God's Amazing Grace

Foreword

2008-08-06T00:48:40Z

FOREWORD

WITH THE PUBLICATION OF THIS BOOK, GOD'S AMAZING GRACE, WE NOW HAVE TEN ELLEN G. WHITE DEVOTIONAL VOLUMES. THE FACT THAT A WORLDWIDE CHURCH WOULD PUBLISH TEN SUCH VOLUMES FROM ONE AUTHOR IS SIGNIFICANT. NO OTHER WRITER HAS BEEN SO HONOURED. WHILE ALL OF THE MORNING WATCH VOLUMES HAVE BEEN DEEPLY SPIRITUAL, REFLECTING THE DEDICATION OF THE NUMEROUS AUTHORS AND THEIR LITERARY SKILLS, NONE COULD WRITE WITH THE DEEP INSIGHTS OF THIS ONE UNIQUE WRITER. AND WHAT IS THE EXPLANATION? IT CERTAINLY WOULD BE A MISTAKE TO GIVE CREDIT TO ELLEN WHITE, THE PERSON. DOUBTLESS, IF SHE WERE ALIVE, SHE WOULD MAKE THIS HUMBLE EXPLANATION:

"SISTER WHITE IS NOT THE ORIGINATOR OF THESE BOOKS. THEY CONTAIN THE INSTRUCTION THAT DURING HER LIFEWORK GOD HAS BEEN GIVING HER. THEY CONTAIN THE PRECIOUS, COMFORTING LIGHT THAT GOD HAS GRACIOUSLY GIVEN HIS SERVANT TO BE GIVEN TO THE WORLD. FROM THEIR PAGES THIS LIGHT IS TO SHINE INTO THE HEARTS OF MEN AND WOMEN, LEADING THEM TO THE SAVIOUR."--REVIEW AND HERALD, JAN. 20, 1903.

AND PERHAPS THOUSANDS WHO READ THE INSPIRED MESSAGES OF THIS VOLUME WILL BE LED INTO A MORE INTIMATE EXPERIENCE WITH JESUS CHRIST. THUS THEY WILL PARTAKE OF HIS AMAZING GRACE WHICH ELLEN WHITE DESCRIBED AS "AN ATTRIBUTE OF GOD SHOWN TO UNDESERVING HUMAN BEINGS. WE DID NOT SEEK AFTER IT," SHE EXPLAINED, "BUT IT WAS SENT IN SEARCH OF US."

THE STATEMENTS ON THIS SUBJECT OF GRACE PERMEATE THE MANY PRINTED SPIRIT OF PROPHECY VOLUMES. THESE RICH SOURCES HAVE YIELDED THE PRIME SELECTIONS. THE PERIODICALS SUCH AS THE REVIEW AND HERALD, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, AND THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR, ALSO PROVIDE HELPFUL FACETS FOR STUDY.

WHEN ONLY PART OF A REFERENCE IS USED, THE OMISSIONS IN THIS BOOK ARE RECOGNIZED IN THE USUAL WAY. IN MANY CASES THE READING FOR THE DAY CONSISTS OF A NUMBER OF CHOICE QUOTATIONS GROUPED TOGETHER AS A COMPOSITE STATEMENT. AT THE CLOSE OF THE VOLUME THE INDIVIDUAL SOURCE CREDITS WILL BE FOUND, AND ALSO A SCRIPTURE INDEX.

GOD'S AMAZING GRACE WAS COMPILED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE ELLEN G. WHITE TRUSTEES, WHO CARRY THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLISHING THESE PRODUCTS OF MRS. WHITE'S PEN. IT SHOULD BE RECALLED THAT COMPILATIONS FROM THIS WRITER ARE MADE BY THE TRUSTEES IN HARMONY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF HER WILL, WHICH CALL FOR SUCH SELECTIONS TO BE GATHERED TOGETHER AND PRINTED IN BOOKS AS THE NEED MIGHT ARISE.

IT IS OUR HOPE THAT THESE BRIEF DAY-BY-DAY COUNSELS AND THOUGHTS WILL ENCOURAGE THE READER TO DRAW MORE HEAVILY UPON THE INFINITE RESOURCES OF GOD'S GRACE, AND REACH THAT PERFECTION REQUIRED FOR TRANSLATION TO HEAVEN. THIS IS THE URGENT PREPARATION NEEDED BY ALL ADVENTISTS TODAY, AND IT IS OUR PRAYER THAT THIS BOOK WILL CONTRIBUTE TO A REVIVAL EXPERIENCE AND TRUE REFORMATION IN THE CHURCH.

THE TRUSTEES OF THE

ELLEN G. WHITE ESTATE
WASHINGTON, D.C.

January

2008-08-06T00:51:48Z

Chap. 1 - Good News of the Kingdom

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Matt. 4:23. {AG 9.1}

"He opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:2, 3). As something strange and new, these words fall upon the ears of the wondering multitude. Such teaching is contrary to all they have ever heard from priest or rabbi. They see in it nothing to flatter their pride or to feed their ambitious hopes. But there is about this new Teacher a power that holds them spellbound. The sweetness of divine love flows from His very presence as the fragrance from a flower. . . . {AG 9.2}

February

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Chap. 32 - Adam and Eve--Rulers in Eden

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; maleand female created he them. And God blessed them and God said unto them, Befruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and havedominion over . . . every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:27,28. {AG 40.1}

Adam was crowned king in Eden. To him was given dominion over every livingthing that God had created. The Lord blessed Adam and Eve with intelligence suchas He had not given to any other creature. He made Adam the rightful sovereignover all the works of His hands. {AG 40.2}

Created to be "the image and glory of God," Adam and Eve had receivedendowments not unworthy of their high destiny. . . . Every faculty of mind andsoul reflected the Creator's glory. Endowed with high mental and spiritualgifts, Adam and Eve were made but "little lower than the angels." {AG 40.3}

Our first parents, though created innocent and holy, were not placed beyondthe possibility of wrongdoing. God made them free moral agents, capable ofappreciating the wisdom and benevolence of His character and the justice of Hisrequirements, and with full liberty to yield or to withhold obedience. They wereto enjoy communion with God and with holy angels; but before they could berendered eternally secure, their loyalty must be tested. At the very beginningof man's existence a check was placed upon the desire for self-indulgence, thefatal passion that lay at the foundation of Satan's fall. The tree of knowledge,which stood near the tree of life in the midst of the garden, was to be a testof the obedience, faith, and love of our first parents. . . God placed man underlaw, as an indispensable condition of his very existence. He was a subject ofthe divine government, and there can be no government without law. . . . {AG40.4}

While they remained true to God, Adam and his companion were to bear ruleover the earth. Unlimited control was given them over every living thing. Thelion and the lamb sported peacefully around them, or lay . . . Together at theirfeet. The happy birds flitted about them without fear; and as their glad songsascended to the praise of their Creator, Adam and Eve united with them inthanksgiving to the Father and the Son. {AG 40.5}

Chap. 33 - The Rulership Forfeited

The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever hewill. Dan. 4:17. {AG 41.1}

Among the lower creatures Adam had stood as king . . . ; but when hetransgressed, this dominion was forfeited. The spirit of rebellion, to which hehimself had given entrance, extended throughout the animal creation. Thus notonly the life of man, but the nature of the beasts, the trees of the forest, thegrass of the field, the very air he breathed, all told the sad lesson of theknowledge of evil. {AG 41.2}

Not only man but the earth had by sin come under the power of the wicked one.. . . At his creation Adam was placed in dominion over the earth. But byyielding to temptation, he was brought under the power of Satan. "Of whom a manis overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage" (2 Peter 2:19). When manbecame Satan's captive, the dominion which he held, passed to his conqueror.Thus Satan became "the god of this world" (2 Cor. 4:4). He had usurped thatdominion over the earth which had been originally given to Adam. {AG 41.3}

When Satan declared to Christ, The kingdom and the glory of the world aredelivered unto me, and to whomsoever I will I give it, he stated what was trueonly in part, and he declared it to serve his own purpose of deception. Satan'sdominion was that wrested from Adam, but Adam was the vicegerent of the Creator.His was not an independent rule. The earth is God's, and He has committed allthings to His Son. Adam was to reign subject to Christ. When Adam betrayed hissovereignty into Satan's hands, Christ still remained the rightful king. . . .{AG 41.4}

By the one who had revolted in heaven the kingdoms of this world were offeredChrist, to buy His homage to the principles of evil; but He would not be bought.. . . {AG 41.5}

Jesus gained the victory through submission and faith in God, and by theapostle He says to us, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil,and he will flee from you . . ." (James 4:7, 8). We cannot save ourselves fromthe tempter's power; he has conquered humanity . . . ; but "the name of the Lordis a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe" (Prov. 18:10).{AG 41.6}

Chap. 34 - Christ the Second Adam

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Cor.15:22. {AG 42.1}

The fall of man filled all heaven with sorrow. . . . The Son of God, heaven'sglorious Commander, was touched with pity for the fallen race. His heart wasmoved with infinite compassion as the woes of the lost world rose up before Him.But divine love had conceived a plan whereby man might be redeemed. The brokenlaw of God demanded the life of the sinner. In all the universe there was butone who could, in behalf of man, satisfy its claims. Since the divine law is assacred as God Himself, only one equal with God could make atonement for itstransgression. None but Christ could redeem fallen man from the curse of thelaw, and bring him again into harmony with Heaven. Christ would take uponHimself the guilt and shame of sin--sin so offensive to a holy God that it mustseparate the Father and His Son. Christ would reach to the depths of misery torescue the ruined race. . . . {AG 42.2}

The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth; . . .yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His sonto die for the guilty race. . . . Oh, the mystery of redemption! the love of Godfor a world that did not love Him! . . . Through endless ages immortal minds,seeking to comprehend the mystery of that incomprehensible love, will wonder andadore. {AG 42.3}

Christ is called the second Adam. In purity and holiness, connected with Godand beloved by God, He began where the first Adam began. . . . {AG 42.4}

Christ was tempted by Satan in a hundredfold severer manner than was Adam,and under circumstances in every way more trying. The deceiver presented himselfas an angel of light, but Christ withstood his temptations. He redeemed Adam'sdisgraceful fall, and saved the world. . . . He lived the law of God, andHONOURED it in a world of transgression, revealing to the heavenly universe, toSatan, and to all the fallen sons and daughters of Adam that through His gracehumanity can keep the law of God. . . . {AG 42.5}

Christ's victory was as complete as had been Adam's failure. So we may resisttemptation, and force Satan to depart from us. {AG 42.6}

Chap. 35 - Israel's Invisible King

Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven,and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments.Neh. 9:13. {AG 43.1}

All through the pages of sacred history, where the dealings of God with Hischosen people are recorded, there are burning traces of the great I AM. Neverhas He given to the sons of men more open manifestations of His power and glorythan when He alone was acknowledged as Israel's ruler, and gave the law to Hispeople. Here was a sceptre swayed by no human hand; and the stately goings forthof Israel's invisible King were unspeakably grand and awful. {AG 43.2}

In all these revelations of the divine presence, the glory of God wasmanifested through Christ. Not alone at the Saviour's advent, but through allthe ages after the Fall and the promise of redemption, "God was in Christ,reconciling the world unto himself" (2 Cor. 5:19). Christ was the foundation andcentre of the sacrificial system in both the patriarchal and the Jewish age.Since the sin of our first parents, there has been no direct communicationbetween God and man. The Father has given the world into the hands of Christ,that through His mediatorial work He may redeem man and vindicate the authorityand holiness of the law of God. All the communion between heaven and the fallenrace has been through Christ. It was the Son of God that gave to our firstparents the promise of redemption. It was He who revealed Himself to thepatriarchs. . . . It was He who gave the law to Israel. Amid the awful glory ofSinai, Christ declared in the hearing of all the people the ten precepts of HisFather's law. It was He who gave to Moses the law engraved upon the tables ofstone. . . . {AG 43.3}

Jesus was the light of His people--the light of the world--before He came toearth in the form of humanity. The first gleam of light that pierced the gloomin which sin had wrapped the world, came from Christ. And from Him has comeevery ray of heaven's brightness that has fallen upon the inhabitants of theearth. In the plan of redemption Christ is the Alpha and the Omega--the Firstand the Last. {AG 43.4}

Chap. 36 - Our Ruler in the Heavens

The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth overall. Ps. 103:19. {AG 44.1}

The three Hebrews were called upon to confess Christ in the face of theburning fiery furnace. They had been commanded by the king to fall down andworship the golden image which he had set up, and threatened that if they wouldnot, they should be cast alive into the fiery furnace, but they answered, "Weare not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom weserve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliverus out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that wewill not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up"(Dan. 3:16-18). {AG 44.2}

To bow down when in prayer to God is the proper attitude to occupy. . . . Butsuch an act was homage to be rendered to God alone . . . , the Ruler of theuniverse; and these three Hebrews refused to give such honour to any idol eventhough composed of pure gold. In doing so, they would, to all intents andpurposes, be bowing to the king of Babylon. . . . They suffered the penalty. . .. But Christ came in person and walked with them through the fire, and theyreceived no harm. {AG 44.3}

This miracle produced a striking change in the minds of the people. The greatgolden image, set up with such display, was forgotten. The king published adecree that anyone speaking against the God of these men should be put to death.. . . {AG 44.4}

These faithful Hebrews possessed great natural ability, they had enjoyed thehighest intellectual culture, and now occupied a position of honour; but allthis did not lead them to forget God. Their powers were yielded to thesanctifying influence of divine grace. . . . In their wonderful deliverance weredisplayed, before that vast assembly, the power and majesty of God. Jesus placedHimself by their side in the fiery furnace, and by the glory of His presenceconvinced the proud king of Babylon that it could be no other than the Son ofGod. . . . By the deliverance of His faithful servants, the Lord declares thatHe will take His stand with the oppressed and overthrow all earthly powers thatwould trample upon the authority of the God of heaven. {AG 44.5}

