EGW WritingsRevelation 7
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 3
Read Revelation 7 in the BibleRevelation 7:1-2
Revelation 7:1-3
Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Preparation for the Crisis
2TT 324.2
Especially should we, with unwavering faith, seek God for grace and power to be given to His people now. We do not believe that the time has fully come when He would have our liberties restricted. The prophet saw “four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.” Another angel, ascending from the east, cried to them, saying: “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” Revelation 7:1, 3. This points out the work we have now to do. A vast responsibility is devolving upon men and women of prayer throughout the land to petition that God will sweep back the cloud of evil and give a few more years of grace in which to work for the Master. Let us cry to God that the angels may hold the four winds until missionaries shall be sent to all parts of the world and shall proclaim the warning against disobeying the law of Jehovah.Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1403—Calamities and the Great Controversy
19MR 279.1
John the Revelator represents the forces of the earth as four winds, which are held in check by angels delegated to do this work. He declares: “I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads” [Revelation 7:1-3].The Review and Herald
December 18, 1888
RH December 18, 1888, Art. A, par. 15
Revelation 7:1, says: “And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.” It seems that the breaking loose of the four winds is about to take place. Verses 2, 3: “And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God; and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.”The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Ms 2, 1852
The latter rain13
See: EGWEnc, s.v. “Latter Rain.”
The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Ms 1, 1852
When the four angels let go,8
For early interpretations of the four angels of Revelation 7:1-3 see notes on Ms 1, 1848 (Nov. 18, 19); EGWEnc, s.v. “Seal of God.”
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 38, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 38, 1886, par. 2
As we journeyed from Geneva to Basel, we passed through large and small cities; and my meditations were, How are these people in these large cities to be warned? In the vision of John, four mighty angels were shown him as holding the four winds, that they should not blow upon the earth until God’s servants are sealed in their foreheads. [Revelation 7:1-3.] When this work is done, then the ministers of vengeance are called and commanded to pour upon the earth tempests, thunders, pestilences, calamities. Now then is the time to work when Jesus is interceding in the heavenly sanctuary. Now is our opportunity and privilege to be co-workers with God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 153, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 153, 1902, par. 1
John the Revelator represents the forces of the earth as four winds, which are held in check by angels delegated to do this work. He declares: “I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the earth, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” [Revelation 7:1-3.]Revelation 7:1-17
Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]
MR No. 1165—Heaven’s Judgments on the Wicked; God’s People Sealed
15MR 220.2
But there are mercies mixed with judgment. Revelation 7:3, 4. The Lord has a people whom He will preserve. John beheld the “four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree” (Revelation 7:1, 3) till the seal of the living God shall be placed upon those who love God and keep His commandments. The elements of nature are to be placed in the power of angels of God. He holdeth the winds in His fists; He gathereth the waters in the hollow of His hand; He maketh the clouds His chariot; “The Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King forever” (Proverbs 30:4; Isaiah 40:12; Psalm 104:3; 29:10).15MR 221.2
And what a representation is given in Revelation 7 for our consideration and comfort and encouragement! The four angels are commissioned to do a work upon the earth. But One who purchased the world by giving Himself for its ransom has a chosen few. Who? Those who are keeping all of the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.15MR 221.3
John’s attention was called to another scene: “And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God” (Revelation 7:2). Who is this? The Angel of the covenant. He comes from the sunrising. He is the Dayspring from on high. He is the Light of the world. “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). This is the One Isaiah describes: “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). He cried, as One who had superiority over the hosts of angels in heaven “to whom it was given to hurt the earth, and the sea, saying, “hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads” (Revelation 7:2, 3).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 12, 1864
1LtMs, Lt 12, 1864, par. 8
Please read (Proverbs 20, verse 6) and onward. Read Revelation chapter 7.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 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 32a, 1880
3LtMs, Lt 32a, 1880, par. 3
Last night, weak and trembling, I took the stand, but O, what a solemn sense of the condition of the people and their unprepared state for the judgment (Revelation 7, commencing with verse nine, to the close of the chapter)! I here brought in genuine sanctification and the spurious article which is so common.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 47, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 47, 1886, par. 13
The counsels are of God, and His Word was not given in a few days on a high-pressure plan. It took a long space of time to bring out the Bible history. Under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, a chapter was written, a psalm was composed, a proverb penned, a vision from God recorded, and so down through the ages the will and purposes of God were brought out. About fifteen hundred years were occupied from the time Moses began to write the book of Genesis down to the completion of the Revelation by the beloved John. God would not have us so excitable, in such a hurry; and yet there are some who need to be taught diligence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 47a, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 47a, 1886, par. 14
The Lord would not have us be so excitable, in such a hurry. The counsels of God in His Word were not given in a few days, on the high-pressure plan. It took a long period of time to bring out the Bible history. Under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, a chapter was written, a psalm composed, a proverb penned, a vision recorded, and so down through the ages the will and purposes of God were brought out. About fifteen hundred years passed from the time Moses began to write the book of Genesis, down to the completion of the Revelation by the beloved John.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 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 20, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 20, 1895, par. 12
Are we followers of Christ? Have we taken upon us His yoke? Are we lifting His burdens? Do we possess His meekness and lowliness, and is His likeness becoming more and more distinct in our characters? If we are followers of Christ, He, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, hath said, “I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” [John 10:28.] This promise is made upon conditions that we follow not a stranger, but that we know and understand the voice of Christ. This is the only election brought to view in God’s Word. The beautiful illustration in (Revelation 7) is a pastoral symbol.10LtMs, Lt 20, 1895, par. 13
The question was asked of John as he beheld the grand scenes of his vision, “What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?” John replied, “Sir, thou knowest.” And the Holy One said, “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” [Verses 13-17.]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 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 10 (1895)
Ms 59, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 26
Thy right hand, O God, shall dash in pieces Thine enemies. Revelation 6 and 7 are full of meaning. Terrible are the judgments of God revealed. The seven angels stood before God to receive their commission. To them were given seven trumpets. The Lord was going forth to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth was to disclose her blood and no more cover her slain. Give the description in chapter 6.10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 28
But there are mercies mixed with judgment. Revelation 7 and 8:3, 4. The Lord has a people whom He will preserve. John beheld the “four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree” till the seal of the living God shall be placed upon those who love God and keep His commandments. [Revelation 7:2, 3.] The elements of nature are to be placed in the power of angels of God. He holdeth the winds in His fists (Proverbs 30:4). He gathereth the waters in the hollow of His hand (Isaiah 40:12). He maketh the clouds His chariot (Psalm 104:3). “The Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King forever” [Psalm 29:10].10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 31
And what a representation is given in Revelation 7 for our consideration and comfort and encouragement! The four angels are commissioned to do a work upon the earth. But One who purchased the world by giving Himself for its ransom has a chosen few. Who? Those who are keeping all of the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 32
John’s attention was called to another scene: “And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God.” Revelation 7:2. Who is this? The Angel of the covenant. He comes from the sunrising. He is the Dayspring from on high. He is the Light of the world. “In Him is life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4. This is the One Isaiah describes: “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6. He cried, as One who had superiority over the hosts of angels in heaven “to whom it was given to hurt the earth, and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” Revelation 7:2, 3.10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 33
Here is the divine and the human united. The command is given to the four angels to hold in check the four winds until they receive His summons. Read the entire chapter. The cry, “Hurt not,” is uttered by the Restorer, the Redeemer. [Verse 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 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 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 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)
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 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. 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 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 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)
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 20 (1905)
Ms 191, 1905
Los Angeles, California
August 12, 1905
Previously unpublished.
