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The Ellen White Research Project |
Home Shut Door Visions 1844 Top 7 Plagiarism Health Articles Letters FAQ Search Order |
As I have given a brief sketch of my experience and views, published
in 1851, it seems to be my duty to notice some points in that
little work, also to give more recent views.
1. On page 33 is given the following: "I saw that the holy
Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true
Israel of God and unbelievers; and that the Sabbath is the great
question to unite the hearts of God's dear, waiting saints. I
saw that God had children who do not see and keep the Sabbath.
They have not rejected the light upon it. And at the commencement
of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as
we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully."
This view was given in 1847 when there were but very few of the
Advent brethren observing the Sabbath, and of these but few supposed
that its observance was of sufficient importance to draw a line
between the people of God and unbelievers. Now the fulfilment
of that view is beginning to be seen. "The commencement of
that time of trouble," here mentioned does not refer to the
time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short
period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the
sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing,
trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry,
yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel.
At that time the "latter rain," or refreshing from the
presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice
of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period
when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.
2. The view of "The Open and Shut Door", on pages 42-45,
was given in 1849. The application of Revelation 3:7, 8, to the
heavenly sanctuary and Christ's ministry was entirely new to me.
I had never heard the idea advanced by anyone. Now as the subject
of the sanctuary is being clearly understood, the application
is seen in its force and beauty.
3. The view that the Lord "had stretched out His hand the
second time to recover the remnant of His people," on page
74, refers only to the union and strength once existing among
those looking for Christ, and to the fact that He had begun to
unite and to raise up His people again.
4. Spirit Manifestations . On page 43 read as follows: "I
saw that the mysterious knocking in New York and other places
was the power of Satan, and that such things would be more and
more common, clothed in a religious garb so as to lull the deceived
to greater security and to draw the minds of God's people, if
possible, to those things and cause them to doubt the teaching
and power of the Holy Ghost." This view was given in 1849,
nearly five years since. Then spirit manifestations were mostly
confined to the city of Rochester, known as the "Rochester
knockings." Since that time the heresy has spread beyond
the expectations of anyone.
Much of the view on page 59, headed "Mysterious Rapping"
given August 1850, has since been fulfilled, and is now fulfilling.
Here is a portion of it: "I saw that soon it would be considered
blasphemy to speak against the rapping, and that it would spread
more and more, that Satan's power would increase, and some of
his devoted followers would have power to work miracles, and even
to bring down fire from heaven in the sight of men. I was shown
that by the rapping and mesmerism these modern magicians would
yet account for all the miracles wrought by our Lord Jesus Christ,
and that many would believe that all the mighty works of the Son
of God when on earth were accomplished by this same power."
I saw the rapping delusion-what progress it was making, and that
if it were possible it would deceive the very elect. Satan will
have power to bring before us the appearance of forms purporting
to be our relatives or friends now sleeping in Jesus. It will
be made to appear as if these friends were present; the words
that they uttered while here, with which we were familiar, will
be spoken, and the same tone of voice that they had while living
will fall upon the ear. All this is to deceive the saints and
ensnare them into the belief of this delusion.
I saw that the saints must get a thorough understanding of present
truth, which they will be obliged to maintain from the Scriptures.
They must understand the state of the dead; for the spirits of
devils will yet appear to them, professing to be beloved friends
and relatives, who will declare to them that the Sabbath has been
changed, also other unscriptural doctrines. They will do all in
their power to excite sympathy and will work miracles before them
to confirm what they declare. The people of God must be prepared
to withstand these spirits with the Bible truth that the dead
know not anything, and that they who appear to them are the spirits
of devils. Our minds must not be taken up with things around us,
but must be occupied with the present truth and a preparation
to give a reason of our hope with meekness and fear. We must seek
wisdom from on high that we may stand in this day of error and
delusion.
We must examine well the foundation of our hope, for we shall
have to give a reason for it from the Scriptures. This delusion
will spread, and we shall have to contend with it face to face;
and unless we are prepared for it, we shall be ensnared and overcome.
But if we do what we can on our part to be ready for the conflict
that is just before us, God will do His part, and His all-powerful
arm will protect us. He would sooner send every angel out of glory
to the relief of faithful souls, to make a hedge about them, than
have them deceived and led away by the lying wonders of Satan.
I saw the rapidity with which this delusion was spreading. A train
of cars was shown me, going with the speed of lightning. The angel
bade me look carefully. I fixed my eyes upon the train. It seemed
that the whole world was on board, that there could not be one
left. Said the angel, "They are binding in bundles ready
to burn." Then he showed me the conductor, who appeared like
a stately, fair person, whom all the passengers looked up to and
reverenced. I was perplexed and asked my attending angel who it
was. He said, "It is Satan. He is the conductor in the form
of an angel of light. He has taken the world captive. They are
given over to strong delusions, to believe a lie, that they may
be damned. This agent, the next highest in order to him, is the
engineer, and other of his agents are employed in different offices
as he may need them, and they are all going with lightning speed
to perdition."
I asked the angel if there were none left. He bade me look in
an opposite direction, and I saw a little company traveling a
narrow pathway. All seemed to be firmly united, bound together
by the truth, in bundles, or companies. Said the angel, "The
third angel is binding, or sealing, them in bundles for the heavenly
garner." This little company looked careworn, as if they
had passed through severe trials and conflicts. And it appeared
as if the sun had just risen from behind a cloud and shone upon
their countenances, causing them to look triumphant, as if their
victories were nearly won.
I saw that the Lord has given the world opportunity to discover
the snare. This one thing is evidence enough for the Christian,
if there were no other; namely, that there is no difference made
between the precious and the vile. Thomas Paine, whose body has
now moldered to dust and who is to be called forth at the end
of the one thousand years, at the second resurrection, to receive
his reward and suffer the second death, is represented by Satan
as being in heaven, and highly exalted there. Satan used him on
earth as long as he could, and now he is carrying on the same
work through pretensions of having Thomas Paine so much exalted
and honored in heaven; as he taught here, Satan would make it
appear that he is teaching in heaven. There are some who have
looked with horror at his life and death, and his corrupt teachings
while living, but who now submit to be taught by him, one of the
vilest and most corrupt of men, one who despised God and His law.
He who is the father of lies, blinds and deceives the world by
sending forth his angels to speak for the apostles, and to make
it appear that they contradict what they wrote by the dictation
of the Holy Ghost when on earth. These lying angels make the apostles
to corrupt their own teachings and to declare them to be adulterated.
By so doing Satan delights to throw professed Christians and all
the world into uncertainty about the Word of God. That holy Book
cuts directly across his track and thwarts his plans; therefore
he leads them to doubt its divine origin. Then he sets up the
infidel, Thomas Paine, as if he were ushered into heaven when
he died, and now, united with the holy apostles whom he hated
on earth, were engaged in teaching the world.
Satan assigns to each of his angels a part to act. He enjoins
upon them all to be sly, artful, cunning. He instructs some of
them to act the part of the apostles and to speak for them, while
others are to act the part of infidels and wicked men who died
cursing God, but now appear to be very religious. There is no
difference made between the most holy apostles and the vilest
infidel. They are both made to teach the same thing. It matters
not whom Satan makes to speak, if his object is only accomplished.
