SupplementForeword:(thisForewordandContentswritten August, 2000 by Daniel W )&&&&&&&&This is the second real book
ever authored by Ellen White.
In 1851 &A Sketch of the Christian
Experience and Views of Ellen G. White& was published.
As the name
suggests, this book is a supplement to that book, especiallly dealing with
questions people had regarding it.
There are several articles taken from the
&Review&, and several things written that will be found written
similarly in the book she wrote next: &The Great Controversy Between
Christ and His Angels and Satan and His Angels&.&&&&&&&&The slight differences between
what is written here in 1854, and what was put in the 1858 Great Controversy
are very interesting and worthy of study.&&&&&&&&I typed up this particular book
from a photo-copy of a photo-copy of a photo-copy.... and as such, the
spellings were left as in the original.
You will notice that there are two
items listed as &5& in the SUPPLEMENT.
That's the way the original
I did make 1 change tho, where it looked like it might make a
difference regarding the interpretation: Closing quotes added after &too
much and too often.&
If i am mistaken in this, someone please let me
know.&&&&&&&&Praise God for his great love
to us, to give us detailed instruction to keep us from the multitude of errors
that surround us in these last days!
May we follow all the words of his
prophets, and staying on the narrow path, press on to the prize before us.Contents:&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspSUPPLEMENTTO THECHRISTIAN EXPERIENCEANDVIEWSOFE L L E N &nbsp G. &nbsp W H I T E.~~~~~~~~~ROCHESTER, N. Y.P U B L I S H E D &nbsp B Y &nbsp J A M E S &nbsp W H I T E.1854.&&&&&&&&
DEAR CHRISTIAN FRIENDS: -- As I have given a brief sketch of my experiences and
views, published in 1851, it seems to be my duty to notice some points in that
also, to give more recent views.&&&&&&&&
1. On page 17, is as follows: -- &I saw that the Holy Sabbath is, and will
be, the separating wall between the true Israel of G and
that the Sabbath is the great question, to unite the hearts of God's dear,
waiting saints.
I saw that God had children, who do not see and keep the
They had not rejected the light on it.
And at the commencement of
the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and
proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.&&&&&&&&&
This view was given in 1847, when there were but very few of the Advent
brethren observing the Sabbath, and of these, but few supposed that its
observance was of sufficient importance to draw a line between the people of
God and unbelievers.
Now, the fulfillment of that view is beginning to be seen.&&&&&&&&
&The commencement of the time of trouble,& here mentioned, does not
refer to the time when the plagues shall be but to a short
period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the Sanctuary.
that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on
the earth, the nations will be angry, yet held in check, so as not to prevent
the work of the third angel.
At that time the &latter rain,& or
refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud
voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when
the seven last plagues shall be poured out.&&&&&&&&
2. The view of the &Open and Shut Door,& on pages 24-27, was given in
The application of Rev. iii, 7, 8, to the Heavenly Sanctuary and
Christ's ministry, was entirely new to me.
I had never heard the idea advanced
by any one.
Now, as the subject of the Sanctuary is being clearly understood,
the application is seen in its beauty and force.&&&&&&&&
3. The &false reformations& referred to on page 27, are yet to be
more fully seen.
This view relates more particularly to those who have heard
and rejected the light of the Advent doctrine.
They are given over to strong
delusions.
Such will not have &the travail of soul for sinners& as
Having rejected the Advent, and being given over to the delusions of
Satan, &the time for their salvation is past.&
This does not,
however, relate to those who have not heard and have not rejected the doctrine
of the Second Advent.&&&&&&&&
4. The view that the Lord &had stretched out his hand the second time to
recover the remnant of his people,& on page 61, refers only to the union
and strength once among those looking for Christ, and that he had begun to
unite and raise up his people again.&&&&&&&&
5.Spirit Manifestations.On pages 25, and 26, read as follows: -- &I saw that the mysterious
knocking in N. Y., and other places, was the power of Satan, and that such
things would be more and more common, clothed in a religious garb, to lull the
deceived to more security, and to draw the minds of God's people, if possible,
to those things and cause them to doubt the teachings, and power of the Holy
Ghost.&&&&&&&&&
This view was given in 1849, nearly five years since.
Thenspirit manifestationswere mostly confined to the city of Rochester, known as the &Rochester
knockings.&
Since that time the heresy has spread beyond the expectations
of any one.&&&&&&&&
Much of the view on page 47, headed,Mysterious Rappings,given August 1850, has since been fulfilled, and is now fulfilling.
portion of it:&&&&&&&&
&I saw that soon it would be considered blasphemy to speak against the
rapping, and that it would spread more and more, and Satan's power would
increase, and some of his devoted followers would have power to work miracles,
and even to bring down fire from heaven in the sight of men.
I was shown that
these modern magicians would yet account for all the miracles wrought by our
Lord Jesus Christ by the rapping and mesmerism, and many would believe that all
the mighty works of the Son of God, when he was on the earth, were accomplished
by this same power.&&&&&&&&&
I saw the rapping delusion -- what progress it was making, and if it were
possible it would deceive the very elect.
Satan will have power to bring the
appearance of a form before us purporting to be our relatives and friends that
now sleep in Jesus.
It will be made to appear as though they were present, the
words they uttered while here, which we were familiar with, will be spoken, and
the same tone of voice, which they had while living, will fall upon the ear.
All this is to deceive the saints, and ensnare them into the belief of this
delusion.&&&&&&&&
I saw that the saints must get a thorough understanding of the present truth,
which they will have to maintain from the Scriptures.
They must understand the
for the spirits of devils will yet appear to them,
professing to be beloved friends and relatives, who will declare to them that
the Sabbath has been changed, and, also, other unscriptural doctrines.
will do all in their power to excite sympathy, and work miracles before them,
to confirm what they declare.
The people of God must be prepared to withstand
these spirits with the Bible truth, that the dead know not any thing, and that
they are the spirits of devils.
Our minds must not be taken up with things
around us, but must be occupied with the present truth, and a preparation to
give a reason of our hope with meekness and fear.
We must seek wisdom from on
high that we may stand in this day of error and delusion.&&&&&&&&
I saw that we must examine well the foundation of our hope, for we shall have
to give a reason for it for we shall see this delusion
spreading, and we shall have to contend with it face to face.
And unless we
are prepared for it, we shall be ensnared and overcome.
But if we do what we
can on our part to be ready for the conflict that is just before us, God will
do his part, and his all-powerful arm will protect us.
He would sooner send
every angel out of glory to our relief, to make a hedge about faithful souls,
rather than they should be deceived and led away by the lying wonders of Satan.&&&&&&&&
I saw the rapidity with which this delusion was spreading.