Scripture reading: Revelation 7.
20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 1
This chapter contains a message that is to be given to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people upon the earth. In view of the scenes here brought to view, we know that it will not profit us to bury up out talents in worldly business or in commercialism. It will not profit us to become so engrossed in the things of this world that we have neither time not thought for the work of preparing for Christ’s coming, that we may be among the number who will be sealed. The important work for us at this time is to make sure that our robes are washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 2
Do you ask how this may be done? John tells us in his gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:1-4.]20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 3
That is what we are trying to tell you. Our singers sing of it. Our preachers preach it. Christ is our life, and He desires to give to each one of us a life that will measure with the life of God. Do you not desire to understand the science of eternal life?20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 4
“The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.” [Verse 5.] The passion for money-getting dulls the comprehension of eternal truth. Farms, real estate, bank stock, and money investments absorb the time and attention of men; and if death comes to them suddenly, they are unprepared. In their anxiety to obtain temporal advantages, they have lost life, eternal life. Such will not be among the number whom Christ will lead by the living waters, to open before them the eternal weight of glory which is theirs.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 5
This company of the redeemed are they who have heeded the words of Christ: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth not rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 6
We see the conditions existing in our world today. Robbery, bloodshed, and every kind of crime abound. The prophet says of this time, “The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” [Daniel 12:10.] Many do not wish their minds disturbed with the truth that all things are soon to come to an end. They turn away from those who seek to enlighten them. The Spirit of God is being withdrawn from this world. The wickedness of the wicked is increasing. Men are determined to have their own way.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 7
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.” In the same way there are men sent from God today to bear a message. “The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.” [John 1:6, 7.]20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 8
God’s messengers desire to see you believe. All heaven desires you to believe. Christ gave His life that you should believe in that Light. He says, “I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.]20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 9
John continues, “He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” [John 1:8.] Those who are to bear witness of the Light must have the light in them. No one can bear witness to the Light, unless that light is shining into the chambers of the mind and into the soul temple. There must be an abiding witness, that they may proclaim it with all the confidence and all the assurance possible. They will speak the truth, but it is not their words that will impress hearts. It is the power that is back of their words, it is the presence of Christ, the Light, that makes the impression upon the human mind.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 10
“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.” [Verses 9, 10.] In their greed for money and worldly gain, the world failed to recognize the Son of the living God, who came to live among men. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” [Verse 11.]20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 11
Israel had been chosen of the Lord as His peculiar people. Enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, Christ led them forth from their Egyptian bondage. By mighty miracles He prepared the way before them. He communicated the light to Moses at every step. But when He came to His own chosen people, they knew Him not. They refused to acknowledge Him.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 12
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [Verses 12-14.]20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 13
He guided them through the wilderness. Moses was their visible leader, and he made one mistake. He complained. O, it means something for a child of God to complain. We have a Saviour, why should we complain? If we have a Saviour, why should we not trust in Him? The children of Israel provoked Moses to anger with their complaints and their unbelief. He had been commanded to speak to the rock. He was not told to strike the rock, but he did strike it three times, and turned in anger to the people that they should take such a course of rebellion and charge all their disappointments upon the one who was leading them under the supervision of God. Moses was in a responsible position before God as a teacher and an example to the people. Because of this one mistake, God told him he had forfeited his right to enter into the land of Canaan. He pleaded with God to rescind His judgment, but the Lord could not do it.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 14
Think of the experience of Moses when you do wrong, when you turn out of the way, when you dishonor your God. Think of how you give occasion to the world to reproach the Lord God of heaven. You cannot afford it. The cause of God cannot afford it. The church of God cannot afford it. You who claim to be following the Light of the world must walk worthily and circumspectly.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 15
Mother and fathers, in their family, must give the influence to that family that they are under the control of a personage who left the royal courts of heaven, who laid off His royal crown, who laid aside His royal robe and stepped down from His high command over the angels. For our sakes He left His riches and became poor—born of poor parentage. He might have come and convinced the world if He had only come and taken a multitude of angels with Him, He might have convinced them that He was the Son of God. But no, no. He would stand with His divinity clothed with humanity, that His humanity might encircle all the temptations that should come upon humanity, and much stronger as Jesus Christ was the strength and the power of His people to overcome through Christ. Christ stood in His perfection—not a blot nor a stain upon His character. What? did He bear all this for you and me? He did. Why? That your humanity might have the overcoming power to resist and overcome the darkness in the world through the power of Jesus Christ, divinity united with humanity, that every soul that lives might lay hold of that divinity and overcome every temptation that should come to them.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 16
When we think of the sacrifice of Christ in our behalf, how shall we regard His work? In every part of the world God is working to bring them in, every tongue and from every nation. We have established the work in all these countries, and the workers are there diligently at work. What are you doing with the goods that you claim as yours, which are only loaned you in trust to invest right here in this world in teaching and watching the course of humanity and bearing a testimony to them, just as I am bearing a testimony, and just as you have heard the ministers bear their testimony? There is testimony to be borne which He has told in Matthew. He has given the directions.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 17
I will read a verse or two in Matthew to let you see what He says. He told the disciples, after He had risen from the dead and proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, “I am the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.] That means I live for you. It is life for every one of us that will believe in Jesus Christ as our risen Saviour, and we are to take hold of it. He told them that He would go into a mountain that was appointed them.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 18
