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While It Is Day
by
C. J. Ritchie

www.maranathamedia.com.au
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA
1951
 While It Is Day

AUTHOR’S NOTE
This book has been written in response to a request of the Sabbath School Department of the
General Conference for a supplementary reading help to accompany the series of Sabbath-school lessons
entitled, “The Finishing of the Work.”

Foreword
The Second Coming of Christ has been the hope of the church all ages. It is the blessed hope to
which patriarchs and prophets looked with joyous anticipation and confidence. The Savior Himself shared
this hope; and to the remnant church, as to the early disciples, the gospel commission belongs. Especially to
believers living in the last days belong the exhortations and admonitions of the Master concerning the work
to be done and the souls to be won just prior to His return.
In His last recorded conversation with His disciples, Jesus said, “All power is given unto Me in
heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:18-20.
The power and spiritual equipment that was His during His earthly ministry, Jesus has graciously
placed at the disposal of those who are His witnesses amid the closing scenes of earth’s ‘history. To them,
“as verily as to the first disciples,” we are told, “the promise of the Spirit belongs.” - Testimonies, Volume
8, Page 20. To these first disciples Jesus said, “You shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon
you: and you shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the
uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8, margin.
The author of While It Is Day has dealt in an able and impressive manner with the absorbing and
all-important subject of the finishing of the work. The book has been written primarily as a supplementary
reading help in connection with the study of the series of Sabbath-school lessons entitled, “The Finishing of
the Work.” Its thirteen chapters parallel the thirteen lessons of the Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, each
One serving as the week’s lesson help.
It is indeed fitting that Adventist believers should, at this advanced time in the history of the
church, give special thought and study to those truths of the Bible that relate particularly to the work of the
church in its closing aspects. We are confident that While It Is Day will not only serve admirably as a help
in the study of the Sabbath-school lessons, but that our church members generally will value highly its
timely message and appeal.

W. H. BRANSON

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CONTENTS
1. THE GOSPEL COMMISSION
2. MY FATHER’S BUSINESS
3. THE EARLY CHURCH AND THE GOSPEL COMMISSION
4. THROUGH LONG CENTURIES
5. THE GOSPEL MESSAGE FOR TODAY
6. CHRIST’S MPSSAGETO THE REMNANT CHURCH
7. THE ESSENTIAL FOUNDATIONAL EXPERIENCE
8. THE LIFE AND THE WORK
9. THE GREAT REVIVAL AND THE FINAL REFORMATORY MOVEMENT
10. STEWARDSHIP IN VIEW OF THE END
11. THE LATTER RAIN AND THE LOUD CRY
12. THE IMPENDING CONFLICT
13. THE FINISHING OF THE WORK
INDEX

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Introduction
“I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can
work.” John 9:4.
These words of the Savior are most pertinent as they come from the lips of God’s people today.
Mankind has emerged battered and bleeding from two global conflicts. Thirty-five million men, women,
and children went down into the dark valley during the second of these wars. The horrors of that struggle,
the enormity of suffering, the destruction of property, and the expenditure of means are almost beyond
computation.
We are beginning to understand the meaning of “the night” we face. Statesmen tell us that the
seeds of the second world war were planted by the “peace” which concluded the first. The aftermath of the
second has set the stage for the third. What will it be like? A correspondent riding along the highways of
China clicks the shutter of his camera again and again. Old age in misery; hungry, starving widows and
helpless little children; a crippled man lovingly dragged along by sympathetic relatives; these are the sights
to be seen as the flames of war spread from city to city. Mangled corpses everywhere and then, look! a
baby girl still endeavors to suck the milk from the breast of a mother whose body is cold in death.
The atrocities of the last two wars are too vivid in our memories to need repetition here. The
hundreds of thousands put to death in the “infernal machines” of Hitler make one shudder. The reported
deliberate extinction of a hundred million Chinese behind the iron curtain perhaps excels all evils in
magnitude.
As the second war neared its end, on August 6, 1945, a bomber sped its flight high in the
stratosphere. Suddenly over the city of Hiroshima its bomb bay opened, and down came the first atomic
bomb to be dropped upon an inhabited city. A blinding flash, a mighty explosion, a mushroom cloud, and
eighty thousand human beings were blotted out of existence, and a similar number were maimed.
The fission of the hydrogen atom will be infinitely more destructive than that of uranium alone, as
used in the Hiroshima bomb. What damage will these new bombs do? Will germicidal elements be
unleashed in the next conflict? Have destructive rays been harnessed to destroy human life? What
“absolute” weapons are under construction? No wonder men’s hearts are failing as they contemplate the
future. “The night comes.” What will it be when the restraining angels let go the winds of strife, and the
vials containing God’s wrath add the seven last plagues to the woe and misery which already fill the earth?
What pen could describe that scene? When the proud and lofty cities of earth are brought low by waves of
devastating earthquakes, when storm and tempest, fire and flood, add to the growing horrors of war, that
will be night indeed-the dark midnight of earth “when no man can work.”
The gospel message has not yet gone to all the world. The last honest soul has not had the
opportunity to hear. Many in the church of God are themselves unprepared to meet the Savior. In His
infinite love He who desires not the death of the sinner, but “is long-suffering to us ward, not willing that
any should perish,” commissions the four angels to hold the winds of strife.
So the day rapidly turns to sunset. The shadows lengthen, and all creation groans, waiting-waiting
for the dawn, the dawn which cannot come until the work is finished. Time moves on, “borrowed” time,
which long since should have ceased. Uncertainly, fearfully, it moves on with increasing lethal power in
each delayed grain which now falls through the hourglass. Everything is waiting, waiting for the task to be
finished on which the destiny of the world hangs. That task, reader, is the task of the remnant church in
proclaiming to all mankind the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the work of inviting honest hearts to stand
beneath the banner of Prince Emmanuel, on which is emblazoned, “The Commandments of God and the
Faith of Jesus Christ.”
It is a task, not time, which stands between us and the coming of the Lord. If we would see these
global conflicts cease, then we must quickly carry out the great commission. If we would see famines and
earthquakes come to an end, we must quickly preach the gospel in all the world. What a solemn and
sobering thought to contemplate-the destiny of the world, the cessation of war, the end of human suffering,
and the closing of the gates upon sin forevermore all depend upon the remnant church’s quickly finishing
her work, God’s work.
Then to the work, to the work. The following pages are sent forth to the people of God with the
earnest prayer that the church will hear God’s call to arise and shine. Truth will triumph. The message will
be given. O that all who read these lines might share in the giving, and triumph with the truth.

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MAKE HASTE!

“The Sun’s last rays are lingering in the western sky;

The harvest still unfinished. All about us lie The precious golden grains.
Oh, hear the Master cry,
Make haste, ere falls the night.”

“I hear the trumpet sound of going in the treetops tall.

It is the angel reapers answering His call.
Bestir thyself, O church of God, yes, one and all,
Make haste, ere falls the night.”

“Toil on into the twilight while the hot tears run down thy check,
regretful tears for work undone,
For wasted opportunities while shone the sun.
Make haste, ere falls the night.”

“Compelled by love for Him who wore the thorns for thee,
Led on by love divine for those who cannot see,
With superhuman haste, the work cut short will be.
Make haste, ere falls the night.”

“The night, the long dark night, eternal night, comes down.
This done, no man can work; even angel wings have flown.
O soul of mine, art ready to receive thy crown
All glittering, starry bright?”

HATTIE MATTESON

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1. The Gospel Commission

“All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the
world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20.

TELL me, Mr. Ritchie, requested Mr. B., commissioner of the Mazaruni River basin, “why is it
that you Seventh-day Adventists have gone into the jungles of British Guiana and Venezuela to work for
these aboriginal Indian tribes?” We were seated in a hotel room in Georgetown, British Guiana. Mr. B. had
raised some serious questions regarding our work among the Akawai and Arecuna Indians. We have come
to know the converted among these tribes as the “Davis” Indians. “We are Christians,” I responded. “We
follow the commands of the One we profess to obey. The Savior gave us the commission, “Go you into all
the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. We are endeavoring to obey that
command. Even the Akawais and , Arecunas must be given the opportunity of hearing the last great gospel
call.” “The gospel commission is the great missionary charter of Christ’s kingdom.” -The Acts of the
Apostles, page 28.
The Savior was nearing the end of His earthly sojourn. He had gathered a number of disciples and
trained a few leaders. In the best interests of His people it was now expedient for Him to return to His
Father’s side. His followers must now be led to take up the burden. An all-embracing program for their
guidance was necessary. And because the task was so extensive, the assurance of the help required to finish
it must also be provided and promised. “Someone must fulfill the commission of Christ; someone must
carry on the work which He began to do on earth; and the church has been given this privilege. For this
purpose it has been organized.” - Testimonies, Volume 6, Page 295.

Commission Given to the Church

The commission was given to the eleven disciples of Jesus immediately after the resurrection
(Mark 16:14, 15), but the extension of the kingdom of God on earth is the privilege and responsibility of
the whole church-not of the ministry alone. “The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of
men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world.” - The Acts of the
Apostles, page 9.
At the meeting on a mountain in Galilee were gathered all the believers who could be called
together. Of this meeting the Savior had spoken many times. His sacrifice for man had been accepted. He
had entered upon His mediatorial work. Once more He who had taken upon Himself the form of a servant
and who, as our example, had done “nothing of Himself” was vested with boundless power. Suddenly
appearing among the gathered believers, on the only occasion when He addressed the whole church, He
declared, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the
world. Amen.” Matthew 20:18-20.
The Savior had especially associated His disciples with Him in His ministry. He had used the best
pedagogical methods to prepare them for leadership, with its attendant responsibilities. He had trained and
sent forth the larger group of the seventy. To them He had given practically the same instruction and
command as the Twelve had received. Once again He was emphasizing by actual demonstration that “not
upon the ordained minister only rests the responsibility of going forth to fulfill this commission. Everyone
who has received Christ is called to work for the salvation of his fellow men.” - The Acts of the Apostles,
page 110.
Speaking of the time of His second advent, Jesus warned that no man knows the day and the hour
of that glorious event. “Take you heed, watch and pray: for you know not when the time is.” Then He
compared Himself to “a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants,
and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.” It is the failure to do His work in
watchful anticipation of His return that He especially warns against. “Watch you therefore: for you know
not when the Master of the house comes, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the
morning.” Mark 13:33-35.
How wonderful that the Lord invites every believer to share in the blessing of proclaiming the
gospel message! It does not matter whether we are rich or poor, educated or uneducated, white or black or

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yellow, we are all given the privilege of being God’s helping hand, co laborers with the heavenly
intelligence in bringing lost men and women to a saving knowledge of Christ. Who so hears is to say,
“Come.” And this must of necessity be so. For what would be the influence of a church if some members
caught the spirit of the Master and with holy zeal urged men to come and taste and see the goodness of
God, while others were indifferent to the salvation of souls? The task is so great, the time so short, the
value of souls so high, that every sanctified heart should be pressed into service. The work demands
nothing short of the witnessing power of every available man, woman, youth, and child in the remnant
church. It is a fatal mistake to leave this work to a few ministers and church officers. “Those who stand as
leaders in the church of God are to realize that the Savior’s commission is given to all who believe in His
name.” - The Acts of the Apostles, Page 110.

Gospel Commission a Command

The early church influenced directly by Jesus and the apostles, kept the great commission before
it, and in its purity and zeal carried the gospel message far and wide. But when there came a falling away,
the “vision” began to fade; and for many centuries there was no world-wide missionary program. As late as
the nineteenth century, church leaders were not clear on their duty to evangelize the world.
The story is told of a gathering at which the duke of Wellington was present. The subject under
discussion was the possibility and advisability of sending missionaries to heathen lands. The cost in lives
and expenditure was uppermost in some minds. When the duke was requested to express an opinion, he
replied, “Gentlemen, what are your marching orders? Success is not the question for you to discuss. If I
read your orders aright, they run thus, “Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Gentlemen, obey your marching orders.”
The gospel commission is more than an invitation; it is a command. No alternative is left to the
church but to obey it. And so completely is God counting on the church that “He has provided no other
agency for the promulgation of His truth.... This solemn commission reaches us in this age. God leaves with
His church the responsibility of receiving or rejecting it.” - Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of
the Seventh-day Adventists, page 288.

“Into All the World”

Sometimes we fail to sense how much depends on the carrying out of the gospel commission by
the church. If destructive global wars are to cease. If epidemics and famines and earthquakes are no longer
to take their toll of human life and suffering; if the tidal wave of crime is to be halted, and peace, security,
and good will prevail in God’s fair creation, then this gospel of the kingdom must quickly be preached in
all the world. Not the efforts and plans of the United Nations organization, not a second Eisenhower, nor a
super hydrogen bomb will bring peace to this world. Its destiny rests with the church. If the reign of terror
that fills the earth is to be speedily brought to an end, then the church must rise up to quickly finish her
task. If the mass suffering which now fills the earth continues to grow, well may God’s people raise the
question, “Are we in a measure responsible for the continuance of the trouble which besets mankind today?
If we had finished the work assigned us, by a great and universal consecration on the part of the church; if
we could have been in the kingdom ere this; if we are still bound to our earthly pilgrimage, are not we
ourselves to blame? And shall we not endeavor to redeem the time because the days are evil?”
The fatherhood of God requires that the gospel proclamation he universal in its scope. He is the
God and Father of us all. All human beings everywhere are His children. He must have a compassionate
interest in all peoples. Furthermore, if the full power of the gospel is to be attested to beyond question, then
it must transform hearts and lives from among all peoples, in all lands. It must be proved that it is the power
of God unto salvation to everyone that believes. Regardless of their environment, their heritage, or their
previous religious beliefs, people of every nation and tribe must bear witness to the all-sufficiency of the
salvation offered mankind in Christ Jesus. While it is true that the work was to begin in Jerusalem, in an
ever-widening circle it was to reach Judea, Samaria, and finally the uttermost part of the earth. With
prophetic vision the Savior looked forward to this our day when the latter part of His declaration would. be
fulfilled.
Not only because of His love for His creatures everywhere is this gospel of the kingdom to be
proclaimed in all the world; but because His honor and the power of the gospel are at stake it is necessary
that there be monuments of His saving grace among all peoples. Satan’s claim to the inadequacy of the law
of God must be refuted. This last message must bring forth in all the earth a people who will demonstrate

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the transforming power of obedience to God’s law. We must not fail now. This is the last generation. God’s
righteous character must be vindicated now. His remnant church must triumph in bringing forth the
necessary demonstration in all lands. Let us thank God for the promise and the forecast: “They shall come
from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the
kingdom.” Luke 13:29.

“The Love of Christ Constrained Us”

For converted Christians there can ‘be no rest so long as there are unsaved souls. Association and
fellowship with Jesus impart to them His Spirit. Look yonder and see two men visiting with John the
Baptist. The Savior passes not far away, and John, unable to find words to describe the Son of God,
exclaims, “Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.” His two disciples leave him to
follow the Savior. They follow Him to His transitory abode. They listen to His words so tender and
appealing. Their hearts burn with joy in His presence. His love for the lost is contagious. Excusing
themselves from that divine session, they hasten to share with Peter and James the sweetness and joy of
fellowship with Christ. They have found Him, and introduce Him to others they must. “No more could a
soul who possesses Christ be hindered from confessing Him than could the waters of Niagara be stopped
from flowing over the falls.” - Testimonies, Volume 2, Page 233.

The Challenge of India

How can we rest before the love of Jesus has been taken to all the world? The depth of superstition
to which man can sink is almost unbelievable. Time and time again I have seen a poor outcast Indian
mother, carrying her babe upon her hips, pause reverently before a wayside cow, and catching some of the
dripping urine in her hand, sprinkle it upon herself and baby. She desperately needed help and protection,
and she hoped that this would give it to her. Shall we banish her fears and superstitions by introducing her
to the Savior of men? If they are to go, Jesus must banish them. Can we rest while there are millions such
as she?
I stood one morning on the seashore by the city of Madras. A Parsi in his long coat hastily made
his approach to the beach. In a moment the golden orb of day would be visible above the horizon, for its
bright beams already lighted the eastern sky. He paused as if in meditation. Suddenly the first bright arc
appeared above the distant waters. Immediately he pressed his open palms together and worshiped the great
ball of fire. Shall we tell him that he is confusing the created with the Creator? Shall we enlighten him with
the knowledge that there is a “Sun of Righteousness” whom he can and should worship? Or shall we leave
him and millions like him to perish without the opportunity of knowing Jesus, the Light of the world?
There are millions of idols in India. Individual temples contain hundreds of gruesome gods.
Nondescript beasts, with human heads and elephant bodies; monkeys with a dozen hands and heads; snakes
and birds and creeping things, are to be found from Kashmir to Cape Comorin. Daily they receive the
worship and offerings of poor, deluded, but sin-burdened souls. God is added to god, idol to idol. Here is
something they fear. It is made into an idol. Here, in the cow, is an animal that proves a blessing. It supplies
them with much-needed milk. It, too, is deified. While they search in vain for the God “unknown” to them,
whom it is our privilege to know and worship, shall we withhold a knowledge of Him from them? Shall
we?
Listen to the bitter wail of India’s womanhood. In a dark, dirty corner of a mud hut, with filthy
rags for a covering, cow-dung plaster for a floor, foul-smelling cow-dung cakes for heat and fuel, she gives
birth to her child. Every conceivable unsanitary device is used, which may infect the mother and kill the
child. Let the missionary doctor and nurse hasten to help.

Essentials of the Gospel Commission

Innumerable realistic pen pictures such as these could be drawn from India alone. But when we
add to this the call of China and Africa and the islands of the sea, what a cry rises to heaven that all these
people might have Jesus! If superstition is to go, the gospel of Christ must banish it. All else has failed.
Even modern education and scientific knowledge have proved unavailing to move these traditional
religious practices and customs. Only Jesus can bring light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of
death. And millions do cry for salvation. See the endless procession of pilgrims seeking release from the
burden of sin as they walk hundreds of miles to reach the Ganges. Their bones bleach by the side of the
railway tracks and trunk roads of India. Under a torturing sun and upon a scorching earth they travel,

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leaving jobs and loved ones in their search for peace. “There is none other name under heaven” whereby
they may be saved, but Jesus. If they are to receive forgiveness they must come to know Him. If they are to
have peace, He must enter their hearts. If sin in all lands is to “go,” then Jesus must be lifted up before all
men.
“Into all the world.” There is no substitute for the program. It is the divine command. It is the
compassionate urge. It is the love of Christ which constrained us.
It is the gospel that is to be preached to every creature. The gospel is the power of God unto
salvation. It is the good news that Jesus saves from sin. Let us ponder for a moment the great syllogism.
The gospel is the good news that Jesus saves from sin. Sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4.
Therefore, the gospel is the good news that Jesus saves from the transgression of the law.
Well may the question be asked in its ultimate meaning: Who, then, is carrying the gospel to all
the world? Does the preaching of messages which do not present Jesus as an all-sufficient Savior meet the
requirements of the great commission? “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
you.” He has said, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” “Love one another,” “My kingdom is not
of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight.” “If I then, your Lord and
Master, have washed your feet. You also ought to wash one another’s feet,” Me not faithless, but
believing,” “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and
drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”
In chapter 5 we shall consider in greater detail those features of the gospel message which require
special emphasis. But here we note that the whole church is to take the entire gospel to all the world. It is to
be a type of teaching which precedes and prepares for baptism. It is to be such an imparting of the gospel as
will result in an “observance” of these things which Jesus commanded. We are not only to give a mental
assent to great truths and the requirements of God’s law, but do them. We are to keep the commandments
of God and the faith of Jesus.

Christ and the Commission

It is in doing Christ’s work that the church has the promise of His presence. Go teach all nations,
He said; “and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” To take His yoke is one of the
first conditions of receiving His power. The very life of the church depends upon her faithfulness in
fulfilling the Lord’s commission. To neglect this work is surely to invite spiritual feebleness and decay.
Where there is no active labor for others love wanes, and faith grows dim.” - The Desire of Ages, Page 825.
No wonder many religious bodies are devoid of spiritual power. They have disregarded the gospel
commission. Could it he that some of our own churches for the same reason do not have His presence? The
requirements of the great commission embrace the whole church; we are all to “go.” And if we cannot go to
lands afar, we can go to our next-door neighbor or nearby acquaintance. It-is not alone lack of zeal and
sacrifice for foreign missions that would deprive us of His presence. In the Laodicean message the True
Witness is represented as standing outside the door of hearts that are lukewarm, anywhere, everywhere.
Shall we not invite the Savior to come in?
By personal, zealous witnessing at home, by sacrifice and a life of prayer for the regions beyond,
let us claim His presence. “Without Me you can do nothing.” Without Him, like the heathen, we are
without hope, without God in this world. What a blessed promise, “All power,” yes, all the power we can
possibly need to finish His work through Him. I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto
Me.” “All power” to be victorious in our experience. “That He would grant you, according to the riches of
His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. That Christ may dwell in your
hearts by faith. That you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints
what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passes
knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19.
“Even unto the end of the world.” Blessed assurance. The Savior promises to be with us to the end
of the task-what would we do without Him? The task, His and ours, would be impossible. But He is not
going to desert His people. The church is weak and enfeebled. There are evidences of worldliness, pride,
and selfishness in it. But it will respond to the Master’s bidding, it will arise and shine, it will finish His
work. Writes the messenger of the Lord, “I am encouraged and blessed as I realize that the God of Israel is
still guiding His people, and that He will continue to be with them, even to the end.” - Life Sketches, page
437, 438.

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2. My Father’s Business
“For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.
“I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gave Me to do.” John 17:4.

JESUS came to this world to save sinners. The prophet indicated that He would come the first time
as a child, as the Son of man. Isaiah 9:6. Bearing upon Himself our nature, He, the Son of God, went to
Calvary and purchased our redemption. His name was to be called Jesus, because He would save His
people from their sins. But important as is the salvation He wrought out for us by His death on the cross, it
is not our purpose here to dwell upon this theme of themes. Jesus also came to this earth to show us how to
live and how to work. It is this latter phase of His earthly ministry which is to be the object of our study in
this chapter.
Living in the quiet peasant home in Nazareth, cheerfully and faithfully Jesus bore His burdens in
the household. By the side of Joseph He patiently learned the carpenter’s trade, and, as a child,
demonstrated how mind and body should be used and developed to be of the greatest service to God and
mankind. Not only by His consistent daily living did He reveal His understanding of His mission, but at the
tender age of twelve He stated it to Mary. The occasion is well known. The family had followed the pilgrim
trail to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. Hundreds mounted on oxen and asses and on foot thronged
the dusty, rocky roads. With deep interest the child Christ had watched the white-robed priests performing
their sacred duties and observed the bleeding victims upon the altars of sacrifice. Engrossed in
contemplation of those scenes which had such a deep personal significance to Him, He tarried in the temple
courts, and to His mind His heavenly Father revealed the great mysteries of His mission.
While the worshipers retraced their steps, the parents of Jesus among them, the Savior repaired to
the apartment adjoining the temple where the learned rabbis conducted a sacred school. Here, as a seeker
after truth, by skillful questions, He suggested to them the wonderful truths of redemption wrapped up in
their own rites and ceremonies. Well may we study the art of asking questions, that through this agency we
may awaken self-satisfied, scholastic minds to a need for a better understanding of the plan of salvation and
the requirements of God. Study such passages as Luke 20:1-8; Matthew 22:15-22 (meeting difficult
situations); verses 41-45 (to provoke thought); John 21:15-17 (to deepen love for Him).
In great anxiety at finding Jesus missing, Joseph and Mary search first through the pilgrim ranks
and then return to the temple precincts. Yes, there He is conversing in His serious, earnest way with the
“doctors.” “Son, why has Thou thus dealt with us? Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing.”
The implied reproof is gently reversed. “How is it that you sought Me? Know you not that I must be about
My Father’s business?” What a lesson for us to learn from the experience of His earthly parents!
If Joseph and Mary had stayed their minds upon God by meditation and prayer, they would have
realized the sacredness of their trust, and would not have lost sight of Jesus. By one day’s neglect they lost
the Savior; but it cost them three days of anxious search to find Him. So with us; by idle talk, evil speaking,
or neglect of prayer, we may in one day lose the Savior’s presence, and it may take many days of sorrowful
search to find Him, and regain the peace that we have lost.
In our association with one another, we should take heed lest we forget Jesus, and pass along
unmindful that He is not with us. When we become absorbed in worldly things so that we have no thought
for Him in whom our hope of eternal life is centered, we separate ourselves from Jesus and from the
heavenly angels.” - The Desire of Ages, Page 83.
A party of sight-seers were enjoying a tour through Kentucky Caves. As they traveled from one
cavern to another and their eyes became more and more accustomed to the darkness, one young man
became overconfident of himself and darted off on an exploratory side trip. Following the guide, the party
moved on. Soon from the dark recesses of one of the labyrinths they heard anxious calls. Allowing
sufficient time for the sense of being lost to take effect, the guide requested the party to stay right where
they were while he went in search of the “lost sheep.” In silence he brought the young man back to the
party. Soon the group reached a large rocky amphitheater. Ascending a pulpit like boulder the guide offered
to preach a sermon from nature’s pulpit. He promised it would be short, but very important. All he said
was, “Keep close to your guide. Never lose sight of him.”
We shall not only become like Jesus and partake of His character, but we shall also labor like Him
if we keep our eyes fixed on Him and stay close by His side.
A number of persons sat at scattered tables in a restaurant. A young woman entered. She was

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fashionably dressed, but carried a look of worry on her face. Seated several tables away, but so located that
he could watch her sat a kindly man. On his heart he carried a burden for others. Presently he approached
the young woman. “Pardon me, madam, is everything all right between your soul and the Savior?”
“That is none of your business,” came the quick rejoinder.
“But, madam, it is my business to dispel the shadows by telling people about my Savior.”
Do we need a change of viewpoint? Are we conscious that our first and biggest business in this
life is to win souls to Christ? Whatever our occupation, with Carey do we “cobble shoes to preach the
gospel”? Shall we not ask the Savior to open the eyes of our understanding that we may put first things
first? Shall we not ask Him to lay upon our hearts such a love for Him and those for whom He died that we,
too, may catch the absorbing urge, I must be about My Father’s business.”
It was on this occasion that Jesus first showed His earthly parents that He clearly understood His
mission in this world. In the years that followed, the Savior made everything subordinate to the will of God,
bringing His desires, wishes, and all His activities and talents into willing but strict obedience to His
mission.
He who gave to His disciples and His church the gospel commission demonstrated in His own life
“the greatest argument in favor of Christianity.” His work on earth is the finest manifestation of how that
commission is to be carried out. In life and work He is our pattern. How can we spend one hour more
profitably than by studying the outstanding principles that guided His life, and the methods He used in
carrying out His own commission?

Endowment of Power for Service

Let us here observe the special preparation for service the Savior received before undertaking His
public ministry. At the time of His baptism we are told that the Holy Spirit descended like a dove and
lighted upon Him, and from this baptismal scene He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted.
Matthew 3:16; 4:1. In reporting this experience Luke states, “Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned
from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.” Luke 4: 1.
This endowment for service came in response to earnest prayer. Conscious of the great task before
Him, He turned His eyes heavenward in the most earnest supplication. So earnest was His plea, that the
Father Himself parted asunder the heavens, spoke to His Son, and sent the Spirit. Thus it will be with us. As
we bring our lives into conformity to the Father’s will, as we obey the command to be baptized with water,
as we “ask of the Lord,” we, too, shall receive the divine endowment for successful service. The answers of
the Savior to the adversary in the wilderness of temptation also reveal the careful use He had made of His
earlier years in searching and storing in His mind the words of truth. The word of God was truly His sword
in that great conflict.
The purpose of that severe ordeal, when Satan himself conducted the attack, should bring to us a
twofold encouragement. With humanity upon Him and with its infirmities intensified by forty days of
fasting, Christ overcame the most subtle and vicious attacks of Satan, thus assuring us of victory through
Him. But a further realization is to come to us. This same great struggle is to be repeated with each
individual heart as the battleground. What is more, often this conflict in its severest form takes place, as in
the experience of Christ, when we decide to begin our earnest witness and active service for the Master.
In the first temptation the Savior gained the victory over appetite, the very weakness on which
Adam and Eve first fell. In the final conflict, when boycott and persecution shall remove our means of
support and perhaps food we shall need to remember that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every
word of God.” It would appear that the victory over appetite will be one of the last victories gained by the
people of God. Indulgence of appetite and disregard of the divine counsel on this subject are the most
common shortcomings. It is perhaps the subject on which confidence in the prophetic gift is most shaken,
because of widespread inconsistencies. We are not here advocating an emphasis on one or two points such
as refraining from flesh food, and tea and coffee, or eating between meals. We believe that consistency
requires a cheerful compliance with all the laws of health. This includes the need for moderate exercise,
sunshine, fresh air, a happy disposition, and other rules of good living, as well as a balanced diet. Few
realize that the attitude of disobedience on this point tends to bring disregard for the law of God.
How encouraging and significant are these words from The De sire of Ages, pages 122, 123: “Of
all the lessons to be learned from our Lord’s first great temptation none is more important than that bearing
upon the control of the appetites and passions. In all ages, temptations appealing to the physical nature have
been most effectual in corrupting and degrading mankind. Through intemperance, Satan works to destroy
the mental and moral powers that God gave to man as a priceless endowment. His example declares that

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our only hope of eternal life is through bringing the appetites and passions into subjection to the will of
God.
In our own strength it is impossible for us to deny the clamors of our fallen nature. By passing
over the ground which man must travel, our Lord has prepared the way for us to overcome. “Be of good
cheer,” He says; “I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. “Let him who is struggling against the power of
appetite look to the Savior in the wilderness of temptation. His victory is ours.
Shall we not learn from the apostasies which have taken place in different parts of the world that
the pattern for defeat is, first, disregard of health reform; second, rejection of the testimonies on this
subject; third, rejection of the testimonies on other subjects, and finally, darkness?
The second temptation reveals the subtlety with which Scripture will be used in the last phases of
the great controversy. In addressing the Savior as an angel of light, Satan first whispers doubt. “If thou be
the Son of God.” Then he goes on to quote a scripture, “He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee:
and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.” This is
cited from Psalm 91:11. But one important phrase was omitted by the arch deceiver. The psalmist also
wrote, it to keep Thee in all Thy ways,” that is, of Cod’s choosing. Like the Savior, we must refuse to leave
the path of rectitude, if we would be safe.
Now the devil endeavors to tempt to pride, and by bribery to cause Jesus to avoid the road of
hardship and suffering so necessary for the perfection of character. But his offers of power and glory cannot
be accepted on his wicked terms of service and allegiance to himself. So, too, must one refuse the tempting
offers that will be made to lure us away from unswerving allegiance to God and His holy law.
Loyalty to truth and to Christ is being demonstrated by God’s people today even as it was in the
days of the early Christians. Here is an able doctor on a conservative salary giving his best to the
preparation of medical missionaries for the cause of God. A great institution tempts him, with a salary
many times as large, to leave the work of God and serve the world. No, he will not do that. With him God’s
work comes first.
From one of our training schools in South Africa a young native worker goes forth in service for
Christ. God so abundantly blesses his labors that he is soon enticed to do a “social” work for the
government with much larger remuneration for his services. No, he must not only help renovate the villages
by teaching the people better methods of hygiene sanitation, but he must also and help them find cleansing
of heart.
If you will give up Seventh-day Adventism, if you will say that you do not desire Adventist
preachers and teachers, we will aid you with medical supplies we will build schools for you, we will furnish
you other excellent teachers. So spoke a government officer to a group of “Davis” Indian believers. But
three chiefs from these aboriginal tribes stepped forward and exclaimed, “We are Seventh-day Adventists,
and Seventh-day Adventists we purpose to remain. We do not want you to interfere with our religion. If
you take away our Adventist teachers, you do not need to send in any others, for we do not desire our
children taught by those who do not love God.”
Here is a junior officer in the administrative branch of a large Army hospital. The commanding
officer has noted his faithfulness and his ability. The young man stands before his superior. “John, I would
like you to become the executive officer of the general hospital. You will be promoted to the rank of
lieutenant colonel. I believe you can do it.” But the assignment definitely means duties on the Sabbath
which are not in harmony with the Sabbath commandment. There is a brief period of thoughtful
consideration, and then, I am sorry, sir, but I cannot do it. I am, as you know, a Seventh-day Adventist, and
the duties required in that new and advanced position would not be in harmony with my understanding of
the requirements of God’s moral law.”
When we resist the devil he will flee from us and angels of God will minister unto us. When we
gain the victory over temptation, God’s signal blessings are bestowed upon us. Fortified with the evidences
of the divine presence and approbation, we can go forth in successful service.

Early Ministry of the Savior

Regarding the commencement of the Savior’s public ministry we read that His early preaching
dealt with the theme, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” To the very close of this work this
same theme will occupy a prominent place in our preaching. No “social” gospel do we have for men in the
modernistic interpretation of that term. We must tactfully reveal to men their sins. We must bring before
them their transgressions of the law of God, and we must call upon them to repent of their sins and seek the
pardoning grace of Christ.

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The earliest recorded discourse of the Savior, found in Luke 4, is worthy of our closest study. It
contains the same message for the remnant church as is found in Isaiah 58. God wants a practical
demonstration of Christianity on the part of those who repair the breach in His law. We are admonished by
the servant of the Lord to study this chapter. The need of putting the gospel into practice will grow greater
as we near the end of time. National and international catastrophes, famines, floods, wars, and earthquakes
will provide many opportunities to the members of the remnant church to deal their bread to the hungry and
to shelter the poor that are cast out.
It is gratifying to note the increasing response of our people from all over the world for food and
clothing for those afflicted by war and the elements. These calamities and this response betoken both the
approaching end and the revival of the love of God in the hearts of His people. Yes, this is pure religion-”to
visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James
1:27.