A train of cars was
shown me, going with the speed of lightning.
The angel bade me look carefully.
I fixed my eyes upon the train.
It seemed that the whol
that there could not be one left.
Said the angel: &They are binding in
bundles ready to burn.&
Then he showed me the conductor, who looked like
a stately fair person, which all the passengers looked up to and reverenced.
was perplexed, and asked my attending angel who it was.
Said he, &It is
He is the conductor in the form of an angel of light.
He has taken the
world captive.
They are given over to strong delusions, to believe a lie that
they may be damned.&
This agent, the next highest in order to him, is the
engineer, and others of his agents are employed in different offices as he may
need them, and they are all going with lightning speed to perdition.
binding in bundles ready to burn.
I asked the angel if there were none left.
He bade me look in an opposite direction, and I saw a little company traveling
a narrow pathway.
All seemed to be firmly united, and bound together by the
truth, in bundles, or companies.
Said the angel, &The third angel is
binding them (sealing them) in bundles for the heavenly garner.&&&&&&&&
This little company looked care-worn, as though they had passed through severe
trials and conflicts.
And it appeared as if the sun had just appeared from
behind the cloud, and shone upon their countenances and caused them to look
triumphant, as though their victories were nearly won.&&&&&&&&
I saw that the Lord had given the world opportunity to discover the snare.
This one thing was evidence enough for the Christian if there was no other.
There is no difference made between the precious and the vile.&&&&&&&&
Thomas Paine, whose body has mouldered to dust, and who is to be called forth
at the end of the 1000 years, at the second resurrection, to receive his
reward, and suffer the second death, is purported by satan to be in heaven, and
highly exalted there.
Satan used him on earth as long as he could, and now he
is carrying on the same work through pretensions of having Thomas Paine so much
and as he taught on earth, satan is making it appear that
he is teaching in heaven.
And some on earth who have looked with horror at his
life and death, and his corrupt teachings while living, now submit to be taught
by him who was one of the vilest and one who despised God
and his law.&&&&&&&&
He who is the father of lies, blinds and deceives the world by sending his
angels forth to speak for apostles, and make it appear that they contradict
what they wrote when on earth, which was dictated by the Holy Ghost.
lying angels make the apostles to corrupt their own teachings and declare them
to be adulterated.
By so doing he can throw professed Christians, who have a
name to live and are dead, and all the world in uncertainty about the word of
G for that cuts directly across his track, and is likely to thwart his
Therefore he gets them to doubt the divine origin of the Bible, and
then sets up the infidel Thomas Paine, as though he was ushered into heaven
when he died, and with the holy apostles whom he hated on earth, is united, and
appears to be teaching the world.&&&&&&&&
Satan assigns each one of his angels their part to act.
He enjoins upon them
to be cunning, artful and sly.
He instructs some of them to act the part of
the apostles, and speak for them, while others are to act out infidels and
wicked men who died cursing God, but now appear to be very religious.
no difference made between the most holy apostles and the vilest infidel.
are both made to teach the same thing.
It matters not who satan makes to
speak, if his object is only accomplished.
He was so intimately connected with
Paine upon earth, and aided him, that it is an easy thing for him to know the
very words he used, and the very hand-writing of one of his devoted children
who served him so faithfully, and accomplished his purposes so well.
dictated much of his writings, and it is an easy thing for him to dictate
sentiments through his angels now, and make it appear that it comes through
Thomas Paine, who was his devoted servant while he lived.
But this is the
master-piece of satan.
All this teaching purporting to be from apostles, and
saints, and wicked men who have died, comes directly from his Satanic majesty.&&&&&&&&
This should be enough to remove the vail from every mind and discover unto them
the dark, myste -- that he has got one whom he loved so
well, and who hated God so perfectly, with the holy apostles and angels in
glory: virtually saying to the world and infidels, No matter how wicked you
no matter whether you believe in God or the Bible, live as
you please, --
for every one knows that if Thomas Paine
is in heaven, and so exalted, they will surely get there.
This is so glaring
that all may see if they will.
Satan is doing now what he has been trying to
do since his fall, through individuals like Thomas Paine.
He is, through his
power and lying wonders, tearing away the foundation of the Christian's hope,
and putting out their sun that is to lighten them in the narrow way to heaven.
He is making the world believe that the Bible is no better than a story-book,
uninspired, while he holds out somethi namely,Spiritual Manifestations
Here is a channel wholly devoted to himself, under his control, and he can make
the world believe what he will.
The Book that is to judge him and his
followers, he puts back into the shade, just where he wants it.
The Saviour of
the world he makes to be no mo and as the Roman guard that
watched the tomb of Jesus, spread the false and lying report that the chief
priests and elders put in their mouth, so will the poor, deluded followers of
these pretended spiritual manifestations, repeat, and try to make it appear,
that there is nothing miraculous about our Saviour's birth, death and
and they put Jesus back, with the Bible, in the shade, where they
want him, and then get the world looking to them and their lying wonders and
miracles, which they declare far exceed the works of Christ.&&&&&&&&
Thus the world is taken in the snare, an not to find out
their awful deception, until the seven last plagues are poured out.
laughs as he sees his plan succeed so well, and the whole world in the snare.&&&&&&&&
5. On pages 29-33, is a view given January, 1850.
That portion of this view,
which relates to means being withheld from the messengers, more particularly
applied to that time.
Since that time friends of the cause of present truth
have been raised up, who have watched for opportunity to do good with their
And some have handed out too freely, to the injury of the receivers.
For above two years I have been shown more relative to a careless and too free
use of the Lord's money, than a lack of means.&&&&&&&&
The following is from a view given me at Jackson, Mich., June 2d, 1853.
related mostly to the brethren in that place.
&I saw that the brethren
commenced to sacrifice their property, and handed it out without having the
true object set before them -- the suffering cause -- and they handed out too
freely, too much and too often.&
I saw that the teachers should have
stood in a place to correct this error, and exert a good influence in the
Money was made to be of litt the sooner disposed
of, the better.
A bad example has been set by some in accepting large
donations, and not giving the least caution to those who had means not to use
it too freely and carelessly.
And by accepting so large an amount of means,
without questioning whether God had made it their duty to bestow so largely,
they sanctioned the brethren's giving too bountifully.&&&&&&&&
Those who gave, also erred, not being particular to inquire into the
necessities of the case, whether there was actual need or not.
Those who had
means were thrown into great perplexity.
One brother was much hurt by too much
means being put into his hands.
He d but lived
extravagantly, and in his travels laid out money here and there to no profit.
He spread a wrong influence by making such free use of the Lord's money, and
would say to others, and in his own heart, There is means enough in Jackson,
more than can be used before the Lord comes.
