Ellen White

West Michigan Herald

Why Object Lessons Should Be Sold

I have been shown that many of those who claim to be children of God have become rusty through inaction, and the Lord in his providence has given them something to do; and in thus doing has opened the way for them to become acquainted with the truth.

The work being done with Object Lessons is a good beginning. This is a work that is to be a blessing to all who engage in it. The more you do in this work the less weary and the less perplexed you will be. As you go forth to sell the book that the Lord has said should be sold, you will realize that to you is spoken the benediction, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you."

The Lord comes very near to the workers, and the angels go before them. The work of selling the book is to accomplish double and triple good in different lines. Many more will buy the book when they are told the object for which it is being sold than if it were sold for the ordinary purpose. The work is done with such earnestness that it appeals to their hearts. It is a lesson to them, and although many are not of our faith, they appreciate the effort that is being made. They are impressed with the earnestness of the workers. They realize that what they are doing is commanded by the Lord, who blesses every good work. Light shines into their hearts. To many the conviction of the Spirit of God will come through the seed sown by this unselfish work done for the Master.

The saving of many souls will be the result of the work done in canvassing for "Christ's Object Lessons." Those who purchase the book feel that they are doing something to advance a good cause.

Under the divine guidance go forward with your work, and, as you go, trust in the Lord for aid. Remember that when with thankful heart you do the best you can you are allied with the angels of God. They go before you. There is sympathy and union between divine and human agencies. Mrs. E. G. White.

The Book of Books

All would pronounce the Bible the most interesting book they ever perused if their imagination had not become perverted by exciting stories of a fictitious character.

If we study the word of God with interest, and pray to understand it, new beauties will be seen in every line. God will reveal precious truths so clearly that the mind will derive sincere pleasure and have a continual feast as its comforting and sublime truths are unfolded.

To the diligent Bible student new light, new ideas, new gems of truth will constantly appear and be eagerly grasped, for it is impossible for any mind to comprehend all the richness and greatness of even one promise of God. One catches the glory from one point of view, and another the beauty and grace from another point, and the soul is filled with the heavenly light.

After the first acquaintance with the Bible the interest of the earnest seeker grows rapidly. The discipline gained by a regular study of the word of God enables him to see a freshness and beauty in truth that he never before discerned.

The Bible may be studied as a branch of human science would be; but its beauty, the evidence of its power to save souls that believe, is a lesson that is never thus learned. It is a leaf from the tree of life, and by eating it, by receiving it into our minds, we grow strong to do the will of God.

Those who bring to the investigation of the word a spirit of which it does not approve, will take away from the search a spirit which it has not imparted. We should take up the study of God's word with humble hearts. All selfishness, all love of originality, should be laid aside. Long cherished opinions must not be regarded as infallible.

Those who study the Bible simply to find texts to prove their theory or vindicate their opinion, will not be enlightened by the Spirit of God. Not through controversy and discussion is the soul enlightened. We must look and live. We must search the scriptures in order to receive life for the soul.

When the heart is brought into harmony with the word, a new life will spring up within, a new light will shine upon every line of the word, and it will become the voice of God to the soul. Then the truth of God's word will be regarded with new interest, and will be explored as if it were a revelation just from the courts above. Every declaration of inspiration concerning Christ will take hold of the in-most soul of those who love Him. Envy, jealousy and evil surmising will cease The Bible will be regarded as a character from heaven. Its study will absorb the mind, and its truths will feast the soul.

Several times each day, precious golden moments should be consecrated to prayer and the study of the scriptures, if it is only to commit a text to memory, that spiritual life may exist in the soul. We should take one verse and concentrate the mind on the task of ascertaining the thought which God has put in that verse for us until it becomes our own, and we know 'what saith the Lord.'

The mind must be restrained and not allowed to wander. It should be trained to dwell upon the scriptures; even whole chapters may be committed to memory, to be repeated when Satan comes with his temptations. Even while you are walking on the streets, you may read a passage and meditate upon it, thus fixing it in your mind, and God will flash the knowledge obtained into the memory at the very time when it is needed.

