It was at the ordination of the Twelve that the first step was taken
in the organization of the church that after Christ?s departure was
to carry on His work on the earth. Of this ordination the record
says, ?He goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto Him whom He
would: and they came unto Him. And He ordained twelve, that they
should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.?
Mark 3:13, 14.
Look upon the touching scene. Behold the Majesty of heaven
surrounded by the Twelve whom He has chosen. He is about to set
them apart for their work. By these feeble agencies, through His
word and Spirit, He designs to place salvation within the reach of
all.
With gladness and rejoicing, God and the angels beheld this
scene. The Father knew that from these men the light of heaven
[19] would shine forth; that the words spoken by them as they witnessed
for His Son, would echo from generation to generation till the close
of time.
The disciples were to go forth as Christ?s witnesses, to declare to
the world what they had seen and heard of Him. Their office was the
most important to which human beings had ever been called, second
only to that of Christ Himself. They were to be workers together
with God for the saving of men. As in the Old Testament the twelve
patriarchs stood as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles
stand as representatives of the gospel church.

The church is God?s fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds
in a revolted world. Any betrayal of the church is treachery to Him
who has bought mankind with the blood of His only-begotten Son.
From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on
earth. In every age the Lord has had His watchmen, who have borne
a faithful testimony to the generation in which they lived. These
sentinels gave the message of warning; and when they were called
to lay off their armor, others took up the work. God brought these
witnesses into covenant relation with Himself, uniting the church
on earth with the church in heaven. He has sent forth His angels to
minister to His church, and the gates of hell have not been able to
prevail against His people.
Through centuries of persecution, conflict, and darkness, God
has sustained His church. Not one cloud has fallen upon it that He
has not prepared for; not one opposing force has risen to counterwork
His work, that He has not foreseen. All has taken place as He
predicted. He has not left His church forsaken, but has traced in
prophetic declarations what would occur, and that which His Spirit
inspired the prophets to foretell has been brought about. All His
purposes will be fulfilled. His law is linked with His throne, and no
power of evil can destroy it. Truth is inspired and guarded by God;
and it will triumph over all opposition.

Joh 2:14? And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:?
Joh 2:15? And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;?
Joh 2:16? And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.?
Joh 2:17? And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.?
Joh 2:18? Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things??

Act 2:42? And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.?
Act 2:43? And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.?
Act 2:44? And all that believed were together, and had all things common;?
Act 2:45? And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.?
Act 2:46? And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,?
Act 2:47? Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.?

Our churches are to co-operate in the work of spiritual tilling,
with the hope of reaping by and by.... The soil is stubborn, but the
fallow ground must be broken up, the seeds of righteousness must
be sown. Pause not, teachers beloved by God, as though doubtful whether
to prosecute a labor which will grow as performed.?Testi-
monies for the Church 6:420.
The church is God?s appointed agency for the salvation of men.
It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to
the world. From the beginning it has been God?s plan that through
His church shall be reflected to the world His fulness and His suffi-
ciency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out of
darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory.?The
Acts of the Apostles, 9.
Let no church think it is too small to exert an influence and do
service in the great work for this time.
Go to work, brethren. It is not alone the large camp meetings or
conventions and councils that will have the especial favor of God; the
humblest effort of unselfish love will be crowned with His blessings,
and receive its great reward. Do what you can, and God will increase
your ability.?The Review and Herald, March 13, 1888.

Luk 15:11? And he said, A certain man had two sons:?
Luk 15:12? And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.?
Luk 15:13? And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.?
Luk 15:14? And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.?
Luk 15:15? And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.?
Luk 15:16? And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.?
Luk 15:17? And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!?
Luk 15:18? I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,?
Luk 15:19? And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.?
Luk 15:20? And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.?
Luk 15:21? And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.?
Luk 15:22? But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:?
Luk 15:23? And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:?
Luk 15:24? For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.?

Joh 14:5? Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way??
Joh 14:6? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.?
Joh 14:7? If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.?

Joh 17:1? These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:?
Joh 17:2? As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.?
Joh 17:3? And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.?

Mat 7:12? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.?
Mat 7:13? Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:?
Mat 7:14? Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.?

Mar 12:28? And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all??
Mar 12:29? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:?
Mar 12:30? And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.?
Mar 12:31? And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.?
Mar 12:32? And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:?
Mar 12:33? And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.?
Mar 12:34? And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.?

Gal 5:22? But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,?
Gal 5:23? Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.?
Gal 5:24? And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.?
Gal 5:25? If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.?
Gal 5:26? Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.?

?As if enshrouded in a cloud
of heavenly brightness, Christ pronounced from the mount of beat-
itudes His benedictions. The words spoken by Him were of an
entirely different character from those which had fallen from the
lips of the scribes and Pharisees. The ones whom He pronounced
blessed were the very ones they would have denounced as cursed of
God. To that large concourse of people He declared that He could
dispense the treasures of eternity to whomsoever He willed. Al-
though His divinity was clothed with humanity, He thought it not
robbery to be equal with God. In this public manner He described
the attributes of those who were to share the eternal rewards. He
pointed out in particular those who would suffer persecution for His
name?s sake. They were to be richly blessed, becoming heirs of God
and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. Great would be their reward in
heaven

?Those who
claim modern sanctification would have come boastingly forward,
saying, ?Lord, Lord, do you not know us? Have we not prophesied
in Thy name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in Thy name
done many wonderful works?? The people here described, who
make these pretentious claims, apparently weaving Jesus into all
their doings, fitly represent those who claim modern sanctification,
but who are at war with the law of God. Christ calls them workers
of iniquity, because they are deceivers, having on the garments of
righteousness to hide the deformity of their characters, the inward
wickedness of their unholy hearts. Satan has come down in these
last days, to work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in
them that perish. His satanic majesty works miracles in the sight of
false prophets, in the sight of men, claiming that he is indeed Christ
Himself. Satan gives his power to those who are aiding him in his
deceptions; therefore those who claim to have the great power of
God can only be discerned by the great detector, the law of Jehovah.
The Lord tells us if it were possible they would deceive the very
elect. The sheep?s clothing seems so real, so genuine, that the wolf
cannot be discerned only as we go to God?s great moral standard
and there find that they are transgressors of the law of Jehovah

The two restored demoniacs were the first missionaries whom
Christ sent to preach the gospel in the region of Decapolis. For a few
moments only, these men had been privileged to hear the teachings
of Christ. Not one sermon from His lips had ever fallen upon their
ears. They could not instruct the people as the disciples who had
been daily with Christ were able to do. But they bore in their own
persons the evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. They could tell
what they knew; what they themselves had seen and heard and felt
of the power of Christ. This is what everyone can do whose heart
has been touched by the grace of God. John, the beloved disciple,
wrote: ?That which was from the beginning, 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; ... that which we have
seen and heard declare we unto you.? As witnesses for Christ, we
are to tell what we know, what we ourselves have seen and heard
and felt. If we have been following Jesus step by step, we shall have
something right to the point to tell concerning the way in which He
has led us. We can tell how we have tested His promise and found
the promise true. We can bear witness to what we have known of
the grace of Christ. This is the witness for which our Lord calls, and
for want of which the world is perishing

Joh_13:34? A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Joh_13:35? By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Joh 15:12? This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.?
Joh 15:13? Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.?
Joh 15:14? Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.?
Joh 15:15? Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.?
Joh 15:16? Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.?
Joh 15:17? These things I command you, that ye love one another.?