“And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him: but some doubted.” [Matthew 28:17.] Some are doubting always. Some are criticizing always. Some are finding fault always. But let us stop it. It does not do any good. What will we do? We will just take the words of Christ, and we will educate ourselves in faith to be His little children—educate ourselves to speak the words of Christ.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 19
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.” [Verses 18-20.]20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 20
Have you been baptized in these names? These three highest powers in heaven are pledged to you if you have died unto sin, been buried with Christ in baptism, and rise, to live just the same life you did before? No,—in newness of life. These powers are pledged and they will never fail one of you. You can just as surely and utterly rely upon these powers when you are downcast. And when you are oppressed, you may remember that pledge—the three highest powers of heaven—that you need not obey the world; you need not follow their fashions; you need not be corrupted with their society. Come right out from the world. “Be ye separate and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty.” [2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.] Are you not glad of that? Have we not reason to rejoice? We certainly have. [Matthew 28] Verse 20.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 21
Now that you have been baptized, you are to go and teach all nations. Many are begging and entreating and pleading, Send us messengers, send us men. Where are they? Are there any consecrated, devoted men right here in Los Angeles? Are there those that will educate and train themselves, that they will be fitted for the work of God to proclaim His Word to those that are in darkness? I have been trying for years to do that work. I have given the royalty upon my books. I have taken nothing from Europe, but thousands and thousands of dollars have I given, that they should educate, that they should translate into all languages; and they are trying to do it.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 22
We have men who have the spirit of the truth upon them, who when they first went to Russia were thrust into prison and did not know when they would come out. But God in mercy opened the prison doors and set them free, and they are at work now in all parts of the foreign countries to establish the truth. But what they want is workers. And they want means to sustain the workers in these fields. And we want those who want to make some sacrifice for Christ. We want them to help in every way possible, that we may even sound the truth in the field here of Southern California, and in the Southern field, and as we go to Washington, into the different cities.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 23
They must hear the truth, and they are unworked. We want that you shall be united with us in doing the very work that God wants done, that you may have the reward of Christ. Now He says, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations ....” [Verse 19.]20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 24
There you see you have just to perform this work. You must be on a high level. You must stand on a high platform of eternal truth. You are to be an example so that you may teach others. You cannot afford in your dealing to try to get the best of the bargain. It will not pay. If you want the crown of life, you must imitate and practice the self-denial and self-sacrifice of our dear Redeemer.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 25
I have felt all my life that I could not do too much. God has helped me, till now, in my 78th year, I came here from St. Helena to speak to you here. I have felt all the way, although the burden of writing was upon me so strong that for two nights I was up nearly every hour of the night tracing with my pen the instruction that was needed. I had no chance to rest, and when I was on the cars, I felt just as I have felt many and many a time, all rested. I thought I would catch a nap in the morning, but I could not get the time. I have felt the power of God resting upon me, and I felt that the canopy of peace was encircling me round about as I was there in the boat and in the cars. I felt so peaceful and was so glad. I never had a pleasanter journey in my life. I praise God! I glorify His name! He has done this for me, and He is willing to do just the same for every one of us.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 26
Verse 20. Do you believe that? I believe it. If I did not, I would not be here. I dread to ride on the cars now. There are so may accidents. I would rather remain at home, but then I think if God wants me, I can go and He will protect me, and if I die, I can sleep in the Lord, and say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.” And I want you to be in just the same position. I want you to be where you have a living trust in a living Saviour. I want you to feel that you have the three great powers of heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, to take supervision of you, and that He will have a care for you unto the end of time.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 27
Now, what are they to teach? Whatsoever I have commanded you. I want to dwell a moment on that. I want to tell you that every conceivable thing is coming in that the devil can bring in. All his science in the name of science, and hypnotism, and various things. He will make people sick, and then he will bring them out of the sickness, and they will say, This miracle is worked by the power of God. Now, it is the power of the devil that will work mightily. It is stated that he would bring down fire from heaven in the sight of men. If it is possible he would deceive the very elect.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 28
But you must stand as the elect, that you cannot be decided? Why? Because you have listened to the Word of God, and you know it is true, and you stand not by the representations of anybody that is around you, but you are clinging to the mighty One. You have hold of the mighty One, and He will keep you, that you will have such faith in Him that you will keep your soul, in what way? By believing in Him and doing the very works that He does, and you will be counted among those who are washed and made white in the blood, the provision that was made to cleanse you from all sin and unrighteousness. I believe in Him. I trust in Him.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 29
We do not want to do as they do with their bank stock, to try to get everything that they can just to themselves. No, we want you to have it, and we are willing even to hire money, that we can produce and build sanitariums. I am in debt today because I have done it. It does not worry me a bit. I pay them every time that it comes around, the interest for the money. Not one fails, and I want to say to you that I want every one of you to have a living connection with Jesus Christ, the Prince of life. I want you to be clothed with His salvation, I want you to be of that number that we have been reading about here in Revelation. We read of the company again. Revelation 14:1-5.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 30
Fathers and mothers, be careful that no guile is found in your mouth in your family. Be careful that you educate your children for the future, immortal life. It means something for you to have the care of children. Fit them up to be children of God. They are His little ones, He has purchased them with His blood, and you are to seek to prepare them for the courts above.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 31
That is what we are trying to do with all the powers of our being. We are trying to establish sanitariums, that we may teach the people how to live healthfully. We are trying to teach them that their morality, their piety, the very health of the blood flowing through their veins, is at their command if they will follow the light that has been given them to take charge of the brain and bone and muscle that God has given.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 32
You should be very careful what you put into your stomach. You can make yourself and your children all cross-grained by keeping this stomach all the time at work and wearied out and quarrelling with so many mixtures that you put in your stomach. If only you would simply eat the food that would sustain life, and not crowd it.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 33
