Articles on the Holy Spirit
by
Ellen G. White
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MR
No. 99 - The Importance, Work, and Influence of the Holy Spirit; The Third
Angel's Message To Be Proclaimed; Comments on the Avondale Property [Requested by Elder
DeWitt Osgood for his thesis on the Holy Spirit.] The
Importance, Work, and Influence of the Holy Spirit; The Third Angel's Message
To Be Proclaimed; Comments on the Avondale Property {2MR 9.1} The grace of God
cannot cooperate with iniquity. God's
Spirit can only enlighten the understanding of those who are willing to be
enlightened. We read that God opened the ears of Lydia, so that she
attended to the message spoken by Paul. To declare the whole counsel of God
and all that was essential for Lydia to receive--this was the part Paul was
to act in her conversion; and then the God of all grace exercised His power,
leading the soul in the right way. God
and the human agent cooperated, and the work was wholly successful.--Letter
150, 1900, p. 9. (To G. A. Irwin, Oct. 26, 1900.) {2MR 9.2} You do not need the
excitement of theaters and plays to while away your time. You have a character to form after the divine
similitude. If you will believe
with all your heart, you will be worked by the Holy Spirit. Then you will
never hunger for cheap, earthly amusement. The grace of God will be your
helper, your strength.--Letter 171, 1899, pp. 4-5. (To Harmon Lindsay and
his wife Annie, Nov. 2, 1899.) {2MR 9.3} In strict loyalty,
for the glory of God, we are to bring to the people all the light and
evidence possible. In order to do this, we must be constant learners
in the school of Christ. We are to learn His meekness and lowliness.
Only thus can we, by our words and in our character, impart the Holy Spirit's
unction. {2MR 9.4} If there is a
difference of expression in presenting the truth, let everyone seek to view
all things in the light of the glory which shineth in the face -10- of Jesus Christ. The more we as believers drink in of the
Spirit, the more we shall be animated and united by His surpassing love, and
the more we shall reveal of that tender, compassionate Spirit which made our
blessed Master so long and patiently bear with the misunderstandings of those
whom He had selected as His workmen.--Letter 53, 1900, pp. 3, 4. (To S.
N. Haskell, April 5, 1900.) {2MR 9.5} Oh, shall we not
clear away the rubbish that is filling our hearts, and invite Christ to enter
as an abiding Guest? Then He will richly bless us, and we shall receive the
baptism of the Holy Spirit.--Ms 15, 1903, p. 6. ("How to Receive
God's Blessing," March 31, 1903.) {2MR 10.1} We greatly
desire that at this time the Holy Spirit may show every professing Christian
the fullness and perfection of Christ's atoning sacrifice. It was a whole
and entire sacrifice that Christ made for the sins of the world. We are
living and working and breathing in a low atmosphere. Now and then we get
glimpses of Christ, but much selfishness is manifested. Our failure to
appropriate the grace of Christ leaves us defective and faithless, unable
correctly to represent Christ. By clinging to self, ministering to our
selfish interests, we dishonor God, and the sacred word we minister is made
to taste of the uncleansed vessel through which it is communicated. Self is
so largely revealed that the sacredness of the truth is lost sight of.--Ms
148, 1897, pp. 1, 2. ("The Christian Life," Dec. 5, 1897.) {2MR
10.2} Note by Ron: What is the grace of Christ? “They must have His grace, the Spirit of Christ, to help their infirmities, or they cannot form a Christian character. Jesus loves to have us come to Him, just as we are—sinful, helpless, dependent.” Faith and Works, p. 38. “There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before man can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace [the Spirit of Christ] alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness.” (ST, May 28, 1902, par. 3). It is the Spirit of Christ. End note. Those who place
themselves under the control of the Holy Spirit can be doers of Christ's
words. All such will be refreshed as with the dew of heaven. --Ms 62,
1897, p. 4. (To a Brother in California, June 3, 1897.) -11-
{2MR 10.3}
The Lord desires to make man the repository of divine influence, and
the only thing that hinders the accomplishment of God's designs is that men
close their hearts to the light of life. Apostasy caused the withdrawal of
the Holy Spirit from man, but through the plan of redemption this blessing of
heaven is to be restored to those who sincerely desire it. The Lord has
promised to give all good things to those who ask Him, and all good
things are defined as given with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The more we
discover our real need, our real poverty, the more will we desire the gift of
the Holy Spirit; our souls will be turned, not into the channel of ambition
and presumption, but into the channel of earnest supplication for the enlightenment of
heaven. It is because we do not see our need, do not realize our poverty,
that we do not pour forth earnest entreaties, looking unto Jesus the Author
and Finisher of our faith, for the bestowal of the blessing.--Ms 3, 1892,
p. 1. ("Relationship of Institutional Workers," no date.) {2MR
11.1} God desires to
refresh His people by the gift of the Holy Spirit, baptizing them anew in His
love. There is no need for a dearth of the Holy Spirit in the church. After
Christ's ascension, the Holy Spirit came upon the waiting, praying, believing
disciples with a fullness and power that reached every heart. In the future,
the earth is to be lightened with the glory of God. A divine influence is to
go forth to the world from those who are sanctified through the truth. The earth is
to be encircled with an atmosphere of grace. The Holy Spirit is to work on human hearts,
taking the things of God and showing them unto men.--Ms 88a,
1905, p. 5. ("An Appeal in Behalf of the Work in Nashville," no
date.) -12-
{2MR 11.2} The Holy Spirit
alone is able to work with us, in us, and through us, giving us a character
which God can approve. The Lord loves His people. With the growth of the Christian
life there will come the want of a deeper and more perfect experience.
Nothing can meet the necessities of sinful, erring men but the perfect
sacrifice of Christ. . . . {2MR 12.1} Every church has
need of the Holy Spirit's searching power. This alone can enable them to seek
peace, to pursue that course which will bring peace to their own souls, to be
faithful witnesses to Christ, testifying by their circumspect course of
action that they have the mind of Christ. . . . {2MR 12.2} We can be saved
only by forming characters like the character of Christ. The indwelling of
the Holy Spirit will be shown by the outflowing of heavenly love. The Lord
Jesus is our Sinbearer. God covers the repenting sinner with His
forgiveness, and hides the sin from the sight of God by clothing him with the
perfection of righteousness. The more perfectly we are transformed to the
image of God, the greater will be our hatred for sin; and we will work to
save the sinner. . . . {2MR 12.3} If you seek the
blessing of God every day, you will be blessed every day. The Lord
gives the Holy Spirit, and supplies all providential opportunities and
facilities.--Letter 20, 1899, pp. 2, 7, 9. (To Philip Wessels, Feb. 3, 1899.)
{2MR 12.4} The grand truths of
the Bible are for us individually, to rule, to guide, to control our life;
for this is the only way in which Christ can be properly represented to our
world in grace and loveliness in the characters of all who profess to be His
disciples. Nothing less than heart service will be acceptable with God. God
requires the sanctification of the entire man, body, soul, and spirit. The
Holy Spirit implants a new nature, and molds through the grace of -13- Christ the human character, until the image of Christ is
perfected; this is true holiness.--Letter 70, 1894, p. 5. (To Brethren in
Responsible Positions in the Review and Herald Office, Jan. 13, 1894.) {2MR
12.5} He died on the
cross as a sacrifice for the world, and through this sacrifice comes the
greatest blessing that God could bestow--the gift of the Holy Spirit. This
blessing is for all who will receive Christ. . . . {2MR 13.1} "As many as
received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them
that believe on His name." Christ was empowered to breathe into fallen
humanity the breath of life. Those who receive Him will never hunger, never
thirst; for greater joy than that found in Christ there cannot be. Study the
words spoken by the Saviour from the mount of blessing. How the divine nature
shone through His humanity as His lips uttered the benedictions upon those
who were the objects of His mercy and love! He blessed them with a fullness
that showed that He was drawing from the inexhaustible store of the richest
treasures. The treasures of eternity were at His command. The Father
committed the riches of heaven to Him, and in the disposal of them He knew no
bounds. Those who accept Him as their Saviour, their Redeemer, the Prince of
life, He acknowledged before the heavenly host, before the worlds unfallen
and before the fallen world, as His peculiar treasure. . . . {2MR 13.2} Christ drew the
people to Him. He was unfolding truths of the highest order. The knowledge He
came to impart was the gospel in all its richness and power. The Sinbearer,
He is alive to all the horrors which sin brings upon the soul, and He came to
this world with a message of deliverance. {2MR 13.3} What is
Christianity? God's instrumentality for the conversion of the sinner. Jesus
will call to account everyone who is not brought under His -14- control, who does not demonstrate in his life the influence of
the cross of Calvary. Christ should be uplifted by those whom He has redeemed
by dying on the cross a death of shame. He who has felt the power of the
grace of Christ has a story to tell.--Ms 56, 1899, pp. 1, 2, 3, 6.