1Pe_1:22? Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1Jn_4:7? Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

In the parable the petitioner was again and again repulsed, but he
did not relinquish his purpose. So our prayers do not always seem to
receive an immediate answer; but Christ teaches that we should not
cease to pray. Prayer is not to work any change in God; it is to bring
us into harmony with God. When we make request of Him, He may
see that it is necessary for us to search our hearts and repent of sin.
Therefore He takes us through test and trial, He brings us through
humiliation, that we may see what hinders the working of His Holy
Spirit through us.
There are conditions to the fulfillment of God?s promises, and
prayer can never take the place of duty. ?If ye love Me,? Christ says,
?keep My commandments.? ?He that hath My commandments, and
keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be
loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself
to him.? John 14:15, 21. Those who bring their petitions to God,
claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions,
insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority
for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that
would show faith in Christ and love for Him.

Lt 10, 1890

Fulton, John

Battle Creek, Michigan

January 2, 1890

Portions of this letter are published in 1MR 374-382. +Note

Dear Brother John Fulton,

I am much pained at heart to see your course of action. If I should judge you by the fruits you bear, I should suppose you were not a tree in the Lord?s garden, but a bramble bush. I supposed when you were connected with Homer Salisbury that you would be a blessing to him as a soldier of Christ, leading him to Jesus while the sweet invitation of mercy is heard, that you would listen to its voice yourself and draw Homer to the attractive loveliness of Jesus Christ. We see you working in entirely an opposite line from this. Had it not been for the influence that you have had over him, I have not a doubt but that he would have been seeking the Lord most earnestly and repenting of his sin. I am deeply disappointed in you.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 1

I inquired Monday evening just before the close of the old year if Homer would be at the meeting for the youth and was told by Sister McDearmon that she feared that he would not. Then she told me that her heart was sorely distressed on Homer?s account; that in company with you he was doing that which she never allowed him to do?going to parties in the evening and not coming home until a late hour in the night. She was greatly burdened and distressed for Homer. She feared that if he did not seek the Lord during the special meetings he would go on as he had done, in careless neglect of his own soul.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 2

I asked her if she had talked with Homer. She said she had, but she?to whom he ought to listen and whom he ought to obey?has but little influence over him now, because your influence is so much stronger. I asked her, ?Have you talked with John?? She said she had, and you stood up boldly and asserted that there was no harm in your visiting good society and her words of solicitude and remonstrance had no effect.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 3

Last night I was solicited to go to the meeting for youth in the tabernacle, although I had sent for the doctor, because several of us were sick and I myself was sick; yet my interest was so great for the young I went to the meeting. I looked to find you and Homer present but you were not there. Sister McDearmon thought you would be at the meeting but you were not of the number present. We had a very precious meeting. Fifty came forward for prayers and many of them were seeking the Lord for the first time. I was sorry that you and Homer were not present. It might have been the time when the Lord would have impressed his heart and he would have heard the voice of the dear Saviour inviting him to open the door of his heart and let Jesus in. I watched everyone that came in but you were not among them.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 4

At such a time as this, when the servants of God are bearing the heavy burden of souls, some are on the devil?s enchanted ground. They have no deep work being done for them. God has been sending messages of warning, of reproof, of entreaty for the youth to awaken from their careless sleep, to lift the burdens of Christ, and to be obtaining a valuable experience, for now we are having golden opportunities that we shall not always be privileged with.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 5

I have, while speaking in the desk, set forth the duties and responsibilities of young men, dwelling upon the principles that should govern and control the actions, and I had your case before me and made it plain. Did you take heed to these warnings? If you had discernment you could know it was your own situation that was on my mind, although I did not specify you by name. I suppose you had such an estimate of yourself as a Christian that the words spoken made no impression on your mind and heart, for I have seen no change in you.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 6

While I enjoy seeing young men and young women cheerful and happy, I am pained greatly to see them pursue the path you are traveling, because your influence and example lead others away from Jesus. You are cultivating the tastes and appetite in yourself and others for those things which do not give solidity to your character and do not represent the Christian life. Homer says to his grandmother, ?John is a Christian; he belongs to the church; he will not do anything that is wrong.? But his grandmother who has had charge of him from his childhood, feels greatly distressed over the way things are going. When God?s servant, a mother in Israel, expostulated with you, did you respect her heart feelings? Were you so engrossed in your own amusements and pleasure-loving propensities that all your course seemed righteous in your eyes? Did you have more confidence in your limited experience than you had in the experience of one who has lived a holy, devoted life for scores of years?6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 7

I want you to look in the mirror of God?s Word and see yourself, if you have been exerting an influence over Homer to be a doer of the Word. Have you been teaching him to obey all the injunctions of God, especially the fifth commandment, which is the first commandment with promise? I have been much surprised at the quality of your experience in religious things, for it certainly is greatly wanting in the elements essential to stand the test of the proving of God. Everything is to be shaken that can be shaken, that those things which can not be shaken may remain. Where will you stand in the testing time?6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 8

Are you, my brother, growing up heavenward? Are you growing to the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus, your living Head? Are you becoming fixed, rooted and grounded in the truth as it is in Jesus, who is your source of joy, your peace and your happiness? Is He the crown of your rejoicing? If so, you will reveal this.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 9

?I am the true vine, my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me ... that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit ... Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing ... Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit; so ye shall be my disciples.? [John 15:1-8.]6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 10

Can you, my brother, claim the right of discipleship? Are your fruits unto holiness? ?If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father?s commandments and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are [my] friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.? [Verses 10-14.]6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 11

Will you thoughtfully and prayerfully not merely read but study these words? They mean much to you?yes, everything to you and to me and to Homer. Every word spoken by Christ should be graven upon the tablets of the soul. From the lips of Jesus are the words spoken, ?Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.? [Verse 8.] Here is the evidence of your discipleship. ?By their fruits ye shall know them.? [Matthew 7:20.]6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 12

Will you consider what is the quality of the fruit that you are bearing? Are you a fruit bearing branch in the parent vine stalk or are you producing fruit that bears no resemblance to the living vine? I ask you seriously and solemnly, What is the character of the fruit that you produce? Does it do good to souls? Is it the fruit of self-denial, of self-sacrifice, the fruit of meekness, patience, long forbearance, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness and love? Is this fruit budding and blossoming for God and His glory in working as Christ worked to save perishing souls?6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 13

Remember, if ?ye bear much fruit, so shall ye be My disciples.? [John 15:8.] Without this evidence ye are not Christ?s, neither is Christ yours. You have no right to the Christian name. ?Yet is not a man crowned, except he strive lawfully.? [2 Timothy 2:5.] Your striving for grace and perfection of Christian character must be according to the will and ways of God. If you abide in Christ, the fruits you bear will be unto eternal life. I tell you frankly, you bear no such fruits and Christ is not abiding in your heart by faith. You love just such amusements as the world loves and you are not abiding in Christ and the love of God is not revealed in your works.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 14

?This is my commandment that you love one another.? What quality is this love? A love just as Christ revealed in His life? ?Love one another as I have loved you.? [John 15:12.] A love for the soul that would part with selfish gratifications and practice stern self-denial, to elevate, ennoble, sanctify those with whom we associate. ?And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified through the truth.? [John 17:19.]6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 15