You hear again and again—I have read it—of men, great men, intelligent men, learned men, who went to a feast and they feasted, and as they were just about to get in the cars they dropped dead. What was the matter? O, heart failure. It was will-failure. It was a failure to preserve themselves in the very best condition of life. The father and the mother may educate their children that they do not live to eat, but eat to live, and therefore the precious mind which God had given us must be kept clear from all the stimulus of tobacco, and from all the rum and everything of the kind.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 34
Isn’t it a marvel to you when they have the courts of justice, and the senators and the judges and the witnesses, and you have it through the papers; and then they have to spend time and money to try them, all must be tried, and take their time. O, if that time could be spent in sweeping away every saloon that there is in our land, they could put a stop to it right away. But the senators love the rum. The lawyers love the rum. The people love the rum and the tobacco and all these things. Therefore you cannot make it go.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 35
Satan is taking possession of the human family, and very soon in heaven it will be said, “It is done. He that is holy let him be holy still, and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still.” [See Revelation 16:17; 22:11.] That is just the testimony that will be borne. And we want that every soul should be in a position that they shall be where there is no guile found in their mouth. They will not lie to get the advantage of their neighbor, to get their property to undermine them.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 36
We ask you, Will you be laborers together—it does not say alone—together with God? Will you do the work of God’s appointment? He wants you to be the light of the world. He says, “Ye are the light of the world.” And then He says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] Here is the honor and glory of God that you are to maintain.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 37
He says, “Every dollar of gold and silver is Mine.” [See Haggai 2:8.] It is His money, and why do you hold on to it with the world perishing in their sins and in their iniquity, when there is a life for them that measures with the life of God? We want every one to see and understand the truth. How can they do it without a preacher? How can they preach except they be sent? We have the tithe that we gather in from our people. It does not go half as far as we are wanting it to. I want to know who of the congregation will be prepared to take hold of the work intelligently and do something now while you can.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 38
You have only got a few hours. The four winds are ready to blow. We can see the storms; we can see the threatenings. We can see the multitudes that go down to death. What is the matter? The Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the earth, and we want you that can to come and hear what the truth is. Hear as for your life. It is for your life. It is for the present happiness of your life, and it is for that eternal life, which measures with the life of God. We want you to hear as souls that are ready to perish. But we do not want you to perish. Now He says: [Revelation 14] Verses 6-9.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 39
Now here is another angel. Here is the patience of the saints. This is the third angel. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” [Verse 12.] Verses 13-18.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 40
Please read these things. The angel came from heaven and found John exiled there on the isle of Patmos, and told him all these things that were to transpire in the last days. He wants us to know it. He wants us to be prepared for it. He wants us to have the crown of life, that we shall not perish with the wicked. We are very anxious that you should have it. I will just read a few words in Revelation, third chapter. Verse 18. “gold.” What is it? He has promised us, “Let not your heart be troubled ....” [John 14:1.] Now that is what He is preparing for us, and we want to prepare for it.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 41
Those that enter heaven, let me tell you, will know it here on this earth, that is, they take right hold of heavenly things. They do not seek the fashions of this degenerate age. They seek the heavenly disposition, and they seek to speak in a heavenly manner. They seek to overcome, and we want every one of you to engage in the warfare. You are soldiers of Jesus Christ. “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire ....” [Revelation 3:18.]20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 42
This is the Word of the living God. It is the spirituality that is in Jesus Christ that holds us. He came to our earth to represent perfection in humanity, and now we must manifest perfection here on this earth, in order to enter where He is in His glory.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 43
Verse 19. You that have lived a half life to Christ, He wants you now to anoint your eyes with eyesalve that you may see there is something else, that you must go deeper.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 44
Verses 20, 21. “to him that overcometh.” The battle is before us. Do not think you have overcome if anyone stirs your temper, that you will let loose a whole mouthful of bitter words. It will not answer, because your words are a talent, and your spirit is a talent. It is God’s talent, and He wants that talent in brain and bone and muscle, in speech, in voice. All these He had died to have you use to His glory, to wash you and make you white in the blood of the Lamb.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 45
Verse 21. Do you see that He had all that battle to go through, with Satan tempting Him at every step that He would commit sin, that the whole world would be lost? He preached, and then He would go out into the wilderness and pour out His heart and soul before God. He was praying for us. He has left this world, and gone to His Father, but He says, “To him that overcometh ... churches.” [Verses 21, 22.]20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 46
Now we want that everything should done by us so that the people that come out to hear, may have food to eat. Christ will be with them, that they may have a hope. You do not need to go to any neighbor and inquire, What shall I do? You have the Word, and then you may inquire, you may go right to the 31st chapter of Exodus and you will find there, from the twelfth verse to the last of the chapter, just why we are keeping the Sabbath. You will find it all stated. It is stated just as plain as ABC why we are keeping the Sabbath, and the result of keeping the Sabbath. “Ye shall know,” God says, “that I am God, that doth sanctify you.” [Verse 13.] That is why we are keeping the seventh-day Sabbath.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 47
There is not one single thread of sanctification placed in Sunday, only the devil makes it a power, that he should intimidate the people that they shall not keep the very day God has given them to keep. Remember, it is the 31st chapter of Exodus, from the 12th to the 18th verse. Then if you will read there, you can trace out the connections with it. It is just as plain as ABC, for He honors it as His everlasting covenant. Does that change? We do not want you to be deceived. We do not want you to come up to the judgment transgressing the law of God.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 48
We want you to know that there is a life that measures with the life of God. We want you to know that you can teach your children. God help every one of you that you may walk in His footsteps, and the money that you are wasting of God’s just to gratify pride, we ask you to put it into His treasury. The money that you are wasting on different things is God’s money. If you want that the Lord God of heaven should have His own, if you want to return to Him His own, you just help us in the missionary enterprises, which we are seeking to carry out all over our globe. I want to tell you that the success we have, in letters, in papers, and all these things telling them, is not in vain. One soul is worth more than the whole world. I want to know about this money that may be sent.20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 49