Some were very much injured by
such a course, and came into the truth with wrong views, not realizing that it
was the Lord's money they were using, and not feeling the worth of it.
saw that these poor souls who have just embraced the third angel's message, and
have had such an example set before them, will have much to learn, to deny
self, and suffer for Christ's sake.
They will have to learn to give up their
ease, and cease studying their convenience and comfort, and bear in mind the
worth of souls.
Those who feel the &woe& upon them will not be for
making great preparations and fixings outwardly, to travel in ease and comfort.
Those who have no calling have been encouraged into the field.
Others have
been affected by these things, and have not felt the need of economy, of
denying themselves, and putting into the treasury of the Lord.
They would feel
and say, &There are others w they will give for the
I need not do anything.
The paper will be supported without my
help.&&&&&&&&&
It has been no small trial to me to see that some have taken that portion of my
views which related to sacrificing property to sustain the cause, and make a
wrong use of it, and use means extravagantly, while neglecting to carry out the
principles of other portions.
On page 31, read the following: -- &I saw
that the cause of God had been hindered, and dishonored by some traveling who
had no message from God.
Such will have to give an account to God for every
dollar they have used in traveling where it was
money might have helped on the cause of God.&
Page 32. -- &I saw
that those who have strength to labor with their hands, and help sustain the
cause, were as accountable for that strength, as others were for their
property.&&&&&&&&&
I would here call especial attention to the view of this subject given on pages
Here is a short extract: --&The object of the words of our
Saviour [Luke xii, 33] had not been clearly presented.
I saw that the object
of selling was not to give to those who are able to labor and support
themselves, but to spread the truth.
It is a sin to support and indulge in
idleness, those who are able to labor.
Some have been zealous to attend all
not to glorify God, but for the &loaves and fishes.&
Such had much better have been at home laboring with their hands, &the
thing that is good,& to supply the wants of their families, and to have
something to give to sustain the precious cause.&&&&&&&&&
I have seen that it has been satan's design in times past to push out some with
a hurried spirit to make a too free use of means, and influence the brethren to
rashly dispose of their property, that means might be thrown out carelessly,
and hastily disclosed of, and souls injured and lost through an abundance of
means, and now when the truth is to be spread more extensively, the lack might
His design has in some degree been accomplished.&&&&&&&&
The Lord has shown me the error of many in looking to those only who have
property to support the publication of the paper and tracts.Allshould act their part.
Those who have strength to labor with their hands, and
earn means to help sustain the cause, are as accountable for it as others are
for their property.
Every child of God, who professes to believe the present
truth, should be zealous to act his part in this cause.&&&&&&&&
July, 1853, I saw that it was not as it should be, that the paper, owned and
approved of God, should come out so seldom.
That the cause, in the time in
which we are living, demands the paper weekly, and the publication of many more
tracts to expose the increasing but the work was hindered
for want of means.
I saw that the truth must go, and that we must not be too
that tracts and papers had better go to three where they were not
needed, than to have one deprived of them who can be benefited, and who prized
I saw that the last-day signs should be brought o
for the manifestations of satan are on the increase.
Their publishing is
increasing, th and what we can do to get the truth before
others, must be done quickly.&&&&&&&&
I was shown like this.
The truth once got out now, for it is the
truth for the last days, and it will live, and less need to be said upon the
truth after it is out.
Numberless words need not be put upon paper to justify
what speaks for itself, and shines in its clearness.
But it is not so with
It is so winding and twisting that it needs a multitude of words to
explain it in its crooked form.
But truth is straight, plain, clear, and
stands out boldly in its own defense.
The cause of truth should not be
hindered in its onward progress for want of means.&&&&&&&&
I saw that in some places all the light they had received
and souls had received the truth in this way, and then and
now in places where there are several, they had been raised up by this silent
messenger.
It was their only preacher.&&&&&&&&
THE Lord has shown me that gospel order has been too much neglected and feared.
That formali but in so doing, order should not be
neglected.
There is order in heaven.
There was order in the church when
C and after his departure, order was strictly observed
among his apostles.
And now in these last days, while God is bringing his
children into the unity of the faith, there is more real need of order than
ever before.
For as God is uniting his children, satan and his evil angels are
very busy to prevent this unity, and to destroy it.
Therefore men will be
hu men without wisdom, lacking judgment, perhaps not
ruling well their own house, and not having order or government over the very
few that God has given th yet they feel capable of having
charge of the flock.
They make many wrong moves, and all the messengers are
thought, by those unacquainted with our faith, to be like these self-
and the cause of God is reproached, and the truth shunned by many unbelievers,
who would otherwise be candid, and anxious to inquire, Are these things so?&&&&&&&&
Men, I saw, whose lives are not holy, who are unqualified to teach the present
truth, enter the field without being acknowledged by the church or brethren
generally, and confusion and disunion is the result.
Some have a theory of the
truth and can dwell upon argument, but lack spirituality, judgment and
experience, and they fail in many things which is very necessary for one to
possess before they can teach the present truth to others.
Others have not the
but because a few brethren hear them pray well, and give an exciting
exhortation now and then, press them into the field, to engage in a work that
God has not qualified them for, and when they have not sufficient experience
and judgment for the work.
Spiritual pride comes in, and they are lifted up,
and act under the deception of thinking that they are laborers.
They do not
know themselves.
They lack sound judgment and patient reasoning.
boastingly of themselves, and assert many things which they cannot prove from
God knoweth this, therefore he does not call such to labor in these
perilous times.
And brethren should be careful and not push out those into the
field whom God has not called.&&&&&&&&
These men, who are not called of God, are generally the very ones that are the
most confident that they are so called, and that their labors are very
important.
They go into the field, and do not exert a good influence
generally, yet in some places they have a measure of success, which leads
individuals to think that they are surely called of God.
I saw that it was not
a positive evidence that men are called of God, because th
for now the angels of God are moving upon the hearts of his honest children to
enlighten their understanding as to the present truth, that they may lay hold
upon it and live.
And even if self-sent men put themselves where God does not
put them, and profess to be teachers, and souls receive the truth by hearing
them talk it, this is no evidence that they are called of God.
The souls who
receive the truth from them, receive it to be brought into trial and bondage,
as they afterwards find that these men were not standing in the counsel of God.
Even if wicked men talk the truth, but it does not bring
those who talked it, into any more favor with God.
Wicked men are wicked men
And according to the deception they practised, and as they deceived
those who were beloved of God, and brought confusion into the church, so will
their punishment be greater, and their sins will not remain covered, but will
be exposed in the day of God's fierce anger.&&&&&&&&
These self-sent messengers are a curse to the cause.