Chap. 37 - God with Us

They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.Matt. 1:23. {AG 45.1}

From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; Hewas "the image of God," the image of His greatness and majesty, "the outshiningof his glory." It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world. To thissin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God's love--to be "God withus.". . . {AG 45.2}

Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God's wonderful purposeof grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which "angels desireto look", and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemedand the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and theirsong. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the gloryof self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the lawof self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the lovewhich "seeketh not her own" has its source in the heart of God. . . . {AG 45.3}

Jesus might have remained at the Father's side. He might have retained theglory of heaven, and the homage of the angels. But He chose to give back thesceptre into the Father's hands, and to step down from the throne of theuniverse, that He might bring light to the benighted, and life to the perishing.. . . {AG 45.4}

This great purpose had been shadowed forth in types and symbols. The burningbush, in which Christ appeared to Moses, revealed God. . . . The all-mercifulGod shrouded His glory in a most humble type, that Moses could look upon it andlive. So in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, Godcommunicated with Israel, revealing to men His will, and imparting to them Hisgrace. God's glory was subdued, and His majesty veiled, that the weak vision offinite men might behold it. So Christ was to come in "the body of ourhumiliation" (Phil. 3:21, R.V.), "in the likeness of men.". . . His glory wasveiled, His greatness and majesty were hidden, that He might draw near tosorrowful, tempted men. {AG 45.5}

Chap. 38 - The Kingdom Threatened

When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, tomake him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. John 6:15. {AG46.1}

Seated upon the grassy plain, in the twilight of the spring evening, thepeople ate of the food that Christ had provided. . . . No human power couldcreate from five barley loaves and two small fishes food sufficient to feedthousands of hungry people. And they said one to another, "This is of a truththat Prophet that should come into the world" (John 6:14). . . . He can conquerthe nations, and give to Israel the long-sought dominion. {AG 46.2}

In their enthusiasm the people are ready at once to crown Him king. They seethat He makes no effort to attract attention or secure honour to Himself. . . .They fear that He will never urge His claim to David's throne. Consultingtogether, they agree to take Him by force, and proclaim Him the King of Israel.. . . Jesus sees what is on foot, and understands, as they cannot, what would bethe result of such a movement. . . . Violence and insurrection would follow aneffort to place Him on the throne, and the work of the spiritual kingdom wouldbe hindered. Without delay the movement must be checked. Calling His disciples,Jesus bids them take the boat and return at once to Capernaum. . . . {AG 46.3}

Jesus now commands the multitude to disperse; and His manner is so decisivethat they dare not disobey. . . . The kingly bearing of Jesus, and His few quietwords of command, quell the tumult, and frustrate their designs. They recognizein Him a power above all earthly authority, and without a question they submit.{AG 46.4}

When left alone, Jesus "went up into a mountain apart to pray.". . . Heprayed for power to reveal to men the divine character of His mission, thatSatan might not blind their understanding and pervert their judgment. . . . Intravail and conflict of soul He prayed for His disciples. . . . Theirlong-cherished hopes, based on a popular delusion, were to be disappointed in amost painful and humiliating manner. In the place of His exaltation to thethrone of David they were to witness His crucifixion. This was to be indeed Histrue coronation. {AG 46.5}

Chap. 39 - A Kingly Procession

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold,thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation lowly, and ridingupon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Zech. 9:9. {AG 47.1}

Five hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Zechariah thusforetold the coming of the King to Israel. . . . Christ was following the Jewishcustom for a royal entry. . . . No sooner was He seated upon the colt than aloud shout of triumph rent the air. The multitude hailed Him as Messiah, theirKing. . . .They could lead the triumphal procession with no royal standards, butthey cut down the spreading palm boughs, Nature's emblem of victory, and wavedthem aloft with loud acclamations and hosannas. . . . {AG 47.2}

Never before in His earthly life had Christ permitted such a demonstration.He clearly foresaw the result. It would bring Him to the cross. But it was Hispurpose thus publicly to present Himself as the Redeemer. He desired to callattention to the sacrifice that was to crown His mission. . . . {AG 47.3}

Never before had the world seen such a triumphal procession. It was not likethat of the earth's famous conquerors. No train of mourning captives, astrophies of kingly valour, made a feature of that scene. But about the Saviourwere the glorious trophies of His labours of love for sinful man. There were thecaptives whom He had rescued from Satan's power, praising God for theirdeliverance. The blind whom He had restored to sight were leading the way. Thedumb whose tongues He had loosed shouted the loudest hosannas. The cripples whomHe had healed bounded with joy. . . . Lazarus, whose body had seen corruption inthe grave, but who now rejoiced in the strength of glorious manhood, led thebeast on which the Saviour rode. . . . {AG 47.4}

That scene of triumph was of God's own appointing. It had been foretold bythe prophet, and man was powerless to turn aside God's purpose. {AG 47.5}

As well might the priests and rulers attempt to deprive the earth of theshining face of the sun, as to shut from the world the beams of glory from theSun of Righteousness. In spite of all opposition, the kingdom of Christ wasconfessed by the people. {AG 47.6}

Chap. 40 - Jerusalem's King

Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on thesides of the north, the city of the great King. Ps. 48:2. {AG 48.1}

From the crest of Olivet, Jesus looked upon Jerusalem. Fair and peaceful wasthe scene spread out before Him. . . . The rays of the setting sun lighted upthe snowy whiteness of its marble walls and gleamed from golden gate and towerand pinnacle. "The perfection of beauty" it stood, the pride of the Jewishnation. What child of Israel could gaze upon the scene without a thrill of joyand admiration! But far other thoughts occupied the mind of Jesus. "When he wascome near, he beheld the city, and wept over it" (Luke 19:41). Amid theuniversal rejoicing of the triumphal entry, while palm branches waved, whileglad hosannas awoke the echoes of the hills, and thousands of voices declaredHim King, the world's Redeemer was overwhelmed with a sudden and mysterioussorrow. He, the Son of God, the Promised One of Israel, whose power hadconquered death and called its captives from the grave, was in tears, not ofordinary grief, but of intense, irrepressible agony. {AG 48.2}

His tears were not for Himself.... He wept for the doomed thousands ofJerusalem--because of the blindness and impenitence of those whom He came tobless and to save. . . . {AG 48.3}

Though rewarded with evil for good, and hatred for His love, He hadsteadfastly pursued His mission of mercy. Never were those repelled that soughtHis grace. . . . But Israel had turned from her best Friend and only Helper. Thepleadings of His love had been despised, His counsels spurned, His warningsridiculed. . . . {AG 48.4}

When Christ should hang upon the cross of Calvary, Israel's day as a nationfavoured and blessed of God would be ended.... As Christ looked upon Jerusalem,the doom of a whole city, a whole nation, was before Him--that city, thatnation, which had once been the chosen of God, His peculiar treasure. {AG 48.5}

The long-suffering of God toward Jerusalem only confirmed the Jews in theirstubborn impenitence. . . . Her children had spurned the grace of Christ. {AG48.6}

Chap. 41 - King of Glory

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; andthe King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong andmighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Ps. 24:7, 8. {AG 49.1}

Christ came to earth as God in the guise of humanity. He ascended to heavenas the King of saints. His ascension was worthy of His exalted character. Hewent as One mighty in battle, a conqueror, leading captivity captive. He wasattended by the heavenly host, amid shouts and acclamations of praise andcelestial song. {AG 49.2}

The disciples not only saw the Lord ascend, but they had the testimony of theangels that He had gone to occupy His Father's throne in heaven. . . . Thebrightness of the heavenly escort, and the opening of the glorious gates of Godto welcome Him, were not to be discerned by mortal eyes. Had the track of Christto heaven been revealed to the disciples in all its inexpressible glory, theycould not have endured the sight. . . . {AG 49.3}

Their senses were not to become so infatuated with the glories of heaven thatthey would lose sight of the character of Christ on earth, which they were tocopy in themselves. They were to keep distinctly before their minds the beautyand majesty of His life, the perfect harmony of all His attributes, and themysterious union of the divine and human in His nature. . . . His visible ascentfrom the world was in harmony with the meekness and quiet of His life. {AG 49.4}

What a source of joy to the disciples, to know that they had such a Friend inheaven to plead in their behalf! Through the visible ascension of Christ alltheir views and contemplation of heaven are changed. . . . They now looked uponit as their future home, where mansions were being prepared for them by theirloving Redeemer. Prayer was clothed with a new interest, since it was acommunion with their Saviour. . . . {AG 49.5}

They had a gospel to preach--Christ in human form, a Man of sorrows; Christin humiliation, taken by wicked hands and crucified; Christ resurrected, andascended to heaven, into the presence of God, to be man's Advocate; Christ tocome again with power and great glory in the clouds of heaven. {AG 49.6}

Chap. 42 - Ruler Over All Nations

That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most highover all the earth. Ps. 83:18. {AG 50.1}

In the annals of human history the growth of nations, the rise and fall ofempires, appear as dependent on the will and prowess of man. The shaping ofevents seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, orcaprice. But in the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold,behind, above, and through all the play and counterplay of human interests andpower and passions, the agencies of the all-merciful One, silently, patientlyworking out the counsels of His own will. . . . {AG 50.2}

Every nation that has come upon the stage of action has been permitted tooccupy its place on the earth, that it might be seen whether it would fulfillthe purpose of "the Watcher and the Holy One.". . . While the nations rejectedGod's principles, and in this rejection wrought their own ruin, it was stillmanifest that the divine, overruling purpose was working through all theirmovements. {AG 50.3}

This lesson is taught in a wonderful symbolic representation given to theprophet Ezekiel [chapters 1 and 10]. . . . A number of wheels, intersecting oneanother, were moved by four living beings. . . . The wheels were so complicatedin arrangement that at first sight they appeared to be in confusion; but theymoved in perfect harmony. Heavenly beings, sustained and guided by the handbeneath the wings of the cherubim, were impelling these wheels; above them uponthe sapphire throne, was the Eternal One; and round about the throne a rainbow,the emblem of divine mercy. As the wheellike complications were under theguidance of the hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, so the complicated playof human events is under divine control. Amidst the strife and tumult ofnations, He that sitteth above the cherubim still guides the affairs of theearth. {AG 50.4}

The history of nations that one after another have occupied their allottedtime and place, . . . speaks to us. To every nation and to every individual oftoday God has assigned a place in His great plan. . . . All are by their ownchoice deciding their destiny, and God is overruling all for the accomplishmentof His purposes. {AG 50.5}

Chap. 43 - Limits to God's Forbearance

It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law. Ps.119:126. {AG 51.1}

During a vision of the night, I stood on an eminence, from which I could seehouses shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings, great and small, were fallingto the ground. Pleasure resorts, theatres, hotels, and the homes of the wealthywere shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out of existence, and the airwas filled with the shrieks of the injured and the terrified. {AG 51.2}

The destroying angels of God were at work. One touch, and buildings, sothoroughly constructed that men regarded them as secure against every danger,quickly became heaps of rubbish. There was no assurance of safety in any place.. . . The awfulness of the scenes that passed before me I cannot find words todescribe. It seemed that the forbearance of God was exhausted and that thejudgment day had come. {AG 51.3}

The angel that stood at my side then instructed me that but few have anyconception of the wickedness existing in our world today, and especially thewickedness in the large cities. He declared that the Lord has appointed a timewhen He will visit transgressors in wrath for persistent disregard of His law. .. . God's supreme rulership and the sacredness of His law must be revealed tothose who persistently refused to render obedience to the King of kings. Thosewho choose to remain disloyal must be visited in mercy with judgments, in orderthat, if possible, they may be aroused to a realization of the sinfulness oftheir course. . . . While the divine Ruler bears long with perversity, He is notdeceived and will not always keep silence. His supremacy, His authority as Rulerof the universe, must finally be acknowledged and the just claims of His lawvindicated. {AG 51.4}

There are limits even to the forbearance of God, and many are exceeding theseboundaries. They have overrun the limits of grace, and therefore God mustinterfere and vindicate His own honour. . . . {AG 51.5}

When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector ofall those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselvesunspotted from the world. {AG 51.6}

Chap. 44 - Qualifying for the Kingdom

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as alittle child, he shall not enter therein. Mark 10:15. {AG 52.1}

Christ does not acknowledge any caste, colour, or grade as necessary tobecome a subject of His kingdom. Admittance to His kingdom does not depend uponwealth or a superior heredity. But those who are born of the Spirit are thesubjects of His kingdom. Spiritual character is that which will be recognized byChrist. His kingdom is not of this world. His subjects are those who arepartakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in theworld through lust. And this grace is given them of God. Christ does not findHis subjects fitted for His kingdom, but He qualifies them by His divine power.Those who have been dead in trespasses and sins are quickened to spiritual life.The faculties which God has given them for holy purposes are refined, purified,and exalted, and they are led to form characters after the divine similitude. .. . {AG 52.2}

Christ draws them to Himself by an unseen power. He is the light of life, andHe imbues them with His own Spirit. As they are drawn into the spiritualatmosphere, they see that they have been made the sport of Satan's temptations,and that they have been under his dominion; but they break the yoke of fleshlylusts, and refuse to be the servants of sin. . . . They realize that they haveexchanged captains, and they take their directions from the lips of Jesus. As aservant looks to his master, and as a maid looks to her mistress, so thesesouls, drawn by the cords of love to Christ, constantly look unto Him who is theAuthor and Finisher of their faith. By beholding Jesus, by obeying Hisrequirements, they increase in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom Hehath sent. Thus they become changed into His image from character to characteruntil they are distinguished from the world, and it can be written of them: "Yeare a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darknessinto his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now thepeople of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy" (1Peter 2:9, 10). {AG 52.3}

