EGW WritingsTitus 1

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 72, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 72, 1897, par. 10

God accepts us in the Beloved. Then let unbelief be dismissed. The promise is, We shall be blessed with all spiritual blessings which come from an unfailing source, the Fountain of life. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” [Ephesians 1:3.] “Who hath saved us and called us with a holy calling; not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Jesus Christ before the world began.” [2 Timothy 1:9.] Again we read, “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie promised before the world began; but hath in due time manifested his word through preaching which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour.” [Titus 1:1-3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 130, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 130, 1901, par. 4

Writing to Titus, Paul says, “Paul, a servant of God,”—not a master—“and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” The apostle presents no human fountain from which to draw godliness. “But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour: to Titus, mine own son after the common faith, Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: if any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” The Word of eternal life was to be preached in such a way that many would be made sound in the faith. “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision.” [Titus 1:1-10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 22, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 22, 1906, par. 12

There is certainly a neglect in dealing wisely in reference to the future. The work of Dr. Kellogg in carrying so many responsibilities has been a mistake. The men who are in charge of the business matters connected with the important work of the church are to stand as men faithful in the discharge of every duty. None need, if they will carry their burdens to the Lord, to consult lawyers. That Friend who has given His life for them loves them. They are God’s elect, to show forth His praise and magnify His name. Can that Friend who has purchased them with the price of His own blood, at infinite sacrifice, in all humiliation, expect less of His followers than the earnest acknowledgement of the truth which is after godliness and true holiness? Is not the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began, to be received, to be acted upon, to be brought into every relation of life? Said the apostle Paul, “But in due time manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me, according to the commandment of God our Saviour.” [Titus 1:3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 67, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 67, 1900, par. 2

In his letter to Titus, Paul points out the qualifications which should be possessed by those placed in charge of the flock of God. “To Titus, mine own son after the common faith,” he writes, “Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.” [Titus 1:4, 5.]

15LtMs, Ms 67, 1900, par. 3

“If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God, not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convert the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” [Verses 6-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 8a, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 8a, 1888, par. 20

The apostle James, inspired by Jesus Christ, lays down our duty in clear lines. “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins.” [James 5:19, 20.] We are Christ’s witnesses, Christ’s representatives. In his epistle to Titus, Paul charges him to set in order things that are wanting in the church. [Titus 1:5.] “Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine,” he says. The teacher of truth is to educate all, both old and young. He is to exhort aged men to be “sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” [Titus 2:1-5.] When those who profess to be servants of Christ do not walk circumspectly, God is dishonored and the truth is reproached.

Counsels for the Church

Election and Ordination of Local Church Officers

CCh 247.3

The Apostle Paul writes to Titus: “Set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: if any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God.” Titus 1:5-7. Lay hands suddenly on no man.” 1 Timothy 5:22.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Selection of Leaders

2TT 260.3

The apostle Paul writes to Titus: “Set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: if any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God.” Titus 1:5-7. It would be well for all our ministers to give heed to these words and not to hurry men into office without due consideration and much prayer that God would designate by His Holy Spirit whom He will accept.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 1, 1878

3LtMs, Ms 1, 1878, par. 26

The apostle Paul writes to Titus: “Set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: if any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God.” [Titus 1:5-7.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 983—Counsel on Solving Church Difficulties

12MR 282.1

This spirit has ruled in the family, in the neighborhood, and in the church. This spirit is threatening the ruin of the church at Ligonier. One, only one, such element, if countenanced in the church, will destroy its peace, its unity, and its prosperity; but where there are relatives near and distant connected with this element, the danger is increased to just that degree of the number of connections and the sympathy given this ruling influence. The leader in the church is not the man for the place. Paul writes to Titus: [Titus 1:5-9 quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 1, 1880

3LtMs, Ms 1, 1880, par. 33

“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” Titus 1:5-9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 104, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 104, 1901, par. 24

The qualifications of an elder are plainly stated by the apostle Paul: “If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God, not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” [Titus 1:6-9.]

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 9—The Seven Deacons

AA 95.2

The same principles of piety and justice that were to guide the rulers among God’s people in the time of Moses and of David, were also to be followed by those given the oversight of the newly organized church of God in the gospel dispensation. In the work of setting things in order in all the churches, and ordaining suitable men to act as officers, the apostles held to the high standards of leadership outlined in the Old Testament Scriptures. They maintained that he who is called to stand in a position of leading responsibility in the church “must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” Titus 1:7-9.