Christ as an Evangelist
The Savior turned to Isaiah and read, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” What
comforting assurance and confidence we should have as we open the sacred page and point to Revelation
14 and other passages. We are able, without speculation, to say, “The great messages we bear to the world
are found here and here and here.” What confidence mingled with humility and gratitude it should bring to
the members of the remnant church to know that almost two thousand years ago God gave the messages we
are to bear to the world today. This does not eliminate the need for study, nor for individual expression; but
with a confused world picture, with many new and disconcerting trends, with a multitude of voices
purporting to point “the way out,” how good it is to have the divine prophetic forecast.
Jesus was the Master Evangelist. He received from the lips of His enemies the highest acclaim,
“Never man spoke like this Man.” Undoubtedly His words carried convincing power, because never man
lived such a godly life as He. Never man so bowed His will to the heavenly Father as He. Never man
maintained such close and unbroken communion with heaven as He. Never man prayed as Christ prayed.
Nor has any one else so fully leaned upon God as to be able to say, I do nothing of Myself the Father that
dwells in Me, He does the works.” No other has so fully kept God’s commandments as to claim, I have
kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” With supreme confidence at the close of His
ministry Jesus could look up into His Father’s face and say, I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have
finished the work which thou gave Me to do.”
Whenever people were willing to listen to the preaching of the word the Savior was ready to
impress its truths upon their hearts. The size of His audience mattered not to Him. Sometimes thousands
gathered around Him, while at other times His group was small and select.
It is interesting to observe the various locations Jesus used in His public ministry. Quite often the
seashore, the mountainside, or the desert was the place of meeting. It might be conjectured that He was
constrained to use the great out-of-doors because He had no pavilion of His own. But it would appear that
for the larger portion of His ministry, synagogues and the temple were available to Him. IF this is true, then
nature must have been selected by Him by choice, for from its many and varied scenes He drew His most
lasting and forceful lessons.
He addressed fishermen gathered by the shores of the lake. He caught the attention of farmers and
travelers on the highways of travel. And His preaching was so effective that multitudes followed Him to
desert places. Perhaps the Savior used the out of doors as much as He did because of the distribution of the
population in Palestine at that time. The fishing villages and small scattered communities were a challenge
then as well as they are today to our trained and consecrated lay preachers. In outdoor meetings, in lodge
and Grange halls, in public squares, and in our own church edifices God desires to see the truth proclaimed
by many voices. The ministry are too few for the great task. It would take our handful of ministers many
decades to encompass the task, so God offers to lay members as well the great privilege of giving the
gospel. From the farm and factory He calls them. Trained by personal study and lay institutes where
possible, but certainly endowed by His Spirit, they are to go forth to proclaim the special truths for this
time. The witness of their consistent and consecrated lives, their integrity in business, the high quality of
their workmanship in shop and factory, are to lend weight to their presentation of truth. Their message,
announced as coming from farmers, mechanics, or businessmen, removes the barrier sometimes built
against “professional preachers.” The spirit of comradeship and the influence of their godly lives in the
community become their best advertising. And when to this is added their convincing knowledge of the
truths of God’s word, souls are deeply interested. The faithful daily study of the Sabbath-school lesson, the

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careful perusal of our many wonderful full-message books, our well-prepared series of Bible studies, all
combine to provide a balanced and forceful presentation of the truth. Combine with these factors such
modern visual aids as film strips and charts and models, and we see why all over the world the number of
souls being won to the truth by consecrated laymen grows larger year by year.
Brother T. was a boat builder and local elder. In his church was a schoolteacher who operated a
large private school. In response to the call for lay evangelism, the two got together. The teacher made his
hall available and the local elder under the direction of the missionary committee of the church organized
an evangelistic company. The church members did the advertising. When that united effort closed, more
than a dozen persons were added to the church.
In a central California city an earnest Christian doctor heard the call. He had a large reception
room and decided to use it. A neat placard in his office bore the invitation, Each Tuesday evening between
the hours of seven and eight, Dr. X will present illustrated Bible lectures on the great prophecies of the
Bible. You are cordially invited.” His patients had so much confidence in his integrity and medical ability
that many were attracted to his studies. With a projector and film strips he covered the truths of the three
angels’ messages. Year after year he has repeated the effort, and year after year five, ten, or fifteen persons
have been added to the church which he attends.
The catalogue of successful lay preachers could be indefinitely multiplied-an automobile mechanic
here, a farmer there, a carpenter in the West Indies, a bookkeeper in Australia, a nurse in Norway. Scores-in
some lands, hundreds-of smaller towns and villages beckon. It will take time; it will take preparation. It will
take private and united prayer. God will bless, and souls in this last solemn hour will be converted. Is God
calling you to do this work? Do you feel that you have the ability, but are too busy to do it? I was in a
church recently where a fine specimen of an Oregon lumberman was leading out in the church missionary
service. His business was good. Lumber was at its highest price in years. The money was rolling in. But as
he thought of his service for the Master during the months that had gone by he said, I believe for the last
few weeks I have been busier than God has wanted me to be. I am going to make time to work for Christ,
even if I make a little less money.”

Large-City Evangelism
We must leave the challenge of earth’s larger cities and the work of our city evangelists and their
companies to other volumes and sources of instruction. But in passing we note the wonderful co-operation
and co-ordination of effort between Christ and His disciples. In places where He had publicly preached the
gospel they came later and gleaned great harvests. Mark the successful work of Philip in Samaria. On the
other hand, where faithful followers witnessed for the truth, the Savior found many converts. There lies
before our evangelists and our city congregations a difficult but a fruitful field in the large cities of the
world. True, we might have worked them more successfully before they became such busy centers where
multiplied thousands jostle one another and vie for jobs and eke out a living. There are still thousands of
honest souls in these cities, who, like Lot, must be sought out ere Sodom’s doom falls. What can our
churches do to work these cities and assist our evangelistic companies in their superhuman task? We
suggest a few pointers on a subject that merits a full volume.
1. Make personal contacts in factory, store, bus, and subway. Tactfully and prayerfully develop
these contact. Lend suitable literature, invite to evangelistic meetings, Sabbath school, and Bible studies.
2. Be faithful in attendance at all evangelistic meetings, bringing friends and neighbors with you.
Your presence means one more to provide the atmosphere of a successful series to which 6ndreds are
coming. Introduce your friends and acquaintances to evangelists and Bible workers.
3. Do your part in circulating handbills, invitations, and literature in the territory to be covered.
Offer your own personal testimony to those you visit, regarding the blessings of the meetings; but do not
run ahead of the evangelist by discussing testing and unpopular truths before they have been studied in
public or in Bible studies. People are not ready for the spirit of prophecy, advanced health reform, dress
reform, and the Sabbath before their minds are convinced and their hearts convicted and converted. They
have no desire or power at an early stage to make the change. So do not force people to premature decisions
before they are prepared to make them. Many an evangelist has testified to losing interested people because
of the unwise, premature, and untactful remarks of church members. This may have been, but it should not
be if our dear people will give the matter careful thought. In future let the testimony of God’s servants be, I
wish I had more church members to assist me in these meetings. Their help is invaluable.”
4. Take such courses in “How to Give Bible Readings” and “Medical Missionary Work” as may
be offered. Our city work demands more organized companies of laborers making contact and giving the

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truth through a diversity of channels. Canvassing for our books, practical (trained) nursing, the health-food
work, cooking schools, home-nursing classes, church clinics, and Dorcas welfare activities are other
avenues of service where the varied talents of our lay members could find profitable usefulness.

The Greatest Need

Above all these activities, there needs to be love and harmony in the church. There needs to be a
great burden for souls and a mighty spirit of intercession. The standards of the truth must be lived out by
the church if the preaching of the word is to be effective. And those who do strive to adhere to the reforms
of the message must guard against a pharisaical spirit on the one hand and making “the right arm” the
whole body on the other. Reformers must of all people be humble and tactful. Nevertheless, a very
important situation does confront a large number of our churches. “The Lord does not now work to bring
many souls into the truth, because of the church members who have never been converted, and those who
were once converted but have back sliding. What influence would these unconsecrated members have on
new converts? Would they not make of no effect the God-given message which His people are to bear?” -
Testimonies, Volume 6, Page 371. This great truth needs to come home to our hearts if we would see the
tide turn and scores come into our churches where now evangelistic efforts bring such meager results. The
people are far more convinced by how the church lives and what it does, than by what the minister
preaches. The practical piety of the church demonstrates the power of the gospel.
A young man manifested a great interest in a series of meetings. He accepted the Sabbath and
adjusted his work to keep it. But in the church were those whose conduct in the house of worship and out of
it contradicted and misrepresented the message. He saw the evidences of worldliness in dress and
amusements manifested by professing church members, and these neutralized the earnest preaching of the
word. “None of us lives to himself.” How different the testimony of a businessman. A worker approached
him with the privilege of contributing to God’s great work. The canvass was cut short with, “This is the
church to which Mr. Jones belongs, is it not?” “Yes.” ‘Well, if it is, you need to say no more. Here is a ten-
dollar bill. I wish we had twenty carpenters in this community like Mr. Jones. It is a pleasure to contribute
to his church.” It would be a pleasure to join it, too, if all were like Mr. Jones.

Lessons From the Master’s Personal Interviews

It would seem from a study of the Savior’s earthly ministry that personal interviews were one of
His most fruitful methods of labor. Certainly in two of them He dealt with two of the most important
themes pertaining to salvation. In another chapter we shall study His interview with Nicodemus. Here we
shall briefly analyze His interview with the woman of Samaria. Before drawing practical lessons from that
chapter we furnish some basic principles for personal work. These same principles would apply in
interesting people in the truth and in bringing them to a decision, in counseling with fellow church
members, and in correcting children.
1. We must approach others with the love of Christ. We must banish any selfish ambitions for
success or publicity; we must remove any feelings of anger, jealousy, impatience, or superiority.
2. We must ever have before us a vision of what our prospect might become through the grace of
Christ. His present character and conduct may be disappointing, but we must see the best in him and have a
vision of what he ought to become.
A sculptor once walked through a stone yard. His eye caught sight of a peculiar piece of black
marble which had apparently been lying there for a long time.
“That is a good piece of black marble, but it is so peculiarly shaped no one has wanted it, and it
has been lying there for years,” said the dealer. The sculptor reflected a moment. “I’ll take it,” he said.
Months later the dealer was called into a studio. On the display table was a beautiful statue of an
angel with his wings in the position of flight. ‘Wonderful, wonderful,” exclaimed the dealer.
“Do you recognize it?” inquired the sculptor.
“NO.”
“Well, do you recall that peculiar piece of black marble that lay so long unwanted in your yard?
As I passed by and saw its peculiar shape, I also saw in that odd shape an angel in flight. Here it is.”
Jesus saw in every human being what he might become if yielded to His loving touch. We, too,
must partake of this vision of what men and women, boys and girls, may become if we bring them to
Christ. We must see in everyone a blood-bought purchase of the Lord Jesus. This will change our attitude
toward people and cause us to evaluate them more highly, even if they are now “diamonds in the rough.”

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3. It is always well to ‘begin a personal interview with a word of honest commendation for some
good point in the character of the one interviewed. We can find something good in everyone to commend.
This breaks down prejudice. It removes the inferiority complex which quite often sets up “contrary”
reactions. It wins hearts, for who does not thrill to a sincere word of appreciation? But let it not be
superficial flattery. “A flattering mouth works ruin.” Proverbs 26:28.
4. Be a good listener, and your prospect will soon reveal his need. When we take a calm, patient,
humble attitude, people will 4icome out of their shells,” soon disclosing where they most need help. Don’t
be inquisitive, and don’t appear in a hurry. Let them talk to you, too. They must come to recognize their
own need and admit it themselves before they are ready for the forgiveness and peace which Christ longs to
give them.
5. We must develop the understanding spirit. We all long to have others understand us. Many do
not understand themselves. How wonderful if through careful observation and a study of human nature we
are able to understand those we labor for. This is true sympathy, which is perhaps the greatest factor in
winning hearts. Might it not be that our scholarly presentations of truth, our logical, forceful Bible studies,
have lacked this element when they have failed to bring forth the desired fruitage? Minds might have been
convinced; but hearts were not touched. The emotions need to be touched in most cases to produce
“action.” We must lay a good intellectual foundation, we must convince the mind, if we are to be fair to
people in urging them to accept truth. But we must also reach the heart. “By visiting the people, talking,
praying, sympathizing with them, you will win hearts. This is the highest missionary work that you can do.
To do it, you will need resolute, persevering faith, unwearying patience, and a deep love for souls.”-
Testimonies, Volume 9, Page 41.
6. Work in complete dependence upon God. You cannot read the future. You cannot read hearts.
You do not know the entire background of another. But God does, so seek Him earnestly for guidance,
help, and even words to say. Let your continual attitude and prayer be, “Lord, what do You want me to do
and say here? Please guide and bless in this interview.” Then see God work.
7. Introduce men and women to Jesus. Win them to Him, not to dependence upon you. Lead them
to look to Jesus, to pray, to trust God, to study for themselves. People will appreciate it if you are gracious,
kind, and considerate in your dealings with them. They will respond to your courteous conduct and interest.
But through all these associations they must come to know Jesus, for He alone can change their hearts and
give them redemption.

At Jacob’s Well
Let us now gather around Jacob’s well. The Savior, footsore and weary, rests on its stone curb.
The Samaritan woman approaches. You may read the story in the fourth chapter of John. With that
Scriptural account before you, reflect upon these points in the art of personal work:
Verse 7. “There comes a woman of Samaria to draw water.” The presence of the water pot gave
Jesus His clue of how to open the conversation. He took that in which the woman was interested, with
which she was familiar, to catch her attention. We, too, must begin our personal work by seeking to
discover that in which our prospects are interested. It may be flowers, books, children, needlework, or
crops, machinery, stock. By showing an interest in these things, we arrest their attention and establish a
point of contact. This common ground of interest creates a friendly feeling.
“Give Me to drink.” We must not conclude that all personal interviews must open with a-request.
Jesus was on this occasion showing marvelous tact. He was a Jew as far as His outward appearance was
concerned. She was a Samaritan, and the two nations had no dealings with each other. How could He
bridge the gap? Few things we do make us feel better and more kindly to others than bestowing a favor.
Jesus had no water pot. She did. “Please give Me a drink?” Had He in this case offered a favor it would
most probably have been misunderstood and rejected. But His requesting a favor awakened trust and
provided the opportunity for the ensuing conversation.
Verse 10. “If thou knew who it is that said to thee, Give Me to drink; thou would have asked of
Him, and He would have given thee living water.” Tactfully Jesus turns from the temporal to the spiritual.
How appropriately we can turn from world events to their spiritual application as signs of the times. We sit
by the side of a fellow traveler. The Korean war, the draft, or some catastrophe is the object of
conversation. “Do you know, Mr. Jones, what significance the Bible attaches to this event? It teaches that
this is one of the signs of the Second Coming of Jesus.” And the door is open.
Verse 12. “Art Thou greater than our father Jacob?” Here was room for an argument which would
have immediately created barriers. The Savior skillfully side-steps that controversial point. We, too, in the

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early stages of our personal work should tactfully avoid controversial issues. In any case we should make
every effort to avoid arguments. They rarely “win” people to the truth. We may win the argument, but in
doing so we are almost sure to lose the soul. People do not like to be defeated or beaten. They are reluctant
to take anything from those who have vanquished them.
Verse 14. “But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.” We must
lead men and women to know Jesus as the sin-pardoning Savior and the One all-sufficient to supply their
every need. While there will and should spring up a personal friendship with our contacts, we must lead
them to Christ, to depend upon Him, to know and love Him. Our business is not to attract people to
ourselves, but to Jesus. Our objective is to get them to trust in Him, to lean upon Him and not upon us. He
is to be held before them as their example. They are to copy Him.
Verse 15. “Sir, give me this water.” We must tactfully get people to realize their need. They
should be led to inquire after the way of salvation. Later they can be simply taught how to carry their
requests to God in prayer.
Verses 16, 17. “Go, call thy husband.” I have no husband.” Before the woman could receive much
spiritual help from Jesus, she must confess her sin. We may not always be able to do this as quickly as the
Savior led this woman to do it, nor in as direct a manner. But we must lead people to confess their own sins
to God if they are to find peace of heart and mind, and forgiveness from Him. If we feel our limitations we
can show them the truth in the wonderful little book Steps to Christ.
Verses 18, 19. “For thou has had five husbands.” Sir, I perceive that Thou art a prophet.” What
finally impressed the woman with the blessings the Savior had to offer was, this prophetic touch. One of
our greatest spiritual possessions as a people is the knowledge of the prophecies of the Bible. Our use of
Bible prophecy is perhaps that which will most impress others that we have something to offer them. Bible
prophecy brings with it confidence in the inspiration of the Scriptures, the assurance of the divinity of
Christ, and faith in those who are able thus to teach truth.
Verses 29, 30, 39. We must early lead those interested to share their new-found faith with others.
If newly interested persons invite others to come and study with them, after having done this they are less
likely to turn back themselves.
Notice that although Jesus knew of the woman’s sinful life He did not use words of condemnation.
He rarely used such. Observe, too, that He did not denounce her false religious beliefs. He tactfully placed
before her the truth regarding the way one ought to worship. Our denunciation of the faults of people and
their religious affiliations perhaps does more than any other thing to close hearts and doors against us. Let
us kindly, humbly, but with assurance, hold to the affirmative in our teaching.

Medical Ministry
Much of the Savior’s time was spent in medical ministry. Chapters like Luke 5 are filled with the
record of cases which He helped. Working against great odds, facing deep-seated prejudice, and without a
large financial budget, He had to find Ways of breaking down prejudice and entering into hearts and
homes. His ministry to the sick and afflicted is the finest commentary on the value of putting the gospel
into practice. He won hearts, opened doors, made disciples and friends by His healing touch. And He used
physical healing as an illustration of what He desired to do for the sin-sick souls of men.
“This world is a vast poor house, but Christ came to heal the sick, to proclaim deliverance to the
captives of Satan. He was in Himself health and strength. He imparted His life to the sick, the afflicted,
those possessed of demons. He turned away none who came to receive His healing power. He knew ‘that
those who petitioned Him for help had brought disease upon themselves; yet He did not refuse to heal
them. And when virtue from Christ entered into these poor souls, they were convicted of sin, and many
were healed of their spiritual disease, as well as of their physical maladies. The gospel still possesses the
same power, and why should we not today witness the same results?” - The Desire of Ages, Page 823.
A Christian physician who is a union conference medical secretary has kindly furnished us with
helpful suggestions along medical missionary lines. As this phase of our church work most needs
development, we earnestly commend his remarks to the prayerful consideration of our people:
“A short time before Jesus ended His ministry here on earth, He gave these words of admonition
to His disciples, ‘I have given you an example, that you. should do as I have done.’ This example He gave
us all through His life.
“The world needs today what it needed nineteen hundred years ago, a revelation of Christ.” - The
Ministry of Healing, page 143.
“What kind of revelation of Christ did the world have nineteen hundred years ago? We find this

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question answered in these beautiful words from divine inspiration: Christ came to the earth and stood
before the children of men with the hoarded love of eternity, and this is the treasure that, through our
connection with Him, we are to receive, to reveal, and to impart.” - Ibid., Page 37.
“The hoarded love of eternity is beyond the concept of the human mind. But when we read in Acts
10:38 about how Jesus, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, ‘went about doing good,’ and in this way
revealed and imparted this heavenly treasure, the hoarded love of eternity, we can begin to comprehend
something as to how we may ‘have this treasure in earthen vessels.’ At the same time we are admonished
‘to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ It is ours
not only to receive but also to reveal and to impart this treasure.
“How may we reveal it? This question is answered in these beautiful words:
“Speak as He would speak, act as He would act. Constantly reveal the sweetness of His character.
Reveal that wealth of love which underlies all His teachings and all His dealings with men. The humblest
workers, in co-operation with Christ, may touch chords whose vibrations shall ring to the ends of the earth,
and make melody throughout eternal ages.” - Ibid., Page 159.
“We are also to impart this treasure, the hoarded love of eternity. This will require earnest effort
on our part and will mean self-denial and often inconvenience. Of Jesus it is said, ‘In all things He brought
His wishes into strict abeyance to His mission. He glorified His life by making everything in it subordinate
to the will of His Father.’-Ibid., Page 19. ‘Our Lord Jesus Christ came to this world as the unwearied
servant of man’s necessity.’ - Ibid., Page 17. He was our example. He lived to bless others.

Christians Are Being Watched

“People are watching and weighing those who claim to believe the special truths for this time.
They are watching to see wherein their life and conduct represent Christ. By humbly and earnestly
engaging in the work of doing good to all, God’s people will exert an influence that will tell in every town
and city where the truth has entered. If all who know the truth will take hold of this work as opportunities
are presented, day by day doing little acts of love in the neighborhood where they live, Christ will be
manifest to their neighbors. The gospel will be revealed as a living power and not as cunningly devised
fables or idle speculations. It will be revealed as a reality, not the result of imagination or enthusiasm. This
will be of more consequence than sermons or professions or creeds.” - Testimonies, Volume 6, Page 264.
“Repeatedly has the attention of the members of the remnant church been called to the importance
of following the instruction given in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah.
“I have been instructed to refer our people to the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. Read this chapter
carefully and understand the kind of ministry that will bring life into the churches. The work of the gospel
is to be carried by means of our liberality as well as by our labors. When you meet suffering souls who
need help, give it them. When you find those who are hungry, feed them. In doing this you will be working
in lines of Christ’s ministry. The Master’s holy work was a benevolent work. Let our people everywhere be
encouraged to have a part in it.” - Medical Ministry, Page 263.
“Jesus spent many of His Sabbath hours in ministering to the needs of the people. Thus we see
that:
“Genuine medical missionary work is bound up inseparably with the keeping of God’s
commandments, of which the Sabbath is especially mentioned, since it is the great memorial of God’s
creative work. Its observance is bound up with the work of restoring the moral image of God in man. This
is the ministry which God’s people are to carry forward at this time. This ministry, rightly performed, will
bring rich blessings to the church.” - Testimonies, Volume 6, Page 266.
“The life of our great Example reveals that His life was given largely to teaching and ministering
to the needs of others. ‘He saw a vast multitude; and His heart was moved with pity for them” (Mark 6:34,
Weymouth), and He supplied their needs.
“With the spiritual preparation for service, the members of the church should also study and
prepare to teach the principles of healthful living. There is a demand for such instruction in every
neighborhood. Teach your neighbors how to live in accord with nature’s laws. Show them how to make a
good loaf of whole-wheat bread, and how to properly cook and serve vegetables and other wholesome
foods. Invite them to your home or go to their homes and impart this instruction by precept and example.
“Become familiar with the simple principles pertaining to the home care of the sick. Learn how to
give the simple treatments. Then as you enter the sickroom you can do much to make the afflicted one more
comfortable. Bring with you a cheery smile and a prayer with words of comfort from the Great Physician.
“We should not neglect the literature ministry. The circulation of our health literature is an

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important means of breaking down prejudice and of preparing hearts to accept the truths of the third angel’s
message.
“Jesus made use of the medical missionary ministry in His work, of reaching hearts with the
gospel.
“The Savior made each work of healing an occasion for implanting divine principles in the mind
and soul. This was the purpose of His work. He imparted earthly blessings, that He might incline the hearts
of men to receive the gospel of His grace.” - The Ministry of Healing, page 20.
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with
men as one who desired their good.” - Ibid., Page 143.
“Study carefully and prayerfully these beautiful words of admonition:
“To reach the people, wherever they are, and whatever their position or condition, and to help
them in every way possible this is true ministry. By such effort you may win hearts, and open a door of
access to perishing souls.
“In all your work remember that you are bound up with Christ, a part of the great plan of
redemption. The love of Christ, in a healing, life-giving current, is to flow through your life. As you seek to
draw others within the circle of His love, let the purity of your language, the unselfishness of your service,
the joyfulness of your demeanor, bear witness to the power of His grace. Give to the world so pure and
righteous a representation of Him, that men shall behold Him in His beauty.” - Ibid., Page 156.

How Jesus Dealt With Men

The true measure of our success is not so much how well we deal with things, as with men. Our
stewardship of things is only of real worth as we use those things in our dealings with men It is truly a fine
art and a heaven-imparted gift to know how to deal successfully with men and women, young people, boys
and girls, and little children of varied dispositions, with diversified backgrounds and all types of emotional
and cultural tendencies
What large dividends it would pay us if we spent a few thoughtful half hours studying from the
Gospels and the book The Desire of Ages the methods Jesus used. Let us bring together these passages and
meditate upon these experiences. We shall soon develop some of the Master’s wonderful ability in dealing
with various types of people, and we shall soon imbibe His marvelous insight into human nature.
To assist the reader in beginning this profitable line of study we briefly comment on four
experiences of Jesus.
1. How Jesus Dealt With the Careless and Indifferent. John 4. We have just dwelt at some length
upon this experience. Undoubtedly the woman of Samaria was a worldly, pleasure-loving type of person
who by her long life of promiscuous living had demonstrated her indifference to spiritual things.
Nevertheless, as we have seen, the Savior arrested her attention and captured her interest by dealing with
such a simple commodity as water. There is a “key” to nearly every heart if we will prayerfully search for
it. The well-known home missionary story of Mrs. Barney and the “hopeless” sick sinner is a good
example. He was not interested in flowers, in her food, in the story of Jesus, in his wife. Apparently he was
not interested in anything. Then the laugh of Mrs., Barney’s little girl rang out, and a gleam of light came
into the despairing eyes. The key had been found. He once had a little girl whom he loved and this child
brought back loving memories. This awakened tender feelings and resulted in the man’s conversion.
2. How Jesus Dealt With a Conceited, Self Righteous Lawyer. Matthew 22:34-46; Mark 12:28-34.
Having been thwarted in their purpose to trap Jesus by His words, a young lawyer was prevailed upon by
the Pharisees to propound what appeared to be a difficult question. The work of Jesus among the sick and
suffering seemed to be placing too much emphasis upon the last six commandments. So thought the self-
righteous scribes who claimed to place their emphasis on the first four. Hence the artful and difficult
question, “Which is the first commandment of all?” A well-selected passage of Scripture was quoted in
answer, instead of a personal opinion. Christ could have given a wonderful personal answer, but they might
have argued that. But they could not argue with their own Scriptures. “The first of all the commandments
is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And
the second is like, namely this, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment
greater than these.” “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Christ’s marvelous answer from the Scriptures, showing the unity of the law of God and the
principle of love which underlies every commandment, not only silenced argument, but won the respect
and admiration of the young lawyer. The best that was in him rose to the surface. Despite the frowns of his

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erstwhile companions he acknowledged the truthfulness of the Savior’s answer and received in return the
encouragement, “Thou art not far from the kingdom.”
At other times Jesus met questions born of self-righteousness with carefully worded counter
questions. This avoided argument and friction, and provoked thought along other lines than theoretical
disputations. See also Matthew 22:17-21; 21:23-27.
3. How Jesus Dealt With a Poor, Brokenhearted, Deluded Sinner. John 8:1 -11. This poor woman
had been led into sin by her accusers and was now being brought before Jesus, not to be helped, but that He
might be induced to say something which would lead to His condemnation. If He said something contrary
to the law of Moses He would be charged with teaching contrary to that law. If He supported it, He could
be charged with usurping Roman civil authority. By writing the sins of her accusers upon the ground, Jesus
thoroughly shamed them.- Then He invited anyone who was guiltless to cast the first stone. They had no
right to accuse the woman, for the law declared that to be the husband’s prerogative; and both guilty parties
were punishable. The accusers slunk away ashamed. What did the poor, frightened, beguiled woman need?
Condemnation? No! She knew her guilt. She had been living in fear of these stones for hours. ‘Woman,
where are those your accusers? hath no man condemned thee?”
“She said, No man, Lord.”
He had banished the source of the terror. He had shielded her in her hour of great need. She
needed protection. She found it in Him. But did He condone her sin? “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and
sin no more.” No-censure, but kindly counsel; not condemnation, but hope, was what she longed for. And
she got it. With penitential tears she cast herself at His feet, and sobbing out her love and confession she
became another grateful disciple. “Those who are forward in accusing others, and zealous in bringing them
to justice, are often in their own lives more guilty than they. Men hate the sinner, while they love the sin.
Christ hates the sin, but loves the sinner. This will be the spirit of all who follow Him. Christian love is
slow to censure, quick to discern penitence, ready to forgive, to encourage, to set the wanderer in the path
of holiness, and to stay his feet therein.” - The Desire of Ages, page 462.
4. How Jesus Dealt With a Seeker After Truth. John 3. As we study this chapter we observe that
the purpose of Jesus, once He discerned the nature of His visitor, was to present the truth to him. By
illustration and Scripture quotations He revealed to the searcher what he yet did not know or understand.
Line upon line, precept upon precept, and it was accepted. This was the longest and clearest exposition on
the new birth that Jesus gave. To the honest heart already impressed by the divine Spirit to seek after truth,
the truth needs to be unfolded clearly, patiently, by illustration, by text, by example; and it will be accepted.
There should not be overfeeding, however, and not too much taken for granted. Jesus did not give
Nicodemus the whole truth in one lesson, neither did He pass on to another subject until one was
thoroughly understood.
How Jesus dealt with men-what an illuminating topic for our study! What inspiration and guidance
in our contact with others!

3. The Early Church and the Gospel Commission

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts 8:4.

THE Savior knew that the time would soon come when He must return to heaven. His work on
earth must be entrusted to men. It was the divine plan that men saved by grace should be the channels to
communicate light and truth to their fallen comrades, lost in trespasses and sin. “With the calling of John
and Andrew and Simon, of Philip and Nathanael, began the foundation of the Christian church.” - The
Desire of Ages, page 141. Later others were added, until there were a goodly number of disciples. Then one
day “He goes up into a mountain, and called unto Him whom He would: and they came unto Him. And He
ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.” Mark 3:13,
14. The Savior laid His hands upon them in ordination and planned to closely associate them with Him that
finally they might go forth as His witnesses, able to tell by personal experience what they had heard and
seen Him do. Theirs was to be the most sacred and most important work entrusted to mortals. Twelve
patriarchs had represented the tribes of ancient Israel. Now twelve apostles were chosen as representatives
of the Christian church.
These men were weak, erring mortals like all the rest of us. The Scripture reveals the weaknesses
of nearly all of them. Jesus knew this when He called them. But He had the confidence to believe that by

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association with Him they would overcome their inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil and reveal to
the world the transforming power of His grace. Judas alone failed. He could have been among the foremost
of the apostles; but he did not yield his heart to the Savior’s kindly, persistent wooing and instruction.
These twelve apostles needed a training for their sacred work of preaching, teaching, and
administering the gospel church. What methods should be used? What type of training would best fit them
for this responsibility? These men were not called from the great schools of the time. Ingrained ideas so
contrary to that which Jesus desired to communicate made a call to students from these schools almost
impossible. The Savior did not condemn sanctified scholarship; Paul had it and God used it. But He could
not use the sophisticated, self-important, self-righteous product of the schools of His day.
Before touching upon the training of the disciples, we would do well to pause a moment tb
consider their “call.” Their training must harmonize with their original call or they would have been
gathered together under false pretenses. From the beginning the Savior made plain why He was requesting
them to join Him. Time and time again the call was couched in language like this: “Come, follow Me, and I
will make you fishers of men.” There is something fundamental here. There was to be one supreme purpose
in uniting with Him. Not for prestige, nor for honor, nor for degrees, nor for a steady salary. They were to
follow Him that He might make them fishers of men.
The same call comes to every believer who now joins the church. “Every true disciple is born into
the kingdom of God as a missionary.” - The Desire of Ages, page 195. Could it be possible that some who
have come in have not fully realized this? Has not the time come for a re-emphasis of the Savior’s call to
all His disciples?
Quite a company had been with Him for some months. They had heard Him speak, they had
watched Him perform miracles. Those who drew closest to Him and responded most fully to His influence
He selected for a special work-they were to be wholly His in their service for others. What would be the
highest and most effective training He could give them for His work? “And He ordained twelve, that they
should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sick nesses,
and to cast out devils.” Mark 3:14,15. Before they could preach, heal, and cast out devils they were to be
with Him. Fellowship with Jesus-the highest qualification and preparation for service-was the Savior’s
selected method of training. Later they were able to say with power, “For we have not followed cunningly
devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were
eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such
a voice to Him from the excellent glory, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this
voice which came from heaven we heard,. when we were with Him in the holy mount.” 2 Peter 1: 16-18.
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,
which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life.... That which we have seen
and heard declare we unto you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with
the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” 1
John 1:1-4.
As the Savior went from place to place, the twelve were with Him. “And it came to pass afterward,
that He went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of
God: and the Twelve were with Him.” Luke 8:1. “It was by personal contact and association that Jesus
trained His disciples. Sometimes He taught them, sitting among them on the mountainside; sometimes
beside the sea, or walking with them by the way, He revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of God.” The
Desire of Ages, Page 152. Do we have, regrets that we did not live back there? With the poet are we
tempted to say:

“I think when I read that sweet story of old,

When Jesus was here among men,
How He called little children as lambs to His fold,
I should like to have been with them then.
I wish that His hands had been placed on my head,
That His arm had been thrown around me,
And that I might have seen His kind look when He said,
Let the little ones come unto Me.”

It is still our privilege to have fellowship with Jesus, real, unbroken fellowship. Observe, what the
Savior said regarding the reason for His departure: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me,

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the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do. Because I go unto My Father.
And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever;
even the Spirit of truth. Whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but
you know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:12-17.

The Training of the Twelve

“While Christ was on earth, the disciples had desired no other helper. Not until they were deprived
of His presence would they feel their need of the Spirit, and then He would come. The Holy Spirit is
Christ’s representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered
with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it was for their interest that He
should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any
advantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ. By the Spirit the Savior would be
accessible to all. In this sense He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high.” - The
Desire of Ages, page 669.
The Savior used the best pedagogical methods in His training of the Twelve. Modern education
has yet to devise any better after the passage of almost two thousand years. While the most scientific, His
methods were also simple and practical; they can be duplicated readily today by every sincere follower of
Jesus who is ready to work. Here is the divine pattern:

1. Vision and motive. John 4:34, 35.

2. Study of the word. John 5:39.
3. Prayer. Luke 9:28.
4. Example. Matthew 11A, 5.
5. Instruction. Matthew 10.
6. Field training. Luke 9:6; 10: 1.
7. Reporting and guidance. Luke 10: 17. Matthew 17:19-21.