("Following Christ," April 7, 1899.) {2MR 13.4} The Holy Spirit
was promised to be with those who were wrestling for victory, in
demonstration of all mightiness, endowing the human agent with supernatural
powers, and instructing the ignorant in the mysteries of the kingdom of God.
That the Holy Spirit is to be the grand helper, is a wonderful promise. {2MR 14.1} Of what avail would
it have been to us that the only begotten Son of God had humbled Himself,
endured the temptations of the wily foe, and wrestled with him during His
entire life on earth, and died the Just for the unjust, that humanity might
not perish, if the Spirit had not been given as a constant, working, regenerating
agent to make effectual in our cases what had been wrought out by the world's
Redeemer. {2MR 14.2} The imparted
Holy Spirit enabled His disciples, the apostles, to stand firmly against
every species of idolatry and to exalt the Lord and Him alone. {2MR 14.3} Who but Jesus
Christ, by His Spirit and divine power, guided the pens of the sacred
historians that to the world might be presented the precious record of the
sayings and works of Jesus Christ? {2MR 14.4} The promised Holy
Spirit, that He would send after He ascended to His Father, is constantly at
work to draw the attention to the great official sacrifice upon the cross of
Calvary, and to unfold to the world the love of God to man, and to open to
the convicted soul the precious things in the Scriptures, -15- and to open to darkened minds the bright beams of the Sun of
Righteousness, the truths that make their hearts burn within them with the
awakened intelligence of the truths of eternity. {2MR 14.5} Who but the Holy Spirit presents before
the mind the moral standard of righteousness and convinces of sin, and
produces godly sorrow which worketh repentance that needeth not to be
repented of, and inspires the exercise of faith in Him who alone can save
from all sin? {2MR 15.1} Who but the Holy
Spirit can work with human minds to transform character by withdrawing the
affections from those things which are temporal, perishable, and imbue the soul
with earnest desire by presenting the immortal inheritance, the eternal
substance which is imperishable, and recreates, refines, and sanctifies the
human agents that they may become members of the royal family, children of
the heavenly King?--Ms 1, 1892, pp. 1-3. ("Obedience to God," Nov. 13,
1892.) {2MR 15.2} How abundant is the
gift to our world of the Holy Spirit! It is beyond the power of language to
express the blessings it brings to God's people. If received and
appreciated, the Holy Spirit will make us holy, Christlike. Through its
agency we are united with Christ, partakers of the divine nature. The
reception of the Holy Spirit in its fullness is the great need of the church
today.--Letter 178, 1907, p. 3. (To J. E. White, May 17, 1907.) {2MR 15.3} These promises are
the assurance that through the influence of the Holy Spirit we are
strengthened to be like God in character. By beholding His purity and holiness, we become
partakers of the divine nature, overcoming the selfishness of the natural
heart. There is a power in the truth that will always work if the
human agent will heartily cooperate, allowing himself to be brought by -16- faith into captivity to Jesus Christ. The Saviour's
virtues and excellencies become the savor of the whole being, body, soul, and
spirit.--Letter 65, 1900, p. 2. (To W. Covell, March, 1900.) {2MR
15.4} Why this revelation
of the power of faith in the last time? Why is it to be revealed in the very
close of this world's history? Because iniquity abounds and the satanic
agencies, who especially oppose the commandment-keeping people of God at
this time and bring trial and sorrow upon them. In these closing days of
probation, days of great trial of faith, you cannot keep yourself. You are
kept alone by the power of God, which is revealed in a special manner to
offset the working of Satan through the children of disobedience. . . . {2MR
16.1} Note by Ron: The above statement gives a good reason in support
of Last Generation Theology—the greater need for a revelation of the power of
faith in the last time—because satanic agencies are ESPECIALLY increasing
their efforts against God’s people at the end-time. End note. As you ask the Lord
to help you, honor your Saviour by believing that you do receive His
blessings. Mutual love between you and your Saviour will enable you to do
His will against every opposing element. When you have a plain "Thus saith the
Lord" for your course of action, He will sustain you.--Letter 24, 1895,
pp. 5, 7. (To Sister Eckman, May 9, 1895.) {2MR 16.2} There was the power
of heaven as if this greatness of influence had for ages been under
restraint, and now the time had come, and all the universe of heaven rejoiced
in being able to communicate and pour down from heaven the riches of the
power upon the church, to be transferred to the world. And what followed?
Thousands were converted in a day. The sword of the Spirit--the Word of
God--was indeed newly edged with power, and, bathed in the lightnings of
heaven, cut its way through unbelief. {2MR 16.3} The seed sown by
Christ in His mission work with His disciples needed no other evidence than
that the words spoken by the disciples found entrance to -17- their minds and hearts, and through these mighty agencies the
world was to be convinced of sin. Bear in mind, when heavenly influences came
into the heart all found a field ready to be harvested. Particular fields of
labor were opened to be worked, and all found, wherever they went in Christ's
name, His representative in the Holy Spirit opened the hearts and doors for
the disciples. All were of one mind, and all felt that their resources must be
taxed to the uttermost of their ability. A work was before them to preach
Christ and Him crucified through the whole world. One subject was the theme
for all who should work with completeness the works of Christ as His
representatives to all, as many as would believe on Him. They were of
one heart and one mind, and daily they were adding new territories as their
fields of labor.--Ms 130, 1901, pp. 14, 15. (No title, Nov. 27, 1901.) {2MR
16.4} God will bless all
who will thus prepare themselves for His service. They will understand what
it means to have the assurance of the Spirit, because they have received
Christ by faith. The religion of Christ means much more than the forgiveness of
sin. It means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with the Holy
Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God. It means a
heart emptied of self and blessed with the abiding presence of Christ. We
need the vital qualities of Christianity, and when we possess them the church
will be a living, active, working church. There will be growth in grace,
because the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness pervade the chambers of
the mind.--Ms 2, 1899, pp. 2, 3. ("The Need of Greater
Consecration," Jan. 24, 1899.) {2MR 17.1} God designs that the
plan of redemption shall come to His people as the latter rain, for they are
fast losing their connection with God. They are -18- trusting in man, and glorifying man, and their strength is
proportionate to the strength of their dependence. Some matters have been
opened before me which will be fulfilled ere long. We are to know more than
we do at the present time. We are to comprehend the deep things of God. There are
themes to be dwelt upon which are worthy of more than a passing notice.
