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Messages to Young People E. G. White 1930 [104] We have before us a warfare, – a lifelong conflict with Satan and his seductive temptations. The enemy will use every argument, every deception, to entangle the soul; and in order to win the crown of life, we must put forth earnest, persevering effort. We must not lay off the armor or leave the battlefield until we have gained the victory, and can triumph in our Redeemer. As long as we continue to keep our eyes fixed upon the Author and Finisher of our faith, we shall be safe. But our affections must be placed upon things above, not on things of the earth. By faith we must rise higher and still higher in the at­tainment of the graces of Christ. By daily contemplating His matchless charms, we must grow more and more into His glorious image. – The Youth’s Instructor, May 12,1898. Our Father’s House Daniel March 1871 [255] So is it with us in our lifelong conflict with the seductions and temptations of the world. So long as we keep them under, we are safe. So long as we set our affections on things above, and continue to rise higher and higher in the successive attain­ments of a pure and blameless life, the world may toil after us, with its temptations in vain. To be sure of not sinking, we must never cease from the effort to rise. To win the crown of life, we have only to forget the things that are behind and press forward to those that are before.
My Life Today E. G. White 1952 [322] By a momentary act of will you may place yourself in the power of Satan, but it will require more than a momentary act of will to break his fetters and reach for a higher, holier life. The purpose may be formed, the work begun, but its accomplishment will require toil, time, and perseverance, patience, and sacrifice. The man who deliberately wanders from God in the full blaze of light will find, when he wishes to set his face to re­ turn, that briars and thorns have grown up in his path, and he must not be surprised or discouraged if he is compelled to travel long with torn and bleeding feet. The most fearful and most to be dreaded evidence of man’s fall from a better state is the fact that it costs so much to get back. The way of return can be gained only by hard fighting, inch by inch, every hour. Those who win heaven will put forth their noblest efforts and will labor with all long-suffering, that they may reap the fruit of toil. There is a hand that will open wide the gates of Paradise to those who have stood the test of temptation and kept a good conscience by giving up the world, its honors, its applause, for the love of Christ, thus confessing Him before men and waiting with all patience for Him to confess them before His Father and the holy angels. Home Life in the Bible Daniel March 1873 [83] It will take the work of a life­ time to recover what a moment of thoughtlessness or temptation carelessly throws away... You cannot lift yourself, by a momentary act of will, into the full possession of the best and highest life. The purpose can be formed and the work begun, but its completion will require time and toil, patience and sacrifice. T horns and briers have grown in all earthly paths. The wanderer who sets his face to return to the lost paradise must not be surprised or discouraged if he is compel­ led to travel long with torn feet and bleeding heart. The most dreadful evidence of man’s fall from a better state is the fact that it costs so much to get back. The way of return must be won by hard fighting, every inch and every hour. [84] Toil, patience, sacrifice, work hard, endure much, give all, – such are the conditions of return to the lost paradise. By such means only can man wrestle with the angel, and pre­ vail. To those who come with the sweat of toil upon their brows and the patience of martyrs in their look and the sacrifice of self in the heart, the gate swings open wide.
Sons and Daughters of God E. G. White 1955 [154] To go forward without stumbling we must have the assurance that a hand all-powerful will hold us up, and an infinite pity be exercised toward us if we fall. God alone can at all times hear our cry for help. [351] To go on without fear we must know that an almighty Hand will hold us up and an infinite Heart will pity us when we fall.... He can only trust to a Hand and a Heart...
[154] It is a solemn thought that the removal of one safeguard from the conscience, the failure to fulfill one good resolution, the formation of one wrong habit, may result not only in our own ruin, but in the ruin of those who have put confidence in us. Our only safety is to follow where the steps of the Master lead the way, to trust for protection implicitly to Him who says, “Follow me.’ Our constant prayer should be, “Hold up my goings in thy path, О Lord, that my footsteps slip not.” (ST, July 28,1881.) [352] The removal of one safe­ guard from the sanctuary of con­ science, the failure to fulfill one good resolution, the acquisition of one evil habit, the venture of a single night in the path of dissipation, one draught from the poisoned cup of forbidden pleasure, one more resolve to put off the first and highest claim of duty, may be the slip which is the beginning of the fatal fall.... Our only safety is to go where the steps of the Master lead the way, and trust for protection to him whose first command is, Follow me... They only are safe whose hearts go forth daily and trustingly in the prayer of David: Hold up my goings in thy path, О God, that my footsteps slip not.
[243] Justice and Mercy stood apart, in opposition to each other, separated by a wide gulf. ... He planted His cross midway between heaven and earth, and made it the object of attraction which reached both ways, drawing both Justice and Mercy across the gulf.... With perfect satisfaction Justice bowed in reverence at the cross, saying, It is enough. The sinner, drawn by the power of Christ from the confederacy of sin, approaches the uplifted cross, and prostrates himself before it. Then there is a new creature in Christ Jesus. The sinner is cleansed and purified. A new heart is given to him. Holiness finds that it has nothing more to re­ quire. ... There was to be imparted to the human being striving for conformity to the divine image an outlay of heaven’s treasures, an excellency of power, which would place him higher than the angels who had not fallen. (GCB, 4th Qtr., 1899.) The Great Teacher John Harris 1836 (1870 ed.) [110] He ... placed himself at the head of a new dispensation... which was to reconcile the prerogatives of justice and compassion... by enabling mercy to punish without impairing its clemency ... and enabling justice to forgive without sacrificing its purity. ... He laid hold on the nature of man... planting his cross midway, created a point of attraction which reached and drew them across the separating gulf. ... Justice moved from its high ... bowed with reverence at the cross, and said, “It is enough.” The sinner ... falls prostrate before the cross, a new creation in Christ Jesus. By giv­ing his heart to sinners and for them, holiness finds that it has nothing to ask... While this amazing consummation was in actual process, the character of Christ evolved an amount of excellence which might have made angelic natures, if capable of the feeling, jealous of the rivalry and riches of earth.
Selected Messages, Vol. 1 E. G. White 1958 [27] When I went to Colorado I was so burdened for you that, in my weakness, I wrote many pages to be read at your camp meeting. Weak and trembling, I arose at three o’clock in the morning to write you. God was speaking through clay. You might say that this communication was only a letter. Yes, it was a letter, but prompted by the Spirit of God, to bring be­fore your minds things that had been shown me. In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me. I do not write one article in the paper, expressing merely my own ideas. They are what God has opened before me in vision – the precious rays of light shining from the throne.... What voice will you acknowledge as the voice of God? What power has the Lord in reserve to correct your errors and show you your course as it is? What power to work in the church? If you refuse to believe until every shadow of uncertainty and every possibility of doubt is removed, you will never believe. The doubt that demands perfect knowledge will never yield to faith. Faith rests upon evidence, not demonstration. The Lord requires us to obey the voice of duty, when there are other voices all around us urging us to pursue an opposite course. It requires earnest attention from us to distinguish the voice which speaks from God. We must resist and conquer inclination, and obey the voice of conscience without parleying or compromise, lest its promptings cease, and will and impulse control... [Quoted from an article written June 22, 1882, and published in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, no. 31, pp. 63–04.] Night Scenes in the Bible Daniel March 1868–1870 [201] We must not defer our obedience till every shadow of uncertainty and every possibility of mistake is removed. The doubt that demands perfect knowledge will never yield to faith, for faith rests upon probability, not demonstration... [202] We must obey the voice of duty when there are many other voices crying against it, and it requires earnest heed to distin­guish the one which speaks for God. We must cherish the impulse of con­ science in the moment when it urges us to action, lest it cease from its promptings and we be left to the blind guidance of appetite and passion.
Steps to Christ E. G. White 1892 [96] If we take counsel with our doubts and fears, or try to solve every­ thing that we cannot see clearly, be­ fore we have faith, perplexities will only increase and deepen... But if we come to God... and in humble, trusting faith make known our wants to Him ... who governs everything by His will and word, He can and will attend to our cry, and will let light shine into our hearts. Through sincere prayer we are brought into con­nection with the mind of the Infinite. We may have no remarkable evidence at the time that the face of our Re­deemer is bending over us in compas­sion and love, but this is even so. We may not feel His visible touch, but His hand is upon us in love and pitying tenderness. [336] While we take counsel with our doubts and fears, or try to solve the problem of the universe in the cabinets and laboratories of science, or to explore the depths of eternity with the feeble taper of human rea­ son, we shall only increase o u r perplexity and deepen our disappointment. ... [339] But let them go up to the mount of God... in humble, trusting prayer ... that the supreme power governing the universe ... and look only to Him who sees everything at one view and governs everything with a w ord.... Let them believe that... he will hear their voice and attend to their wants. And then the darkness and perplexity will vanish from their minds... In every act of sincere prayer the soul comes into living contact with the infinite Mind. We see no face bending over us with looks of compassion. No voice answers to our humble cry. No hand is let down for us to grasp... as the child seeks the parent’s support­ing hand.