I. Vision and Motive

We must have an objective toward which to work; a clear vision of what can be accomplished.
There must be a guiding star for the ship. There must also be a chart for the voyage and a map of the world.
Now listen while the Savior Himself brings to us, as to His first disciples, the great central objective of His
work. It was His. We are carrying it on for Him. It becomes ours. “Jesus said unto them, My meat is to do
the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34. There it is-write it over the door posts of
our churches. Write it on our pulpits. Write it in our council chambers. Write it over every Sabbath school
room. Write it over every school door: “To do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.” Away
with all the trifling, petty items of church-board meetings. Why not have meeting after meeting to study,
plan, and pray for the finishing of the work? It is the task before us. Let the great essential crowd out
nonessentials and less essentials. The leadership of the church’ should not rest until the specifications of the
divine blueprint for the church are carried out. Here they are in brief, in case some have forgotten or never
realized them:
1. The Minister’s Duty. “The best help that ministers can give the members of our churches is not
sermonizing, but planning work for them. Give each one something to do for others. Especially should
those who are newly come to the faith be educated to become laborers together with God.” - Testimonies,
Volume 9, Page 82.
It is evident that all the sermons that have been preached have not developed a large class of self-
denying workers. This subject is to be considered as involving the most serious results. Our future for
eternity is at stake. The, churches are withering up because they have failed to use their talents in diffusing
light. Careful instruction should be given which will be as lessons from the Master, that all may put their
light to practical use.”-Ibid., Volume 6, Page 431.
2. The Responsibility of Church Officers and Church Boards. “Those who have the spiritual
oversight of the church should devise ways and means by which an opportunity may be given to every
member of the church to act some part in God’s work. Too often in the past this has not been done. Plans
have not been clearly laid and fully carried out whereby the talents of all might be employed in active
service. There are but few who realize how much has been lost because of this.”-Ibid., Volume 9, Page 116.
“Great care should be exercised in selecting officers for the new churches. Let them be men and

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women who are thoroughly converted. Let those be chosen who are best qualified to give instruction, those
who can minister both in word and in deed. There is a deep-seated necessity for work in every line.”-Ibid.,
Volume 6, Page 8 5.
3. Work to Be Planned for Every Member. “The elders and those who have leading places in the
church should give more thought to their plans for conducting the work. They should arrange matters so
that every member of the church shall have a part to act. And it is only through such a course that the
church can be prevented from becoming fruitless and dead.” -Christian Service, page 62.
4. Lines of Service:
Instruction in how to give same.
How to conduct and teach Sabbath school classes-conducting branch Sabbath schools.
How to help the poor-Dorcas welfare activities.
How to care for the sick-medical missionary activities.
How to work for the unconverted-personal workers’ band.
Distribution of free literature, also magazine sales.
Schools of health and cooking schools.
Classes in various lines of Christian help work-Sunshine bands, helping aged people, first aid, etc.
See Christian Service, Messages to Young -People, and Medical Ministry. Consult your
conference Home Missionary, Missionary Volunteer, Sabbath School, Medical, and Publishing Department
Secretaries for specific instruction.
5. Plan of Organization. “The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort has been
presented to me by One who cannot err.” - Testimonies, Volume 7, Pages 21, 22.
“The church of Christ on earth was organized for missionary readings-planning for the purposes,
and the Lord desires to see the entire church devising ways and means whereby high and low, rich and
poor, may hear the message of truth.”-Ibid., Volume 6, Page 29.
We must leave the specific details of organization to the promotion of the various departments.
Leaflets on organization are available for all branches of the work. They need to be secured and studied,
and the instruction put into practice. We furnish two suggestive plans taken from actual experience.
The “Standard” Plan. For the want of a recognized name we have called this simple but effective
plan the Standard Plan. After the church board, the Missionary Volunteer and Sabbath school councils have
studied the plan, it is jointly put into operation. With modifications and according to existing opportunities
and available talent it can be used in any church where there are more than thirty or forty members.
Standards are set up all over the church auditorium on Sabbath afternoon. These bear the names of the
various bands: Bible Workers, Sunshine, Literature, Old Folks’ Home, Prison, and so forth. The members
of each band gather under their standard. After a short Missionary Volunteer meeting or a short devotional
period for all, each band takes up its own program. Those taking the class in Bible Readings spend about
three quarters of an hour studying the volume, Training Light Bearers, and then under the direction of their
leader they go forth to do their work. Those in the literature band secure their papers, study, and drill on
what they will say in distributing that particular piece of literature. Then after earnest prayer they leave for
their assigned territory. The Sunshine Band members practice their songs, prepare their brief readings, get
the list of homes to be visited, and off they go, well prepared, to do their part.
There seems to be some virtue in this concerted action. The specific time, place, and plan tend to
produce an inspiration which really attracts many who otherwise would do nothing by themselves. After a
while one band helps another with “discovered opportunities and openings.”
The Logical Sequence Plan. The essence of this plan is to provide a logical method of discovering
and developing interests. Too often our whole program of missionary activity lacks cohesion.

MY PERSONAL SOUL-WINNING RECORD

After earnest prayer for guidance choose one to six names. Place, these on the prayer list. Then
check the items as you succeed, with the help of the lord, to develop their interest. NOTES: It may not
always be possible to follow the above sequence, but as a general rule it will he helpful to develop interest
along the lines suggested above. Seek God for guidance.
1. Begin by earnestly praying for souls. Invite two or three others to pray with you.
2. Do some kindly, neighborly deed or medical missionary service. This is the opening wedge.
3. Commence literature distribution with a health tract or magazine, especially for new contacts.
4. Let the first three or four religious tracts he non controversial in character-e.g., “Is Jesus Your Friend?”
and “The Road Back to God.”

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5. If you plan to give the studies yourself, carefully prepare your canvass. Your pastor, Bible instructor, or
home missionary secretary will help you.
6. Any good series of Bible studies can be used-e.g., “Twentieth Century,” “Home Bible Course,” etc.
7. Introduce your prospect to your pastor or Bible worker before you come to the Sabbath question. You
may need their help in presenting that subject.
8. Be sure to invite your friends to any evangelistic efforts which our ministers or laymen may be
conducting. This may logically be the beginning of your interest.
9. Endeavor to get your friend inside your church by an invitation to some special service.
10. As you continue studies on the testing truths, seek the help of your pastor or Bible worker if you need it.
11. This is the great decision crisis. Much prayer and much careful study are needed. Hold on. Don’t give
up easily.
12. If they consent to keep the Sabbath, arrange for sundown worship with them to create a Sabbath
atmosphere.
13. Accompany to Sabbath school and services. Introduce to superintendent. Sit in same class.
14. Rejoice in the lord over another soul saved by His grace and your humble effort.

Our sequence of emphasis and activities do not tend to the development of interest. This plan
rightly understood does not interfere with our existing activities and reporting system, but has special
application to those progressively working for individuals. It is a “Win One” program carefully planned.
The plan can be used by the whole church, by the band of Bible readers, or by any individual member. The
suggestive outline below is for the guidance of the individual.

The Field and the Time

In Matthew 13:38 the Savior clearly defined the field of service. He said the world is the field. In
John 4:35 He gave us the wonderful encouragement of knowing that it is ripe to harvest. It may seem that
our neighbors and friends are not at all interested in spiritual things, but this is not always so. There are
earnest, honest hearts all around us. Many are longing for something to truly satisfy their souls. We have it.
“Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in.” - The Acts of the Apostles, Page
109. Multitudes today are in the valley of decision. The sowing of the seed of past years, our many
evangelistic efforts, our books, papers, and radio programs, have impressed hearts. The truth needs to be
brought home. Let us rise up, members of the remnant church, and gather in the ripened grain. We must not
delay. The hour is late. The Savior is speaking to each heart. Let us not be among the number who weep in
regret for wasted hours. Now is the hour. Soon the sunset hour will turn into night and summer into winter.
Someone has said that each church has three locations-Jerusalem, Judea, and the uttermost parts of
the earth. Our own immediate vicinity needs the gospel. But we must also branch out to the non entered
neighboring territories. Car bands, colporteurs, evangelistic efforts, branch Sabbath schools, cottage
meetings, and other similar activities can be used to bring the truth to nearby cities and villages. Spearhead
efforts and enrollments for correspondence schools are two new and effective methods of labor for entering
those territories where we do not have churches. And, of course, we labor in the regions beyond by our
prayers and gifts, if we cannot go ourselves.

II. The Study of the Word

The Savior urged and encouraged His followers to study the word. He also taught them how to
study. There are several methods of study, and each has its virtues.
1. We may read the Bible through and obtain a comprehensive background of the Book and its
contents. This would be helpful in building up our general knowledge.
2. We may engage in a verse-by-verse study of the Book. This will greatly enlarge our fund of
Biblical knowledge.
3. We may take a passage and so dwell upon it that we gain from it a great deal of personal
benefit. This is what we need to build up our own spirituality. “Feed” upon the word. Hear the Savior speak
to our hearts from its pages. “Assimilate” a truth until it becomes a part of our experience.
4. We may study with profit the biographies of the Bible and the vast array of devotional and
historical themes it contains.
5. But after we have fed our own souls, we especially need to think upon God’s great chain of
truth for this hour. The three angels’ messages are the gospel for today. These we must so absorb and

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master that we can pass them on to others.

Christ the Center

As we present these special truths we must make Christ the center and circumference of every
theme. No matter what the study, Christ must be revealed in it. Of course the studies on the signs of the
times culminate in His Second Coming. As we study the state of the dead, lie must be revealed as the
resurrection and the life. So with every study. It must be more than a theory. We must make plain the plan
of salvation. We need to preach repentance, confession, and forgiveness. We must lift up Christ as the sin-
pardoning Savior and the world’s only hope. But we must do this within the framework of truth. It cannot
be done apart from it. If we do not present sin as the transgression of the law of God we have failed to uplift
Jesus as an all-sufficient Savior. He must be a Savior from all sin. This is the great gospel message which
God designs shall be brought to the attention of earth’s inhabitants today.
So let us take any of our wonderful full-message sets of Bible studies and make them our own. It
does not matter which we select. They have all been built around the great chain of truth committed to the
remnant church. The Twentieth-Century and Home Bible courses are perhaps the most widely used. But
Brief Bible Readings for Busy People, Half Hours With the Bible, Bible Readings for the Home, The Bible
Speaks, The Bible Made Plain, and several others will also supply the need. Let us so master these studies
that a clear outline of truth is lodged in our minds and the most important texts and references committed to
memory. It is an enjoyable and profitable exercise to mark our Bibles with the chain reference system. In
the giving of Bible studies we can have the support of this marking. We do not believe that the rank and file
of our members need to search the whole Bible through and, as a result of their own study, prepare a new
series of Bible studies on doctrine. We may search the Scriptures for ourselves, we may dwell upon
selected passages for our own spiritual benefit, but for the carrying out of the great commission, these great
doctrines, these landmarks, well studied, tried and tested, should be so thoroughly understood and mastered
by our people as to be readily communicated as the opportunity offers. We do not take the position here
that there is no more truth to discover, nor do we believe that only a few selected scholars can find new rays
of light in the mine of truth. We do affirm that what is most urgent now is to take the great truths which
make us a people and to give them with all haste, yet with all clearness and power, to a fast-dying world.

How to Mark Your Bible

The method of marking one’s Bible with a chain reference system is quite simple. Suppose, for
example, the topic of our study is “The Word of God.” On one of the blank pages at the close of the Bible
we list our titles, their key letters and the first text in that study. For study No. 1 we would write here “W.
G. Word of God. Begin 2 Timothy 3:16, 17” Then, turning to 2 Timothy 3:16,17, we write in the margin “2
W. G. Num. 12:6.” The “2 W. G.” means the second text in that series. Then turning to Numbers 12:6 we
write in the margin, “3 W. G. Psalm 12:6, 7,” and so on until we come to the last text in that study, which
would be marked, “End W. G.” Some may feel that in thus marking our Bibles we “lean” on this crutch.
This should not be, but we can bear testimony that hundreds have received the truth and are now in the
church as a result of earnest workers using this system in their giving of Bible studies.
Another simple but very successful method of giving Bible studies is to prepare two copies of a
study built upon the question and-answer plan. You read the questions and your prospect reads the answers.
These should be the Bible texts written out in full.

III. Prayer
In this section we are dealing with the training Jesus gave His disciples, and from His methods we
seek to learn how we might do His work more proficiently. The place of prayer in our personal lives and
experience will find a place in another chapter. Here we consider its place in the winning of souls. Jesus
taught His disciples to pray. The Lord’s Prayer was part of His program of instruction. But Jesus did much
more than teach His disciples to pray. He earnestly prayed for souls. He earnestly prayed for His disciples.
He also prayed with them. “And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, He took Peter and
John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.” Luke 9:28. Souls are first won upon our knees. By
faith we wrestle with God in prayer for those for whom we have a burden. Then we work in harmony with
our petitions and seek to let God answer our prayers through our own humble efforts. We should also invite
others to join us who carry a similar burden upon their hearts. We would see many more converted if a
great wave of intercessory prayer swept over our churches. There should be little groups constantly

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pleading for souls as they carry forward their missionary labors. If only little groups of earnest workers
would plead for one and then another, as they labor for them, we would see many more souls “coming over
the line.” Especially should there be earnest praying when an evangelistic effort is in progress and when
men and women are facing the great testing truths of the message.
Why not let us join in a great “Fellowship of prayer”? Suppose the various bands choose a special
hour when they will, in their private devotions, each day, remember their missionary activities and the
people they are laboring for. Prayer is the secret of power in fruit bearing. The Son of God prayed long and
earnestly over His work. Should we do less? In a certain mission school a group of teachers united together
in a personal workers’ band. Here they studied methods of personal work and then united in prayer for
those of their student body who were unconverted. Then, dividing that needy group among themselves,
they personally appealed to them to accept Christ as their Savior. The results of that combination of earnest
prayer and faithful work were astonishing. Joy thrilled the hearts of these teachers as they saw one after
another of these students accept the Savior. In the evangelistic efforts and in the churches where souls are
constantly being horn into the truth there is a spirit of prevailing, intercessory prayer. Would that this spirit
of prayer activated every believer and permeated the life of every church.

IV. Example
In the tenth and eleventh chapters of the Gospel of Matthew we see the influence of example and a
program of instruction beautifully exemplified. Jesus showed His disciples how to work, and His
instruction was simple, concrete, and clear. If those who are experienced in missionary endeavor would
associate the inexperienced with themselves in their labors, we would soon double our force of working
members. If pastors, Bible workers, missionary leaders, and elders would take church members with them
as they conduct cottage meetings or give Bible studies, soon these in turn would be doing the same. One
good Bible study witnessed by a member is worth more than much class instruction. The same is true of our
great Ingathering program. Is it not time we more fully carried out the Savior’s admonition of going forth
two and two in our missionary activities? The same principle which applies to the training of young
ministers applies to those young in the faith. Young ministers, we are told, should for a while be associated
with those more experienced in service before being sent forth on their own. It would be well if those
recently added to the church began their missionary activities in company with those who have been
laboring for some time.

V. Instruction
We have noted that a great need in our churches is specific instruction in practical methods of
doing missionary work. It is a common tendency for Jeaders of all classifications to deal in generalities, to
state principles. “That which is needed now for the up building of our churches is the nice work of wise
laborers to discern and develop talent in the church-talent that can be educated for the Master’s use. It is
training, education, that is needed.” - Testimonies, Volume 9, Page 117.
“For hours, soldiers are drilled to disencumber themselves of their knapsacks, and place them
quickly in position again upon the person. They are taught how to stack their arms, and how to seize them
quickly. They are drilled in making a charge against the enemy, and are trained in all kinds of maneuvers.
Thus the drill goes on, preparing men for any emergency. And should those who are fighting the battle for
Prince Emmanuel he less earnest and pain staking their preparation for the spiritual warfare?” - Gospel
Workers, page 75.
Let us take a concrete illustration of what we mean. A leader could say with great emphasis, “Let
us all get out today and distribute some literature. We have the finest literature in the world, and it is the
privilege and responsibility of every member to scatter broadcast these truth-filled pages.” How many will
secure the literature and find themselves distributing it before the next Sabbath? But suppose the leader
said, “We have here this morning five hundred copies of this inspiring new tract, Keep Looking Up. I have
read it through and it is very helpful. It is what people need today as their hearts fill with fear. May I
suggest what we might say as we cover our territories or visit our neighbors? Good morning, Mrs. Jones.
The other day I came upon a beautiful little leaflet entitled, Keep Looking Up. As I read it, it did me so
much good that I decided to get a few copies and share them with my neighbors. In these days of perplexity
and fear we need to know that we have a loving heavenly Father who watches over us. May I leave a copy
with you? It’s absolutely free. Perhaps you might like to pass it on when you have read it. Now, band
leaders, spend a moment or two drilling on that or a similar canvass and give each member of your class

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band at least ten copies. In your envelope are territory cards for any who have not yet received a section.
Arrange with your band the time and place of meeting when you will go out.”
Would not this procedure be instrumental in multiplying our missionary activities a hundred fold?
Why? Because a clear line, of service is placed before each one. The material is all ready. The fear of going
forth because of a lack of words to say is greatly diminished. The time and place of labor are clearly
defined. Every incentive is there to do one’s part.

VI. Field Training

The time has come to launch out into the deep. We have been dallying too long by the shore. Very
few souls will come to us. Lost sheep do not usually find the shepherd. We must “go” and bring them in.
The Savior did not forever keep on instructing, admonishing, inspiring. The time came when He knew that
what the Twelve needed was the actual experience of field work. “And He sent them to preach the kingdom
of God, and to heal the sick.” “And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and
healing everywhere.” Luke 9:2, 6. It was virtually the same training and instruction given to the Twelve
that was a little later given to the seventy. The difference seems to have been largely in degree and
intensity. In the next chapter of Luke we read, “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also,
and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come.”
Luke 10:1.
It is noteworthy that it was to the seventy the Savior said as He sent them forth, “The harvest truly
is great, but the laborers are few: pray you therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth
laborers into His harvest.” Verse 2. If there ever was a time when this prayer was truly applicable, surely it
is Now. The harvest is the end of the world, and it is ripe. Let us all begin praying this prayer.

VII. Reporting and Guidance

The Savior did nothing by halves. He purposed to finish what He began, and He did that in the
training of the Twelve and the seventy. He well knew the place of reporting and guidance for the
betterment and advancement of His work. Without the former there could be no gauge of the amount
accomplished or the extent of the unfinished task. Without the latter, mistakes detrimental to the cause
would continue to be made and plans for greater efficiency would be missing.
“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through
Thy name.” This so encouraged the heart of Jesus that He remarked, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from
heaven.” Verses 17, 18. It is possible to have too much machinery in the reporting procedure. But we
should be guarded in dispensing with it altogether. Heaven has a reporting system. Jesus apparently
approved of it here. This type of reporting which brings joy to heaven and encourages the church, must not
be confused with doing things in public to be seen of men. That is what the Savior condemned when He
said, “Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand does.” We are not to take a ten-dollar bill, and,
dangling it before the crowd, drop it into the beggar’s bowl. But reporting what God has wrought through
us in proclaiming the gospel is what the apostles continually did. The comment of the servant of the Lord
on this verse is interesting: “With many, the left hand does not know what the right hand does, for the right
hand does nothing worthy of the notice of the left hand.” - Testimonies, Volume 1, Page 193.

Pentecost
A larger field of service and a larger task, however, awaited the followers of Jesus. “The gospel
was to be carried to the ends of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had
promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands were converted in a day.”-
Christian Service, pages 252, 253. Before they could be entrusted with that power (Luke 24:49) a
preparation was necessary. How could unprecedented power be given to men at variance with one another?
How could it be imparted to those still manifesting the weakness of their old sinful nature? Those who had
been producing discord by striving for the mastery were now of one accord. They were also spending much
time “in prayer and supplication” for victory themselves and for help to discharge the heavy burden for
souls which was upon their hearts.
Blessed encouragement: “So it may be now. Let Christians put away their dissension, and give
themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them in faith ask for the blessing, and it will come.” - The
Desire of Ages, page 827.
The church of God was organized for completing the work which Jesus began. This organization

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was calculated to do efficiently the work committed to it. A very serious question arises if a church fails
completely to let its light shine. Would it be a portion of God’s church? In any case, unless actuated by the
spirit of missionary service, it would certainly not be meeting the purpose for which it was organized.
Heaven’s evaluation of a church is not according to its size or high professions, but “the number of her
persevering, faithful workers.” - Christian Service, Page 12.
The organization of the church was also calculated to protect her from unscrupulous leaders. There
are no self-appointed leaders in the church of God. This is an outstanding characteristic of apostates; they
are self-appointed leaders in their organizations. In the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles we learn
how the church in Jerusalem selected Matthias as one of its leaders. The church sought God earnestly in
prayer, and God directed the church in its choice. Later in Acts 6 a further step in the development of
organization was taken and deacons were appointed. Of the church in Jerusalem we read, “The organization
of the church at Jerusalem was to serve as a model for the organization of churches in every other place
where messengers should win converts to the gospel.” - The Acts of the Apostles, page 91.
The marvelous spirit of benevolence and sacrifice manifested by the early church is also worthy of
emulation. Acts 2:45-47. It -may not be necessary for us to use the same procedure that they used, but
certainly the same spirit needs to be recaptured by the church today. The experiment of community
possessions seems to have been short-lived even in Jerusalem and is not mentioned again.
Another significant experience of the early church which has a special bearing on the giving of the
gospel message is the persecution referred to in Acts, chapters 8 and 11. From a human or worldly point of
view it seems that persecution would impede the progress of a work and lessen its adherents. This was not
the result of the persecution in the early church. There was a reason why God permitted it. The success that
had attended the work in Jerusalem, where thousands now rejoiced in the truth, might lead to a “settling
down.” Both disciples and members could easily engage in acts of worship for their personal enjoyment
and edification. Like so many today, “they might come and go each Sabbath day as a door upon its hinges,”
and that would he the extent of their religion. They could easily forget the commission to go to all the
world. In order to keep their eyes on the divinely appointed goal, God permitted persecution to come.
Instead of limiting the work of the gospel message, “they that were scattered abroad went everywhere
preaching the word.” Acts 8:4. See also Acts 11: 19-21.
Why wait for persecution and Sunday legislation to drive us to witness? Why not now, under
favorable conditions, let the light shine? Why wait to do the work under the most distressing conditions?
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come.”

Methods of Labor of the Early Church

We would expect to see this early church, influenced by those who had been with Jesus, following
closely His methods of labor. “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and
preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5:42. Yes, they preached in public, and they worked every home. They preached,
and they taught. They healed, and they drove out demons. Verse 16. They also sent out missionaries. The
first two mentioned as being sent out from Antioch were Barnabas and Paul. It is encouraging to learn that
the first converts in response to the Macedonian call were made by Sabbath keeping missionaries, and the
first contact made and the first fruits reaped were also on the true Sabbath day. Acts 16:9-15.
The story of the early church would be incomplete without the important part played by the lay
members. Let us turn to Acts 11:19-21 and see how they traveled far and wide preaching the Lord Jesus.
“And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” See that
earnest couple, Aquila and Priscilla, tentmakers by profession, lead a great soul to God. When fully
instructed by them, Apollos mightily convinced the Jews.
That early church at Antioch sent out missionaries, lay workers, and means to further the work. No
wonder it is held up as an example to our city churches today. “The example of the followers of Christ at
Antioch should be an inspiration to every believer living in the great cities of the world today. The cause of
God in the earth today is in need of living representatives of Bible truth. The ordained ministers alone are
not equal to the task of warning the great cities. God is calling not only upon ministers, but also upon
physicians, nurses, colporteurs, Bible workers, and other consecrated laymen of varied talent who have a
knowledge of the word of God and who know the power of His, grace, to consider the needs of the
unwarned cities. Time is rapidly passing, and there is much to be done. Every agency must be set in
operation, that present opportunities may be wisely improved.” - The Acts of the Apostles, Pages 158, 159.

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Churches in Homes
God is glorified if a neat, representative, well-built, well-furnished, but inexpensive house of
worship is erected to His name.
In the early stages of the work, in many places, the limited number of believers often makes the
building of a church home a difficult matter. If it can possibly be accomplished it should be, for it is an
inducement to some people to learn more of the message. In some lands a church building is a distinct
asset, for without it some might look upon the effort and the newly organized church as a passing venture.
However, the story of the early church is the story of simple, earnest, progressive work against great odds,
limited funds, much persecution, and apparently few church buildings. They did not get discouraged
because in most places they had no public places of worship. They worked from home to home; and when a
company of believers was gathered, a church was organized in a suitable home. Aquila and Priscilla opened
their home, and a church met there. 1 Corinthians 16:19. In the city of Laodicea the believers were
apparently unable for a while to build or buy a church building, so Nymphas enjoyed the wonderful
privilege and blessing of having a church meet in his home. Colossians 4:15. In a cottage or a palace, under
a thatched roof or palm-tree shade, thank God it is still His church, the object of His special regard, the
theater of His grace, and His chosen instrumentality for bringing the gospel of His love to poor, benighted
men.

OPERATION DOORBELL MUSIC

1
Midst the clatter and the clanging, And the noise of busy streets, Midst life’s hurry and confusion, There’s a
melody that greets Listening ears of fairest angels, And they hasten on their way To the throne to tell of
music That God’s faithful workers play.

2
Not the music of famed choirs Or the orchestra or band,
Nor the music of grand concerts Or great artists of the land; But the music of the doorbells. Can’t you hear
the chorus swell As from door to door God’s servants The great advent story tell?

3
Doorbell music! You will hear it In the midst of summer’s heat. Doorbell music! Still is playing In
midwinter’s cold and sleet. Faithful messengers of heaven, Hand in hand with angels go Right on ringing,
ringing doorbells, Precious seeds of truth to sow.

4
Into every home and office And apartment on each street, Over every dusty roadway, Tread the faithful
workers’ feet; Over mountain, over hillside, Into every vale and glen, Searching not earth’s fame or riches
Searching but for souls of men.

5
Operation Doorbell Music! How it thrills the faithful heart just to be a doorbell ringer just to know he has a
part Giving “wings” to truth-filled pages, Telling souls of Jesus’ love, Bringing hope to the discouraged,
Pointing souls to heaven above.

6
Ah, I’m sure in yonder city, When we reach the other side, There will be no need of doorbells. Pearly gates
will open wide To receive the faithful workers With the souls that they have won Playing faithful doorbell
music Till God’s work on earth was done.

Adapted from a poem by Isobel J. Hansen.

4. Through Long Centuries

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not

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heir lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11.

THE history of the church of Christ is written with the blood of the martyrs. This is to be
expected, for the Master not only shed His blood to make possible the divine plan of salvation, but He
predicted, 1f they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” Those who have substituted human
tradition for divine precepts, and whose spirit is contrary to that of the Lord Jesus, will naturally seek to
suppress the church. The proclamation of the gospel message disseminates the light which brings to view
the hidden works of darkness. Also, as in the case of Cain, the witness and testimony of the life of a true
follower of Christ reproves by comparison the selfish, evil life of one who does not practice righteousness.
So it has been, and so it will be. The path which Christ’s followers tread is the path of suffering
and persecution. The nearer the church approximates the world in character and conduct, the less the
opposition. Conversely, the closer the church comes to the divine pattern and follows the divine blueprint,
the stronger the opposition and persecution by the world and the false religious bodies which seek its
friendship.
We understand, of course, that it is the great arch rebel who is behind all this opposition. But all
types of agencies seem to serve this purpose. As a matter of fact, anyone or any organization which does
not closely follow the counsel of God’s word will be used by Satan to further his designs against the church
of God. It was the Jewish people, to whom had been entrusted the oracles of God, who were responsible for
the death of the Savior. They had the Scriptures of truth, but they failed to be sanctified by obedience to
them.
The fires of persecution against the early church were kindled on the altars of paganism. The new
religion of Jesus Christ, if permitted to spread, would destroy those pagan altars and the accompanying
system of priesthood which invariably dominates paganism. This is evident in the modern system of
Hinduism. Great evils, which modesty causes us to refrain from mentioning, are practiced and advocated by
the Brahman priests. How universally and how strongly has Christianity been opposed in India; all because
the truths of the gospel would soon bring to light the evils of the temple worship, the superstition, the
idolatry, and the vices now being practiced!
A young Indian woman accepted the story of Jesus. Because of instructions from the priest her
loved ones no longer permitted her to come back to her own home and village. They were afraid that
certain calamities would befall her village. The real reason for the general ostracism and boycott of
Christians is apparent. If they come to live among their old heathen acquaintances and relatives, there
would soon be others who would leave the worship of the gods of wood and stone. This in turn would
cause a diminution in the income and prestige of the priests.
Where false religions have succeeded in dominating the state, persecution has been of greater
severity both in nature and extent. This is so in Catholic countries today. Often the pattern has been the
same: first, a vicious attack is made upon the courageous, godly leadership of the church, and then follow
the sanctions against the general body.
In the time of the “early” church strong efforts were made to wipe out its leadership. First there
occurred the imprisonment of Peter, John, Paul, and others, and then the loss of life by most of these noble
men. The church in general did not escape. By hundreds the members sealed their testimony with their
blood. We shall not here deal with the various methods of persecution used, but pause to study the ways in
which opposition was fostered and public sentiment created to effect these persecutions. A study of the
lives of such men as Nero and his successors on the throne of the Roman Empire is informative, for the
methods they used have been used by the Catholic Church in the Dark Ages and are still used today by
Catholicism, communism, and other opponents of the truth.
Despite the fact that their lives amply testified to the contrary, Nero charged the followers of
Christ with the responsibility for the most atrocious and inhuman crimes being committed. Although it was
quite commonly known who was perpetrating these crimes, each one was made the occasion for an attack
upon some innocent Christian or Christian community. Failures in battles, the occurrence of epidemics,
earthquakes, and storms, were attributed to the “wrath of the gods” because of the presence and religious
practices of Christians. They were also charged with rebellion and sedition against the government.
History repeats itself. These same methods were used by papal Rome during medieval times and
will be used again by the powers which unite to oppose the truth in these last days.
Failures in battles, national calamities, and economic instability will be charged against the
remnant church. A misunderstanding of our position of non combating will constantly be misconstrued,
deliberately or ignorantly, as manifesting a lack of patriotism. A failure to comply with Sunday-legislation

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requirements and the opposition of the church to religious legislation in general will be represented as
unwillingness to seek the welfare of the community and the state. Perhaps the most subtle and most
difficult persecution to endure will be that in which false religious leaders represent the members of the true
church as being the foes or opponents of the gospel of Christ.
As we face the prospect of persecution, we may be tempted to be fearful. But the story of the
people of God during the Dark Ages will bring us great encouragement. The divine preservation of the
church and the truth inspire one with the presence of an overruling Providence.
For the prophetic picture of that period we turn to the twelfth chapter of the Revelation. Here it is
disclosed that the church “fled into the wilderness, where she had a place prepared of God, that they should
feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.” As the church then found refuge in mountain
caves and dens, so we of the remnant church will find a place prepared for us. God assures us that our bread
and water will be sure. It is worthy of note that the church was nourished for the same length of time as the
“beast” had “power” a time, times, and half a time.
Those who “wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth” “obtained
a good report through faith.” Hebrews 11:38,39. That which caused them to endure without murmur or
complaint was the unseen presence of their Savior and the wonderful recompense of the reward. Yes, they
counted the eternal joys and pleasures at God’s right hand worth anything they might have to suffer here.
They constantly gazed upon the cross of Calvary and permitted that matchless love to kindle in their hearts
an undying love for Him who gave Himself for them.
“There were Waldenses who denied the supremacy of Rome, who rejected image worship as
idolatry, and who kept the true Sabbath. Under the fiercest tempests of opposition they maintained their
faith. Though gashed by the Savoyard spear, and scorched by the Romish fagot, they stood unflinchingly
for God’s word and His honor.” - The Great Controversy, pages 65, 66. They demonstrated that God is able
to give us strength to be faithful unto death if need be. When thousands, yea, millions, give their lives for
national causes, shall the children of God abandon the faith for fear of physical pain and death?

The Truth During the Dark Ages

The true church is the depository of truth. Unto it are “committed the oracles of God.” In 1
Timothy 3:15 the apostle Paul calls it “the pillar and ground of the truth.” To find the truth we must find the
true church, and if we find the truth it will lead us to unite with the true church. Since truth and the true
church are virtually inseparable, it has always been the purpose of all false systems of religion to destroy
the church when brought face to face with its activities.
The Roman Empire sought to destroy the early church, and when pagan Rome yielded to papal
Rome, the latter sought also to destroy the church and to obliterate the truth. Speaking of the papacy as the
little-horn power in the eighth chapter of his book, Daniel states in verse 10 that it cast some of the “host,”
the people of God, to the ground and stamped upon them, and in verse 12 he states that “it cast down the
truth to the ground.”
From The Great Controversy, page 55, we quote in comment how the truth was perverted and
suppressed! “The ascension of the Roman Church to power marked the beginning of the Dark Ages. As her
power increased, the darkness deepened. Faith was transferred from Christ, the true foundation, to the pope
of Rome. Instead of trusting in the Son of God for forgiveness of sins and for eternal salvation, the people
looked to the pope, and to the priests and prelates to whom he delegated authority. They were taught that
the pope was their earthly mediator, and that none could approach God except through him.”
This same church freely admits the methods it used to rapidly extend its power and to secure a
large number of adherents. From an article in the Catholic World, March, 1894, we quote from William L.
Gildea, D.D.: “The church took the pagan philosophy and made it the buckler of faith against the heathen.
She took the pagan Rome pantheon temple of all the gods and made it sacred to all the martyrs; so it stands
to this day. She took the pagan Sunday, and made it the Christian Sunday.” Polydore Virgil, a celebrated
Catholic historian, writes, “The church has taken many customs from the religion of the Romans and other
pagans, but has rendered them better and employed them to a better use.”-Poly. Virg., Library 5, Chapter 1.
“Little by little, at first in stealth and silence, and then more openly as it increased in strength and
gained control of the minds of men, the mystery of iniquity carried forward its deceptive and blasphemous
work. Almost imperceptibly the customs of paganism found their way into the Christian church. The spirit
of compromise and conformity was restrained for a time by the fierce persecutions which the church
endured under paganism. But as persecution ceased, and Christianity entered the courts and palaces of
kings, she laid aside the humble simplicity of Christ and His apostles for the pomp and pride of pagan

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priests and rulers; and in place of the requirements of God, she substituted human theories and traditions.
And the world, cloaked with the form of righteousness, walked into the church.” - The Great Controversy,
pages 49, 50.
“This compromise between paganism and Christianity resulted in the development of the ‘Man of
sin’ foretold in prophecy as opposing and exalting himself above God. That gigantic system of false
religion is a masterpiece of Satan’s power.”-Ibid., Page 50.
From the above it is easy to see the origin of so many of the practices and doctrines of the Catholic
church. We mention a few of the truths of God’s word, and in the parallel column we list the corresponding
perversion or counterfeit.

Mediation work of Christ. 1 John 11, 2.

The false mediation work of priests.

The forgiveness of sin by God. Acts 4:12.

The false claim to forgiveness by the priests.

Baptism by immersion. Ephesians 4:5.

Sprinkling.

The true Lord’s Supper.

The false mass.

The true Sabbath.

The false Sunday. Daniel 7:25.

The Bible teaching that the dead know not anything.

The dead go to purgatory, from whence human effort can extricate them.