I call upon you in the name of the Lord God of Israel to make a determined effort that you will come in unity with God, and be co-laborers connected with Jesus Christ to work for the salvation of your fellow men that are around you. And if you do this, the light of heaven will shine into the chambers of the mind and into the soul temple, and you will be all light in the Lord. I thank God from whom all blessings flow.Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1215—Report on Meetings and Other Gospel Work in Oregon and the Washington Territory
16MR 210.2
June 16. I was obliged to leave this letter to take the stand. Tuesday was the last day of the meeting, and it was desired I should speak in the evening for the last time. I was unable to sit up yesterday, for with much writing, reining myself up to meet different ones who put in requests for license, speaking in public, and showing the unfitness of different ones to attempt to teach others the truth, it was too much for my strength. I could not attend meetings or remain upon the ground. I stayed all alone in the good home of Sister Donaldson. Last night, weak and trembling, I took the stand, but oh, what a solemn sense of the condition of the people and their unprepared state for the judgment (Revelation 7, commencing with verse nine, to the close of the chapter)! (I here brought in genuine sanctification and the spurious article which is so common.)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. 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 20 (1905)
Ms 26, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 26, 1905, par. 14
We are to heed the messages that God has given in the Revelation. This book is the revelation of Jesus Christ given to John and written out by him. It behooves every one to become familiar with the Word of the Spirit given to John and penned by him in the Isle of Patmos.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 22, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 22, 1905, par. 1
The message given to John on the Isle of Patmos is to come to the people as it is. The whole of the instruction found in the book of Revelation is to be dwelt upon with an intense earnestness that has not yet been seen. There are many who treat this book with as little concern as if it were a sealed book, which contains no light for the present time. But it is not sealed. It was given to John to give to the churches.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 14, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 5
We need now to be diligently searching the book of Revelation—the history that Christ revealed to John on the Isle of Patmos, bidding him write it in a book, that the churches might know what was to take place on this earth just before the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 351, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 351, 1905, par. 10
He believes straight present truth. There is not one thread of spiritualistic science which would take the world in its deceivings. It is solemn, serious truth which is before the people, the truth of the first, second, and third angels’ messages, linking Daniel and Revelation together. And the grasp he has of the people is marvelous. The Lord has put His Spirit into the mind, heart, and soul of Brother Simpson. He is firm upon the testimonies. This work should be taken up in every city now without delay.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 188, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 21
I want to speak to you in Revelation. Now we know that the Revelation came to John, and John was one that was always speaking the truth. His faith did not change at all. There are men who come up and tell you some great fallacy. You just set them aside.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 34, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 34, 1905, par. 1
I feel intensely anxious that as a people we may stand without fault before the throne of God. God is not pleased with our present condition. It is of the utmost importance that every one of us stand on higher and holier ground. In Revelation we have a message to those who have gone out of the way.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 127, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 127, 1906, par. 9
This afternoon spoke to the large tentful, and the Lord gave me strength. I talked, I think, one hour, from Revelation 7. The Lord sustained me to speak most important things that will transpire before long. I thank the Lord for the strength and clearness He has given me to speak before so many. Oh, that the Lord would set home the words that He has strengthened me to speak to so large a number of intelligent people. Oh, if they will only heed the words that God has given me to speak! I was lifted up by the Holy Spirit above all my infirmities, for the Lord hath helped me; and I wish the people to understand that the words have been given me for them. (Dores has taken the words spoken, so I will not write them.) There was the best of attention.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 234, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 234, 1906, par. 20
“This I can say, that never, since I became fully acquainted with that system which we denominate ‘the present truth’ [2 Peter 1:12], so as to comprehend it in its sublime proportions, its divine harmony, and its inseparable connections, have I had the least shadow of misgiving as to its truthfulness in its fundamental principles, and its stability and final triumph, as the work of God. It is evident, also, that this work before its close must present the fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel and some prophecies of the book of Revelation. And to whatever degree I may have persuaded myself that this cause might have been so far developed without this feature which we call the gift of prophecy, it was only to look for something of the kind to appear in the future; for without this, it would lack one of the tests of being the work of the last generation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 352, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 352, 1906, par. 9
Elder Simpson is arousing a good interest by his meetings. People of all classes come out to hear and to see the life-size images that he has of the beasts of Revelation. A great many Catholics come to hear him. Much of his preaching is in words of the Bible. He uses as few of his own words as possible. So if his hearers war against what he says, they war against the Word of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 372, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 6
For several weeks, meetings have been held in Oakland in a large tent pitched close by the post office. Elder Simpson has had wonderful success in this series of meetings. His method has been to make Scripture explain Scripture; and the Holy Spirit has convinced many hearts of the truth. The people cannot but accept a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” The beasts used as symbols in the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation he has presented before the people in life-size images, and this has impressed the people strongly. He has lectured only in the evening, when men are released from their work and can come out to hear. After a few weeks of labor he presented the Sabbath, again making the Bible prove every statement.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 350, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 350, 1906, par. 6
He has large life-like representations of the beasts and symbols in Daniel and the Revelation, and these are brought forward at the proper time to illustrate his remarks. Not one careless or unnecessary word escapes his lips. He speaks forcibly and solemnly. Many of his hearers have never before heard discourses of so solemn a nature. They manifest no spirit of levity, but a solemn awe seems to rest upon them. He takes up a collection only once a week, but he receives sufficient to defray his expenses without being obliged to call upon the conference.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 144, 1906
Oakland, California
September 22, 1906
Previously unpublished.