Honest souls put
confidence in them, think that they are moving in the counsel of God, that they
are in union with the church, and suffer them to administer the ordinances, to
lead them down into the water and baptize them, as duty is made plain that they
and then when light comes as it surely will, and
they are aware that these men are not what they understood them to be, God's
called and chosen messengers, they are thrown into trial and doubt as to the
truth they have received, and feel that they must learn it all over again, and
are troubled, and perplexed by the enemy, about all their experience, whether
God has led them or not, and are not satisfied until they are again baptized,
and begin anew.
And it is much more laborious, and wearing to the spirits of
God's messengers, to go into such places where those have been, who have
exerted this wrong influence.
God's servants have to deal plainly, and not
cover up wrongs, for they are standing between the living and
the dead, and must render an account of the faithfulness of their mission, and
the influence they exert over the flock of which the Lord has made them
overseers.&&&&&&&&
These jewels who received the truth and are brought into such trials, would
have had the truth the same if these men (who lack the qualifications they must
have to be the Lord's messengers) had stayed away, and filled the humble place
God designed for them.
God's eye was upon his jewels, and he would direct his
called and chose men that would move understandingly, and
the light of truth would shine and discover to these souls their true position,
and they would receive the truth understandingly, and be satisfied with its
beauty and clearness.
And as they feel the effects and power of the truth,
will be strong and shed a holy influence.&&&&&&&&
Again: the danger of those traveling, whom God has not called, was shown me.
If they do have some success, the qualifications that are lacking will be felt.
Injudicious moves will be made, and some precious jewels may be driven off by
a lack of wisdom, where they never can be reached.
I saw that the church
should feel their responsibility, and should look carefully and attentively at
the lives, qualifications, and general course of those who profess to be
And if unmistakable evidence is not given that God has called them,
and that the &woe& is upon them if they heed not this call, it is the
duty of the church to act, and let it be known that they are not acknowledged
teachers by the church.
This is the only course the church can take in order
for the burden lays upon them.&&&&&&&&
I saw that this door that the enemy comes in at, to perplex and trouble the
flock, can be shut.
I inquired of the angel how this door could be closed.
Said he, &The church must flee to God's word, and become established upon
gospel order which has been overlooked and neglected.&
indispensably necessary to bring the church into the unity of the faith.
that they were in danger in the apostles' days of being imposed upon and
deceiv and men were chosen by the brethren, or church, who
had given good evidence that they were capable of ruling well their own house,
and preserving order i men that could enlighten those who
were in darkness.
Inquiry was made of God concerning them, and then, according
to the mind of the church, and the Holy Ghost, they were set apart by the
laying on of hands.
Having received their commission from God, and having the
approbation of the church, they go forth baptizing in the name of the Father,
Son and Holy Ghost, and to administer the ordinances of the Lord's house, often
waiting upon the saints by presenting them to the emblems of the broken body
and spilt blood of the crucified Saviour, to keep fresh in the memory of God's
beloved children, his sufferings and death.&&&&&&&&
I saw that we are no more secure from false teachers now than they were in the
apostles' and if we do no more, we should take as special measures as
they did to secure the peace, harmony and union of the flock.
We have their
example, and should follow it.
Brethren of experience, and of a sound mind,
should assemble, and follow the word of God, and with fervent prayer, and by
the sanction of the Spirit of God, should lay hands upon those who have given
full proof that they have received their commission of God, and set them apart
to devote themselves entirely to the work.
And by this act show the approving
voice of the church, in their going forth as messengers to carry the most
solemn message ever given to men.&&&&&&&&
God will not intrust the care of his precious flock to men whose minds and
judgment have been weakened by former errors that they have been in, such as
so-called perfectionism and spiritualism, and by their course, while in these
errors, have brought reproach upon the cause of truth and disgraced themselves.
And although they may now feel free from error, and competent to go forth to
teach this last message, God will not accept them.
He will not intrust
precious for their judgment has been perverted while in
error, and is now weakened.&&&&&&&&
The great and holy One is a jealous God, and he will have holy men to carry his
The holy law, spoken by God from Sinai, is a part of himself, and holy
men, who are its strict observers, will alone honor him by teaching it to
others.&&&&&&&&
I saw that the servants of God who teach the truth should be men of judgment.
They should be men that can bear opposition, for those who
oppose the truth will pick those who teach it, and every objection that can be
produced, in its worst form, will be brought to bear against the truth.
the servants of God, who bear the message, must be prepared, with calmness and
meekness, to remove these objections by the light of truth.
I saw that the
opposers would often talk to ministers of God in a provoking manner, to call
out something from them of the same nature, that they can make as much of as
possible, and declare to others that the teachers of the commandments have a
bitter spirit, and are harsh, as has been reported.
I saw that we must be
prepared for objections, with patience, judgment and meekness let them have the
weight they deserve, and not throw them away, and dispose of them by positive
assertions, and bear down upon the objector, and manifest a hard spirit towards
him, but give the objections their weight, then bring forth the light and power
of the truth, and let it outweigh, a and then a good
impression will be left, and they will acknowledge that they have been
deceived, and that the commandment-keepers are not what they have been
represented to be.&&&&&&&&
Those who profess to be servants of the living God, must be willing to be
servants of all, instead of being exalted above the brethren, and they must
possess a kind courteous spirit.
If they err, they should be ready to confess
thoroughly.
Honesty of intention cannot stand as an excuse for not confessing
Confession would not lessen the confidence of the church in the
messenger, and he would set a good example, a spirit of confession would be
encouraged in the church, and sweet union would be the result.
I have seen
that those who profess to be teachers, should be patterns of piety, meekness,
and of great humility, possessing a kind spirit, to win souls to Jesus, and the
truth of the Bible.
A minister of Christ should be pure in conversation and in
He should ever bear in mind that he is handling words of inspiration,
words of a holy God.
He must bear in mind that the flock is entrusted to his
care, and he is to bear their cases to Jesus, and plead for them as Jesus
pleads for us to the Father.
I was pointed back to the children of Israel
anciently, and saw how pure and holy the ministers of the Sanctuary had to be,
because they were brought by their work into a close connection with God.
that should minister, must be holy, pure and without blemish, or God would
destroy them.
I saw that God had not changed.
He was just as holy and pure,
just as particular as ever he was.
He changeth not!
Those who profess to be
the ministers of Jesus, should be men of experience and deep piety, and then at
all times, and in all places they can shed a holy influence.&&&&&&&&
I have seen that it was now time for the messengers to move out wherever there
was an opening, and God would go before them and would open the hearts of some
New places must be entered, and when new places are visited it would
be well to go two and two, so as to hold up each others hands, wherever they
can consistently, and not neglect other places.