[85] Many are the ways in which God is seeking to make Himself known to us... [87] God speaks to us through His providential workings and through the influence of His Spirit upon the heart... God speaks to us in His word. The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life Hannah Smith 1883 (1971 ed.) [67] There are four ways in which He reveals His will to us, – through the Scriptures, through providential circumstances, convictions of our own higher judgment, and through the inward impressions of the Holy Spirit on our mind.
[96] Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6... But to claim that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire is presumption. God’s Will Known and Done Almon Underwood 1860 [291] Another requisite of prevail­ ing prayer, is faith. “He that cometh unto God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.” Heb. 11:6... You are not to expect it to come in a par­ticular way, nor necessarily at just such a time.
SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6 sv E. G. White 1957 [1119] Satan is the prince of demons. The evil angels over whom he rules do his bidding. Through them he multiplies his agencies throughout the world. He instigates all the evil that exists in our world. But though the principalities and powers of darkness are both many in number and unceasing in activity, yet the Christian should never feel hope­ less or discouraged. He may not hope to escape temptation through any lack of satanic efficiency. He who sent a legion to torture one human being cannot be repulsed by human wis­dom or power alone. The Great Teacher John Harris 1836 (1870 ed.) [161] Among these, he spoke of one as Satan... one who, by signalizing himself as the most daring of rebels, had reached the bad preeminence of the “prince of de­mons.” ... That he is represented as multiplying himself, through their agency, over the whole field, – and concur­ ring in, if not actually instigating, all the evils which it contains… warrants the conjecture... Let no man, then, hope to escape temptation through any lack of satanic agents. He whose resources enable him to devote a legion to torment a human body, can­ not be wanting in instruments to tempt and destroy the immortal soul.
Speaking of Satan, the Lord declares that he abode not in truth. Once he was beautiful, radiant in light... Around the standard of rebellion that he planted, evil workers of all generations have rallied. No sooner was man created than Satan resolved to efface in him the image of God, and to place his stamp where God’s should be.... He desired to usurp the throne of God. Failing in this, he has worked in darkness, in crookedness, in deception, to usurp his place in the hearts of men ... to appropriate the adoration that be­ longs to God alone (MS 33,1911). [162] Speaking of Satan, our Lord declares that he “abode not in truth:” once he possessed a throne where all is radiant with holiness and joy; but he swerved from his allegiance to “the blessed and only Potentate,” and thus lost his first estate... He ... planted the standard of rebellion, around which all the principles and powers of evil might rally and combine. [162] Stimulated by implacable hatred against God, ne no sooner found our world created, than he came to efface from it the image of God, and to stamp his own on its breast... Unable to expel God from his throne, and thus succeed to the homage of man, he had, by a universal system of idolatry, planted his throne between the human worshipper and the divine Being, intercepting and appropriating the adoration which belonged to God alone.
SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7 Sv E. G. White 1955 [935] His [Christ’s] object was to reconcile the prerogatives of Justice and Mercy, and let each stand separate in its dignity, yet united. His mercy was not weakness, but a terrible power to punish sin because it is sin; yet a power to draw to it the love of humanity. Through Christ, Justice is enabled to forgive without sacrificing one jot of its exalted holiness. Justice and Mercy stood apart in opposition to each other, separated by a wide gulf. The Lord our Redeemer clothed His divinity with humanity, and wrought out in behalf of man a character that was without spot or blemish. He planted His cross mid­ way between heaven and earth, and made it the object of attraction which reached both ways, drawing both Jus­ tice and Mercy across the gulf. Justice moved from its exalted throne, and with all the armies of heaven approached the cross. There it saw One equal with God bearing the penalty for all injustice and sin. With perfect satisfaction Justice bowed in rever­ence at the cross, saying, It is enough (MS 94,1899). [110] He ...placed himself at the head of a new dispensation, the object of which was to reconcile the preroga­ tives of justice and compassion; and to do this, not by com prom ising either, but by honoring both – by enabling mercy to punish without impairing its clemency or its claims to our love, and enabling justice to for­ give without sacrificing its purity or its claims on our awful regards. The rights of justice and the condition of sinful man were essentially hostile – they had diverged to an infinite re­moteness, and stood frowning at each other, as from opposite sides of the universe. He laid hold on the nature of man; and, planting his cross midway, created a point of attraction which reached and drew them across the separating gulf back to itself, as to a common centre. Justice moved from its high and awful position on Sinai; and, with all the armies of holiness, brightening and still brightening with complacency as it approached, bowed with reverence at the cross, and said, “It is enough.”
Testimonies to Ministers E. G. White 1923 [16] Consider... His church, to be His own, His own fortress, which He holds in a sin-stricken, revolted world; and He intended that no authority should be known in it, no laws be acknowledged by it, but His own. Satan has a large confederacy, his church. Christ calls them the synagogue of Satan because the members are the children of sin. The members of Satan’s church have been constantly working to cast off the di­ vine law, and contuse the distinction between good and evil... [158] It is the only fortress which he holds in a revolted world; and he in­ tended, therefore, that no authority should be known in it, no laws acknowledged, but his own... His high design is, that, as Satan has a church, (he himself speaks of the synagogue of Satan,) consisting of the children of sin, – a church in which men have been always laboring to cast off the divine law, and to confound the dis­tinctions between good and evil...
[17] His church is to be a temple built after the divine similitude, and the angelic architect has brought his golden measuring rod from heaven ... radiating in all directions the bright, clear beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The church is to be fed with manna from heaven and to be kept under the sole guardianship of His grace. Clad in complete armor of light and righteousness, she enters upon her final conflict... [159] If his church is to resemble a temple, let it be built after the pattern of things in the heavens: let it have the exact dimensions and proportions as­ signed by the angel-architect, who brought to the work his golden measuring-rod from heaven ... and radiating around in all directions its dazzling beams... let her be fed with the manna which his own hand supplies, and grow as the indwelling life shall expand, and be left to the sole guardianship of his own grace, and she shall move in her own light, clad in more than complete steel, hav­ing the robes of divinity about her...
[15] I testify to my brethren and sisters that the church of Christ, enfeebled and defective as it may be, is the only object on earth on which He bestows His supreme regard. While He extends to ail the world His invitation to come to Him and be saved, He commissions His angels to render di­ vine help to every soul that cometh to Him in repentance and contrition, and He comes personally by His Holy Spirit into the midst of His Church. [160] But the church of Christ, enfeebled and defective as it may be, is that only object on earth on which he bestows his supreme regard.... While he extends his sceptre, and des­ patches his angels to every part of the world, he engages to come personally into the midst of his church, and to honor their prayers and decisions by regarding them as laws for his own conduct. The church is his mystical body and he is present as the vital head, living through all its members. ... [160] He has it in prospect to collect a large revenue of glory from the earth; and his church is the repository in which all that wealth is stored, pre­paratory to its full and final display.
Christ’s Object Lessons E. G. White 1900 [17] The Scripture says, “All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables… that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.” Lectures on the Parables of Our Saviour Edward Kirk 1856 [6] Matthew tells us that his preaching in parables was alluded to prophetically in the 78th Psalm: “I will open my mouth in parables: I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.”
[22] Among the multitudes that gathered about Him, there were priests and rabbis, scribes and elders, Herodians and rulers, world-loving, bigoted, ambitious men, who desired above all things to find some accusation against Him. Their spies followed His steps day after day, to catch from His lips something that would cause His condemnation.... He presented truth in such a way that they could find nothing by which to bring His case before the Sanhedrim. In parables He rebuked the hypocrisy and wicked works. [10] Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, elders and priests; proud, earthly, ignorant, bigoted, envious and murderous, were continually acting as spies around him. It was there­ fore indispensable that he should avoid giving them any ground of ac­cusation before the Sanhedrim, the civil tribunal, or the people. While then he gives them tremendous thrusts, his meaning is so couched in imagery, that they never got a plaus­ible charge against him.
[50] The gospel seed often falls among thorns and noxious weeds... Grace can thrive only in the heart that is being constantly prepared for the precious seeds of truth. ... But grace must be carefully cultivated... [51] Christ specified the things that are dangerous to the soul. As re­ corded by Mark He mentions the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things. [235–6] Since Adam’s apostasy, thorns and thistles and noxious herbs have found the soil of the earth peculiarly congenial to their growth ... while grace thrives only by careful cultivation.... He specifys them to be – cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, and desires of other things.
[58] The “honest and good heart” of which the parable speaks, is not a heart without sin; for the gospel is to be preached to the lost. Christ said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17. He has an honest heart, who yields to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He confesses his guilt, and feels his need of the mercy and love of God. [285] “Good and honest hearts” cannot here mean hearts without sin; for, in that case, there would be no Gospel for them. Christ says: “I came, not to call the righteous, out sinners to repentance.” An honest heart is one that acknowledges its wrong. There is no honesty in any of us deny­ing that we are sinful before God, and sinners against him.