From Trials to Triumph

A Beautiful Plan of Organization

TT 50.5

The same principles of piety and justice that were to guide God’s people in the time of Moses and David were to be followed by those given the oversight of the newly organized church in the gospel dispensation. In setting things in order and ordaining men to act as officers, the apostles held to the standards of leadership outlined in the Old Testament. He who is called to leading responsibility in the church “must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of goodness, master of himself, upright, holy, and self-controlled; he must hold firm to the sure word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to confute those who contradict it.” Titus 1:7-9, RSV.

Homeward Bound

Church Order, August 7

HB 244.2

The same principles of piety and justice that were to guide the rulers among God’s people in the time of Moses and of David, were also to be followed by those given the oversight of the newly organized church of God in the gospel dispensation. In the work of setting things in order in all the churches, and ordaining suitable men to act as officers, the apostles held to the high standards of leadership outlined in the Old Testament Scriptures. They maintained that one who is called to stand in a position of leading responsibility in the church “must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” (Titus 1:7-9.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 91, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 91, 1891, par. 124

“5. We recommend, That in licensing men to the ministry, more regard be paid the requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:7-9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 94, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 94, 1898, par. 27

The ministerial character is described in the Word of God. “A bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, nor given to filthy lucre, but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the faithful word as ye have been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” “Let a man so account of us, as the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” [Titus 1:7-9; 1 Corinthians 4:1.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 11, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 11, 1901, par. 31

In Paul’s epistle to Titus, the Holy Spirit has given important instruction to the church. The apostle writes, “A bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers, especially they of the circumcision; whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” [Titus 1:7-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 52, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 38

The Word of God is to be applied not merely in preaching, but in ministering. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction, in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” [2 Timothy 3:16, 17.] It is necessary that order and unity be preserved in the church. In the church there are some who profess to know God, “but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” [Titus 1:16.] There are those members who are busybodies, speaking evil, sowing the seeds of doubt and infidelity, who pay no heed to the light God has given them in His Word.

13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 40

“A bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision; whose mouths must be stopped.” [Verses 7-11.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

An Unchanging Promise

8T 17.4

To the minister of the gospel God has given the work of guiding to Christ those who have wandered from the narrow way. He is to be wise and earnest in his efforts. At the end of each year he should be able to look back and see souls saved as the result of his labors. Some he is to save with fear, “pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh,” “holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught.” Jude 23; Titus 1:9. Paul’s charge to Timothy comes to the ministers of today: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ; ...Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:1, 2.

Ye Shall Receive Power

No disorder or Fanaticism, November 17

YRP 330.1

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Titus 1:9.

With God at Dawn

Hold Fast the Word, January 29

WGD 31.1

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Titus 1:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 37, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 37, 1902, par. 22

Those to whom God gives a message understand the meaning of the assurance that God keeps His faithful servants steadfast amid all trials and gives them the victory over their enemies in the name of Jesus. Those who work for God will be placed in positions similar to that of Joseph in Egypt. They are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. They are to be quick to see and avoid the seductions of the enemy. Although they are not to be afraid of men, they are to beware of evil men who choose to continue in sin. In no case is the servant of God to give these men an opportunity to cover their wickedness by his sins. Some he is to save with fear, “pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh,” “holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to denounce the gainsayers; for there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers.” [Jude 23; Titus 1:9, 10.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1

Chapter 76—The Cause in the East

1T 415.1

I saw that it is highly important for those who preach the truth to be refined in their manners, to shun oddities and eccentricities, and present the truth in its purity and clearness. I was referred to Titus 1:9: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” In verse 16 Paul speaks of a class who profess that they know God, but in works deny him, being “unto every good work reprobate.” He then exhorts Titus: “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.... Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” This instruction is written for the benefit of all whom God has called to preach the word, and also for the benefit of His people who hear the word.

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4b

The East

4bSG 155.1

I saw that it was highly important for those who preach the truth to be refined in their manners. They should shun oddities and eccentricities, and present the truth in its purity and clearness. I was referred to Titus 1:9. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and convince the gainsayers.” In verse 16 Paul speaks of a class who profess that they know God, but in works deny him, “and unto every good work are reprobate.” He then exhorts Titus, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men may be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works. In doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” This instruction is written for the benefit of all whom God has called to preach the word, and also for the benefit of his people who hear the word.

The Review and Herald

August 3, 1886

RH August 3, 1886, par. 3

It is highly important for those who preach the truth to be refined in their manners. They should shun oddities and eccentricities, and present the truth in its purity and clearness. See Titus 1:9: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” In verse 16 Paul speaks of class who profess that they know God, but in works deny him, and are “unto every good work reprobate.” He then exhorts Titus, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.” “Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” This instruction is written for the benefit of all whom God has called to preach the word, and also for the benefit of his people who hear the word.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Counterfeit Gifts of the Spirit

1TT 163.3

I saw that it is highly important for those who preach the truth to be refined in their manners, to shun oddities and eccentricities, and present the truth in its purity and clearness. I was referred to (Titus 1:9): “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” In verse 16 Paul speaks of a class who profess that they know God, but in works deny Him, being “unto every good work reprobate.” He then exhorts Titus: “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. ... Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” Titus 2:1-8. This instruction is written for the benefit of all whom God has called to preach the word, and also for the benefit of His people who hear the word.