It was shown me like this.
would be well for two brethren to start together, and travel in company
together to the darkest places, where there is much opposition, and where they
need the most labor, and with united efforts and strong faith set the truth
before those in darkness.
And then if they could accomplish more, by visiting
many places, to go separately, but often meet while on the tour to encourage
each other by their faith, and thereby strengthen and hold up each others
Also, consult upon the places opened for them, and decide which of
their gifts will be the most needed, and in what way they can have the most
success, and reach the heart.
And then as they separate again their courage
and energy will be renewed to meet the opposition and darkness, and to labor
with feeling hearts to save perishing souls.&&&&&&&&
I saw that the servants of God should not go over and over the same field of
labor, but should be searching out souls in new places.
Those who are already
established in the truth should not demand so for they
ought to be able to stand alone, and strengthen others about them while the
messengers of God are in the dark and lonely places setting the truth before
those who are not now enlightened as to the present truth.[The following is from theReview of Aug. 11th, 1853.]&&&&&&&&
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: -- As error is fast progressing, we should seek to
be awake in the cause of God, and realize the time in which we live.
is to cover the earth, and gross darkness the people.
And as nearly all around
us are being enveloped in the thick darkness of error and delusion, it becomes
us to shake off stupidity, and live near to God, where we can draw the divine
rays of light and glory from the countenance of Jesus.
As darkness thickens,
and error increases, we should obtain a more thorough knowledge of the truth,
and be prepared to maintain from the Scriptures the truth of our position.&&&&&&&&
We must be sanctified through the truth, be wholly consecrated to God, and live
out our holy profession, so that he can shed increasing light upon us, that we
may have light in his light, and be strengthened with his strength.
moment that we are not on our watch, we are liable to be beset by the enemy,
and in great danger of being overcome by the powers of darkness.
Satan has his
angels, who are commissioned by him to be vigilant, and ov
to find out the waywardness and
besetting sins of those who profess the truth,
and throw darkness around them, that they may cease to be watchful, and take a
course that will dishonor the cause they profess to love, bring sorrow upon the
church, while daily the misguided, unwatchful souls are growing darker, and the
light of heaven is fading from them.
They cannot discover their besetting
sins, and satan weaves his net about them, until they are taken in the snare.&&&&&&&&
God is our strength.
We must look to him for wisdom and guidance, and with his
glory in view, and the good of the church, and the salvation of our own souls,
overcome our besetting sins.
Each individual should seek to obtain new victory
every day.
We must learn to stand alone, and depend wholly upon God.
sooner we learn this the better.
Let each one find out where he fails, and
then faithfully watch, that his sins may not overcome him, but get the victory
over his sins.
Then can we have confidence towards God, and great trouble will
be saved the church.&&&&&&&&
The messengers of God, as they leave their homes, to labor for the salvation of
souls, spend much of their time in getting those right, and free from
temptation, who have been in the truth for years, and still are weak, because
they needlessly let loose the reins, cease watching over themselves, and, I
sometimes think, tempt the enemy to tempt them.
They are held hours and even
days, and their souls grieved and wounded, to hear little difficulties and
trials talked over.
Each magnifying his own grievances to make them look as
serious as possible, for fear the servants of God will think them too small an
affair for them to notice.
Instead of depending on the Lord's servants to help
them out of these trials, they should break down before God, and fast and pray
till the trials are removed.&&&&&&&&
Some seem to think that all God has called messengers into the field for, is to
go at their bidding, and carry them in their arms.
And that the most important
part of their work is to settle their petty trials and difficulties, which they
have brought upon themselves by injudicious moves, and by giving way to the
enemy, and having an unyielding, fault-finding spirit with those around them,
to ease their conscience.&&&&&&&&
But where are the hungry sheep at this time?
Starving for the bread of life.
Those who know the truth and have been established in it, but obey it not, (if
they did they would be saved many of these trials) are holding the messengers,
and the very object for which God has called his servants into the field, is
not accomplished.
The servants of God are grieved, and their courage taken
away by such things in the church, when all should strive not to add a
feather's we but by cheering words and the prayer of
faith, should help them.
How much more free would they be if all who profess
the truth, would be looking about them and trying to help others, instead of
claiming so much help themselves.
And as the servants of God enter the dark
places, where the truth has not yet been proclaimed, they have a wounded spirit
caused by the needless trials of their brethren.
In addition to all this, they
have to meet the unbelief and prejudice of opposers and be trampled upon by
some.&&&&&&&&
How much easier it would be for the servant of God to affect the heart, and how
much more would God be glorified, if his servants were free from discouragement
and trial, that they might labor for him more effectually, and with a free
spirit, present the truth in its beauty.&&&&&&&&
Those who have been guilty of requiring so much labor of God's servants, and
burdening them with trials, which belonged to themselves to settle, will have
to give an account to God for all the time and means that has been spent to
gratify themselves, thereby satisfying the enemy.
They should be in a
situation to help their brethren.
They should never defer their trials and
difficulties to burden a whole meeting, or wait until some of the messengers
come to settle them.
But get right before God, have the trials all out of the
way, and be prepared to hold up the hands of the laborers, instead of weakening
them.E. G. W.&&&&&&&&
As I have of late looked around to find the humble followers of the meek and
lowly Jesus, my mind has been much exercised.&&&&&&&&
Many profess to be looking for the speedy coming of Christ, are becoming
conformed to this world, and seek more earnestly the applause of those around
them, than the approbation of God.
They are cold and formal, like the nominal
church, that they but a short time since separated from.
The words addressed
to the Laodicean Church, describe their present condition perfectly.
iii, 14-20.
They are&neither cold nor hot,&but&lukewarm.&And unless they heed the counsel of the &faithful and True
Witness,& and zealously repent, and obtain &gold tried in the
fire,& &white raiment,& and &eye-salve,& he will spue
them out of his mouth.&&&&&&&&
The time has come when a large portion of those who once rejoiced, and shouted
aloud for joy, in view of the immediate coming of the Lord, are on the ground
of the churches and world who once scoffed at, and derided them for believing
that Jesus was coming, and circulated all manner of falsehoods to raise
prejudice against them, and destroy their influence.
If any one longs after
the living God, and hungers and thirsts for righteousness, and God gives them
to feel his power, and satisfies their longing soul, by shedding abroad his
love in their hearts, and if they glorify God by praising him, they are, by
these professed believers in the soon coming of the Lord, often considered
deluded, and charged with having mesmerism or some wicked spirit.&&&&&&&&
Many of these professed Christians dress, talk and act like the world, and the
only thing by which they may be known, is their profession.