[103] In ancient times it was customary for men to hide their treas­ures in the earth. Thefts and rob­beries were frequent. And whenever there was a change in the ruling power, those who had large posses­sions were liable to be put under heavy tribute. Moreover, the country was in constant danger of invasion by marauding armies. As a conse­quence, the rich endeavored to pre­ serve their wealth by concealing it, and the earth was looked upon as a safe hiding place. But often the place of concealment was forgotten; death might claim the owner, imprisonment or exile might separate him from his treasure, and the wealth… was left for the fortunate finder. The Parables of Our Saviour William M. Taylor 1886 [70] In those ancient days, there was little trade in which men could embark; no banks in which they could lodge their money, and no safe­ deposit vaults on whose security they could depend ... so they very commonly buried them in the earth. It often happened, however, that, when a man had thus concealed his trea­sure, the secret of the place into which he had put it died with himself.... For the times were unsettled; and a sud­den invasion of enemies might lead many to hide their riches in the ground.
[280] We can never be saved in indolence and inactivity... Those who refuse to co-operate with God on earth would not co-operate with Him in heaven... The son who for a time refused obedience to his father’s command was not condemned by Christ; and neither was he commended... [281] Their frankness is not to be regarded as a virtue... The fact that a man is not a hypocrite does not make him any the less really a sinner... When the call comes, “Go work today in My vineyard,” do not refuse the invitation. “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” ... [281] The mold of your mind and your familiarity with evil will make it difficult for you to distinguish be­ tween right and wrong.... [282] “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to tem­perance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” 2 Peter 1:2–7. [124–130] Observe... that the Lord does not express approval, and did not intend to approve, of the conduct of the first son... because he is not a hypocrite, he tries to make himself believe that he is not a sinner at all... open frankness of their iniquity is a virtue ... you cannot dissever the present from the future; and in the moral world, as in the natural, you shall reap what you sow... for sin may have weakened your resolution, and taken your will captive... “Go work to-day in my vineyard.” ... “To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” ... “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” 2 Peter 1:2–7.
[196] The value of a soul, who can estimate? Would you know its worth, go to Gethsemane, and there watch with Christ through those hours of anguish. ... Look upon the Saviour uplifted on the cross. Hear that des­ pairing cry, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” ... For our redemption, heaven itself was imperiled. At the foot of the cross... you may estimate the value of a soul. Walks and Homes of Jesus Daniel March 1856 [330] And our own greatness, the infinite price at which God estimates the value of the human soul, is best seen in the greatness of the ransom paid for our redemption. ... In the mystery and glory of the cross, we can best learn the price at which God estimates the value of man. How many worlds are upheld by the power of him who cried in agony upon the cross, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
[347] Transgression of physical law is transgression of the moral law; for God is as truly the author of physical laws as He is the author of the moral law. Philosophy of Health Larkin B. Coles 1853 [137] To transgress physical law is transgressing God’s law; for he is as truly the Author of physical law as he is Author of the moral law.
[386] Christ came to demolish every wall of partition, to throw open every compartment of the temple, that every soul may have free access to God. The Great Teache John Harris 1836 (1870 ed.) [71] He came to demolish every wall of partition, to throw open every compartment in the temple of creation, that every worshipper might have free and equal access to the God of the temple.
Gospel Workers E. G. White 1915 [43] Where He had passed, the objects of His compassion were rejoicing in health, and making trial of their new-found powers. Crowds were collecting around them to hear from their lips the works that the Lord had wrought. His voice was the first sound that many had ever heard, His name the first word they had ever spoken, His face the first they had ever looked upon. Why should they not love Jesus, and sound His praise? As He passed through the towns and cities, He was like a vital current, diffusing life and joy. [251] Where he had passed, the re­ stored might be seen making trial of their new-found powers; listeners formed into groups, to hear the tale of healing.... His voice was the first sound which many of them heard; his name the first word they had pronounced; his blessed form the first sight they had ever beheld ... He went through the land like a current of vital air, an element of life, diffusing health and joy wherever he appeared.
[320] Christ sought for men wherever he could find them, – in the public streets, in private houses, in the synagogues, by the seaside. He toiled all day, preaching to the multitude, and healing the sick that were brought to Him; and frequently, after He had dismissed the people that they might return to their homes to rest and sleep, He spent the entire night in prayer, to come forth and renew His labors in the morning. Night Scenes in the Bible Daniel March 1868–1870 [334] He sought for men wherever he could find them – in the public street, in the private house, in the synagogue or by the sea-side. He toiled all day in the work of healing and instruction, and then spent the night in solitary prayer, only to come forth again and renew his labor amid all the noise and conflict of the world.
Counsels to Teachers E. G. White 1913 [28] He came to sow the world with truth. He held the keys of all the treasures of wisdom, and was able to open doors to science, and to reveal undiscovered stores of knowledge, were it essential to salvation... [29] He urged upon men the necessity of prayer, repentance, confession, and the abandonment of sin. The Great Teacher John Harris 1836 (1870 ed.) [26] He held the key of all the treasures of wisdom; and he distributed of its stores... He had come to sow the earth with truth... [27] [He had] an outline ... which should form the scope of his teaching ... the necessity of prayer, repentance, and holiness... [51] He could have uttered a single sentence... furnishing a key to many a mystery, and affording a glimpse of arcana before unknown.
[262] The Saviour’s entire life was characterized by disinterested benevolence and the beauty of holiness. [45] The whole of his course was a history of pure, disinterested benevolence.
[358] Other blessings they desire; but that which God is more willing to give than a father is to give good gifts to his children; that which is offered abundantly, according to the infinite fulness of God, and which, if received, would bring all other blessings in its train. [147] Other blessings are desired; but this, which would bring all blessings in its train, which is offered in an abundance corresponding to its infinite plenitude – an abundance, of which the capacity of the recipient is to be the only limit.
Education E. G. White 1903 [57] The greatest want of the world is the want of men – men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall. [Adventist] Review, Vol. 37, No. 6, Jan. 1871 [A filler “selection” from an unidentified author.] [47] The great want of this age is men. Men who are not for sale. Men who are honest, sound from center to circumference, true to the heart’s core – men who will condemn wrong in a friend or foe, in themselves as well as others. Men whose con­ sciences are as steady as the needle to the pole. Men who will stand for the right if the heavens totter and the earth reel.
[118] The eagle of the Alps is some­ times beaten down by the tempest into the narrow defiles of the mountains. Storm clouds, shut in this mighty bird of the forest, their dark masses separating her from sunny heights where she has made her home. Her efforts to escape seem fruitless. She dashes to and fro, beating the air with her strong wings, and waking the mountain echoes with her cries. At length, with a note of triumph, she darts upward, and, piercing the clouds, is once more in the clear sunlight, with the darkness and tempest far beneath. So we may be surrounded with difficulties, discouragement, and darkness. False­ hood, calamity, injustice, shut us in. There are clouds that we cannot dispel. We battle with circumstances in vain. There is one, and but one, way of escape. The mists and fogs cling to the earth; beyond the clouds God’s light is shining. Into the sunlight of His presence we may rise on the wings of faith. Our Father’s House Daniel March 1871 [254] The eagle of the Alps is sometimes beaten down by the tem­ pest into the narrow defiles of the mountains. The clouds in black and angry masses sweep between the mighty bird and the sunny heights where she builds her nests and basks in the full day. For a while she dashes to and fro, buffeting the storm with her strong wings and waking the echoes of the mountains with her wild cry, vainly endeavoring to find some way out of her dark and high-walled prison. At length she dashes upward with a scream of triumph into the midst of the black clouds, and in a moment she is above them in the calm sunshine, with the darkness and the tem pest all beneath, the light of heaven shining in full blaze upon her conquering pinions, and her loved home on the lofty crag in full sight waiting to receive her. It is through the darkness that she rushes into the light. It is by a mighty effort to ascend that she leaves the clouds and the storms of earth beneath. So by a firm decision and a mighty effort must we rise above all the clouds of doubt and fear to the serene heights of faith and peace in God. So through the darkness of trouble and conflict and death must we pass into heaven’s eternal day.
[289] The will is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or choice. Steps to Christ E. G. White 1892 [47] What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature o f m an, the power of decision, or of choice. The Ministry of Healing E. G. White 1905 [176] The tempted one needs to understand the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man – the power of decision, of choice... They do not choose to serve Him ... But we can choose to serve God, we can give Him our will; then He will work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Testimonies, Vol. 5 E. G. White 1889 [513] Pure religion has to do with the will. The will is the governing power in the nature of man, bringing all the other faculties under its sway. The will is not the taste or the inclina­tion, but it is the deciding power which works in the children of men unto obedience to God or unto dis­ obedience. The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life Hannah W. Smith 1883 (1971 ed.) [57] Now, the truth is, that this life is not to be lived in the emotions at all, but in the will... Fenelon says, somewhere, that “pure religion resides in the will alone.” By this he means that, as the will is the governing power in the man’s nature, if the will is set right, all the rest of the nature must come into harmony. By the will, I do not mean the wish of man, or even his purpose, but the deliberate choice, the deciding power, the king, to which all that is in the man must yield obedience... It is sometimes thought that the emotions are the governing power in our nature...