He was so intimately connected with Paine upon the earth, aiding
him in his work, that it is an easy thing for him to know the
very words Paine used and the very handwriting of one who served
him so faithfully and accomplished his purposes so well. Satan
dictated much of his writings, and it is an easy thing for him
to dictate sentiments through his angels now and make it appear
that they come through Thomas Paine, who, while living, was a
devoted servant of the evil one. This is the masterpiece of Satan.
All this teaching, purporting to be from apostles and saints and
wicked men who have died, comes directly from his satanic majesty.
The fact that Satan claims that one whom he loved so well, and
who hated God so perfectly, is now with the holy apostles and
angels in glory, should be enough to remove the veil from all
minds and discover to them the dark, mysterious works of Satan.
He virtually says to the world and to infidels, No matter how
wicked you are, no matter whether you believe or disbelieve in
God or the Bible, live as you please, heaven is your home; for
all know that if Thomas Paine is in heaven, and so exalted, they
will surely get there. This error is so glaring that all may see
if they will. Satan is now doing through persons like Thomas Paine
what he has been trying to do since his fall. He is, through his
power and lying wonders, tearing away the foundation of the Christian's
hope and putting out the sun that is to light them in the narrow
way to heaven. He is making the world believe that the Bible is
uninspired, no better than a storybook, while he holds out something
to take its place; namely, spiritual manifestations!
Here is a channel wholly devoted to himself and under his control,
and he can make the world believe what he will. The Book that
is to judge him and his followers he puts back in the shade, just
where he wants it. The Saviour of the world he makes to be no
more than a common man; and as the Roman guard that watched the
tomb of Jesus spread the lying report that the chief priests and
elders put into their mouths, so will the poor, deluded followers
of these pretended spiritual manifestations repeat and try to
make it appear that there is nothing miraculous about our Saviour's
birth, death, and resurrection. After putting Jesus in the background,
they attract the attention of the world to themselves and to their
miracles and lying wonders, which, they declare, far exceed the
works of Christ. Thus the world is taken in the snare and lulled
into a feeling of security, not to find out their awful deception
until the seven last plagues are poured out. Satan laughs as he
sees his plan succeed so well and the whole world taken in the
snare.
5. On page 55, I stated that a cloud of glorious light covered
the Father and that His person could not be seen. I also stated
that I saw the Father rise from the throne. The Father was enshrouded
with a body of light and glory, so that His person could not be
seen; yet I knew that it was the Father and that from His person
emanated this light and glory. When I saw this body of light and
glory rise from the throne, I knew it was because the Father moved,
therefore said, I saw the Father rise. The glory, or excellency,
of His form I never saw; no one could behold it and live; yet
the body of light and glory that enshrouded His person could be
seen.
I also stated that "Satan appeared to be by the throne, trying
to carry on the work of God." I will give another sentence
from the same page: "I turned to look at the company who
were still bowed before the throne." Now this praying company
was in this mortal state, on the earth, yet represented to me
as bowed before the throne. I never had the idea that these individuals
were actually in the New Jerusalem. Neither did I ever think that
any mortal could suppose that I believed that Satan was actually
in the New Jerusalem. But did not John see the great red dragon
in heaven? Certainly. "And there appeared another wonder
in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and
ten horns." Rev. 12:3. What a monster to be in heaven! Here
seems to be as good a chance for ridicule as in the interpretation
which some have placed upon my statements.
6. On pages 48-52 is a view given January, 1850. That portion
of this view which relates to means being withheld from the messengers,
applied more particularly to that time. Since then, friends of
the cause of present truth have been raised up, who have watched
for opportunity to do good with their means. Some have handed
out too freely, to the injury of the receivers. For about two
years I have been shown more relative to a careless and too free
use of the Lord's money, than a lack of it.
The following is from a view given at Jackson, Michigan, June
2, 1853. It related mostly to the brethren at that place: "I
saw that the brethren commenced to sacrifice their property and
handed it out without having the true object set before them-the
suffering cause-and they handed out too freely, too much, and
too often. I saw that the teachers should have stood in a place
to correct this error and exert a good influence in the church.
Money has been made of little or no consequence, the sooner disposed
of the better. A bad example has been set by some in accepting
large donations and not giving the least caution to those who
had means not to use it too freely and carelessly. By accepting
so large an amount of means, without questioning whether God had
made it the duty of the brethren to bestow so largely, too bountiful
giving has been sanctioned.
"Those who gave also erred, not being particular to inquire
into the necessities of the case, whether there was actual need
or not. Those who had means were thrown into great perplexity.
One brother was much hurt by too much means being put into his
hands. He did not study economy, but lived extravagantly, and
in his travels laid out money here and there to no profit. He
spread a wrong influence by making such free use of the Lord's
money, and would say in his own heart, and to others, 'There is
means enough in J--, more than can be used before the Lord comes.'
Some were very much injured by such a course and came into the
truth with wrong views, not realizing that it was the Lord's money
they were using and not feeling the worth of it. Those poor souls
who have just embraced the third angel's message and have had
such an example set before them will have much to learn to deny
self and suffer for Christ's sake. They will have to learn to
give up ease, cease studying their convenience and comfort, and
bear in mind the worth of souls. Those who feel the 'woe' upon
them will not be for making great preparations to travel in ease
and comfort. Some who have no calling have been encouraged into
the field. Others have been affected by these things and have
not felt the need of economy, of denying themselves, and putting
into the treasury of the Lord. They would feel and say, 'There
are others who have means enough; they will give for the paper.
I need not do anything. The paper will be supported without my
help.'"
It has been no small trial to me to see that some have taken that
portion of my views which related to sacrificing property to sustain
the cause and made a wrong use of it; they use means extravagantly,
while neglecting to carry out the principles of other portions.
On page 50, read the following: "I saw that the cause of
God had been hindered and dishonored by some traveling who had
no message from God. Such will have to give an account to God
for every dollar they have used in traveling where it was not
their duty to go, because that money might have helped on the
cause of God." Also, page 50: "I saw that those who
have strength to labor with their hands, and help sustain the
cause, were as accountable for their strength as others were for
their property."
I would here call special attention to the view of this subject
given on page 57. Here is a short extract: "The object of
the words of our Saviour [in Luke 12:33] has not been clearly
presented." I saw that "the object of selling is not
to give to those who are able to labor and support themselves,
but to spread the truth. It is a sin to support and indulge in
idleness those who are able to labor. Some have been zealous to
attend all the meetings, not to glorify God, but for the 'loaves
and fishes.' Such would much better have been at home laboring
with their hands, 'the thing that is good,' to supply the wants
of their families, and to have something to give to sustain the
precious cause." It has been Satan's design in times past
to push out some with a hurried spirit to make a too free use
of means, and influence the brethren to rashly dispose of their
property, that through an abundance of means thrown out carelessly
and hastily, souls might be injured and lost, and that now, when
the truth is to be spread more extensively, the lack might be
felt. His design has, in some degree, been accomplished.