Angels have desired to look into the truths which are revealed to the people
who are searching God's Word and with contrite hearts praying for wisdom, for
greater lengths and breadths and heights of that knowledge which God alone can
give.--Ms 75, 1899, p. 4. (Untitled, May 11, 1899.) {2MR 17.2} We must not wait
for the latter rain. It is coming upon all who will recognize and appropriate
the dew and showers of grace that fall upon us. When we gather up the
fragments of light, when we appreciate the sure mercies of God, who loves to
have us trust Him, then every promise will be fulfilled. "For as
the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that
are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord will cause righteousness and
praise to spring forth before all the nations" [Isa. 61:11]. The whole
earth is to be filled with the glory of God.--Letter 151, 1897, pp. 1, 2. (To
"My Children," Aug. 29, 1897.) {2MR 18.1} The word of God
in His law is binding upon every intelligent mind. The truth for this time,
the third angel's message, is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, meaning
with increasing power, as we approach the great final test. . . . {2MR 18.2} The present truth for
this time comprises the messages, the third angel's message succeeding the
first and second. The presentation of this message, with all it embraces, is
our work. . . . -19-
{2MR 18.3} The third
angel's message in its clear, definite terms is to be made the prominent
warning; all that it comprehends is to be made intelligible to the reasoning
minds of today.--Letter 121, 1900, p. 5. (To Elder and Mrs. S. N. Haskell,
Aug. 13, 1900.) {2MR 19.1} We should make
efforts to show our people the wants of the cause of God, and to open before
them the need of using means that God has entrusted to them to advance the
work of the Master both at home and abroad. Unless those who can help are roused to a sense
of their duty, they will not recognize the work of God when the loud cry of
the third angel shall be heard. When light goes forth to lighten the earth,
instead of coming up to the help of the Lord, they will want to bind about His work to meet
their narrow ideas. Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work
in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that
will be contrary to any human planning. --Ms 121b, 1898, p. 2. ("Danger of
Restricting the Work," Oct. 1, 1898.) {2MR 19.2} God calls for His
watchmen to awake and be faithful sentinels. Begin anew to yoke up with
Christ and with all who have a knowledge of the truth. Arouse from your
deathlike slumbers, and learn the simple lessons that lie at the foundation
of true godliness. Whether superiors, inferiors, or equals, your work is to
begin with your own heart. Humble yourself before God. Come into right
connection with Him by yielding to the creating power of the Holy Spirit. Then will be
seen in the church the unity that is of value in God's sight. There will be
sweet harmony, and all the building, fitly framed together, will grow up into
an holy temple in the Lord. The church will have that faith that shows that it is genuine
because it works by love and purifies the soul. A hand-to-hand and heart-to-heart interest
will be shown in building up the old -20- waste places.--Ms 64, 1898, p. 12. ("The Danger of
Rejecting Light," May, 1898.) {2MR 19.3} Blessed are the eyes which saw the things
that were seen in 1843 and 1844. The message was given. And there should be
no delay in repeating the message, for the signs of the times are fulfilling;
the closing work must be done. A great work will be done in a short time. A
message will soon be given by God's appointment that will swell into a loud
cry. Then Daniel will stand in his lot, to give his testimony. {2MR 20.1} The attention of
our churches must be aroused. We are standing upon the borders of the
greatest event in the world's history, and Satan must not have power over the
people of God, causing them to sleep on. The Papacy will appear in its power.
All must now arouse and search the Scriptures, for God will make known to His faithful ones
what shall be in the last time. The word of the Lord is to come to His
people in power. {2MR 20.2} The signs of the end
are fast fulfilling. The time of trouble is very near us now. We are to be
brought into strait places in a way in which we have not been brought
heretofore. The time of trouble is near, and we are to awake to a realization
of this. We are to be sure that our feet are in the narrow path. We need an
experience that we have not yet had, that we may have the assurance that the
God of all grace is a very present help in time of need.--Letter 54,
1906, pp. 3, 4. (To Brother and Sister Farnsworth, Jan. 30, 1906.) {2MR 20.3} The natural man
needs to be converted. The Spirit of God is needed to operate upon human hearts.
Many of our church members are becoming weak because, instead of depending
upon God, they are self-sufficient. I am -21- instructed to say to our churches, Study the
Testimonies. They are written for our admonition and encouragement upon
whom the ends of the world are come. If God's people will not study these messages
that are sent to them from time to time, they are guilty of rejecting light.
. .
. {2MR 20.4} If fewer words of
human wisdom, and more of the words of Christ, were spoken, if there were
fewer sermons, and more social meetings, we would find a different atmosphere
pervade our churches and our camp meetings. Seasons of prayer should be held for the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit.--Letter 292, 1907, pp. 3, 4. (To J. E.
White, Sept. 21, 1907.) {2MR 21.1} Note by Ron: Social meetings were the ones where personal
Testimonies were given as to how God had blessed the efforts to witness to
others throughout the past week. The following statement is what a social
meeting is all about: "There are times when it is fitting for our ministers to
give on the Sabbath, in our churches, short discourses, full of the life and
love of Christ. But the church members are not to expect a sermon every
Sabbath....Let the church members, during the week, act their part
faithfully, and on the Sabbath relate their experience. The meeting will then
be as meat in due season, bringing to all present new life and fresh vigor..
When God's people see the great need of working as Christ worked for the
conversion of sinners, the testimonies borne by them in the Sabbath service
will be filled with power. With joy the will tell of the precious experience
they have gained in working for others." Testimonies,
Vol. 7, p. 19. End note. Let us seek the
Lord with our whole hearts, that we may find Him. We have received the light
of the three angel's messages; and we now need to come decidedly to the front
and take our position on the side of truth. . .. {2MR 21.2} The prophecies in
the eighteenth of Revelation will soon be fulfilled. During the proclamation
of the third angel's message, "another angel" is to "come down
from heaven, having great power" and the earth is to be "lightened
with His glory." The Spirit of the Lord will so graciously and universally bless
consecrated human instrumentalities, that men, women, and children will open
their lips in praise and testimony, filling the earth with the knowledge of
God and with His unsurpassed glory, as the waters cover the sea. {2MR 21.3} Those who have held
the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end, will be wide-awake
during the time that the third angel's message is proclaimed with great
power. During the loud cry, the church, aided by the providential interpositions
of her exalted Lord, will diffuse the knowledge of salvation so abundantly
that light shall be communicated to every city and town. The earth will be
filled with the knowledge of salvation. So abundantly will the
-22- renewing Spirit of God have crowned with success the intensely
active agencies, that the light of present truth will be seen flashing
everywhere. {2MR 21.4} Note by Ron: The above reference to the church is the
faithful. That is well documented in the following statement: "Jesus sends HIS PEOPLE a message of warning to
prepare them for his coming. To the prophet John was made known the closing
work in the great plan of man's redemption. He beheld an angel flying '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 [Rev. 14:6, 7.]. The angel represented in prophecy as delivering this message, symbolizes
a class of faithful men, who, obedient to the promptings of God's Spirit
and the teachings of his word, proclaim this warning to the inhabitants of
earth. This message was not to be committed to the religious leaders of the
people. They had failed to preserve their connection with God, and had
REFUSED THE LIGHT FROM HEAVEN therefore they WERE NOT of the number described
by the apostle Paul: 'But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day
should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the
children of the day we are not of the night nor of darkness' [1 Thess. 5:4,
5]. The watchmen upon the walls of Zion should be the first to catch the
tidings of the Saviour's advent, the first to lift their voices to proclaim
him near, the first to warn the people to prepare for his coming. But they
were at ease, dreaming of peace and safety, while the people were asleep in
their sins. Jesus saw HIS CHURCH, like the
barren fig-tree, covered with pretentious leaves, yet destitute of precious
fruit. There was a boastful observance of the forms of religion, while the
spirit of true humility, penitence and faith--which alone could render the
service acceptable to God--was lacking. Instead of the graces of the Spirit,
there were manifested pride, formalism, vainglory, selfishness, oppression. A
BACKSLIDING CHURCH closed their eyes to the signs of the times. God did nor
forsake them, or suffer his faithfulness to fail but they departed from him,
and SEPARATED THEMSELVES from his love. As they REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH
THE CONDITIONS, his promises were NOT FULFILLED to them."
E.G. White, The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, pp. 199-200 [The
1884 edition of The Great Controversy, NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH TESTIMONIES,
VOL 4]. END FULL STATEMENT 199, 200. Note by Ron: The above statement involves a backsliding church, not a
fallen church of Babylon. The statement is a prophetic outcome of the
professing SDA church omega of apostasy new movement, 1 Selected Messages,
204-5. The Statement applies to His People, His church, the professing SDA
church to whom the commission of the Everlasting Gospel was given. The
churches of Babylon are not backsliden-they are fallen! The Everlasting
Gospel was not commissioned to Babylon. The last message will be given by the
true reformers—to wit: "Characteristics
of True Reformers.--Here are given the characteristics of those
who shall be reformers, who will bear the banner of the third angel's
message, those who avow themselves God's commandment-keeping people, and who
honor God, and are earnestly engaged, in the sight of all the universe, in
building up the old waste places. Who
is it that calls them, The repairers of the breach, The restorers of
paths to dwell in? It is God.