Chap. 45 - Sonship

As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God,even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12. {AG 53.1}

When Adam's sin plunged the race into hopeless misery, God might have cutHimself loose from fallen beings. He might have treated them as sinners deservedto be treated. He might have commanded the angels of heaven to pour out upon ourworld the vials of His wrath. He might have removed this dark blot from Hisuniverse. But He did not do this. Instead of banishing them from His presence,He came still nearer to the fallen race. He gave His Son to become bone of ourbone and flesh of our flesh. "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, . . .full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Christ by His human relationship to mendrew them close to God. He clothed His divine nature with the garb of humanity,and demonstrated before the heavenly universe, before the unfallen worlds, howmuch God loves the children of men. {AG 53.2}

The gift of God to man is beyond all computation. Nothing was withheld. Godwould not permit it to be said that He could have done more or revealed tohumanity a greater measure of love. In the gift of Christ He gave all heaven.{AG 53.3}

Divine sonship is not something that we gain of ourselves. Only to those whoreceive Christ as their Saviour is given the power to become sons and daughtersof God. The sinner cannot, by any power of his own, rid himself of sin. . . .But the promise of sonship is made to all who believe on His name." Every onewho comes to Jesus in faith will receive pardon. {AG 53.4}

God was to be manifest in Christ, "reconciling the world unto himself" (2Cor. 5:19). Man had become so degraded by sin that it was impossible for him, inhimself, to come into harmony with Him whose nature is purity and goodness. ButChrist, after having redeemed man from the condemnation of the law, could impartdivine power to unite with human effort. Thus by repentance toward God and faithin Christ the fallen children of Adam might once more become "sons of God." {AG53.5}

When a soul receives Christ, he receives power to live the life of Christ.{AG 53.6}

Chap. 46 - Adopted Sons and Daughters

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ tohimself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the gloryof his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Eph. 1:5, 6. {AG54.1}

Before the foundations of the earth were laid the covenant was made that allwho were obedient, all who should through the abundant grace provided becomeholy in character and without blame before God by appropriating that grace,should be children of God. {AG 54.2}

We owe everything to grace, free grace, sovereign grace. Grace in thecovenant ordained our adoption. Grace in the Saviour effected our redemption,our regeneration, and our adoption to heirship with Christ. {AG 54.3}

As we fully believe that we are His by adoption, we may have a foretaste ofheaven. . . . We have a nearness to Him, and can hold sweet communion with Him.We obtain distinct views of His tenderness and compassion, and our hearts arebroken and melted with contemplation of the love that is given to us. We feelindeed an abiding Christ in the soul. We abide in Him, and feel at home withJesus. . . . We have a realizing sense of the love of God, and we rest in Hislove. No language can describe it, it is beyond knowledge. We are one withChrist, our life is hid with Christ in God. We have the assurance that when Hewho is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory. Withstrong confidence we can call God our Father. {AG 54.4}

All who have been born into the heavenly family are in a special sense thebrethren of our Lord. The love of Christ binds together the members of Hisfamily, and wherever that love is manifest there the divine relationship isrevealed. . . . {AG 54.5}

Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was toimplant this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glorybecame one with us. And when His parting words are fulfilled, "Love one another,as I have loved you" (John 15:12); when we love the world as He has loved it,then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven; for we haveheaven in our hearts. {AG 54.6}

Chap. 47 - The Redemption Price

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered inonce into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Heb. 9:12.{AG 55.1}

Every soul is precious, because it has been purchased by the precious bloodof Jesus Christ. {AG 55.2}

Some speak of the Jewish age as a Christless period, without mercy or grace.To such are applicable the words of Christ to the Sadducees, "Ye know not theScriptures, neither the power of God" (Mark 12:24). The period of the Jewisheconomy was one of wonderful manifestations of divine power. . . . {AG 55.3}

The very system of sacrifices was devised by Christ, and given to Adam astypifying a Saviour to come, who would bear the sins of the world, and die forits redemption. . . . {AG 55.4}

The blood of the Son of God was symbolized by the blood of the slain victim,and God would have clear and definite ideas preserved between the sacred and thecommon. Blood was sacred, inasmuch as through the shedding of the blood of theSon of God alone could there be atonement for sin. Blood was also used tocleanse the sanctuary from the sins of the people, thus typifying the blood ofChrist which alone can cleanse from sin. {AG 55.5}

Our Saviour declares that He brought from heaven as a donation eternal life.He was to be lifted up upon the cross of Calvary to draw all men unto Him. Howthen shall we treat the purchased inheritance of Christ? Tenderness,appreciation, kindness, sympathy, and love should be shown to them. Then we maywork to help and bless one another. In this work we have more than humanbrotherhood. We have the exalted companionship of heavenly angels. Theycooperate with us in the work of enlightening high and low. . . . {AG 55.6}

Christ determined in council with His Father to spare nothing, howevercostly, to withhold nothing however highly it might be estimated, that wouldrescue the poor sinner. He would give all heaven to this work of salvation, ofrestoring the moral image of God in man. . . . To be a child of God is to be onewith Christ in God, and to put forth our hands in earnest, self-sacrificing loveto strengthen and bless the souls that are perishing in their sins. {AG 55.7}

Chap. 48 - Abraham and His Children

If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to thepromise. Gal. 3:29. {AG 56.1}

Of Abraham it is written that "he was called the friend of God," "the fatherof all them that believe." . . . {AG 56.2}

It was a high honour to which Abraham was called, that of being the father ofthe people who for centuries were the guardians and preservers of the truth ofGod for the world--of that people through whom all the nations of the earthshould be blessed in the advent of the promised Messiah. {AG 56.3}

Abraham was HONOURED by the surrounding nations as a mighty prince and a wiseand able chief. He did not shut away his influence from his neighbours. His lifeand character, in their marked contrast with those of the worshippers of idols,exerted a telling influence in favour of the true faith. His allegiance to Godwas unswerving, while his affability and benevolence inspired confidence andfriendship, and his unaffected greatness commanded respect and honour. {AG 56.4}

His religion was not held as a precious treasure to be jealously guarded andenjoyed solely by the possessor. True religion cannot be thus held; for such aspirit is contrary to the principles of the gospel. While Christ is dwelling inthe heart, it is impossible to conceal the light of His presence, or for thatlight to grow dim. On the contrary, it will grow brighter and brighter as day byday the mists of selfishness and sin that envelop the soul are dispelled by thebright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. {AG 56.5}

The people of God are His representatives upon the earth, and He intends thatthey shall be lights in the moral darkness of this world. Scattered all over thecountry, in the towns, cities, and villages, they are God's witnesses, thechannels through which He will communicate to an unbelieving world the knowledgeof His will and the wonders of His grace. It is His plan that all who arepartakers of the great salvation shall be missionaries for Him. The piety of theChristian constitutes the standard by which worldlings judge the gospel. Trialspatiently borne, blessings gratefully received, meekness, kindness, mercy, andlove, habitually exhibited, are the lights that shine forth in the characterbefore the world. {AG 56.6}

Chap. 49 - Citizens of Heaven

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizenswith the saints, and of the household of God. Eph. 2:19. {AG 57.1}

The people of God--the true Israel--though scattered throughout all nations,are on earth but sojourners, whose citizenship is in heaven. {AG 57.2}

The condition of being received into the Lord's family is coming out from theworld, separating from all its contaminating influences. The people of God areto have no connection with idolatry in any of its forms. They are to reach ahigher standard. We are to be distinguished from the world, and then God says,"I will receive you as members of My royal family, children of the heavenlyKing." As believers in the truth we are to be distinct in practice from sin andsinners. Our citizenship is in heaven. {AG 57.3}

We should realize more clearly the value of the promises God has made to us,and appreciate more deeply the honour He has given us. God can bestow no higherhonour upon mortals than to adopt them into His family, giving them theprivilege of calling Him Father. There is no degradation in becoming children ofGod. {AG 57.4}

We are strangers and pilgrims in this world. We are to wait, watch, pray, andwork. The whole mind, the whole soul, the whole heart, and the whole strengthare purchased by the blood of the Son of God. We are not to feel it our duty towear a pilgrim's dress of just such a colour, just such a shape, but neat,modest apparel, that the word of inspiration teaches us we should wear. If ourhearts are united with Christ's heart, we shall have a most intense desire to beclothed with His righteousness. Nothing will be put upon the person to attractattention, or to create controversy. {AG 57.5}

Christianity--how many there are who do not know what it is! It is notsomething put on the outside. It is a life inwrought with the life of Jesus. Itmeans that we are wearing the robe of Christ's righteousness. {AG 57.6}

Citizens of heaven will make the best citizens of earth. A correct view ofour duty to God leads to clear perceptions of our duty to our fellow men. {AG57.7}

Chap. 50 - The Test of Loyalty

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: andhe that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and willmanifest myself to him. John 14:21. {AG 58.1}

It is essential that every subject of the kingdom of God should be obedientto the law of Jehovah. . . . The fact that the law is holy, just, and good is tobe testified before all nations, tongues, and peoples, to worlds unfallen, toangels, seraphim, and cherubim. The principles of the law of God were wroughtout in the character of Jesus Christ, and he who cooperates with Christ,becoming a partaker of the divine nature, will develop the divine character, andbecome an illustration of the divine law. . . . {AG 58.2}

The more we study the attributes of the character of God as revealed inChrist, the more we see that justice has been sustained in the sacrifice thatmet the penalty of the law, . . . in order that man might have anotherprobation. . . . Those who are obedient to the law of the government of Godwhile in this brief probation, . . . will be pronounced in heaven loyal childrenof the Lord of Hosts. . . . {AG 58.3}

By both creation and redemption we are the Lord's property. We are absolutelyHis subjects, and amenable to the laws of His kingdom. Let no one foster thedelusion that the Lord God of heaven and earth has no law by which to controland govern His subjects. We are dependent upon God for everything we enjoy. Thefood which we eat, the clothing we wear, the atmosphere we breathe, the life weenjoy from day to day, are received from God. We are under obligation to begoverned by His will, to acknowledge Him as our supreme ruler. . . . {AG 58.4}

We are under a debt of gratitude to God for the revelation of His love inChrist Jesus; and as intelligent human agents, we are to reveal to the world themanner of character that will result from obedience to every specification ofthe law of God's government. In perfect obedience to His holy will, we are tomanifest adoration, love, cheerfulness, and praise, and thus honour and glorifyGod. It is in this way alone that man may reveal the character of God in Christto the world, and make manifest to men that happiness, peace, assurance, andgrace come from obedience to the law of God. {AG 58.5}

Chap. 51 - God's Claims are First

We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29. {AG 59.1}

The message that we have to bear is not one that we need cringe to declare.Its advocates are not to seek to cover it, to conceal its origin and purpose. Asthose who have made solemn vows to God, and who have been commissioned as themessengers of Christ, as stewards of the mysteries of grace, we are underobligation to declare faithfully the whole counsel of God. {AG 59.2}

We are not to make less prominent the special truths that have separated usfrom the world, and made us what we are; for they are fraught with eternalinterests. God has given us light in regard to the things that are now takingplace, and with pen and voice we are to proclaim the truth to the world. {AG59.3}

The Sabbath is the Lord's test, and no man, be he king, priest, or ruler, isauthorized to come between God and man. Those who seek to be conscience fortheir fellow men, place themselves above God. Those who are under the influenceof a false religion, who observe a spurious rest day, will set aside the mostpositive evidence in regard to the true Sabbath. They will try to compel men toobey the laws of their own creation, laws that are directly opposed to the lawof God. . . . The law for the observance of the first day of the week is theproduction of an apostate Christendom. . . . In no case are God's people to payit homage. {AG 59.4}

The banner of truth and religious liberty held aloft by the founders of thegospel church and by God's witnesses during the centuries that have passed sincethen, has, in this last conflict, been committed to our hands. . . . We are torecognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teachobedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when itsclaims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God'sword must be recognized as above all human legislation. A "Thus saith the Lord"is not to be set aside for a "Thus saith the church" or a "Thus saith thestate." The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthlypotentates. {AG 59.5}

Chap. 52 - Above Earthly Kingdoms

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shallteach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: butwhosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdomof heaven. Matt. 5:19. {AG 60.1}

The qualities which shine with greatest luster in the kingdoms of the world,have no place in Christ's spiritual kingdom. That which is highly exalted amongmen, and brings exaltation to its possessor, such as caste, rank, position, orwealth, is not esteemed in the spiritual kingdom. The Lord says, "Them thathonour me, I will honour" (1 Sam. 2:30). In Christ's kingdom men aredistinguished according to their piety. . . . {AG 60.2}

The kingdom of heaven is of a higher order than any earthly kingdom. Whetherwe shall have a higher position or a lower position, will not be determined byour rank, wealth, or education, but by the character of the obedience renderedto the word of God. Those who have been actuated by selfishness and humanambition, who have been striving to be greatest, who have been self-important,who have felt above confessing mistakes and errors, will have no place in thekingdom of God. Whether men will be HONOURED as members of the royal family ofGod, will be determined by the manner in which they bear the test and proving ofGod that is brought to bear upon them in this life. Those who have not beenself-denying, who have not manifested sympathy for the woes of others, who havenot cultivated the precious attributes of love, who have not manifestedforbearance and meekness in this life, will not be changed when Christ comes. .. . {AG 60.3}

The character which we now manifest is deciding our future destiny. Thehappiness of heaven will be found by conforming to the will of God, and if menbecome members of the royal family in heaven, it will be because heaven hasbegun with them on earth. They have cherished the mind of Christ, and when thecall comes, "Child, come up higher," the righteous will take every grace, everyprecious, sanctified ability, into the courts above, and exchange earth forheaven. God knows who are the loyal and true subjects of His kingdom on earth,and those who do His will upon earth as it is done in heaven, will be made themembers of the royal family above. {AG 60.4}