The Lord has shown the error of many in looking to those only
who have property to support the publication of the paper and
tracts. All should act their part. Those who have strength to
labor with their hands, and earn means to help sustain the cause,
are as accountable for it as others are for their property. Every
child of God who professes to believe the present truth, should
be zealous to act his part in this cause.
July, 1853, I saw that it was not as it should be that the paper,
owned and approved by God, should come out so seldom. The cause,
in the time in which we are living, demands the paper weekly,
and the publication of many more tracts to expose the increasing
errors of this time; but the work is hindered for want of means.
I saw that the truth must go and that we must not be too fearful,
that tracts and papers might better go to three where they were
not needed than to have one deprived of them who prizes them and
can be benefited by them. I saw that the last-day signs should
be brought out clearly, for the manifestations of Satan are on
the increase. The publications of Satan and his agents are increasing,
their power is growing, and what we do to get the truth before
others must be done quickly.
I was shown that the truth once published now, will stand, for
it is the truth for the last days; it will live, and less need
be said upon it in future. Numberless words need not be put upon
paper to justify what speaks for itself and shines in its clearness.
Truth is straight, plain, clear, and stands out boldly in its
own defense; but it is not so with error. It is so winding and
twisting that it needs a multitude of words to explain it in its
crooked form. I saw that all the light they had received in some
places had come from the paper; that souls had received the truth
in this way, and then talked it to others; and that now in places
where there are several, they had been raised up by this silent
messenger. It was their only preacher. The cause of truth should
not be hindered in its onward progress for want of means.
The Lord has shown that gospel order has been too much feared
and neglected. Formality should be shunned; but, in so doing,
order should not be neglected. There is order in heaven. There
was order in the church when Christ was upon the earth, and after
His departure order was strictly observed among His apostles.
And now in these last days, while God is bringing His children
into the unity of the faith, there is more real need of order
than ever before; for, as God unites His children, Satan and his
evil angels are very busy to prevent this unity and to destroy
it. Therefore men are hurried into the field who lack wisdom and
judgment, perhaps not ruling well their own house, and not having
order or government over the few that God has given them charge
of at home; yet they feel capable of having charge of the flock.
They make many wrong moves, and those unacquainted with our faith
judge all the messengers to be like these self-sent men. Thus
the cause of God is reproached, and the truth shunned by many
unbelievers who would otherwise be candid and anxiously inquire,
Are these things so?
Men whose lives are not holy and who are unqualified to teach
the present truth enter the field without being acknowledged by
the church or the brethren generally, and confusion and disunion
are the result. Some have a theory of the truth, and can present
the argument, but lack spirituality, judgment, and experience;
they fail in many things which it is very necessary for them to
understand before they can teach the truth. Others have not the
argument, but because a few brethren hear them pray well and give
an exciting exhortation now and then, they are pressed into the
field, to engage in a work for which God has not qualified them
and for which they have not sufficient experience and judgment.
Spiritual pride comes in, they are lifted up, and act under the
deception of thinking that they are laborers. They do not know
themselves. They lack sound judgment and patient reasoning, talk
boastingly of themselves, and assert many things which they cannot
prove from the Word. God knows this; therefore He does not call
such to labor in these perilous times, and brethren should be
careful not to push those out into the field whom He has not called.
Those men who are not called of God are generally the very ones
that are the most confident that they are so called and that their
labors are very important. They go into the field and do not generally
exert a good influence; yet in some places they have a measure
of success, and this leads them and others to think that they
are surely called of God. It is not a positive evidence that men
are called of God because they have some success; for angels of
God are now moving upon the hearts of His honest children to enlighten
their understanding as to the present truth, that they may lay
hold upon it and live. And even if self-sent men put themselves
where God does not put them and profess to be teachers, and souls
receive the truth by hearing them talk it, this is no evidence
that they are called of God. The souls who receive the truth from
them receive it to be brought into trial and bondage, as they
afterward find that these men were not standing in the counsel
of God. Even if wicked men talk the truth, some may receive it;
but it does not bring those who talked it into any more favor
with God. Wicked men are wicked men still, and according to the
deception they practiced upon those who were beloved of God, and
according to the confusion brought into the church, so will be
their punishment; their sins will not remain covered, but will
be exposed in the day of God's fierce anger.
These self-sent messengers are a curse to the cause. Honest souls put confidence in them, thinking that they are moving in the counsel of God and that they are in union with the church, and therefore suffer them to administer the ordinances, and, as duty is made plain that they must do their first works, allow themselves to be baptized by them. But when light comes, as it surely will, and they are aware that these men are not what they understood them to be, God's called and chosen messengers, they are thrown into trial and doubt as to the truth they have received and feel that they must learn it all over again; they are troubled and perplexed by the enemy about all their experience, whether God has led them or not, and are not satisfied until they are again baptized and begin an
messengers to go into places where those have been who have exerted
this wrong influence than to enter new fields. God's servants
have to deal plainly, act openly, and not cover up wrongs; for
they are standing between the living and the dead and must render
an account of their faithfulness, their mission, and the influence
they exert over the flock of which the Lord has made them overseers.
Those who receive the truth and are brought into such trials would
have had the truth the same if these men had stayed away and filled
the humble place the Lord designed for them. God's eye was upon
His jewels, and He would have directed to them His called and
chosen messengers--men who would have moved understandingly. The
light of truth would have shown and discovered to these souls
their true position, and they would have received the truth understandingly
and been satisfied with its beauty and clearness. And as they
felt its powerful effects, they would have been strong and shed
a holy influence.
Again the danger of those traveling whom God has not called, was
shown me. If they do have some success, the qualifications that
are lacking will be felt. Injudicious moves will be made, and
by a lack of wisdom some precious souls may be driven where they
can never be reached. I saw that the church should feel their
responsibility and should look carefully and attentively at the
lives, qualifications, and general course of those who profess
to be teachers. If unmistakable evidence is not given that God
has called them, and that the "woe" is upon them if
they heed not this call, it is the duty of the church to act and
let it be known that these persons are not acknowledged as teachers
by the church. This is the only course the church can take in
order to be clear in this matter, for the burden lies upon them.
I saw that this door at which the enemy comes in to perplex and
trouble the flock can be shut. I inquired of the angel how it
could be closed. He said, "The church must flee to God's
Word and become established upon gospel order, which has been
overlooked and neglected." This is indispensably necessary
in order to bring the church into the unity of the faith. I saw
that in the apostles' day the church was in danger of being deceived
and imposed upon by false teachers. Therefore the brethren chose
men who had given good evidence that they were capable of ruling
well their own house and preserving order in their own families,
and who could enlighten those who were in darkness. Inquiry was
made of God concerning these, and then, according to the mind
of the church and the Holy Ghost, they were set apart by the laying
on of hands. Having received their commission from God and having
the approbation of the church, they went forth baptizing in the
name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and administering the
ordinances of the Lord's house, often waiting upon the saints
by presenting them the emblems of the broken body and spilt blood
of the crucified Saviour, to keep fresh in the memory of God's
beloved children His sufferings and death.