Their names are registered [written--Heb. 12:22, 23] in heaven as reformers,
restorers, as raising the foundations of many generations." E. G. White,
SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 1151. End note. The saving
knowledge of God will accomplish its purifying work on the mind and heart of
every believer. The Word declares: "Then will I sprinkle clean water
upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your
idols, will I cleanse you. 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. And I will put My spirit within you, and cause
you to walk in my statutes" [Ezek. 36:25-27]. This is the
descent of the Holy Spirit, sent from God to do its office-work. The house of
Israel is to be imbued with the Holy Spirit, and baptized with the grace of
salvation. Their state of lethargy will no longer exist. All who have not
received the light will be convicted; all who will turn unto the Lord with
full purpose of heart will confess their sins. . . . {2MR 22.1} Note be Ron: Who was the true “house of Israel” when Jesus
“gathered out” from apostate Israel those who would take the gospel to the
world? Desire of Ages, p. 232. Who fulfilled Isaiah 37:31, 32? End
note. The proclamation
of the gospel is the only means by which God can employ human beings as His
instrumentalities for the salvation of souls. As men, women, and children proclaim the
gospel, the Lord will open the eyes of the blind to see His statutes, and
will write upon the hearts of the truly penitent His law. The
animating Spirit of God, working through human agencies, leads the believers
to be as one mind, one soul, unitedly loving God and keeping His
commandments--preparing here below for translation.--Ms 122,
1903, pp. 1-4. ("The Time of the End," Oct. 9, 1903.) {2MR 22.2} The earth itself
with its golden lodes is not more promising than is the Word, the great
garden of revealed truth; but its rich treasure will reward only the humble and contrite
ones who search for it. The Holy Spirit will -23- direct the searcher. A vast field, yet undiscovered, is to be
worked that precious truth may be found to enrich the receiver, that he may
impart his treasure to others. The Holy Spirit is to be presented in every
discourse. {2MR 22.3} What wonderful
statements Christ has made concerning His representative to the world! This
is the theme of encouragement to be kept before the people. In comprehending
the office of the Holy Spirit, we shall bring all blessings to ourselves. He
will make us complete in Christ.--Ms 8, 1898, pp. 5, 6. ("The Necessity
of Studying the Word," no date.) {2MR 23.1} Let there be a work of
reformation and repentance. Let all seek for the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit. As with the disciples after the ascension of Christ, it may require
several days of earnestly seeking God and putting away of sin. {2MR 23.2} When God's people
are worked by the Holy Spirit, they will manifest a zeal that is according to
knowledge. When they are guided by the Spirit, they will no longer lead
others in false paths. They will reflect the light that God has been giving
for years. The spirit of criticism will be put away. Filled with the spirit
of humility, they will be of one mind, united with one another and with
Christ.--Ms 107, 1903, p. 7. (Diary, "Unity With the Father," Sept.
15, 1903.) {2MR 23.3} As a people we need to
seek most earnestly for the energizing power of the Holy Spirit. We need to
be born again. "A new heart," Christ says, "I will give
you." He takes the things of God, and shows them to those who follow Him
in meekness and lowliness.--Letter 200, 1902, p. 6. (To Dr. and Mrs. D. H. Kress, Dec.
15, 1902.) -24-
{2MR 23.4} Could there be a
convocation of all the churches of earth, the object of their united cry
should be for the Holy Spirit. When we have that, Christ our sufficiency
is ever present. We shall have every want supplied. We shall have
the mind of Christ.--Ms 8, 1892, p. 4. ("Christ Our Sufficiency," Nov.
25, 1892.) {2MR 24.1} If we obtain the
victory we must be earnest ourselves and plead with God for His Holy Spirit.
We must talk and pray in faith that we may have the precious anointment of
the Holy Spirit. . . . {2MR 24.2} We do not
exercise that faith, perseveringly claiming the Holy Spirit. I tell you, we
must have the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is for us, and we must have it. We are
living in that time of this earth's history when we must meet to pray for the
special blessing upon us individually, and then we shall be in Christ, and
through Christ victorious. We are too easily satisfied with limited, special,
far-between blessings. We are to lay hold of God by faith and labor to bring
souls to Christ. We are too dull in our doctrinal discourses upon the truth
as it is in Jesus. Present the truth for this time as an important message,
from another world. Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary. Come in consecration to
holier ground, and still holier. Preach the truth with the power of God sent
down from heaven. Let the truth take hold of the spiritual part of our own
nature, and then the current of divine power will be communicated to those
whom we address.--Letter 230, 1899, pp. 1, 2. (To G. B. Starr, Dec. 3, 1899.)
{2MR 24.3} The only power that can
quicken the heart into activity is the power which will give life to the
dead--the Holy Spirit of God. . . . Hold fast to your only -25- hope--the precious privilege of access to God through Christ.
Hang your helpless soul upon your Mediator. In and through Him, and Him
alone, you can come to God. There is no atoning efficacy apart from the
provision made. Human rites and methods are of no avail. Anything but
Christ alone is nothingness. {2MR 24.4} The Holy Spirit is your hope. As you lift
the cross of Calvary, it lifts you. Bearing the cross after Jesus, following
in His consecrated, self-denying footsteps--only thus can you find salvation.
The Word of the living God is your guide and counsellor. Jesus Christ is the
way into the holy of holies-- the way without a screen. The sinner is
humbled; the Saviour is exalted as all and in all. This is your
refuge.--Letter 124, 1901, pp. 1, 2. (To Brother and Sister Sanderson, circa
Sept. 12, 1901.) {2MR 25.1} "Greater works
than these shall ye do because I go to My Father." He would intercede
for them and would send them His own representative, the Holy Spirit, who
would attend them in their work. This representative would not appear in
human form, but by faith would be seen and recognized by all who believe in
Christ.--Ms 70a, 1897, p. 2. (No title, no date.) {2MR 25.2} There are many who
will spend and be spent to win souls to Christ. In obedience to the great
commission, they will go forth to work for the Master. Under the
ministration of angels ordinary men will be moved by the Spirit of God to
warn people in the highways and byways. Humble men, who do not trust in their gifts,
but who work in simplicity, trusting always in God, will share in the joy of
the Saviour as their persevering prayers bring souls to the cross. --Letter
109, 1901, pp. 3, 4. (To J. O. Johnston, Aug. 6, 1901.) -26-
{2MR 25.3} The Lord Jesus has
placed Himself under obligation never to disappoint a true seeker for the
Holy Spirit's guidance. He presents the earthly to represent the heavenly. He
appeals to the love of earthly parents. "What man is there among
you," He says, "who if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone,
or if he ask a fish will he give him a serpent? If ye then being evil know
how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly
Father give good gifts to them that ask Him?"--Letter 68, 1900, p. 10.
(To Elder and Mrs. J. E. White, May 4, 1900.) {2MR 26.1} Christ's followers
will pray and believe and work as Christ worked, relying upon the Holy
Spirit, Christ's representative, for their sufficiency. They realize that
they are only the instruments. The Holy Spirit is the power cooperating with
them. They can labor with the highest power, for it is God that does
the work, and not man. With the tact and methods given of God, they work, and God works
with them as a compelling power to save the souls of men. --Ms 111,
1898, p. 4. ("Prayer and Faith," Sept. 8, 1898.) {2MR 26.2} The reason why the
Holy Spirit does not work among us . . . is the unbelief in God and the lack
of confidence in one another. This was the work of the power of darkness to
lead us to suspect our brethren and stand apart as criticizers. --Letter 7,
1899, pp. 1, 2. (To Elder and Mrs. S. N. Haskell, Jan. 22, 1899.) {2MR 26.3} Note by Ron: Let us never confuse sighing and crying over the
abominations (unpardonable sin apostasy) with mere criticism. For sighing and
crying for all the abominations is a condition of being sealed, Ezekiel 9.