Chap. 53 - Blessings Through Obedience

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. Ps.40:8. {AG 61.1}

What a God is our God! He rules over His kingdom with diligence and care, andHe has built a hedge--the Ten Commandments--about His subjects to preserve themfrom the results of transgression. In requiring obedience to the laws of Hiskingdom, God gives His people health and happiness, peace and joy. He teachesthem that the perfection of character He requires can be attained only bybecoming familiar with His Word. {AG 61.2}

The true seeker, who is striving to be like Jesus in word, life, andcharacter, will contemplate his Redeemer and, by beholding, become changed intoHis image, because he longs and prays for the same disposition and mind that wasin Christ Jesus. . . . He longs after God. The history of his Redeemer, theimmeasurable sacrifice that He made, becomes full of meaning to him. Christ, theMajesty of heaven, became poor, that we through His poverty might become rich;not rich merely in endowments, but rich in attainments. {AG 61.3}

These are the riches that Christ earnestly longs that His followers shallpossess. As the true seeker after the truth reads the Word and opens his mind toreceive the Word, he longs after truth with his whole heart. The love, the pity,the tenderness, the courtesy, the Christian politeness, which will be theelements in the heavenly mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for those thatlove Him, take possession of his soul. His purpose is steadfast. He isdetermined to stand on the side of righteousness. Truth has found its way intothe heart, and is planted there by the Holy Spirit, who is the truth. When truthtakes hold of the heart, the man gives sure evidence of this by becoming asteward of the grace of Christ. {AG 61.4}

Each steward has his own special work to do for the advancement of God'skingdom. . . . The talents of speech, memory, influence, property, are toaccumulate for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. He willbless the right use of His gifts. {AG 61.5}

Chap. 54 - Stewards of God's Grace

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one toanother, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10. {AG 62.1}

The knowledge of God's grace, the truths of His Word, and temporal gifts aswell--time and means, talents and influence-- are all a trust from God to beemployed to His glory and the salvation of men. Nothing can be more offensive toGod, who is constantly bestowing His gifts upon man, than to see him selfishlygrasping these gifts and making no returns to the Giver. Jesus is today inheaven preparing mansions for those who love Him; yes, more than mansions, akingdom which is to be ours. But all who shall inherit these blessings must bepartakers of the self-denial and self-sacrifice of Christ for the good ofothers. {AG 62.2}

Never was there greater need of earnest, self-sacrificing labour in the causeof Christ than now, when the hours of probation are fast closing and the lastmessage of mercy is to be given to the world. . . . {AG 62.3}

All that men receive of God's bounty still belongs to God. Whatever He hasbestowed in the valuable and beautiful things of earth is placed in our hands totest us, to sound the depths of our love for Him and our appreciation of Hisfavours. Whether it be the treasures of wealth or of intellect, they are to belaid, a willing offering, at the feet of Jesus. . . . {AG 62.4}

Whatever we render to God is, through His mercy and generosity, placed to ouraccount as faithful stewards. . . . Angels of God, whose perceptions areunclouded by sin, recognize the endowments of heaven as bestowed with theintention that they be returned in such a way as to add to the glory of thegreat Giver. With the sovereignty of God is bound up the well-being of man. Theglory of God is the joy and the blessing of all created beings. When we seek topromote His glory we are seeking for ourselves the highest good which it ispossible for us to receive. . . . God calls for the consecration to His serviceof every faculty, of every gift, you have received from Him. He wants you tosay, with David: "All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee"(1 Chron. 29:14). {AG 62.5}

Chap. 55 - Stewards of Truth

Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done formy soul. Ps. 66:16. {AG 63.1}

Wherever there is life, there is increase and growth; in God's kingdom thereis a constant interchange--taking in, and giving out; receiving, and returningto the Lord His own. God works with every true believer, and the light andblessings received are given out again in the work which the believer does. Thusthe capacity for receiving is increased. As one imparts of the heavenly gifts,he makes room for fresh currents of grace and truth to flow into the soul fromthe living fountain. Greater light, increased knowledge and blessing, are his.In this work, which devolves upon every church member, is the life and growth ofthe church. He whose life consists in ever receiving and never giving, soonloses the blessing. If truth does not flow forth from him to others, he loseshis capacity to receive. We must impart the goods of heaven if we desire freshblessings. {AG 63.2}

As the knowledge of truth is imparted, it will increase. All who receive thegospel message into the heart will long to proclaim it. The heaven-born love ofChrist must find expression. Those who have put on Christ will relate theirexperience, tracing step by step the leadings of the Holy Spirit--theirhungering and thirsting for the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He hassent, the results of their searching of the Scriptures, their prayers, theirsoul agony, and the words of Christ to them, "Thy sins be forgiven thee." {AG63.3}

It is unnatural for any to keep these things secret, and those who are filledwith the love of Christ will not do so. In proportion as the Lord has made themthe depositaries of sacred truth will be their desire that others shall receivethe same blessing. And as they make known the rich treasures of God's grace,more and still more of the grace of Christ will be imparted to them. They willhave the heart of a little child in its simplicity and unreserved obedience.Their souls will pant after holiness and more and more of the treasures of truthand grace will be revealed to them to be given to the world. {AG 63.4}

Chap. 56 - Stewards of Strength

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. Mark 12:30. {AG 64.1}

To every man is committed individual gifts, termed talents. Some regard thesetalents as being limited to certain men who possess superior mental endowmentsand genius. But God has not restricted the bestowal of His talents to a favouredfew. To every one is committed some special endowment, for which he will be heldresponsible by the Lord. Time, reason, means, strength, mental powers,tenderness of heart--all are gifts from God, entrusted to be used in the greatwork of blessing humanity. {AG 64.2}

In the capital of strength a precious talent has been entrusted to men forlabour. This is of more value than any bank deposit, and should be more highlyprized. . . . It is a blessing that cannot be purchased with gold or silver,houses or lands; and God requires it to be used wisely. No man has a right tosacrifice this talent to the corroding influence of inaction. All are asaccountable for the capital of physical strength as for their capital of means.. . . {AG 64.3}

The essential lesson of contented industry in the necessary duties of life isyet to be learned by many of Christ's followers. It requires more grace, morestern discipline of character, to work for God in the capacity of mechanic,merchant, lawyer, or farmer, carrying the precepts of Christianity into theordinary business of life, than to labour as an acknowledged missionary in theopen field. It requires a strong spiritual nerve to bring religion into theworkshop and the business office, sanctifying the details of everyday life, andordering every transaction according to the standard of God's word. But this iswhat the Lord requires. {AG 64.4}

Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one. Biblereligion is to be interwoven with all we do or say. Divine and human agenciesare to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements. {AG 64.5}

We are to love God, not only with all the heart, mind, and soul, but with allthe strength. This covers the full, intelligent use of the physical powers. {AG64.6}

Chap. 57 - Stewards of Influence

Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straightpaths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but letit rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which noman shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace ofGod. Heb. 12:12-15. {AG 65.1}

These words should teach us to be very careful how we snap the thread of ourfaith by dwelling on our difficulties until they are large in our own eyes, andin the eyes of others, who cannot read our inner, heart life. All shouldremember that the conversation has a great influence for good or for ill. . . .Do not allow the enemy so to use your tongue. . . . Do not exert an influencethat will break the hold of any trembling soul from God. . . . {AG 65.2}

The graces of Christ's Spirit must be cherished and revealed by the sons anddaughters of God. By their humility, their penitence, their desire to be likeJesus, to be conformed to His will by practising His lessons in their dailylife, they honour Him. . . . {AG 65.3}

"Ye are God's husbandry" (1 Cor. 3:9). As one takes pleasure in thecultivation of a garden, so God takes pleasure in His believing sons anddaughters. A garden demands constant labour. The weeds must be removed; newplants must be set out; branches that are making too rapid development must bepruned back. So the Lord works for His garden, so He tends His plants. He cannottake pleasure in any development that does not reveal the graces of thecharacter of Christ. The blood of Christ has made men and women God's preciouscharge. Then how careful should we be not to manifest too much freedom inpulling up the plants that God has placed in His garden! Some plants are sofeeble that they have hardly any life, and for these the Lord has a specialcare. {AG 65.4}

In all your transactions with your fellow men, never forget that you aredealing with God's property. Be kind; be pitiful; be courteous. Respect God'spurchased possession. Treat one another with tenderness and courtesy. Exertevery God-given faculty to become examples to others. . . . {AG 65.5}

Let Him who knows the heart and all its waywardness be able to deal with youin mercy because you have shown mercy and compassion and love. . . . (Heb.12:13). {AG 65.6}

Chap. 58 - Your Royal Birth

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive notthe grace of God in vain. 2 Cor. 6:1. {AG 66.1}

Many who claim to be Christians are not Christians. . . . God takes none toheaven but those who are first made saints in this world through the grace ofChrist, those in whom He can see Christ exemplified. . . . {AG 66.2}

"The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy" (James 5:11). . . . He looksupon His redeemed heritage with pity. He is ready to pardon their sins if theywill surrender and be loyal to Him. In order to be just, and yet the justifierof the sinner, He laid the punishment of sin upon His only begotten Son. . . .For Christ's sake He pardons those that fear Him. He does not see in them thevileness of the sinner; He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son, in whomthey believe. In this way only can God take pleasure in any of us. "As many asreceived him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them thatbelieve on his name" (John 1:12). {AG 66.3}

Were it not for Christ's atoning sacrifice, there would be nothing in us inwhich God could delight. All the natural goodness of man is worthless in God'ssight. He does not take pleasure in any man who retains his old nature, and isnot so renewed in knowledge and grace that he is a new man in Christ. Oureducation, our talents, our means, are gifts entrusted to us by God, that He maytest us. If we use them for self-glorification, God says, "I cannot delight inthem; for Christ has died for them in vain." . . . {AG 66.4}

To adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour, we must have the mind that wasin Christ. Our likes and dislikes, our desire to be first, to favour self to thedisadvantage of others, must be overcome. The peace of God must rule in ourhearts. Christ must be in us a living, working principle. . . . {AG 66.5}

By your obedience to God, respect yourselves as the purchased possession ofHis dear Son. Seek to be uplifted in Christ. This work is as lasting aseternity. . . . Shall we, sons and daughters of God, forget our royal birth?Shall we not rather honour our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? Shall we not showforth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvellouslight? {AG 66.6}

Chap. 59 - A Share in Christ's Kingdom

I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that yemay eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging thetwelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:29, 30. {AG 67.1}

What a promise is this! Christ's faithful ones are to be sharers with Him inthe kingdom He has received from His Father. This is a spiritual kingdom, inwhich those who are most active in serving their brethren are the greatest.Christ's servants, under His direction, are to administer the affairs of Hiskingdom. They are to eat and drink at His table, that is, be admitted to nearcommunion with Him. {AG 67.2}

Those who search for worldly distinction and glory make a sad mistake. It isthe one who denies self, giving to others the preference, who will sit nearestto Christ on His throne. He who reads the heart sees the true merit possessed byHis lowly, self-sacrificing disciples, and because they are worthy He placesthem in positions of distinction, though they do not realize their worthinessand do not seek for honour. . . . {AG 67.3}

God places no value on outward display or boasting. Many who in this life arelooked upon as superior to others, will one day see that God values menaccording to their compassion and self-denial. . . . Those who follow theexample of Him who went about doing good, who help and bless their fellow men,trying always to lift them up, are in God's sight infinitely higher than theselfish ones who exalt themselves. {AG 67.4}

God does not accept men because of their capabilities, but because they seekHis face, desiring His help. God sees not as man sees. He judges not fromappearances. He searches the heart, and judges righteously. . . . {AG 67.5}

He accepts and communes with His lowly, unpretentious followers; for in themHe sees the most precious material, which will stand the test of storm andtempest, heat and pressure. Our object in working for the Master should be thatHis name may be glorified in the conversion of sinners. . . . {AG 67.6}

Let us rejoice that the Lord does not measure the workers in His vineyard bytheir learning or by the educational advantages they have had. The tree isjudged by its fruit. The Lord will cooperate with those who cooperate with Him.{AG 67.7}

March

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Chap. 60 - Heaven's Highest Attraction

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtainmercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4:16. {AG 68.1}

After pointing to Christ, the compassionate intercessor who is "touched withthe feeling of our infirmities," the apostle says: "Let us therefore come boldlyunto the throne of grace. . . ." The throne of grace represents the kingdom ofgrace; for the existence of a throne implies the existence of a kingdom. {AG68.2}

God's appointments and grants in our behalf are without limit. The throne ofgrace is itself the highest attraction because occupied by One who permits us tocall Him Father. But God did not deem the principle of salvation complete whileinvested only with His own love. By His appointment He has placed at His altaran Advocate clothed with our nature. As our Intercessor, His office work is tointroduce us to God as His sons and daughters. Christ intercedes in behalf ofthose who have received Him. To them He gives power, by virtue of His ownmerits, to become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King.And the Father demonstrates His infinite love for Christ, who paid our ransomwith His blood, by receiving and welcoming Christ's friends as His friends. Heis satisfied with the atonement made. He is glorified by the incarnation, thelife, death, and mediation of His Son. {AG 68.3}

No sooner does the child of God approach the mercy seat than he becomes theclient of the great Advocate. At his first utterance of penitence and appeal forpardon Christ espouses his case and makes it His own, presenting thesupplication before the Father as His own request. {AG 68.4}

As Christ intercedes in our behalf, the Father lays open all the treasures ofHis grace for our appropriation, to be enjoyed and to be communicated to others."Ask in my name," Christ says; "I do not say that I will pray the Father foryou; for the Father Himself loveth you, because you have loved Me. Make use ofMy name. This will give your prayers efficiency, and the Father will give youthe riches of His grace; wherefore, 'ask and ye shall receive, that your joy maybe full' (John 16:24)." {AG 68.5}