21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 1
Revelation 7:1-4, 9-14 quoted. That is the main business of our life. It means life, eternal life in the kingdom of glory.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 2
Verse 15 quoted. We are in good companionship, are we not?21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 3
Verses 16, 17 quoted. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, all the congregation! Praise Him with heart and soul and voice for this assurance. These words will be verily fulfilled. Now we want—we might go on to the next chapter, but we want to speak a little on this. We want that everyone of us should be in that position where we have hearts open to understand what is for every soul that is warring the good warfare for eternal life, and for the crown of glory that fadeth not away.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 4
And when we consider Christ, the precious Saviour—that He gave the great sacrifice of Himself—He does not ask anything of any soul that is here to make a larger sacrifice than He, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Here He consented to leave the royal courts; He consented that He would take human nature upon Himself. He laid aside His kingly crown; He laid off His royal robe; He clothed His divinity with humanity, that divinity might touch humanity; and that humanity could hopefully lay hold of divinity, to have that power that they could escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 5
Not one of us needs to fall, if we will lay right hold of the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. But we cannot have this great reward if we want to mingle with the world, and if we want to climb to the highest ideas in this world, to have our name noted. No. If we are willing to be partakers of Christ and His sufferings; if we are willing to bear the reproach for Christ’s name, then the crown of immortal life will be placed upon the brow of the overcomer. We shall see the King in His beauty. He came right to this world to stand here, to bear the sins of the world, the results of the sins of the world, and in His humanity overcame the temptations of the wicked one.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 6
Now, we want you all to understand that it is by being partakers of the divine nature that we shall escape the corruption that is in the world through lust—if you will bow in humiliation before God; if you will live a life of sacrifice, as Christ has given you an example in His Word. Do not hunger and thirst for what this one may think of you, or what the other one may think of you, if you do not enter into temptation with them. Keep yourselves upon a high, exalted level. Keep yourselves where you can indeed lay hold of the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 7
And when you do this, your sorrows will be very endurable. Why?—because of the Word. We have the assurance. We have here our credentials. We have here that which we can rely upon from now until Christ shall come; and then the crown of glory will be placed upon every overcomer. “And they overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” [Revelation 12:11.]21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 8
Now there are testimonies that come in various ways. Who is willing to make sacrifices for the truth’s sake? Who are willing to deny themselves of selfish indulgences? Dress plainly; dress modestly. And get the best material when you get it, if you can, and do not put any trimming on it. It does not need it. When you get a good material, you do not need to put on these dressings that cost money. It costs money to purchase dress; it costs money to make it. Now let us study economy, every one of us. There is a world to save, and we cannot afford to indulge in what?—In fear of what the world will say. Well, if they do not take us as followers of Jesus Christ, what are you worth to the world? What are you doing to save them? What are you doing to uplift them? What we want is a solid hold upon the right to be partakers of the divine nature. It is our privilege. We want to be partakers with Christ of His sufferings.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 9
Think of His self-denial. All through His life, He was ever touched with the feeling of our infirmity—with human woe—and we want to be in that position that we have a heart that can throb with the misfortunes and the suffering of mankind. We want a heart that is sensible, perfectly sensible, to what Christ has accomplished in our behalf, and we never—try the best we can—we never can exceed Christ in the sacrifice that He made in our behalf.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 10
Well then, let me tell you the great step that He made to come to this world, leaving the heavenly courts—let that speak to you.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 11
And let every one feel an interest in the work that we are trying to do to bring the Bible, the precious Word, before the people. Because Christ says, “It is Spirit, and it is life,” and therefore we want that life. [John 6:63.] If we will be partakers of the divine nature, we shall eat of the bread of life; and Christ says, if we eat of the bread of life, He will raise us up at the last day. He will give us eternal life, life, eternal life, that measures with the life of God. That is the life that every one of us may have if we will. But it rests with us whether we will.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 12
Now may the Lord so soften and subdue our hearts that we may see the great and matchless worth that Christ is to us, that He has given us assurance of a life that measures with the life of God. It is not like the life that we have here. There is no pain, no sorrow, but it is a life of the highest dignity. And it will take a great deal for any of us to study His Word and to understand it in all its bearings. It is doing the Word. It is living the Word. It is coming out from the world, and being separate, and touching not the unclean things. “Come out from among them. Come out,” said Christ; and He is the Bread of life. [2 Corinthians 6:17.]21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 13
Now we must enter into His life, by being partaker of what?—His purity. Partakers of what? by standing on the highest level of what?—sanctification, holiness.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 14
And in doing this we have our life insurance policy. That you will find in the first chapter of Second Peter. Now he tells you what you will have. “You must add to your faith virtue, charity.” And then what? “If ye do these things ye shall never fall.” [Verses 5, 7, 10.] What is that but a life insurance policy? You read it when you get home. What is that but a policy which will insure us to a life that measures with the life of God. And can you not make any sacrifice here in this world that you may be accounted worthy to have a life insurance policy, of everlasting life?21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 15
I beseech of you, my brethren and my sisters, Let us every one see what we can do for the Master right in this meeting, right in these meetings that are being held. They are not for your amusement. They are not for any motive except to work diligently, that you may be inclined to choose Christ Jesus as your portion, as one that can save to the utmost all that come to Him.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 16
Now we invite you to arouse for your life. We invite you that you shall press to the mark of the high calling which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, that you will allow nothing to interpose between your soul and God.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 17
We understood a contribution was taken up here this forenoon, that those who wanted to give might help those who wanted the saving grace of God—to give them a chance. Now we want to say, There was one who gave quite a sum to help the work along. Was she wealthy? She is a widow. She works over the sick; she tries to take charge of the sick and the suffering, and she brought her large donation. She gave more than the whole church raised in that meeting. Now, do you think she would have done it, unless she had had a right hold of the hand of Jesus Christ? I thank the Lord, and if my sister is here, I thank you; and I ask you, for Christ’s sake to lay right hold upon the promises, because you may. The Lord wants us to. And although you are a widow, you have no houses and no land, but it is out of your earnings that you received this sum to give to the people of God. The Lord will remember you. And we hope that if at any time you are brought under pressure, there will be those who will remember how you lifted, that they might have means to carry on work in this city.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 18