Evangelism E.G. White 1946 [148] The Prince of teachers sought access to the people by the pathway of their most familiar associ­ations. He presented the truth in such a way that ever after it was to His hearers intertwined with their most hallowed recollections and sympathies. He taught in a way that made them feel the completeness of His identification with their interests and happiness... Christ drew many of his illustra­tions and lessons from the great treasure house of nature (Letter 213, 1902). The Great Teacher John Harris 1836 (1870 ed.) [55] He sought access to their minds by the beaten pathway of their most familiar associations; he in­ sinuated and intertwined his divine instruction with the network of their most hallowed recollections and sympathies; thus providing for it the easiest mode of admission into their hearts, and making them feel that his identification with their nature and interest was complete.... He drew his images and illustrations from the great treasury of our household affections, and from the most familiar features of nature.
[614] Such representations ... are made: “The Father is as the light in­ visible; the Son is as the light embodied; the Spirit is the light shed abroad.” “The Father is like the dew, invisible vapor; the Son is like the dew gathered in beauteous form; the Spirit is like the dew fallen to the seat of life.” Another representation: “The Father is like the invisible vapor; the Son is like the leaden cloud; the Spirit is rain fallen and working in refreshing power.” They are imperfect, untrue ... These are mere earthly things, suffering under the curse of God because of the sins of man... The Father is all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and is invisible to mortal sight. The Son is all the fullness of the God head, making manifest the power of divine grace. The Higher Christian Life William E. Broadman 1871 [90] The Father is as the Light in­ visible. The Son is as the Light embodied. The Spirit is as the light shed down... The Father is like the dew in invisible vapor. The Son is like the dew gathered in beauteous form. The Spirit is like the dew fallen to the seat of life.... The Father is like the invisible vapor. The Son is as the laden cloud and falling rain. The Spirit is the rain fallen, and working in refreshing power. These likenings are all imperfect... poor and earthly at best... The Father is all the fulness of the Godhead invisible. The Son is all the fulness of the Godhead manifested.... The Spirit is all the fulness of the Godhead making manifest.
Counsels on Stewardship E. G. White 1940 [326] T he Lord designs that the death of His servants shall be regarded as a loss, because of the influence for good which they exerted and the many willing offerings which they bestowed to replenish the treasury of God. Dying legacies are a miserable substitute for living benevolence... But many professed Christians put off the claims of Jesus in life, and insult Him by giving Him a mere pittance at death. [327] Let all of this class remember that this robbery of God is not an impulsive action, but a well-considered plan which they preface by saying, “Being of sound mind.” After having defrauded the cause of God through life, they perpetuate the fraud after death. And this is with the full consent of all the powers of the mind. Such a will many are content to cherish for a dying pillow. Their will is a part of their preparation for death. Mammon John Harris 1836 [199] You are reversing that Divine arrangement which would have caused your death to be deprecated as a loss, and you are voluntarily class­ing yourself with the refuse of society, whose death is regarded as a gain... [200] Dying charity is a miserable substitute for living benevolence... [201] This robbery of the Christian cause... is your will; not a mere passing thought, not a precipitate, unconsidered act, but an act which you formally preface with saying, that you perform it “being in sound mind.” ... [202] After having defrauded the cause of Christ of your property during life, you take the most effective measures to perpetuate the fraud after death; and you do this with the full consent of all the powers of your mind... This is your will, which you are content to have for a dying pillow. ... Your will – and, therefore, a part of your preparation for death!
Fundamentals of Christian Education E. G. White 1923 [177] He held the keys to all the treasures of wisdom... He urged upon men the necessity of prayer, repentance, confession, and the aban­donment of sin. ... – Review and Herald, Nov. 17,1891. The Great Teacher John Harris 1836 (1870 ed.) [26] He held the key of all the treasures of wisdom ... the necessity of prayer, repentance, and holiness.
[237] He could have opened mysteries which patriarchs and prophets desired to look into, which human curiosity has been impatiently desir­ous of understanding... Jesus did not disdain to repeat old, familiar truths; for He was the author of these truths. He was the glory of the temple. Truths which had been lost sight of, which had been misplaced, misinterpreted, and disconnected from their pure position, He separated from the companionship of error; and show­ing them as precious jewels in their own bright luster, He reset them in their proper framework, and com­manded them to stand fast forever... – Review and Herald, Nov. 28,1893. [51] He could have uttered a single sentence, which, by furnishing a key to many a mystery, and affording a glimpse of arcana before unknown, would have collected and concentrated around it the busy thoughts of each successive generation to the close of time.... He disdained not the repetition of old and familiar truths. … Truths, which the lapse of time had seen displaced and disconnected from their true position, as stars are said to have wandered from their primal signs, he recalled and establ­ished anew; and principles, which had faded, disappeared, and been lost, as stars are said to have become extinct, he rekindled and resphered, and commanded them to stand fast forever.
Note: [Also Compare, Ellen G. White’s Fundamentals of Christian Educa­tion chapters “The Teacher of Truth,” pp. 174–80, “Christ as Teacher,” pp. 236–41, “True Education,” pp. 405–15, and “The True Higher Education,” pp. 429–37 with John Harris’s The Great Teacher.]
Testimonies, Vol. E.G. White 1868 [51] Worldly business was for the most part laid aside for a few weeks. We carefully examined every thought and emotion of our hearts, as if upon our deathbeds and in a few hours to close our eyes forever upon earthly scenes. There was no maxing of “ascension robes” for the great event. Sketches of Christian Life and Public Labor of William Miller James White 1875 [298] “During the last ten days, secular business was, for the most part, suspended; and those who looked for the advent gave themselves to the work of preparation for that event, as they would for death, were they on a bed of sickness expect­ing soon to close their eyes on earthly scenes forever.... [299] “The fact that many sus­pended their business for a few days was censured by opponents.”
[76] I was shown that if the true Sabbath had always been kept, there would never have been an infidel or an atheist. The observance of the Sabbath would have preserved the world from idolatry. History of the Sabbath J. N. Andrews 1862 Had the Sabbath always been observed by all as God ordained it, there never would have been an atheist, an infidel, an agnostic, or an idolator in the world. [Review and Herald, 12 May 1853; History of the Sabbath, 1912 ed., p. 11]
[194] The greatest sin which now exists in the church is covetousness. God frowns upon His professed people for their selfishness. Mammon John Harris 1836 [53] If selfishness be the prevailing form of sin; covetousness may be regarded as the prevailing form of selfishness.
Testimonies, Vol. 2 E. G. White 1885 [60] Your family have partaken largely of flesh meats, and the animal propensities have been strengthened, while the intellectual have been weakened... [63] Yet we do not hesitate to say that flesh meat is not necessary for health or strength... Its use excites the animal propensities to increased activity and strengthens the animal passions. When the animal propensities are increased, the intellectual and moral powers are decreased. The use of the flesh of animals tends to cause a grossness of body... [70] It is just as much sin to violate the laws of our being as to break one of the Ten Commandments, for we cannot do either without breaking God’s law. Philosophy of Health Larkin Cole 1853 [230] Meat-eating, especially in the excessive proportion of its present use, has also its moral bearings. By its stimulating properties, it acts on the animal organs of the brain, increasing the activity of the animal propen­sities. While it gives no additional strength ... it makes us more animal and less intellectual and moral... [64] Flesh-eating is certainly not necessary to health or strength... [67] There can be no question but that the use of flesh tends to create a grossness of body and spirit... [216] It is as truly a sin against Heaven, to violate a law of life, as to break one of the ten commandments.
[391] Moral pollution has done more than every other evil to cause the race to degenerate. It is practiced to an alarming extent and brings on disease of almost every description. Even very small children, infants, being born with natural irritability of the sexual organs, find momentary relief in handling them… until a habit is established which increases with their growth. These children, generally puny and dwarfed, are prescribed for by physicians ... but the evil is not removed... [403] Steady industry upon a farm would have proved a blessing to these children, and constant employment, as their strength could bear, would have given them less opportunity to corrupt their bodies... [409] Young girls are not as a general thing clear of the crime of selfabuse. They practice it, and, as are suit, their constitutions are being ruined. Some who are just entering womanhood are in danger of paralysis of the brain... Cause o f Exhausted Vitality Eli Peck Miller 1867 [34] Self-abuse ... is an evil more damning than any other to which mankind is subject... [35] Many children are born with this propensity, and the habit is commenced in infancy, or in early child­ hood, by handling the genital organs; the friction and irritation giving rise to a peculiar kind of excitement... The habit formed at this early age is usually kept up till after puberty, if the system does not earlier succumb to the effects. The little, puny, sickly, dwarfed ... children ... are many of them examples of this habit. [39] Self-abuse opens the door for ... almost every disease from which humanity suffers... [43] The habit of self-abuse is practiced amongst girls as well as boys... [110] Physical training either upon the farm, in the workshop, or the gymnasium... is indispensable.