Chap. 61 - Christ is Priest Upon the Throne

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into theheavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Heb. 4:14. {AG69.1}

In the temple in heaven, the dwelling place of God, His throne is establishedin righteousness and judgment. In the most holy place is His law, the great ruleof right by which all mankind are tested. The ark that enshrines the tables ofthe law is covered with the mercy seat, before which Christ pleads His blood inthe sinner's behalf. Thus is represented the union of justice and mercy in theplan of human redemption. . . . {AG 69.2}

As a priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in His throne. Upon thethrone with the eternal, self-existent One, is He who "hath borne our griefs,and carried our sorrows" (Isa. 53:4), who "was in all points tempted like as weare, yet without sin" (Heb. 4:15).... "If any man sin, we have an Advocate withthe Father" (1 John 2:1). His intercession is that of a pierced and broken body,of a spotless life. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet, pleadfor fallen man, whose redemption was purchased at such infinite cost. {AG 69.3}

The intercession of Christ in man's behalf in the sanctuary above is asessential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross. . . .Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind,and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore heis constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatalsophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus pleads in theirbehalf His wounded hands, His bruised body; and He declares to all who wouldfollow Him: "My grace is sufficient for thee" (2 Cor. 12:9). . . . Let none,then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace toovercome them. {AG 69.4}

We are now living in the great day of atonement. . . . All who would havetheir names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining daysof their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and truerepentance. There must be deep, faithful searching of heart. {AG 69.5}

Chap. 62 - Encircled by a Rainbow

Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne . . . and therewas a rainbow round about the throne. Rev. 4:2, 3. {AG 70.1}

The rainbow of promise encircling the throne on high is an everlastingtestimony that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, thatwhosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John3:16). It testifies to the universe that God will never forsake His people intheir struggle with evil. It is an assurance to us of strength and protection aslong as the throne itself shall endure. {AG 70.2}

As the bow in the cloud is formed by the union of the sunlight and theshower, so the rainbow encircling the throne represents the combined power ofmercy and justice. It is not justice alone that is to be maintained; for thiswould eclipse the glory of the rainbow of promise above the throne; man couldsee only the penalty of the law. Were there no justice, no penalty, there wouldbe no stability to the government of God. {AG 70.3}

It is the mingling of judgment and mercy that makes salvation full andcomplete. It is the blending of the two that leads us, as we view the world'sRedeemer and the law of Jehovah, to exclaim, "Thy gentleness hath made me great"(2 Sam. 22:36). We know that the gospel is a perfect and complete system,revealing the immutability of the law of God. . . . Mercy invites us to enterthrough the gates into the city of God, and justice is sacrificed to accord toevery obedient soul full privileges as a member of the royal family, a child ofthe heavenly King. {AG 70.4}

By faith let us look upon the rainbow round about the throne, the cloud ofsins confessed behind it. The rainbow of promise is an assurance to everyhumble, contrite, believing soul, that his life is one with Christ, and thatChrist is one with God. The wrath of God will not fall upon one soul that seeksrefuge in Him. God Himself has declared, "When I see the blood, I will pass overyou." "The bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I mayremember the everlasting covenant" (Ex. 12:13; Gen. 9:16). {AG 70.5}

Chap. 63 - In the Most Holy Place

The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.Hab. 2:20. {AG 71.1}

I saw a throne, and on it sat the Father and the Son. I gazed on Jesus'countenance and admired His lovely person. The Father's person I could notbehold, for a cloud of glorious light covered Him. I asked Jesus if His Fatherhad a form like Himself. He said He had, but I could not behold it, for said He,"If you should once behold the glory of His person, you would cease to exist." .. . {AG 71.2}

I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into theholy of holies within the veil, and sit down. . . . Then a cloudy chariot, withwheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came to where Jesus was. Hestepped into the chariot and was borne to the holiest, where the Father sat.There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest, standing before the Father. {AG 71.3}

Two lovely cherubs, one on each side of the ark, stood with their wingsoutstretched above it, and touching each other above the head of Jesus as Hestood before the mercy seat. Their faces were turned toward each other, and theylooked downward to the ark, representing all the angelic host looking withinterest at the law of God. Between the cherubim was a golden censer, and as theprayers of the saints, offered in faith, came up to Jesus, and He presented themto His Father, a cloud of fragrance arose from the incense, looking like smokeof most beautiful colours. Above the place where Jesus stood, before the ark,was exceedingly bright glory that I could not look upon; it appeared like thethrone of God. {AG 71.4}

Our crucified Lord is pleading for us in the presence of the Father at thethrone of grace. His atoning sacrifice we may plead for our pardon, ourjustification, and our sanctification. The lamb slain is our only hope. Ourfaith looks up to Him, grasps Him as the One who can save to the uttermost, andthe fragrance of the all-sufficient offering is accepted of the Father. . . .Christ's glory is concerned in our success. He has a common interest in allhumanity. He is our sympathizing Saviour. {AG 71.5}

Chap. 64 - Guarded by Seraphim

I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his trainfilled the temple. Isa. 6:1. {AG 72.1}

When God was about to send Isaiah with a message to His people, He firstpermitted the prophet to look in vision into the holy of holies within thesanctuary. Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the temple seemed to beuplifted or withdrawn, and he was permitted to gaze within, upon the holy ofholies, where even the prophet's feet might not enter. There rose before him avision of Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, while the train ofHis glory filled the temple. Around the throne were seraphim, as guards aboutthe great King, and they reflected the glory that surrounded them. As theirsongs of praise resounded in deep notes of adoration, the pillars of the gatetrembled, as if shaken by an earthquake. With lips unpolluted by sin, theseangels poured forth the praises of God. "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord ofhosts," they cried: "the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isa. 6:3). {AG 72.2}

The seraphim around the throne are so filled with reverential awe as theybehold the glory of God, that they do not for an instant look upon themselveswith admiration. Their praise is for the Lord of hosts. As they look into thefuture, when the whole earth shall be filled with His glory, the triumphant songis echoed from one to another in melodious chant, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lordof hosts." They are fully satisfied to glorify God; abiding in His presence,beneath His smile of approbation, they wish for nothing more. {AG 72.3}

The world that Satan has claimed and has ruled over with cruel tyranny, theSon of God has, by one vast achievement, encircled in His love and connectedagain with the throne of Jehovah. Cherubim and seraphim, and the unnumberedhosts of all the unfallen worlds, sang anthems of praise to God and the Lambwhen this triumph was assured. They rejoiced that the way of salvation had beenopened to the fallen race and that the earth would be redeemed from the curse ofsin. How much more should those rejoice who are the objects of such amazinglove! How can we ever be in doubt and uncertainty, and feel that we are orphans?{AG 72.4}

Chap. 65 - Founded on Righteousness

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Ps. 97:2, N.E.B.{AG 73.1}

In all His dealings with His creatures God has maintained the principles ofrighteousness by revealing sin in its true character--by demonstrating that itssure result is misery and death. The unconditional pardon of sin never has been,and never will be. Such pardon would show the abandonment of the principles ofrighteousness, which are the very foundation of the government of God. It wouldfill the unfallen universe with consternation. God has faithfully pointed outthe results of sin, and if these warnings were not true, how could we be surethat His promises would be fulfilled? That so-called benevolence which would setaside justice, is not benevolence, but weakness. {AG 73.2}

God is the life-giver. From the beginning, all His laws were ordained tolife. But sin broke in upon the order that God had established, and discordfollowed. So long as sin exists, suffering and death are inevitable. It is onlybecause the Redeemer has borne the curse of sin in our behalf, that man can hopeto escape, in his own person, its dire results. {AG 73.3}

We are to accept of Christ as our personal Saviour, and He imputes unto usthe righteousness of God in Christ. . . . "Herein is love, not that we lovedGod, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins"(1 John 4:10). {AG 73.4}

In the love of God has been opened the most marvellous vein of precioustruth, and the treasures of the grace of Christ are laid open before the churchand the world.... What love is this, what marvellous, unfathomable love thatwould lead Christ to die for us while we were yet sinners. What a loss it is tothe soul who understands the strong claims of the law, and who yet fails tounderstand the grace of Christ which doth much more abound. . . . Look at thecross of Calvary. It is a standing pledge of the boundless love, the measurelessmercy of the heavenly Father. {AG 73.5}

There is a God in Israel, with whom is deliverance for all that areoppressed. Righteousness is the habitation of His throne. {AG 73.6}

Chap. 66 - Established in Justice and Judgment

Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shallgo before thy face. Ps. 89:14. {AG 74.1}

Through Jesus, God's mercy was manifested to men; but mercy does not setaside justice. The law reveals the attributes of God's character, and not a jotor tittle of it could be changed to meet man in his fallen condition. God didnot change His law, but He sacrificed Himself, in Christ, for man's redemption."God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" (2 Cor. 5:19). . . . {AG74.2}

God's love has been expressed in His justice no less than in His mercy.Justice is the foundation of His throne, and the fruit of His love. It had beenSatan's purpose to divorce mercy from truth and justice. He sought to prove thatthe righteousness of God's law is an enemy to peace. But Christ shows that inGod's plan they are indissolubly joined together; the one cannot exist withoutthe other. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace havekissed each other" (Ps. 85:10). {AG 74.3}

By His life and His death, Christ proved that God's justice did not destroyHis mercy, but that sin could be forgiven, and that the law is righteous, andcan be perfectly obeyed. Satan's charges were refuted. {AG 74.4}

The grace of Christ and the law of God are inseparable. In Jesus mercy andtruth are met together.... He was the representative of God and the exemplar ofhumanity. He presented to the world what humanity might become when united byfaith with divinity. The only-begotten Son of God took upon Him the nature ofman, and established His cross between earth and heaven. Through the cross, manwas drawn to God, and God to man. Justice moved from its high and awfulposition, and the heavenly hosts, the armies of holiness, drew near to thecross, bowing with reverence; for at the cross justice was satisfied. Throughthe cross the sinner was drawn from the stronghold of sin, from the confederacyof evil, and at every approach to the cross his heart relents and in penitencehe cries, "It was my sins that crucified the Son of God." At the cross he leaveshis sins, and through the grace of Christ his character is transformed. {AG74.5}

Chap. 67 - Fountain of Life and Power

Every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, andsuch as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, andhonour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and untothe Lamb for ever and ever. Rev. 5:13. {AG 75.1}

God desires His obedient children to claim His blessing and to come beforeHim with praise and thanksgiving. God is the Fountain of life and power. . . .He has done for His chosen people that which should inspire every heart withthanksgiving, and it grieves Him that so little praise is offered. He desires tohave a stronger expression from His people, showing that they know they havereason for joy and gladness. {AG 75.2}

The dealings of God with His people should be often repeated. How frequentlywere the waymarks set up by the Lord in His dealings with ancient Israel! Lestthey should forget the history of the past, He commanded Moses to frame theseevents into song, that parents might teach them to their children. . . . For Hispeople in this generation the Lord has wrought as a wonder-working God. The pasthistory of the cause of God needs to be often brought before the people, youngand old. We need often to recount God's goodness and to praise Him for Hiswonderful works. . . . {AG 75.3}

The church of God below is one with the church of God above. Believers on theearth and the beings in heaven who have never fallen constitute one church.Every heavenly intelligence is interested in the assemblies of the saints who onearth meet to worship God. In the inner court of heaven they listen to thetestimony of the witnesses for Christ in the outer court on earth, and thepraise and thanksgiving from the worshippers below is taken up in the heavenlyanthem, and praise and rejoicing sound through the heavenly courts becauseChrist has not died in vain for the fallen sons of Adam. While angels drink fromthe fountainhead, the saints on earth drink of the pure streams flowing from thethrone, the streams that make glad the city of our God. Oh, that we could allrealize the nearness of heaven to earth! . . . In every assembly of the saintsbelow are angels of God, listening to the testimonies, songs, and prayers. Letus remember that our praises are supplemented by the choirs of the angelic hostabove. {AG 75.4}

Chap. 68 - Centre of Worship

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thyloving-kindness and for thy truth. Ps. 138:2. {AG 76.1}

The bright and cheerful side of our religion will be represented by all whoare daily consecrated to God. . . . While we review, not the dark chapters inour experience, but the manifestations of God's great mercy and unfailing love,we shall praise far more than complain. We shall talk of the loving faithfulnessof God as the true, tender, compassionate shepherd of His flock, which He hasdeclared that none shall pluck out of His hand. The language of the heart willnot be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise, like clear-flowing streams, willcome from God's truly believing ones. . . . {AG 76.2}

The temple of God is opened in heaven, and the threshold is flushed with theglory of God which is for every church that will love God and keep Hiscommandments. We need to study, to meditate, and to pray. Then we shall havespiritual eyesight to discern the inner courts of the celestial temple. We shallcatch the themes of song and thanksgiving of the heavenly choir round about thethrone. When Zion shall arise and shine, her light will be most penetrating, andprecious songs of praise and thanksgiving will be heard in the assemblies of thesaints. Murmuring and complaining over little disappointments and difficultieswill cease. . . . We shall see our Advocate offering up the incense of His ownmerits in our behalf. . . . {AG 76.3}

God teaches that we should assemble in His house to cultivate the attributesof perfect love. This will fit the dwellers of earth for the mansions thatChrist has gone to prepare for all who love Him. There they will assemble in thesanctuary from Sabbath to Sabbath, from one new moon to another, to unite inloftiest strains of song, in praise and thanksgiving to Him who sits upon thethrone, and to the Lamb for ever and ever. {AG 76.4}