Testimony for the Church — No. 10

The East

T10 24.1

I saw that it was highly important for those who preach the truth to be refined in their manners. They should shun oddities and eccentricities, and present the truth in its purity and clearness. I was referred to Titus 1:9. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and convince the gainsayers.” In verse 16 Paul speaks of a class who profess that they know God, but in works deny him, “and unto every good work are reprobate.” He then exhorts Titus, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men may be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works. In doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” This instruction is written for the benefit of all whom God has called to preach the word, and also for the benefit of his people who hear the word.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 12, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 12, 1893, par. 35

“For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, ... whose mouths must be stopped.” “This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.” “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” (Margin reading: void of judgment) Titus 1:10, 11, [13], 15, 16. [Read the] second chapter, verses 11-15; chapter 3:3-8.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 19—The Measure of Forgiveness

COL 248.3

In his charge to Timothy, Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, “Be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2. And to Titus he writes, “There are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers.... Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.” Titus 1:10-13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 89, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 89, 1898, par. 27

Again he says: “There are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers. ... Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith. ... They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him, being abominable and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” [Titus 1:10, 13, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 3, 1861

1LtMs, Ms 3, 1861, par. 38

God does not require His people to take a course merely to make the world hate them and be their enemies. If they do this, of what advantage will it be to spend time, strength, and means to spread the truth? Those who profess the truth should be living examples, living epistles, known and read of all men, and should ever introduce the truth in a manner which will commend itself to the understanding and good judgment of the intelligent and honest unbeliever. To have novices continually babbling upon the Sabbath and present truth will only make the truth disgusting and will cause it and its true believers to be reproached. Ignorant boasters had better hold their peace—“whose mouths must be stopped.” Titus 1:11. They should show their diligence and zeal in laboring with their hands and attending to their own souls, setting their own hearts in order. This I greatly fear they will never do. They had rather be attending to other people’s matters and babbling upon things of which they have no knowledge.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 24, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 24, 1901, par. 43

Let teachers remember that a sacred responsibility rests upon them. They are to so mold the habits of the students that they will form characters that will influence others for good. This world is God’s school for His people, and it is His design that families shall locate where their children shall be under saving, reformatory influences. The work of the teacher is made very difficult when parents do not co-operate with them in their work. Let parents remember that they are educating their children for eternal bliss or for eternal death. The parents residing in Healdsburg can, by their indifference and want of spirituality, work on Satan’s side of the question. By injudicious words, by criticizing and questioning, they can destroy the confidence of their children in their teachers. They can do much harm by taking sides with certain talkative ones, of whom—were the apostle in Healdsburg—he would say, “Whose mouths must be stopped.” [Titus 1:11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 31, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 31, 1891, par. 11

While probation is graciously granted to you, come out from the world, separate yourselves from its customs, its maxims, and its influence, and put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof. At whatever cost or humiliation to yourselves, you must do this if you would inherit eternal life. “This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess to serve God; but in words they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” [Titus 1:13-16.]

This Day With God

Foolish Fanaticisms, July 15

TDG 205.1

Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Titus 1:14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 177, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 177, 1897, par. 105

To keep the mind fresh, clean, uplifted, requires a persevering course of training. The Word declares that “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.” Titus 1:15. If the Lord bids one bear His message among the lower classes, as city missionaries are often obliged to do, he is and must be oft where he will behold things that are impure and defiling; but even in such a place, if he carries Christlikeness in his mind and remembers that he is doing service to God, wherever he goes he has the assurance Christ is by his side, and angels of God are round about him. It is not the disgusting scenes and filthiness he observes, but he is watching and studying ways of saving these poor souls from ruin by relieving their wretchedness. He is beholding the probabilities of their learning through Christlike love and pity to present things that are high and holy, and secure as many souls as possible to cooperate with the efforts he is putting forth to restore the moral image of God in man. Man must cooperate with God, else He can do nothing with him. This is the work every Christian must not shrink from doing. But very many have not this kind of labor. It would be to the danger of their souls.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 9, 1880

3LtMs, Ms 9, 1880, par. 39

This man and those deceived by him who love not the truth and have pleasure in unrighteousness come under the specification of the apostle. They are given up to strong delusion. What stronger delusion can come upon minds than that there is nothing that is displeasing to God in licentiousness and adultery? Paul writes to Titus of those who “profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16.