door of the heart is padlocked and Christ is refused admission. Christ will withdraw Himself from those who persist in refusing the heavenly blessings that are so freely offered them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 113, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, par. 10

Sunday, October 25, I spoke in the newly built chapel in North Fitzroy, from Revelation, chapters 1, 2, 3. The Lord gave me His Holy Spirit in appealing to the people. I showed them the solemn importance of their becoming, not only Bible readers, but doers of the Word. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are written therein; for the time is at hand.” “Behold, he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him; they also which pierced him and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.” [Revelation 1:3, 7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 112, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 112, 1904, par. 1

A most trying time is before us; and until the close of this earth’s history, the perils thickening around us will continue to increase. And still, notwithstanding the importance of the present hour, Seventh-day Adventists are as the church spoken of [in] the last part of the third chapter of Revelation. The whole of this chapter is a lesson of warning to us, to which we shall do well to take heed; for the time is at hand.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 386, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 386, 1904, par. 1

I have this morning spoken in the church to a large audience from the first, second, and third chapters of Revelation. I had a message for the people and it was an earnest warning to prepare to meet their Lord in the clouds of heaven, for He cometh with power and great glory. I tried to present before them the indifference of many in reference to the signs foretold by Christ, giving the evidence that the end of the world is right upon us. Were it not possible for us to advance and receive the grace of God so that its effects upon us would be saving day by day, and the blessing of God bestowed be our strength, the apostle would not speak so decidedly and say, “We then, as workers together with Him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” 2 Corinthians 6:1. “The grace of God” is the price of watchfulness, and prayer in faith brings to every soul the blessing, rich and precious, through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

19LtMs, Lt 386, 1904, par. 5

The second tent was miles from the first tent. I felt so weak and feared some when the time came. We found the tent full of interested hearers. I was indeed weak. My limbs seemed unable to sustain me, and I thought I would present some easy subject of experience, simple truth. But I was on a wrong track and had to take up the first three chapters of Revelation, and here I was greatly blessed. I felt strength come into every nerve, and my message was clear and solemn and impressive. Not only did the blessing come upon me, but upon the ministers who were engaged in this tent effort, and the whole congregation seemed to recognize the power of God upon me. From that time I have been gaining.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 116, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 16

I am charged with a message of appeal to our churches, that they make no delay in seeking to obtain a practical education in doing the will of our heavenly Father to save souls that are ready to perish. The solemn messages of Revelation two and three should arouse our churches to realize their solemn obligation, then put forth personal efforts in the work of Christ.

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.