Though they
profess to be looking for Christ, their conversation is not in heaven, but on
worldly things.&&&&&&&&
&What manner of persons& ought those to be &in all holy
conversation and godliness,& who profess to be &looking for, and
hasting unto the day of God?& 2 Pet. iii, 11.
&Every man that hath
this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure.& 1 John iii, 3.
But it is evident that many who bear the advent name, study more to decorate
their bodies, and appear well in the eyes of the world, than they do the word
of God, to learn how they may be approved of him.&&&&&&&&
What if the lovely Jesus, our pattern, should make his appearance among them,
and the professors of religion generally, as at his first Advent?
He was born
in a manger.
Follow him along through his life and ministry.
He was a man of
sorrows and acquainted with grief.
These professed Christians would be ashamed
of the meek and lowly Saviour who wore a plain, seamless coat, and had not
where to lay his head.
His spotless, self-denying lif his
holy solemnity would be a painful restraint upon their lightness and vain
his guileless conversation would be a check to their worldly and
c his declaring the unvarnished, cutting truth, would
manifest their real character, and they would wish to get the meek Pattern, the
lovely Jesus, out of the way as soon as possible.
They would be among the
first to try to catch him in his words, and raise the cry, Crucify him! Crucify
him!&&&&&&&&
Let us follow Jesus as he so meekly rode into Jerusalem, when &the whole
multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice, *
* * Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord.
heaven, and glory in the highest.
Some of the Pharisees from among the
multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
And he answered and
said unto them, I tell you, that if these should hold their peace the stones
would immediately cry out.&
A large portion of those who profess to be
looking for Christ would be as forward as the Pharisees were, to have the
disciples silenced, and they would doubtless raise the cry, Fanaticism!
Mesmerism! Mesmerism!
And the disciples, spreading their garments and branches
of palm-trees in the way, would be thought extravagant and wild.&&&&&&&&
But God will have a people on the earth that will not be so cold and dead but
that they can praise and glorify him.
He will receive glory from some people,
and if his chosen people, who keep his commandments should hold their peace the
very stones would cry out.&&&&&&&&
Jesus is coming, but not as at his first Advent, a babe in Bethlehem, not as he
rode into Jerusalem, when the disciples praised God with a loud voice and
cried, H but in the glory of the Father, and with all the retinue of
holy angels with him, to escort him on his way to earth.
All heaven will be
emptied of the angels.
While the waiting saints will be looking for him, and
gazing into heaven, as were the &men of Galilee& when he ascended
from the Mount of Olivet.
Then, those only who are holy, those who have
followed fully the meek Pattern will, with rapturous joy, exclaim as they
behold him, &Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save
And they will be changed &in a moment, in the twinkling of an
eye, at the last trump,& that wakes the sleeping saints, and calls them
forth from their dusty beds, clothed with glorious immortality, shouting,
Victory! Victory! over death and the grave.
The changed saints are caught up
together with them to meet the Lord in the air, never more to be separated from
the object of their love.&&&&&&&&
With such a prospect as this before us, such a glorious hope, such a redemption
that Christ has purchased for us by his own blood, shall we hold our peace?
Shall we not praise God, even with a loud voice, as the disciples did when
Jesus rode into Jerusalem?
Is not our prospect far more glorious than theirs
Who dare then forbid us glorifying God, even with a loud voice, when we
have such a hope, big with immortality and full of glory?
We have tasted of
the powers of the world to come, and long for more.
My whole being cries out
after the living God, and I shall not be satisfied until I am filled with all
his fullness.E. G. W.&&&&&&&&
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: -- Do we believe with all the heart that Christ is
soon coming?
And that we are now having the last message of mercy that is ever
to be given to a guilty world?
Is our example what it should be?
show to those around us, by our lives and holy conversation, that we are
looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to
change these vile bodies and fashion them like unto his glorious body?
that we do not believe, and realize these things as we should.
believe the important truths that we profess to believe, should act out their
faith, in the immediate coming of Christ.
There is too much seeking
amusements, and things to take up the min the mind is left
too much to run and the tongue is engaged too often in
light and trifling conversation, which gives the lie to our profession, for the
conversation is not in heaven from whence we look for the Saviour.&&&&&&&&
Angels are watching over us, and we often grieve these angels by
indulging in trifling conversation, jesting and joking, and also by sinking
down in a careless, stupid state.
And although we may make an effort now and
then for the victory, and obtain it, yet if we do not keep it, but sink down in
the same careless, indifferent state, unable to endure temptations, and to
resist the enemy, it is not enduring the trial of our faith, that is more
precious than gold.
It is not suffering for Christ's sake, and glorying in
tribulation.&&&&&&&&
There is a great lack of christian fortitude, and serving God from principle.
We should not seek to ple but to honor and glorify God,
and in all we do and say, have a single eye to his glory.
If we would let our
hearts be impressed with the following important words, and ever bear them in
mind, we should not so easily
but our words would be few
and well chosen.&&&&&&&&
&He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruise
the chastisement of ou and with his stripes we are
&Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give
account thereof in the day of judgment.&
&Thou God seest me.&&&&&&&&&
We could not think of these important words, and call to mind the sufferings of
Jesus for us sinners, that we might receive pardon from our sins and be
redeemed unto God by his most precious blood, without feeling a holy restraint
upon us, and an earnest desire to suffer for him, who suffered and endured so
much for us.&&&&&&&&
If we dwell on these things, dear self, with its dignity, a
child-like simplicity will take its place, which will bear reproof from others,
and will not be easily provoked, and suffer aself-willedspirit to come in and rule the soul.
The true christian's joys, and
consolation, must and will be in heaven.&&&&&&&&
The longing souls of those who have tasted of the powers of the world to come,
and have feasted on heavenly joys, will not be satisfied, or amused, with
things of earth.
Such will find enough to do in their leisure moments.
souls will be drawn out after God.
Where the treasure is, there will be their
heart, holding sweet communion with the God they love and worship.
amusements will be in contemplating their treasure -- the holy city -- the
earth made new -- their eternal home.
And while they dwell upon these things,
which are lofty, pure and holy, heaven will be brought near, and they will feel
the power of the Holy Spirit, which will tend to wean them from the world more
and more, and cause their consolation and chief joy to be in the things of
heaven, their sweet home.
The power of attraction to God and heaven will be so
great, that nothing can draw their mind from the great object of securing their
soul's salvation, and honoring and glorifying God.&&&&&&&&
As I realize how much has been done for us, to keep us right, I am led to
exclaim, O, what love!
What wondrous love hath the Son of God for us poor
Should we be stupid and careless, while every thing is being done for
our salvation that can be done?
All heaven is interested for us.