End note. I would that we had
the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and this we must have before we can reveal
perfection of life and character. I would that each member -27- of the church would open the heart to Jesus, saying,
"Come, heavenly Guest, abide with me.". . .. {2MR 26.4} The question is
sometimes asked, "Why, if we have the truth, do we not see a greater
manifestation of the Spirit of God?" God cannot reveal Himself till
those who profess to be Christians are doers of His word in their private
lives, till there is oneness with Christ, a sanctification of body, soul, and
spirit. Then they will be fit temples for the indwelling of the Holy
Spirit.--Letter 139, 1898, pp. 2, 3, 12. (To A. T. Jones, Dec. 16, 1898.)
{2MR 27.1} Sanctification--how
many understand its full meaning? The mind is befogged by sensual malaria.
The thoughts need purifying. What might not men and women have been had they
realized that the treatment of the body has everything to do with the vigor
and purity of the mind and heart. The true Christian obtains an experience
which brings holiness. He is without a spot of guilt upon the conscience,
or a taint of corruption upon the soul. The spirituality of the law of
God, with its limiting principles, is brought into his life. The light of
truth irradiates his understanding. A glow of perfect love for the Redeemer clears
away the miasma which has interposed between his soul and God. The will of
God has become his will, pure, elevated, refined, and sanctified. His
countenance reveals the light of heaven. His body is a fit temple for the
Holy Spirit. Holiness adorns his character. God can commune with him, for
soul and body are in harmony with God.--Letter 139, 1898, p. 13. (To A. T. Jones,
Dec. 16, 1898.) {2MR 27.2} Unless we have a
sense of our own soul poverty, we are not fitted to do the work of God.
Unless we can feel brotherly love for those around us, the Holy -28- Spirit cannot work upon our hearts and minds.--Letter 68,
1896, pp. 3, 4. (To S. McCullagh, July 12, 1896.) {2MR 27.3} The influence of the Holy Spirit is
the life of Christ in the soul. We do not now see Christ and speak to Him,
but His Holy Spirit is just as
near us in one place as another. It works in and through everyone who
receives Christ. Those who know the indwelling of the Spirit reveal the fruit of
the Spirit-- love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.--Ms 41,
1897, p. 12. ("Words of Comfort," no date.) {2MR 28.1} All have not that
faith which works by love and purifies the soul from all earthly dross. The
purification through the Spirit must take place in their own minds and
hearts. Unless this divine principle is brought into the life and practice,
there can be no such fruit borne as unfeigned, fervent love for one another.
There are in the human heart hereditary and cultivated partialities so that
this love will not be practiced unless the divine grace shall purify the
natural tendencies of the human heart. Lust for forbidden things will obtain
the mastery, and self will be glorified. . . . {2MR 28.2} It was the Holy
Spirit that brought from the lessons of Christ all things to their
remembrance, repeating them with a vividness that was more powerful than when
they heard these precious truths with their natural senses. The words of the
great Teacher were impressed upon the dormant energies of mind and soul. This
new sense of the truths which Christ uttered was received into their minds
and senses as a new revelation, and truth, pure, unadulterated truth, made a
place for itself.--Ms 63, 1900, pp. 2-4. (No Title, Oct. 2, 1900.) -29-
{2MR 28.3} The statement is
made that Christ could not do many mighty works in certain places because of
unbelief. Jesus was the source of all power, all light and life, and if His
way was obstructed by unbelief, what can be expected of the finite
instrument? Time and time again the Lord has longed to communicate His Spirit
in rich measure, but there was no place for it to rest. It was not recognized
or valued. The blindness of mind, the hardness of hearts, interpreted it as
something of which they should be afraid. Some hidden evil lurks in the heart
to hinder the manifestation of the power of God, and His Spirit cannot
descend. . . . {2MR 29.1} Christ used the
wind as a symbol of the Spirit of God. As the wind bloweth whither it
listeth, and we cannot tell whence it cometh or whither it goeth, so it is
with the Spirit of God. We do not know through whom it will be manifested. But I speak not
my own words when I say that God's Spirit will pass by those who have had
their day of test and opportunity, but who have not distinguished the voice
of God or appreciated the movings of His Spirit. Then thousands in the eleventh hour will
see and acknowledge the truth. "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord,
that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him
that soweth seed" [Amos 9:13]. These conversions to truth will be made with a
rapidity that will surprise the church, and God's name alone will be
glorified. . . . {2MR 29.2} Ye are the light of
the world, God says. He will make those who are faithful in the church
radiant with the word of God. His Spirit will be communicated to human
instrumentalities, giving them light before which moral darkness must flee
away.--Letter 43, 1890, pp. 3, 5, 6, 7. (To O. A. Olsen, Dec. 15, 1900.) -30-
{2MR 29.3} Jesus is our
Redeemer. He practiced self-denial, self-sacrifice, and He loves us in our
weakness and offers to us His strength. He says, "I have graven thee
upon the palms of My hands." He will impart His Holy Spirit in the
plenitude of His reviving, and there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Nothing but the baptism of the Holy Spirit can bring up the church to its
right position, and prepare the people of God for the fast approaching
conflict. Why is there not individual growth in the church? Why is not every
member of the church growing up into Christ our living head? This growth does
not mean growing earthward, but heavenward; not downward, but upward. We are
living in the dispensation of the Spirit. We hold in our hands the promise of
His Spirit, and ministers may be qualified to give the trumpet a certain
sound, to arouse the sleeping people and set them at work for themselves and
for others out of the fold.--Letter 15, 1889, p. 5. (To Dr. Burke, Dec. 20,
1889.) {2MR 30.1} According to the
gifts received must be the gifts returned. All should do what they can,
cheerfully, willingly, as doing service to God. Thus they improve their power
to do, and go on from strength to strength. These receive God's approval. But
those who are slothful not only neglect the opportunity of doing the work
appointed them, but through their neglect they become hindrances to others. .
. . {2MR 30.2} The lips of a
speaker may move under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Thus the words of
God find utterance in warnings, in appeals, in reproof, in correction in
righteousness. This power is not in the speaker. It is a power put within him
by God, that he may be enabled to reach those who are dead in trespasses and
sins, and arouse them from their spiritual death to receive life from God. .
. . -31-
{2MR 30.3} Man's capabilities and
talents are all to be held in trust. They do not originate with the one who
is commissioned to preach the gospel. These gifts are to be looked upon as
coming from God. They are to be used as wholly His. They are to be
consecrated to His service. To the one who does this, the Lord can give
higher gifts. If he is called to do a work that demands self denial, the
spirit of consecration and entire self-surrender leads him to deny self. {2MR 31.1} The humility that
bears fruit, stirring the soul with a living sense of the love of God, will
speak for the soul in that great day when everyone will be rewarded according
to his works, whether they be good or evil. It will be wonderful commendation
to hear the words, "The Spirit of God never stirred this man's soul in
vain. Each step upward on the ladder of progress prepared him to climb still
higher. From the top of the ladder the bright beams of God's glory shone upon
him. He never thought of resting, but sought constantly to attain the wisdom
and righteousness of Christ, pressing on toward the mark of the prize of the
high calling of God in Christ Jesus. His thoughts were brought into captivity
to Christ. He is one with Christ."--Letter 21, 1897, pp. 4, 6, 9, 10.
(To "My Ministering Brethren," Dec. 19, 1897.) {2MR 31.2} The words spoken to
Christ's disciples come to us through their words. The Comforter is
ours as well as theirs, at all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in
all affliction, when the present outlook seems dark and the future perplexing,
and souls feel helpless and alone. These are the times when the Comforter will
be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. There is no more encouraging
promise than this: "Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My
name, I will do it." -32-
{2MR 31.3} Earthly comforters
may do their best. They speak to the ear, but there is no comfort like
Christ's, so tender and so true. He is touched with the feelings of our
infirmities. His Spirit speaks to the heart. Circumstances may separate
friends; the wide, broad sea may roll its restless waters between us and
them. Their words and sincere wishes may still exist, and yet they be unable to
demonstrate them and do for us that which would be pleasant and gratefully
received. But no distance, no circumstances can separate us from "the
Comforter." Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is there, always a
Presence, a Person connected with heaven, One given us in Christ's place, to
act in His stead. He is always at our right hand, to speak to us soothing,
gentle words, to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer.--Letter 89b, 1897, pp.