I saw that we are no more secure from false teachers now than
they were in the apostles' days; and, if we do no more, we should
take as special measures as they did to secure the peace, harmony,
and union of the flock. We have their example, and should follow
it. Brethren of experience and of sound minds should assemble,
and following the Word of God and the sanction of the Holy Spirit,
should, with fervent prayer, lay hands upon those who have given
full proof that they have received their commission of God, and
set them apart to devote themselves entirely to His work. This
act would show the sanction of the church to their going forth
as messengers to carry the most solemn message ever given to men.
God will not entrust the care of His precious flock to men whose
mind and judgment have been weakened by former errors that they
have cherished, such as so-called perfectionism and Spiritualism,
and who, by their course while in these errors, have disgraced
themselves and brought reproach upon the cause of truth. Although
they may now feel free from error and competent to go forth and
to teach this last message, God will not accept them. He will
not entrust precious souls to their care; for their judgment was
perverted while in error, and is now weakened. The great and holy
One is a jealous God, and He will have holy men to carry His truth.
The holy law spoken by God from Sinai as a part of Himself, and
holy men who are its strict observers will alone honor Him by
teaching it to others.
The servants of God who teach the truth should be men of judgment.
They should be men who can bear opposition and not get excited;
for those who oppose the truth will pick at those who teach it,
and every objection that can be produced, will be brought in its
worst form to bear against the truth. The servants of God who
bear the message must be prepared to remove these objections,
with calmness and meekness, by the light of truth. Frequently
opposers talk to ministers of God in a provoking manner, to call
out something from them of the same nature, that they can make
as much of it as possible and declare to others that the teachers
of the commandments have a bitter spirit and are harsh, as has
been reported. I saw that we must be prepared for objections,
and with patience, judgment, and meekness, let them have the weight
they deserve, not throw them away or dispose of them by positive
assertions, and then bear down upon the objector, and manifest
a hard spirit toward him; but give the objections their weight,
then bring forth the light and the power of the truth, and let
it outweigh and remove the errors. Thus a good impression will
be made, and honest opposers will acknowledge that they have been
deceived and that the commandment keepers are not what they have
been represented to be.
Those who profess to be servants of the living God must be willing
to be servants of all, instead of being exalted above the brethren,
and they must possess a kind, courteous spirit. If they err, they
should be ready to confess thoroughly. Honesty of intention cannot
stand as an excuse for not confessing errors. Confession would
not lessen the confidence of the church in the messenger, and
he would set a good example; a spirit of confession would be encouraged
in the church, and sweet union would be the result. Those who
profess to be teachers should be patterns of piety, meekness,
and humility, possessing a kind spirit, to win souls to Jesus
and the truth of the Bible. A minister of Christ should be pure
in conversation and in actions. He should ever bear in mind that
he is handling words of inspiration, words of a holy God. He must
also bear in mind that the flock is entrusted to his care, and
that he is to bear their cases to Jesus, and plead for them as
Jesus pleads for us with the Father. I was pointed back to the
children of Israel anciently and saw how pure and holy the ministers
of the sanctuary had to be, because they were brought by their
work into a close connection with God. They that minister must
be holy, pure, and without blemish, or God will destroy them.
God has not changed. He is just as holy and pure, just as particular,
as He ever was. Those who profess to be the ministers of Jesus
should be men of experience and deep piety, and then at all times
and in all places they can shed a holy influence.
I have seen that it is now time for the messengers to move out
wherever there is an opening, and that God will go before them
and open the hearts of some to hear. New places must be entered,
and, wherever this is done, it would be well, if consistent, to
go two and two, so as to hold up each other's hands. A plan like
this was presented: It would be well for two brethren to start
together and travel in company to the darkest places, where there
is much opposition and where the most labor is needed, and with
united efforts and strong faith set the truth before those in
darkness. And then, if they could accomplish more by visiting
many places, to go separately, but often meet, while on the tour,
to encourage each other by their faith, and thereby strengthen
and hold up each other's hands. Also, let them consult upon the
places opened for them, and decide which of their gifts will be
the most needed, and in what way they can have the most success
in reaching the heart. Then as they separate again their courage
and energy will be renewed to meet the opposition and darkness
and to labor with feeling hearts to save perishing souls.
I saw that the servants of God should not go over and over the
same field of labor, but should be searching out souls in new
places. Those who are already established in the truth should
not demand so much of their labor; for they ought to be able to
stand alone, and strengthen others about them, while the messengers
of God visit the dark and lonely places, setting the truth before
those who are not now enlightened as to the present truth. -
Dear brethren and sisters:
As error is fast progressing, we should seek to be awake in the
cause of God, and realize the time in which we live. Darkness
is to cover the earth, and gross darkness the people. And as nearly
all around us are being enveloped in the thick darkness of error
and delusion, it becomes us to shake off stupidity and live near
to God, where we can draw divine rays of light and glory from
the countenance of Jesus. As darkness thickens and error increases,
we should obtain a more thorough knowledge of the truth and be
prepared to maintain our position from the Scriptures.
We must be sanctified through the truth, be wholly consecrated
to God, and so live out our holy profession that the Lord can
shed increasing light upon us, and that we may see light in His
light, and be strengthened with His strength. Every moment that
we are not on our watch we are liable to be beset by the enemy
and are in great danger of being overcome by the powers of darkness.
Satan commissions his angels to be vigilant and overthrow all
they can; to find out the waywardness and besetting sins of those
who profess the truth, and throw darkness around them, that they
may cease to be watchful, take a course that will dishonor the
cause they profess to love, and bring sorrow upon the church.
The souls of these misguided, unwatchful ones grow darker, and
the light of heaven fades from them. They cannot discover their
besetting sins, and Satan weaves his net about them, and they
are taken in his snare.
God is our strength. We must look to Him for wisdom and guidance,
and keeping in view His glory, the good of the church, and the
salvation of our own souls, we must overcome our besetting sins.
We should individually seek to obtain new victory every day. We
must learn to stand alone and depend wholly upon God. The sooner
we learn this the better. Let each one find out where he fails,
and then faithfully watch that his sins do not overcome him, but
that he gets the victory over them. Then can we have confidence
toward God, and great trouble will be saved the church.
The messengers of God, as they leave their homes to labor for
the salvation of souls, spend much of their time in laboring for
those who have been in the truth for years, but who are still
weak, because they needlessly let loose the reins, cease watching
over themselves, and, I sometimes think, tempt the enemy to tempt
them. They get into some petty difficulty and trial, and the time
of the servants of the Lord is spent to visit them. They are held
hours and even days, and their souls are grieved and wounded by
hearing little difficulties and trials talked over, each magnifying
his own grievances to make them look as serious as possible, for
fear the servants of God will think them too small to be noticed.
Instead of depending on the Lord's servants to help them out of
these trials, they should break down before God and fast and pray
until the trials are removed.
Some seem to think that all that God has called messengers into
the field for, is to go at their bidding and to carry them in
their arms; and that the most important part of their work is
to settle the petty trials and difficulties which they have brought
upon themselves by injudicious moves, and by giving way to the
enemy, and indulging an unyielding, faultfinding spirit toward
those around them. But where are the hungry sheep at this time?