Testimonies, Vol. 3 E. G. White 1885 [322] Christ sought for men wherever He could find them – in the public streets, in private houses, in the synagogues, by the seaside. He toiled all day, preaching to the multitude and healing the sick that were brought to Him; and frequently, after He had dismissed the people that they might return to their homes to rest and sleep, He spent the entire night in prayer, to come forth and renew His labors in the morning. Night Scenes in the Bible Daniel March 1868–1870 [334] He sought for men wherever he could find them – in the public street, in the private house, in the synagogue or by the sea-side. He toiled all day in the work of healing and instruction, and then spent the night in solitary prayer, only to come forth again and renew his labor amid all the noise and conflict of the world.
[323] While you take counsel with your doubts and fears, or try to solve everything that you cannot see clearly before you have faith, your perplexities will only increase and deepen... You may have no remark­ able evidence at the time that the face of your Redeemer is bending over you in compassion and love, but this is even so. You may not feel His visible touch, but His hand is upon you in love and pitying tenderness. [336] While we take counsel with our doubts and fears, or try to solve the problem of the universe in the cabinets and laboratories of science, or to explore the depths of eternity with the feeble taper of human rea­ son, we shall only increase our perplexity and deepen our disappointment. ... [339] We see no face bending over us with looks of compassion. No voice answers to our humble cry. No hand is let down for us to grasp.... And yet in all prayer the heart pours itself forth to One whose awful presence is deeply felt.
[368] My mind goes back to faith­ful Abraham ... in a night vision at Beersheba... With a breaking heart and unnerved hand, he takes the fire. ... Father and son build the altar, and the terrible moment comes for Abraham to make known to Isaac that which has agonized his soul all that long journey, that Isaac himself is the victim. Isaac is not a lad; he is a full- grown young man. He could have re­ fused to submit... had he chosen to do so. He does not accuse his father of insanity.... He submits... This act of faith in Abraham is re­ corded for our benefit... By Abraham’s obedience we are taught that nothing is too precious for us to give to God... [369] To Abraham no mental tor­ture could be equal... [58] Now it is settled beyond all question in Abraham’s mind that the voice in the night vision at Beersheba was a reality... With a trembling hand and a breaking heart he takes the fire and the knife. ... The altar is built by the hands of both... The father must tell the son the awful message which he has carried in his own bleeding heart through all the long journey. Isaac himself must be slain. ... It must be with his own consent if he is offered at all. For he is a full-grown man... [59] And does he now conclude that the old man has become in­ sane ...? Which was most to be pitied it were hard to tell – the father... or the son who submits in silence... [60] And this great act of faith shines forth.... Nothing is too preci­ous for us to give to God... [61] No trial, no mental torture could possibly have been greater.
Testimonies, Vol. 4 E.G. White 1885 [60] The sympathy which exists be­ tween the mind and the body is very great. When one is affected, the other responds. The condition of the mind has much to do with the health of the physical system. If the mind is free and happy... it will create a cheerful­ ness that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer circulation of the blood... Philosophy of Health Larkin Coles 1853 [127] The sympathy existing be­ tween the mind and the body is so great, that when one is affected, both are affected... This state of mind has much to do with the healthy action of the physical system. A cheerful and happy mind gives a free and easy circulation in the nervous system.
[144] Abraham was an old man when he received the startling com­mand from God to offer up his son Isaac for a burnt offering. Abraham was considered an old man even in his generation. The ardor of his youth had faded away. It was no longer easy for him to endure hardships and brave dangers... The loss of such a son by disease would have been most heart-rending to the fond father, it would have bowed his whitened head with sorrow. ... [145] He did not say: “My hairs are gray, the vigor of my manhood is gone; who will comfort my waning fife when Isaac is no more?” Night Scenes in the Bible Daniel March 1868–1870 [45] Abraham was an hundred and twenty years old when he received the strange and startling command to offer his only and beloved son Isaac for a burnt offering... He already passed for an aged man, even upon the longer average of human life in his time... His heart had lost much of the fervid and hope­ fulfeeling of youth ... It was no longer easy for him to bend before... affliction... [47] It would have been enough to break an old man’s heart to lose such a son by the ordinary course of sickness and death... [48] How much more must the loss ... bring down the gray hairs of age with sorrow...
[280] I realized that I was sick and had but little strength... In great dis­ tress I silently called upon God... [281] The Spirit of the Lord rested upon me as I attempted to speak. Like a shock of electricity I felt it upon my heart, and all pain was instantly removed. ... My left arm and hand had become nearly useless... but natural feeling was now restored. The Ministry of Healing Adoniram J. Gordon 1882 [189] I was in communion with my heavenly Father... Up to this time there was no cessation from suffering or increase of strength. As I said before, I was weaker than usual... [190] It seemed as if heaven were at that moment opened, and I was con­scious of a baptism of strength... as if an electric shock had passed through my system. I felt definitely the strength come into my back... into my helpless limbs.
[374] It will do you good, and our ministers generally, to frequently re­ view the closing scenes in the life of our Redeemer... It would be well to spend a thoughtful hour each day re­ viewing the life of Christ. ... We should take it point by point and let the imagination vividly grasp each scene, especially the closing ones of His earthly life... By contemplating ... we may strengthen our faith, quicken our love... We must all learn e lesson of penitence and faith at the foot of the cross. Walks and Homes of Jesus Daniel March 1856 [313] Nevertheless it will do us all good, frequently and solemnly to review the closing scenes in the Saviour’s earthly life ... spending a thoughtful hour, in the endeavor to strengthen our faith and quicken our love at the foot of the cross. [314] We may learn... the lesson of penitence at the foot of the cross.
[444] There are deep mysteries in the word of God, which will never be discovered... There are also un­ searchable mysteries in the plan of redemption... God’s providence is a continual school, in which He is ever leading men to see the true aims of life. None are too young, and none too old, to learn in this school by pav­ing diligent heed to the lessons taught by the divine Teacher... By the wan­derers His voice is heard, saying: “This is the way, walk ye in it.” Night Scenes in the Bible Daniel March 1868–1870 [98] There are deep mysteries in the word of God – unsearchable mysteries in Divine Providence – mysteries past finding out in the plan of redemption... [99] God’s providence is the school in which he is ever setting before us the true aims of life... None are too young, none are too old to learn, if only they heed the Divine Teacher... who whispers to the wanderer, “This is the way – walk ye in it.”
[480] Those who wait till death be­ fore they make a disposition of their property, surrender it to death rather than to God... That which many propose to defer until they are about to die, if they were Christians indeed they would do while they have a strong hold on life. ... By becoming their own executors, they could meet the claims of God themselves... We should regard our­ selves as stewards ... and God as the supreme proprietor... [481] In making their wills daily, they will remember those objects and friends that hold the largest place in their affections. ... This robbery of God is ... a well-considered plan which they preface by saying, “Being in sound mind.” After having defrauded the cause of God through life they perpetuate the fraud after death. Mammon John Harris 1836 [197] For he who withholds his hand from deeds of benevolence till his last hour, surrenders his property to death, rather than devotes it to God... [198] What you are proposing to defer till the period of your natural death, the chrstian, if he acts in harmony with his profession ... will be his own executor. ... You profess to regard ... God as its supreme Proprietor. ... [201] You naturally remember those persons and objects which hold the dearest place in your affections; your supreme friend is Christ... You perform it [this robbery of the Chris­ tian cause] “being of sound mind.” ... [202] After having defrauded the cause of Christ of your property during life... you take the most effective measures to perpetuate the fraud after death.
Testimonies, Vol. 5 E. G. White 1889 [155] Dying charity is a poor substitute for living benevolence... The cause of Christ is robbed, not by a mere passing thought, not by an unpremeditated act. [200] Dying charity is a miserable substitute for living benevolence... [201] This robbery of the Christian cause... [is] your will; not a mere pass­ing thought, not a precipitated, un­ considered act.
[204] Selfishness, the sin of the world, has become the prevailing sin of the church. [32] Selfishness, the sin of the world, has become the prevailing sin of the church.