1, 2. (To Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Lacey, March 22, 1897.) {2MR 32.1} "Ye are
laborers together with God." The spiritual powers God has given man are
to be exercised. Sin, reigning in the mortal body, has kept man working at
cross purposes with God, but the man who accepts Christ has consecrated his
highest powers to God for the benefit of his fellow men. The Holy Spirit
was given to call into exercise the higher powers entrusted to man, and he
who yields himself to the control of His Spirit lays hold of Christ with the
living grasp of an earnest, definite faith, an intensity of love that nothing
can quench. His life is bound up with Christ. His religion is not made up
of selfishness and covetousness. His study is, where does the Kingdom of God
need building up most? . . . {2MR 32.2} The Holy Spirit
attending the worker, together with God, enables him to gather in the
sheaves. It is not learned men, not eloquent men, who are to be depended
upon to do the work now needed, but humble men, who are learned in the -33- school of Christ, who are meek and lowly in heart, who will give
the invitation to the supper, "Come, for all things are now ready."
Those who beg at midnight for loaves to feed the hungry souls, will be
successful. The law of God is that as we receive we are to impart. All
the churches in our land need the self-denying, self-sacrificing spirit of
Christ. God's people are no longer to continue in sin; they are to lay
hold of the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. If human hands have never been laid upon them
in ordination, there is One who will give fitness for the work, if they ask
for it in faith. In the name of the Lord I entreat you, Ask and receive the
Holy Spirit. Press to the side of Christ. But this Spirit can only be
received by those who are consecrated, who will deny self, lifting the cross
and following the Lord. Who will be on the Lord's side?--Letter 10, 1899, pp.
9, 10, 14. (To J. H. Kellogg, Jan. 14, 1899.) {2MR 32.3} Is the kingdom of
God enthroned in your heart by Christ's presence abiding there? or is self
still a controlling power within? Whose subjects are you? If a selfish spirit
continues to keep you out of Christ's service, pray, "Thy kingdom come.
They will be done in earth as it is in heaven." Pray, oh, pray most
earnestly, "Put Thy Spirit, Lord, Thy Holy Spirit, within my heart, that
I may be sincere in keeping my baptismal vow." Pray that the
intercession of Christ in your behalf shall not be in vain. Pray that
unbelief shall no longer lead you to claim to be in God's service, while in
the life-practice, because of a perverted will, you reveal that you are not
bearing the fruit of the Spirit. Pray for the power to demonstrate to the world
that you are dead to sin, and that your life is indeed hid with Christ in
God. . . . {2MR 33.1} Receiving the
Spirit of Christ, every one of His followers will fulfill a divinely
appointed mission not merely to be an influence among influences, but -34- to be a special influence for God in every sense of the
term.--Ms 130, 1902, pp. 6, 8. (Diary, Oct. 27, 1902.) {2MR 33.2} Evil had been
accumulating for centuries, and could only be restrained and resisted by the
mighty power of the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Godhead, who would
come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. Another
spirit must be met, for the essence of evil was working in all ways, and the
submission of man to this satanic captivity was amazing. . . . {2MR 34.1} The divine Spirit reveals
its working on the human heart. When the Holy Spirit operates upon the mind,
the human agent will understand the statement made by Christ, "He shall
receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you." Subjection to the Word of
God means the restoration of one's self. Let Christ work by His Holy Spirit,
and awake you as from the dead, and carry your minds along with His. Let Him
employ your faculties. He has created your every capability, that you may
better honor and glorify His name. Consecrate yourself to Him, and all
associated with you will see that your energies are inspired of God, that
your noblest powers are called into exercise to do God's service. The
faculties once used to serve self and advance unworthy principles, once
serving as members of unrighteous purposes, will be brought into captivity to
Jesus Christ, and become one with the will of God.--Letter 8, 1896, pp. 1, 5.
(To "My Brethren in America," Feb. 6, 1896.) {2MR 34.2} Man cannot possibly
work out his own salvation without the ordained Divine power, and God will not
do for man that which He requires man shall do for himself, through his own
earnest, willing cooperation. Man in the
work of the saving of the soul is wholly dependent upon God. He cannot of
himself move one -35- step toward Christ without the Spirit of God draws him, and
this drawing is ever, and will continue until man grieves the Holy Ghost by his
persistent refusal. . . . {2MR 34.3} The Spirit of
God does not propose to do our part either in the willing or the doing. This
is the work of the human agent in cooperating
with the Divine agencies. . . .
{2MR 35.1} As soon as we
incline our will to harmonize with God's will, the grace of Christ stands to cooperate with the human agent; but it will not be
the substitute to do our work independent of our resolving and decidedly
acting; therefore it is not the abundance of light, and evidence piled
upon evidence, that will convert the soul. It is only the human agent accepting
the light, arousing the energies of the will, realizing and acknowledging
that which he knows is righteousness and truth, and thus cooperating with the heavenly ministrations appointed of
God in the saving of the soul. {2MR 35.2} If the sinner or
the backslider settles himself in disobedience and sin, the light may flash
from heaven all about him, as it did about Saul, without breaking the
bewitching power of falsehood and the spell of the world's deception. Unless the human
agent inclines his heart to do God's will, and takes up God's service, the
light will shine in vain. A thousandfold more light and conviction would accomplish
nothing. God knows he has sufficient evidence already. "They have
Moses and the prophets." If they will not believe their testimony and
arouse to action, neither will they believe though one should be sent to them
from the dead.--Letter 135, 1898, pp. 1, 2, 3. (To G. B. Starr, no date.) -36-
{2MR 35.3} Every soul who
obeys the first four commandments will obey the last six commandments, and
make manifest what is the duty of man to his fellow men. He will manifest
tender, pitying love toward everyone for whom Christ has died. He will
consecrate himself to be a missionary, to be a laborer together with God. All
who have the Spirit of Christ are missionaries; they derive zeal and energy
from the Chief Missionary.--Letter 31, 1894, p. 16. (To Brother Harper, Sept. 23, 1894.)
{2MR 36.1} The Holy Spirit
indites all genuine prayer. I have learned to know that in all my
intercessions, the Spirit intercedes for me and for all saints whose
intercessions are according to the will of God, never contrary to His will.
"The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities" [Rom. 8:26], and the Spirit
being God, knoweth the mind of God; therefore in every prayer of ours for the
sick, or for other needs, the will of God is to be regarded. "For what
man knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even
so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God" [2 Cor.
2:11]. If we are taught of God, we shall pray in conformity to His revealed
will and in submission to His will which we know not. We are to make
supplication according to the will of God, relying on the precious Word, and
believing that Christ not only gave Himself for, but to, His disciples. The
record declares, "He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye
the Holy Ghost" [John 20:22]. {2MR 36.2} Jesus is waiting to
breathe upon all His disciples, and give them the inspiration of His
sanctifying Spirit, and transfuse the vital influence from Himself to His
people. He would have them understand that henceforth they cannot serve two
masters. Their lives cannot be divided. Christ is to live in His human agents and work
through their faculties, and act through their capabilities. -37- Their will must be submitted to His will, they must act with His
Spirit; that it may be no more they that live, but Christ that liveth in
them. Jesus is seeking to impress upon them the thought that in giving
His Holy Spirit He is giving to them the glory which the Father hath given
Him, that He and His people may be one in God. Our way and will must be in
submission to God's will, knowing that it is holy, just, and good. . . . {2MR 36.3} While Jesus, our
Intercessor, pleads for us in heaven, the Holy Spirit works in us, to will
and to do of His good pleasure. All heaven is interested in the salvation of
the soul. Then what reason have we to doubt that the Lord will not and does
not help us? We who teach the people must ourselves have a vital connection
with God. In spirit and work we should be to the people a wellspring; because
Christ in us is a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. Sickness
and pain may test and try our patience and our faith, but the brightness of
the Presence of the universe is with us and we must hide self behind Jesus. .