Do you love those with whom you associate well enough to forego your desire for amusement and self-pleasing that you will not place these souls in the path of temptation, that you will not beckon them to pursue a course of fun and frolic which leads to the extinguishment of serious thoughts in regard to the salvation of their souls? Do you cultivate personal piety and living principles, plainly inculcated by Christ, that your youthful friends may follow where you lead the way, upward and forward to obedience to God?6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 16

No doubt you please the unconsecrated and unconverted. It is no marvel they enjoy your companionship, for your course of action gives no disturbance of conscience, where Christ?s love and praise and honor is not expressed in words or actions. But what is the quality of your love? Is it of a character to make your associates more Christlike? Will it have a tendency to bring the solid timbers into their character building?6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 17

What sort of a character would you like to possess before the whole world? Would you like to be respected and valued by those who are good and God-fearing? Then act in a manner to gain their respect. You will surely have an account to render to God for the fruits revealed in your associations with Homer and the youth generally. All the excellency of character you obtain must be through the grace of Christ and the fruit of your own labor. You are living an un-Christlike life. You are a false guidepost, pointing the wrong way, misleading souls who are blinder than yourself, who have never known what it is to be under the control of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 18

Those whom you suppose to be your friends may love the half-hearted, unconsecrated, un-Christlike life you are living. They may, through their association with you, encourage you to think that in order to be happy you must have pleasurable enjoyments called innocent amusements, but masked by Satan to destroy your spirituality and theirs. They cannot pay a ransom for your soul, neither can you pay a ransom for theirs. Every one who is saved must be saved by his faith in Jesus Christ.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 19

All who are daily Christians will present good fruit. They will put forth most earnest efforts putting to the use their skill to make those with whom they associate look to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 20

Here is the young man Homer, the offspring, left [to her] mother by a much-loved daughter. The grandparents have loved him, labored for him, and prayed for his salvation, that he might meet his mother in the kingdom of God, and that they might say, Here is your child that we have educated and disciplined, prayed for and labored for. He is made white in the blood of the Lamb.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 21

But here has this young man been in your society, and the hearts of those who love him and want him to be saved see that you, who should be a laborer together with God to draw and attract this youth to Him, are leading him away from God. If you, the leading element, are indifferent at such a time as this, when ministers of God are burdened and pressed as a cart beneath sheaves and are wrestling day and night for these souls to be wrenched from the snare of Satan, as a brand plucked from the burning, how can the universe of heaven look upon you? At the very time when every jot of your influence should be on Christ?s side of the question, your name is registered as a trifler, a vain, self-sufficient, self-confident person, leaving the character to form itself as chance may direct. Will not your name be spued out of the mouth of God because you are neither cold, or hot, but lukewarm? How little foresight, how little spiritual discernment is revealed in your course of action at such a time as this.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 22

Now is the golden opportunity to seek the Lord yourself, and the golden opportunity for you to work in harmony with God?s delegated servants for the salvation of perishing souls. Now, while mercy?s sweet voice is inviting, ?And let him that is athirst come and partake of the waters of life freely,? is your chance to say, ?come.? [Revelation 22:17.] It is your chance to yoke up with Jesus Christ. ?Ye are laborers together with God.? [1 Corinthians 3:9.]6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 23

How do you know that there will ever be another opportunity so favorable for Homer and other of your associates to fall in with the overtures of mercy? Why do you not reflect as to what seed you are sowing if you deliver yourself up at such a critical time as this to indifference, spiritual sloth and pleasure loving? Whom are you serving, God or the devil? If you refuse to listen to the words of counsel and follow your own humor and inclination and enjoy amusement, if you allow yourself to float carelessly down with the current on the tide of life, ready to receive any impression, or go in any direction the current of pleasure may lead you, what kind of a harvest do you expect to gather?6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 24

You need to seek God now while He is to be found, for I know that God is not pleased with you. Would you demerit or leave the slightest question in regard to the influence exercised by his grandmother? Homer needs to cultivate respect for age and gray hairs. Do not communicate irreverence to one who is not governed by religious principles and confirm him in the idea that his parents and guardians are too particular and exacting; that he need not regard their feelings, and their advice and counsel need not make any material difference with him. Are you leading a youth to disregard parental counsel, for Mother McDearmon has been such to Homer. You may think the boy is safe with you. But we know he is in danger, in your company, of receiving impressions contrary to the way and will of God that will be enduring as eternity. Impressions have already been made upon his susceptible mind by yourself that will, unless speedily counteracted, do much harm.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 25

What kind of fruit are you bearing? Is there any safety in wrong doing? Is your heart being made softer and nobler and more holy by the course you are now pursuing? Deceive not yourself. You are in danger. Your character is not what you would wish it had been when everyone will receive his just reward. Character must be made, and it is the work of a lifetime through patient continuance in well doing.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 26

It requires much meditation, forethought, steady, undeviating principles to build day by day for time and eternity. Now is our probationary time, now is the period to prepare for eternity. Where is your burden bearing? Where is your drawing nigh to God? Where do you show decided fruits of righteousness? You are losing precious time when every moment is golden. Now you can work in the Master?s vineyard. ?Now while it is called today harden not your heart.? [Hebrews 3:13, 15.]6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 27

How many souls, as precious sheaves, have you brought to the Master? Are you sowing beside all waters? Are you a faithful soldier of Jesus Christ? Has it not entered your mind that it is not only your privilege, but your duty, to be a sweet savor to Jesus Christ? If you have the grace of Christ transforming your character, you will discern that it is not becoming. It is not rank or wealth that elevates man, but consecration to Christ and His Cause, and for His glory, that are required to accomplish great things.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 28

You are educating Homer to receive ideas that will lead him to superficial views of what constitutes a Christian character. You do not come up anywhere near to the Bible standard yourself, and your influence is to lead others to be satisfied with low attainments. While we have been earnestly laboring for the conversion of the youth, you have been with other youth leading them to be satisfied with hopes and pursuits that will disqualify them to stand amid the perils of the last days. You have had great light. You have been placed where you have had opportunities and privileges to know God?s requirements, and you are quick to discern evidence presented as to what is truth. You will be without excuse in the great day when every soul will be judged, not by his own ideas of the standard of righteousness, but [by] God?s own moral standard of holiness; by that he will stand or fall.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 29

I love your soul. I have been deeply interested in you. I want you to be right with God. I greatly desire you should be truly and unmistakably converted to God and sanctified through the truth. Eternal life is worth everything to you, or it is worth nothing. Truth will produce beauty in the soul. A mere profession of faith will never save you, for it is as a sounding brass and tinkling cymbal. God forbid that you should longer remain in a deception, that the fountain which should send forth sweet water should be poisoned; the vine which should bear rich clusters of grapes produce only wild berries.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 30

May God help you to see the value of the soul for which Christ has paid the purchase money of His own precious blood. Take right hold in earnest to work for the salvation of souls. God requires this of you. I will leave these lines with you. I deeply deplore that the fear and love of God is not circulating more thoroughly through the family where you make your home. We are amid the perils of the last days, and now if a man is to be connected with God he needs to cleave close to the only power which can give him the victory, and that power is Jesus Christ.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 31

John, I had hoped that you would do honor to your Redeemer. You greatly need depth of thought and deep heart work. Youth are generally ready to say, when appealed to, ?I am as good as that young man. He loves pleasure and sport, and practices no more self-denial and self-sacrifice than I do. He belongs to the church as a Christian. I am not a Christian, and I fear I would do no better than this young man I mentioned.?6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 32