Our God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, declares: "Whoso offerethpraise glorifieth me" (Ps. 50:23). All heaven unite in praising God. Let uslearn the song of the angels now, that we may sing it when we join their shiningranks. Let us say with the psalmist: "While I live will I praise the Lord: Iwill sing praises unto my God while I have any being" (Ps. 146:2). {AG 76.5}

Chap. 69 - Source of Compassion and Mercy

Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is aright sceptre. Ps. 45:6. {AG 77.1}

Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne ofthe universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today, the sametender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the handthat was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that arein the world. . . . {AG 77.2}

Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave usalone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushedwith burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear offaith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. "I am he that liveth,and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore" (Rev. 1:18). {AG 77.3}

Those who put away iniquity from their hearts and stretch out their hands inearnest supplication unto God will have that help which God alone can give them.A ransom has been paid for the souls of men, that they may have an opportunityto escape from the thralldom of sin and obtain pardon, purity, and heaven. . . .Those who frequent the throne of grace, offering up sincere, earnest petitionsfor divine wisdom and power, will not fail to become active, useful servants ofChrist. They may not possess great talents, but with humility of heart and firmreliance upon Jesus they may do a good work in bringing souls to Christ. . . .{AG 77.4}

Thousands have a false conception of God and His attributes. . . . God is aGod of truth. Justice and mercy are the attributes of His throne. He is a God oflove, of pity and tender compassion. Thus He is represented in His Son, ourSaviour. He is a God of patience and long-suffering. If such is the being whomwe adore and to whose character we are seeking to assimilate, we are worshippingthe true God. {AG 77.5}

If we are following Christ, His merits, imputed to us, come up before theFather as sweet odour. And the graces of our Saviour's character, implanted inour hearts, will shed around us a precious fragrance. {AG 77.6}

Chap. 70 - A Sympathizing High Priest

Thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judgingright. Ps. 9:4. {AG 78.1}

We do not understand the greatness and majesty of God nor remember theimmeasurable distance between the Creator and the creatures formed by His hand.He who sitteth in the heavens, swaying the sceptre of the universe, does notjudge according to our finite standard, nor reckon according to our computation.We are in error if we think that that which is great to us must be great to God,and that that which is small to us must be small to Him. . . . {AG 78.2}

No sin is small in the sight of God. The sins which man is disposed to lookupon as small may be the very ones which God accounts as great crimes. Thedrunkard is despised and is told that his sin will exclude him from heaven,while pride, selfishness, and covetousness go unrebuked. But these are sins thatare especially offensive to God. . . . We need clear discernment, that we maymeasure sin by the Lord's standard. {AG 78.3}

Now, while probation lingers, it does not become one to pronounce sentenceupon others and look to himself as a model man. Christ is our model; imitateHim, plant your feet in His steps. You may professedly believe every point ofpresent truth, but unless you practice these truths it will avail you nothing.We are not to condemn others; this is not our work; but we should love oneanother and pray for one another. When we see one err from the truth, then wemay weep over him as Christ wept over Jerusalem. Let us see what our heavenlyFather in His word says about the erring: "If a man be overtaken in a fault, yewhich are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; consideringthyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Gal. 6:1). . . . {AG 78.4}

Jesus cares for each one as though there were not another individual on theface of the earth. As Deity He exerts mighty power in our behalf, while as ourElder Brother He feels for all our woes. The Majesty of heaven held not Himselfaloof from degraded, sinful humanity. We have not a high priest who is so high,so lifted up, that He cannot notice us or sympathize with us, but one who was inall points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. {AG 78.5}

Chap. 71 - Christ Shares His Father's Throne

The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thineenemies thy footstool. Ps. 110:1. {AG 79.1}

The love of the Father toward a fallen race is unfathomable, indescribable,without a parallel. This love led Him to consent to give His only begotten Sonto die, that rebellious man might be brought into harmony with the government ofHeaven, and be saved from the penalty of his transgression. The Son of Godstepped down from His royal throne, and for our sakes became poor, that wethrough His poverty might be rich. He became "a Man of sorrows," that we mightbe made partakers of everlasting joy. . . . God permitted His beloved Son, fullof grace and truth, to come from a world of indescribable glory to a worldmarred and blighted with sin, shadowed with the shadow of death and the curse.{AG 79.2}

Since Jesus came to dwell with us, we know that God is acquainted with ourtrials, and sympathizes with our griefs. Every son and daughter of Adam mayunderstand that our Creator is the friend of sinners. For in every doctrine ofgrace, every promise of joy, every deed of love, every divine attractionpresented in the Saviour's life on earth, we see "God with us" (Matt. 1:23). . .. {AG 79.3}

By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He lays hold uponthe throne of God. As the Son of man, He gave us an example of obedience; as theSon of God, He gives us power to obey. . . . The Child of Bethlehem, the meekand lowly Saviour, is God "manifest in the flesh" (1 Tim. 3:16). . . . "God withus" is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the assurance of our power toobey the law of heaven. . . . {AG 79.4}

In taking our nature, the Saviour has bound Himself to humanity by a tie thatis never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. . . ."Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: . . ." (Isa. 9:6). God hasadopted human nature in the person of His Son, and has carried the same into thehighest heaven. It is the "Son of man" who shares the throne of the universe. .. . In Christ the family of earth and the family of heaven are bound together.Christ glorified is our brother. Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and humanityis enfolded in the bosom of Infinite Love. {AG 79.5}

Chap. 72 - God's Law is Linked with His Throne

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Ps.119:18. {AG 80.1}

God has given His holy law to man as His measure of character. By this lawyou may see and overcome every defect in your character. You may sever yourselffrom every idol, and link yourself to the throne of God by the golden chain ofgrace and truth. {AG 80.2}

The moral law was never a type or a shadow. It existed before man's creation,and will endure as long as God's throne remains. God could not change nor alterone precept of His law in order to save man; for the law is the foundation ofHis government. It is unchangeable, unalterable, infinite, and eternal. In orderfor man to be saved, and for the honour of the law to be maintained, it wasnecessary for the Son of God to offer Himself as a sacrifice for sin. He whoknew no sin became sin for us, He died for us on Calvary. His death shows thewonderful love of God for man, and the immutability of His law. . . . {AG 80.3}

The glory of Christ is revealed in the law, which is a transcript of Hischaracter, and His transforming efficacy is felt upon the soul until men becomechanged to His likeness. They are made partakers of the divine nature, and growmore and more like their Saviour, advancing step by step in conformity to thewill of God, till they reach perfection. {AG 80.4}

The law of God was not given to the Jews alone. It is of world-wide andperpetual obligation. . . . Its ten precepts are like a chain of ten links. Ifone is broken, the chain becomes worthless. Not a single precept can be revokedor changed to save the transgressor. {AG 80.5}

Christ designs that heaven's order, heaven's plan of government, heaven'sdivine harmony, shall be represented in His church on earth. Thus in His peopleHe is glorified. Through them the Sun of Righteousness will shine in undimmedlustre to the world. . . . The church, endowed with the righteousness of Christ,is His depositary, in which the riches of His mercy, His grace, and His love,are to appear in full and final display. Christ looks upon His people in theirpurity and perfection, as the reward of His humiliation, and the supplement ofHis glory--Christ, the great Centre, from whom radiates all glory. {AG 80.6}

Chap. 73 - Help in Resisting Temptation

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee fromthe hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them thatdwell upon the earth. Rev. 3:10. {AG 81.1}

All heaven is interested in the work going on in this world, which is toprepare men and women for the future, immortal life. It is God's plan that humanagencies shall have the high honour of acting as co-workers with Jesus Christ inthe salvation of souls. . . . They should look upon the work of God as sacredand holy, and should bring to Him, every day, offerings of joy and gratitude, inreturn for the power of His grace, by which they are enabled to make advancementin the divine life. . . . {AG 81.2}

It is not necessary that anyone should yield to the temptations of Satan andthus violate his conscience and grieve the Holy Spirit. Every provision has beenmade in the Word of God whereby all may have divine help in their endeavours toovercome. {AG 81.3}

In the religious life of every soul who is finally victorious there will bescenes of terrible perplexity and trial; but his knowledge of the Scriptureswill enable him to bring to mind the encouraging promises of God, which willcomfort his heart and strengthen his faith in the power of the Mighty One. Hereads: . . . . "that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than ofgold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praiseand honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. . . "(1 Peter 1:7). Thetrial of faith is more precious than gold. All should learn that this is a partof the discipline in the school of Christ, which is essential to purify andrefine them from the dross of earthliness. . . . {AG 81.4}

Summon all your powers to look up, not down at your difficulties; then youwill never faint by the way. You will soon see Jesus behind the cloud, reachingout His hand to help you; and all you have to do is to give Him your hand insimple faith and let Him lead you. . . . A great name among men is as letterstraced in sand, but a spotless character will endure to all eternity. God givesyou intelligence and a reasoning mind, whereby you may grasp His promises; andJesus is ready to help you in forming a strong, symmetrical character. {AG 81.5}

Chap. 74 - Where Sins May Be Blotted Out

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, andwill not remember thy sins. Isa. 43:25. {AG 82.1}

Some seem to feel that they must be on probation, and must prove to the Lordthat they are reformed, before they can claim His blessing. But they may claimthe blessing of God even now. They must have His grace, the spirit of Christ, tohelp their infirmities, or they cannot resist evil. Jesus loves to have us cometo Him just as we are, sinful, helpless, dependent. We may come with all ourweakness, our folly, our sinfulness, and fall at His feet in penitence. It isHis glory to encircle us in the arms of His love and to bind up our wounds, tocleanse us from all impurity. {AG 82.2}

Here is where thousands fail; they do not believe that Jesus pardons thempersonally, individually. They do not take God at His word. It is the privilegeof all who comply with the conditions to know for themselves that pardon isfreely extended for every sin. Put away the suspicion that God's promises arenot meant for you. They are for every repentant transgressor. Strength and gracehave been provided through Christ to be brought by ministering angels to everybelieving soul. None are so sinful that they cannot find strength, purity, andrighteousness in Jesus, who died for them. He is waiting to strip them of theirgarments stained and polluted with sin, and to put upon them the white robes ofrighteousness; He bids them live and not die. . . . {AG 82.3}

With the rich promises of the Bible before you, can you give place to doubt?Can you believe that when the poor sinner longs to return, longs to forsake hissins, the Lord sternly withholds him from coming to His feet in repentance? Awaywith such thoughts! Nothing can hurt your own soul more than to entertain such aconception of our heavenly Father. He hates sin, but He loves the sinner. . . .As you read the promises, remember they are the expression of unutterable loveand pity. The great heart of Infinite Love is drawn toward the sinner withboundless compassion. . . . He wants to restore His moral image in man. As youdraw near to Him with confession and repentance, He will draw near to you withmercy and forgiveness. {AG 82.4}

Chap. 75 - Where We Find Deliverance from Sin

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us intothe kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, eventhe forgiveness of sins. Col. 1:13, 14. {AG 83.1}

The Prince of heaven has placed man in an exalted position. His life has beenvalued at the cost of Calvary's cross. . . . From the depths of sin'sdegradation, we may be exalted to become heirs with Christ, the sons of God, andkings and priests unto the Most High. . . . {AG 83.2}

When Christ bowed on the banks of Jordan, after His baptism, the heavens,were opened, and the Spirit descended in the form of a dove, like burnishedgold, and encircled Him with its glory; and the voice of God from the highestheaven was heard, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased"(Matt. 3:17). The prayer of Christ in man's behalf opened the gates of heaven,and the Father had responded, accepting the petition for the fallen race. Jesusprayed as our substitute and surety, and now the human family may find access tothe Father through the merits of His well-beloved Son. . . . Jesus is "the way,the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). The gate of heaven has been left ajar, andthe radiance from the throne of God shines into the hearts of those who loveHim. {AG 83.3}

The word that was spoken to Jesus at the Jordan. . . . embraces humanity. Godspoke to Jesus as our representative. With all our sins and weaknesses, we arenot cast aside as worthless. . . . The glory that rested upon Christ is a pledgeof the love of God for us. It tells us of the power of prayer--how the humanvoice may reach the ear of God, and our petition find acceptance in the courtsof heaven. By sin, earth was cut off from heaven, and alienated from itscommunion; but Jesus has connected it again with the sphere of glory. His lovehas encircled man, and reached the highest heaven. The light which fell from theopen portals upon the head of our Saviour will fall upon us as we pray for helpto resist temptation. The voice which spoke to Jesus says to every believingsoul, This is My beloved child, in whom I am well pleased. . . . Our Redeemerhas opened the way so that the most sinful, the most needy, . . . may findaccess to the Father. All may have a home in the mansions which Jesus has goneto prepare. {AG 83.4}

Chap. 76 - Accessible to All

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Eph.3:12. {AG 84.1}

Many who are sincerely seeking for holiness of heart and purity of life seemperplexed and discouraged. . . . Darkness and discouragement will sometimes comeupon the soul and threaten to overwhelm us, but we should not cast away ourconfidence. We must keep the eye fixed on Jesus, feeling or no feeling. Weshould seek to faithfully perform every known duty, and then calmly rest in thepromises of God. {AG 84.2}

At times a deep sense of our unworthiness will send a thrill of terrorthrough the soul, but this is no evidence that God has changed toward us, or wetoward God. No effort should be made to rein the mind up to a certain intensityof emotion. We may not feel today the peace and joy which we felt yesterday; butwe should by faith grasp the hand of Christ, and trust Him as fully in thedarkness as in the light. {AG 84.3}

Satan may whisper, "You are too great a sinner for Christ to save." While youacknowledge that you are indeed sinful and unworthy, you may meet the tempterwith the cry, "By virtue of the atonement, I claim Christ as my Saviour. I trustnot to my own merits, but to the precious blood of Jesus, which cleanses me.This moment I hang my helpless soul on Christ." . . . {AG 84.4}