It takes money to carry on the work. Let every one do what he can, and the Lord of heaven will just as surely brighten up your experience, because this is your life insurance policy. And it is worth more than all the life insurances that you can enter into according to a worldly point of view. But it is life, eternal life that we are reaching after; it is the crown of glory that fadeth not away. We want that there should be an education right here on this point, that Brother Haskell and his wife, Brother Rice and his wife, and others that may unite with them, that their whole hearts will be in the work to save souls. There is nothing that can equal this. One soul, Christ pronounces, is worth more than the whole world beside. Then if we are blessed in this life-saving policy to see the souls that are being saved, we want to see them. We invite every one of you that wants to know any Bible truth to come here to the school, the educational school, and try to learn how that you can receive life.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 19
And the children, we certainly want them to have some part in this matter. We want life, and Christ can give us life. There never was a time when we needed more to understand what we are to do than right here at this time. We want your hearts softened. We want the light of heaven to come right into your souls—kindness, self-denial, and sacrifice. We want all these to be brought into your lives, and then remember that Christ gave His life to a life of self-denial, of self-sacrifice; and then He is going to lead us.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 20
[Revelation 7] Verse 17 quoted. That is our reward. And we cannot afford to lose it. Now I want to say, Do not let anyone come to you and you not be able to lead them step by step heavenward. They will have self-sacrificing to do; and if they are being led on, and proved and sanctified, and are numbered with the host that is here represented, they shall hunger no more. “Therefore,” verse 15 quoted. What is He doing? “They” verses 16, 17 quoted.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 21
Now there is the promise, and we want to ask high or low, rich or poor, we want to ask you to take part with us in advancing heavenward. We want to ask you to be of that number which Christ shall lead to the living waters, and to whom He shall explain His Word. Here is promise after promise that is given in the Word. “And I saw another sign.” Revelation 15:1, 2 quoted.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 22
Just think of that. Having the harps of God. Keep that before you, that there is a victory to gain, a precious victory, every day; and we want to see souls brought to a knowledge of the truth.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 23
Let everyone do his best. Go to your neighbors, talk with them, and they may see the light that we have seen and that we have been rejoicing in now for half a century. And yet we are not discouraged, and we would say: Let the light of truth shine into your hearts, and into your minds, that you may reflect the divine image.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 24
Verse 4 quoted. Now this is something that we want to take in. Will you study the Bible? Will you study Revelation, that you treat just as though it were a sealed book? When the Lord Jesus Christ came to reveal it unto John, His servant, and when He represented His glory before him, he fell as one dead; and the Lord strengthened him to hear the message that was coming to the churches. Read it, and you will find what it is, from the first of Revelation to the last, you will see what it means. We want everyone to be converted. We do not want one soul to be under the discipline of Satan. We do not want one soul to be held in the travails of the enemy. We want that everyone should come to Jesus Christ in their simplicity, in their humbleness of mind, and we want them to surrender to Jesus Christ. And we want them then to testify before angels and men, as they go down into the water; and as they receive baptism. And what do they find there?21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 25
“The likeness.” [Romans 6:5.] They are buried in the likeness of Christ’s death and raised in the likeness of His resurrection. And then what? All heaven is pledged in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost they receive at their baptism. That heavenly party is pledged that They will be with you to keep your baptismal vows, and that you shall rise up from the water to live in newness of life. “Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” [Colossians 3:3.] And then you are to live the new life unto Jesus Christ. He loves you. He has made all these provisions, that the power of Satan should be broken off from human minds, that you should take hold of a power, yes, a power. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—all these blend, and in Their strength you can be overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the words of your testimony. Will you try it? Will you watch, will you pray, will you have your seasons to lay hold of the promises? I want heaven.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 26
I have been more than half a century in the world. I am now nearly 79, shall be in two or three months. I have proved Him, I have found Him a strength to me. And when I was in your meeting here, the camp meeting that was here, I want to tell you that I had been suffering under influenza again and again and again, until I felt that I could not speak more than fifteen minutes. But just as soon as I rose upon my feet, I felt the everlasting arms were around me. I went there meeting after meeting, I bore my testimony; I worked in the revival efforts, and I was refreshed every time. When I came there, I felt as though I was invigorated and refreshed. And I have kept it ever since. The Spirit and power of God have been with me since that time, and many know how I have suffered with the influenza. But I thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice that He has given me strength to again stand before the people and call upon them to come: “Whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:17.]21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 27
Now this is the message that I bear to you. May God give you help and strength and grace.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 28
I want to know right here how many that are here who will take up this work? How many of you will see the necessity of living a life of holiness unto God, if you will be with the holy ones in heaven? You must not wait till the last moment; you must take right hold when the Spirit speaks to you. How many will make their covenant with God by sacrifice this very day, to serve the living and the true God? Let them rise right up.21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 29
Amen and amen. I thank God with heart and soul and voice, because I believe you mean it. I want you to mean it. My very soul is drawn out after every one of you, and we want all to unite in the work. Do not give up to lightness and trifling; but wherever you are, see if you cannot sow the seed of the Word of God, if you cannot plant holiness from the Word into the human mind, if you cannot get a grasp of souls, that they shall accept the hope of eternal life. God help us that the Holy Spirit may come upon us here.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 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 21 (1906)
Lt 349, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 349, 1906, par. 10
The Lord has been working with Elder Simpson, teaching him how to give to the people this last warning message. His method of making the words of the Bible prove the truth for this time, and his use of the symbols presented in Revelation and Daniel, are effective. Let the young men learn as for their lives what is truth and how it should be presented. We are living in the last days of the great conflict; the truth alone will hold us securely in this time of trouble. The way should be prepared for Elder Simpson to give the message, and our young men should attend his evening meetings.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 326, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 326, 1906, par. 8
Brother Simpson dwells especially upon the prophecies in the books of Daniel and the Revelation. He has large representations of the beasts spoken of in these books. These beasts are made of papier-mâché, and by an ingenious invention, they may be brought at the proper time before the congregation. Thus he holds the attention of the people, while he preaches the truth to them. Through this effort hundreds will be led to a better understanding of the Bible than they ever had before, and we trust that there will be many conversions. Those who attend his lectures and are not converted must practically reject the Word of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 304, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 304, 1906, par. 1