Because [of] so many half-hearted professors, very many youth are inclined to think that religion that needs fun and frolic, jesting and joking, would not be any benefit to them, and the subject of religion is presented in an unfavorable light. Religion should not be made to appear gloomy and unattractive, something calculated to detract from their happiness, making life tasteless and unenjoyable. Those who really enjoy the love of God will have joy and peace. Religion was never designed to make one pleasureless. What can be productive of greater happiness than to enjoy the peace of Christ, the bright sunshine of His presence? Can darkness or discontentment surround your soul? Will dark despair brood over you? Never, while your faith is in Jesus Christ.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 33

John, you have been cultivating your fun and frolic-loving propensities. Have you grown in grace? Have you felt the great importance of daily educating the heart and mind to cultivate your higher, nobler faculties? You need to obtain more correct views of religion. You are impulsive, emotional, spasmodic in your religious service. Great caution needs to be exercised by you, else you will make great mistakes. You do not go to the bottom of things. You must not follow the bent of your own mind.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 34

You have hereditary tendencies not the most favorable for the perfection of Christian character, and you may lose your soul unless you view the great matter of eternal interest in a different light. There is such a want of harmony in the truth and in your practical life; there is most complete contradiction. I hope you will take to heart what I have written and let it sink deep in your heart. You can be kept by the power of God alone. Then yoke up with Christ. Make your aim high, and dig deeper than you are now doing. Lay your foundation on the rock.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 35

Will you serve God or Baal? ?Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.? [Joshua 24:15.] I know you are not serving God with your undivided affection. Stand not in the way of sinners?which you are certainly doing now. Make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. I hope you will put away your trifling and be watchful unto prayer. Be sober, be serious and yet cheerful and a sunny Christian.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 36

Is it possible you have ever tasted of the blessings which come from genuine service to Jesus Christ? Is it true you have enlisted under Christ?s banner, and shall we be compelled to look upon you as a deserter to the ranks of the enemy? It appears thus to us. You certainly are not today under the banner of Jesus Christ. Your influence is against Christ and is opposed to the work of God, opposed to the work now being done by His delegated ministers. You are working to destroy interest in the things of the greatest consequence to every soul which is the turning of minds from the truth to pleasure loving, pleasure seeking. What, I ask you, as a man claiming to be a Christian, what are you doing for the Master? Who, I ask with the great apostle, has bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth? The Christian life is repeatedly set forth under the figure of a warfare. Those who are standing under the blood-stained banner of Jesus Christ have a special service to do to communicate every particle of light in religious instruction and religious practice to those who they desire shall enlist under Christ?s banner, enforcing spiritual truths which come in clear straight lines from the lips of the servants of God. They bear their message and your words, your deportment, and your influence has counteracted the work of God. Have you been an honor to the dear Saviour? Have the words spoken by the servants of Jesus Christ found an enlodgement in your heart and subdued, refined and ennobled your life?6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 37

Is not Christ ashamed of such a soldier as you have been for at least the larger part of the year that has rolled into eternity with its burden of record? How will your self-indulgence stand in the sight of God and in the sight of holy angels as the representative of Jesus Christ, in self-denial and self-sacrifice to save the souls of those who are ready to die? What answer can you give in the judgment when your name shall stand as it now appears in the heavenly records? What have you done in harmony with the life of Him who gave His life for you? What has been done by you to evidence that you appreciated the great sacrifice made in your behalf for the great and priceless treasure of the Son of God? What have you done at this important time when the servants of Christ are exerting every power they possess to awaken conviction in the hearts of the impenitent? What have you done for Jesus? How stands your record in the book of God?s account? Oh, the fickleness of unsanctified human nature! Many think they belong to Christ, but Christ will not own them at all.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 38

When you pursue a course which will have a tendency to efface the mold upon one human soul that has been made in respect and reverence for one who bore him on her soul during his babyhood and motherless childhood and whose prayers have ascended in his behalf when he was sick and suffering, who supplied his wants in his necessity, who gave him in her watchful care the love and greater love than flowed to the mother who gave him birth, you, John, have done the work in your unsanctified course of action which has placed your mold upon Homer, where the mother, for such she is to him, has been trying to place the image of Jesus Christ. You have nearly broken her heart and need to humble yourself and repent before God. How could you cause sleepless nights and a crushing burden to come to this mother who has been deeply interested in the soul of this youth for whom Christ has died. You would pursue a course that causes pain to tug at the heart of one of God?s loved ones, precious as gold. I do not think you know what you are about. Homer should not be influenced by one who claims to be a Christian to break the fifth commandment and show less reverence and less respect for the mother. He has not had enough respect and reverence. He needed to be encouraged and strengthened, both by precept and example, never to slight or go counter to the advice of his godly grandmother. But you are cutting him away from his guardian who could hold him by the hand of faith and prayerful influence from the dangers and actual perils [to] which youth are exposed. Homer is bound to attention to his mother in her widowhood and she has been kind and true and patient to him in his wayward boyhood. He should cling to the one who has loved him, worked for him, sacrificed for him. Let Homer now look at the past as God looks at it and be dutiful and kind and attentive to her who has been both father and mother to the motherless boy.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 39

Must it be that Mother McDearmon shall have her soul burdened, her heart bruised, to see Homer?s scruples brushed away by your precept and example who claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ? You are leading him away from duty and from God. I think you must have easily forgotten your own mother, and your standard of duty to her must be of a very low character. Your discerning powers of duty are very dim to make a boy naturally inclined to be thoughtless more so by your training.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 40

How did that mother?s heart, before she closed her eyes in death, yearn longingly over her helpless little one. She was comforted in thought that she had a good, conscientious, tenderhearted, God-fearing mother to whom she could commit her child; that if the father should forget his duty and the claims of his son upon his care and purse, the grandmother would be faithful and true, and never leave, never suffer any influence to come in to swerve her from her position of trust or to forsake this son of her motherly care. Homer should not have the tiniest seed sown to lessen the effect and counsel and the influence of the instruction that has come from the godly grandmother.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 41

There are those who are very thoughtless and inconsiderate of the feelings and their duty to those faithful guardians. They do not willfully mean to be selfish, but they are absorbed from their own private interests and forget and slight, dishonor, the very ones whom God honors, whose heart would break if they had not learned to cast their care upon one who is faithful and true and never forgets.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 42

Do you attend the Sabbath School? Do you encourage or discourage Homer from attending? You should never be associated with a youth like Homer Salisbury. He hears your words and you are not slow of speech. You tell him your opinion of different ones. You express just that which comes into your head. You do not stop to think that by your words ye shall be justified and by your words ye shall be condemned. Words that are so carelessly spoken have frequently a power of influence. One who listens to them takes assertions for truths, presumption for promise. Your much talk without forethought or consideration does harm. You are a reckless talker. I beseech you to be more choice of your words, think before you speak and then do not speak everything that comes into your mind. May the Lord help you to be a full Christian, entire, wanting nothing.6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 43

Ms 5, 1883

Sermon/Sermon at the 1883 General Conference

Battle Creek, Michigan

November 20, 1883

This manuscript is published in entirety in 2SAT 10-19.