It must not be concluded, however, that this great “Masterpiece of Satan’s power” is unable to
adapt itself to modern concepts. It has not only absorbed and “baptized” ancient pagan customs, rites, and
idols, but by a religion of externals, by its pomp and ceremony, it has a seductive and bewitching power.
And it is now being demonstrated, especially through the efforts of the scholarly Jesuits, that Catholicism
can make its appeal to the modern educated mind. Stealthily she is bringing Protestants to feel that she, too,
is “a Christian church,” and that, after all, the difference is not so great, nor the ancient fear of her too well
founded. But ultimately it will be seen that in principle Rome never changes. All who fail to comply with
her requirements are heretics and worthy of the severest penalties. These will be inflicted according to her
political standing. Where she has succeeded in controlling the state, she will use its strong arm to the fullest
extent. Where this is not yet possible, craft will be brought to bear against the progress of her opponents.
She has always sought through the ages to unite church and state (Revelation 18:9; 17:2, 3) and to bring
“arms” to bear on her side. She has not changed one iota in this modern age from this principle. This, too, is
in direct opposition to the Bible teaching of the separation of church and state.
Later in this volume we shall consider in greater detail her special efforts in substituting Sunday
sacredness for the Bible Sabbath. Here we draw attention to the fact that she stealthily encourages apostate
Protestantism in its efforts to enforce Sunday sacredness, recognizing what apostate Protestantism
apparently fails to recognize, that all such endeavors but increase the power and prestige of the Papacy.
Unwittingly the popular Protestant churches make themselves obligated to Rome, for Sunday owes its false
sacredness to the decrees of the Roman See.
But whatever the perversion of truth, regardless of how widespread its acceptance, there is only
one position the true child of God can take. Speaking to the church of the Dark Ages under the name
“Thyatira,” the Lord Jesus admonishes that church to “hold fast” the truths which they already had. Surely
in the coming conflict when political pressure, scholastic sophistries, and public sentiment combine with
satanic miracles to distort the truth, this same counsel is timely to the remnant church.
How thrilling and inspiring to read the historic record of men of God in the Dark Ages who held
fast the truths of God’s word!
The Waldenses in northern Italy and in the Alps are an outstanding example of those who
preserved alive a faith founded on the word of God. It is true that they denied the supremacy of Rome and

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rejected idolatry in the form of image worship. But it is not generally known that their separation from
Rome and their most severe persecutions came because they were determined not to transgress the law of
God by breaking the true Sabbath. The papacy demanded not only that Sunday be hallowed, but that God’s
true Sabbath be profaned. In the rocky fastness of the Alps for a thousand years they held fast the faith once
delivered to the saints.
The Waldenses were not content to preserve the truth. They understood that God requires of His
people more than a steadfast adherence to the truth. Although they did it at the risk of their lives, they found
missionary avenues for proclaiming the gospel. As merchants and peddlers they secretly carried with them
portions of the word of God, which they themselves had translated into the language of the common
people. Nor did they feel that their task was completed when they had visited the villages and cities at the
foot of their mountain homes. Carrying merchandise from distant lands, they also offered the pearl of great
price to the larger cities and to foreign lands. God abundantly blessed their efforts, raising up churches
along the bloodstained road they traveled.

The Nature of the Great Apostasy

We have already referred briefly to the nature of the great apostasy of the Dark Ages. This has
been done in referring to its efforts to suppress and pervert truth. Here we add a few thoughts drawn from
the message to the church of Thyatira. In Revelation 2:20 we find this great apostasy referred to as Jezebel,
and of her it is said she “calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My, servants to commit
fornication [spiritual unfaithfulness], and to cat things sacrificed unto idols.”
When we turn to the Scriptural record of Jezebel we discover that among the many evils she
introduced into Israel perhaps three are more significant than others. Through her husband’s influence she
introduced the pagan worship of the god Baal. 1 Kings 16:31. In order to make this worship effective, false
prophets replaced the prophets of the true God, who were slain. 1 Kings 18:19, 13. Finally the altars of the
true God were broken down and pagan altars erected in their places. Verse 30.
It should be clearly observed that Jezebel poses as a “prophetess.” It is under the guise of religion
that Satan especially seeks to counteract the truth. A false priesthood, a false system of doctrines, and a
false ritual all combine to “seduce” men and women into spiritual infidelity.
The head of the Catholic Church permits the title, “Lord God the Pope.” The wafer “‘blessed” by
priests is supposed to become the actual body of Christ and is worshiped as divine. Following Jezebel’s
procedure after introducing a false god, we find a priesthood introduced which by its methods and claims
nullifies the mediation priesthood of Jesus and substitutes an earthly system of altars for the work in the
heavenly sanctuary.

All the World Wonders After the Beast

The Reformation struck t he papal system a “deadly wound.” But prophecy predicted that one of
the heads of Satan which was “as it were wounded to death” would be “healed: and all the world wondered
after the beast.” Revelation 13:1 With stealthy strides the Roman Church has been coming back into power.
-The concordat between Mussolini and the Vatican aided greatly in this move. The public press reported
that a billion lire was paid by the Italian state to compensate the Vatican for its “losses” during the years
preceding the concordat. Many historians are agreed that the papacy emerged with many advantages out of
World War I. Despite the innumerable evidences of her “double” diplomacy she is now a stronger church-
state than when World War II began. Volumes such as The Vatican in World Politics by Avro Manhattan,
and American Freedom and Catholic Power by Paul Blanshard are filled with documentary proof of her
double-crossing the democratic nations, yet she gains in prestige. The English author Macaulay, writing
many years ago regarding her diplomacy, stated, “The experience of twelve hundred eventful years, the
ingenuity and patient care of forty generations of statesmen, have improved that polity to such perfection
that, among the contrivances which have been devised for deceiving and oppressing mankind, it occupies
the highest place.” Through gigantic eucharistic congresses, through a very skillful manipulation of the
public press and widely read magazines, and through strong political pressure upon her adherents at
election periods she steadily but surely brings the world to wonder after her. Editorial committees working
on the revision of public-school textbooks are being influenced by her to place her in a more favorable
light. Now she poses as a champion of religion and liberty against the rising tide of communism. How
remarkable for a power which almost completely parallels communism in its methods and aims, to be
presented before the world as a champion of religious liberty! Truly has the Scripture written, “Who is like

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unto the beast?”

A Dangerous Blow Dealt the Church

There is still another important factor in the study of apostasy which is often overlooked. It enters
vitally into our study of the finishing of God’s work on the earth. We have noted that the gospel
commission was given not only to the apostles, but also to the whole church. Not long after the apostasy
developed, the leadership of the Catholic Church propounded a doctrine contrary to the spirit and teachings
of Jesus regarding the work of the whole church. In Mark 13:34 the Savior stated that upon His departure to
heaven He gave “to every man his work.” We have observed that the task is so large, the field so extensive,
and the time so short that every sanctified heart and every consecrated resource should be devoted to the
accomplishment of the God given task.
The Catholic Church, however, contends that only its priesthood is qualified to study, understand,
and dispense the bread of life. It took the “witnessing” out of the hands of the whole church and
concentrated it in the hands of the priesthood. One Christian writer concludes that this was one of the most
serious blows ever dealt the church. As time went on, the source of light and truth, the word of God, was
completely withheld from the laity. They were considered unqualified to study the Book for themselves and
incompetent to pass on its truths to others. The church came to be divided into two watertight
compartments-the clergy on one, hand and the laity on the other. Soon this strong line of demarcation
produced a hierarchy with dictatorial powers so pronounced as to leave the church impotent in spiritual
matters.
There is a definite place and a proper respect for the ministry of the church. It is God who has
placed such a gift in the church. We read that the church “has a divinely appointed ministry.” Testimonies
to Ministers, page 52. The apostle in Hebrews 13:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:13 admonishes the church to
“obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves,” and “ to esteem them very highly in love
for their work’s sake.” But this does not warrant, on the one hand, letting a priesthood take the place of
God, and, on the other, abandoning the blessed right and privilege of every believer to proclaim the gospel.

Relationship Between Pastor and People

This naturally leads to the questions, What, then, is the proper relationship of the laity to the
ministry? and, What are the relative duties and responsibilities of each? Every organization that functions
efficiently must have leadership. In the financial world, bankers lead out. In the educational realm, teachers
and professors guide the program. In the church, God has placed the ministry in the position of leadership.
The Lord admonished them not to be like the princes of the Gentiles who “exercise dominion over them....
It shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.” Matthew
20:25, 26. In the kingdom of Christ the fundamental principle of relationship is found in the words, “One is
your Master, even Christ; and all you are brethren.”
One must not conclude that the ministry does not have the powers of guidance, direction, and
instruction in the church. The life of the early church clearly indicates the “authority” exercised by the
apostles and the council at Jerusalem. That which makes the difference between leadership in the church
and in the world is the spirit of that leadership. In the world it is the desire for domination; in the church it
is loving service.
The pastor in a church has been compared to a foreman. Among his many duties in the church he
is to instruct the members how to labor, how to win souls, and how to carry forward the work that falls to
local church officers. The pastor should not do all the work in the church, but with the church board assign
work, train, and then supervise. He should not be superintendent, missionary leader, and church clerk. Nor
should he do the work of other officers, especially the work of the elders, deacons, and Dorcas Society with
reference to the needy poor in the church. He should leave himself free to spend most of his time in
working for souls, and the church should say to him, “We will attend to these local church duties and assure
you that they will be faithfully carried out.” Once more we point out that this does not authorize local
church officers to make major decisions without the approval and consultation of the pastor or district
leader. It means that the execution of details, after the plans have been laid under the direction of the pastor
and church board, should be carried out by local officers and church members.
From the pages of the spirit of prophecy we cite a few pertinent quotations which define the work
of the pastor as pertaining to the church.
“The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our

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church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers.” -
Gospel Workers, Page 352.
“Ministers should not do the work which belongs to the church, thus wearying themselves, and
preventing others from performing their duty. They should teach the members how to labor in the church
and in the community.” - Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, Page
291.
“The best help that ministers can give the members of our churches is not sermonizing, but
planning work for them.” - Testimonies, Volume 9, Page 82.
“Let ministers teach church members that in order to grow in spirituality, they must carry the
burden that the Lord has laid upon them-the burden of leading souls into the truth. Those who are not
fulfilling their responsibility should be visited, prayed with, labored for. Do not lead people to depend upon
you as ministers; teach them rather that they are to use their talents in giving the truth to those around them.
In thus working they will have the co-operation of heavenly angels, and will obtain an experience that will
increase their faith, and give them a strong hold on God.”-Gospel Workers, page 200.
1n laboring where there are already some in the faith, the minister should at first seek not so much-
to convert unbelievers, as to train the church members for acceptable co-operation. Let him labor for them
individually, endeavoring to arouse them to seek for a deeper experience themselves, and to work for
others. When they are prepared to sustain the minister by their prayers and labors, greater success will
attend his efforts” -Ibid., Page 196.
“If pastors would give more attention to getting and keeping their flock actively engaged at work,
they would accomplish more good, have more time for study and religious visiting, and also avoid many
causes of friction.” - Ibid., Page 198.
“It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of soul saving depends alone upon the ministry.”-
The Acts of the Apostles, page 110.
A great work remains to be accomplished in the church of God. We may reject the false baptism,
the counterfeit Sabbath, and other false doctrines of Babylon. But the reformation is not complete until the
whole church accepts the responsibility and privilege of carrying out the gospel commission.

God’s Care for the Truth and His Church

We have been studying how the adversary of souls has sought through long ages to pollute the
truth and destroy the church. The church of Thyatira was the church addressed during the years of papal
supremacy. The church of Sardis followed Thyatira and is usually assigned the date AD 1798-1840. In
addressing this latter church the Lord admonished, “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain.”
Satan did not succeed either in completely obliterating the truth or in exterminating the true church. “The
papal power sought to hide from the people the word of truth, and set before them false witnesses to
contradict its testimony. When the Bible was proscribed by religious and secular authority; when its
testimony was perverted, and every effort made that men and demons could invent to turn the minds Of the
people from it; when those who dared proclaim its sacred truths were hunted, betrayed, tortured, buried in
dungeon cells, martyred for their faith, or compelled to flee to mountain fastness, and to dens and caves of
the earth,-then the faithful witnesses prophesied in sackcloth. Yet they continued their testimony
throughout the entire period of 1260 years. In the darkest times there were faithful men who loved God’s
word, and were jealous for His honor.” - The Great Controversy, page 267.
The work of John Wycliffe is a good example of how God guards His truth and its messengers.
Completely separated from the Waldenses, his study of the word of God led him to see the necessity of
freeing men from the intellectual bondage imposed by Rome, and of helping them to realize that in matters
that pertain to the conscience it was man’s supreme duty to be true to God, despite the infallible authority
claimed by the papacy.
At the time when his early labors might have been silenced by Rome, he was appointed a royal
ambassador. So well did he discharge his commission that upon his return from the Netherlands he was
given charge of a large church. Thus under royal protection, he was enabled for a time to develop his work.
This position also opened to him the halls of the University of Oxford. In one way or another divine
Providence shielded him until his great work was accomplished. The Morning Star of the Reformation gave
to the world the Bible in the language of the common people. More than this, God shielded its circulation
long enough so that the seeds for a great reformation were sown.
Even Wycliffe’s trials were made marvelous opportunities for the exposure of falsehood and the
proclamation of Bible truths. When Wycliffe was confronted with the threat of death, he could say, “Why

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do you talk of seeking the crown of martyrdom afar? Preach the gospel of Christ to haughty prelates, and
martyrdom will not fail you. What! I should live and be silent? Never! Let the blow fall, I await its
coming.”

Truth Proclaimed Through Persecution

The life of John Huss bears testimony to the truth that the wrath of men shall praise God. His
public trials, his appearance before the special council at Constance, his opportunity to answer to the
charges brought against him, all spread abroad the knowledge of the truths he possessed. Persecution in one
place often only caused the messenger of God to bring light and truth to another. How marvelous the
courage and Christian fortitude God granted these messengers of His! In his prison cell, fettered by heavy
chains placed upon him in spite of fair promises to the contrary, Huss wrote, I write this letter, in my
prison, and with my fettered hand, expecting my sentence of death tomorrow. When, with the assistance of
Jesus Christ, we shall again meet in the delicious peace of the future life, you will learn how merciful God
has shown Himself toward me, how effectively He has supported me in the midst of my temptations and
trials.” When the fires were about to be lighted at the stake to which he was tied, he was urged to save
himself by renouncing his faith. With Christ like courage his words inspire our hearts with faithfulness to
God: “I call God to witness that all that I have written and preached has been with the view of rescuing
souls from sin and perdition; and, therefore, most joyfully will I confirm with my blood that truth which I
have written and preached.” As the flames leaped around him, his voice was raised in song, “Jesus, Thou
Son of David, have mercy on me.”
Well would it be if the people of God reread the lives of God’s faithful witnesses during the Dark
Ages. Of Jerome and Luther, Zwingli and Lefevre, Calvin and Knox, we cannot write much in the compass
of this volume. But The Great Controversy, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, Youthful Witnesses, Stories of the
Reformation, Scottish Heroes, and other volumes will mean much to God’s people if from the lives of these
men of God a great threefold assurance comes to us. We should gain, first, the reality of a divine presence
and sustaining grace, and, second, the deep conviction that what we have is a truth more precious than gold
or our earthly life. And, finally, in the hour of trial the promise is assured, “There bath no temptation taken
you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that
you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1
Corinthians 10: 13.
Yes, these men of God tenaciously held to the teachings of the word of God. A living faith in
Jesus sustained them, and even as they laid down their lives they were conscious that others must come to
know and receive what they had. They proclaimed it in life, and Latimer’s dying words reveal how they
were glad to proclaim it in death. “Be of good comfort: we shall this day light such a cat-idle, by God’s
grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.”

The Remnant Church Emerges in the United States

The story of the persecutions of the Dark Ages closes with a still more wonderful revelation of an
overruling Providence. Infinite wisdom discerned that in the last days Europe would be filled with political
confusion. It would also be in an unstable financial condition. This state of affairs would make it difficult
for it to be the great home base from which the final message might be given to the world. When, therefore,
the tide of persecution seemed once more about to engulf the true people of God, Divine Providence
directed the steps of the persecuted to the shores of the newly discovered continent.
During the Dark Ages the church was in the wilderness. Revelation 12:16. What an appropriate
description of the Waldenses, the Huguenots, and other faithful witnesses living in the barren and isolated
places of Europe! The prophecy points out that at the end of that period “the serpent cast out of his mouth
water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth
helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out
of his mouth.” Verses 15, 16.
In the Scriptures the passing of God’s people through floods and waters represents their passing
through trials and tribulations. Isaiah 43:2. Students of prophecy are agreed that when in the above passage
from the Revelation the statement is made that the “earth” helped the woman and swallowed up the flood, it
refers to the relief from persecution provided by the coming to America of those who were persecuted in
the Old World. The term “earth” of Revelation 12:16; 13:11 is used in contrast to the “sea,” where the
papacy rules. Revelation 13:1; 17:15. Of course the woman persecuted by the dragon must be the true

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church of God.
In order, therefore, to find the true people of God emerging from the “wilderness experience,” we
must seek them in the New World. The next verse clearly identifies them by stating that they “keep the
commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17.
In coming to the United States the Pilgrims were seeking to find relief from persecution. “God had
permitted trials to come upon His people to prepare them for the accomplishment of His gracious purpose
toward them. The church had been brought low, that she might be exalted. God was about to display His
power in her behalf, to give the world another evidence that He will not forsake those who trust in Him. He
had overruled events to cause the wrath of Satan and the plots of evil men to advance His glory, and to
bring His people to a place of security. Persecution and exile were opening the way to freedom.
“When first constrained to separate from the English Church, the Puritans had joined themselves
together by a solemn covenant, as the Lord’s free people, ‘to walk together in all His ways made known or
to be made known to them.’ Here was the true spirit of reform, the vital principle of Protestantism. It was
with this purpose that the Pilgrims departed from Holland to find a home in the New World.” - The Great
Controversy, Page 291.
No wonder that with such a spirit, God revealed to their descendants other features of truth,
including the Sabbath and the testimony of Jesus. For us who live today, what a glorious thought! Their
escape from persecution was America. Our escape in this last generation will be the eternal city.

“THE LAST HOUR”

The sunset burns across the sky;

Upon the air its warning cry
The curfew tolls from tower to tower.
O children, it is the last, last hour!

The work that centuries might have done

Must crowd the hour of setting sun,
And through all lands the saving Name
You must, in fervent haste, proclaim.

The fields are white to harvest. Weep,

O tardy workers, as you reap,
For wasted hours that might have won
Rich harvests ere the set of sun.

We hear His footsteps on the way!

Oh, work while it is called today,
Constrained by love, endued with power,
O children, in this last, last hour.
CLARA THWAITES

5. The Gospel Message For Today

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that
dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear
God, and give glory to Him. For the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven,
and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is
fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her
fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with, a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and
his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath
of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation. And he shall be tormented
with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke

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of their torment ascended up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast
and his image, and whosoever received the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are
they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:6-12.

THE Bible clearly teaches that God by His Holy Spirit selects, prepares, and directs chosen
messengers for carrying forward the great movements of His work on earth. When the hands of God’s
prophetic clock pointed to the hour for the emergence of the remnant church, she came into action
unmistakably identified. But what is of equal significance and wonder is that nearly two thousand years ago
the Lord outlined her work for these last days. With an even greater certainty than that with which John the
Baptist pointed to His mission in the prophecies, the remnant people can confidently state, “Here are the
messages which God has instructed His church to bear to the world today, and here are the divine
credentials for the work.” Located as they are in the Revelation, chapter 14, preceding the description of the
second advent of Jesus, these messages constitute God’s last warning and His last earnest appeal to the
world before its final destruction. In the preceding chapters worldly kingdoms and apostate churches have
been symbolized by ferocious and dreadful beasts. But when God sought to prefigure His last-day church,
He chose the symbol of an angel. “By the purity, the glory, and the power of the heavenly messenger,
divine wisdom has been pleased to represent the exalted character of the work to be accomplished by the
message, and the power and glory that were to attend it.” - The Great Controversy, Page 355. The word
“angel” comes from the Creek angelos, meaning “messenger.”
Three messages have been prophetically recorded under the symbol of three angels flying “in the
midst of heaven.” Not only is the symbol significant, but the metaphor of flight is undoubtedly used to
indicate both the urgency and the speed with which these messages must be communicated to “them that
dwell on the earth.”

The First Angel’s Message

The first angel is pictured as “Having the everlasting gospel.” Since this proclamation of the
gospel immediately precedes the Second Coming of Jesus (Revelation 14:14), there can be no doubt that it
is the same work outlined by Jesus in Matthew 24:14. In the Revelation we are told that it will be preached
to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; and in Matthew, Jesus states that it will he preached to all the
world, for a witness unto all nations. In the Revelation the scene which follows the giving of these
messages is the second advent; in Matthew it is, “Then shall the end come.” Arresting thought! Not atom
bombs nor United Nations, not great generals, nor a worldly plan for peace, will bring an end to the reign of
sorrow, suffering, crime, and death. On the remnant church hangs the destiny of the world. When she
completes her divinely appointed task, ~i then shall the end come,” and not until then.
God’s people should have clear views of their work and their divinely given messages. What we
carry to the world is not merely a phase of truth. The first angel bears the everlasting gospel. It has been
pointed out that the gospel is the good news that Jesus saves from sin. “Sin is the transgression of the law.”
1 John 3:4. Therefore the gospel is the good news that Jesus saves from the transgression of the law. Since
where there is no law there is no .sin (Romans 4:15), if God’s law were done away with-abrogated-there
would be no sin, and if no sin, no need of a Savior. The popular churches, therefore, in rejecting the binding
claims of the law of God are virtually denying the need of the gospel and the Savior. In this connection our
own people should learn how to place the law of God in its true light. We commend to the study of the
reader three important points.
First, the law must be divine, infallible, and eternal. If this were not so, then Jesus need not have
died upon Calvary’s cross. If the law could have been abolished, or if it could have been found faulty, or if
it was not divine, then Jesus need not have paid the penalty. But the eternal nature of the law demanded a
penalty for its transgression, showing that it had not come to an end. It was infallible, holy, and perfect. If it
were not, its claims could have been evaded. It was divine, for it required nothing short of the death of the
Son of God to meet its requirements.
Second, because the law works wrath, it is not therefore undesirable. What would our city or
nation be without laws? Would we want the law against burglary or banditry or abduction to be revoked
and removed from our statute books? If broken, those laws call for severe penalties. They work wrath. But
because they thus deal with transgressors, should they be removed?
Finally, the law of God was ordained to life. Romans 7:10. God’s purpose was the preservation,
the happiness, the well-being of His creatures. Without that law this blissful state can never be
accomplished. The Ten Commandment law is the epitome or essence of love. Romans 13:10.

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These messages also call for obedience to the law of God. It is essential that under all
circumstances and in every land monuments of God’s saving grace be found and demonstrations of
obedience to His law be brought forth. Only thus can the righteous character of the law and consequently of
the Lawgiver be vindicated and placed beyond all question, for all time. In heathen Africa, in the Catholic
lands of Europe and of South America, in China, in India, in the islands of the sea, and in all the dark
corners of the earth, God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the
darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to His law.” -
Prophets and Kings, page 189.
The first angel’s message opens with a call to “Fear God, and give glory to Him.” Undoubtedly the
absence of the fear of God and the widespread disregard of His presence and requirements are’ responsible
for the terrible situation in the world. When the fear of God is lost, the last great barrier to sin in all its
forms is removed. Not only infidelity, but blasphemy and a host of kindred evils follow. We give glory to
God when by our lives we glorify Him. See Testimonies, Volume 3, Page 139.
As an added reason for fearing God and giving glory to Him, our attention is called to the
judgment now in progress. “For the hour of His judgment is come.” What a sobering influence the
consciousness of a case pending against us in a human court has upon us! How much more sobering should
be the knowledge that we-have a case pending in the courts above; a court already in session, and our cases
either already in review or about to be called! We shall leave the proof of the time of the judgment hour to
others. We shall only state here that, since it commenced in 1844, there is every indication that the work of
the heavenly tribunal on the lives of those of “the house of God” nears its completion. Now is the time to
place our individual cases in the hands of man’s only Mediator and Advocate. We have no time to lose.
Today is the day of salvation.
A study of the judgment and the sanctuary, in type and anti type, is also beyond the limits of this
brief study; but God’s people should have a clear understanding of this important subject, especially as they
come to realize that we are living in the great antitypical day of atonement. “All need a knowledge for them
selves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise, it will be impossible for them to
exercise the faith which is essential at this time, or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill.” -
The Great Controversy, Page 488.
Undoubtedly the words stating that these angels speak “with a loud voice” mean that they
emphasize certain truths and divine announcements. The last great announcement to be made by the first
angel is to “worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Revelation
14:7. If there is one truth more than another that the evil one has sought to obscure, it is the creator ship of
God. By the teachings of evolution and modernism in certain lands, and the widespread prevalence of
idolatry in others, he seeks to accomplish his purpose.
The wonderful applicability of this message to the present generation becomes apparent when we
consider the widespread acceptance of the speculative theories of evolution, a science falsely so called.
Nearly the entire educated world has through the acceptance of this theory rejected the Biblical record of a
divine creation. To accept the theory that man has evolved from lower orders of animal life and is therefore
a “creature of circumstance” not responsible or accountable for his actions, is to deny the creation of man
as an intelligent, free, moral agent. To do this is to destroy the Biblical teaching of the origin of sin and to
make of none effect the cross of Calvary and the whole plan of salvation. Though the more recent theory
that man and ape are both descended from a common ancestor is accepted by a vast majority, the fact
remains that evolution is diametrically opposed to Bible creation. How encouraging to note that, with each
passing day, nature yields new evidence both of creation and of the Flood! The fabled missing link is still
vainly sought for, and rock and fossil call loudly to those who will guide their study by the word of God, to
“worship Him that made heaven, and earth.”

Creation Versus Evolution

There is no need for us to be apologetic regarding the Bible story of creation. At one time while I
was visiting the museum in beautiful Yosemite National Park, a naturalist ranger, who had also been a
university professor, was lecturing on the “Origin of Yosemite Valley,” and he used a model to illustrate
his remarks. In brief this is what he said:
“Millions of years ago the earth was but a gaseous mass. As time went on, a cooling process
resulted, and finally a crust formed on the mass. This cooling process has been steadily going forward for
millions of years. As the cooling process continued, great fissures came on the surface of the earth.
Hundreds of millions of years ago it was covered with ice. We call those periods ‘glacial periods.’ We have

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in Yosemite Valley on the face of EI Capitan [a massive rock] unmistakable evidences of three glacial
periods. Each left glacial polish behind. He pointed to three streaks near the top of the rock.] These glaciers,
forcing their way down the original fissure, formed Yosemite Valley.”
The talk seemed quite conclusive and on the surface reasonable. I followed the ranger to the
office. “Do you have a moment or two? I should like to ask you a few questions.”
“Certainly, we are always glad to answer questions.”
“Are the scientists agreed that the earth has been steadily cooling for millions of years and that the
cooling process is still going on?”
“Yes, that is the generally accepted view.”
“Is it true that we have had three glacial periods?”
“The marks of glacial polish on El Capitan are quite conclusive.”
“Then, ranger, if the earth is steadily cooling and we have been thrice covered with ice, why are
we not frozen stiff today?”
“I never thought of that.”
A conversation followed. I explained the Bible views of creation and the Flood, He requested
literature. Later, when he returned to me one of Professor McCready Price’s books which he had read, this
was the statement which accompanied it: “We scientists will have to restudy some of our views.”
Let us ask two fundamental questions and consider their answers. How did life come on this
planet? The original temperature of the earth, according to most theories, was certainly great enough to
destroy all life. If the elements were hot enough to he in a gaseous form, certainly no life could have
survived. Then how did organic matter come on an inorganic ball? The answer in one textbook recently
used in the colleges of this country is interesting. Unable to find any reasonable explanation, the author
finally said, “We must conclude that somewhere down in the deepest depths of ocean still unexplored the
transition from inorganic to organic matter must take place.” That may be a convenient place to put it, but it
is also denial of the proved scientific proposition that life must antecede life. Every jar of fruit a good
housewife hermetically seals says, “No that cannot be.”
What about the origin of species? All we need to state here is that honest evolutionists themselves
admit that they are only advancing theories. The latest theory that both man and ape came from a common
ancestor has now taken the place of the Darwinian theory that man descended from the ape. Yet that
displaced theory was put forward as sufficient reason to reject the Biblical account.
We have nothing to fear. True science and newly proved discoveries will never contradict the
word of God. On the contrary, recent animal and fish discoveries, geological finds, and the testimony of the
fossils amply support the Bible account of creation and the Flood.
The language of this first message directs our attention to the fourth commandment and the
Sabbath. Since the great memorial of creation is the Sabbath, it becomes the bulwark against evolution and
idolatry. Really, the only tangible way in which a worshiper of the true God can demonstrate his belief in
God as Creator is to keep, from week to week, the memorial of creation in obedience to the divine
command, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
There are three fundamental reasons why a created being should worship the Deity. The first, God
brought us into existence. He made us. We are His possession, and this relationship of creature to Creator is
the foundation of all true worship. See The Great Controversy, page 437. The second, the One who created
is the preserver of life and the giver of all good things. We are therefore dependent upon Him for life and
all things, and should acknowledge with gratitude this dependence by loyalty and obedience. The third, we
should worship the Creator because He redeemed us when we went astray in sin. Our Creator is our
Redeemer, and having purchased us back He has a double claim upon us. How important Sabbath keeping
becomes when viewed in the light of the first angel’s message! Would we know God? Then the keeping of
the Sabbath provides that knowledge. Ezekiel 20:20. Keeping the Sabbath is also the sign of sanctification.
Verse 12. Yet the world would tell us we fall from grace when we obey God.

The Second Angel’s Message

Following the announcement of God’s great gospel truths for these last days, the remnant church
is to bear to the world a second pronouncement, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she
made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Here is brought to view the great
apostasy which will seek to oppose and counteract the truth of God. Dealing as we are with spiritual and
religious matters, the “fall” here referred to must be a moral or spiritual declension, and since this message
follows the first, it must have a special application after 1844 and not before that year.

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The term “Babylon” now becomes our theme of study, It is first found in Genesis 10:9,10, where
the beginning of Nimrod’s kingdom is called Babel, and the marginal reference explains that “Babylon” is
the Greek word derived from the Hebrew word, “Babel.” The location of this city is given as the plain of
Shinar or the land of the Chaldees on the banks of the river Euphrates. In this first mention of Babylon or
Babel we find present the spirit of rebellion against God. The divine command to men had been to disperse
throughout the earth, to replenish and subdue it; but in opposition to that command - these Babel builders
decided to build a city from which they would rule the world, and erect in it a tower so high as to be safe
from another flood. They thus demonstrated their disbelief in God’s covenant that He would not destroy the
world a second time by water. God showed His disapproval of the project and His disfavor toward their
unbelief by confounding their language and by scattering “them abroad from thence upon the face of all the
earth.” Genesis 11:9, 8. Therefore, Babel or Babylon came to stand for “confusion.”
The kingdom of Babylon reached the height of its power in the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. A study
of the prophecies of Daniel and Jeremiah regarding this monarch and the kingdom of Babylon reveals their
outstanding sins as pride, covetousness, apostasy, drunkenness, disregard of the truth and sacred things.
These brought upon them God’s wrath. “Babylon” was therefore born in the spirit of rebellion, nurtured in
unbelief, and developed in pride, vainglory, and apostasy.
We meet “Babylon” again in Revelation 17. Here she is presented as “the mother of harlots and
abominations of the earth.” Her unfaithfulness to God and departure from the truth earn for her these
undesirable names. She is guilty of spiritual adultery. The identification of this power is most conclusive.
Her location is in the populated Old World. Verse 15. She combines civil and religious authority, and
adherents to her faith are found everywhere. Verse 2. She is guilty of blasphemy. Verse 3. She is
characterized by outward display and riches. Verse 4. She is “drunken with the blood of the saints.” Verse
6. She has for centuries held dominion over the kings of the earth. Verse 18. She is further declared to be
that great city, and she is none other than the papacy.
In the “fall” of the second angel’s message, more than the papacy must be involved. She had
already fallen long before. But Babylon is a “family” name, for the papacy is termed the “mother.” Her
daughters must therefore be those churches which cling to her doctrines and traditions, and following her
commands or example disavow allegiance to the God of heaven, forming an alliance with the world. The
“fall” here, then, must refer to religious bodies that once were sincere and pure and have now become
corrupt by partaking of the wine of Babylon. While apostasy in a degree permeated the Protestant churches
before 1844, it was by their rejection of the judgment hour, the second advent, and the Sabbath messages
that the declension of these churches was most rapid.
Finally, under the symbol of a city divided in three parts the Scriptures reveal Babylon to us as
being comprised of (1) the paganism from which she sprang, (2) Catholicism which absorbed those pagan
ideals, and (3) apostate Protestantism now partaking of Rome’s apostasy. Revelation 16:13, 19. That the
term finally embraces all false and counterfeit religions is found in Revelation 18:24, where “Babylon” is
charged with being guilty of the blood of God’s people covering all time. See Patriarchs and Prophets, page
167. Modern Babylon is “the existing confusion of conflicting creeds and sects,” and “applies to the world-
loving churches of the last days.”-Patriarchs and Prophets, page 124.
It would be well for us to study the sins which comprise the cup of Babylon’s fornication, for the
“fall” is not yet fully complete. Apostasy has not yet developed to the full extent of its defiance against
God, and as yet “all” nations have not become drunken with her wine. The complete fulfillment of
Revelation 18:1-8 is in the immediate future.