Starving for the bread of life. Those who know the truth and have
been established in it, but obey it not--if they did, they would
be saved many of these trials--are holding the messengers, and
the very object for which God has called them into the field is
not accomplished. The servants of God are grieved and their courage
taken away by such things in the church, when all should strive
not to add a feather's weight to their burden, but by cheering
words and the prayer of faith, should help them. How much more
free would they be if all who profess the truth would look about
them and try to help others, instead of claiming so much help
themselves. As it is, when the servants of God enter dark places,
where the truth has not yet been proclaimed, they carry a wounded
spirit caused by the needless trials of their brethren. In addition
to all this, they have to meet the unbelief and prejudice of opposers
and be trampled upon by some.
How much easier it would be to affect the heart and how much more
would God be glorified if His servants were free from discouragement
and trial, that they might with a free spirit present the truth
in its beauty. Those who have been guilty of requiring so much
labor of God's servants and burdening them with trials which belong
to themselves to settle, will have to give account to God for
all the time and means that have been spent to gratify themselves,
thereby satisfying the enemy. They should be in a situation to
help their brethren. They should never defer their trials and
difficulties to burden a whole meeting, or wait until some of
the messengers come to settle them; but they should get right
before God themselves, have their trials all out of the way, and
be prepared when laborers come to hold up their hands instead
of weakening them. -
As I have of late looked around to find the humble followers of
the meek and lowly Jesus, my mind has been much exercised. Many
who profess to be looking for the speedy coming of Christ are
becoming conformed to this world and seek more earnestly the applause
of those around them than the approbation of God. They are cold
and formal, like the nominal churches from which they but a short
time since separated. The words addressed to the Laodicean church
describe their present condition perfectly. (See Rev. 3:14-20.)
They are "neither cold nor hot," but "lukewarm"
. And unless they heed the counsel of the "faithful and true
Witness," and zealously repent and obtain "gold tried
in the fire," "white raiment," and "eye-salve,"
He will spew them out of His mouth.
The time has come when a large portion of those who once rejoiced
and shouted aloud for joy in view of the immediate coming of the
Lord, are on the ground of the churches and the world who once
derided them for believing that Jesus was coming, and circulated
all manner of falsehoods to raise prejudice against them and destroy
their influence. Now, if any one longs after the living God, hungering
and thirsting for righteousness, and God gives him to feel His
power, and satisfies his longing soul by shedding abroad His love
in his heart, and if he glorifies God by praising Him, he is,
by these professed believers in the soon coming of the Lord, often
considered deluded, and charged with being mesmerized or having
some wicked spirit.
Many of these professed Christians dress, talk, and act like the
world, and the only thing by which they may be known is their
profession. Though they profess to be looking for Christ, their
conversation is not in heaven, but on worldly things. "What
manner of persons" ought those to be "in all holy conversation
and godliness," who profess to be "looking for and hasting
unto the coming of the day of God." 2 Peter 3:11, 12. "Every
man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is
pure." 1 John 3:3. But it is evident that many who bear the
name of Adventist study more to decorate their bodies and to appear
well in the eyes of the world than they do to learn from the Word
of God how they may be approved of Him.
What if the lovely Jesus, our pattern, should make His appearance
among them and the professors of religion generally, as at His
first advent? He was born in a manger. Follow Him through His
life and ministry. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with
grief. These professed Christians would be ashamed of the meek
and lowly Saviour who wore a plain, seamless coat, and had not
where to lay His head. His spotless, self-denying life would condemn
them; His holy solemnity would be a painful restraint upon their
lightness and vain laughter; His guileless conversation would
be a check to their worldly and covetous conversation; His declaring
the unvarnished, cutting truth, would manifest their real character,
and they would wish to get the meek pattern, the lovely Jesus,
out of the way as soon as possible. They would be among the first
to try to catch Him in His words, and raise the cry, "Crucify
Him! Crucify Him!"
Let us follow Jesus as He so meekly rode into Jerusalem, when
"the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and
praise God with a loud voice, . . . saying, Blessed be the King
that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory
in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude
said unto Him, Master, rebuke Thy disciples. And He answered and
said unto them, I tell you that if these should hold their peace,
the stones would immediately cry out." A large portion of
those who profess to be looking for Christ would be as forward
as the Pharisees were to have the disciples silenced, and they
would doubtless raise the cry, "Fanaticism! Mesmerism! Mesmerism!"
And the disciples, spreading their garments and branches of palm
trees in the way, would be thought extravagant and wild. But God
will have a people on the earth who will not be so cold and dead
but that they can praise and glorify Him. He will receive glory
from some people, and if those of His choice, those who keep His
commandments, should hold their peace, the very stones would cry
out. Jesus is coming, but not as at His first advent, a babe in
Bethlehem; not as He rode into Jerusalem, when the disciples praised
God with a loud voice and cried, "Hosanna"; but in the
glory of the Father and with all the retinue of holy angels to
escort Him on His way to earth. All heaven will be emptied of
the angels, while the waiting saints will be looking for Him and
gazing into heaven, as were the men of Galilee when He ascended
from the Mount of Olivet. Then only those who are holy, those
who have followed fully the meek Pattern, will with rapturous
joy exclaim as they behold Him, "Lo, this is our God; we
have waited for Him, and He will save us." And they will
be changed "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the
last trump"--that trump which wakes the sleeping saints,
and calls them forth from their dusty beds, clothed with glorious
immortality, and shouting, "Victory! Victory over death and
the grave!" The changed saints are then caught up together
with the angels to meet the Lord in the air, never more to be
separated from the object of their love.
With such a prospect as this before us, such a glorious hope,
such a redemption that Christ has purchased for us by His own
blood, shall we hold our peace? Shall we not praise God even with
a loud voice, as did the disciples when Jesus rode into Jerusalem?
Is not our prospect far more glorious than was theirs? Who dare
then forbid us glorifying God, even with a loud voice, when we
have such a hope, big with immortality, and full of glory? We
have tasted of the powers of the world to come, and long for more.
My whole being cries out after the living God, and I shall not
be satisfied until I am filled with all His fullness.
Dear Brethren and Sisters:
Do we believe with all the heart that Christ is soon coming and
that we are now having the last message of mercy that is ever
to be given to a guilty world? Is our example what it should be?
Do we, by our lives and holy conversation, show to those around
us that we are looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ, who shall change these vile bodies and
fashion them like unto His glorious body? I fear that we do not
believe and realize these things as we should. Those who believe
the important truths that we profess, should act out their faith.
There is too much seeking after amusements and things to take
the attention in this world; the mind is left to run too much
upon dress, and the tongue is engaged too often in light and trifling
conversation, which gives the lie to our profession, for our conversation
is not in heaven, whence we look for the Saviour.
Angels are watching over and guarding us; we often grieve these
angels by indulging in trifling conversation, jesting, and joking,
and also by sinking down into a careless, stupid state. Although
we may now and then make an effort for the victory and obtain
it, yet if we do not keep it, but sink down into the same careless,
indifferent state, unable to endure temptations and resist the
enemy, we do not endure the trial of our faith that is more precious
than gold. We are not suffering for Christ's sake, and glorying
in tribulation.