Sermon by Mrs. White

[Delivered at the last meeting of the 1883 General Conference.]4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 1

I want to say, brethren and sisters, that this conference?the Bible studies and other meetings and all indeed connected with the conference?has been one of deep interest to me; and I feel very grateful to God that I have enjoyed these meetings as I never have any meetings of the kind before. I know that we have had the presence and the blessing of God in our midst. And as we are about to separate, and our ministers will go to their different positions of labor, the question arises, Shall we meet again? Shall all of us ever meet again in conference? Probably not. We may never all assemble in meeting again as we are here today.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 2

In this morning?s meeting, as we were listening to the testimonies borne here, and as the last hymn was sung??When shall we meet again, meet ne?er to sever???I almost forgot myself. My mind reached over to the other shore, to the time when there will be a grand meeting in the city of God around the great white throne, and the redeemed will be singing there of triumph and of victory and of praise to God and to the Lamb. Well now, it brought such a solemn, sweet feeling upon me; it softened my heart, and I could not prevent the tears from flowing. Oh, what happiness we shall enjoy, gathered round about the throne, clothed in the white robes of the righteousness of Christ! No more sorrow, no more separation, but to dwell in peace, to dwell in happiness, to dwell in glory throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. What a happy, happy company we may be!4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 3

Now let us consider the same privileges here. When we consider the infinite sacrifice of our Saviour that we might become children of God and members of the royal family, when we consider this exaltation, when we consider that all these privileges will be ours and may be ours every day, that we may have the privileges which belong to the sons and daughters of God, how can any one of us have any word of complaint? How can anyone utter one word of murmuring? How can it dwell in our hearts?4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 4

We ought to be the most grateful people on the face of the earth. Our happiness is dependent on our faith in God?our confidence in Him. And then when we think of what a hope we have, of what a faith we have, that it reaches right into the other world; when we know that it will continue unto the ceaseless ages of eternity, I want to know how you feel in regard to these pleas that have been presented to you tonight? They call for one here and one there among these ministers to go to another field, and it is almost impossible to take one minister to go to another field without robbing the field from which he comes. When we consider that there are large cities where there has been no special labor bestowed, how do you feel, my brethren? Well, I feel as if a sword were piercing through my heart. I feel as though the time has come for God to raise up men to go into this labor.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 5

If there is anything I can put into this work, that shall go. But there are many who are willing to give of their means, but they withhold themselves. Why is it we do not find more who give themselves to this work? It is because selfishness lies at the root of the matter. There are those who come to this college, and they come to it with the object of laboring in the field, but there has been so little effort, there has been so little appreciation of their object and purposes, so little zeal to help them, that they have become discouraged. And the attraction has been so very small, the help given them so little, that many have been very slow to devote themselves to the ministry. There have been young men who could have given themselves to the ministry.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 6

It is not the want of ability, it is not because the prospect of their being fitted for the ministry was hopeless, but selfishness lies at the root of the matter. They thought they could make a little more money in worldly business, and so selfishness has drawn them away from the work. There might have been twenty laborers where there is one that has come out of the college prepared to labor. There is this disinclination to labor for God.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 7

What is the matter? The truth we advocate is not popular; it is unpopular and ever will be, because the Sabbath truth ever involves a cross. There are enough men who are willing to preach, but they are unwilling to be laborers: they shun the working part. They are not willing to visit by the fireside, to take the Bible and try to teach its sacred doctrines in the family, to carry the burden of souls upon them, to weep between the porch and the altar, crying, ?Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach.? Joel 2:17. They are not willing to feel an interest for those who listen to their discourses, to become acquainted with the individual member of families, to put forth personal efforts for them, to pray for them and with them, to show the youth that they have a deep love for their souls, to lead them kindly, tenderly, lovingly, to the fold of Christ.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 8

This kind of work will drive the minister to his knees in prayer, and to his Bible, and will compel him to make God his trust, to walk by faith, sowing the seed of truth beside all waters, praying that God may water it.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 9

This is labor; this is the kind of work that devolves upon every minister of Christ. And the reason why some of our ministers are almost faithless, why they are desponding and walking under a cloud, is because they do not work as faithful shepherds should, watching for souls as they that must give an account. True watchmen are faithful shepherds. The qualification of a minister is not his brilliant talents, for this knowledge might prove his ruin. It is the entire surrender of the heart to God, to be molded and impressed as God chooses.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 10

When Christ called His ministers He did not go to the ?school of the prophets,? but to fishermen. He took those men that He could bring into connection with Himself, so that He could place His mold upon them. And this is the kind of workers the Lord wants?men who are willing to sit at His feet, men who can work anywhere and do anything for the Lord, and who will not be constantly striving for the supremacy.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 11

If you feel that the responsibility in the harvest field is too great, there are other branches of labor before you. You can do a smaller work. And if you do that smaller work with fidelity, you are fitting for greater responsibilities, and God will entrust to you larger work. Here are men who can take hold of the larger part of the work in bearing the burdens, in teaching the truth, while others are fitted for canvassing. I have thought how great a work might be done through canvassing in reaching hearts and dropping the seed of truth. Almost anyone with an intelligent mind can make his labors acceptable, and if self is hid in Jesus Christ, he can spread the knowledge of the truth of God among his neighbors and into those large cities that have never yet been entered, for Christ will work with his efforts. It is because the lay members do not do the work they ought to do that they feel so weak.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 12

When I listened to the testimony of Brother [L. R.] Conradi, I could see how he was so successful. He was thoroughly in earnest in the work. He takes hold of it as though he meant to do something. It is not ability alone that gives success, although sanctified talent and ability are as polished instruments in the hands of God; it is to be thoroughly in earnest in the work. If the worker has access to the hearts of the people, the people will say, ?Well, that man is in earnest; he is good at heart.?4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 13

When one was speaking in a simple, earnest manner in Market Street, there was a man present who was on his way to South America. He attended the meeting and said, ?That speaker is thoroughly in earnest, and the things uttered seem to be a reality. There must be something in what is presented.? He stated to our brethren that he was about to sail for South America, and he said, ?I will carry all the papers and pamphlets that you give me.? Brother [J. N.] Loughborough furnished him with the publications. He took all we gave him.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 14

Now brethren, we do not want to act as some have done. I have heard of a man who was about to cross a bridge, and he asked, ?Is this bridge safe?? One said, ?I have crossed several times, but it was not very safe; however, after all, I passed over without harm.? He went quite near to the bridge when another man approached, gesticulating earnestly and crying out, ?Don?t go over that bridge; if you go on it there is danger there! It is unsafe!? We are compelled to think the man understood the condition of the bridge, felt it was not safe to venture on it. Why did the second man stop him, and not the first? Because the second was thoroughly in earnest. He had the other?s welfare at heart.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 15

What the Lord wants in His service is thoroughly earnest men. If there has been any indolence about any of us, and if there has been any indifference and careless inattention among those who handle such solemn, testing truths, the Lord wants you to put it away. He wants you, when you talk the truth to the people, to act as though you believed it yourself and had zeal and earnestness to bear some comparison with the truth you profess.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 16

Do not give the same discourse over and over again. Leave some chance for the Spirit of God to impress you, to give you fresh ideas and increased light. We all need hearts susceptible to the impress of the Spirit of God, hearts thoroughly imbued with His Spirit. That which we learn in the school of Christ will be meekness and lowliness of heart. We are ever to be learners, Bible students. We cannot study the Scriptures with a heart to learn and understand without obtaining fresh ideas, increased light. Do not have your set discourses, going over the same ground, having the same ending, and leave no chance for the Spirit of God to bring to your mind things new and old from the treasury of truth.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 17