. . {2MR 37.1} Though the mind may
wander in prayer, be not discouraged; bring it back to the throne and do not
leave the mercy seat until you have the victory. Are you to think
your victory will be testified by strong emotion? No, "This is the
victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." The Lord knows your
desire. By faith keep close to Him and expect to receive the Holy Spirit. The
office of the Holy Spirit is to control all our spiritual exercises. The Father
hath given His Son for us, that through the Son the Holy Spirit might come
to us and lead us to the Father. Through His divine agency we have the
spirit of intercession whereby we may plead with God as a man pleadeth with
his friend.--Letter 11b, 1892, pp. 3-6. (To S. N. Haskell, July 17, 1892.) -38-
{2MR 37.2} We need to dwell
more constantly and earnestly upon the grace of the Holy Spirit. This we do
not discern with our natural eyes, yet by faith we see its office work, and
we cannot render to God supreme love and honor if we do not recognize the
Holy Spirit which the Lord sends. The Holy Spirit represents Jesus Christ. He
is our refuge unto whom we can run and be safe. . . . {2MR 38.1} When truth takes
possession of the heart, the Christian will be brought into conflict, and in
this conflict he will need the whole armor of God; for he has to fight the
good fight of faith. There are opposing elements in his own household, even
in his own heart, and nothing but the free Spirit of God can ensure for him
the victory.--Ms 59, 1900, pp. 12, 16. ("Jots and Tittles II," Aug.
16, 1900.) {2MR 38.2} We are laborers
together with God. The frail instrument is nothing, but worked by the Holy
Spirit man can accomplish much. All human effort combined is weakness without
the deep moving of the Spirit of God. The Lord is the worker. Without His
help the deep learning and restless energy of a Paul, the eloquence and
talent of an Apollos, would fall infinitely short of convicting and bringing
one soul to repentance. But man is of value if soul, body, and spirit are prepared to
cooperate with divine power. While man can do nothing without God, the
Lord would do nothing without the human channel through which to communicate
His truth to humanity.--Letter 85, 1898, p. 4. (To C. H. Jones, Oct. 7,
1898.) {2MR 38.3} The soul who yields
his heart to be worked by the Holy Spirit will be a living channel of light
in the inculcation of the precepts and truth of the Word of God, winning
others to obedience of the commandments of God. Those who
-39- are beholding us must first reverence the law of God as pure
and binding upon every soul that lives on the face of the earth, and all will
not obey the drawing of the Holy Spirit. {2MR 38.4} There must be in
those who see, a walking in that light, living in reverence to the commandments of God,
which are the expression of the character of God, which character they must
accept if they would become members of the royal family, children of the
Heavenly King. The truth, the light, the righteousness of Christ must shine
forth from them in distinct lines. There is nothing that God will accept as a
substitute here. To walk away from conviction to avoid the cross is not only
to impair but to extinguish the inward striving of the Spirit of God in its
power on the mind and will. --Ms 166, 1897, pp. 2, 3. ("Hopeful Words
for Stanmore," Dec. 1897.) {2MR 39.1} Are we willing to
pay the price for eternal life? Are we ready to sit down and count the cost,
whether heaven is worth such a sacrifice as to die to self, and our will be
bent and fashioned into perfect conformity with the will of God? Until this
shall be, the transforming grace of God will not be experienced by us. Just as soon as
we present our emptied nature to the Lord Jesus and His cause, He will supply
the vacuum by His Holy Spirit. We can then believe He will give us of His
fullness. He does not want us to perish. We do not want more of God any more
urgently than He wants all that there is of us to be consecrated to His
service.--Letter 27, 1892, p. 5. (To Elder and Mrs. J. E. White, May 29,
1892.) {2MR 39.2} We cannot afford to
consult fallible minds, or to depend on human judgment, so often unsanctified
and perverse. This is why true followers of
-40- Christ have such a great soul-hunger for the Holy Spirit, for
the Holy Spirit so works through human agents that God's will is done on the
earth as it is in heaven. . . . {2MR 39.3} Those who are
imbued with His Spirit will have an intense love for everyone for whom He
died, and will work earnestly to bring into the heavenly garner a harvest of
souls. Filled with His Spirit, men and women will be animated with the same
desire to save sinners that animated Christ in His lifework as a missionary
sent of God.--Ms 130, 1902, pp. 4, 11. (Diary, "Christ Our Example in
Every Line of Work," Oct. 27, 1902.) {2MR 40.1} When the Holy
Spirit is allowed to do its work on human hearts, self will be crucified, and
Christ will give to His people the gift of His grace and a perfect
understanding of their great need. {2MR 40.2} God can use the human
agent just to the extent that he will be worked by the Holy Spirit. To men who
accept positions of responsibility as presidents, ministers, physicians, or
workers in any line, I am bidden to say: God will test every man who enters His service. He does not
measure our ability by the standard of the world. He does not ask, Do they
possess learning and eloquence? Have they ability to command and control and
manage? He asks, Will they represent My character? Will they walk in
humility, that I may teach them My way? The soul temple must not be defiled by any
loose or unclean practice. Those whom I will acknowledge in the courts of
heaven must be without spot and wrinkle. {2MR 40.3} The Lord will use
humble men to do a great and good work. Through them He will represent to the
world the ineffaceable characteristics of the divine nature.--Letter 270,
1907, p. 2. (To J. E. White, Aug. 30, 1907.) -41- {2MR 40.4} God's message to
each of us is, "My son, give me thine heart. That heart is Mine. I have
given My life for it." Then open the heart to the Divine Spirit and you
will appreciate the value of the human soul. {2MR 41.1} There is a yearning
in the heart for peace, for happiness. Look, oh, look unto Jesus, the Sun of
Righteousness! May the Spirit of life touch hearts! We want hearts that shall
respond to the touch of God. If His life be in us we will always see light in
His light. . . . {2MR 41.2} How blind are many
to the real forces that are working in this world! The power of the Holy
Spirit is drawing to God all who will be drawn. He is convincing
men that the commandments of God are a life and death question with them.--Ms 44,
1900, pp. 1-3. ("Jots and Tittles," July 24, 1900.) {2MR 41.3} What did the
disciples do under the influence of the Holy Spirit's working? They called
nothing which they possessed their own. All their earthly goods they used to
support the poor believers. And this is the influence the Holy Spirit will
have upon the hearts of those who believe today. They will not be improvident
with the property lent them on trust. They will remember that it is not their
own, and will use the Lord's goods to advance His work. They will publish the
glad tidings of the gospel. They will work to relieve the needy, to help the
helpless. It was this class for whom Christ manifested the greatest pity, the
most tender compassion.- Letter 80, 1898, p. 2. (To E. J. Waggoner, Sept. 24,
1898.) {2MR 41.4} The promised
outpouring of God's life-giving Spirit has been and is still the great hope
of God's people. It is the hope and glory of Zion. In this time of spiritual
declension God's ministry is to stand in dignity, efficiency, -42- and power. Wickedness and opposition are seen on every side.
God does not direct His work in such a way that those whom He has appointed
as His stewards shall link up with men who do not bear the sign of obedience,
who walk and work in a way that dishonors God. . . . {2MR 41.5} "He to whom
I have given skill is My servant as long as he will serve Me, cooperating
with Me in helping My people. When he takes the Lord's inventions as his
own, when he claims as his own the skill and wisdom I have given him, he is
practicing robbery toward God, and is making his fellow men amenable to a
finite man who has received God's gifts to impart to others." . . . {2MR
42.1} All who are partakers
of the divine nature will realize that the Holy Spirit works with them,
taking the truth from the sacred Word, where Christ has placed it, and
stamping it upon the soul. But we are in great peril of keeping the truth in the outer
court, neglecting to bring it into the sanctuary of the soul. Earnestly and
solemnly we should prepare ourselves for the cleansing of the soul-temple,
remembering that we are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. This
work, when thoroughly done, will cleanse the heart from all disunion, all
strife, all desire for the supremacy.--Ms 14, 1901, pp. 1, 2, 21. (Diary,
"Health Foods and Sanitarium Chaplains," Feb. 21, 1901.) {2MR 42.2} We have too little
of the Spirit of God. We are too lifeless. Let us begin now to seek the Lord
in earnest, as though we were determined to find Him. Let us offer up our
petitions to God, and He will surely help every one of us to reveal the truth
in our lives. He bids us bear living testimony to Him, [and to] honor Him by
honoring the institution which is His instrument for the accomplishment of
His work.--Ms 57, 1909, p. 7. ("Words of Counsel to Workers in the
Madison Sanitarium," Sept. 5, 1909.) -43- {2MR
42.3} Before giving us
the baptism of the Holy Spirit, our heavenly Father will try us, to see if we
can live without dishonoring Him. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to
you. Do not think . . . that you have received all the spiritual help you
need. And do not think that you can have great spiritual blessings
without complying with the conditions God Himself has laid down. James and
John thought that for the asking they could have the highest place in the
kingdom of God. Oh, how far short they fell of understanding the situation!