The Third Angel’s Message

Having outlined positive truth in the first message and identified and condemned apostasy in the
second, the Lord now proceeds to define clearly the principal issue in the great controversy between Christ
and Satan, between truth and error. If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his
forehead ‘ or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” Revelation 14:9, 10.
This is the most solemn warning found in the pages of Holy Writ. This must of necessity be so, for
it is the last call and warning of God to the inhabitants of earth. The last chance is being offered to mankind
to choose obedience and allegiance to God. The curtain is about to fall on the last act in the human drama,
and the great decree, the fiat which closes human probation, is about to be issued. No wonder, then, that the
warning is couched in the most forceful language and supported by the most dire condemnation. What a
tremendous responsibility rests upon the remnant church, the agency God has chosen, to give this message!
In contrast to those who worship God as Creator we are brought face to face with those who

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worship the beast and his image. The numerous proofs in Revelation 13 identifying this beast as the papacy
cannot be restudied here, -nor is there provision in this chapter to enter into a detailed study of “the image”
to and of the beast. But as the marks identifying the beast are numerous and conclusive, so are also the
proofs that the image to the beast “represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed
when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas.”-
The Great Controversy, page 445. “By this first beast is represented the Roman Church, an ecclesiastical
body clothed with civil power, having authority to punish all dissenters. The image to the beast represents
another religious body clothed with similar power. The formation of this image is the work of that beast
whose peaceful rise and mild professions render it so striking a symbol of the United States. Here is to be
found an image of the papacy.” - The Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, Page 278.
What is the mark of the beast? “John was called to behold a people distinct from those who
worship the beast or his image by keeping the first day of the week. The observance of this day is the mark
of the beast.” - Testimonies to Ministers, page 133. “As the sign of the authority of the Catholic Church,
papist writers cite ‘the very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday, which Protestants allow of; because
by keeping Sunday, they acknowledge the church’s power to ordain feasts, and to command them under
sin.’ What then is the change of the Sabbath, but the sign, or mark, of the authority of the Roman Church-
’the mark of the beast.” - The Great Controversy, page 448.
Well may we inquire, when does an individual receive the mark or image of the beast? One of the
clearest statements is found in The Great Controversy, Page 449: “But when Sunday observance shall be
enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath, then
whoever shall transgress the command of God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of
Rome, will hereby honor popery above God. He is paying homage to Rome, and to the power which
enforces the institution ordained by Rome. He is worshiping the beast and his image. As men then reject the
institution which God has declared to be the sign of His authority, and honor in its stead that which Rome
has chosen as the token of her supremacy, they will thereby accept the sign of allegiance to Rome-‘the
mark of the beast.’ And it is not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they are brought to
choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men, that those who continue in
transgression will receive the mark of the beast.”
No wonder a dire twofold punishment is inflicted on those who thus reject God. They receive the
unmingled wrath of God poured out during the seven last plagues. Daniel 12:1. This is after Christ has
ceased to intercede for man, for it is only then that Cod’s wrath is unmixed with mercy. Ezekiel 9:5,10.
These also receive the final punishment for sin in the “second death.” Surely we ought to appreciate our
wonderful privilege as those to whom the great final warning has been entrusted, and shall we not ourselves
“flee from the wrath to come”? Remember, “The third angel’s message is the gospel message for these last
days.” - Testimonies, Volume 6, Page 241. See also Testimonies, Volume 8, page 197.

God’s Messengers
What a wonderful message has been entrusted to us! Recently a popular magazine contained an
article dealing with the subject, “Questions people are asking today.” Here are a few: How did this world
come into existence? How did sin come into this world? Did a good God make bad people? What is Christ
now doing? What happens after death? What does the future hold? Where and what is heaven? Is it not
wonderful how the message committed to us answers all these questions clearly and unequivocally?
Recently the superintending pastor of the Lutheran churches in a Dutch colony attended an evangelistic
meeting conducted by an Adventist minister. In commenting on the meeting, this is what he said, “There is
in S- the need of obtaining the knowledge of the prophetic word. I find that in S-, as well as in Europe, the
church has paid too little attention to this. What I heard was a message which the church owes to the world,
but has failed to give.”
What a wonderful privilege to be God’s messengers, carrying His great final message to a dying
world! What kind of messengers should we be? A true messenger is full of enthusiasm for his message.
Think of Pheidippides running from Athens to Sparta in an effort to save his beloved Athens. Aches and
pains mean nothing to him. He is lost in his task, absorbed in his message. What a messenger for Christ was
the apostle Paul, who said, “For me to live is Christ.” All other things were counted as nothing.
There are three important factors about our message that we would do well to ponder:
1. The message is intellectually satisfying. It answers the pertinent questions of intelligent minds.
It explains satisfactorily the origin of things and tells us whither we are bound. It provides a clearly defined
course of action for the present. It analyzes the cause of the trouble in the world and states God’s remedy.

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Some time ago a writer in Fortune stated that what the world needs today “is a voice of certainty; a
prophetic voice.” Though we say it humbly, we have it. The plan of salvation has been so clearly revealed
to us that none need to err. The deepest satisfactions of the human heart can be supplied and our assurance
of a heaven free from sorrow, disappointment, sickness, and death is ever before us.
Are we satisfied with the message? Or do we have intellectual doubts regarding its great
fundamental pillars? Oh, there may be some unimportant things we are not sure of, but on the essentials
there is no need to be in a fog. Reader, if you are not sure, then seek help. Go to God upon your knees and
ask divine wisdom. He promises not to disappoint you. Be willing to accept what He reveals from His
word, for “if any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” Seek the aid of those appointed to
teach the truth. No Adventist needs to be sidetracked. No Adventist should ever be deceived by an apostate.
1t is as certain that we have the truth as that God lives.” - Testimonies, Volume 4, Page 595. “This is the
last message. There are no more to follow.” - Testimonies, Volume 5, Page 205, 207. Let us not be of them
who turn back, but of them who hold fast the truth in love.
2. This message is morally uplifting. It calls for the highest standards. No wonder that a certain
actress, reproved for being too lewd in her acting, inquired, 1s my critic a Seventh-day Adventist?” The
followers of Mohammed have to apologize for bigamy, and other religious faiths need to excuse low
standards, but our message adorns the gospel of Jesus Christ. No dancing, no worldliness in dress or
amusements, and no promiscuous sex associations. Smoking, drinking, and gambling, of course, have no
place. But many in the church need to rethink their position. Should our attitude be, “How close can I
approximate the world in dress, in food, in speech, in amusements?” Or should our position be, “This is
God’s last message. What standards should its messengers maintain? How can I best represent this truth?
Does my appearance become a child of the heavenly King? Does my language and everything I do advance
God’s truth? Am I a true witness, a faithful messenger for my Lord, or am I misrepresenting this truth to
others? Am I, by the way I live, by the expenditure of my means, and by other ways, contradicting the
message and neutralizing its much-needed influence in the world?” How about it, reader? If this is God’s
last message, what should be the standard upheld by its messengers? Will you ask God to help you live the
message as well as give it by word?
3. This is a spiritual message. It deals with justification and sanctification. It calls for the reception
of both the imputed and imparted righteousness of Christ. The third angel’s message is the message of
righteousness by faith. This truth calls for full surrender and continuous fellowship with Jesus. The day is
to be started with a vital “morning watch.” And all through its hours the mind is to be fixed on Jesus.
Prayer, Bible study, Sabbath services, prayer meeting, and all spiritual helps should be fully utilized. Do we
have the peace that God desires us to have? It will be ours when our minds are stayed on Him and we trust
Him. Does our conscious and unconscious influence tell constantly for God? This can only be if we are
truly converted, fully surrendered, and abiding in Christ.
What is your experience today, fellow believer? Does unrest fill your soul? Are you irritable,
unsteady, lacking the atmosphere of heaven? Then search your heart. Remove the hindering cause.
Surrender the bad habit or the cherished sin and let Jesus take full possession.
Are we lacking in power? Possessing such a wonderful message, why do we not give it more
effectively? Why are we lacking in enthusiasm? Why do we not reap larger results and wield a stronger
influence for the truth? Some time ago a group of men were clearing the Colosseum in Rome. A workman
plunged his shovel into a pile of debris and removed it from a wall. Instantly a stream of pure water, fed by
mountain springs, flowed out. The spring had been there all the time, but debris had stopped up the channel.
Shall we not let the sin go which blocks the channel, and let the power and love of God flow
uninterruptedly through us to a needy world? What do you say? Will you do it for the love of Jesus?

TAKE THE CITY FOR OUR KING!

Hark! the voice of Jesus calling,

“Who will warn these millions blind?
Who will tell them of a Savior,
Of a Burden Bearer kind?
Who will face the work with courage,
Seek lost souls in dens of sin?
Who will climb the stairs for Jesus,

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Knock at doors and enter in?”

You may heed His words of counsel,

Scatter truth as “autumn leaves,”
You may give a Bible reading,
Plead for sinners on your knees,
You may hold a cottage meeting,
B6ldly lecture, teach the truth;
You may sing the blessed story,
Jesus calls you; hear Him, youth!

Hark! the voice of Jesus calling,

“Who will storm these homes for Me?
Who will warn the busy merchant,
On the broad way, by the sea?
Who will speak o’er phone and radio,
Calling men to heed His word?
God is with you, preach the message,
Sweetest story ever heard!”

Wake, O church of His anointing,

Rouse you preachers, laymen, sing;
There’s a mighty task before you,
Seize the city for your King!
Gird the armor of the Spirit,
Faith must conquer every fear;
Vanquish sin in all your borders,
Christ is coming! Heaven is near!
Louise C. KLEUSER

6. Christ’s, Message to the Remnant Church

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things said the Amen, the faithful and
true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I
would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee
out of My mouth. Because thou says, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and
knows not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. I counsel thee to buy of
Me gold tried in the fire, that thou may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and that the
shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that thou may see. As many as
I love, I rebuke and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any
man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.”
Revelation 3:14-20.

UNTO the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write.” These are the opening words of a very
solemn message to the church. In His anxiety that the remnant church should meet the divine standard of
righteousness, the Lord Jesus addresses a special message to it. Heeded, this message will make the
believer an “overcoming person;” refused, he will be rejected. Though a message of great severity, it is
nevertheless a message of great encouragement. The reproof is given because the Lord in His infinite love
for the church is desirous of refining and purifying it so that He can soon present it unto Himself a glorious
church not having spot or wrinkle. This message, thank God, does accomplish its work, although the
response has been long delayed.
In the first three chapters of the Revelation are contained seven messages addressed to seven
churches. The names of these churches are symbolic of the experience and condition of the church in
different periods of the Christian era. Beginning with the time of the revelator, these messages cover the

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history of the church until the end of time. The message to the church of Laodicea is the last, and so we
might rightly conclude that it is addressed to the remnant church. The name Laodicea means either “the
judging of the people” or “a just people.” How fitting a title in either of these interpretations! The life
history of this church coincides with the work of the investigative judgment in heaven. That solemn court
began its session in 1844 and closes its work when the great decree goes forth marking the close of
probation. The remnant church, in response to prophecy, came into being in that year, and the proclamation
of the message of the judgment hour is a part of its divinely given commission. “The message to the church
of the Laodiceans is a startling denunciation, and is applicable to the people of God at the present time.” -
Testimonies, Volume 3, Page 252.
The one who addresses this message to the church is “the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the
beginning of the creation of God.” Revelation 3:14. Speaking of Jesus in 2 Corinthians 1:20, the apostle
Paul states, “All the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen.” The identity of the speaker is
conclusively settled by Revelation 1:5, where Jesus is called “the faithful Witness.” The phrase, “the
beginning of the creation of God, is better rendered, “the agent of the creation of God.” Coming, as this
testimony does, from “the faithful and True Witness,” regardless of our evaluation of it, it must be true.

Christ Calls for Wholehearted Service

Jesus, speaking to the members of His remnant church, says, I know thy works, that thou art
neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold
nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:15, 16. In these opening words of the message the
True Witness states that He knows what His people are doing. How unwise to attempt to deceive Him,
ourselves, or others, with loud professions, voluminous statistics, or a pretense of great activity. He knows
the truth, and He says that basically our general attitude is one of half warmness. We are not wholehearted
Christians. His call to be either hot or cold is a call to His people to make a reality of truth, a challenge to
live what we claim to believe. He does not desire followers who are half with Him and half with the world.
His conditions of discipleship are the same today as when He called His first disciples. It is still, “Leave all
and follow Me.” One wonders what could be the reason for this self-deception, or the distorted evaluation
we are placing upon ourselves and our work. Could it he that we are measuring our attainments by our own
past achievements and with our humble beginnings, and concluding we are doing wonderfully well? Could
it be that we are comparing our lives with the faulty lives of others and, like the Pharisees, thinking we are
“very good” or “all right?” But when we look at Him who is given us as an example; when we compare our
motives, reactions, labors, and life with the true Pattern, where do we stand? The warning is before us, I
will spew thee out of My mouth.” With deep humility of heart let us remove the scales of self-deception
from our eyes and strive to excel in imitating Him and living His life.
There are some who have gone out from among us who would affirm that the statement of verse
16 is not conditional. We have but to read the whole message to see clearly that its whole import is to
change the condition of “Laodicea” and not to reject the church. In verse 19 we read, “As many as I love, I
rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” In the first instance the message is given because the
Lord loves us. Wonderful love! To love us when He knows all about us and our true condition! Shall we
not love Him who first loved us? Then the very invitation to repent clearly proves that the judgment of
verse 16 is conditional, and a warning rather than a sentence. True, the church is defective, but it is
nevertheless “the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His supreme regard.” Related
prophecies nowhere indicate that God forsakes His remnant church. On the contrary, the church, which by
its keeping of God’s law gains the victory over the beast and his image, is seen by the prophet as standing
triumphant on the sea of glass. Far from forsaking His church, the Lord Jesus promises that He will be with
it to the end. I am encouraged and blessed as I realize that the God of Israel is still guiding His people, and
that He will continue to be with them, even to the end.” - Life Sketches, pages 437, 438.
While the Lord will never forsake the church there will be those in the church who, failing to heed
the reproof, will be shaken out. The parable of the wheat and tares clearly teaches that there will be
undesirable elements in the church who will be separated from the good in the harvest time. It is our
relationship to this Laodicean message which determines for many whether they will heed the message and
go on unto perfection, or reject it and be shaken out. I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was
shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to
the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the
standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up
against it, and this will cause a shaking among God’s people.” -Testimonies, Volume 1, Page 181.

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So while some may leave the remnant church, and apostate movements may make all types of
erroneous claims, we have the divine assurance that the church to which this message is addressed heeds it
and becomes the church triumphant. “This fearful message will do its work. When it was first presented, it
led to close examination of heart. Sins were confessed, and the people of God were stirred everywhere.
Nearly all believed that this message would end in the loud cry of the third angel. But as they failed to see
the powerful work accomplished in a short time, many lost the effect of the message. I saw that this
message would not accomplish its work in a few short months.”-Ibid., Volume 1, Page 186.
A better understanding of the threefold charge will be obtained if we study with it the threefold
remedy offered for the ills of the church. I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou may be
rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and
anoint your eyes with eye salve, that thou may see.” Revelation 3: 18. The True Witness charges that we
are deceiving ourselves in thinking that we are “rich, and increased with goods.” He states we are “poor.”
In the Good Book true riches are referred to in many passages. In James 2:5 faith is included in that
commodity, and 1 Timothy 6:18 admonishes us to be “rich in good works.” In Galatians 5:6 these two
component parts of true riches are brought together, and the faith we are to possess is the quality “which
works by love.” “Faith and love are the true riches, the pure gold which the True Witness counsels the
lukewarm to buy.” - Testimonies, Volume 4, Page 88.
With some reticence one inquires into the general spiritual condition of the church. Do we
manifest great faith as a people? Have we individually come to have a calm reliance in our heavenly Father
which prevents us from developing stomach ulcers through continual worry over our needs? As a people
guided by the counsel and wisdom which is from above, do we attempt great things for God? Or do we
discount the commands and promises of God while counting the cost? Do we have faith in the Captain of
our salvation and His leadership of this movement, believing that in a much shorter time than human minds
can comprehend, He will finish His work? How about faith in the power of the message where the
obstacles are many and the present outlook dark?
And love. Do we really love God supremely? Does Jesus occupy first place in our affections, and
do we place the kingdom of God before every other consideration? If the scales were lifted from our eyes
we would all see that we certainly do not love the Lord with all the heart and mind and strength. If we did,
there would come a complete reformation in our daily lives, our expenditures, the use of our time and
talents. Love must be exercised and manifested to our brother whom we have seen, if love to God is to be
acceptable. Our love must reach beyond our brethren, to those we are now unconcerned and indifferent
about, until it enfolds even our enemies. Are we rich? How many in the church of which we are members
are in dire need and we know it not or care not to render the aid? Oh, yes, they brought it upon themselves
and must learn. But can we not “love” while they learn?
We turn to the next remedy so graciously offered. It is the white raiment to cover our nakedness.
We understand from Isaiah 64:6 that our own righteousness is as filthy rags. What we need is the fine linen
of the righteousness of the saints. Revelation 19:8.
“The white raiment is purity of character, the righteousness of Christ imparted to the sinner.”-
Testimonies, Volume 4, Page 88. Well may we inquire, when we study our own motives, how much purity
of character we have developed. But our lack will not be apparent to us until the third remedy is applied.
Our spiritual eyes need to be anointed with the heavenly eye salve. It is the divine Spirit who
anoints. Acts 10:38. Have we let Him fully have His way with us? It is the understanding that needs to be
enlightened. Ephesians 1:18. There are many things we need to see. We need to see ourselves and our
spiritual condition and needs. We need to see the sad condition of those around us, without Christ and this
message. We need to behold wondrous things in God’s law, and by faith’s eye see the fast-approaching
kingdom of glory.
First we need to realize our own condition in the sight of God. We are not charged with hypocrisy,
but with blindness. We are in a sad deception, but not about the truth. “We are fully sustained in our
positions by an overwhelming amount of plain Scriptural testimony. But we are very much wanting in
Bible humility, patience, faith, love, self-denial, watchfulness, and the spirit of sacrifice. We need to
cultivate holiness. Sin prevails among the people of God.” - Testimonies, Volume 3, Page 253. O that it
were unnecessary for the True Witness to communicate by His messenger those last words! Shall we not
pray for this divine illumination that we may see our great need, and, seeing, take from the True Witness
the remedy so graciously offered?

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The Final Appeal

It is a sad picture that confronts us thus far. There will be no excuses and self-justification if in
complete humility we bow low at the foot of the cross. Rather, there would be found on the part of the one
who is willing to receive this message a desire to know how this sad state of affairs can be changed-
completely changed. The True Witness anticipates this and in verse 20 reveals His plan for making
Laodicea the church triumphant. He says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My
voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that
overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My
Father in His throne.” Revelation 3:20, 21. Because the Savior is outside the heart’s door, the condition of
many is what it is. When we let the Savior in, He will effect a complete change. What, then, is it that keeps
the door of the heart closed to the Savior? We all know we should let Him in. We know He can supply all
our need. We know He waits outside and that we must open the door. Why, then, do we not do it?
A great artist once painted a composite picture. He had Christ knocking at six different doors. In
one a large barrel of whisky kept the door closed. In another a pack of cards wedged it shut. A table with
stacks of money barred the way in the third. The fourth had a vanity dresser, with ornaments and lipstick
and rouge, pressed against it. What keeps our heart’s door closed? Each one knows best what rubbish he
has piled up to bar the entrance. Let us remove the rubbish and let the Savior in. Love of money may have
to go. Difficulties with our brethren may have to be removed. Evil tempers, faultfinding, unholy ambitions,
and selfish covetousness must be removed. Away with all that bars the door to the Savior! “Come in, Lord
Jesus, come in today, come in to stay.”
“Yes, I will. I will come in and sup with you and make your heart My abiding place.” Precious
promise! It will banish the half warmness, heal our back sliding, and prepare us for the latter rain. “We can
overcome. Yes; fully, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that we might overcome every
evil temper, every sin, every temptation, and sit down at last with Him.” - Testimonies, Volume 1, Page
144.

7. The Essential Foundational Experience

“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:1

BROTHER X. carried responsibilities in the church. He was well educated and well informed. He
could present some good studies. As time went on, however, his messages became less and less effective.
The Ingathering campaign came. There was no enthusiastic inspiration in his leadership. His church failed
to reach its goal. It was a serious time, too; for failures here meant a retarding of wonderful opportunities
abroad to speed on the work. Other church projects came and went through the year, and the story was the
same. Failure. A year went by. What could be the matter? Under other leadership the church had done
much better. Then, in the midst of other failures, the sad, sad news leaked out. Brother X. had made a great
mistake, had committed sin.
Like a cancer his sin had been eating into his heart. The longer he covered it, the less his spiritual
influence. The flow of God’s blessings through the channel of his life and service was stopped. Sin clogged
the channel.
Gross or heinous sins are not the most widespread factors which counteract the witnessing of
God’s people. Two other conditions are far more general. On one hand there are those who have never
really been converted. They have never really known the loving touch of the Savior’s hand upon their
hearts. They sought to change a bad habit here and another there. Their intentions were good, but that
complete transformation of nature, so necessary to obtain zeal and power for witnessing, has been missing.
The other group consist of those who have allowed their love for Christ to wane. Their light burns dim.
There is no earnest prayer life no faithful Bible study. They come and go each Sabbath like a door upon its
hinges. They know the truth. They believe it. They have accepted it. But as with so many in the popular
churches, their religion is a conventional matter. “It’s good to belong to a church, but let’s not get too
excited,” is the general attitude.
Shall we go back to the beginnings of Christian experience to examine our own foundations? 1f
the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3.
In his wonderful book, The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan traced the journey of one Christian
from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Living as we do in a more modern age, let us examine

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the life of John Doe. Born in one of earth’s numerous cities, John Doe’s parents lived in comfortable
circumstances. They did not have a large bank account; but his father worked hard as a carpenter, and the
family were well provided for. When John finished school, he began work as a carpenter’s helper. Now
twenty years of age, he fell in with a group of young people who did as thousands of other young people. It
was hurry off to work in the morning, with no prayer and no Bible study. In the evening, one day it was a
game of golf, another a card party. Some evenings were spent visiting girl friends and generally enjoying
what many call “a good time.” Night after night it was a movie or a visit to a club.
Things moved along so smoothly John never thought much about God or religion.. Then one day
he came home and found lying on the table a little leaflet entitled Whither Bound? John picked it up and
casually glanced it over. “We must all one day stand before the judgment bar of God,” he read. He had
never given that subject any consideration. The tract went on, “There are only two possible decisions before
that court; pardoned by the blood of Christ or condemned to death forever. What will your sentence be?
You can now invite the dear Savior who died to set you free, to plead your case and stand pardoned-or you
can go on without Him and be lost. Which will you do?”
John laid the paper down. He did not want to be bothered with such serious thoughts. But although
he picked up a popular magazine and tried to get interested in a detective story, those words kept coming up
continually, ‘What will your sentence be?” “Which will you do?” Months rolled by. John had about
forgotten the little tract and its message. As he turned the dial of his radio one day the voices of a male
quartet seemed to send a message right home to his heart: “Lift up the trumpet, and loud let it ring: Jesus is
coming again!” That evening he went for a ride with mother and dad to a spot of natural beauty not far
from home. The tall trees seemed to turn his attention heavenward. The mighty mountains silently spoke to
him of God. Psalm 19:1-4.
Strangely enough, as later that evening John sipped his beer with some pals, it didn’t seem the best
thing to do. A few weeks later there was a knock at the door and two youths stood before him. “We would
like to give you a personal invitation to the meetings being conducted in the auditorium. An excellent
speaker will bring to you, from the Bible, the meaning of the atomic bomb. His subject this Sunday evening
is ‘World Peace or Atomic Pieces.’ We assure you that you will not be disappointed, and there will be some
lovely music. We would really like to see you there. Here is a list of the subjects for the week following.
Do come.” There was something in their pleasant but earnest faces which impressed John. But go to a
religious meeting? When could he remember having last attended one? “What will your sentence be?”
“Which will you do?” “The dear Savior died to set you free.” “God so loved the world, that He gave His
only-begotten Son.” Perhaps he would tell mother and dad about it and keep it from his pals. What would
they think of John’s going to a religious meeting?
“We are very happy to meet you. May we offer you a songbook?” Thus John was graciously
ushered into the large hall. What a stirring presentation of world events in the light of Bible prophecy! So
Jesus is coming again. Coming really, visibly. The closing appeal of the preacher still rang in his ears. “He
died to save us, for He loved us so. He has done all He could to tell us that He loves us. All good things in
life come from Him. He has shielded us from the evil one, who would destroy us. And now He’s coming
again to take us to the home He has gone to prepare. He is speaking to your heart tonight. Your sins once
nailed Him to the cross. He wants to forgive those sins. He wants to change your life and make it like His
own. He longs to take the life that is all wrong and make it all right. Will you not let Him do that for you
tonight? You do not know all that you should do. The way is not fully plain as yet. So why not say to Jesus
tonight, ‘Lord, I need help. I realize I have done many wrong things. I have tried to do better before, but
I’ve failed. Will You help me?’ His blessed promise is, ‘Him that comes to Me I will in no wise cast out’.
He longs to help you, longs to save you, longs to take you to be with Him. Will you say tonight, ‘Jesus,
help me’ John made his decision for Christ.
It was the love of God that caused John to seek help. It is God’s love that draws a sinner to Him. I
have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:1
If we are lost, the reason will not be that we once were sinners and did many wrong things. It will be
because we resisted the drawing, wooing power of God. If we do not resist, Jesus will draw us to Himself.
He will forgive our sins and change our hearts. The greatest manifestation of the love of God is the cross of
Jesus Christ. Jesus said, I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” John 12:32. It is the
longsuffering, the gentleness of God, that softens a hard heart and attracts men to God. “The goodness of
God leads thee to repentance.” Romans 2:4.
The first step a poor sinner must take is to look to Jesus, to come to Jesus for help. Some have
been trying to change their hearts. Some have been struggling to overcome weaknesses. Others feel that

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they must make themselves better; then they plan to come to Jesus. All these have good intentions, but in
their plan they cannot succeed. The reason is that we are born in sin with evil natures, and we have no
power in ourselves to change our hearts. Well do we know that the Ethiopian cannot change his skin or the
leopard his spots. We also cannot change our natures by any effort of our own. Hence the first step to be
taken toward salvation is to look to Jesus and seek His help. It is the power which comes from Jesus that
produces the change that must be made.
As the divine Spirit illumines the soul, and the sinner sees his wretchedness, he is led to cry out,
“O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24. He looks
into the law of God, the mirror of life, and he sees that he has transgressed the commandments of God. He
longs to be pardoned and changed. All this is but the drawing of the Savior. Then he hears the Savior say,
“Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. It is as he
responds to this invitation, as he looks in his helplessness to the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of
the world, that a power emanates from Christ to effect a change in his life. This change is called
“repentance.” It is a gift from God through Christ. The apostle Peter said, ‘Urn bath God exalted with His
right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31.
Well may we now inquire what happens as John Doe accepts Christ’s offer. The change which
Jesus effects in the heart produces a great sorrow for sin and a turning away, in sincerity, from it. John had
on one occasion found a box of chocolates lying by the lunch pail of a fellow carpenter. No one was around
at the time, and he yielded to the temptation of throwing it into the glove compartment of his car. The
carpenter at lunchtime used a lot of profane language about the one who had taken the box of chocolates his
wife had given him; but John appeared quite unconcerned. Now a genuine sorrow for having stolen that
box wells up in his heart. Several other wrong deeds come to mind, and John is genuinely sorry for them
all. His sorrow is not like that of the criminal behind the bars, who is sorry because he has been caught. Nor
is it the sorrowful fear which takes possession of a heart when a ship is about to sink. His is a genuine,
heartfelt sorrow for having done wrong, for having broken God’s commandments, for having “crucified the
Son of God afresh.”
John has felt the drawing power of Christ, and he decides not to resist His love. He is so upset that
he has made up his mind that he must get rid of the conviction of sin. To put off the day when he would
make the change would only keep him in an agitated state and make sin less hateful. The longer he
continued in his old ways, the harder it would be to break away from them. He decides to talk over his
problems with the evangelist.
From that personal interview he learns that “he that covered his sins shall not prosper: but who
confessed and forsakes them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.
“The pathway is clear, John. Not a prolonged penance. Not the offering of propitiatory gifts. But a
simple and reasonable procedure. Go, and confess these sins and put them away permanently; determine
you will not commit them again. No matter how long ago they were committed, time does not remove those
sins. Time may blunt sorrow and disappointment, but it does not wipe away sin. No matter what good
things you may do in the future, they will not remove sin. So, John, I would suggest that you go and talk it
over with your carpenter friend. What do you think you ought to tell him?” “Yes, that’s right. Say you are
genuinely sorry; and if you are, since you took something of his, what do you think you ought to do about
that? Why, of course, that is what you would want to do. Get another box of chocolates and take it with you
when you go. That will be the best proof of your sorrow, will it not? There is one other thing, John. In
stealing from your friend, whose law did you break?”
“Why, one of those commandments you had up on the chart.”
“Those are the Ten Commandments, God’s law. So you have transgressed God’s law. Therefore,
John, talk it over with your heavenly Father and ask Him, for Christ’s sake, to forgive you. Do you know
what His promise is, if you do? You will find it here in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” There are some things you have
done, John, that did not directly concern any particular individuals. Those things you should talk over with
the Lord alone.
John went home to think it all over. The plan of confession was clear, but something else now
seriously troubled him. Twice over, the Scriptures had called for forsaking all sin. What did that mean? Did
it mean that he must decide never to do any wrong thing again? Did that mean that he must give up some of
these things which he had enjoyed so much, which did not really seem so bad after all? What if he had to
do something in church work, such as he had recently seen other young people doing in connection with the
meetings? Could he ever get up enough courage to do those things? What was Jesus really asking for? The

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answer came, “My son, give Me your heart.” Did that mean he was to give himself fully to Jesus? What
would that involve? No longer having his own way, but letting Jesus Christ direct him completely? Why,
that would be unconditional surrender to Christ. Is that what it means to become a Christian, and, if so, why
such a price?
The evangelist had given John a small book, which he had urged him to prayerfully read. John
opened the Steps to Christ. As he turned its pages, his eyes fell upon something on page 47:
“The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self,
surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be
renewed in holiness.” He was interested now to know the reason why this should be so. He read on. “The
government of God is not, as Satan would make it appear, founded upon a blind submission, an
unreasoning control. It appeals to the intellect and the conscience. ‘Come now, and let us reason together,’
is the Creator’s invitation to the beings He has made. He cannot accept an homage that is not willingly and
intelligently given. He invites us to give ourselves to Him that He may work His will in us. We are not
God’s children unless we are such entirely. There are those who profess to serve God, while they rely upon
their own efforts to obey His law, to form a right character, and secure salvation. Their hearts are not
moved by any deep sense of the love of Christ, but they seek to perform the duties of the Christian life as
that which God requires of them in order to gain heaven. Such religion is worth nothing. When Christ
dwells in the heart, the soul will be so filled with His love, with the joy of communion with Him, that it will
cleave to Him; and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Love to Christ will be the spring of
action. Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given to meet the
requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim to perfect conformity to the will of
their Redeemer. With earnest desire they yield all, and manifest an interest proportionate to the value of the
object which they seek. A profession of Christ without this deep love, is mere talk, dry formality, and heavy
drudgery.” - Pages 47-49.
It hurts us to give up the things we have loved to do, and to yield our wills to another. Naturally,
John thought of what he would have to give up, and his eye fell upon a passage on page 50:
“But what do we give up, when we give all? A sin-polluted heart, for Jesus to purify, to cleanse by
His own blood, and to save by His matchless love. And yet men think it hard to give up all!”
“God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain. Would that all
who have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer them than they are
seeking for themselves. Man is doing the greatest injury and unjustice to his own soul when he thinks and
acts contrary to the will of God. No real joy can be found in the path forbidden by Him who knows what is
best, and who plans for the good of His creatures. The path of transgression is the path of misery and
destruction.” - Pages 50, 51.
Later in the course of the series of meetings John heard a story which illustrated to him why,
unless we fully surrender to Christ, one makes no progress in the Christian life. The evangelist told of a
group of young men who, in defiance of the rules of the college, had slipped out one night. They entered a
boat and made for places of amusement across a river. After spending a hilarious time in the night life of
the city, toward dawn they hurried back to their boat to return to the college. Hurriedly they piled in and
commenced to row. In the darkness the college lights seemed to draw no nearer, nor the city lights to fade.
The young men took off their coats and pulled with might and main. Still no progress. Could the current be
quite so strong? As day began to break, someone looked back. The rope holding the boat to the shore had
not been cast off.
John now saw the complete reasonableness of it all and yielded his life, his will, his heart, to
Christ. Now he knew that Jesus could have freedom to change his whole nature. This is what he wanted,
and, after the battle in his soul, the decision to let Christ have His way brought peace. The Savior Himself
had come in by His Spirit to begin a new life within. The promise was fulfilled, “A new heart also will I
give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I
will give you an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26. He took Christ at His word. Jesus had said to Him, “Give
Me your heart.” He had responded, “Take it, Lord Jesus.” Through this simple act of believing God, the
Holy Spirit had begotten a new life in his heart. See Steps to Christ, page 56.
The things John once loved now lost their attraction for him, and the Jesus he once despised now
became dear to him. “We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. John longed not to displease
God in any way, but to bring his whole life into complete conformity to the will of God. This, too, is the
experience recorded in the Scriptures of those who truly love God. “For this is the love of ‘God, that we
keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:1

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Did all this mean that John would never again sin or make a mistake? He did not need to, and
Jesus could keep him from falling into sin. Jude 1:24. But should he fail in following the plan of Jesus for
complete victory, was there any provision for such a failure? “My little children, these things write I unto
you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
and He is the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 2:1, 2.
“The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the
tendency of the habitual words and acts.”
“By what means, then, shall we determine whose side we are on?
“Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has
our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ’s, our thoughts are with Him, and our
sweetest thoughts are of Him.” - Steps to Christ, page 62.
John Doe has begun the Christian life. Have you, reader? If perchance you have not, you cannot
expect to grow in grace and enjoy the peace that passes understanding. Why not now, even now, lay a right
foundation.

8. The Life and the Work

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine. No more
can you, except you abide in Me. I am the Vine, you are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him,
the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4, 5.

A CHURCH officers’ convention was being conducted in a large city church. One of the guest
speakers had been presenting messages on “The Christian Life.” They were truly moving; they touched
upon some of those weak spots in human experience which need to be remedied. When the series was
completed, many listeners left with the strong impression that all that was needed was to pray more
earnestly, to put away sin, and to study the Bible more diligently. As a matter of fact, one almost received
the impression that what was needed was more ten-day revivals when we should do nothing but pray until
power came into our lives.
At the same convention were those who strongly advocated a detailed program of service. Charts,
devices, blanks, cards, canvasses, and agendas were furnished the officers present. In some of these talks
there was no mention of the motives for Christian service or the power for service. Things were presented
in a rather mechanical way with considerable emphasis on goals, comparative figures, and the necessity of
equaling or excelling the attainments of other conferences.
The question arises, Which of these two schools of thought is the correct one to follow in our
church work and in our individual lives? It was obviously a good thing that both these schools functioned
together at that church officers’ convention.
The question merits our careful consideration, for real dangers lie in the pathway of those who
follow either school to the exclusion of the other. A life of “abstract devotion” is as impotent as is a life of
“unspiritual activity.”
The true character of a balanced Christian experience is well expressed in these sentences from the
Ministry of Healing, page 512: “We must live a twofold life, a life of thought and action, of silent prayer
and earnest work. The strength received through communion with God, united with earnest effort in
training the mind to thoughtfulness and care taking, prepares one for daily duties, and keeps the spirit in
peace under all circumstances, however trying.”