We should be
alive and awake, to honor, glorify and adore the High and Lofty One.
hearts should flow out in love and gratitude to him who has been so full of
love and compassion to us.
With our lives we should honor him, and with pure
and holy conversation show that we that this world is not
our home, but that we are pilgrims and strangers here, traveling to a better
country.&&&&&&&&
Many who profess the name of Christ, and profess to be looking for his speedy
coming, know not what it is to suffer for Christ's sake.
Their hearts are not
subdued by grace, and they
but it often appears in
and at the same time, they are talking of having trials.
principal cause of their trials, is an unsubdued heart, which makes self so
sensitive, that it is often crossed.
If such could realize what it is to be a
humble follower of Christ, a true christian, they would begin to work in good
earnest, and begin right.
They would first die to self, then be instant in
prayer, and check every passion of the heart.
Give up your self-confidence,
and self sufficiency, and follow the meek Pattern.
Ever keep Jesus in your
mind, that he is your example, and you must tread in his footsteps.
unto Jesus, the author and f who, for the joy that was set
before him, endured the cross, despising the shame.
He endured the
contradiction of sinners against himself.
He for your sins, was once the meek
slain lamb, wounded, bruised, smitten and afflicted.&&&&&&&&
Let us, then, cheerfully suffer something for Jesus' sake, crucify self daily,
be a partaker of Christ's sufferings here, that we may be made partakers with
him of his glory, and be crowned with glory, honor, immortality and eternal
life.E. G. W.&&&&&&&&
On page 43 ofExperience and Views, I stated that a cloud of glorious light covered the Father, and that his
person could not be seen.
I also stated that I saw the Father rise from the
The Father was enshrouded with a body of light and glory, so that his
person could not be seen, yet I knew that it was the Father, and that from his
person, emanated this light and glory.
When I saw this body of light and glory
rise from the throne, I knew that the Father moved, which was the cause of the
body of light and glory rising, therefore said, I saw the Father rise.
glory, or excellency of his form, I never saw -- no yet
the body of light and glory that enshrouded his person, could be seen.&&&&&&&&
I also stated that &satanappearedto be by the throne, trying to carry on the work of God.&
I will give
another sentence from the same page.
&Then I turned to look at the
company who were still bowed before the throne.&
Now, this praying
company was in this mortal state, on the earth, yet represented to me as bowed
before the throne.
I never had the idea that these individuals were actually
in the New Jerusalem.
Neither did I ever think that any mortal could suppose
that I thought that satan was actually in the New Jerusalem.&&&&&&&&
But did not John see the great red dragon in heaven?
Certainly.
there appeared anot and behold a great red dragon, having
seven heads and ten horns.&
Rev. xii, 3.
Here seems to be as good a
chance for ridicule, as that which some have taken in my views.
What a monster
to be in heaven!&&&&&&&&
The Lord has shown me that great interest should be taken by Sabbath-keepers to
keep up their meetings and make them interesting.
There has been a lack of
interest, and there is great necessity of more energy being manifested by the
commandment-keepers in their meetings.
All should have something to say for
the Lord, and by so doing they would be blest.
A book of remembrance is
written of those who do not forsake the assembling of themselves together, and
speak often one to another.&&&&&&&&
The remnant are to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their
testimony.
Some expect to overcome alone by the blood of the Lamb, without
making any special effort of their own.
I saw that God had been merciful in
giving us the power of speech.
He had given us tongue and utterance, and we
are accountable to him for it, and we should glorify God with our mouth,
speaking in honor of his unbounded mercy, and of the truth, and overcome by the
word of our testimony, through the blood of the Lamb.&&&&&&&&
We should not come toget those only are remembered of the
Lord, who come together to honor and glorify him, to speak of his glory, and
and upon such the blessing of God will rest, and they will
be refreshed.
If all moved as I saw they should, no precious time would run to
waste, and no reproofs would be needed for long pray for
all the time would be occupied by short, sweet testimonies, and prayers to the
Ask, believe and receive.
There is too much mocking God, too much
praying that is no praying, and that wearies angels and displeases God.
many vain, unmeaning petitions.
First we should feel needy, and then ask God
for the very things we need, and then believe he gives them to us, even while
and then, I saw, that our faith would grow, all would be edified, the
weak would be strengthened, the discouraged and desponding made to look up, and
believe that God is a rewarder of all those who diligently seek him.&&&&&&&&
Some hold back in meetings because they have nothing new to say, and must
repeat the same story if they speak.
I saw that pride was at the bottom of
That God and angels witnessed the testimonies of the saints, and the
Lord was well pleased, and was glorified by their testimonies repeated weekly.
The Lord and his holy angels love simplicity and humility.
I saw that God had
been displeased, and angels grieved, that professed heirs of God, and joint
heirs with Jesus, should suffer precious time to run to waste in their meetings.&&&&&&&&
If the brethren and sisters were in the place they should be, they would not be
at a loss to find something to say in honor of Jesus, who hung upon Calvary's
cross for their sins.
If they would cherish more of a realizing sense of the
condescension of God in giving his only beloved Son to die, a sacrifice for our
sins and transgressions, and the sufferings and anguish of Jesus to make a way
of escape for guilty man, that he might receive pardon and live, they would be
more ready to extol and magnify Jesus.
They could
with thankfulness and gratitude, would talk of his glory, and tell of his
And blessings from God would rest upon them by so doing.
Even if the
same story was repeated, God would be glorified.&&&&&&&&
The Angel shewed me those who ceased not day nor night, crying, Holy, Holy,
Lord, God Almighty.
&Continual repetition,& said the Angel,
&yet God is glorified by it.&
Although we may tell the same story
over and over, it honors God, and shows that we are not unmindful of him and
his goodness and mercies to us.&&&&&&&&
I saw that the nominal that coldness and death reigns in
their midst.
If they would follow the Word it would humble them.
But they get
above the work of the Lord.
It is too humbling for them to repeat the same
simple story of God's goodness whe and they try to get
something great, and study to have their words exact to the ear,
and please man, and God's Spirit has left them.
When we follow the humble,
Bible way, we shall have the movings of the Spirit of God.
All will be in
sweet harmony, if we follow the humble channel of truth, depending wholly upon
God, and there will be no danger of being affected by the evil angels.
when souls get above the Spirit of God, moving in their own strength, that the
angels cease watching over them, and they are left to the buffetings of satan.&&&&&&&&
I saw that duties were laid down for us in God's word, to be performed to keep
the people of God humble and separate from the world, and from backsliding,
like the nominal churches.
Washing feet, and the Lord's supper should be more
frequently practiced.
Jesus set us the example, and told us to do as he had
I saw that the example of Christ should be as exactly followed as
yet brethren and sisters have not always moved as judiciously as they
should in washing feet, and confusion has been caused.