We must make it a matter of thought and of diligent study to present the truth in that sincerity and earnestness that will inspire confidence and faith that we have learned of Jesus. A flash of light will come upon the pages and bright gems of truth will be revealed to you, and it will be the voice of God to you as a fire shut up in your bones. You will want to speak of the Bible truths, for you will feel that they are the most precious riches, treasure the earth cannot give, and while you are talking to the people, light will be given from heaven. We want to search the Scriptures for ourselves and to be thoroughly in earnest.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 18

And, dear brethren, in your different positions in your fields of labor there is not that feeling of love and tenderness cultivated that there ought to be. Love is a tender, heavenly plant that needs constant cultivation. We meet here in this conference as a family of God?s chosen ones, and as we are God?s children we will have nothing in us that will love strife or love to quarrel one with another. We should be guarded, not to tear down that which our brethren or ourselves have been building up. When you are disposed to dissension, think that it will not do, it will not do.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 19

Christ has said: ?By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.? John 13:35. This, then, is the credential we bear to the world that we are indeed children of God. Satan knows that if we cease to cultivate love, we bear his stamp rather than the impress of heaven. We should inquire, Are we to dwell together in heaven? Then it must be in peace and harmony, and we must learn to harmonize in this world. Our work, our feelings, our actions must be Christlike. There are laborers that can work together in harmony.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 20

There are men, wholehearted men, whom God wants to engage in His work, and He wants every one of them to be abiding in Christ. Many claim that they are abiding in Christ, and preach the truth of heavenly origin. Yet if their words and works reveal that they are suspicious and envious of their brother ministers, they are not trying to build up the work, but are trying to work one against one another. One wants to be a little ahead of the other?not in meekness, in lowliness of heart, but in the estimation of others. Some of you are contending one against another, yet all claim to be abiding in Jesus. Is there anything in Christ that wars against Christ? This, my brethren, you see cannot be. And if there is any contention at all, it is because there is some enemy in the camp. It is Satan working in your hearts and putting his enmity there, and not Christ?s persuasive love.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 21

Some, if there has not been contention, if they cannot have the credit of superior work which they think will elevate them, will become downhearted and will not do anything. There has not, thank the Lord, been a great deal of this in our ranks; but there should not be the first seed of it sown among us.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 22

While Christ was with His disciples, as they were going to a certain place, they were disputing which should be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus asked them of what they were disputing by the way. He then took a little child and set him in their midst and said, ?Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.? Matthew 18:3.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 23

This self-sufficiency and this combativeness and this selfishness and wilfulness that are indulged separate the soul from Jesus. We want this will, this strong purpose [to] be turned into the right channel. Brethren, we want to have a will that will be God?s will. It is right for us to have a will and way, but it must be God?s way and God?s will. When the mind and will are turned into the right channel, we shall have success.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 24

The angels of God will be much better pleased and will be attracted to us when the servants in the field can come together and bow down together and pray with tears and contrition of heart; when they can talk about the work, no matter whose that work will be?whether it be the work of Brother [O. A.] Olsen, of Brother Cudney, or whoever it might be. Christ is working in that work. The workers will love [one] another. They will fall upon the necks of one another, and in time of sorrow and sadness they will comfort one another, pray for one another, bless one another.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 25

Oh, that we might be children of God! Oh, that we might every one be humble sons and daughters of God! Oh, that we might have another touch of the Holy Spirit, and every heart be moved before we leave this house! Oh, that we might have a baptism of the Holy Ghost before we separate! Oh, that the love of Jesus might gladden our hearts with sweet music like a song of heaven, because the wickedness of our hearts is broken down and it may be truly said, ?See how these brethren love one another!?4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 26

God wants every one of us to support these German brethren who will work in the same neighborhood with English brethren. If every one of us should strive for that love which ought to dwell in the hearts of every one of us, we would be a power on earth such as not one of us conceives. No one knows this better than Satan. He tries to sow the seeds of envy and hatred rather than love in the hearts of the brethren.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 27

Two brethren are working in the same field. They each have their work; but Satan has tempted them and they are at variance. Shall these brethren labor separately in the field because they do not harmonize? Shall we separate them if they do not harmonize here? No, no. Let them work together until they do labor unitedly. In heaven they must harmonize in songs of triumph to the glory of God and of the Lamb. Well, when is this unity to take place? Are we to wait until we get home to heaven? No, it should take place right here before we leave this house. The melting power of God may be felt right here and the rough edges of our hearts are to be melted right down. From our hearts are to flow forth love, peace, and harmony.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 28

If you open the door, Jesus will come in. Remove the rubbish Satan has piled up before the door of the heart, that Jesus may enter in. He says, ?If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.? Revelation 3:20.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 29

Will you open the door? Jesus will give this communion and you may have His light and rest. Can there be any difference? Can there be any dissension? Well, when I think of this I do not know what to say. My heart is full of tenderness and love to all. If we have any right to heaven it is because that human arm of Jesus encircles every one of us. ?Hid with Christ in God.? Colossians 3:3. There is the union, ?Hid with Christ in God.?4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 30

Then how dare you allow one thought of opposition against one child of God? How dare you to do it? We want melting mercy to fall upon us. And Jesus says it is not possible for the Father to love us if we do not love one another. It is possible to love one another. Therefore you must not make up your minds you cannot do it.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 31

But he says, ?Love one another, as I have loved you.? John 15:12. Oh, my soul, we profess to love the Bible, do we not? Do we plant ourselves upon the Word of God as it is? I was going to tell you a little of what I thought. We want to feel here that we are one family, redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. He is pleading for us. He says, ?Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.? Isaiah 49:16. It is the religion of Christ we want. We want to drink deeper when we are converted men and women.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 32

I can tell you we can feed not only the sheep, but also the lambs. Three times Christ asked the impetuous Peter, ?Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?? John 21:15-17. He said, ?Yea, Lord.? Peter was to feed not only the sheep, but also the lambs, those who need to have tenderness shown them. Brethren, can we do it? ?If you love me, feed my lambs.? We want a deeper understanding of the love of God.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 33

You may be doing something. You are not to choose that which pleases you, but to choose that which pleases the Master. I have found light and happiness in bowing with perfect submission to the Master. I love Him because He has been revealed to me in such condescension. He came down to reach me, and He brought me up. Will you imitate His spirit of condescension? Will you leave off your selfishness and dignity to reach the souls that Christ has died for? What sacrifice will you make? There are some here clothed in the glorious robes of humility.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 34

You might have gained one hundred workers that might have come from the college. But here are men in responsible positions who have been blending to worldly lines, who have had a worldly motive and a worldly stamp, and then the worldly spirit and the worldly feeling come in. Let us answer the purpose of God. Let all be working for God. Is it only the ministers that bear this work? No, it is the men and women of the church.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 35

Let me tell you, you do not know Christ. You have not become acquainted with Him. If you would begin to study and labor to know what means you could use to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth, as diligently as you would devise means to work for your own selfish interests, you would be saving souls. Oh, the blood of souls will be upon many here in Battle Creek who have neglected their responsibility. May the God of heaven have mercy upon them.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 36