The Example of Jesus

The life of Jesus furnishes us with the best guidance for our daily living. The Savior spent much
time in prayer, meditation, and study. Often He arose a great while before day in order to be alone with His
heavenly Father. When faced with a crisis He sometimes spent the whole night in prayer. From these
seasons of refreshing communion Jesus came forth to minister to suffering, needy humanity. He “went
about doing good.” Acts 10:38. Here was balance. Here was purpose. “The life must be like Christ’s life,
between the mountain and the multitude.” - Steps to Christ, page 106.
We greatly need to spend more time than we do in prayer. We need to pray more earnestly. There
is a danger that even though we do not use a prayer book, we may lapse into formalism in prayer. Perhaps
in all too many lives the morning and evening prayer runs something like this: “Loving heavenly Father,

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bless Mary and the children and me today. Keep us from harm and danger, and supply our needs, for Jesus’
sake. Amen.” Up from our knees we rise, to dress and hurry away to work. Better this than no prayer at all;
but how much strength for the duties of the day, how much guidance for the unknown path, how much
power for service and help to resist temptation, do we expect to receive in a mechanical, half minute
prayer? While we are not heard for our “much speaking,” there is a distinct ratio between genuine prayer
and divine power. One has written, “Much prayer-much power; little prayer-little power; no prayer-no
power.” We understand prayer to be in the last analysis communion or fellowship with Jesus. And the spirit
of fellowship cannot be cultivated in a brief moment.
While it is true that we need to pray more, and more earnestly, yet we are not called to become
hermits, monks, or cloistered nuns. The purpose of a life of prayer is to enable us to be better witnesses for
the Savior. The danger of a life of prayer without active service is well stated in Steps to Christ, page 106:
“He who does nothing but pray will soon cease to pray, or his prayers will become a formal routine. When
men take themselves out of social life, away from the sphere of Christian duty and cross bearing; when they
cease to work earnestly for the Master, who worked earnestly for them, they lose the subject matter of
prayer, and have no incentive to devotion.”
I sincerely hope that I will not be misunderstood in what I am about to write. I recognize that one
of the greatest needs in the church today and in our individual lives is the need for more earnest prayer. We
need to spend more time alone with God. We need to gather together in little groups to pray for individuals.
There needs to be a much larger attendance at prayer meetings, and far more should be done about prayer
bands. But the idea that we must draw apart in some secluded spot and remain on our knees, hour after
hour, and day after day, until we receive some demonstration of power, is not based upon Scripture or spirit
of prophecy instruction. Perhaps this concept has come about because of a misunderstanding of the Savior’s
instruction to His disciples. Jesus, addressing His followers, said, “Tarry you in the city of Jerusalem, until
you be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49. Observe first of all that the instruction was “Tarry in
Jerusalem,” not, “Stay closeted in the upper room.” It is completely erroneous to suppose that the disciples
stayed on their knees in the upper room for ten days. The same Gospel writer, recording what they did after
that meeting with the Savior, states, “And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.” Verses 52, 53.
His followers were not to leave the “city of Jerusalem” until they were imbued with power from
on high. Undoubtedly they prayed much, undoubtedly they made wrongs right; for they were of one accord.
But they also went back and forth to the temple to pray and witness for their Master. It was not a program
of staying on their knees until something happened. Regarding the danger of such a course we read, “On
the other hand, there are some who, instead of wisely improving present opportunities, are idly waiting for
some special season of spiritual refreshing by which their ability to enlighten others will be greatly
increased. They neglect present duties and privileges, and allow their light to burn dim, while they look
forward to a time when, without any effort on their part, they will be made the recipients of special
blessings, by which they will be transformed and fitted for service.” - The Acts of the Apostles, Page 54.
A further statement from Testimonies, Volume 1, Page 261, adds, “I was shown God’s people
waiting for some change to take place a compelling power to take hold of them. But they will be
disappointed, for they are wrong. They must act, they must take hold of the work themselves and earnestly
cry to God for a true knowledge of themselves. The scenes which are passing before us are of sufficient
magnitude to cause us to arouse and urge the truth home to the hearts of all who will listen. The harvest of
the earth is nearly ripe.”

The Work of Pentecost

It is true that the days before Pentecost were days of deep heart searching and prayer; but the
whole time was not spent in a prayer meeting. “Christ’s ascension to heaven was the signal that His
followers were to receive the promised blessing. For this they were to wait before they entered upon their
work. When Christ passed within the heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst the adoration of the angels.
As soon as this ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in rich currents, and
Christ was indeed glorified, even with the glory which He had with the Father from all eternity. The
Pentecostal outpouring was Heaven’s communication that the Redeemer’s inauguration was accomplished.
According to His promise He had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to His followers, as a token that He had,
as priest and king, received all authority in heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed One over His
people.” - The Acts Of the Apostles, pages 38, 39.
So we see that the “tarrying” period at Pentecost was as much occasioned by the events taking

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place in heaven as by the unpreparedness of the disciples. One constantly hears of “ten-day retreats” being
advocated in different quarters. If they are encouraged by those who, laboring hard for souls, find the need
for greater spiritual power, they would undoubtedly be much in order. If, however, some come together to
pray until a demonstration takes place, the evil one can readily introduce fanaticism. How, then, can the
instruction of Hosea 10:12 be carried out? “It is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness
upon you.” We shall let the inspired pen answer. “For the daily baptism of the Spirit, every worker should
offer his petition to God. Companies of Christian workers should gather to ask for special help, for
heavenly wisdom, that they may know how to plan and execute wisely. Especially should they pray that
God will baptize His chosen ambassadors in mission fields with a rich measure of His Spirit.” The Acts of
the Apostles, pages 50, 51. “Morning by morning, as the heralds of the gospel kneel before the Lord and
renew their vows of consecration to Him, He will grant them the presence of His Spirit, with its reviving,
sanctifying power. As they go forth to the day’s duties, they have the assurance that the unseen agency of
the Holy Spirit enables them to be ‘laborers together with God.” - Ibid., Page 56.

The Secret of Fruit Bearing

In the life of one who has been transformed by the power of Christ there will inevitably be
fruitage. First of all there will be the fruit of the spirit: “Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Galatians 5:22,23. The apostle Paul, in addressing the Roman
Christians, speaks of another type of fruit which also must be borne, “that I might have some fruit among
you also.” Romans 1:13. Undoubtedly in His discourse on the vine and the branches the Savior had both
types of fruit in mind when He said, “Herein is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you
be My disciples.” John 15:8. “Nothing is more needed in our work than the practical results of communion
with God. We should show by our daily lives that we have peace and rest in the Savior. His peace in the
heart will shine forth in the countenance. It will give to the voice a persuasive power. Communion with
God will ennoble the character and the life. Men will take knowledge of us, as of the first disciples, that we
have been with Jesus. This will impart to the worker a power that nothing else can give. Of this power he
must not allow himself to be deprived.” - The Ministry of Healing, Page 512.
We are not left in doubt regarding the true source of fruit bearing. In John 15:5 the Savior
pointedly says, I am the Vine, you are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings
forth much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing.”

The “Abiding” Experience

Much depends upon this experience of abiding in Christ. Answered prayers (John 15:7), the
abundant life (Ephesians 3:16-19), victory over sin (1 John 3:4-6), and our hope of eternity (Colossians
1:27) all hinge on this experience. It is also the source of abundant fruit bearing. We have already
discovered in a previous chapter how by the surrender of the will and a simple act of faith a new life from
above comes into the regenerated heart. This is the beginning of the “abiding” experience. It is well
exemplified in the conversion of the apostle Paul. When stricken to the earth on the Damascas road the vital
change which took place was the surrender of self, or the will, to Christ. The haughty, ambitious Pharisee,
riding to Damascus to wipe out the hated followers of the lowly Nazarene, suddenly cries out, “Lord, what
wilt Thou have me to do?” This clearly indicates the nature of what took place. Paul yielded to Christ, and
was willing now for the Lord to direct his steps. When we open the heart’s door and invite the Savior in, He
verily comes in by His Spirit to take up His abode in our hearts. “By yielding up your will to Christ, you
ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from above
to hold you steadfast, and thus through constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live a new life,
even the life of faith.” - Steps to Christ, Page 52.

How to Maintain the Abiding Experience

Having been grafted as a branch into the vine by the surrender of the will to Christ, the vital
question now arises, How is this union with the Savior to be preserved in the daily vicissitudes of life? Paul
admonished, “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you in Him.” Colossians 2:6.
Our lives must be Christ-guided lives. This is the heart of that oft-repeated paragraph. “Consecrate yourself
to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, “Take me, O Lord, as wholly
Yours. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be
wrought in Thee.” - Steps to Christ, Page 74. Our attitude, therefore, in the abiding experience must be one

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of constant surrender. Our faith also must be a “living” faith. We must constantly believe that Jesus imparts
His life and power as we yield ourselves to Him.
There is another important factor which enters into the abiding experience. In addition to the will,
the mind must be focused on Christ. In Hebrews 12:2 Paul expresses it thus: “Looking unto Jesus the
Author and Finisher of our faith.” The gospel prophet recorded the same experience in the words, “Thou
wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusted in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3.
Once again the apostle Paul points the way to complete fellowship with Christ when he urges, “Casting
down imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5. So Christ must become the
principal and continuous object of our thoughts. “Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the
perfection, of His character. Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity and
holiness, Christ in His matchless love, this is the subject for the soul’s contemplation. It is by loving Him,
copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His likeness.” - Steps to
Christ, page 75. How much is wrapped up in this terse sentence on the next page of the same book, “Talk
and think of Jesus.”
The laws of the mind indicate that it is the frequency, the frequency, and the intensity of stimuli
which are responsible for the impressions made upon us. It becomes an important consideration, in my
living of His life, how recently I thought of Him, how frequently I thought of Him, and how earnestly I
thought of Him. Prayer and Bible study became apparent as conscious efforts on our part to direct the mind
to Christ. Talking to others of Him also enters into the building of this experience.

The Victorious Combination

If the mind is focused on Christ, if the will is yielded to Him, and if faith operates as an actual
transaction, then the secret of victory becomes ours. Let us take a concrete example. I have been wronged
by another. The natural tendency would be to retaliate with harsh and hasty words. But I have been thinking
of Jesus. I thought of Him in the morning, and my mind has been constantly dwelling upon Him. In my
Bible study I learned how He was reviled, but reviled not again. 1 Peter 2:23. I immediately, therefore, look
to Him for help. He promises not to fail. My attitude is one of surrender, or of willingness to do what He
says. He prompts me to do what He did-not retaliate. I overcome the temptation to utter angry and hasty
words. I win a victory. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

Satan’s Objectives
The source of our spiritual strength and fruit bearing is our union with Christ in the abiding
experience. Hence it is Satan’s studied purpose to attack us at that very point. His objective is to break that
connection and so bring us under his control. We have discovered that that union is maintained by keeping
the will surrendered to the Savior and keeping the mind fixed on Him. “Satan will constantly present
allurements to induce us to break this tie, to choose to separate ourselves from Christ. Here is where we
need to watch, to strive, to pray, that nothing may entice us to choose another Master; for we are always
free to do this.” - Steps to Christ, Page 77. Furthermore, “when the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away
from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence it is Satan’s constant effort to keep the attention diverted
from the Savior, and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Christ. But let us keep our
eyes fixed upon Christ, and He will preserve us. Looking unto Jesus, we are safe.” - Ibid., Pages 76, 77.
It is most interesting to learn to what various objectives Satan seeks to turn our attention. One
would think he had a thousand snares to beguile unwary feet, and he has. But there are only four main baits
he uses to divert the mind. Here they are: (1) The pleasures of the world, (2) life’s cares and perplexities
and sorrows, (3) the faults of others, (4) our own faults and imperfections. See Steps to Christ, Page 76. Let
us recognize his devices. When we are tempted to dwell on the pleasures of life or anxiously worry over its
cares, let us recognize that the evil one is seeking to divert our minds. When we turn over and over in our
minds the faults and failings of others, when we talk about these failings to others, let us recognize this as a
device of the evil one to separate the soul from the Savior. When we constantly let the mind dwell upon
self, either thinking we are not treated as we should be, or that we are no good or too good, we are diverted
from the divine object of our affections.

Much Fruit
The inevitable result of abiding in Christ will be an abundance of fruit. That is His promise. If we

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have no urge to work for the salvation of souls, that should be a challenge to us to examine our experience.
“No more could a soul who possesses Christ be hindered from confessing Him than could the waters of
Niagara be stopped from flowing over the falls.” - Testimonies, Volume 2, Page 233. A tree with its roots
deep down in good soil and planted by the watercourses bears an abundance of good fruit. “Jesus says,
‘Abide in Me.’ These words convey the idea of rest, stability, confidence. This rest is not found in
inactivity; for in the Savior’s invitation the promise of rest is united with the call to labor: ‘Take My yoke
upon you.... and you shall find rest.’ The heart that rests most fully upon Christ will be most earnest and
active in labor for Hint.” - Steps to Christ, Pages 75, 76.
A traveler in the Alps had succumbed to the temptation to stop moving in the frigid atmosphere. In
a few minutes he would have been so numb and still that his life would have been in danger. When he was
getting to the danger point he heard a cry for help, and it touched a responsive chord in his heart. Exerting
himself, he tried to stand up, but he could not. The cries for help continued. He decided to crawl as best he
could to the fellow traveler in distress. The more he exerted himself to save another, the more his own
strength and life came back and he saved himself and his fellow. “The only way to grow in grace is to be
disinterestedly doing the very work which Christ has enjoined upon us, to engage, to the extent of our
ability, in helping and blessing those who need the help we can give them. Strength comes by exercise;
activity is the very condition of life. Those who endeavor to maintain Christian life by passively accepting
the blessings that come through the means of grace, and doing nothing for Christ, are simply trying to live
by eating without working. And in the spiritual as in the natural world, this always results in degeneration
and decay. Thus the Christian who will not exercise his God given powers, not only fails to grow up into
Christ, but he loses the strength that he already had.” - Ibid., Page 85.
Abiding in Christ! Precious experience! Why not enter into it? It is the source of peace, the source
of power, the hope of life eternal, the great wellspring of successful witnessing for Christ. Why not connect
with Him? We need an influence that will be powerful enough, fragrant enough, to attract others in this
dark world of sin. Here it is, a heavenly atmosphere. It cannot be put on, it cannot be bought. Education
cannot supply it. It comes only by fellowship with the Savior, tarrying in His presence, partaking of His
Spirit. Men copy the ways of those with whom they associate.
The water spider is an air-breathing creature, but it makes its home at the bottom of the pond.
Diving from the surface of the pond, it forms a teepee-shaped web which it attaches to the stem of a water
plant. Quickly the water spider rises to the surface. Gathering a bubble of fresh air from above, it dives
down to the slime below. It releases the bubble in the web teepee. Up it comes again and repeats the
procedure, until its little home at the bottom of the pond is filled with the pure air from above. Consider the
water spider.

9. The Great Revival and the Final Reformatory Movement

“O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou has fallen by your iniquity. Take with you words, and turn
to the Lord: say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of
our lips. I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him.”
Hosea 14:1-4.

THE Lord has used varied instruments to accomplish His purposes. Heathen nations, such as
Babylon, Assyria, and Rome, were permitted to punish His people when they went deeply into apostasy.
Then again He used heathen kings to relieve His people from the thralldom of oppression and to restore
them to the place where He had intended they should be as His witnesses. “That said of Cyrus, He is My
shepherd, and shall perform all My pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shall be built; and to the
temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.” Isaiah 44:28.
When God has desired to bring about a great spiritual movement or a revival among His people,
He has always selected consecrated messengers to proclaim a special message of preparation. That
preparatory message has always been a call to genuine repentance.
The temple was ready for dedication. God’s people and the king had given liberally for its
erection. They had worked hard and untiringly to make it one of the most wonderful edifices in the world.
With due solemnity the ark of the covenant had been brought from Zion to be deposited in the new
sanctuary. God’s glory so filled the temple that ministering priests had to withdraw.
All was in readiness for a new experience in the history of the chosen people. Hear Solomon pray

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as the prelude to the great blessings which were to follow: “Lord God of Israel, there is no God like Thee,
in heaven above, or on earth beneath.” “Hearken Thou to the supplication of Thy servant, and of Thy
people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling place: and
when Thou hears, forgive.” 1 Kings 8:23, 30.
It was time for Israel to return to the promised land. God’s special blessing was needed to open the
way. Before that great blessing could come, God’s people had a work to do. Daniel saw clearly what was
necessary, and he led his people into the experience of repentance. Hear his prayer, not only for himself,
but on behalf of his people: “O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them
that love Him, and to them that keep His commandments. I have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and
have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from Thy precepts and from Thy judgments.
Neither have we hearkened unto Thy servants the prophets.” “O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do.”
Daniel 9:4-6, 19.
The prophet Isaiah was in a special sense a messenger with a revival message. In the fifty-fifth
chapter of the book bearing his name we hear God addressing His people. He is anxious to bestow upon
them the abundance of His blessings; but before He can send peace and joy, before He can grant a great
harvest from the sowing of the gospel seed (verses 10-13), He clearly outlines the work to be undertaken in
preparation to receive His blessings: “Seek you the Lord while He may be found, call you upon Him while
He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto
the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6,
7.
As the hour approached for the first advent of the Savior and the people’s hearts were to be
prepared to receive Him, the voice crying in the wilderness proclaimed, “Repent you: for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand.” The kingdom of grace was surely nigh in the person of the Savior Himself. Jesus also
began His great earthly ministry with the same call to repentance. Coming back from the wilderness of
temptation He heard that John had been cast into prison. It was time for Him to begin His public work.
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew
4:17.
So it is today. God desires to use His people in a mighty way to prepare them for the finishing of
His work and for translation. In His special message to the remnant church He puts His finger squarely on
the need of this church when He says in the Laodicean message, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:
be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19.
Surely this is the time for repentance. Soon the great decree will go forth in heaven, and
probation’s hours will close. Only a brief period now remains in which to send our sins beforehand to
judgment. “Repent you therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of
refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was
preached unto you.” Acts 3:19.
Before the way is open for God to abundantly bless His people, they must enter into a deep,
genuine experience of repentance. God has a definite program for His people to follow. Human plans may
fail, but if the remnant church will follow the divine plan, success is assured. Well may we inquire, What is
to follow the experience of repentance? The answer is clear: “Christians should be preparing for what is
soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise, and this preparation they should make by
diligently studying the word of God, and striving to conform their lives to its precepts. The tremendous
issues of eternity demand of us something besides an imaginary religion, a religion of words and forms,
where truth is kept in the outer court. God calls for a revival and a reformation.” - Prophets and Kings, page
626.

Religious “Revivals” Sweeping Many Nations

Great religious revivals are now sweeping over America, Japan, and other lands. In America many
popular churches are recording. a phenomenal growth in membership. Large and beautiful church edifices
are going up everywhere. The ether waves are vocal with religious programs. Considerable sums of money
are being donated. The outdoor advertising companies are offering free space for the encouragement of this
movement. City and highway signs dealing with religious themes are becoming more numerous. Church
signs mark the entrance to cities and billboards invite the passer-by to worship and study the word of God.
“Go to Church,” “Attend Church,” “Build a Better Community by Attendance at Religious Worship,”
‘Tack to the Bible,” and a score of other good slogans are becoming familiar sights.
Popular evangelists are raising hundreds of thousands of dollars through their radio programs. In

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some city-wide efforts others are claiming tens of thousands of converts. All-night prayer meetings are
being held for the success of these ventures. Bible schools, vacation classes, literature offers, and a variety
of other projects all betoken a new religious awakening. Nearly every newspaper and magazine throughout
the nation now devotes some space to religious topics and especially to the need of a greater religious life
among all peoples. Christianity is being presented as the world’s only hope.
Two great ideologies strive for the mastery. Roman Catholicism, despite its long history of
persecution and intolerance, poses today as the champion of “religious liberty.” Of course we need to
understand the terms it uses. There is liberty only for those who conform to its dogmas. But it now comes
forward with the proposal that there are only two alternatives: communism or Catholicism. And thousands
of well-meaning but superficial thinkers do not recognize that there are other courses.
Popular Protestantism now enters the race for leadership, not only in things religious, but also in
the realm of national and international politics. It avers that politicians and statesmen have failed. The time
has come, so its leaders say, when the church should be given the opportunity to solve the world’s
tremendous problems. It openly declares its purpose to invade the field of politics, and has taken steps
toward this objective. Recognizing the fact that to a large degree Catholics are united in their viewpoints on
political propositions, being dominated and dictated to by bishops, archbishops, and priests, popular
Protestantism seeks a plan of union in order to display her strength. Councils and federations of churches-
state, national, and international-are the order of the day. Mergers of various organizations are taking place
on every hand. A recent church council group claimed 27,000,000 followers in America, and the figure was
expressly quoted to give weight to-the political objectives of this body.
It is true that certain religious denominations and groups are holding to the principle of the
separation of church and state, but unquestionably they will be overwhelmed by the incoming tide.
Undoubtedly many leaders sponsoring the present religious revival are sincere in their purposes, but there is
little doubt as to the outcome of the movement. “When the leading churches of the United States, uniting
upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their
decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman
hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.” - The Great
Controversy, page 445.
The pen of inspiration also indicates that modern revivals are characterized by other weaknesses.
While the Bible is extensively used, its clear mandates, which are contrary to popular sentiment, are not
accepted. This will be true of the Sunday sacredness movement which is soon to be fostered. Its advocates,
while professing to be using the Bible as a guide, when its plain teaching points out that Sunday has no
sacredness, but that the seventh day is God’s appointed Sabbath, will take false positions in self
justification. The false is mingled with the true as it was by Satan in Eden.
There is another feature of these modern revivals which will bear close examination and should be
a warning to our people on the one hand and a safeguard to evangelistic workers on the other. A true
revival will be marked by solemn, earnest appeals to the wrongdoer, accompanied by earnest prayer and
heart searching. The results will be manifest in truly converted lives.
“But many of the revivals of modern times have presented a marked contrast to those
manifestations of divine grace which in earlier days followed the labors of God’s servants. It is true that a
widespread interest is kindled, many profess conversion, and there are large accessions to the churches;
nevertheless the results are not such as to warrant the belief that there has been a corresponding increase of
real spiritual life. The light which flames up for a time soon dies out, leaving the darkness more dense than
before.
“Popular revivals are too often carried by appeals to the imagination, by exciting the emotions, by
gratifying the love for what is new and startling. Converts thus gained have little desire to listen to Bible
truth, little interest in the testimony of prophets and apostles. Unless a religious service has something of a
sensational character, it has no attractions for them. A message which appeals to unimpassioned reason
awakens no response. The plain warnings of God’s word, relating directly to their eternal interests, are
unheeded.” - Ibid., Page 463.
A friend of mine once talked to a man who was partially intoxicated. When it was pointed out to
him that a follower of Christ would-not defile his body, which was God’s temple, he persistently replied,
“But I was converted at gospel meetings. I’m saved.” One of America’s most popular evangelists recently
stated that the Bible affirmed baptism both by immersion and by sprinkling. Apparently he failed to
remember that Ephesians 4:5 states that there is “One baptism” only. While popular modern revivals may
create an interest in religion, yet many people are satisfied with a partial knowledge of the word of God and

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a superficial experience. It now becomes quite difficult in most cases to interest them in the whole truth.

True Revivals
There is one most encouraging conclusion to be drawn from this wave of popular revivalism now
sweeping the world. Satan realizes that the true revival in the church of God is due, and he seeks to nullify
its influence by introducing a counterfeit before its appearance.
Let us turn to the pages of the Old Testament and draw an important lesson from one of its most
extensive revivals. King Josiah ascended the throne at the tender age of eight. It is not surprising that a
revival swept over the nation when we read of the course he followed. “And he did that which was right in
the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or
to the left.” 2 Kings 212.
Then, as the representative of his people, “the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before
the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with
all their heart and all their soul.” 2 Kings 233. God honored such a consecration, and a revival ensued.
Again and again wonderful spiritual revivals have been traced to one individual, and the pen of inspiration
reveals the procedure. “When churches are revived, it is because some individual seeks earnestly for the
blessing of God. He hungers and thirsts after God, and asks in faith, and receives accordingly. He goes to
work in earnest, feeling his great dependence upon the Lord, and souls are aroused to seek for a like
blessing, and a season of refreshing falls on the hearts of men.” - Christian Service, page 121.
Do we feel our personal need? Do we sense the need in our church for a revival? God promises to
make you, reader, and me, His appointed instruments for bringing a great spiritual revival to the church.
Why not let us pay the price and see God work? One person can start a revival. How encouraging! Shall we
not each purpose in our heart that we will be that one?

God Earnestly Calls

How earnestly God is calling to His people to “revive” their first love, their zeal for Him, their
abhorrence of sin, their burden for sinners. Listen to His appeals through the prophets as He marks out the
pathway we must follow in order to receive the abundant blessings He waits to impart: “If My people,
which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their
wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles
7:14.
“Seek you the Lord, all you meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek
righteousness, seek meekness: it may be you shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zephaniah 2:3
“Sanctify you a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders.” Joel 1:14. In most of these texts
the setting is that of the coming great day of the Lord. It is certainly very near. In His infinite mercy the
Lord clearly marks out for us the specific steps we are to take, even suggesting the words with which we
are to approach Him. “O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou has fallen by your iniquity. Take
with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so
will we render the calves of our lips.” Hosea 14:1, 2.
“Therefore also now, said the Lord, turn you even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and
with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your
God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repented Him of the evil.”
Joel 2:12, 13.
The hour is late. The great decree is about to go forth in heaven. Human probation is about to
close. The situation is very serious in the church. Something must be done and done quickly to avert the
doom of the wicked falling upon a worldly, lukewarm church. It will fall first and with great severity on
those who know the truth and live it not.
“Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people, sanctify the
congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts. Let the priests, the
ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord,
and give not Your heritage to reproach.” Verses 15-17.
This is the road to a genuine revival. This opens the floodgates of heaven and brings to God’s
people a renewing or revival of spiritual life from above. Hear God’s response if we will follow this course:
I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him.” Hosea 14:4.
See also Micah 7:18, 19.

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Revivals come when God’s people turn from sin and earnestly seek His face. Looking down to the
hour preceding the Second Coming of Jesus (Habakkuk 3:3-6), the prophet saw the need of God’s people
and cried out, “O Lord, revive Thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in
wrath remember mercy.” Verse 2. Some authorities use the word “made” instead of “make.” The verse then
becomes simple and clear. The years that have been “made” known, the years on which so many lines of
prophecy focus, are the years preceding the Second Coming. These are the years surely made known, and
these are the days in which God’s people are to pray most earnestly, “Revive Thy work, O Lord.”

The Revivals Needed

There are two lines along which we are told there especially needs to be a revival:
1. “A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek
this should be our first work.” - Christian Service, Page 41. Unless there are real reformations, a genuine
turning away from sin, the revival is either not genuine or has not fully met God’s expectations. 1n many of
the revivals which have occurred during the last half century, the same influences have been at work, to a
greater or less degree, that will be manifest in the more extensive movements of the future. There is an
emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need
be deceived. In the light of God’s word it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements.
Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which
require self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that God’s blessing is not bestowed.
And by the rule which Christ Himself has given, ‘You shall know them by their fruits,’ it is evident that
these movements are not the work of the Spirit of God.” - The Great Controversy, pages 464, 465.
How, then, may we know when the revival is genuine? It is only as the law of God is restored to
its rightful position that there can be a revival of primitive faith and godliness among His professed people.
‘Thus said the Lord, Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and
walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls.’ “-Ibid., Page 478. Apart from this genuine type of
work we shall be attempting to pour water into broken cisterns. Jeremiah 2:13.
2. “Every church should seek for a revival of the missionary spirit. My brethren and sisters, in
these times of doubt and unbelief sinners will be converted only as the result of unusual efforts to give them
a knowledge of Bible truth.” - Review and Herald, November 5, 1914. A burden and labor for the unsaved
will also mark every true revival.
God calls for more than a revival. He “calls for a revival and a reformation.”-Prophets and Kings,
page 626. Perhaps we ought to distinguish between the two in order to show their interrelation. A revival is
a returning to our first love, “a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a
resurrection from spiritual death.” - Review and Herald, February 25, 1902. A reformation is a change in
life and habits, a closer conformity to God’s known and revealed will. It is a readjustment of our thinking,
our time, our practices, to make God and His work first. It is bringing the life into harmony with the law of
God, and by His power living up to the reforms He has especially revealed to, and urged upon His people.
Unless a reformation is accompanied by a revival, its results will not be desirable or permanent. On the
other hand, if the revival is to accomplish anything more than acts of abstract devotion, it must be
accompanied by a reformation. In 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 and Colossians 1:9-11 Paul indicates the experience
which will accompany a genuine turning to God. “Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work,
and in doing this work they must blend.” - Ibid., February 25, 1902.
There were four lines of reform effected in Israel under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah.
They are as applicable today as they were back there.

1. Bible Study
Readers and instructors were appointed, and an intensive study of the Scriptures resulted. The
prophecies of the coming Messiah and the place which the law of God should occupy were especially
noted.
We need, today, a revival of the Bible-study habit. The Scriptures are our only safeguard against
deception, and they are our means of spiritual growth. If it were not for the study of the word through the
Sabbath-school lesson a large percentage of God’s people-the people of the Book-would not open the Bible
from one Sabbath to another. How important, then, the study of the Sabbath-school lesson becomes!
A superintendent of a large city Sabbath school is also a prominent and efficient surgeon. One day
he remarked that he had found the Sabbath-school lesson as beneficial a method of Bible study as any he

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could think of. Each day he spends a thoughtful hour with the word of God before he launches into his
large practice. He never fails to attend teachers’ meeting. On Sabbath morning he sees his urgent cases
between 7:30 and 8:30 AM, so as to be early at the church for his duties. If more of us emulated this
Christian physician, we would also develop a Christ like character and be as helpful to the work of God as
he is.
Why not let us covenant together, dear friend, to make a practice of daily feeding upon the word of
God? Let us make it a habit, not for the sake of a record, but to hear Jesus speaking to our hearts. What
better way than to do it in an interesting manner at family worship? The texts can be passed around, and all
can share in the reading. Helps can be consulted and comments made. These lessons thus engaged in will
never be completely lost by our growing boys and girls. Come, let us do it. It is one of the basic reforms
needed in the remnant church.

2. Proper Marriage
Ezra 9:1,2; 10:23. “This was the beginning of a wonderful reformation. With infinite patience and
tact, and with a careful consideration for the rights and welfare of every individual concerned, Ezra and his
associates strove to lead the penitent of Israel into the right way.” - Prophets and Kings, page 622. If only
our young people and their parents could see the happiness and mutual understanding that exists in united
homes! If only they realized the deep abiding joy of going to church and Sabbath school together! If they
knew the comfort of facing trials, dangers, and problems together with Jesus, who would want to disobey
God and unite with one who does not love Jesus and keep God’s law? Let us be reminded that these unwise
alliances are engineered by the evil one to lead people away from the church of God. Yes, it is true that
some have held fast, and a few, a very few, have succeeded in bringing into the truth their unbelieving
companions. One thing is certain, however: there are hundreds weeping their hearts out, in homes from
which the shadows are never lifted, because they disobeyed God. Those who have come in would most
probably have come in anyway. It is not likely that an act of disobedience to God could have been His
appointed way to win a soul.

3. Sabbath Reform
Nehemiah 13:17-22. Nehemiah worked earnestly and bravely to cause his people to see the
necessity of placing the sacredness of the Sabbath above financial gain. He took active steps to safeguard
the people from temptation. While most Seventh-day Adventists do not buy or sell on the Sabbath, it is
unfortunately too true that the Sabbath is not being kept as holy as God desires us to keep it. Is there not a
great deal of conversation on the Sabbath which does not harmonize with the Sabbath commandment? Is
there not too much aimless riding around? Is the Sabbath a delight to us, or is it a burden? The answer will
depend upon the nature of our Christian experience. Shall we not seek to bring every thought on the
Sabbath into captivity to Christ? If we did this on God’s holy day, maybe it would lead us to do it all the
time. Let us find pleasant ways of Bible study with our children. Nature walks and “nature talks” which
point to nature’s God were one of the original purposes of the Sabbath. Of course, we would never think of
being absent from Sabbath school and church. If we do not attend these services we need to search our
hearts and ask God to help us to reform.

4. Tithing
Verses 10-12. This subject will be studied in chapter 10, but in this connection we refer to what
happened in Nehemiah’s day. When the people brought to God a faithful tithe, the ministry were able to do
their appointed work instead of farming and building houses. The services of the sanctuary received their
proper complement of priests and Levites, according to the divine plan. If today all rendered to God a
faithful tithe, there would be sufficient funds to operate the work of God properly and greatly extend it.
The Lord has pointed out that a work of reform lies before His remnant people. In Isaiah 58:12-14
it is clearly indicated that we are to do this work of reform. We are to rebuild the old waste places, we are
to repair the breach in the law of God, we are to restore the old Bible paths of righteousness and truth. Like
Nehemiah, with undivided purpose we are to concentrate on our task. “I am doing a great work, so that I
cannot come down.” Nehemiah 6:3. The work of Nehemiah was but a symbol of the work to be carried
forward by the remnant church. See Prophets and Kings, page 677. We are to bring to completion the great
reformation.
This reformation will not be complete until it comprehends our whole being, the spiritual, the

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mental, and the physical. How God views our bodies is revealed in such scriptures as 1 Corinthians 10:31;
6:19, 20. Entire sanctification will include the physical. See 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Man fell and sin came
into this world through the indulgence of appetite. Christ was victorious where Adam failed. His victory
over appetite must be ours if we are to be partakers of all His righteousness. What a pathetic disregard there
is today of the illuminating counsel on health reform so graciously given us! We may joke about it, toss our
heads, and wink our eyes; but God has not changed that counsel, and it stands. Candidates for translation
will obey it. This disobedience is one reason why greater power does not attend the proclamation of the
truth. It is given as a reason why God does not bring many into our churches today.
Those who obey the counsel from heaven must guard against unkind onslaughts on their brethren
who do not. Health reform must not be taken out of its proper setting. It is one of the doctrines of the advent
message. Not the only one, however. No spoke of a revolving wheel should be lengthened beyond its
companions. Guarding against fads and fanaticism, commercialism and prejudice, let us with an intelligent
knowledge of our bodies and of the data available, carry out the principles of this reform.

Educational Reforms
God has blessed abundantly our educational and medical work. One wonders, however, what
might have been our status today, if all along the line we had kept squarely to the blueprint. Let us exercise
more faith and humble dependence upon Him. If there is one lesson above another that the history of the
children of Israel should teach us it is this: Obey God, no matter what the appearance of things. Do not
follow after strange gods.

10. Stewardship In View of the End

“Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all your increase: so shall thy barns be filled
with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9,10.