[513] The will is the governing power in the nature of man, bringing all the other faculties under its sway. The will is not the taste or the inclina­tion, but it is the deciding power which works in the children of men unto obedience to God or unto dis­ obedience. You are a young man of intelli­gence; you desire to make your life such as will fit you for heaven at last. You are often discouraged at finding yourself weak in moral power, in slav­ery to doubt, and controlled by the habits and customs of your old life in sin. You find your emotional nature untrue to yourself.... Nothing seems real… The more you struggle in doubt, the more unreal everything looks to you. ... You regard in the same unreal light the words and works of those in whom you should trust... [513] Your promises ... are of no value until you put your will on the side of faith and action... Your feelings, your impressions, your emo­tions, are not to be trusted... You must be determined to believe, although nothing seems true and real to you... [514] It is for you to yield up your will to the will of Jesus Christ; and as you do this, God will immediately take possession and work in you to will and to do of His good pleasure.... Even your thoughts will be subject to Him. You cannot control your impulses, your emotions, as you may de­ sire; but you can control the will... Will you not say, “I will give my will to Jesus, and I will do it now,” and from this moment be wholly on the Lord’s side? ... Give Satan no chance to say: “You are a wretched hypocrite” ... Say, “I will believe, I do believe that God is my helper,” and you will find that you are triumphant in God. By steadfastly keeping the will on the Lord’s side, every emotion will be brought into captivity to the will of Jesus. ... It will take, at times, every particle of will power which you possess... Talk faith. Keep on God’s side of the line... [515] But you must remember that your will is the spring of all your actions. This will, that forms so important a factor in the character of man, was at the Fall given into the control of Satan; and he has ever since been working in man to will and to do of his own pleasure... “Yield yourself up to Me; give Me that will; take it from the control of Satan, and I will take pos­session of it; then I can work in you to will and to do of My good pleasure.” When He gives you the mind of Christ, your will becomes as His will... The Christian’s Secret o f a Happy Life Hannah W. Smith 1883 (1971 ed.) [58] A young man of great ingelligence, seeking to enter into this new fife, was utterly discouraged at find­ing himself the slave to an inveterate habit of doubting. To his emotions nothing seemed real; and the more he struggled, the more unreal did it all become. He was told this secret concerning the will, that if he would only put his will over on the believing side, if he would choose to believe, if, in short, he would in this Ego of his nature say... “I will believe! I do be­lieve!” he need not then trouble about his emotions... Your part then is simply to put your will, in this matter of believing, over on God’s side, mak­ing up your mind that you will believe what He says because He says it, and that you will not pay any regard to the feelings that make it seem so un­ real. ... The young man paused a moment, and then said solemnly, “I under­ stand, and will do what you say. I can­ not control my emotions, but I can control my will... I can give my will to God, and I do.” [58] From that moment, disregard­ ing all the pitiful clamoring of his emotions, which continually accused him of being a wretched hypocrite this young man held on ... until at the end of a few days he found himself triumphant, with ... every thought brought into captivity to the power of the Spirit of God... [59] At times it had drained all the will power he pos­sessed ... so contrary was it to all the evidence of his senses or of his emo­tions. ... But he had caught the idea... that if he kept on God’s side, he was doing all he could do. [59] The secret lies just here, – that our will, which is the spring of all our actions, has been in the past under the control of sin and self, and these have worked in us all their own good pleasure. But now God calls upon us to yield our wills up unto Him, that He may take the control of them, and may work in us to will and to do His good pleasure. If we will obey this call, and present ourselves to Him as a living sacrifice, He will take possession of our surrendered wills, and will begin at once to work in us... [60] Cease to consider your emotions. ... [61] It is not the feelings of the man God wants, but the man himself.
Testimonies, Vol. 6 (cont’d E. G. White 1900 [159] The Great Teacher who came down from heaven has not directed teachers to study... great authors... He says, “Come unto Me.” ... [160] They must see its freedom from formalism and tradition, and appreciate the originality, the authority, the spirituality, the tenderness, the benevolence, and the practicability of His teaching... [363] By His appointment He has placed at His altar an Advocate clothed with our nature. As our Intercessor, His office work is to intro­ duce us to God as His sons and daughters. Christ intercedes in behalf of those who have received Him. To them He gives power, by virtue of His own merits... The Great Teacher John Harris 1836 (1870 ed.) [18] [From the Introduction.] The book contains five Essays of consider­ able length, and on the following important topics: – I. The Authority of our Lord’s leaching. II. The Origin­ality of our Lord’s Teaching. ... III. The Spirituality of our Lord’s Teach­ing. ... IV. The Tenderness and Be­nevolence of our Lord’s Teaching. V. The Practicalness of our Lord ’s Teaching. [108] He has placed at the altar be­ fore it an Advocate clothed in our own nature. ... Our Intercessor assures us... that, if he accompanies and introduces us to God... it is... for us. [107] On the intercession of Christ in their behalf, the Father lays open all... his grace. By empowering his people to employ the argument of his name, he is... placing the fund of his merit at their disposal.
[364] And the Father demonstrates His infinite love for Christ, who paid our ransom with His blood, by receiving and welcoming Christ’s friends as His friends. He is satisfied with the atonement made. He is glorified by the incarnation, the life, death, and mediation of His Son... [364] As Christ intercedes in our behalf, the Father lays open all the treasures of His grace for our appropriation, to be enjoyed and to be communicated to others. “Ask in my name,” Christ says; “I do not say that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loveth you, because you have loved Me. Маке use of My name. This will give your prayers ef­ficiency, and the Father will give you the riches of His grace; wherefore, ‘ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” [107] The Father demonstrates his infinite love to Christ, by receiving and welcoming the friends of Christ as his own friends. He has pledged himself to do so, and he is so complacently delighted with Christ, – so fully satisfied with the atonement he has made, – feels himself so un­speakably glorified by the incarnation and life, the death and mediation, of Christ, by all that he has done for the honor of the divine government and the salvation of man... The Father lays open all the treasures of his grace for their appropriation and use. “Yea,” saith Christ, “ask in my name; and I do not say that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved Me.” “Make use of my name, and that will suffice; my name alone, without any entreaty on my part, would be a certain passport to my Father’s heart, and to all the riches of his grace.” “Wherefore ask and receive, that your joy may be full.”
Testimonies, Vol. 8 E. G. White 1904 [178] In Christ’s name our peti­tions ascend to the Father. He inter­ cedes in our behalf, and the Father lays open all the treasures of His grace tor our appropriation, for us to enjoy and impart to others. “Ask in My name,” Christ says. “I do not say that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loveth you. Make use of My name. This will give your prayers efficiency, and the Father will give you the riches of His grace. Wherefore ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” ... Yes, Christ has become the medium of prayer between man and God. He has also become the medium of blessing between God and man. [107] They come to his throne; and, on the intercession of Christ in their behalf, the Father lays open all the treasures of his grace for their appropriation and use. “Yea,” saith Christ, “ask in my name; and I do not say that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father himself loveth you, be­ cause ye have loved me.” “Make use of my name, and that will suffice; my name alone, without any entreaty on my part, would be a certain passport to my Father’s heart, and to all the riches of his grace.” “Wherefore ask and receive, that your joy may be full.” ... [108] The Intercessor... having be­ come the medium of prayer from man to God, he is rewarded by being made the medium of blessing from God to man.
Testimonies, Vol. 9 E. G. White 1909 [50] God “gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” ... You are to make a grati­tude offering... Your time, your talent, your means – all are to flow to the world in a tide of love for the saving of the lost... Jesus has made it possible for you to accept His love and in happy cooperation with Him to work... He requires you to use your possessions in unselfish service. … Would you make your property se­ cure? Place it in the hand that bears the nailprint of the crucifixion. Retain it in your possession, and it will be to your eternal loss. Give it to God, and from that moment it bears His inscription. It is sealed with His im­mutability. Would you enjoy your substance? Then use [it] for the bless­ing of the suffering. Mammon John Harris 1836 [253] “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” ... [254] He invites you to accept that love and be happy. ... He only re­ quires that the stream of gratitude should be poured into that channel... rolling through the world, and bearing blessings to the nations... [262] Christian, would you render your property secure? Place it in the hand of omnipotent Faithfulness. Retain it in your own possession, and it is the proper emblem of uncertainty; but devote it to God, and from that moment it is stamped with his im­mutability; his providence becomes your estate, and his word your unfail­ing security. Would you enjoy your substance? “Give alms of such things as you have.”
Advent Review & Sabbath Herald E. G. White July 18,1882 [323, 324] In this first prophecy contained in the Scriptures is found an intimation of redemption. ... announces war between Satan and man. ... it was uttered in the hearing of our first parents, and hence must be re­garded as a promise. ... But before they hear of the thorn and the thistle, the sorrow and anguish which should be their portion, and the dust to which they would return, they listen to words which must have inspired them with hope. ... Adam and Eve stood as criminals before their God, awaiting the sentence which trans­gression had incurred... This enmity is supernaturally put and not naturally entertained. When man sinned, his nature became evil, and he was in harmony and not at variance with Satan. ... counted on securing their alliance and co­ operation ... against... Heaven.... no enmity between himself... fallen angels. Sermons, Vol. 1 Henry Melvill, B. D. 1846 [1–34] There can be no doubt that intimations of redemption were given to our guilty parents, ... an­nouncing war between Satan and man. We have called the words a prophecy; ... they were spoken in the nearing of Adam and Eve, we must regard them also in the light of a promise. And it is well worth remark, that, before God told the woman of her sorrow and her trouble, and be­ fore he told the man of the thorn, and the thistle, and the dust to which he should return, he caused them to hear words which must have inspired them with hope... they stood as crim­inals before God, expecting the sen­tence which disobedience had pro­voked. ... The enmity, you observe, had no natural existence... As soon as man transgressed, his nature became evil, and therefore he was at peace, and not at war with the devil... Satan and man would have formed alliance against heaven... There is not, and cannot be, a native enmity between fallen angels and fallen man.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4 E.G. White 1884 [324–326] Satan tempted man to sin, as he had caused angels to rebel, that he might thus secure co­ operation in his warfare against Heaven. There was no dissension be­ tween himself and the fallen angels... united in opposing ... Ruler of the universe ... Satan heard the declara­tion that enmity should exist between himself and the woman ... deprave human nature... by some means man was to be enabled to resist his power. ... This enmity is not naturally entertained. ... This lofty spirit... if he could induce men, as he had induced angels, to join in rebellion, he should have them for allies in his every enterprise against heaven. There was nothing of enmity between himself and the spirits who had joined in the effort to dethrone the Omnipotent. ... though he had succeeded in depraving human na­ture, and thus assimilating it to his own, it should be renewed by some mysterious process, and wrought up to the lost power of resisting its con­queror. ... an enmity supernaturally put, and not naturally entertained.