And here are the ministers of Jesus Christ watching upon the walls of Zion to give the note of warning to the people, the laymen. Are you not to watch with your brethren, that jealousy may not arise in you because your brethren may have the name of doing a little more work than you do? But you are to watch for souls. There is too much work for one word of contention to arise in your heart. But your deportment will express your interest, and you gifts will express it.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 37

Well, I am happy to say this is the very best conference I ever attended in my life. It has been a feast to my soul from beginning to end. And when there is a prospect that my brethren will go into the fields that they may work in every branch in every way, why I have felt a spring of joy that was greater than I could express.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 38

Brethren and sisters, Jesus has loved us with a love that cannot be expressed. Then, brethren and sisters, let us love one another with that love wherewith Christ has loved us. And when an evil thought comes in against a brother, just bow down in prayer asking that God will bless him, that heart may beat in unison with heart.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 39

Feed the sheep; feed the lambs. Here is the work in which you need to be very tender, to be very courteous, and to be very kind. You should show Christian politeness everywhere, showing that you are a son of God, or a daughter of God.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 40

You profess to be leading others to heaven and to have a commission from the kingdom of heaven to go forth and proclaim the gospel. What a responsibility, to go forth and proclaim the gospel everywhere! When you go forth, what a responsibility! How can you bear it? O God, who is sufficient for these things? I have felt it. Who is sufficient for these things?4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 41

God will let His blessing rest upon us if we will open our hearts to Him. Every step is by faith. We will have to know by experience what it is to fight the good fight of faith. But do not, for your soul?s sake, for Christ?s sake, express one word of mistrust or want of faith. When you get that word of thankfulness in your heart, there will not be one word of murmuring, but instead of that, praise. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth God. It is not only our privilege but our duty to sing and make melody in our hearts to God.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 42

Well now, I am taking up altogether too much time, but I want to say, brethren and sisters, I want to thank God for the light and unity that has rested upon the work. A great responsibility rests upon the ministers. While they are engaged in the service of God they are placing themselves in the position where God can bless them.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 43

?They that turn many to righteousness? shall shine ?as the stars for ever and ever.? Daniel 12:3. That is how we shall shine. The glory of God will rest upon you.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 44

You cannot become interested in a soul but that an angel of God will be close at your side and will move that soul. If you want the companionship of angels, go to work, and then you will have no time to gossip or to get into the prevailing fashion of gossiping. God help you to work for time and eternity.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 45

I may never have the privilege of standing in this house again, but I want to say, brethren and sisters, I love Jesus. We may never meet here again, but shall we meet around the great white throne? May we work so we may bring a harvest of souls to the Master.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 46

The influence of the Holy Spirit has gone from ministers because there has been a spirit of contention. Let it forever cease. Come unto the Master and let Him breathe His sweet Spirit into your hearts. The tender plant of love must be cherished. If we should not have the privilege of meeting here again in conference, what a meeting will it be when we shall greet each other when Christ comes in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory! What a scene of glory that will be! If we can hear the ?Well done, good and faithful servant? [Matthew 25:23], the light and glory of God will beam upon us from the face of Jesus Christ. I will pray for you. How I have prayed for you in the night seasons, that you may save other souls!4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 47

When we get home to heaven and look around us, we will say, Here is one, and here is another one. How earnestly I labored for his or her salvation. And here they are, with crowns of glory upon their heads. Oh, we shall see those who were brought to God through our instrumentality. Satan will not step in to divide and cause separation.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 48

Work in love. Walk in unity. Esteem others better than yourselves. Only a little moment longer, only a little moment to spare, and then it is the coming of the millennial year I see. May I behold the King in His beauty, with all His matchless charms. May we follow on in the light until we shall have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 49

The two restored demoniacs were the first missionaries whom
Christ sent to preach the gospel in the region of Decapolis. For a few
moments only, these men had been privileged to hear the teachings
of Christ. Not one sermon from His lips had ever fallen upon their
ears. They could not instruct the people as the disciples who had
been daily with Christ were able to do. But they bore in their own
persons the evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. They could tell
what they knew; what they themselves had seen and heard and felt
of the power of Christ. This is what everyone can do whose heart
has been touched by the grace of God. John, the beloved disciple,
wrote: ?That which was from the beginning, 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; ... that which we have
seen and heard declare we unto you.? As witnesses for Christ, we
are to tell what we know, what we ourselves have seen and heard
and felt. If we have been following Jesus step by step, we shall have
something right to the point to tell concerning the way in which He
has led us. We can tell how we have tested His promise and found
the promise true. We can bear witness to what we have known of
the grace of Christ. This is the witness for which our Lord calls, and
for want of which the world is perishing

We are to be consecrated channels, through which the heavenly
life is to flow to others. The Holy Spirit is to animate and pervade
the whole church, purifying and cementing hearts.?Testimonies for
the Church 9:20.
Every follower of Jesus has a work to do as a missionary for
Christ, in the family, in the neighborhood, in the town or city where
he lives. All who are consecrated to God are channels of light. God
makes them instruments of righteousness to communicate to others
the light of truth.?Testimonies for the Church 2:632.
The result of the work of Jesus, as He sat, weary and hungry, at
the well, was widespread in blessing. The one soul whom He sought
to help became a means of reaching others and bringing them to
the Saviour. This is ever the way that the work of God has made
progress on the earth. Let your light shine, and other lights will be
kindled.?Gospel Workers, 195.
Many have an idea that they are responsible to Christ alone for
their light and experience, independent of His recognized followers
on earth. Jesus is the friend of sinners; and His heart is touched with
their woe. He has all power, both in heaven and on earth; but He
respects the means that He has ordained for the enlightenment and
salvation of men; He directs sinners to the church, which He has
made a channel of light to the world.?The Acts of the Apostles,
122.

It is the privilege of every soul to be a living channel through
which God can communicate to the world the treasures of His grace,
the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is nothing that Christ desires
so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and
character. There is nothing that the world needs so much as the
manifestation through humanity of the Saviour?s love. All heaven is
waiting for channels through which can be poured the holy oil to be
a joy and blessing to human hearts.?Christ?s Object Lessons, 419.
The glory of the church of God is in the piety of its members;
for there is the hiding of Christ?s power. The influence of the sincere
children of God may be esteemed as of little worth, but it will be felt
throughout time, and rightly revealed in the day of reward. The light
of a true Christian, shining forth in steadfast piety, in unwavering
faith, will prove to the world the power of a living Saviour. In His
followers Christ will be revealed as a well of water, springing up
into everlasting life. Although scarcely known to the world, they
are acknowledged as God?s peculiar people, His chosen vessels of
salvation, His channels whereby light is to come to the world.?The
Review and Herald, March 24, 1891.

God requires His people to shine as lights in the world. It is not
merely the ministers who are required to do this, but every disciple
of Christ. Their conversation should be heavenly. And while they
enjoy communion with God they will wish to have intercourse with
their fellow men in order to express by their words and acts the love
of God which animates their hearts. In this way they will be lights
in the world, and the light transmitted through them will not go out
or be taken away.?Testimonies for the Church 2:122, 123.
Christ?s followers should be instruments of righteousness, work-
men, living stones, emitting light, that they may encourage the
presence of heavenly angels. They are required to be channels, as
it were, through which the spirit of truth and righteousness shall
flow.?Testimonies for the Church 2:126, 127.
The Lord has made His church the repository of divine influence.
The heavenly universe is waiting for the members to become chan-
nels through which the current of life shall flow to the world, that
many may be converted, and in their turn become channels through
which the grace of Christ shall flow to the desert portions of the
Lord?s vineyard.?The Bible Echo, August 12, 1901.