There is a great lack of Christian fortitude and serving God from
principle. We should not seek to please and gratify self, but
to honor and glorify God, and in all we do and say to have an
eye single to His glory. If we would let our hearts be impressed
with the following important words, and ever bear them in mind,
we should not so easily fall into temptation and our words would
be few and well chosen: "He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace
was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." "Every
idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof
in the day of judgment." "Thou God seest me."
We could not think of these important words, and call to mind
the sufferings of Jesus that we poor sinners might receive pardon
and be redeemed unto God by His most precious blood, without feeling
a holy restraint upon us and an earnest desire to suffer for Him
who suffered and endured so much for us. If we dwell on these
things, dear self, with its dignity, will be humbled, and its
place will be occupied by a childlike simplicity which will bear
reproof from others and will not be easily provoked. A self-willed
spirit will not then come in to rule the soul.
The true Christian's joys and consolation must and will be in
heaven. The longing souls of those who have tasted of the powers
of the world to come and have feasted on heavenly joys, will not
be satisfied with things of earth. Such will find enough to do
in their leisure moments. Their souls will be drawn out after
God. Where the treasure is, there will the heart be, holding sweet
communion with the God they love and worship. Their amusement
will be in contemplating their treasure--the Holy City, the earth
made new, their eternal home. And while they dwell upon those
things which are lofty, pure, and holy, heaven will be brought
near, and they will feel the power of the Holy Spirit, and this
will tend to wean them more and more from the world and cause
their consolation and chief joy to be in the things of heaven,
their sweet home. The power of attraction to God and heaven will
then be so great that nothing can draw their minds from the great
object of securing the soul's salvation and honoring and glorifying
God.
As I realize how much has been done for us to keep us right, I
am led to exclaim, Oh, what love, what wondrous love, hath the
Son of God for us poor sinners! Should we be stupid and careless
while everything is being done for our salvation that can be done?
All heaven is interested for us. We should be alive and awake
to honor, glorify, and adore the high and lofty One. Our hearts
should flow out in love and gratitude to Him who has been so full
of love and compassion to us. With our lives we should honor Him,
and with pure and holy conversation show that we are born from
above, that this world is not our home, but that we are pilgrims
and strangers here, traveling to a better country.
Many who profess the name of Christ and claim to be looking for
His speedy coming, know not what it is to suffer for Christ's
sake. Their hearts are not subdued by grace, and they are not
dead to self, as is often shown in various ways. At the same time
they are talking of having trials. But the principal cause of
their trials is an unsubdued heart, which makes self so sensitive
that it is often crossed. If such could realize what it is to
be a humble follower of Christ, a true Christian, they would begin
to work in good earnest and begin right. They would first die
to self, then be instant in prayer, and check every passion of
the heart. Give up your self-confidence and self-sufficiency,
brethren, and follow the meek Pattern. Ever keep Jesus in your
mind that He is your example and you must tread in His footsteps.
Look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for
the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the
shame. He endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself.
He for our sins was once the meek, slain lamb, wounded, bruised,
smitten, and afflicted.
Let us, then, cheerfully suffer something for Jesus' sake, crucify
self daily, and be partakers of Christ's sufferings here, that
we may be made partakers with Him of His glory, and be crowned
with glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life. -
The Lord has shown me that great interest should be taken by Sabbathkeepers
to keep up their meetings and make them interesting. There is
great necessity of more interest and energy being manifested in
this direction. All should have something to say for the Lord,
for by so doing they will be blest. A book of remembrance is written
of those who do not forsake the assembling of themselves together,
but speak often one to another. The remnant are to overcome by
the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Some expect
to overcome alone by the blood of the Lamb, without making any
special effort of their own. I saw that God has been merciful
in giving us the power of speech. He has given us a tongue, and
we are accountable to Him for its use. We should glorify God with
our mouth, speaking in honor of the truth and of His unbounded
mercy, and overcome by the word of our testimony through the blood
of the Lamb.
We should not come together to remain silent; those only are remembered
of the Lord who assemble to speak of His honor and glory and tell
of His power; upon such the blessing of God will rest, and they
will be refreshed. If all moved as they should, no precious time
would run to waste, and no reproofs would be needed for long prayers
and exhortations; all the time would be occupied by short, pointed
testimonies and prayers. Ask, believe, and receive. There is too
much mocking the Lord, too much praying that is no praying and
that wearies angels and displeases God, too many vain, unmeaning
petitions. First we should feel needy, and then ask God for the
very things we need, believing that He gives them to us, even
while we ask; and then our faith will grow, all will be edified,
the weak will be strengthened, and the discouraged and desponding
made to look up and believe that God is a rewarder of all those
who diligently seek Him.
Some hold back in meeting because they have nothing new to say
and must repeat the same story if they speak. I saw that pride
was at the bottom of this, that God and angels witnessed the testimonies
of the saints and were well pleased and glorified by their being
repeated weekly. The Lord loves simplicity and humility, but He
is displeased and angels are grieved when professed heirs of God
and joint heirs with Jesus suffer precious time to run to waste
in their meetings.
If the brethren and sisters were in the place they should be,
they would not be at a loss to find something to say in honor
of Jesus, who hung upon Calvary's cross for their sins. If they
would cherish more of a realizing sense of the condescension of
God in giving His only beloved Son to die a sacrifice for our
sins and transgressions, and of the sufferings and anguish of
Jesus to make a way of escape for guilty man, that he might receive
pardon and live, they would be more ready to extol and magnify
Jesus. They could not hold their peace, but with thankfulness
and gratitude would talk of His glory and tell of His power. And
blessings from God would rest upon them by so doing. Even if the
same story were repeated, God would be glorified. The angel showed
me those who ceased not day nor night to cry, "Holy, Holy,
Lord God Almighty." "Continued repetition," said
the angel, "yet God is glorified by it." Although we
may tell the same story over and over, it honors God, and shows
that we are not unmindful of His goodness and mercies to us.
I saw that the nominal churches have fallen; that coldness and
death reign in their midst. If they would follow the Word of God,
it would humble them. But they get above the work of the Lord.
It is too humiliating for them to repeat the same simple story
of God's goodness when they meet together, and they study to get
something new, something great, and to have their words exact
to the ear and pleasing to man, and God's Spirit leaves them.
When we follow the humble Bible way, we shall have the movings
of the Spirit of God. All will be in sweet harmony if we follow
the humble channel of truth, depending wholly upon God, and there
will be no danger of being affected by the evil angels. It is
when souls get above the Spirit of God, moving in their own strength,
that the angels cease watching over them, and they are left to
the buffetings of Satan.
Duties are laid down in God's Word, the performance of which will
keep the people of God humble and separate from the world, and
from backsliding, like the nominal churches. The washing of feet
and partaking of the Lord's supper should be more frequently practiced.
Jesus set us the example, and told us to do as He had done. I
saw that His example should be as exactly followed as possible;
yet brethren and sisters have not always moved as judiciously
as they should in washing feet, and confusion has been caused.