They did not realize that before they could share Christ's glory, they must
wear His yoke and daily learn His meekness and lowliness.--Letter 22, 1902,
pp. 9, 10. (To Elder and Mrs. J. E. White, Feb. 1, 1902.) {2MR 43.1} The time has come
when we must expect the Lord to do great things for us. Our efforts must not
flag or weaken. We are to grow in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord.
Before the work is closed up and the sealing of God's people is finished, we
shall have the outpouring of the Spirit of God. Angels from
heaven will be in our midst. I want you and all your family to have a part
in this closing work. The present is the fitting-up time for heaven, when we
each must walk in full obedience to all the commandments of God. . . . {2MR
43.2} Through the study of
the Word the whole character may be changed. "If any man be in Christ,
he is a new creature; old things (old ambitions) have passed away; behold,
all things have become new." The fruits of the Spirit will be revealed in
refinement and true godliness. Selfishness will be purged from the life.
Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, and gentleness will be revealed in the
life.--Letter 30, 1907, pp. 2-4. (To N. D. Faulkhead, Feb. 5, 1907.) {2MR
43.3} In His work on
earth, Christ lifts the veil that conceals the invisible world from our view,
and reveals the power that is constantly -44- exercised for our good. The same ministry which He performed
on earth was continued after His ascension to heaven. Through His
representative, the Holy Spirit, God in Christ still ministers to the
children of men. {2MR 43.4} Before He ascended
to heaven, Christ gave the disciples the promise, "I will pray the
Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you
for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it
seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: But ye know Him; for He dwelleth with
you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans: I will come to
you" (John 14:16, 17, margin). {2MR 44.1} To those who in
faith claimed this promise it was speedily fulfilled. After Christ's
ascension the disciples were gathered together of one accord in one place.
Ten days they spent in heart-searching and self-examination, each taking his
own case in hand, for it had to be an individual work. As the disciples made
humble supplication to God, their differences were swept away. They became of
one mind. Then the way was prepared for the Holy Spirit to enter the
cleansed, consecrated soul-temples. Every heart was filled with the Spirit,
whose influence came with copiousness and power as if it had been held in
restraint for ages. . . . {2MR 44.2} If all were willing
to receive, all would become filled with the Spirit. When God's people will
believe, when they will turn their attention to that which is true, and
living, and real, the Holy Spirit, in strong heavenly currents, will be
poured upon the church.--Ms 21, 1900, pp. 7, 8, 9. ("God's Love Manifested,"
Feb. 16, 1901.) {2MR 44.3} Let Christians put
away their dissensions, and give themselves to God for the saving of the
lost. Let them ask in faith for the blessing, and it will -45- come. The outpouring of the Spirit in apostolic days was the
"former rain," and glorious was the result. But the latter rain
will be more abundant. {2MR 44.4} The work of the
Spirit had been clearly defined by Christ. "He shall not speak of
Himself," He said, "He shall glorify Me." As Christ came to
glorify the Father by the revelation of His infinite love, so the Spirit came
to glorify Christ. {2MR 45.1} "God so loved
the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him
should not perish, but have everlasting life." The measure of God's love
is the measure of His power.--Letter 213, 1903, p. 5. (To "My Dear
Friends at Berrien Springs," Oct. 9, 1903.) {2MR 45.2} It was a sin in the
ancient economy to offer a sacrifice upon the wrong altar, or to allow
incense to be kindled from a strange fire. We are in danger of commingling
the sacred and the common. The holy fire from God is to be used with our
offerings. The true altar is Christ, and the true fire is the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is to inspire, to teach, to lead, and to guide men, and make
them safe counselors. If we turn aside from God's chosen ones, we are in
danger of inquiring from strange gods, and of offering upon a strange altar.
. . . {2MR 45.3} The most powerful
preaching of the Word will avail nothing unless the Spirit teaches and
enlightens those who hear. Unless the Spirit works with and through the human
agent, souls will not be saved, or characters transformed by the reading of
the Scriptures. The planning and devising that is done in connection with the
work should not be of a character to draw attention to self. The Word is a
power, a sword in the hand of the human agent. But the Holy Spirit is its
efficiency, its vital power in impressing the mind. "They shall -46- all be taught of God." It is God that causeth the light
to shine into the hearts of men. Will my ministering brethren remember that
it is essential that God be recognized as the source of our strength, and the
Spirit as the Comforter? The great reason why God can do so little for us is that we
forget that living virtue comes through our cooperation with the Holy
Spirit.--Ms 1, 1895, pp. 18, 22. (No title, no date.) {2MR 45.4} The Spirit is
constantly showing to the soul glimpses of the things of God. A Divine
Presence seems to hover near, and then if the mind responds, if the door of
the heart is opened, Jesus abides with the human agent. The Spirit's energy
is working in the heart and leading the inclination of the will to Jesus by
living faith and complete dependence of Divine power to will and to do of His
good pleasure. The Spirit taketh the things of God, just as fast as the soul
resolves and acts in accordance with the light revealed.--Letter
135, 1898, pp. 2, 3. (To G. B. Starr, no date.) {2MR 46.1} [Material Requested
for Review and Herald article for Spirit of Prophecy Day, April 10, 1958.]
{2MR 46.2} We found a good
dinner waiting for us, and all seemed to eat as if they relished the food.
After dinner we went to the riverside, and Brethren Starr, MacKensey, and
Collins seated themselves in one boat; Brethren Daniells, McCullagh, and
Reekie in a still larger boat; and Willie White, Emily Campbell and myself in
another. We rode several miles upon the water. Though the stream is called
Dora Creek, yet it has the appearance of a river, for it is a wide, deep
stream. It is somewhat salty but loses its saltness as it borders the -47- place which we are investigating. It required two rowers to
pull the boat upstream. I should judge this was not a creek, but a deep,
narrow river, and the water is beautiful. . . . The boat ride was very
enjoyable, though the rowers had to change hands to rest each other. On our
way we passed several houses upon farms of about forty acres of land. . . .
{2MR 46.3} I cannot for a
moment entertain the idea that land which can produce such large trees can be
of a poor quality. . . . If the people in this country would take the same
pains in cultivating as in America, they would be able to grow as excellent
fruit, grains, and vegetables as are raised there. . . . {2MR 47.1} While sitting on a
log, my mind was actively planning what could be done. . . . I could see
nothing discouraging in prospect of taking the land, but our party returned
and broke up my future faith-prospecting. . . . {2MR 47.2} We reluctantly
gathered up our wraps and pillows and made our way toward the boat where the
company that had been prospecting joined us. They came from their
investigation with a much more favorable impression than they had hitherto
received. They had found some excellent land, the best they had seen, and
they thought it was a favorable spot for the location of the school. They had
found a creek of fresh water, cold and sweet, the best they had ever tasted.
On the whole, the day of prospecting had made them much more favorable to the
place than they had hitherto been.--Letter 82, 1894, pp. 2-5. (To Elder and
Mrs. J. E. White, May 1, 1894.) {2MR 47.3} False testimony has
been borne concerning this soil. God can furnish a table in the
wilderness.--Letter 350, 1907, p. 3. (To Elder and Mrs. J. E. White, Oct. 22,
1907.) -48- {2MR
47.4} It is a treat to
have all the oranges we want. I use lemon juice freely. It is the best thing
you could use for rheumatism, for your head, and for malaria.--Letter 119,
1896, p. 3. (To "Children," July 31, 1896.) Released 1958. {2MR
48.1} |