We should open the scriptures with reverence, and never allow one expression of lightness and trifling to escape our lips when quoting scripture. As we take our Bible into our hands let us remember that we are on holy ground.

There is little benefit derived from hasty reading of the scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through, and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep hidden meaning. One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind, and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained.

If Christians would earnestly search the scriptures more hearts would burn with the vivid truths therein revealed. Their hopes would brighten with the precious promises strewn like pearls all along through the sacred writings. In contemplating the history of patriarchs and prophets, the men who loved and feared God and walked with Him, hearts will glow with the spirit that animated these worthies. As the mind dwells on the virtue and piety of holy men of old, the spirit which inspired them will kindle a flame of love and holy fervor in the hearts of those who would be like them in character, and as they gather the golden truth from the word, the heavenly Instructor is close by their side.

In the word is poetry, wisdom, history, biography and the most profound philosophy. Here is a study that quickens the mind into a vigorous and healthy life, and awakens it to the highest exercise. Studied and obeyed, the word of God would give to the world men of stronger and more active intellect than will the closest application to all the subjects which human philosophy embraces. It would give men of strength and solidity of character, of keen perception and sound judgment: men who would be an honor to God and a blessing to the world, for it enlarges the mind, expands, elevates and endows it with new vigor, by bringing its faculties in contact with stupendous truths.

Even unconsciously we imitate that with which we are familiar. By having a knowledge of Christ-His words-and His Lessons of instruction, we instinctively bor Wisconsin Reporter

Talk by Sister White, at Morning Worship, Monday, Aug. Sixteenth

Our experiences every day are of the highest value to us. We must have a daily experience in living with the Lord. We have a tempting devil. He will be tempting us to the end. When one says something to provoke you, shut your lips and say in your mind, "Silence is Eloquence." Don't put magazines on your table. Let the magazines alone. It is like eating trash. Now, if we profess to be children of God, we will do just as He teaches us in His word. We will not go to magazines and such light trifling things and feed on these but get something right from the word and commit it to memory and we will find that when the enemy combats us, we can resist him.

When he came to Christ did he come as a very offensive looking man? No, he came as an angel of glory and said in regard to Christ's hunger, "If thou be the son of God, command that these stones be made bread." Did Christ take him right up? Not a word did He say. He only took the scripture, "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Think of that. Be full of scripture, not these old magazines. You want to commit to memory scripture.

Satan could not do anything with Christ on that point. Then he took him up onto a pinnacle of the temple and said to him. "If thou be the son of God cast thyself down, for it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways." God did not want Christ to take up an argument with Satan. Satan continued, "Throw thyself down; It is written that His angels shall have charge over thee." And so Christ quoted the scriptures, "It is written that thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." He would not place himself in peril to show his greater power. He was hungry. He had fasted forty days. Satan came to him in his weakness thinking to get the better of him, but was disappointed.

"He will keep thee in all thy ways,"--not Satan's ways. Temptations will come to us and we have got to be storing our minds now with scripture lessons and the blessing of God will come to every one in this institution and there will be sick ones here to whom you can speak a word in season. Nothing helps so much as a word of sympathy, kindness and love and let that come into the Sanitarium and it will do you just as much good as it would do them and perhaps a good deal more.