The Great Controversy E.G. White 1884 (1911 ed.) [505–507] It is the grace that Christ implants in the soul... Without this converting grace and renewing power, man would continue the captive of Satan, a servant ever ready to do his bidding... new principle in the soul creates conflict where hitherto had been peace… man to resist the tyrant an a ... to abhor sin instead of loving it... resists and conquers those passions that have held sway within, displays the operation of a principle wholly from above. The antagonism that exists ... was most strikingly displayed in the world’s reception of Jesus.... purity and holiness... hatred of the ungodly. ... I t was this that evoked enmity against the Son of God... perpetual reproof to a proud, sensual people... Satan and evil angels joined with evil men. All the energies of apostasy con- spired against the Cham pion of truth. [1–34] Unless God pour his converting grace into the soul... we shall continue to the end of our days his willing captives and servants. ... In­troducing a new principle into the heart, he causes conflict where there had heretofore been peace, inclining and enabling man to rise against his tyrant... whensoever you see an individual delivered from the love, and endowed with a hatred of sin, resist­ing those passions which held natur­ally sway within ... surveying the workings of a principle which is wholly from above... Now the enmity was never put in such overpowering measure, as when the man Christ Jesus was its residence. ... Christ displayed precisely those powers. ... holiness of the Mediator which stirred up against him all the passions of a profligate world... perpetual reproach on a proud and sensual generation... evil angels conspired with evil men; and the whole energies of apostasy gathered themselves to the effort of destroying the champion of God and of truth...
Prophets & Kings E. G. White 1916 [701, 702] Satan could but bruise the heel, while by every act of humiliation or suffering Christ was bruising the head of His adversary... into the bosom of the Sinless... anguish... He was paying the debt for sinful man and breaking the bondage... Could Satan have induced Christ to yield to a single temptation, could he have led Him by one act or even thought... would have triumphed... gained the whole human family to himself. Satan was in the act of bruising Christ’s heel, Christ was in the act of bruising Satan’s head.... was made to empty all its pangs into the bosom of innocence... with sorrow and an­ guish. ... not an iota of his sufferings which went not towards liquidating the vast debt which man owed to God. ... If he could have seduced him into the commission of evil; if he could have profaned, by a solitary thought. ... and rising triumphant over man’s surety, he (Satan) would have shouted, “Victory!” ...
Selected Messages, Vol. 1 E.G. White 1958 [343, 344] Christ is able to save to the uttermost because He ever liveth to make intercession for us... No sin can be committed by man for which satisfaction has not been met on Cal­ vary. ... continually proffers to the sinner a thorough expiation... The typical shadows of the Jewish tabernacle no longer possess any virtue. A daily and yearly typical atonement is no longer to be made ... constant commission of sin. ... Christ, our Mediator, and the Holy Spirit are constantly interceding in man’s be­ half, but the Spirit pleads not for us as does Christ, who presents His blood, shed from the foundation of the world ... prayers and penitence, praise and thanksgiving... moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censer of His own merits... per- fumed with the merits of Christ’s propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. [35–65] Hence Christ is “able to save to the uttermost,” on the very ground that “he ever liveth to make intercession:” seeing that no sin can be committed for which the satisfaction, made upon Calvary, proffers not an immediate and thorough expia­tion... the shadows of Jewish worship have been swept away, so that, day by day, and year by year, a typical atonement is no longer to be made, the constant commission of sin de­mand. ... The Holy Ghost, as well as Christ Jesus, is said to make interces­sion for us... The Spirit pleads not for us as Christ pleads, holding up a cross, and pointing to wounds. ... though prayer and praise... unless moist with that mysterious dew which was w rung by anguish from the Mediator... he holds in his hands the censer of his own merits, and, gathering into it the prayers and praises of his Church. ... Perfumed with the odour of Christ’s propitiation, the in­ cense mounts; and God, in his con­descension, accepts the offering, and breathes benediction in return.
Testimonies, Vol. 4 E.G. White 1884 [596] He asks your heart; give it to Him, it is His own. He asks your intel­lect; give it to Him, it is His own. He asks your money; give it to Him, it is His own. “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price.” [66–94] He asks your heart; give it him; it is his own. He asks your intellect; give it him; it is his own. He asks your money; give it him; it is his own. Remember the words of the Apostle, “Ye are not your own; ye are bought with a price.”
Testimonies, Vol. 5 E.G. White 1889 [736] None of us can do without the blessing of God, but God can do His work without the aid of m an.... Angels of God, whose perceptions are unclouded by sin, recognize the en­dowments oi heaven as bestowed ... be returned in such a way as to add to the glory... No creature can do without God. But God could have done without creatures.... let the angel bestow that time upon that material, and let him bring the result as an oblation to his Maker.
SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6 sv E. G. White 1957 [1100] “Whatsover a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Gradually the Lord withdrew His Spirit. Removing His restraining power, He gave the king into the hands of the worst of all tyrants, -self.... Pharaoh sowed obstinacy, and he reaped obstinacy. He himself put this seed into the soil. There was no more need for God by some new power to interfere with its growth, than there is for Him to interfere with the growth of a grain of corn. All that is required... germinate ...after its kind. [157–185] ...he may withdraw all the aids of the Spirit, and so give him over to that worst of all tyrants, him­ self. ... “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Pharaoh sowed obstinacy, and Pharaoh reaped obstinacy. The seed was put into the soil; and there was no need, any more than with the grain of corn, that God should interfere with any new power. Nothing more was required than that the seed should be left to vegetate, to act out its own nature.
Testimonies, Vol. 5 E. G. White 1889 [120, 121] We want... how the soul is destroyed... It is not that God sends out a decree that a man shall not be saved. He does not throw a darkness before the eyes which cannot be penetrated. But man at first resists a motion of the Spirit of God, and, hav­ing once resisted, it is less difficult to do «so the second time, less the third, and far less the fourth. Then comes the harvest to be reaped from the seed of unbelief and resistance. Oh what a harvest of sinful indulgences. ... Conscience is the voice of God, heard amid the conflict of human passions; when it is resisted, the Spirit of God is grieved. ... When secret prayer and reading of the Scriptures are neglected today, tomorrow they can be omitted with less remon­strance of conscience. There will be a long list of omissions, all for a single gram sown in the soil of the heart... The more we endeavor to explain the truth to others, with a love for souls, the plainer will it become to ourselves. We greatly desire that you should rightly understand what the agency is through which the soul is destroyed. It is not that God hath sent out a decree against a man. It is not that he throws a darkness before his eyes which cannot be penetrated, and a chillness into his blood which cannot be thawed. ... He who has resisted once will have less difficulty in resisting the second time, and less than that the third time, and less than that the fourth time. So that there comes a harvest of resistances, and all from the single grain of the first resistance. ... And what is this but a harvest of sinful indulgences. ... Conscience is but the voice of Deity heard above the din of human passions. But let con­ science be resisted, and the Spirit is grieved. You omit some portion of spiritual exercises, of prayer, or of the study of the word. The omission will grow upon you. You will omit more to­ morrow, and more the next day, and still more the next. And thus there will be a harvest of omissions, and all from the solitary grain of the first omission... The mere trying to make a point plain to another will often­ times make it far plainer than ever to ourselves.
Fundamentals of Christian Education E. G. White 1923 [377,130, 84,85] It carries us back through the centuries to the beginning of all things, presenting the his­ tory of times and scenes which other­ wise never have been known. ... enlarge the mind of the candid stu­dent, it will endow it with new im­pulses and fresh vigor... bringing them in contact with grand and far- reaching truths... if the human mind becomes dwarfed and feeble and in­ efficient, it is because it is left to deal with commonplace subjects. ... The understanding takes the level of the things with which it becomes familiar. [186–220] Travelling down to us across the waste of far-off centuries, it brings the history of times which must otherwise have been given up to conjecture and fable. ... enlarge the mind, and strengthen the intellect. There is nothing so likely to elevate, and endow with new vigour, our faculties, as the bringing them into contact with stupendous truths... If the human mind grow dwarfish and enfeebled, it is, ordinarily, because left to deal with commonplace facts. ... The understanding will gradually bring itself down to the dimensions of the matters with which alone it is familiarized...
Messages to Young People Ellen G. White 1930 [254–255] ... the dignified simpli­city of its inspired utterances, the elevated themes which it presents to the mind, the light, sharp and clear, from the throne of God, enlightening the understanding, will develop the powers of the mind... The Bible, whilst the only book for the soul, is the best book for the intel­ lect. The sublimity of the topics of which it treats; the dignified simplicity of its manner of handling them; the nobleness of the mysteries which it develops; the illumination which it throws on points the most interesting ... would be benefited by it intellectually.