Be not discouraged because your heart seems hard. Every obstacle, everyinternal foe, only increases your need of Christ. He came to take away the heartof stone, and give you a heart of flesh. Look to Him for special grace toovercome your peculiar faults. When assailed by temptation, steadfastly resistthe evil promptings. . . . Cry to the dear Saviour for help to sacrifice everyidol and to put away every darling sin. Let the eye of faith see Jesus standingbefore the Father's throne, presenting His wounded hands as He pleads for you.Believe that strength comes to you through your precious Saviour. . . . {AG84.5}

If we would permit our minds to dwell more upon Christ and the heavenlyworld, we should find a powerful stimulus and support in fighting the battles ofthe Lord. . . . Beside the loveliness of Christ, all earthly attractions willseem of little worth. {AG 84.6}

Chap. 77 - Christ's Name Our Password

Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may beglorified in the Son. John 14:13. {AG 85.1}

Through Christ we may present our petitions at the throne of grace. ThroughHim, unworthy as we are, we may obtain all spiritual blessings. {AG 85.2}

Make your requests known to your Maker. Never is one repulsed who comes toHim with a contrite heart. Not one sincere prayer is lost. Amid the anthems ofthe celestial choir, God hears the cries of the weakest human being. We pour outour heart's desire in our closets, we breathe a prayer as we walk by the way,and our words reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. They may beinaudible to any human ear, but they cannot die away into silence, nor can theybe lost through the activities of business that are going on. Nothing can drownthe soul's desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the confusion ofthe multitude, to the heavenly courts. It is God to whom we are speaking, andour prayer is heard. {AG 85.3}

"Ask in my name," Christ says. . . . Christ is the connecting link betweenGod and man. He has promised His personal intercession. He places the wholevirtue of His righteousness on the side of the suppliant. He pleads for man, andman, in need of divine help, pleads for himself in the presence of God, usingthe influence of the One who gave His life for the life of the world. As weacknowledge before God our appreciation of Christ's merits, fragrance is givento our intercessions. As we approach God through the virtue of the Redeemer'smerits, Christ places us close by His side, encircling us with His human arm,while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. . . . {AG 85.4}

Yes, Christ has become the medium of prayer between man and God. He has alsobecome the medium of blessing between God and man. He has united divinity withhumanity. . . . {AG 85.5}

Pray, yes, pray with unshaken faith and trust. The Angel of the covenant,even our Lord Jesus Christ, is the Mediator who secures the acceptance of theprayers of His believing ones. {AG 85.6}

Chap. 78 - Prayers Like Fragrant Incense

Another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and therewas given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of allthe saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. Rev. 8:3. {AG86.1}

True prayer takes hold upon Omnipotence and gives us the victory. Upon hisknees the Christian obtains strength to resist temptation. . . . The silent,fervent prayer of the soul will rise like holy incense to the throne of graceand will be as acceptable to God as if offered in the sanctuary. To all who thusseek Him, Christ becomes a present help in time of need. They will be strong inthe day of trial. {AG 86.2}

It is a wonderful favour for any man in this life to be commended of God aswas Cornelius. And what was the ground of this approval?--"Thy prayers and thinealms are come up for a memorial before God" (Acts 10:4). {AG 86.3}

Neither prayer nor almsgiving has any virtue in itself to recommend thesinner to God; the grace of Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, can alonerenew the heart and make our service acceptable to God. This grace had movedupon the heart of Cornelius. The Spirit of Christ had spoken to his soul; Jesushad drawn him, and he had yielded to the drawing. His prayers and alms were noturged or extorted from him; they were not a price he was seeking to pay in orderto secure heaven; but they were the fruit of love and gratitude to God. {AG86.4}

Such prayer from a sincere heart ascends as incense before the Lord; andofferings to His cause and gifts to the needy and suffering are a sacrifice wellpleasing to Him. . . . {AG 86.5}

Prayer and almsgiving are closely linked together--the expression of love toGod and to our fellow men. They are the outworking of the two great principlesof the divine law,"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and withall thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength"; and, "Thoushalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Mark 12:30, 31). Thus while our giftscannot recommend us to God or earn His favour, they are an evidence that we havereceived the grace of Christ. They are a test of the sincerity of our professionof love. {AG 86.6}

Chap. 79 - Press Your Case

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely. Hosea 14:4. {AG 87.1}

I hope that none will obtain the idea that they are earning the favour of Godby confession of sins or that there is special virtue in confessing to humanbeings. . . . The Lord would have us come to Him daily with all our troubles andconfessions of sin, and He can give us rest. . . . {AG 87.2}

Confess your secret sins alone before your God. Acknowledge your heartwanderings to Him who knows perfectly how to treat your case. If you havewronged your neighbour, acknowledge to him your sin and show fruit of the sameby making restitution. Then claim the blessing. Come to God just as you are, andlet Him heal all your infirmities. Press your case to the throne of grace; letthe work be thorough. Be sincere in dealing with God and your own soul. If youcome to Him with a heart truly contrite, He will give you the victory. . . . Hewill not misapprehend or misjudge you. {AG 87.3}

Your fellow men cannot absolve you from sin or cleanse you from iniquity.Jesus is the only One who can give you peace. He loved you and gave Himself foryou. His great heart of love is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities"(Heb. 4:15). What sins are too great for Him to pardon? what soul too dark andsin-oppressed for Him to save? He is gracious, not looking for merit in us, butof His own boundless goodness healing our backslidings and loving us freely,while we are yet sinners. He is "slow to anger, and of great kindness" (Neh.9:17). {AG 87.4}

There is a remedy for the sin-sick soul. That remedy is in Jesus. PreciousSaviour! His grace is sufficient for the weakest; and the strongest must alsohave His grace or perish. {AG 87.5}

I saw how this grace could be obtained. Go to your closet and there aloneplead with God. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spiritwithin me" (Ps. 51:10). Be in earnest, be sincere. Fervent prayer availeth much.Jacob-like, wrestle in prayer. Agonize. Jesus in the garden sweat great drops ofblood; you must make an effort. Do not leave your closet until you feel strongin God; then watch, and just as long as you watch and pray, you can keep theseevil besetments under, and the grace of God can, and will, appear in you. {AG87.6}

Chap. 80 - Elijah's Example

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestlythat it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of threeyears and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and theearth brought forth her fruit. James 5:17, 18. {AG 88.1}

When upon Mount Carmel he [Elijah] offered the prayer for rain (1 Kings18:41-45), his faith was tested, but he persevered in making known his requestunto God. Six times he prayed earnestly, and yet there was no sign that hispetition was granted, but with a strong faith he urged his plea to the throne ofgrace. Had he given up in discouragement at the sixth time, his prayer would nothave been answered, but he persevered till the answer came. We have a God whoseear is not closed to our petitions; and if we prove His Word, He will honour ourfaith. He wants us to have all our interests interwoven with His interests, andthen He can safely bless us; for we shall not then take glory to self when theblessing is ours, but shall render all the praise to God. God does not alwaysanswer our prayers the first time we call upon Him; for should He do this, wemight take it for granted that we had a right to all the blessings and favoursHe bestowed upon us. Instead of searching our hearts to see if any evil wasentertained by us, any sin indulged, we should become careless, and fail torecognize our dependence upon Him, and our need of His help. {AG 88.2}

The servant watched while Elijah prayed. Six times he returned from thewatch, saying, There is nothing, no cloud, no sign of rain. But the prophet didnot give up in discouragement . . . . As he searched his heart, he seemed to beless and less, both in his own estimation and in the sight of God. . . . Andwhen he reached the point of renouncing self, while he clung to the Saviour ashis only strength and righteousness, the answer came. The servant appeared, andsaid, "Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand."{AG 88.3}

Elijah did not wait for the heavens to gather blackness. In that small cloud,he beheld by faith an abundance of rain; and he acted in harmony with his faith.. . . Faith such as this is needed in the world today--faith that will lay holdon the promises of God's word, and refuse to let go until Heaven hears. {AG88.4}

Chap. 81 - When Affliction Comes

When he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himselfgreatly before the God of his fathers. 2 Chron. 33:12. {AG 89.1}

"In the world ye shall have tribulation" (John 16:33), says Christ; but in Meye shall have peace. The trials to which Christians are subjected in sorrow,adversity, and reproach are the means appointed of God to separate the chafffrom the wheat. Our pride, selfishness, evil passions, and love of worldlypleasure must all be overcome; therefore God sends us afflictions to test andprove us, and show us that these evils exist in our characters. We must overcomethrough His strength and grace, that we may be partakers of the divine nature,having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. "For our lightaffliction," says Paul, "which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far moreexceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which areseen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen aretemporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:17, 18).Afflictions, crosses, temptations, adversity, and our varied trials are God'sworkmen to refine us, sanctify us, and fit us for the heavenly garner. {AG 89.2}

Many of your afflictions have been visited upon you, in the wisdom of God, tobring you closer to the throne of grace. He softens and subdues His children bysorrows and trials. This world is God's workshop, where He fashions us for thecourts of heaven. He uses the planing knife upon our quivering hearts until theroughness and irregularities are removed and we are fitted for our proper placesin the heavenly building. Through tribulation and distress the Christian becomespurified and strengthened, and develops a character after the model that Christhas given. {AG 89.3}

Let the afflictions which pain us so grievously become instructive lessons,teaching us to press forward toward the mark of the prize of our high calling inChrist. Let us be encouraged by the thought that the Lord is soon to come. Letthis hope gladden our hearts. {AG 89.4}

Chap. 82 - Sharing Christ's Suffering

Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when hisglory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:13.{AG 90.1}

To have strength we must have exercise. To have strong faith, we must beplaced in circumstances where our faith will be exercised. . . . It is throughmuch tribulation that we are to enter the kingdom of God. Our Saviour was triedin every possible way, and yet He triumphed in God continually. It is ourprivilege to be strong in the strength of God under all circumstances and toglory in the cross of Christ. {AG 90.2}

In this life we must meet fiery trials and make costly sacrifices, but thepeace of Christ is the reward. There has been so little self-denial, so littlesuffering for Christ's sake, that the cross is almost entirely forgotten. Wemust be partakers with Christ of His sufferings if we would sit down in triumphwith Him on His throne. {AG 90.3}

Heaven is very near those who suffer for righteousness' sake. Christidentifies His interests with the interests of His faithful people; He suffersin the person of His saints, and whoever touches His chosen ones touches Him.The power that is near to deliver from physical harm or distress is also near tosave from the greater evil, making it possible for the servant of God tomaintain his integrity under all circumstances, and to triumph through divinegrace. {AG 90.4}

Persecution should bring joy to the disciples of Christ, for it is anevidence that they are following in the steps of their Master. {AG 90.5}

While the Lord has not promised His people exemption from trials, He haspromised that which is far better. He has said, "As thy days, so shall thystrength be" (Deut. 33:25). "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength ismade perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). If you are called to go through thefiery furnace for His sake, Jesus will be by your side even as He was with thefaithful three in Babylon. Those who love their Redeemer will rejoice at everyopportunity of sharing with Him humiliation and reproach. The love they beartheir Lord makes suffering for His sake sweet. {AG 90.6}

Chap. 83 - Come with Reverence

Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence andgodly fear. Heb. 12:28. {AG 91.1}

There should be an intelligent knowledge of how to come to God in reverenceand godly fear with devotional love. There is a growing lack of reverence forour Maker, a growing disregard of His greatness and His majesty. But God isspeaking to us in these last days. We hear His voice in the storm, in therolling thunder. We hear of calamities He permits in the earthquakes, thebreaking forth of waters, and the destructive elements sweeping all before them.{AG 91.2}

In these perilous times, those who profess to be God's commandment-keepingpeople should guard against the tendency to lose the spirit of reverence andgodly fear. The Scriptures teach men how to approach their Maker--with humilityand awe, through faith in a divine Mediator. Let man come on bended knee, as asubject of grace, a suppliant at the footstool of mercy. Thus he is to testifythat the whole soul, body, and spirit are in subjection to his Creator. {AG91.3}

Both in public and in private worship, it is our duty [THERE ARE INSTANCESWHERE ELLEN WHITE STOOD AT THE DESK WHILE OFFERING PRAYERS OF CONSECRATIONDURING CHURCH SERVICES.] to bow upon our knees before God when we offer ourpetitions to Him. Jesus, our example, "kneeled down, and prayed." And of Hisdisciples it is recorded that they, too, "kneeled down, and prayed." Stephen"kneeled." Paul declared: "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord JesusChrist" (Eph. 3:14). In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt.Daniel "kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanksbefore his God" (Dan. 6:10). And the invitation of the psalmist is: "O come, letus worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker" (Ps. 95:6). {AG91.4}

"What doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, towalk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with allthy heart and with all thy soul?" (Deut. 10:12). . . . "The eye of the Lord isupon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy" (Ps. 33:18). "Byhumility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life" (Prov.22:4). {AG 91.5}

Chap. 84 - Come in Humility and Holy Fear

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had inreverence of all them that are about him. Ps. 89:7. {AG 92.1}

Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of all who comeinto the presence of God. In the name of Jesus we may come before Him withconfidence, but we must not approach Him with the boldness of presumption, asthough He were on a level with ourselves. There are those who address the greatand all-powerful and holy God, who dwelleth in light unapproachable, as theywould address an equal, or even an inferior. There are those who conductthemselves in His house as they would not presume to do in the audience-chamberof an earthly ruler. These should remember that they are in His sight whomseraphim adore, before whom angels veil their faces. God is greatly to bereverenced; all who truly realize His presence will bow in humility before Him.{AG 92.2}

Some think it a mark of humility to pray to God in a common manner, as iftalking with a human being. They profane His name by needlessly and irreverentlymingling with their prayers the words, "God Almighty"--awful, sacred words,which should never pass the lips except in subdued tones and with a feeling ofawe. . . . {AG 92.3}