Well, the devil found out that he could not tempt Christ in that way so he took him up onto a high mountain and showed him the glory of the world and said, "This is mine. I have the right to give it and if thou wilt fall down and worship me, I will give it to thee." Then Christ's time came. He said, "Get thee hence Satan. It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." Now, these are the very lessons we have got to go over. We must live, every one of us, by the simplicity of true Godliness. It brings such a power, for the angels of God are right around us. We are not left to our own dispositions and to have no help. There are angels of God that will encourage every thought that is sent up to God in prayer even when walking wherever we are. We have a God who understands every move that we make and these Sanitariums are established in the order of God, that we might be co-laborers with Jesus Christ. He is just as merciful in heaven as he was here upon earth, just as glad to take hold and help if we will take hold of him by faith, and because he is in the heavens, it is not at all for you to feel that you are left alone to struggle and struggle and struggle with difficulties. Thank God you can speak a word in season to some one around you. You can fight the devil in that very way. "It is written." You can thus meet the enemy with words out of the scripture and you will become strengthened; your living experience will grow day by day and you will find that you are perfecting such a character that you can be transferred to the future immortal life, and there is no danger of your being overthrown by the devil there. Then let every one, young and old, put entire trust in the word and let all heaven see that you understand the word of the living God, that you have studied it and that you will meet the devil on his own ground by a power that he has no influence to oppose. He can't do it. Why? Your hand has a hold on the Infinite; by living faith you grasp a power and Satan cannot come in to lead you away from that word while you have it in your mind and heart and your lips. How much you can help those who come to this institution who know nothing hardly about God, by dropping a word in season. God help every one of you.

I am thankful to see so many here and feel that every one of us will struggle on, for we must, in the name of the overcomer, with the strength of the overcomer, and we can say, "I overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of His testimony,"--that testimony that Christ has given and let us strive to see how much missionary work we can do right here in this blessed Sanitarium, and if we do we shall bring light here. We shall bring the presence of God here and our own hearts will be strengthened to resist temptations. Well, no let us launch right out upon the path of faith, "It is written," and the blessing of God will abide upon us abundantly.

Lessons from the Sermon on Mount

"And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain; and when He was set His disciples came unto Him; and He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled."

Now if any of you are feeling that hunger and thirst after righteousness, do not be discouraged, but claim for yourselves the promise, "Ye shall be filled."

"Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the poor in heart; for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God."

Will you remember that, when you see others in trouble and in difficulty, or at enmity with one another? If you do not know what else to do about it, you can certainly speak words of peace. That may stop their complaining, and prove a blessing.

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

"Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."

Now Christ gives us a charge. "Let your light so shine before men," He says, "that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Our daily experience with Christ should be of the highest value to us. We have an individual part to act in his services. Our blessed Saviour has given us these precious promises for our encouragement. He desires us to know that He is watching over us, and that He will teach us what He expects us to do. If the enemy comes to us in the morning, or during the day, with annoyances, let us remember these precious promises and not allow ourselves to be ruffled. Let us remember that we are Christ's representatives, and that we must not, by word or act, offend one another.

Do you think that perhaps no trials will arise? Certainly there will be trials. If there were not, you might rejoice that you had no devil to tempt you. But you will have temptations till the very close of time. Therefore you need to keep in close companionship with Christ. His angels are commissioned to watch over you. They are your appointed guardians. If some one says something that tends to provoke you, remember that at such a time silence is eloquence. Do not respond in a manner to retaliate. It will be better to say nothing than to speak unadvisedly. We will all have our battles to fight, though these struggles may vary in character according to our disposition and our experience.

Let us rejoice that Jesus Christ has made it possible for us to lay hold upon divinity. When we feel exceedingly tried, let us remember that there is a heavenly angel by our side. This thought will help us to honor Christ, who has made it possible for us to become sons and daughters of God. Unless we are constantly on our guard, we may be caught unawares, and speak hastily. It may then be impossible for us to remove the impression from the mind of those to whom we have spoken; for some do not desire to get rid of such impressions. They seem to delight in cherishing evil. Let us, by keeping our words in harmony with the instructions which the Saviour has given us, not give them any occasion for offense.

As we come in contact with varying dispositions, we shall undoubtedly find great provocation to speak unkindly. But remember that at such times silence is often eloquence. If you refrain from retaliating when you are provoked by others, you will surprise them. And if repeatedly you preserve your dignity under provocation, they will realize that you are in connection with a higher power. This honors God, Who gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (Concluded next week.)

Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount

The enemy is at work in every way to divert our minds from the study of the Scriptures. In the cars, or wherever you go, you will find men trying to sell trashy magazines. You may be tempted to buy some of these magazines and put them on your tables. But do not place on your tables light reading for the perusal of whoever may come to visit you. Keep the Word there. We should study the Word; for above all other knowledge we should desire to know the way to heaven. In the study of these words of blessing that we have read this morning, we may learn some of the most precious lessons that can be found anywhere.

In all the world there is not a better place than in a sanitarium to represent Christ. There you will meet with all kinds of temperaments and dispositions. You will find some that are in trial and perplexity, and who have never risen above their difficulties. If you will at the proper time repeat to them some verse of Scripture, not words of your own, you may be to them a savor of life unto life. You should be furnished with words of Scripture. Leave alone the trashy magazines that can not give you health of mind. When you have read them, you have missed an opportunity of reading out of the Word, the precious promises of God that will shield you from temptations, and that will furnish you with reasons for the faith that you cherish. We should be always able to give a reason for our faith, in a manner that will not offend, but that will glorify God.

I repeat, I know of no better place to gain a valuable experience than right in one of our sanitariums. That is one reason why I have labored so constantly for their establishment. Some people say, we cannot afford so many sanitariums. But if they understood what sanitariums stand for, they could afford them. The Lord desires us to have many of these institutions, and they are to be places where Jesus can be spoken of.

Let us invite the Saviour into institution. You need His presence in the sick-room. When He walked on earth He was the mighty Healer, and He is in perfect harmony with every effort to relieve suffering humanity. We are in a world that needs all the strength in word and action that we can give.

Let us come to God as little children to learn from Him. When you learn His way you will be comforted by His words, and when you yourselves have been thus comforted, you will then be in a position to speak to others words of comfort. There are sick here, and with all the helpers there should be a strict guardianship over words and actions; for we do not desire the sick to be afflicted any more than is necessary because of their physical aches and pains. If we learn of Christ daily, we shall have good, pleasant dispositions.

If we profess to be children of God, let us know that we have a right to be His children because we have accepted Him, and because we are doing just as He teaches in His Word. If we have some spare time, we will not go to a magazine to read some foolish, trifling, lying story, but we will find something in the Word to commit to memory. Then when the enemy besets us, we can resist him with the written word of God. That is how Jesus met the enemy in the wilderness of temptation, not with arguments of His own to match those of Satan, but with a plain, "It is written."

You can baffle the great enemy by speaking words in season to those around you. You can meet his temptations with words of Scripture, and you will thereby become strengthened. You will thus be perfecting characters that will prepare you for a transfer to the future, immortal life, where there will be no danger of being overcome by a tempting devil.

Let us put our entire trust in our heavenly Father, that we may be filled with His word, and meet the devil with a power that he cannot resist. If our hand grasps the hand of Infinity. Satan cannot lead us captive. There is a power in the simplicity of true Godliness, for heavenly angels are round about us. We are not left to struggle helplessly against our natural evil dispositions. Wherever we are we can send up a silent prayer to God and receive from Him just the help that is needed. Our God understands all our needs.

Our sanitariums have been established in the order of God, that we might be laborers together with Jesus Christ. Although He is now in the heavens, He is the same merciful, compassionate Saviour as when He was here on earth. He will work for us if we will take hold of Him by living faith. We shall not be left alone, to fall beneath the power of Satan.

O, what a blessing the workers in our sanitariums may be if they will learn to speak words in season. I am thankful to see so many here. I realize that there are struggles before us all, but we may be overcomers. We may overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of His testimony.

Will you not see how much missionary work you can do here in this sanitarium? If you will do this, the presence of God will be here, and you will be strengthened to resist temptations. Let us launch out in faith, armed with an "It is written" knowing that we can quote the Scripture correctly. If we will press forward, doing our best, the blessing of God will be with us abundantly. Ellen G. White.