It should be introduced into new places with carefulness and wisdom,
especially where the people are not informed relative to the example
and teachings of our Lord on this point, and where they have prejudice
against it. Many honest souls, through the influence of former
teachers in whom they had confidence, are much prejudiced against
this plain duty, and the subject should be introduced to them
in a proper time and manner.
There is no example given in the Word for brethren to wash sisters'
feet; but there is an example for sisters to wash the feet of
brethren. Mary washed the feet of Jesus with her tears, and wiped
them with the hair of her head. (See also 1 Tim. 5:10.) I saw
that the Lord had moved upon sisters to wash the feet of brethren
and that it was according to gospel order. All should move understandingly
and not make the washing of feet a tedious ceremony.
The holy salutation mentioned in the gospel of Jesus Christ by
the apostle Paul should ever be considered in its true character.
It is a holy kiss. It should be regarded as a sign of fellowship
to Christian friends when parting, and when meeting again after
a separation of weeks or months. In 1 Thessalonians 5:26 Paul
says: "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss." In
the same chapter he says: "Abstain from all appearance of
evil." There can be no appearance of evil when the holy kiss
is given at a proper time and place.
I saw that the strong hand of the enemy is set against the work
of God, and the help and strength of everyone who loves the cause
of truth should be enlisted; great interest should be manifested
by them to uphold the hands of those who advocate the truth, that
by steady watchcare they may shut out the enemy. All should stand
as one, united in the work. Every energy of the soul should be
awake, for what is done must be done quickly.
I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying angel, "Fearful
is his work. Awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to
select the wheat from the tares, and seal, or bind, the wheat
for the heavenly garner. These things should engross the whole
mind, the whole attention." -
Some, I saw, have not a realizing sense of the importance of the
truth or of its effect, and moving from the impulse of the moment
or from excitement, often follow their feelings and disregard
church order. Such seem to think that religion consists chiefly
in making a noise. Some who have but just received the truth of
the third angel's message are ready to reprove and teach those
who have been established in the truth for years, and who have
suffered for its sake and felt its sanctifying power. Those who
are so puffed up by the enemy will have to feel the sanctifying
influence of the truth and obtain a realizing sense of how it
found them--"wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind,
and naked." When the truth begins to purify them and purge
away their dross and tin, as it surely will when it is received
in the love of it, the one who has this great work done for him
will not feel that he is rich and increased in goods and has need
of nothing.
Those who profess the truth and think they know it all before
they have learned its first principles, and who are forward to
take the place of teachers and reprove those who for years have
stood stiffly for the truth, plainly show that they have no understanding
of the truth, and know none of its effects; for if they knew any
of the sanctifying power, they should yield the peaceable fruits
of righteousness and be humbled under its sweet, powerful influence.
They would bear fruit to the glory of God, and understand what
the truth has done for them, and esteem others better than themselves.
I saw that the remnant were not prepared for what is coming upon
the earth. Stupidity, like lethargy, seemed to hang upon the minds
of most of those who profess to believe that we are having the
last message. My accompanying angel cried out with awful solemnity,
"Get ready! get ready! get ready! for the fierce anger of
the Lord is soon to come. His wrath is to be poured out, unmixed
with mercy, and ye are not ready. Rend the heart, and not the
garment. A great work must be done for the remnant. Many of them
are dwelling upon little trials." Said the angel, "Legions
of evil angels are around you, and are trying to press in their
awful darkness, that ye may be ensnared and taken. Ye suffer your
minds to be diverted too readily from the work of preparation
and the all-important truths for these last days. And ye dwell
upon little trials and go into minute particulars of little difficulties
to explain them to the satisfaction of this one or that."
Conversation has been protracted for hours between the parties
concerned, and not only has their time been wasted, but the servants
of God are held to listen to them, when the hearts of both parties
are unsubdued by grace. If pride and selfishness were laid aside,
five minutes would remove most difficulties. Angels have been
grieved and God displeased by the hours which have been spent
in justifying self. I saw that God will not bow down and listen
to long justifications, and He does not want His servants to do
so, and thus precious time be wasted that should be spent in showing
transgressors the error of their ways and pulling souls out of
the fire.
I saw that God's people are on the enchanted ground, and that
some have lost nearly all sense of the shortness of time and the
worth of the soul. Pride has crept in among Sabbathkeepers-pride
of dress and appearance. Said the angel, "Sabbathkeepers
will have to die to self, die to pride and love of approbation."
Truth, saving truth, must be given to the starving people who
are in darkness. I saw that many prayed for God to humble them;
but if God should answer their prayers, it would be by terrible
things in righteousness. It was their duty to humble themselves.
I saw that if self-exaltation was suffered to come in, it would
surely lead souls astray, and if not overcome would prove their
ruin. When one begins to get lifted up in his own eyes and thinks
he can do something, the Spirit of God is withdrawn, and he goes
on in his own strength until he is overthrown. I saw that one
saint, if he were right, could move the arm of God; but a multitude
together, if they were wrong, would be weak and could effect nothing.
Many have unsubdued, unhumbled hearts, and think more of their
own little grievances and trials than of the souls of sinners.
If they had the glory of God in view, they would feel for perishing
souls around them; and as they realized their perilous situation,
would take hold with energy, exercising faith in God, and hold
up the hands of His servants, that they might boldly, yet in love,
declare the truth and warn souls to lay hold upon it before the
sweet voice of mercy should die away. Said the angel, "Those
who profess His name are not ready." I saw that the seven
last plagues were coming upon the shelterless heads of the wicked;
and then those who have stood in their way will hear the bitter
reproaches of sinners, and their hearts will faint within them.
Said the angel. "Ye have been picking at straws- dwelling
upon little trials-and sinners must be lost as a consequence."
God is willing to work for us in our meetings, and it is His pleasure
to work. But Satan says, "I will hinder the work." His
agents say, "Amen." Professed believers in the truth
dwell upon their petty trials and difficulties which Satan has
magnified before them. Time is wasted that can never be recalled.
The enemies of the truth have seen our weakness, God has been
grieved, Christ wounded. Satan's object is accomplished, his plans
have succeeded, and he triumphs. -
I saw that there was danger of the saints making too great preparations
for conferences; that some were cumbered with too much serving;
that the appetite must be denied. There is danger of some attending
the meetings for the loaves and fishes. I saw that all those who
are indulging self by using the filthy weed tobacco, should lay
it aside and put their means to a better use. Those make a sacrifice
who deprive themselves of some gratification and take the means
they formerly used to gratify the appetite and put it into the
treasury of the Lord. Like the widow's two mites, such gifts will
be noticed of God. The amount may be small; but if all will do
this, it will tell in the treasury. If all would study to be more
economical in their articles of dress, depriving themselves of
some things which are not actually necessary and should lay aside
such useless and injurious things as tea and coffee, giving to
the cause what these cost, they would receive more blessings here
and a reward in heaven. Many think that because God has given
them the means, they may live almost above want, can have rich
food, and clothe themselves abundantly, and that it is no virtue
to deny themselves when they have enough. Such do not sacrifice.
If they would live a little poorer and give to the cause of God
to help forward the truth, it would be a sacrifice on their part,
and when God rewards every man according to his works, it would
be remembered by Him.
I saw that God's holy name should be used with reverence and awe.