Advent Review £s? Sabbath Herald July 11,1881 [249] They may become ac­quainted… parents... in Eden, in holy innocency. ... introduction of sin ... step by step. ... hold converse with patriarchs and prophets; he may move through the most inspiring scenes; he may behold Christ.... In what sense are all the researches of human science comparable in sublim­ity and mystery with the science of the Bible... “The entrance of thy words giveth light, it giveth understanding to the simple”. ... that converse should be held with the first parents of our race; that man should stand on this creation whilst its beauty was unsullied, and then mark the retinue of destruction careering with a dominant step over its surface ... to intercourse with patriarchs and prophets ... and behold the Godhead himself. ... In all the wide range of sciences, what science is there comparable, in its sublimity and difficulty, to the science of God? ... “the entrance of thy words giveth light, it giveth understanding to the simple.”
The Great Controversy E. G. White (1911 ed.) [596–600] The Roman Church re­ serves to the clergy the right to interpret the Scriptures... that ecclesiastics alone are competent... thousands of professors of religion... hold than that they were so instructed by their religious leaders... yet we must not forget that the docility and submission of a child is the true spirit of the learner. Scriptural difficulties can never be mastered by the same methods that are employed in grap­pling with philosophical problems.... with that self-reliance with which so many enter the domains of science... The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those things… to prepare the heart so to comprehend Goa’s word that we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or animated and strengthened by its prom­ises ... Scriptural difficulties can never be mastered by the same methods that are employed in grappling with philosophical problems.... which learned men pronounce a mys­tery, or pass over as unimportant, is full of comfort and instruction to him who has been taught in the school of Christ... as on the singleness of pur­pose, the earnest longing after righteousness. ... All who value their eternal inter­ests should be on their guard against the inroads of skepticism ... to keep beyond the reach of the sarcasms and sophisms, the insidious and pestilent teachings of modern infidelity. ... principles of Christianity. [347–386] The Roman Catholic, when supporting the tenet of his Church ... will appeal confidently... give the Apostle’s authority to the measure of exclusion.... he gives not the slightest intimation that the Epistles of St. Paul were unsuited to gen­eral use.... We would have it, there­ fore, remembered, that the docility and submissiveness of a child alone befit the student of the Bible; and that, if we would not have the whole volume darkened, its simplest truths eluding the grasp of our understand­ing, or gaining, at least, no hold on our affections, we must lay aside the feelings which we carry into the do­ mains of science and philosophy. ... Never then should the Bible be opened except with prayer for the teachings of this Spirit. You will read without profit, as long as you read without prayer. It is only in the degree that the Spirit, which indited a text, takes it from the page and breathes it into the heart, that we can com­prehend its meaning, be touched by its beauty, stirred by its remonstrance, or animated by its promise. We shall never, then, master scriptural diffi­culties by the methods which prove successful in grappling with philosophical. Why is it that the poor peasant, whose understanding is weak and undisciplined, has clear in­ sight into the meaning of verses, and finds in them irresistible power and inexhaustible comfort, whilst the very same passages are given up as mysteries, or overlooked as unimportant, by the high and lettered champion of a scholastic theology? ...keep yourselves wholly at a dis­tance from sarcasms or sophisms of insidious and pestilent teachers... It is not possible that you should mix much with the men of this liberal... thrown out against the grand and sav­ing tenets of Christianity.
Testimonies, Vol. 8 E.G. White 1904 [259–261] In dwelling upon the laws of matter and the laws of nature, ... if they do not deny, the continual and direct agency of God. They con­ vey the idea that nature acts independently of God, having in and of itself its own limits and its own powers wherewith to work. In their minds there is a marked distinction between the natural and the supernatural. The natural is ascribed to ordinary causes, unconnected with the power of God. Vital power is attributed to matter, and nature is made a deity. It is supposed that matter is placed in certain relations and left to act from fixed laws with which God Himself cannot interfere; that nature is endowed with certain properties and placed subject to laws, and is then left to itself to obey these laws and per­ form the work originally commanded. This is false science; there is noth­ing in the word of God to sustain it. God does not annul His laws, but He is continually working through them, using them as His instruments. ... God is perpetually at work in nature. Sermons, Vol. 2 Henry Melvill, B. D. 1851 [35–62] We shall consider the text as affirming, in the first place, the continual working of the Father: in the second place, the continual working of the Son: and we shall strive so to speak of each.... a tendency to the ... dwelling on the laws of matter, and the operations of nature, as to forget, if not deny, the continued agency of God... we regarded nature as some agent quite distinct from deity, having its own sphere, and its own powers, in and with which to work. We are wont to draw a line between what we call natural, and what supernatural; as­ signing the latter to an infinite power, but ascribing the former to ordinary causes, unconnected with the im­mediate interference of God. ... we thus give energy to matter, and make a deity of nature.... to say that matter was endured with certain properties, and placed in certain relations, and then left to obey the laws, and per­ form the revolutions, originally im­pressed and commanded. This is as­cribing a permanence.... We do not indeed suppose that God exerts any such agency as to supersede the laws, or nullify the properties, of matter. But we believe that He is continually acting by and through these laws and properties as his instruments, and not that these laws and properties are of themselves effecting the various oc­currences in the material world. What is that nature, of which we rashly speak, but the Almighty perpetually at work?
Patriarchs and Prophets E. G. White 1890 (1913 ed.) [114,115] It is not because of inherent power that year by year the earth produces her bounties and continues her motion around the sun. The hand of God guides the planets and keeps them in position in their or­derly march through the heavens... His energy is still exerted in upholding the objects of His creation. It is not because the mechanism that has once been set in motion continues to act by its own inherent energy that the pulse beats and breath follows breath; but every breath, every pulsa­tion of the heart, is an evidence of the all-pervading care of Him in whom “we live, and move, and have our being.” ... it not owing to inherent powers, originally impressed, that year by year, this globe walks its orbit, repeating its mysterious march round the sun in the firmament: I rather reckon that the hand of the Almighty per­petually guides the planet, and that it is through his energies ... that the ponderous mass effects its rotations. I do not believe it the result of prop­erties, which, once imparted, operate of themselves, that vegetation goes forward, and verdure mantles the earth: I rather believe that Deity is busy with every seed that is cast into the ground, and that it is through his immediate agency that every leaf opens, and every flower blooms. ... that pulse succeeds to pulse, and breath follows breath: I rather regard it as so literally true, that in God “we live and move and have our being,” that each pulse is but the throb, each breath the inspiration, of the ever­ present, all-actuating Divinity.
The Ministry of Healing E. G. White 1905 [416] The hand of the Infinite One is perpetually at work guiding this planet. It is God’s power continually exercised that keeps the earth in posi­tion in its rotation. It is God who causes the sun to rise in the heavens. He opens the windows of heaven and gives rain. “He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoar frost like ashes.” “When He uttereth His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens...He maketh lightnings with rain, And bringeth forth the wind out of His treasures.” It is by His power that vegetation is caused to flourish, that every leaf appears, every flower blooms, every fruit develops. He it is, if we believe the statements of Holy Writ, who maketh the sun to arise, and the rain to descend. He it is, saith the Psalmist, “who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.” “He giveth snow like wool; He scattereth the hoar frost like ashes.” “When He uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; He maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.” ... is momentarily engaged in actuat­ing and upholding the vast system which He originally constructed. ... these laws and properties are but in­struments in God’s hands, by and through which He effects the re­sults and calls forth the productions, which we are wont to refer to natural causes...

Читатели о книге

«Тщательный и основанный на фактах анализ. Книга привлечёт широкое внимание как своим тщательным исследованием, так и побудительными выводами».

Уолтер Мартин, доктор философии, директор Института христианских исследований; автор книг «Царство культов» и «Правда о адвентизме седьмого дня»

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«Совершенно сокрушительно».

Герберт Соренсен, доктор философии, бывший преподаватель Тихоокеанского унионного колледжа

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«Уолтер Ри заслуживает нашей признательности и глубокой благодарности за упорные исследования, которые он проводил более пятнадцати лет, изучая ранее невообразимые масштабы скрытых литературных заимствований Эллен Г. Уайт у других безымянных авторов; невозможно оставаться честным и при этом отрицать достоверность фактов, представленных Уолтером Ри».

Моллеурус Куперус, доктор медицинских наук, бывший редактор журнала Spectrum

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«Разрушитель идолов Уолтер Ри в книге «Белая ложь» разрушил одного идола за другим, показав нам, что правда не всегда сладка. Как бы парадоксально это ни звучало, его неумолимый и неутешительный голос может помочь нам стать лучшими христианами».

Элис Грегг, исполняющая обязанности главного библиотекаря, Университет Лома Линда

Приложение к главе 8

Источник: Уолтер Т. Ри. Белая ложь (Пер. Д.А. Белякова по изд. The White Lie by Walter T. Rea. U.S.A.: Moore Pub Co, 1983). [Электронный ресурс] // Библия и Священное Предание / Библeокс.

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