I cannot sleep after one o’clock. We left St. Helena on Friday morning to spend Sabbath and Sunday in Oakland. I spoke both afternoons in the tent. On Sabbath afternoon the tent was filled, mostly with our own people; and all present were interested. I had special freedom in speaking from the seventh chapter of Revelation. This is a most interesting chapter.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 11, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, par. 8
The Saviour foretold that in the latter days false prophets would appear and draw away disciples after them; and also that those who in this time of peril should stand faithful to the truth that is specified in the book of Revelation would have to meet doctrinal errors so specious that, if it were possible, the very elect would be deceived.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 368, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 368, 1906, par. 3
In presenting before the people the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, Brother Simpson illustrates them by large images of the beasts of these prophecies; and this is creating a wonderful interest. He uses the Bible to prove every statement he makes and tells the people if they have any controversy with the truth he is teaching, their controversy must be with the Bible itself. This method of making the Bible prove the Bible makes a deep impression on the minds of those assembled. The Lord is impressing many minds.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 376, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 376, 1906, par. 24
The Lord Jesus sent a mighty angel to make plain to John by the use of symbols the things that were to transpire until the coming of Christ. He was bidden to write the instruction in a book for the benefit of the seven churches. This writing we now have preserved in the book of Revelation, but this book is understood by only a very few. It contains the message for the last days, and we are to dwell much upon these prophecies.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 400, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 400, 1906, par. 9
Brother Simpson’s meetings were largely attended, and the people listened to his words with spellbound interest; the interest continued from first to last. With his Bible in his hand, and basing all his arguments on the Word of God. Brother Simpson traced out before the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. His own words were few; he made the Scriptures themselves explain the truth to the people. After giving them the truth, Elder Simpson would draw an expression of opinion from his congregation. “Now,” he would say, “those who see the truth of what I am saying, raise your hands;” and in response many hands would be raised. I can only poorly represent to you the interest his work has created.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 105, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, par. 5
The manner of Elder Simpson’s work reminds me of the efforts that were put forth in 1843 and 1844. He does not make prominent his own words, but reads the Bible, explaining one scripture by another. He dwells largely on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and uses many illustrations and suitable figures to impress the truth. To represent the beasts of Daniel and Revelation, he has prepared lifelike images of papier-mâché.21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, par. 27
The Lord Jesus sent a mighty angel to make plain to John, by the use of symbols, the things that were to come to pass until the coming of Christ. He was bidden to write the instruction in a book for the benefit of the seven churches. This writing we now have preserved in the book of Revelation, but this book is understood by only a very few. It contains the message for the last days, and we are to dwell much upon these prophecies.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 388, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 388, 1906, par. 3
The manner of Elder Simpson’s work reminds me of the efforts that were put forth in 1843 and 1844. He does not make prominent his own words, but reads the Bible, explaining one Scripture by another. He dwells largely on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and uses many illustrations and suitable figures to impress the truth. To represent the beasts of Daniel and Revelation, he has prepared life-like images of papier-mâché.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 67, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 67, 1907, par. 17
The message of the gospel, from Genesis to Revelation, is God’s appointed means through which to reveal His will to men. It is to be appreciated, respected, and carefully studied. In a humble, prayerful spirit, Scripture is to be compared with Scripture. In the fourth chapter of Ephesians, the plan of God is so plainly and simply revealed, that all His children may lay hold upon the truth. Here the means which He has appointed to keep unity in His church, that its members may reveal to the world a healthy religious experience, is plainly declared. Those who conform their lives to obedience to the commandments of God, and are united in the faith of the Scriptures; those who are bound together as one in Christ Jesus, their lives hid with Christ in God, will practice the golden rule, doing to others as they would have others do to them. They will bear a living, abiding testimony that the Father loves them even as He loves His Son, and their testimony will have a powerful influence with the unbelieving world. These souls appreciate the great gift of God to our world; their course in life testifies that Christ has not died for them in vain. They make use of the provision made by heaven at infinite cost to draw souls to obedience to the law of God. Co-operating with the great Master Worker, they become laborers together with God. They become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Their consistent Christian lives magnify the law of God and make it honorable before the gainsaying world. Their deportment in courtesy and unwavering fidelity, their justice and mercy demonstrate to the world that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 95, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 95, 1909, par. 16
If we will study the book of Revelation and seek to understand its full significance, we shall see the necessity of putting away from our lives all the frivolity that so often marks our experience. We will have little desire for the foolish novel and the amusements of the world. Satan is determined to have the victory, and we are half asleep. What we need is workers, men and women who will do their duty in the fear of God. Many will say, We cannot all be ministers. Yes; you can; there is some work of ministry for each to do for perishing souls. There are many lines of work which as Christians we should become interested in. Christ wants every soul to copy His example of self-denial and self-sacrifice. He desires that all men shall have eternal life in the kingdom of God. But we cannot indulge coarseness or discourtesy or self-indulgence there. Therefore we must be daily overcomers here—overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 69, 1912
25LtMs, Ms 69, 1912, par. 42
The Old Testament, containing the prophecies of the coming of Christ, is now made of small account. The cry now is, “The Christ, the Christ! The gospel, the gospel!” But the gospel is taught all the way through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The gospel is revealed in all the prophecies of the first advent of Christ as the Saviour of men. Every act of the old dispensation to turn men away from sin or to bring them forgiveness was done with reference to the Saviour who was to come. He was the steppingstone by which man was to be exalted.That I May Know Him
Christ the Good Shepherd, February 15
TMK 52.5
The beautiful illustration in Revelation 7 is a pastoral symbol. “... They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters ...” (Revelation 7:16, 17).19Letter 20, 1895.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.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Revelation 7:1
Maranatha
Troublous Times Right Upon Us, June 16
Mar 175.1
After these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. Revelation 7:1.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Ms 5, 1850
Said the angel, Jesus’ work is almost finished in the sanctuary. It is no time to be stupid8
In the sense of “lethargic.”
The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
F
1EGWLM 958.9
Four angels of Rev. 7:1 literal, 177, 180, 182 and n4, 324 and n14, 326 and n8