It should be introduced
into new places with carefulness and wisdom, especially where the people are
not informed relative to the example and teachings of our Lord on this point,
and where they have prejudice against it.
Many honest souls are much
prejudiced against this plain duty, through the influence of their former
teachers in whom and the subject should be introduced to
them in a proper time and manner.&&&&&&&&
There is no example given in the Word for brethren to wash sisters' but
there is an example for sisters to wash the feet of brethren.
Mary washed the
feet of Jesus with her tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
see 1 Tim. v, 10.
I saw that the Lord had moved upon sisters to wash the feet
of brethren, and that it was according to gospel order.
All should move
understandingly, and not make the washing of feet a tedious ceremony.&&&&&&&&
The holy salutation mentioned in the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the
apostle Paul, should ever be regarded in its true character.It is a holy kiss.It should be regarded as a sign of fellowship to Christian friends, when
parting, and meeting again after a separation for weeks or months.
In 2 Thess.
v, 26, Paul says: -- &Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.&
in the same chapter he says: -- &Abstain from all appearance of
There can be no appearance of evil when the holy kiss
is given at a proper time and place.&&&&&&&&
I saw that the strong hand of the enemy is set against the work, and the help
and strength of every one who loves the cause of truth, and
great interest manifested by them to uphold the hands of those who advocate the
And by steady watch-care shut out the enemy.
All should stand as one,
united in this work.
Every energy of their
for what is
done must be done quickly.&&&&&&&&
I then saw the third angel.
Said my accompanying angel, &Fearful is his
Awful is his mission.
He is the angel that is to select the wheat from
the tares, and seal or bind the wheat for the heavenly garner.
These things
should engross the whole mind, the whole attention.&&&&&&&&&
SOME I saw, had not a realizing sense of the importance of the truth, or its
effects, and often moved from the impulse of the moment, or from excitement,
following their feelings, and disregarding church order, thinking that religion
consists chiefly in making a noise.
Some who have but just received the truth
of the third angel's message, are ready to reprove and teach those who have
been established in the truth for years, and have felt its sanctifying power,
and have suffered for the truth's sake.
Those who are so puffed up by the
enemy will have to feel the sanctifying influence of the truth, and will have
to have a realizing sense of where the truth found them, andthat they were &wretched, miserable, and poor and blind and naked.&&&&&&&&&
When the truth begins to purify them and purge away their dross and tin, as it
surely will when it is received, in the love of it, the one who has this great
work done for him will not feel that he is rich and increased in goods, and has
need of nothing.&&&&&&&&
Those who profess the truth, and before they have learned its first principles,
think they know it all, and are forward to take the place of teachers, and
reprove those who for years have stood stiffly for the truth, plainly show that
they have no understanding of the truth, and know for if
they knew any of its sanctifying power, they would yield the peaceable fruits
of righteousness, and be humbled under its sweet, powerful influence.
would bear fruit to the glory of God, and understand what the truth has done
for them, and esteem others better than themselves.&&&&&&&&
I saw that the remnant were not prepared for what is coming upon the earth.
Stupidity, like the lethargy, seemed to hang upon the minds of most of those
who profess to believe that we are having the last message.
My accompanying
angel cried out with awful solemnity, &Get ready! get ready! get ready!
for the fierce anger of the Lord is soon to come.
His wrath is to be poured
out unmixed with mercy, and ye are not ready.
Rend the heart, and not the
A great work must be done for the remnant.
They are, many of them,
dwelling upon little trials.&
Said the angel, &Legions of evil
angels are around you, and are trying to press in their awful darkness, that ye
may be ensnared and taken.
Ye suffer your mind to be diverted too readily from
the work of preparation, and the all-important truths for these last days.
ye dwell upon little trials, and go into minute particulars of little
difficulties to explain them to the satisfaction of this one or that.&
Conversation has been protracted for hours between the parties concerned, and
not only has their time been wasted, but the servants of God are held to listen
to them, when the hearts of both parties are unsubdued by grace.
If pride and
selfishness were laid aside, five minutes would remove most difficulties.
Hours have been spent in justifying self, which has grieved angels, and
displeased God.
I saw that God will not wait and bow down and listen to long
justifications, and he did not want his servants to do so, and precious time be
wasted, that should be spent in showing transgressors the error of their ways,
and pulling souls out of the fire.&&&&&&&&
I saw that God's people were on
and some have lost nearly
all sense of the shortness of time, and the worth of the soul.
Pride has crept
in among Sabbath-keepers, pride of dress and appearance.
Said the angel,
&Sabbath-keepers will have to die to self, die to pride and love of
approbation.&&&&&&&&&
Truth, saving truth, must be given to the starving people, who are in darkness.
I saw that many prayed for G but if God answered their
prayer, it would be by terrible things in righteousness.
It was their duty to
I saw that if self-exaltation was suffered to come in, it
would surely lead souls astray, and if not overcome, prove their ruin.
one begins to get lifted up in his own eyes, and thinks he can do something,
the Spirit of God is withdrawn, and he goes on in his own strength until he is
overthrown.
One saint, I saw, could move the arm of G but
a multitude together, if they were wrong, would be weak, and could effect
nothing.&&&&&&&&
I saw that many had unsubdued, unhumbled hearts, and were thinking more of
their own little grievances and trials than the souls of sinners.
If they had
the glory of God in view, they would feel for perishi and
as they realized their perilous situation, would take hold with energy,
exercising faith in God, and hold up the hands of his servants, that they may
boldly, yet in love, declare the truth, and warn souls to lay hold upon it,
before the sweet voice of mercy dies away.&&&&&&&&
Said the angel, &Those who profess his name are not ready.&
the seven last plagues were coming upon the shelterless
and then those who have stood in their way will hear the bitter reproaches of
sinners, and their hearts will faint within them.&&&&&&&&
Said the angel, &Ye have been picking at straws,& (dwelling upon
little trials,) and sinners must be lost.
I saw that God was willing to work
for us in our meetings, and it was his pleasure to work.
Satan says, &I
will hinder the work.&
His agents say, Amen.
Professed believers in the
truth dwell upon their petty trials and difficulties which satan has magnified
before them.
Time that can never be recalled is wasted.
The enemies of the
truth have seen our weakness, God has been grieved, Christ wounded.
object is accomplished, his plans have succeeded, and he triumphs!&&&&&&&&
I SAW that there was danger of the saints making too great preparations for
that some were cumbered w that the appetite
must be denied.
There is danger of some attending the meetings for the loaves
and fishes.&&&&&&&&
I saw all those who are indulging self by using the filthy weed, [tobacco,]
should lay it aside, }