WE SHALL never know how many thousands of dollars, given by loving little hands have been
passed on from mother and dad to the work of God and placed in the offering basket to the words of this
enchanting old tune: “Hear the pennies dropping! Listen while they fall.” But there is a danger that as we
grow older and earn for ourselves we may still want to “hear the pennies dropping.” Perhaps it is time for
some song writer to compose a new song for adults. One is reminded of the old farmer who had been taught
from early childhood to give to that tune. As he came to manhood he preserved the habit unchanged. One
Sunday he found himself in church in the distressing condition of not having a penny in his pocket. His
smallest coin was a five-cent piece. How was he to get out of his dilemma? As the plate came by, he
quickly deposited his coin and started to take four cents off the plate. But the deacon did not seem to co-
operate with him and hurriedly withdrew the plate. “Never mind,” he consoled himself, I can get square;”
and for four Sundays he put nothing on the plate.
He was giving, even giving systematically. But how? What spirit prompted his giving? What
conception did he have of his relationship to God?
This whole question of giving hinges on a fundamental understanding of relationships. Without
this Biblical basic concept we can never know the joy and privilege of giving, or remove the pain of parting
with cherished possessions. First of all, we need to realize that we ourselves have been bought with a price.
We are not -our own. We belong to God. Then we need to realize that God owns everything, not only the
things of the world generally, but our possessions as well. And finally, we ought to recognize that our
heavenly Father says to us, “My son, I want to take you into partnership- with Me. Here are My
possessions, the silver and gold, the cattle, the corn, the wheat, the fruit, and other bounties of nature. I
want you to work all these as though they were yours. You may take 90 per cent of all the profits and put
10 per cent aside in My account. I will use that for the work of saving souls, a work in which we are both
interested. From the 90 per cent I am allowing you, I shall leave it to you, son, to determine how much you
will put in this great enterprise. It is the grandest work in all the world, and it will pay the largest
dividends.”
It is so easy to forget, or fail to think. If one reflected for but a moment, one great truth would
become so obvious. Did you or I or any other man make the world? No. But it’s here, so someone made it.
Yes, God made it, therefore it is His, not ours. In the beginning He took steps to impress this truth upon our
first parents. When He made one reservation of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16.

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17), He was placing a constant reminder of His ownership before Adam and Eve. As they obeyed Him by
not eating of the forbidden fruit, they were expressing their gratitude to Him for the blessings they received,
and were offering their loyalty to Him as their Creator. There was a second way in which God sought to
remind man of His ownership. He reserved the Sabbath to Himself (verse 3).
God made tithing a reminder of His ownership of all the earth. He has taken the two greatest
talents entrusted to men and says, in effect, to His children, “For your own good, to keep you constantly in
dependence upon Me and to keep you in safe fellowship with Me, I am reserving one-seventh portion of
time and one-tenth portion of your income. The first will, week by week, draw you back to Me and the
second will guard you from selfishly working your own destruction with the blessings I have given you.”
On several occasions Jesus emphasized this same relationship. In the parable of the talents He
said, “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and
delivered unto them his goods.” Matthew 25:14. James makes plain how many things come from God.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.” James
1:17.
Someone might say, “Yes, God causes the seed to grow and sends the rain and sunshine, but it is
my hard work that finally makes possible the harvest.” This is a shortsighted view; for our strength, the
ability to use our minds, our hands, our feet, are all gifts or talents entrusted to us by God. In Deuteronomy
8:17, 18 God anticipated this deceptive reasoning. “And thou say in your heart, My power and the might of
mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shall remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that gives
thee power to get wealth.”
I once conducted a series of Bible studies in a home. The mother and grown daughter were both
deeply interested, but the father was not. As the Sabbath was presented, he raised the question of how one
could earn a living in this modern age and keep the Sabbath. He was told that if we obeyed God, God
would help work that out and see that his family needs were supplied, Somewhat boastfully the man
remarked, I am a mason. Do you see this beautiful home? I built it. This strong right arm has supported this
family. I don’t need God.” It was pointed out to him that it was God who gave him strength and ability to
get wealth. He appeared unimpressed and finally dissuaded his wife and daughter from going on with the
studies. Soon afterward I was called to work in another city. About a year passed by before I again visited
this family. As I entered the home, I found the mason crippled and confined to his bed, unable to do a bit of
work.

Wealth Not to Be Despised

“Remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that gives thee power to get wealth.” While we are not
to set our hearts on riches and make them the ultimate objective of our endeavors, we should remember that
the ability to get wealth is one of the talents God entrusts to men. Consequently it should be faithfully put
to use. Well has it been said that it is not money but the love of it which is the root of all evil. Note this
counsel: “The followers of Christ are not to despise wealth; they are to look upon wealth as the Lord’s
entrusted talent. By a wise use of His gifts, they may be eternally benefited, but we are to bear the fact in
mind that God has not given us riches to use just as we shall fancy, to indulge impulse, to bestow or
withhold as we shall please. We are not to use riches in a selfish way, devoting them simply to our own
enjoyment.” - Counsels on Stewardship, page 133.
How encouraging to see in our churches men and women to whom God has given ability to obtain
wealth, who liberally meet need after need and, above all, find great pleasure in giving. How thrilling to
study a church treasurer’s books to discover a brother placing a hundred dollars in the Thirteenth Sabbath
Offering, quarter after quarter. In another church someone sold a property to good advantage, and besides
the tithe, five hundred dollars was placed in Sabbath-school offerings. I made an appeal for missions at a
recent camp meeting. A brother had already given a large contribution, but the new appeal found him
writing out another check for a larger amount. A capable farmer lived economically himself, but for years
had a thousand-dollar gift for the cause at the annual camp meeting. Many have given larger amounts.
Many more give smaller sums with the same spirit. If only all who should, would understand the blessed
privilege of being God’s stewards, then perhaps it might be truly said of the church, “Her merchandise and
her hire shall be holiness to the Lord.” Isaiah 23:18.

Complete Stewardship
“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2. Our

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stewardship comprehends (1) self, (2) substance, (3) service, and (4) influence. This is the full measure of
faithful stewardship. Owned by God, sent forth by God, empowered by God, and answerable to God-we are
His stewards. If self or any of God’s gifts are not used to His glory, they are used by the adversary of souls.
This is surely true of our means. “There are only two places in the universe where we can place our
treasures, in God’s storehouse or in Satan’s; and all that is not devoted to God’s service is counted on
Satan’s side, and goes to strengthen his cause. The Lord designs that the means entrusted to us shall be used
in building up His kingdom. His goods are entrusted to His stewards that they may be carefully traded
upon, and bring back a revenue to Him in the saving of souls.” - Counsels on Stewardship, Page 35.
On one occasion when Hitler was in power, one of our workers visited a church in Germany. With
tears in their eyes the members lamented, “We are unable to give to God’s cause. The law forbids it. O that
we had done more when we could.” All their money had been confiscated for war purposes.

God’s Purpose in Making Us His Stewards

When God requires His people to return a tithe to Him and to bring in our freewill offerings, it is
surely not because He is in need of them. The world is His and the fullness thereof. Why then, does He call
for these returns? His purposes are many, and they are all for our good. In the verse in which He commands
us to bring all the tithes into the storehouse, He furnishes two reasons. First, “That there may be meat in
Mine house,” and, second, “Prove Me now herewith if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour
you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3: 10.
His church and people are to this world what Lot and the righteous were to Sodom. But for the
righteous, this old world would long since have been abandoned to the devices of the evil one. How
important that the holy and saving influence of the church should be preserved in this old, wicked world.
How important that it be spread abroad abundantly. Every human device for saving and bettering the world
has proved unavailing. Civilization, culture, education, and science have, with statesmanship and politics,
demonstrated their weakness. All have failed to improve morals and avert war. God speaks, “O that thou
had hearkened to My commandments! Then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the
waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18.
This message of remedy for national and international ills it is the province of the church to
convey to the world. To preserve the only saving influence in the world is God’s first purpose in calling for
our tithes. In saving the world, we save ourselves, our loved ones, and our homes.
‘Trove Me now.” He desires to enlarge our stewardship. He has an abundance He longs to bestow.
Upon whom will He bestow His larger bounties? They will be given to those who have been faithful in that
which has already been entrusted to them. If from what He has given us we return to Him a faithful tithe
and a liberal freewill offering, we have proved to Him that we are ready for a larger stewardship. He now is
ready to fulfill His promises, I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes” and “open you the windows of
heaven.”

Partaking of His Spirit

Wars had overrun Macedonia again and again. Armies in those days did what undemocratic armies
are still doing today. They lived off the territory through which they passed. The believers of Macedonia
were in straitened circumstances, “in a great trial of affliction,” and in “deep poverty.” Yet this is what they
did: “First save their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” Then they pressed upon Paul,
“with much entreaty,” to receive their gifts. His teachings had taken effect. The Macedonian call had not
been answered in vain. The churches in Macedonia had captured the spirit of their Master, who, “though He
was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians
8:1-9.
“By its necessities a ruined world is drawing forth from us talents of means and of influence, to
present to men and women the truth, of which they are in perishing need. As we heed these calls, by labor
and by acts of benevolence, we are assimilated to the image of Him who for our sakes became poor. In
bestowing, we bless others, and thus accumulate true riches. The spirit of liberality is the spirit of heaven.”
- Counsels on Stewardship, pages 13, 14. Yes, when we gladly, willingly, and freely give, we are burning
out the dross of our old selfish nature and letting Christ be formed in us. As one has said, liberality starves
selfishness.” It conforms us to the image of His dear Son. Is it important that we give, give, give? The
blessings do not cease with present character development.
We have heard several versions of the oft-repeated story of a certain woman who was a church

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member. One night she dreamed that she was being escorted by an angel through the mansions above. She
paused at one beautiful palace after another. With wondering eyes and anxious heart she listened while the
angel spoke. “This beautiful home is for Deacon Jones.” “But he was so poor.” “Yes, but this is what we
have been able to build from what he sent ahead.” Thus the conversation went. Finally they came to a small
and unassuming place. “This is for you,” said the angel. Sorrow and disappointment crossed the woman’s
face. “It is all you sent ahead when you were down on earth.” She awoke. How thankful she was that it was
only a dream!
In some way our liberality is treasure laid up for us in heaven. Where our treasure is, there will our
hearts be also. The more we give, the more we will love heaven. “Divine wisdom has appointed, in the plan
of salvation, the law of action and reaction, making the work of beneficence, in all its branches, twice
blessed.”-Ibid., Page 13.
The newspapers recently told a story which from a human viewpoint illustrates this reflex
blessing. A man had been going out of his way to befriend what appeared to be a lonely, needy, old man.
One day he received notice to come and receive $100,000 left him by the old man as a reward for his kind
attentions.
Perhaps the greatest reflex influence from manifesting the spirit of benevolence is found in the
blessing revealed in this passage: 1t is in working actively to supply the necessities of the cause of God that
we bring our souls in touch with the Source of all power.” - Testimonies, Volume 6, Page 27.

Co-Workers With Christ in Finishing the Work

Our fellowship with Christ includes fellowship in sacrifice as well as in service. We are workers
together with Him (2 Corinthians 6:1) in seeking and saving the lost, and that takes in the financial needs of
His work as well. “That man might not lose the blessed results of benevolence, our Redeemer formed the
plan of enlisting him as His co-worker. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without the aid
of man; but He knew that man could not be happy without acting a part in the great work.
By a chain of circumstances which would call forth his charities, He bestows upon man the best
means of cultivating benevolence, and keeps him habitually giving to help the poor and to advance His
cause.” - Counsels on Stewardship, page 13.
More and more the great corporations employing large numbers of workmen are realizing the
wisdom of the principle. They are constantly encouraging employees to buy stock in the corporation by
which they are employed. When employees have an investment in the project a further incentive is created
to do better work and seek its welfare. Christ asks for not only our service, but for our capital as well. There
is no better investment than the cause of God. It is the only enterprise that is sure not to fail. We shall be
blessed if we keep on faithfully sustaining the work. It is withholding that tends to poverty.
Of course there is another side to the picture. Thus far we have considered what we might call our
“privilege,” but in Romans 1:14-16 it is pointed out to us that there is an obligation as well. Our possession
of the truth makes us “debtors” to those who have it not. How? A soldier from the United States walked
through the streets of a Filipino village. The ravages of war had left that section destitute. A native child
came by. He was hungry. The soldier had an abundance of rations. The hungry, pleading eyes looked into
his. Should he share his rations? Was he a debtor?

God’s Reserves The Tithe

The Sabbath day is holy. The tithe is “holy unto the Lord.” Both were in existence before the
“Jewish economy.” Since neither was affected by the passing of that economy, the laws governing them are
not re-enacted in the New Testament. They did not need to be re-enacted, for they were never repealed.
They are assumed and explained in the New Testament. Hebrews 7:5; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14. Would it not
be wonderful if all who recognize holy time and seek to keep the Sabbath faithfully would recognize holy
money and bring. to the Lord all their tithe? If all did, there would be an abundance in the treasury to meet
the needs of that portion of the work ordained to be supported by the tithe.
What a beautiful and equitable plan! Divine in its origin, every child of God can safely take hold
of it. How many thousands have proved God in tithe paying. What a privilege to be honored by God as His
treasurer, a custodian of His goods, an agent for the bank of heaven. No faithful participant through this
plan will be left poorer. It is so good to know that it is not man-made.
Let’s stop and think a bit, reader. Do we owe God anything as far as the tithe is concerned? No, I
am not suggesting that you have in any way been dishonest. However, there must be those in the church

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who have been either dishonest or neglectful, for, God charges some with robbery of Him. As far as you
and I are concerned, have we permitted any oversights? Think it over to make sure that the channel is open
for added blessing which ought to come if we are completely faithful. Nine tenths with God’s blessing
equals more than ten tenths with God’s curse.
In recent Sabbath-school lessons, stewardship has been fully studied. Our thoughts in this volume
have, therefore, only briefly touched on high points by way of review. Let us consider the five basic
principles which should govern our giving:
1. Give cheerfully. “God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7. Give, “not grudgingly, or of
necessity.” Let us be the kind of givers God loves.
2. Give proportionately. “As God hath prospered him.” 1 Corinthians 16:1 So often there is a wide
discrepancy between the rise in tithe income and missions giving. Many seek to make explanations, but all
of them point to the fact that rising prices and other sundry temporal needs receive first consideration; so
God is left (shall we use the common phrase?) to “hold the bag.” I, for one, don’t want that to happen. Do
you? How can we avoid it?
3. Give systematically after careful planning. “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you
lay by him in store.” 1 Corinthians 16:2. The apostle is really here suggesting a careful consideration of our
financial status early in the week, with a setting aside of what we desire to, and should, give for the work of
the Lord. If we did this we would solve the problem mentioned in (2). The principle suggested there should
determine how much we set aside.
The plan of the denomination for missions offerings is based on this principle. So is also the basic
goal of the Sabbath school. As incomes increase, the cents per week per member are adjusted. This is in
harmony with the teachings of the Bible. Let all put it into practice. How good to know that many
cheerfully drop in a dollar or two for Sabbath school every Sabbath. I have seen them doing it by hundreds.
There still remains one question mark. Suppose your income as a professional man is one, two, or three
thousand a month. Is a dollar, or even two, a faithful proportion? Think it over. I know of a doctor who puts
in $20 every week. That he considers his proper Sabbath-school offering.
4. Give liberally. “The riches of their liberality.” 2 Corinthians 8:2. “The liberal soul shall be made
fat.” Proverbs 11:25. The Macedonian Christians we have mentioned went beyond proportionate giving.
They gave liberally; that is, beyond their proportionate share. That’s how Jesus gave. That’s how the
widow gave. That is how Israel gave for the tabernacle. That is how more of God’s remnant people will yet
give. Thousands now are giving liberally. A sister on an old-age pension drops in a dollar a week. That’s
giving liberally.
5. Give sacrificially. “Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which does
cost me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:24.
One of our poorer sisters had been saving her coins, looking forward to the day when she could
buy herself a new much-needed dress. An urgent call came for famine relief. She placed her “dress” in the
offering plate.

Sale of Possessions for Cause of God

In the early church, believers often sold their possessions to assist the work of God and those in
need. All through the history of the church, faithful men and women have been called upon to make great
sacrifices for the gospel. The remnant church was born and nurtured in that atmosphere. Joseph Bates, once
a wealthy man, invested his all in getting the work started. The Whites, Edson, and other pioneers not only
gave to the limit, but went out and worked to get more to give wings to the message.
Are we required to sell our property? How shall we know the mind of the Lord in this matter? This
question is well answered in Early Writings. The- whole chapter on “Duty in View of the Time of
Trouble,” pages 56-58, merits our careful study. We furnish here hut an extract. I also saw that God had not
required all of His people to dispose of their property at the same time, but if they desired to be taught, He
would teach them, in a time of need, when to sell and how much to sell. Some have been required to
dispose of their property in times past to sustain the advent cause, while others have been permitted to keep
theirs until a time of need. Then, as the cause needs it, their duty is to sell.”

In the Time of Trouble

A further question arises. If we are someday to flee from the cities, when will it be best to dispose
of our property? The answer to this question is fundamentally the same as to that concerning the sale of our

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property. In the parables of the treasure hid in the field and the pearl of great price, the man in each case
sold all that he had to secure the great treasure. The Savior’s meaning is clear. The man prized the treasure
so much that no earthly consideration was permitted to stand in his way to secure it. If it was necessary to
sell his house to secure the treasure, then the house went. This would be another way of saying, “Lord, all I
am and have are Yours. You indicate what I am to do.” The song writer inquires, “Is your all on the altar of
sacrifice laid?” That does not mean that we are to sell all right now. It does mean that we are willing to do
so if God’s cause needs it and He so indicates; we are willing to put all at His disposal. Note the counsel
from the same book, Early Writings, pages 56, 57, regarding our property during the time of trouble:
“Houses and lands will be of no use to the saints in the time of trouble, for they will then have to flee before
infuriated mobs, and at that time their possessions cannot be disposed of to advance the cause of present
truth. I was shown that it is the will of God that the saints should cut loose from every encumbrance before
the time of trouble comes, and make a covenant with God through sacrifice. If they have their property on
the altar, and earnestly inquire of God for duty, He will teach them when to dispose of these things. Then
they will be free in the time of trouble, and have no clogs to weigh them down.” Remember Lot’s wife.
An elderly sister was ill. She was very low. My family and I visited her for several weeks,
especially on Friday evenings. One day I inquired about her properties. She had several. Well, she was
giving one to her sister, another to her real-estate agent, another to a national club, and two others to distant
relatives. I asked her if she had thought of giving one or more to the Lord. No, but she would think it over. I
labored with her for hours. Finally she decided to give one, the smallest and cheapest, to God upon the
death of her sister. I urged her to make a gift to the cause before she died, but to no avail. Word came to me
through her maid that her sister and agent were strongly influencing her against the church. They were both
Catholics. So once again I pleaded with her to recognize that her greatest obligation was to Jesus. God
moved upon her heart, and she finally willed her best property to the cause. What moved her was the
realization that what God’s cause lost, the enemy gained. Let us consider the counsel in the brief quotations
below:
“Property is often bequeathed to children and grandchildren only to their injury. They have no
love for God or for the truth, and therefore this means, all of which is the Lord’s, passes into Satan’s ranks,
to be controlled by him.” (We would understand these to be unbelieving children.)
“Some wills are made in so loose a manner that they will not stand the test of the law, and thus
thousands of dollars have been lost to the cause.” (That is how a large amount left by the late treasurer of
the United States was lost.)
“Many manifest a needless delicacy on this point. They feel that they are stepping upon forbidden
ground when they introduce the subject of property to the aged or to invalids in order to learn what
disposition they design to make of it. But this duty is just as sacred as the duty to preach the word to save
souls. Here is a man with God’s money or property in his hands. He is about to change his stewardship.
Will he place the means which God has lent him to be used in His cause, in the hands of wicked men, just
because they are his relatives?” - Counsels on Stewardship, Page 323.
As with service, so with sacrifice; God’s people will yet meet His expectations. Covetousness and
selfishness will be completely overcome by those waiting and working for their Lord’s return. Two
wonderful prophecies bring this word to us: “Gather My saints together unto Me; those that have made a
covenant with Me by sacrifice.” Psalm 50:5.
“Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power.” Psalm 110:1. As the author has witnessed
certain scenes of recent months his heart has been lifted in gratitude to God. At recent camp meetings and
in response to special appeals hundreds and thousands have been given by our people. Some Thirteenth
Sabbath 01Terings in individual conferences have reached more than ten thousand dollars. Down in the
South Sea Islands we recently heard of great sacrifices. In Africa, from regions of considerable poverty,
large sums are coming in. And so in Australia and the countries of Europe. Yes, in all the world, despite
war and famine our people are giving more and more.
The end must be near. The hundreds and thousands are coming to His altar.

WHEN MAY I STOP?

What! More pleas for help, more money yet!

When will it ever cease?
I’ve given, given, given much,
Yea, more than my increase.

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May I not keep a little back,

Instead of giving all?
And must I hear the pleas that come,
And answer every call?

Must I keep giving week by week,

From the meager store I own?
Must I sacrifice still more and more
For every nation, tongue, and zone?
“Oh, no, discouraged one,” I seem to hear
A voice from heaven say,
“Just give until your Father stops
His blessings day by day.”
N. P. NEILSEN

11. The Latter Rain and the Loud Cry

“And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven having great power; and the earth was
lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is
fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean
and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the
earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the
abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people,
that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:1-4.

THE Holy Spirit is possessed by every believer. Should one visit certain types of churches where
confusion reigns and people are supposed to talk in tongues, he would invariably be asked, “Have you the
Holy Spirit?” Anyone who is converted can answer this question in the affirmative. It is the Spirit of God
working in the human heart which brings about the new birth. If we have been born again, we have been
born of the Spirit. But our concern here is a further development of Christian experience. In Ephesians 5:18
the apostle admonishes us to “be filled with the Spirit.” This occurs when the human instrument is
completely emptied of self. If a cup has some commodity in it, then it cannot be filled with something else.
If we desire a full cup of water we must remove everything else that might be in the cup. Let none entertain
the idea that much loud praying, a great emotional excitement, or the exhibitions of so called “gifts” are an
evidence of Spirit in filling. The whole life must be brought into conformity to God’s will. We must be
completely emptied of self and must gain the victory over every besetment before we can be “filled” with
the Spirit.
Because of its widespread prevalence and the fantastic claims of its possessors, we should perhaps
pause to deal with the so called “baptism of the Spirit which results in the so-called gift of tongues. Let us
note that those who claim this fullness of the Spirit have not met one of the outstanding conditions of Spirit
in filling. In Acts 5:32 we read: “And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost,
whom God bath given to them that obey Him.” I recall on one occasion talking to a minister of a
“Pentecostal” church. I pointed out to him from the word of God the necessity of obedience to God. I
clearly showed him God’s requirements of us, His earth-bound subjects. I proved to him that obedience to
God’s law alone could remove us from the status of being sinners. I don’t know about all that,” was the
answer; I know I have the Holy Spirit. I feel it.” Could he have the Holy Spirit if he was not meeting the
requirements that God Himself has laid down in His word? Let us make sure of one thing. The Holy Spirit
will never tell us something now which would be in opposition to or contradict that which He Himself
caused holy men to write in years gone by.
This raises the question: Does there have to be a powerful feeling or a spectacular demonstration
when the divine Spirit fills a life? It is true that on some occasions there were manifestations of one type or
another in the early church. A study of the setting of these occasions will show the reason for those
manifestations. The teaching of the Bible does not indicate that there has of necessity to be a visible or
spectacular demonstration of power. We are to pray for the Spirit, meet God’s conditions, and then believe
that we receive the Spirit. Acts 2:38. How the Spirit decides to manifest Himself is another matter. He will

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decide which of His gifts He will bestow, `dividing to every man severally as He will.” 1 Corinthians
12:11. The manifestation of a gift is also not to be confused with an emotional excitement. There may or
may not be an accompanying “feeling” of excitement when the Spirit comes. There should be a deep-seated
joy and peace in the soul.
Does there have to be talking in “tongues” as an evidence that the Spirit has come? First of all let
us make certain what the gift of tongues is. When we read the second chapter of Acts we clearly see that the
true gift of tongues imparted on the day of Pentecost was the ability to speak in foreign languages or
tongues. When Peter spoke, people heard and understood him in their native tongue. One reason why this
particular gift was bestowed at Pentecost was that so many nationalities had assembled at Jerusalem for the
feast. What a wonderful opportunity this was to spread far and- wide, in many countries, the knowledge of
the risen Christ! The gift of tongues is the supernatural ability to speak in foreign languages. Paul traveled
most extensively. Therefore he said, “I speak with tongues more than you all.” 1 Corinthians 14:18. He had
the greatest need of the gift as he traveled from one country to another, lands whose language he had not
learned. The gift of tongues enabled him to speak fluently in any language. See The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 39, 40.
It is interesting to know that long years ago the evil one sought to bring in a counterfeit of this gift
among God’s people. Speaking of the manifestations, we read in volume 1 of the Testimonies, Page 412:
“Some of these persons have exercises which they call gifts and say the Lord has placed them in the church.
They have an unmeaning gibberish which they call the unknown tongue, which is unknown not only by
man but by the Lord and all heaven. Such gifts are manufactured by men and women, aided by the great
deceiver. Fanaticism, false excitement, false talking in tongues, and noisy exercises have been considered
gifts which God has placed in the church. Some have been deceived here.”

The Angel of Revelation 18

As the great controversy nears its close, the little remnant church, opposed by gigantic forces,
seems unequal to her task of warning the world. But this emergency is not unforseen in heaven. God has
made full provision-for the protection of His church and the work He has committed to it. Once again using
the symbol of another angel having great power, prophecy forecasts the enlightenment of the whole world
by the remnant church. Revelation 18:1-2. Despite apparent failures in some lines, retarded progress in
others, despite distressing circumstances in some countries and slow growth in others, the prophetic picture
of the closing work of God is one of steady progress ending in a triumphant culmination. The power that
comes down from heaven to assist the church is described as “great power.” It successfully lightens the
whole earth, and the angel is portrayed as crying “mightily with a strong voice.”
This later terminology, describing the final unprecedented expansion of the work of God, is often
referred to as “the loud cry of the third angel.” - Testimonies, Volume 8, Page 118. A correlation of various
passages of Scripture and references from the spirit of prophecy leads one to the conclusion that the loud
cry is the result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the
truth with great power. I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, ‘It is the latter rain,
the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.’” - Early Writings, page 271.
Once more we read, “The message of truth that we bear must go to nations, tongues, and peoples. Soon it
will go with a loud voice, and the earth will be lightened with its glory. Are we preparing for this great
outpouring of the Spirit of God?” - Testimonies, Volume 5, Page 383. We need to remind ourselves
continually that it is through human agents that this divine power is to be manifested and that “the Holy
Spirit is to work on human hearts, taking the things of God and showing them to men.”-Ibid., Volume 9,
Page 40. Furthermore, that which is accomplished by the angel of Revelation 18 is but “the loud cry of the
third angel.”-Ibid., Volume 8, Page 118. This is not an independent movement or message. It is the
“swelling” of the work of God already in progress.

The Message of the Angel of Revelation 18

This angel cries mightily with a strong voice, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become
the habitation of devils, and the hold* of every foul spirit.... For all nations have drunk of the wine of the
wrath of her fornication.” This is a repetition of the message of the second angel of Revelation 14, to which
have been added the evils which have entered the fallen churches since that message was first given in
1844.
“As foretold in the eighteenth of Revelation, the third angel’s message is to be proclaimed with

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great power by those who give the final warning against the beast and his image. This is the message given
by God to be sounded forth in the loud cry of the third angel.” - Testimonies, Volume 8, Page 118. This is
the same message which God’s people in the threefold message have been giving since the message began
in 1844, “Babylon the great is fallen.” The only difference is that we are now told more fully what Babylon
has become. Since the message was first given, additional corruption have been entering the churches
which reject the final warning. The great influence of spiritualism is brought to view in the language,
Babylon ‘Is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit.” Modern spiritualism had its
origin in Hydesville, New York, in 1848. It has not yet reached its full influence in the popular churches.
But soon we may expect in fulfillment of prophecy to see great miracles of deception performed principally
in the churches of apostate Protestantism. See page 155. It would seem, too, that such soul-destroying
exercises as theatergoing, gambling, card playing, and other amusements have been admitted in these
churches only in comparatively recent times. The separation of church and state, religion and politics,
which so strongly developed in the thirteen colonies and led to the writing of the Constitution of the United
States, is also now rapidly breaking down, and popular churches are tending more and more to enter the
political arena. Commercialism in many forms is creeping in, The apostasy against God has grown. At the
time this last warning in the Bible is proclaimed, it is said of Babylon, “All nations have drunk of the wine
of the wrath of her fornication.” Many papal traditions and dogmas and practices, unknown in
Protestantism a century ago, now permeate all so-called Christendom. Apostasy has reached the point
where God desires the sins of “Babylon” to ‘be plainly understood. He is about to close human probation,
and the seven last plagues are about to fall. An earnest final call to the honest in heart in Babylon follows
the announcing of her sins.
“Come out of her, My people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her
plagues.” Revelation 18:4. There are honest souls still in those churches which have rejected truth. God
tenderly calls them “My people.” They are honest in heart but have not fully understood the issues at stake.
When, under the power of the Holy Spirit, the remnant church clearly defines the issues, those who
continue to trample upon God’s law to obey a human enactment receive the mark of the beast. In His
justice, God will not allow anyone to suffer the seven last plagues until the truth has been brought to him
and been rejected. Some have not heard to these we must take the message. Some have only a twilight
perception; to these the binding obligation of the fourth commandment must be set forth in its true light.
When this has been fully accomplished by the church under the power of the latter rain, then probation
closes and the plagues fall. What a thrilling period that! Celestial glory with mighty witnessing for the truth
will blend with persecution and satanic fury.

The Latter Rain

We now turn our attention to study this mighty power that comes into the remnant church in the
short period of trouble before the close of probation. See Early Writings, page 85. Under the figure of the
early and the latter rain which falls in Eastern lands, this bestowal of God’s power in Pentecostal measure is
portrayed by the prophet Hosea (63). In Palestine the former rain falls in the months of September and
October, the beginning of the civil year. At this time the grain is sown. The latter rain falls in the Jewish
month Abib, the first month of the ecclesiastical year, corresponding to our March. The crops are winter
crops, and the latter rain brings them to maturity in the early spring when the harvest is gathered. In Joel
2:23 the Lord makes a gracious promise to His remnant people. The latter rain, of course, would be useless
unless under the former rain the seed was planted and a fair development of the plant took place. The object
of the latter rain is to mature the harvest. Since we are not ready for the harvest, having failed to avail
ourselves of the blessings of the former rain, the latter rain would be of little help to us. But God here
promises that when it is time for the latter rain, He will send both the former and the latter rain. Gracious
provision for our failure to grow in grace! Let us not presume upon God’s goodness. “Be glad then, you
children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for He hath given you the former rain moderately, and
He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.” Joel
2:23.
Regarding the time of the latter rain, 1 Chronicles 12:15 tells us that Jordan overflows all its banks
in the first month, and Joshua 3:15 states that Jordan overflows “all his banks all the time of harvest.” Two
deductions follow from these statements. Jesus declared the harvest to be the end of the world.
Consequently the latter rain comes at that time. Furthermore it is the falling of the latter rain which causes
Jordan to overflow its banks, and it is when the church is imbued with power from on high that it will pass
through “Jordan’s swollen tide.”

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Preparation to Receive the Latter Rain

One of the earnest calls God makes to His people to prepare for the latter rain is found in Hosea
10:12: “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground. For it is time to
seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness upon you.” Shall we not follow Peter’s Pentecostal
advice and begin the work of breaking up the hard ground of our hearts by repentance and baptism? Acts
2:38. The apostle points out that if we meet God’s conditions we shall receive the heavenly gift. This is the
time to begin praying for, and to continue to pray for, the Holy Spirit. “Ask you of the Lord rain in the time
of the latter rain.” Zechariah 10:1. God will not disappoint anyone who meets His conditions. There will be
bright clouds, showers, and golden fields of rich harvests.
We ought to understand more fully than we do the extent and nature of the preparation needed to
receive the latter rain. The soul must be fully surrendered to God, and we must be fully willing for the
Spirit to guide and control us in everything. We do not use the divine Spirit. He takes full possession and
uses us when we fully submit to Him. “The heart must be emptied of every defilement, and cleansed for the
indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of
themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of
Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now.” - Testimonies to Ministers, Page
507. Will we do it? We cannot complete God’s work without this help. We will not be able to stand in the
time of trouble without this power. Why delay? This blessing brings all other blessings in its train. Let us
all prepare to receive it.
We are warned not to wait in idle expectancy 1or some special season of spiritual refreshing” (The
Acts of the Apostles, page 54) by which our ability to enlighten others will be greatly increased. In the
parable of the talents the Master indicated the course His disciples must follow if they would receive added
blessings. It is only as we improve present opportunities and continue to let the light shine; only as we
develop the active as well as the passive Christian virtues, that we will receive the Spirit. Let us reflect
soberly on these statements from the pen of inspiration regarding the baptism of the Holy Spirit and meet
the divine requirements that we might receive the promised blessing:
“At this very hour His Spirit and His grace are for all who need them and will take Him at His
word.” - Testimonies, Volume 8, Page 20.
“When we bring our hearts into unity with Christ, and our lives into harmony with His work, the
Spirit that fell on the disciples on the Day of Pentecost will fall on us.”-Ibid., Volume 8, Page 246.
“If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit.” - The Acts of the Apostles, Page 50.
“Let Christians put away all dissension and give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let
them ask in faith for the promised blessing, And it will come.” - Testimonies, Volume 8, Page 21.
“The disciples did not ask for a blessing for themselves. They were weighted with the burden of
souls. The gospel was to be carried to the ends of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that
Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands were converted in a
day.” - Christian Service, pages 252, 253.
“The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the whole earth with His glory, will not
come until we have an enlightened people, that know by experience what it means to be laborers together
with God. When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the
fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the
church are not laborers together with God.”-Ibid., Page 253.

Not by Might nor by Power

The great task that confronts the church is the finishing of the work. From the vision in Zechariah
4 a declaration is often used to indicate how it will be accomplished, “Not by might, nor by power, but by
My Spirit, said the Lord of hosts.” Verse 6. A wonderful lesson of encouragement for the church is found in
the vision. We need to study it carefully. Zerubbabel was governor of the company which returned to Judea
and rebuilt the temple. The Lord uses Zerubbabel as a type of His remnant church who are to finish the
building of His spiritual temple. Verses 7-10. As we carefully study this chapter we note that the golden oil
was emptied through golden pipes into the bowl of the candlestick and. from there into the lamps. The oil is
a symbol of the Holy Spirit. But the lamps represent the church. The Holy Spirit is imparted to human
instruments, and thus it is that the church becomes a light bearer.
What wonderful results follow the in flowing of the golden oil into the lamps! Mountains of

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difficulties are removed, grace is imparted for all our needs, and the “house” of the Lord is finished. Verses
7-9. It is this outpouring which produces the great reformatory movement. Thank God there will be a
revival and a reformation. What better picture do we have of this movement in its closing work than that
found in Testimonies, volume 9, Page 126? 1n visions of the night, representations passed before me of a
great reformatory movement among God’s people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and
other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great
Day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening before them the word of
God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was
manifest. On every side, doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be
lightened with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the true and humble people of
God.”
When a night meeting was called in the days before electricity, each one arrived with a candle,
lighted it, and placed it on the table. By the time the whole congregation had assembled, the lighting of the
individual candles lighted the whole room. When each one of God’s children lets the divine Spirit work
through him, the world will soon be lighted.