The words God Almighty are coupled together and used by some in
prayer in a careless, thoughtless manner, which is displeasing
to Him. Such have no realizing sense of God or the truth, or they
would not speak so irreverently of the great and dreadful God,
who is soon to judge them in the last day. Said the angel, "Couple
them not together; for fearful is His name." Those who realize
the greatness and majesty of God, will take His name on their
lips with holy awe. He dwelleth in light unapproachable; no man
can see Him and live. I saw that these things will have to be
understood and corrected before the church can prosper.
False Shepherds
I have been shown that the false shepherds were drunk, but not
with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. The truth
of God is sealed up to them; they cannot read it. When they are
interrogated as to what the seventh-day Sabbath is, whether or
not it is the true Sabbath of the Bible, they lead the mind to
fables. I saw that these prophets were like the foxes of the desert.
They have not gone up into the gaps, they have not made up the
hedge that the people of God may stand in the battle in the day
of the Lord. When the minds of any get stirred up, and they begin
to inquire of these false shepherds about the truth, they take
the easiest and best manner to effect their object and quiet the
minds of the inquiring ones, even changing their own position
to do it. Light has shone on many of these shepherds, but they
would not acknowledge it and have changed their position a number
of times to evade the truth and get away from the conclusions
that they must come to if they continued in their former position.
The power of truth tore up their foundation, but instead of yielding
to it they would get up another platform that they were not satisfied
with themselves.
I saw that many of these shepherds had denied the past teachings
of God; they had denied and rejected the glorious truths which
they once zealously advocated and had covered themselves with
mesmerism and all kinds of delusions. I saw that they were drunken
with error and were leading on their flock to death. Many of the
opposers of God's truth devise mischief in their heads upon their
beds, and in the day they carry out their wicked devices to put
down the truth and to get something new to interest the people
and divert their minds from the precious, all-important truth.
I saw that the priests who are leading on their flock to death
are soon to be arrested in their dreadful career. The plagues
of God are coming, but it will not be sufficient for the false
shepherds to be tormented with one or two of these plagues. God's
hand at that time will be stretched out still in wrath and justice
and will not be brought to Himself again until His purposes are
fully accomplished, and the hireling priests are led to worship
at the feet of the saints, and to acknowledge that God has loved
them because they held fast the truth and kept God's commandments,
and until all the unrighteous ones are destroyed from the earth.
The different parties of professed Advent believers have each
a little truth, but God has given all these truths to His children
who are being prepared for the day of God. He has also given them
truths that none of these parties know, neither will they understand.
Things which are sealed up to them, the Lord has opened to those
who will see and are ready to understand. If God has any new light
to communicate, He will let His chosen and beloved understand
it, without their going to have their minds enlightened by hearing
those who are in darkness and error.
I was shown the necessity of those who believe that we are having
the last message of mercy, being separate from those who are daily
imbibing new errors. I saw that neither young nor old should attend
their meetings; for it is wrong to thus encourage them while they
teach error that is a deadly poison to the soul and teach for
doctrines the commandments of men. The influence of such gatherings
is not good. If God has delivered us from such darkness and error,
we should stand fast in the liberty wherewith He has set us free
and rejoice in the truth. God is displeased with us when we go
to listen to error, without being obliged to go; for unless He
sends us to those meetings where error is forced home to the people
by the power of the will, He will not keep us. The angels cease
their watchful care over us, and we are left to the buffetings
of the enemy, to be darkened and weakened by him and the power
of his evil angels; and the light around us becomes contaminated
with the darkness.
I saw that we have no time to throw away in listening to fables.
Our minds should not be thus diverted, but should be occupied
with the present truth, and seeking wisdom that we may obtain
a more thorough knowledge of our position, that with meekness
we may be able to give a reason of our hope from the Scriptures.
While false doctrines and dangerous errors are pressed upon the
mind, it cannot be dwelling upon the truth which is to fit and
prepare the house of Israel to stand in the day of the Lord. -
I have been shown the great love and condescension of God in giving
His Son to die that man might find pardon and live. I was shown
Adam and Eve, who were privileged to behold the beauty and loveliness
of the Garden of Eden and were permitted to eat of all the trees
in the garden except one. But the serpent tempted Eve, and she
tempted her husband, and they both ate of the forbidden tree.
They broke God's command, and became sinners. The news spread
through heaven, and every harp was hushed. The angels sorrowed,
and feared lest Adam and Eve would again put forth the hand and
eat of the tree of life and be immortal sinners. But God said
that He would drive the transgressors from the garden, and by
cherubim and a flaming sword would guard the way of the tree of
life, so that man could not approach unto it and eat of its fruit,
which perpetuates immortality.
Sorrow filled heaven as it was realized that man was lost and
that the world which God had created was to be filled with mortals
doomed to misery, sickness, and death, and that there was no way
of escape for the offender. The whole family of Adam must die.
I then saw the lovely Jesus and beheld an expression of sympathy
and sorrow upon His countenance. Soon I saw Him approach the exceeding
bright light which enshrouded the Father. Said my accompanying
angel, "He is in close converse with His Father." The
anxiety of the angels seemed to be intense while Jesus was communing
with His Father. Three times He was shut in by the glorious light
about the Father, and the third time He came from the Father we
could see His person. His countenance was calm, free from all
perplexity and trouble, and shone with a loveliness which words
cannot describe. He then made known to the angelic choir that
a way of escape had been made for lost man; that He had been pleading
with His Father, and had obtained permission to give His own life
as a ransom for the race, to bear their sins, and take the sentence
of death upon Himself, thus opening a way whereby they might,
through the merits of His blood, find pardon for past transgressions,
and by obedience be brought back to the garden from which they
were driven. Then they could again have access to the glorious,
immortal fruit of the tree of life to which they had now forfeited
all right.
Then joy, inexpressible joy, filled heaven, and the heavenly choir
sang a song of praise and adoration. They touched their harps
and sang a note higher than they had done before, because of the
great mercy and condescension of God in yielding up His dearly
Beloved to die for a race of rebels. Then praise and adoration
was poured forth for the self-denial and sacrifice of Jesus, in
consenting to leave the bosom of His Father, and choosing a life
of suffering and anguish, and an ignominious death, that He might
give life to others.
Said the angel, "Think ye that the Father yielded up His
dearly beloved Son without a struggle? No, no." It was even
a struggle with the God of heaven, whether to let guilty man perish,
or to give His darling Son to die for them. Angels were so interested
for man's salvation that there could be found among them those
who would yield their glory and give their life for perishing
man. "But," said my accompanying angel, "that would
avail nothing." The transgression was so great that an angel's
life would not pay the debt. Nothing but the death and intercession
of God's Son would pay the debt and save lost man from hopeless
sorrow and misery.
But the work which was assigned the angels was to ascend and descend with strengthening balm from glory to soothe the Son of God in His life of suffering. They administered unto Jesus. Also, their work was to guard and keep the subjects of grace from the evil angels and from the darkness which was constantly thrown around them by Satan. I saw that it was impossible for God to change His law in order to save lost, perishing man; therefore He suffered His darling Son to die for man's transgressions.