Everyone who is connected with God will impart light to others.
If there are any who have no light to give, it is because they have no
connection with the Source of light.?Historical Sketches, 291.
God has appointed His children to give light to others, and if
they fail to do it, and souls are left in the darkness of error because
of their failure to do that which they might have done had they been
vitalized by the Holy Spirit, they will be accountable to God. We
have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light, in order
that we may show forth the praises of Christ.?The Review and
Herald, December 12, 1893.
All who are consecrated to God will be channels of light. God
makes them His agents to communicate to others the riches of His
grace.... Our influence upon others depends not so much upon what
we say, as upon what we are. Men may combat and defy our logic,
they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested love is an
argument they cannot gainsay. A consistent life, characterized by
the meekness of Christ, is a power in the world.?The Desire of
Ages, 141, 142.
Those who should have been the light of the world have shed
forth but feeble and sickly beams. What is light? It is piety, goodness,
truth, mercy, love; it is the revealing of the truth in the character and
life. The gospel is dependent on the personal piety of its believers for
its aggressive power, and God has made provision through the death
of His beloved Son, that every soul may be thoroughly furnished
unto every good work. Every soul is to be a bright and shining
light, showing forth the praises of Him who has called us out of
darkness into His marvelous light. ?We are laborers together with
God.? Yes, laborers; that means doing earnest service in the vineyard
of the Lord. There are souls to be saved,?souls in our churches, in
our Sabbath schools, and in our neighborhoods.?The Review and
Herald, March 24, 1891.

God can and will use those who have not had a thorough edu-
cation in the schools of men. A doubt of His power to do this, is
manifest unbelief; it is limiting the omnipotent power of the One
with whom nothing is impossible. O for less of this uncalled-for,
distrustful caution! It leaves so many forces of the church unused; it
closes up the way, so that the Holy Spirit cannot use men; it keeps
in idleness those who are willing and anxious to labor in Christ?s
lines; it discourages from entering the work many who would be-
come efficient laborers together with God, if they were given a fair
chance.?Gospel Workers, 488, 489.
It is the privilege of every soul to make advancement. Those who [25]
are connected with Christ will grow in grace and in the knowledge
of the Son of God, to the full stature of men and women. If all who
claim to believe the truth had made the most of their ability and
opportunities to learn and to do, they would have become strong
in Christ. Whatever their occupation,?whether they were farmers,
mechanics, teachers, or pastors,?if they had wholly consecrated
themselves to God, they would have become efficient workers for
the heavenly Master.?Testimonies for the Church 6:423.

For the carrying on of His work, Christ did not choose the learn-
ing or eloquence of the Jewish Sanhedrin or the power of Rome.
Passing by the self-righteous Jewish teachers, the Master Worker
chose humble, unlearned men to proclaim the truths that were to
move the world. These men He purposed to train and educate as the
leaders of His church. They in turn were to educate others and send
them out with the gospel message. That they might have success in
their work, they were to be given the power of the Holy Spirit. Not
by human might or human wisdom was the gospel to be proclaimed,
but by the power of God.?The Acts of the Apostles, 17.
Among those to whom the Saviour had given the commission,
?Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,? were many from the humbler
walks of life,?men and women who had learned to love their Lord,
and who had determined to follow His example of unselfish service.
To these lowly ones, as well as to the disciples who had been with
the Saviour during His earthly ministry, had been given a precious
trust. They were to carry to the world the glad tidings of salvation
through Christ.?The Acts of the Apostles, 105, 106.

The answer from Jehovah was, ?Get thee up; wherefore liest
thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath ... transgressed My covenant
which I commanded them.? It was a time for prompt and decided
action, and not for despair and lamentation. There was secret sin
in the camp, and it must be searched out and put away before the
presence and blessing of the Lord could be with His people. ?Neither
will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from
among you.?
God?s command had been disregarded by one of those appointed
to execute His judgments. And the nation was held accountable for
the guilt of the transgressor: ?They have even taken of the accursed
thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also.? Instruction was
given to Joshua for the discovery and punishment of the criminal.
The lot was to be employed for the detection of the guilty. The sinner
was not directly pointed out, the matter being left in doubt for a time,
[495] that the people might feel their responsibility for the sins existing
among them, and thus be led to searching of heart and humiliation
before God.

It is not only by preaching the truth, not only by distributing
literature, that we are to witness for God. Let us remember that a
Christlike life is the most powerful argument that can be advanced in
favor of Christianity, and that a cheap Christian character works more
harm in the world than the character of a worldling.?Testimonies
for the Church 9:21.
Not all the books written can serve the purpose of a holy life.
Men will believe, not what the minister preaches, but what the church
lives. Too often the influence of the sermon preached from the pulpit
is counteracted by the sermon preached in the lives of those who
claim to be advocates of truth.?Testimonies for the Church 9:21.
The life of Christ was an ever-widening, shoreless influence, an
influence that bound Him to God and to the whole human family.
Through Christ, God has invested man with an influence that makes it
impossible for him to live to himself. Individually we are connected
with our fellowmen, a part of God?s great whole, and we stand under
mutual obligations. No man can be independent of his fellow men;
for the well-being of each affects others. It is God?s purpose that
each shall feel himself necessary to others? welfare, and seek to
promote their happiness.?Christ?s Object Lessons, 339.

Mat 6:5? And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.?
Mat 6:6? But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.?
Mat 6:7? But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.?
Mat 6:8? Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.?
Mat 6:9? After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.?
Mat 6:10? Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.?
Mat 6:11? Give us this day our daily bread.?
Mat 6:12? And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.?
Mat 6:13? And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.?
Mat 6:14? For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:?
Mat 6:15? But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.?
Fasting

Mat 6:25? ?Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing??
Mat 6:26? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they??
Mat 6:27? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life??
Mat 6:28? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,?
Mat 6:29? yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.?
Mat 6:30? But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith??
Mat 6:31? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ?What shall we eat?? or ?What shall we drink?? or ?What shall we wear???
Mat 6:32? For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.?
Mat 6:33? But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.?
Mat 6:34? ?Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.?

When the churches become living, working churches, the Holy
Spirit will be given in answer to their sincere request.... Then the
windows of heaven will be open for the showers of the latter rain.?
The Review and Herald, February 25, 1890.
The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the
whole earth with His glory, will not come until we have an enlight-
ened people, that know by experience what it means to be laborers
together with God. When we have entire, wholehearted consecration
to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring
of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest
portion of the church are not laborers together with God.?Christian
Service, 253 (1896).

I was shown that if God?s people make no efforts on their part,
but wait for the refreshing to come upon them and remove their
wrongs and correct their errors; if they depend upon that to cleanse
them from filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and fit them to engage
in the loud cry of the third angel, they will be found wanting.?
Testimonies For The Church 1:619 (1867).
Are we hoping to see the whole church revived? That time will
never come. There are persons in the church who are not converted,
and who will not unite in earnest, prevailing prayer. We must enter
upon the work individually. We must pray more, and talk less.?
Selected Messages 1:122 (1887).
We may be sure that when the Holy Spirit is poured out, those
who did not receive and appreciate the early rain will not see or
understand the value of the latter rain.?Testimonies to Ministers
and Gospel Workers, 399 (1896).