Render Double Unto You

Great were the manifestations of power at Pentecost. But Joel tells us that that demonstration of
power was “moderate” as compared with what will be seen under the latter rain. “The latter rain will be
more abundant. What is the promise to those living in these last days? Turn you to the stronghold, you
prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render double unto thee.” - Ibid., Volume 8, Page 21.

ENDUE US WITH POWER

Endue us with power, Oh, endue us with power, Quickly, Lord, quickly, so late is the hour.
Darkness over all the earth falls like a pall, Multitudes, hungering, earnestly call.
Shall we be stayed by our pleasures or care From giving the warning their souls to prepare?

Endue us with power-we are cold like the dead. O fill us with fire from Your altar instead.
May we burn; may we shine; may we glow with a zeal, A passion for souls that is true, that is real.
Endue us with power-we are waiting, we wait, Quickly, Lord, quickly, the hour is late.
Margaret W. Locke

12. The Impending Conflict

“Because thou has kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which
shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast
which thou has, that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:10, 11.

THE Savior made it plain that the last days before His coming would be marked by wars,
pestilence, famines, and unusual convulsions of nature. Paul pointed out that “talk of peace would be the
prelude to “sudden destruction.” Contrary to the teachings of popular theology, the last days” will be a
period of confusion, uncertainty, and trouble, instead of a golden period of prosperity, peace, and good will.
As far back as November 24, 1904, writing in the Review and Herald, the servant of the Lord gave us this
forecast of earth’s closing days: “Soon grievous troubles will arise among the nations trouble that will not
cease until Jesus comes. The wars and rumors of wars, the destruction by fire and Hood, say clearly that the
time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand. We have no time to lose. The world
is stirred with the spirit of war.”
The Dark Ages were a period of great tribulation for the church. Historians estimate that more than
one hundred million people counted not their lives too dear for the truth’s sake. In this study we are
confining our attention to three periods immediately preceding the Second Coming, to which the term “time
of trouble” is applied. The first is called by the spirit of prophecy, “a little time of trouble.” This is a brief
period before the close of probation. The period most often referred to as the time of trouble is the year
following the close of probation when the seven last plagues are poured out. For the world this will be an

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unparalleled period of distress and suffering. “The time of Jacob’s trouble” is a portion of this last year,
following not only the close of probation, but the decree of death issued against God’s people.

The Little Time of Trouble

The first of these periods is described as the time when the nations are angry and when they are
destroying the earth. Revelation 11:18. It is little, not in extent or intensity, but in point of time. Early
Writings, Pages 85, 86 tells us that during this time the nations are held in check so as not to prevent the
closing work of salvation. While it is a time of trouble and distress, both for the world and the church, it is
also the time when the latter rain is to be poured out on God’s people. One reason given in the Scriptures
for the trouble on the earth during this period is found in Revelation 12:12: “Woe to the inhabitants of the
earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he
hath but a short time.”
As the prince of the power of the air, Satan is filling the world with disease and stirring up the
elements of nature to effect man’s destruction. We must, however, turn from these forces to other agencies
he is using to bring about the speedy destruction of the human race. His principal purpose is to ‘bring about
a man’s death before he is prepared to meet his end. For this reason his temptations lead to widespread
intemperance, sensual indulgence, and strife. War has always been, and still is, one of his chosen pastimes.
Through warfare he accomplishes many purposes. The minds of men are diverted from the gospel to
national issues and self-preservation. Many obstacles are placed before the messengers of the cross. During
a time of war the worst human passions are aroused, and, above all, countless numbers of men, women, and
children are suddenly brought to their end.

War or Peace
At the present time there is some discussion as to the nature of Armageddon. Without entering too
deeply into that controversial field, our purpose here is to indicate that there will be much war and
bloodshed on the earth in the closing days of its history. Were there no other passages to support this view,
the Savior’s statement in Matthew 24:6, 7 would be sufficient, for when He predicted “wars and rumors of
wars” and nation rising against nation He was answering the question, “What shall be the sign of Thy
coming, and of the end of the world?” Jeremiah, in picturing the last scenes of earth writes, I am pained at
my very heart. My heart makes a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou has heard, O my soul,
the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.” Jeremiah 4:19. The same prophet seems to indicate also that
once again at the end of time there will be universal conflict. “Thus said the Lord of hosts, Behold, evil
shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.”
Jeremiah 25:32. While it is true that the plagues as a judgment from God will take their toll of lives from
among earth’s teeming, wicked inhabitants, yet the reference to the whirlwind is a special reference to
destruction by war. We have always interpreted the winds striving upon the sea (Daniel 7:2; Revelation
17:15) as the conflicts of nations on the sea of humanity.

The Angels of Revelation 7

In Isaiah 30:25 reference is made to great slaughter and the falling of towers. Zephaniah 1: 14-16
speaks of the great day of the Lord being near and describes it as “a day of the trumpet and alarm against
the fenced cities, and against the high towers.” But the warfare at the end of time will not become universal
or of such a character as to prevent the proclamation of the message until “the servants of God are scaled in
their foreheads.” Destructive agencies will he held in check to a certain degree so long as there are honest
souls who have not yet heard the final appeal. It is assuring to know that world conditions will not be
permitted to get completely out of control until the church finishes her work. Revelation 7 is Heaven’s
guarantee to the church that He who sits upon the throne of the universe still has the destiny of nations in
His hands and will so control events that the gospel will reach every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.
There will be increasing difficulties, new international barriers will arise, transportation problems may
increase, but the work will be finished before the angels let go and the seven last plagues are poured out.
The sixth of those plagues is the battle of Armageddon, and it comes near the end. Notice this passage from
Testimonies, volume 6, page 14, and observe two things: First, that there will be a general engagement, and
second, that it will be after the angels have let go the winds. “Everything in our world is in agitation. There
are wars and rumors of wars. The nations are angry, and the time of the dead has come, that they should be
judged. Events are changing to bring about the day of God, which hastens greatly. Only a moment of time,

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as it were, yet remains. But while already nation is rising against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,
there is not now a general engagement. As yet the four winds are held until the servants of God shall be
scaled in their foreheads. Then the powers of earth will marshal their forces for the last great battle.”

Spiritual Forces Behind Armageddon

We have seen that “all the men of war” are to engage in the preparation for the final conflict. It is
interesting to study how they will be led into it. Revelation 16:13, 14, speaking of this great battle, discloses
the fact that the pagan world (the dragon), the Catholic world (the beast), and the apostate Protestant world
(the false prophet) are all drawn into the struggle. But while the struggle is of a temporal nature, spiritual
forces motivate the nations. In other words, the unclean (evil) spirits working through religious
organizations lead the nations into the struggle. Surely the present setting of world affairs closely
approximates the setting necessary for Armageddon. While actuated by spiritualism working through
religious agencies, nevertheless it is the nations (kings) who go forth to battle. At the same time the world
repudiates the law, and hence the government, of God. Consequently the Lord also has a “controversy with
the nations” and gives those that are wicked to the sword. Jeremiah 25:31.
The Scriptures indicate that Satan will more extensively use spiritualism to further his dark
designs in these closing days. On the one hand the spirits of devils will unite the kings of the whole earth to
battle (Revelation 16:13, 14), but, on the other hand, through spiritualism, Satan plans in an ever-increasing
degree to appear as a benefactor of the human family. In more civilized lands spiritualism takes the form of
Christianity. There will even be a “profession” of faith in the Bible and in other religious functions and
institutions of the church. There will be an effort to bring about a “religious” revival. 2 Corinthians
11:14,15. But it is with “power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of
unrighteousness” that through spiritualism the evil one will most fully bring multitudes under his control.
Miracles will be wrought, and the sick will be healed. Roman Catholics, so inclined to look to miracle
working as an evidence of truth, will be readily deceived. Protestants, having departed from the protection
of Scriptural safeguards, also fall a prey to his devices. Both classes, having rejected the Biblical teaching
on the state of the dead, open their gates for the triumphal march of spiritualism into their ranks.
The crowning act in the drama of deception comes when Satan himself personates Christ.
Assuming the glorious appearance of Christ as pictured in the Revelation, the great deceiver endeavors to
make it appear that Christ has come. So spectacular is his appearance that the cry goes forth, “Christ has
come! Christ has come!” - The Great Controversy, Page 624. This and other factors lead to a great wave of
false religious enthusiasm, resulting in the spread of false revivals. But Satan cannot deceive the true
children of God. They understand quite fully the manner of Christ’s Second Coming. To them the
Scriptures are a safeguard, and they look for the Son of man, not on earth, in the secret chamber, the
massive temple, or the desert, but with all His holy angels in the clouds of heaven.

Apostate Protestantism in America

The appearance of Satan and his ministers as ministers of right is primarily to deceive the
inhabitants of earth on the major issue of the great controversy. 1t is on the law of God that the last great
struggle of the controversy between Christ and His angels and Satan and his angels will come, and it will be
decisive for all the world.” - Christian Service, Page 155.
The beast regains his power and prestige in the Old World. In the New, apostate Protestantism
creates an image to him. Revelation 13:12-14. We understand that the ultimate object of both the beast and
his image is to enforce the papal Sunday in opposition to the divine Sabbath. At this juncture it would be
well for us to review briefly the part played by the United States in this fast-approaching and fast-unfolding
drama. The power brought to view in Revelation 13:11 has been identified as the United States. It came up
silently as a plant “out of the earth.” The “earth” in Bible prophecy, in contradistinction to the “sea” where
the papacy arose, is the New World. Revelation 13:1; 17:15. This new power has two uncrowned horns
denoting civil and religious liberty. It is a nation without a crowned king and a church without a crowned
pontiff. It came into existence not through the strivings of winds upon the sea of humanity, but through the
peaceful migrations of followers of the Lamb. It was the “earth” that swallowed up the flood of persecution
which the dragon brought against the woman. Revelation 12:16.
When this power follows in the footsteps of Rome by fusing religion and politics, when church
and state combine to make an image to the first beast, then this power speaks “as a dragon.” This takes
place when this “nation shall so abjure the principles of its government as to enact a Sunday law.” Then

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“Protestantism will in this act join hands with popery; it will be nothing else than giving life to the tyranny
which has long been eagerly watching its opportunity to spring again into active despotism.” - Testimonies,
Volume 5, Page 712. Revelation 13:15-17.
It is the two-horned beast also that “does great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from
heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those
miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast. Saying to them that dwell on the earth, that
they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” Verses 13, 14.
It is through the agency of spiritualism (Revelation 16:14) that apostate Protestantism performs
these miracles, for Revelation 19:20 tells us that “the false prophet” “wrought miracles before him [the
beast], with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his
image.” Among the various miracles performed, fire will be brought down from heaven. Once upon a time
an ancient prophet was identified as the servant of the true God because God answered by fire. An effort is
made here to deceive by duplicating this miracle. Then Satan, appearing as Christ, “claims to have changed
the Sabbath to Sunday. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming
his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost
overmastering delusion.” - The Great Controversy, page 624.
It is so sad to realize that the Protestant churches which have had the most light are the ones whom
the adversary of souls will most mightily use in these last days. It is the “false prophet” which is especially
pointed out as the agency for the miracle working of spiritualism. We feel reluctant to name the
denominations. When men reject the Bible teaching on the state of the dead, they open the floodgates to
spiritualism, and that is what the Protestant churches have done. Then evil spirits sweep in to lead these
churches to create an image to the beast. They have thrown away the shield, so they are used to further the
designs of Satan.
Our own people must carefully study their Bibles and know the truth for themselves. Let none
think that it will be an easy matter to distinguish between the false and the true. Great excitement will
combine with the use of the Bible on one hand and marvelous miracles on the other. It will then take a
knowledge of God’s word and a firm stand upon its plain teachings to meet the master working of Satan
through the Protestant churches. “The last great delusion is soon to open before us. So closely will the
counterfeit resemble the true, that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy
Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested. None but those who have
fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict.” - Ibid., Pages 593,
594.
It ought to be noted in passing that if in Revelation 13:11 “the earth” is the New World and not the
whole world, then in verse 14 “the earth” must still refer to the same territory. That verse 14 refers to the
United States and not to the whole world is further supported by this passage from the spirit of prophecy:
‘Saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast.’ Here is clearly
presented a form of government in which the legislative power rests with the people; a most striking
evidence that the United States is the nation denoted in the prophecy.” - The Great Controversy, Page 443.
This means, first, that the United States does not dominate the whole world, as some think, and second, that
our form of government remains democratic until the making of the image, although every principle of a
Protestant and democratic government is repudiated in practice.

Church Mergers
We are nearing the time when Sunday laws may be expected, for the popular churches by, their
program of “unionism” will soon be strong enough to influence the legislature. “When the leading churches
of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence
the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed
an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably
result.”-lbid., Page 445.
Church mergers are the order of the day. Those that have recently taken place between different
denominations are well known. Recently the newspapers reported a pretentious attempt at united action.
The proposal was to launch “a national council of churches of Christ in America.” A day of fasting was
appointed and a nation-wide convention was called. An Associated Press dispatch from Cleveland, bearing
the date November 29, 1950, states:
“The National Council of the Churches of Christ-A United Nations for American Protestants-came
into being today amid trumpet fanfare and stirring pageantry. Dr. Franklin Clark Fry of New York,

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president of the United Lutheran church, intoned:

‘I declare that the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America is
officially constituted. Let us now dedicate it to the glory of God and to the services of mankind.’
“The words united the work of more than 31 million communicants of 29 Protestant and Eastern
Orthodox churches-one of the most significant religious movements since the days of Martin Luther and
the reformation.” - Oregon Journal, Portland, Oregon, November 29, 1950.
So this proposed union of churches has become a reality. Note that the Associated Press reporter
recognized this federation as one of the most significant religious movements since the days of Martin
Luther and the reformation. Could it be possible that this National Council of leading churches is a part of
the fulfillment of the prediction found in The Great Controversy, page 445? And may we not anticipate that
this same union of churches will speedily bring about the formation of the image to the beast? The sands
run 16w in the hourglass of time.
Through spiritualism and this union of the popular churches of America will come the introduction
of Sunday legislation.
While Revelation 13:14 does not teach that the United States will enforce the image or mark of the
beast on the whole world, nevertheless, “Foreign nations will follow the example of the United States.
Though she leads out, yet the same crisis will come upon our people in all parts of the world.” -
Testimonies, Volume 6, Page 395. It is by this act, too, that Protestantism joins hands with the papacy. “As
America, the land of religious liberty, shall unite with the papacy in forcing the conscience and compelling
men to honor the false Sabbath, the people of every country on the globe will be led to follow her
example.”-Ibid., Volume 6, Page 18.

All the World Wonders After the Beast

Naturally all these factors combine to produce a time of trouble for the remnant church. Revelation
12:17. We should understand more fully why the evil one directs his special efforts against us. “The
remnant church will be brought into great trial and distress. Those who keep the commandments of God
and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts. Satan numbers the world as his subjects,
he has gained control of the apostate churches; but here is a little company that are resisting his supremacy.
If he could blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete.” - Testimonies, Volume 9, Page 231.
What a great privilege is ours to be holding a beachhead for God in this old world. Let us be faithful and
loyal to Him.
We have noted that there will be international conflicts on the earth involving the beast, the
dragon, and the false prophet. How, then, can “all” the world “wonder” after the beast? They are
“wondering” now at her astute diplomacy, her marvelous cunning, her remarkable influence and world-
wide power.
When this substitution of the laws of men for the law of God becomes universal, human probation
closes; for all nations will then have partaken of Babylon’s wine, and the Lord would have a controversy
with them all. The close of Christ’s mediation work is the signal to the angels of destruction to loose upon
the earth the vials of God’s wrath. No human pen can describe the scene which will follow. This will be the
“time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.” Daniel 12: 1. This is
the real time of trouble so often emphasized in the Scriptures. Since there will be no mediator between God
and man, God’s judgments in unmitigated fury, unmixed with mercy, fall upon an unrepentant world.
Revelation 18:4, 5, 8; Ezekiel 9:5, 6. This year of plagues will be without parallel in suffering and death for
the despisers of God’s grace; but, says Daniel, “At that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that
shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 12: 1.
The plagues will not be universal, or all flesh would be simultaneously destroyed. As they
progress with undiminished intensity, the wicked will be further enraged against God’s people. The
argument will be used that the continued desecration of Sunday by the remnant church is responsible for
these judgments. It will be advocated that they first be punished with various civil penalties, and finally
they will be declared as deserving of death. (Revelation 13:15-17.) “A decree went forth to slay the saints,
which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob’s trouble.” - Early
Writings, Pages 36, 37. Their anguish will be caused as much by a deep grief over their sins as by the wave
of persecution which is following them. They long to be sure that every sin is confessed and forgiven.
If today and every day we abide under the shadow of the Almighty, in the time of trouble the Rock
of Ages will be our sure protection.

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13. The Finishing of the Work

“And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was
lightened with his glory.” Revelation 18:1.

IN CHAPTER 12 we traced the development of Sunday legislation. Persecution will be the

inevitable result of that legislation. That persecution will reach its climax after the close of probation. At
this point we shall study how the message will be given before that momentous event takes place. Our text
in Revelation 18:1 contains a wonderful prophetic forecast, “The earth was lightened with his glory.” John
also saw the church of Revelation 14 completing her task of taking the everlasting gospel to every nation,
kindred, tongue, and people. As we face this period of great opposition and perplexity, how wonderfully
assuring is this word of continued progress. “The third angel, flying in the midst of heaven and heralding
the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, represents our work. The message loses none of its
force in the angel’s onward flight; for John sees it increasing in strength and power until the whole earth is
lightened with its glory. The course of God’s commandment keeping people is onward, ever onward.” -
Testimonies, Volume 5, Page 383. Remember, too, that Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be
preached in all the world.”
Japan was closed to the message for a little while. Now its doors are open wider than ever before.
What about Russia? How the message will be given in that country, no one knows. One thing is absolutely
certain, it will fully reach that nation also. “The message of truth that we bear must go to nations, tongues,
and peoples. Soon it will go with a loud voice, and the earth will be lightened with its glory.” - Ibid., Page
383. Whether with the help of “foreign” missionaries or by the “native” church in the country, we know
not. Under the loud cry of the message, if not before, the whole of Russia and all the other unentered parts
of the world will hear the final warning.

Opposition Increases Power

If the church will put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance with
the world, there is before her the dawn of a bright and glorious day. God’s promise to her will stand fast
forever. He will make her an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. Truth, passing by those who
despise and reject it, will triumph. Although at times apparently retarded, its progress has never been
checked. When the message of God meets with opposition, He gives it additional force, that it may exert
greater influence. Endowed with divine energy, it will cut its way through the strongest barriers, and
triumph over every obstacle.” - The Acts of the Apostles, Page 601.
We can be thankful for that wonderful passage. While expressing our gratitude for this assurance
of victory over every obstacle that opposes the giving of the message, let us accomplish the preparatory
work which will permit God to work with power. The barriers may be the iron curtain, or governments
prejudiced ‘by priestly influence or political differences; they may be war, financial difficulties, or travel
restrictions; but the message “will cut its way through.” It will do this in individual hearts and homes as
well. Family ties, fear of relatives, or any other consideration now holding timid souls back will not be able
to hold them when the latter rain falls.
As the deep moving of the divine Spirit are felt more and more, all agencies in the church will
more fully do their part in proclaiming, the truth. The ministry of the movement will lead the way to greater
evangelism. Church officers will with increasing effectiveness join them in saving souls. Finally, there will
be that mighty and irresistible ‘movement when the hundreds of thousands of lay members unite their
efforts with those of ministers and church officers, and the work will be finished. See Gospel Workers,
page 352.
In the providence of God the product of our own school system is to have a large part in giving the
final warning. Our well-trained young people are even now on the “firing line.” Greater and greater will be
the responsibilities placed upon them as older workers lay down the burden. The product of our colleges is
in every field and in every department. Even our boys and girls are to have a large part in the last days.
When legal restrictions are here and there placed upon the ministry, God will use children to proclaim the
truths of this message. How important today our family worship, our Sabbath-school study and attendance,
and our church-school program!
Our medical institutions and our Christian-trained doctors will in the last extremity multiply their
witnessing power. Our medical missionary work will in many places be a godsend to God’s people in the

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hour of trial and trouble. Its influence will mitigate the severity of persecution and will win friends in high
places and low. In other places through this phase of the work much will be done to complete the giving of
the message. How important so to operate these institutions that they can become beacons of light! Much is
being done today through this branch of the work. But the counsel from heaven indicates a much larger
sphere of influence when “direct” evangelism is difficult.

The Faithful Army of Book Men

Our publishing work and our radio work must not be omitted as we consider the last great
warning. Our books and papers are in a large degree to accomplish “the work of that other angel who
comes down from heaven with great power and who lightens the earth with his glory.” - Testimonies,
Volume 7, Page 140. Could we not consider our radio program as a form of publishing also? Keep pressing
on then, faithful book men. You have fought through the heat and burden of the day. You shall join in the
“grand break-through.” The millions of books you have sold have been seed for a tremendous harvest. The
promise is that thousands in a day will come in who will trace their interest to our books. When your work
is closed up in one place, you are to open it in another. Thus will God lead you to other honest hearts
waiting for your visit and book.
When Sunday legislation is passed, some of God’s people will be brought before the courts. This
unpleasant experience will also redound to God’s glory. “Those who are arraigned before the courts, make
a strong vindication of the truth, and some who hear them are led to take their stand to keep all the
commandments of God. Thus light will be brought before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of
these truths.” - The Great Controversy, Page 607.
In that great reformatory movement which finishes the work of God, “hundreds and thousands
were seen visiting families and opening before them the word of God. The world seemed to be lightened
with the heavenly influence.” - Testimonies, Volume 9, Page 126. And when the last honest heart yields,
the Savior rises from His intercessory position and declares again, 1t is finished.”

The Course to Follow Under Persecution

The advocates of Sunday sacredness will use all types of arguments to swerve God’s people from
loyalty to Him. False claims, unsupported by Scripture, will be boldly made. Bribes and threats will be
used, and, unfortunately, as the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s
message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position, and join the
ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view
matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular
side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive
and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren.”-The Great Controversy,
page 608.
Finally legislation is passed, and the infliction of penalties will follow. There will be city, state,
and national legislation. For a broad statement of principle on the course we ought to follow when Sunday
laws are enforced, we quote from Testimonies, Volume 9, Pages 232-236. “The light given me by the Lord
at a time when we were expecting just such a crisis as you seem to be approaching, was that when the
people were moved by a power from beneath to enforce Sunday observance, Seventh-day Adventists were
to show their wisdom by refraining from their ordinary work on that day, devoting it to missionary effort.
To defy the Sunday laws will but strengthen in their persecution the religious zealots who are seeking to
enforce them. Give them no occasion to call you lawbreakers. Keep right on with your missionary work,
with your Bibles in your hands, and the enemy will see that he has worsted his own cause. One does not
receive the mark of the beast because he shows that he realizes the wisdom of keeping the peace by
refraining from work that gives offense, doing at the same time a work of the highest importance. When
they persecute you in this city, flee you into another. It is not the will of God that your lives shall he
carelessly sacrificed.
Then let not any impetuous brother take his hammer out on Sunday morning and repair his roof
when and if a Sunday law covers his territory. Sin is the transgression of God’s law. If we “keep” Sunday
and violate God’s Sabbath, then it is that we do wrong. To spend Sunday convincing people that to keep it
is to receive the mark of the beast, could hardly place that mark upon the worker. The counsel to our
teachers and students is similar. Under the direction of teachers, students are to use Sunday for doing
missionary work in their communities.

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Leaving the Cities

The general counsel to us now is that if it is possible, it would be preferable for us to live in the
country. Especially should those who have children seek a home away from the vice, temptations, and other
dangers of a modern city. The growth of labor unions and restrictions imposed by them will also make it
difficult for a good Adventist to work in most cities. Labor unions will have no small part in Sunday
legislation and boycott regulations. To live off the soil is one of the wisest and safest methods of securing a
livelihood. It will take study, it will take hard work, and it will take ingenuity to make a success of it. Our
people should move cautiously. They should secure wise counsel and learn all they can to make a
successful living from the soil. Let none think that there will be no difficulties involved in following the
divine counsel. Brother should help brother. Those who have experience should share it with those who
have it not. But hundreds are demonstrating that it can be done.
The question arises, When must we leave the large cities? Definite instruction has been graciously
given us of the Lord. “The time is not far distant, when, like the early disciples, we shall be forced to seek a
refuge in desolate and solitary places. As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for
flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part of our nation in the decree enforcing
the papal Sabbath will be a warning to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to
leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains. And now, instead of
seeking expensive dwellings here, we should be preparing to move to a better country, even a heavenly.”-
Testimonies, Volume 5, Pages 464, 465.
This means that when a national Sunday law is passed, it is definitely time to leave, first, the large
cities, and then, as persecution increases, to leave the smaller ones. It is the definite sign which God has
given His people.

How to Know What to Do

There will be many perplexing situations that will confront God’s people. We are already
confronted with them. What course shall we follow? What shall we do? Where shall we go? A wonderful
passage is found in The Ministry of Healing, page 248: “We are not to let the future, with its hard
problems, its unsatisfying prospects, make our hearts faint, our knees tremble, our hands hang down. “Let
him take hold of My strength,” says the Mighty One (Isaiah 27:5), “that he may make peace with Me; and
he shall make peace with Me.” Those who surrender their lives to His guidance and to His service will
never be placed in a position for which He has not made provision. Whatever our situation, if we are doers
of His word, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexity, we have a sure Counselor.
As the onslaughts of the evil one descend upon us, we will need protection. What shall we use for
a shield to keep us from yielding to all this pressure? “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you
shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Ephesians 6:16. “And this is the victory that
overcomes the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4. “We are in the time when tribulations such as the world
has never yet seen will prevail. But God has set bounds that Satan cannot pass. Our most holy faith is this
barrier; and if we build ourselves up in the faith, we shall be safe in the keeping of the Mighty One.” -
Testimonies, Volume 5, Page 297.

The Church Cannot Be Destroyed

Jesus promised the survival of the church against all the accumulated forces of evil when He
authoritatively declared, “The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18. We have also noted
the divine guarantee that the angels of heaven would hold the winds until the servants of God are scaled.
Since through this message the sealing work is accomplished, in Revelation 7:1-3 is also to be found the
assurance that despite all opposition and difficulties the work will be finished.
From these texts two other deductions can logically be drawn. The church is God’s agency for the
proclamation of truth. He has not disclosed any other plan for the finishing of His work than to use His
church. Since the work must be finished, for nothing can really thwart God’s ultimate plan, then the church
must be preserved to finish it. Secondly, the church is not to be on the defensive. She is now the church
militant.
As our enemies use reviling and threats to swerve us from loyalty to God, let us recall such
promises as this one found in Isaiah 51:7. “Hearken unto Me, you that know righteousness, the people in
whose heart is My law; fear you not the reproach of men, neither be you afraid of their reviling.”

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When we need strength, and our courage might be low, and when we need a shelter, Isaiah 25:4
will be a comfort. “For Thou has been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge
from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.”
What we need to learn is simple, confiding trust in God; then the promise of Isaiah 26:3, 4 will be ours:
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusted in Thee. Trust you
in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength [“the rock of ages,” margin].”
When the seven last plagues begin to fall, the assurance of Psalm 91 is: “There shall no evil befall
thee neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” It would be well for all of us to treasure in our hearts
the gracious promises of this psalm, remembering, however, that its provisions are for those who dwell “in
the secret place of the Most High,” and who say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in
Him will I trust.”

The Death Decree

From Early Writings, pages 36, 37, we learn that the decree to slay the saints goes forth while the
plagues are falling, thus indicating that this occurs after probation has closed. During this period, while the
people of God are not free from suffering, the wicked are not permitted to slay them. “God would not suffer
the wicked to destroy those who were expecting translation, and who would not bow to the decree of the
beast or receive his mark. What a triumph it would be for his satanic majesty, to have power, in the last
closing struggle, over those who had so long waited to behold Him whom they loved! As the saints left the
cities and villages, they were pursued by the wicked, who sought to slay them. But the swords that were
raised to kill God’s people broke and fell as powerless as a straw. Angels of God shielded the saints.” -
Early Writings, pages 284, 285.
The extent to which the “heavenly sentinels” watch over the people of God is beautifully portrayed
in The Great Controversy, Page 631. Please read it. Even those who try to anticipate the death decree
cannot “pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from
the cities and villages; but the swords raised against them break and fall as powerless as a straw. Others are
defended by angels in the form of men of war.” “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His
pavilion.” Psalm 27:5.
The question of food will be a vital one during the time of trouble. Food will be “cut off,” garners
will be 1aid desolate,” and “the rivers of waters are dried up” when the day of the Lord is at hand. Joel
1:16, 17, 20. But to him that walked righteously, his “bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.”
Isaiah 33:16. I have heard of some church members going now to solitary places and anxiously worrying
over the food question during the time of trouble. The counsel on page 56 of Early Writings is pertinent
regarding this food situation “The Lord has shown me repeatedly that it is contrary to the Bible to make any
provision for our temporal wants in the time of trouble. I saw that if the saints had food laid up by them, or
in the field in the time of trouble, when sword, famine, and pestilence are in the land, it would be taken
from them by violent hands, and strangers would reap their fields. Then will be the time for us to trust
wholly in God, and He will sustain us.” “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their
tongue failed for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” Isaiah 41:17.
The Great Controversy, Page 629, points out that while the people of God “endure privation, and suffer for
want of food, they will not be left to perish. That God who cared for Elijah, will not pass by one of His self-
sacrificing children. He who numbers the hairs of their head, will care for them; and in time of famine they
shall be satisfied. While the wicked are dying from hunger and pestilence, angels will shield the righteous,
and supply their wants.”

Our Unseen Companion in Affliction

“As in the days of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, so in the closing period of earth’s history
the Lord will work mightily in behalf of those who stand steadfastly for the right. He who walked with the
Hebrew worthies in the fiery furnace will be with His followers wherever they are. His abiding presence
will comfort and sustain. In the midst of the time of trouble,-trouble such as has not been since there was a
nation, His chosen ones will stand unmoved. Satan with all the hosts of evil cannot destroy the weakest of
God’s saints. “Angels that excel in strength will protect them, and in their behalf Jehovah will reveal
Himself as a ‘God of gods,’ able to save to the uttermost those who have put their trust in Him.” - Prophets
and Kings, Page 513.
Recognizing the severity of this period, the Lord in His infinite mercy sends several gracious

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invitations to His people. One of the most affectionate is found in Isaiah 26:20, 21: “Come, My people,
enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until
the indignation be over past. For, behold, the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the
earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Even
before the storm breaks in all its fury we ought to be seeking God more earnestly in preparation for what is
coming. “Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; before the decree bring
forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of
the Lord’s anger come upon you. Seek you the Lord, all you meek of the earth, which have wrought His
judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be you shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.”
Zephaniah 2:1-3. Prayerfully read also these earnest appeals by our heavenly Father: Joel 1:14, 15; 2:15-17.

God’s Purpose in Trial

God loves His church. He regards it as the apple of His eye. Our names are engraved on the palms
of the Savior’s hands. Through the church the righteousness of Christ has to be revealed to the world. By
the manifestation of the transforming power of obedience to His law, that law has to be vindicated before
men, angels, and unfallen worlds. His heart yearns after His people. Gladly would He commission His
angels, hovering over His own in sympathizing tenderness, to end their suffering, and take them away from
their peril or remove it. But we “must drink of the cup, and be baptized with the baptism.” - The Great
Controversy, Page 631. Through these sufferings and the apparent delay of the Lord in sending help, we are
led to exercise faith, hope, and the patience of the saints we have so little exercised before. As soon as He
whose eye is on the spyglass sees that the dross is consumed and our characters are ready for citizenship
among pure and holy beings, He cuts short the time. “I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. The end
will come more quickly than men expect.” - Ibid., Page 631. Shall we not, therefore, with the psalmist pray,
“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusted in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy
wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be over past.” Psalm 57: 1.
The darkest hour of the church’s struggle with the powers of evil immediately precedes the day of
the final deliverance. We need to read the closing pages of The Great Controversy in order to secure a vivid
picture of those stirring events. What a glorious moment when Christ appears in the clouds! What a
rapturous shout of triumph, relief, and joy rises from the redeemed! What a welcome for the Savior, “Lo,
this is our King.” And what a joyful response, “Thou art My people”! Oh, the glorious homecoming, the
gathering before the throne, the marriage supper, and the new song! “Eye bath not seen, nor ear heard”
those rapturous moments. How the heart will thrill as the pearly gates swing open and the saints hear the
gracious words, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you.”
These are only the beginnings of the reward. For “in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right
hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Yes, above all, “they shall see His face,” and “these are they which
follow the Lamb whither so ever He goes.” What a reward! Always to be with Jesus. To accompany Him as
He governs His vast domain. As He visits innumerable worlds through endless ages, what a joy to have
Him point to those who came through the last conflict as the special demonstration of His saving grace. If
five minutes in heaven would be worth all the sufferings of a lifetime, who can measure the happiness and
joy we shall have with Jesus in eternity?
“Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled with fire,-so
resplendent is it with the glory of God, are gathered the company that have “gotten the victory over the
beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name.” Revelation 15:2. With the
Lamb upon Mount Zion, “having the harps of God,” they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand
that were redeemed from among men. “These are they which come out of great tribulation,” (Revelation
7:14-17); But they have been delivered, for they have “washed their robes, and made them white in the
blood of the Lamb).” -The Great Controversy, Pages 648, 649.

OH, SPEED THE WORK

Oh, speed the work of gathering souls,

The night is coming on,
A night in which no man can work;
A night of awful gloom;
A night with not one ray of light
To guide the wanderer home,

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For mercy’s wing is folded then,

And sealed the book of doom.

Then speed, oh, speed the work of love;

The warning must be given.
And all must help send forth the call
Who hope to rest in heaven;
For none can rest in that blest home
Whose brows have never here
Been moistened by a toil for souls,
Or furrowed by that care.

Then let us toil, and let us pray,

The shining mansions wait;
The Master longs to call us home,
And close each pearly gate;
But honest souls are still unwarned,
And we must speed the call,
Or share the fate of those distressed
On whom His wrath shall fall.
Author Unknown

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