It is the heartfelt prayer of faith that is heard in heaven and answered onearth. God understands the needs of humanity. He knows what we desire before weask Him. He sees the soul's conflict with doubt and temptation. He marks thesincerity of the suppliant. He will accept the humiliation and affliction of thesoul. "To this man will I look," He declares, "even to him that is poor and of acontrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." {AG 92.4}

It is our privilege to pray with confidence, the Spirit inditing ourpetitions. With simplicity we should state our needs to the Lord, and claim Hispromise. . . . {AG 92.5}

Our prayers should be full of tenderness and love. When we yearn for adeeper, broader realization of the Saviour's love, we shall cry to God for morewisdom. If ever there was a need of soul-stirring prayers and sermons, it isnow. The end of all things is at hand. O that we could see as we should thenecessity of seeking the Lord with all the heart! Then we should find Him. MayGod teach His people how to pray. {AG 92.6}

Chap. 85 - A Sacred Experience

Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world standin awe of him. Ps. 33:8. {AG 93.1}

Holy angels have been displeased and disgusted with the irreverent manner inwhich many have used the name of God, the great Jehovah. Angels mention thatsacred name with the greatest awe, ever veiling their faces when they speak thename of God; and the name of Christ is so sacred to them that they speak it withthe greatest reverence. {AG 93.2}

True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and arealization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart shouldbe deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer are sacred, because God isthere. And as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling thatinspires it will be deepened. "Holy and reverend is his name," the psalmistdeclares. Angels, when they speak that name, veil their faces. With whatreverence, then, should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips!{AG 93.3}

Well would it be for young and old to study and ponder and often repeat thosewords of Holy Writ that show how the place marked by God's special presenceshould be regarded. "Put off thy shoes from off thy feet," He commanded Moses atthe burning bush; "for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground" (Ex.3:5). Jacob, after beholding the vision of the angels, exclaimed, "The Lord isin this place; and I knew it not. . . . This is none other but the house of God,and this is the gate of heaven" (Gen. 28:16, 17). "The Lord is in his holytemple: let all the earth keep silence before him" (Hab. 2:20).

"The Lord is a great God,
And a great King above all gods. . . .
O come, let us worship and bow down:
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."

"It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
And into his courts with praise:
Be thankful unto him, and bless his name."
(Ps. 95:3-6; 100:3, 4). {AG 93.4}

Chap. 86 - A Hallowed Name

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Matt. 6:9. {AG 94.1}

To hallow the name of the Lord requires that the words in which we speak ofthe Supreme Being be uttered with reverence. "Holy and reverend is his name"(Ps. 111:9). We are never in any manner to treat lightly the titles orappellations of the Deity. In prayer we enter the audience chamber of the MostHigh; and we should come before Him with holy awe. The angels veil their facesin His presence. The cherubim and the bright and holy seraphim approach Histhrone with solemn reverence. How much more should we, finite, sinful beings,come in a reverent manner before the Lord, our Maker! {AG 94.2}

But to hallow the name of the Lord means much more than this. We may, likethe Jews in Christ's day, manifest the greatest outward reverence for God, andyet profane His name continually. "The name of the Lord" is "merciful andgracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, . . . forgivinginiquity and transgression and sin" (Ex. 34:5-7). Of the church of Christ it iswritten, "This is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord ourRighteousness" (Jer. 33:16). This name is put upon every follower of Christ. Itis the heritage of the child of God. The family are called after the Father. Theprophet Jeremiah, in the time of Israel's sore distress and tribulation, prayed,"We are called by thy name; leave us not" (Jer. 14:9). {AG 94.3}

This name is hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the inhabitants of unfallenworlds. When you pray, "Hallowed be thy name," you ask that it may be hallowedin this world, hallowed in you. God has acknowledged you before men and angelsas His child; pray that you may do no dishonour to the "worthy name by which yeare called" (James 2:7). God sends you into the world as His representatives. Inevery act of life you are to make manifest the name of God. This petition callsupon you to possess His character. You cannot hallow His name, you cannotrepresent Him to the world, unless in life and character you represent the verylife and character of God. This you can do only through the acceptance of thegrace and righteousness of Christ. {AG 94.4}

Chap. 87 - Our Continual Dependence

The Lord sitteth King for ever. The Lord will give strength unto his people.Ps. 29:10, 11. {AG 95.1}

The throne of grace is to be our continual dependence. . . . There isstrength for us in Christ. He is our Advocate before the Father. He dispatchesHis messengers to every part of His dominion to communicate His will to Hispeople. He walks in the midst of His churches. He desires to sanctify, elevate,and ennoble His followers. The influence of those who truly believe in Him willbe a savour of life in the world. He holds the stars in His right hand, and itis His purpose to let His light shine through these to the world. Thus Hedesires to prepare His people for higher service in the church above. He hasgiven us a great work to do. Let us do it with accuracy and determination. Letus show in our lives what the truth has done for us. {AG 95.2}

"Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks" (Rev. 2:1). ThisScripture shows Christ's relation to the churches. He walks in the midst of Hischurches throughout the length and breadth of the earth. He watches them withintense interest to see whether they are in such a condition spiritually thatthey can advance His kingdom. Christ is present in every assembly of the church.He is acquainted with everyone connected with His service. He knows those whosehearts He can fill with the holy oil, that they may impart it to others. Thosewho faithfully carry forward the work of Christ in our world, representing inword and works the character of God, fulfilling the Lord's purpose for them, arein His sight very precious. Christ takes pleasure in them as a man takespleasure in a well-kept garden and the fragrance of the flowers he has planted.{AG 95.3}

No candlestick, no church, shines of itself. From Christ emanates all itslight. The church in heaven today is only the complement of the church on earth;but it is higher, grander-- perfect. The same divine illumination is to continuethrough eternal ages. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the light thereof.No church can have light if it fails to diffuse the glory it receives from thethrone of God. {AG 95.4}

Chap. 88 - A Throne in Every Heart

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. Eph. 3:17. {AG 96.1}

God has bought us, and He claims a throne in each heart. Our minds and bodiesmust be subordinated to Him, and the natural habits and appetites must be madesubservient to the higher wants of the soul. But we can place no dependence uponourselves in this work. We cannot with safety follow our own guidance. The HolySpirit must renew and sanctify us. In God's service there must be no halfwaywork. {AG 96.2}

When the heart is cleansed from sin, Christ is placed on the throne thatself-indulgence and love of earthly treasure once occupied. The image of Christis seen in the expression of the countenance. The work of sanctification iscarried forward in the soul. Self-righteousness is banished. There is seen theputting on of the new man, which after Christ is created in righteousness andtrue holiness. {AG 96.3}

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord,are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of theLord" (2 Cor. 3:18). Beholding Christ means studying His life as given in HisWord. We are to dig for truth as for hidden treasure. We are to fix our eyesupon Christ. When we take Him as our personal Saviour, this gives us boldness toapproach the throne of grace. By beholding we become changed, morallyassimilated to the One who is perfect in character. By receiving His imputedrighteousness, through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we become likeHim. The image of Christ is cherished, and it captivates the whole being. {AG96.4}

The upward progress of the soul indicates that Jesus bears rule in the heart.That heart through which He diffuses His peace and joy, and the blessed fruitsof His love, becomes His temple and His throne. "Ye are my friends," saysChrist, "if ye do whatsoever I command you" (John 15:14). {AG 96.5}

Give to God the most precious offering that it is possible for you to make;give Him your heart. {AG 96.6}

Chap. 89 - Undivided Occupancy

They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections andlusts. Gal. 5:24. {AG 97.1}

We are commanded to crucify the flesh, with the affections and lusts. Howshall we do it? Shall we inflict pain on the body? No; but put to death thetemptation to sin. The corrupt thought is to be expelled. Every thought is to bebrought into captivity to Jesus Christ. . . . The love of God must reignsupreme; Christ must occupy an undivided throne. Our bodies are to be regardedas His purchased possession. The members of the body are to become theinstruments of righteousness. {AG 97.2}

There are two kingdoms in this world, the kingdom of Christ and the kingdomof Satan. To one of these kingdoms each one of us belongs. In His wonderfulprayer for His disciples, Christ said, "I pray not that thou shouldest take themout of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are notof the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth:thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sentthem into the world" (John 17:15-18). {AG 97.3}

It is not God's will that we should seclude ourselves from the world. Butwhile in the world we should sanctify ourselves to God. We should not patternafter the world. We are to be in the world, as a corrective influence, as saltthat retains its savour. Among an unholy, impure, idolatrous generation, we areto be pure and holy, showing that the grace of Christ has power to restore inman the divine likeness. We are to exert a saving influence upon the world. . .. {AG 97.4}

The world has become a lazar house of sin, a mass of corruption. . . . We arenot to practice its ways or follow its customs. Continually we are to resist itslax principles. . . . {AG 97.5}

The blessing of grace is given to men that the heavenly universe and thefallen world may see as they could not otherwise, the perfection of Christ'scharacter. The Great Physician came to our world to show men and women thatthrough His grace they may so live that in the great day of God they can receivethe precious testimony, "Ye are complete in him" (Col. 2:10). {AG 97.6}

Chap. 90 - Even for Ever

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon thethrone of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it withjudgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. Isa. 9:7. {AG 98.1}

In this life we can only begin to understand the wonderful theme ofredemption. With our finite comprehension we may consider most earnestly theshame and the glory, the life and the death, the justice and the mercy, thatmeet in the cross; yet with the utmost stretch of our mental powers we fail tograsp its full significance. The length and the breadth, the depth and theheight, of redeeming love are but dimly comprehended. The plan of redemptionwill not be fully understood, even when the ransomed see as they are seen andknow as they are known; but through the eternal ages, new truth will continuallyunfold to the wondering and delighted mind. Though the griefs and pains andtemptations of earth are ended, and the cause removed, the people of God willever have a distinct, intelligent knowledge of what their salvation has cost.{AG 98.2}

The cross of Christ will be the science and the song of the redeemed throughall eternity. In Christ glorified they will behold Christ crucified. Never willit be forgotten that He whose power created and upheld the unnumbered worldsthrough the vast realms of space--the Beloved of God, the Majesty of heaven, Hewhom cherub and shining seraph delighted to adore--humbled Himself to upliftfallen man; that He bore the guilt and shame of sin, and the hiding of HisFather's face, till the woes of a lost world broke His heart, and crushed outHis life on Calvary's cross. That the Maker of all worlds, the Arbiter of alldestinies, should lay aside His glory and humiliate Himself from love to manwill ever excite the wonder and adoration of the universe. As the nations of thesaved look upon their Redeemer and behold the eternal glory of the Fathershining in His countenance; as they behold His throne, which is from everlastingto everlasting, and know that His kingdom is to have no end, they break forth inrapturous song: "Worthy, worthy, is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemedus to God, by His own most precious blood!" {AG 98.3}

April

2008-08-06T01:02:37Z

Chap. 91 - To Draw Us to God

I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindnesshave I drawn thee. Jer. 31:3. {AG 99.1}

The Lord of life and glory clothed His divinity with humanity to demonstrateto man that God through the gift of Christ would connect us with Him. Without aconnection with God no one can possibly be happy. Fallen man is to learn thatour Heavenly Father cannot be satisfied until His love embraces the repentantsinner, transformed through the merits of the spotless Lamb of God. {AG 99.2}

The work of all the heavenly intelligences is to this end. Under the commandof their General they are to work for the reclaiming of those who bytransgression have separated themselves from their Heavenly Father. A plan hasbeen devised whereby the wondrous grace and love of Christ shall stand revealedto the world. In the infinite price paid by the Son of God to ransom man, thelove of God is revealed. This glorious plan of redemption is ample in itsprovisions to save the whole world. Sinful and fallen man may be made completein Jesus through the forgiveness of sin and the imputed righteousness of Christ.{AG 99.3}

In all the gracious deeds that Jesus did, He sought to impress upon men theparental, benevolent attributes of God. . . . Jesus would have us understand thelove of the Father, and He seeks to draw us to Him by presenting His parentalgrace. He would have the whole field of our vision filled with the perfection ofGod's character. . . . It was only by living among men that He could reveal themercy, compassion, and love of His heavenly Father; for it was only by actionsof benevolence that He could set forth the grace of God. {AG 99.4}

Christ came to manifest the love of God to the world, to draw the hearts ofall men to Himself. . . . The first step toward salvation is to respond to thedrawing of the love of Christ. . . . It is that men may understand the joy offorgiveness, the peace of God, that Christ draws them through the manifestationof His love. If they respond to His drawing, yielding their hearts to His grace,He will lead them on step by step, to a full knowledge of Himself, and this islife eternal. {AG 99.5}

Chap. 92 - To Change the Heart

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: andI will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heartof flesh. Eze. 36:26. {AG 100.1}

When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the wholebeing. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the world,and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new mind, newpurposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?--a changed life. Thereis a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride. {AG 100.2}

The appetites and passions, clamouring for indulgence, trample reason andconscience underfoot. This is the cruel work of Satan, and he is constantlyputting forth the most determined efforts to strengthen the chains by which hehas bound his victims. Those who have been all their lives indulging wronghabits do not always realize the necessity of a change. . . . Let the consciencebe aroused and much is gained. Nothing but the grace of God can convict andconvert the heart; here alone can the slaves of custom obtain power to break theshackles which bind them. The self-indulgent must be led to see and feel that agreat moral renovation is necessary if they would meet the claims of the divinelaw; the soul-temple has been defiled, and God calls upon them to arouse andstrive with all their might to win back the God-given manhood which has beensacrificed through sinful indulgence. {AG 100.3}

Oh, what rays of softness and beauty shone forth in the daily life of ourSaviour! What sweetness flowed from His very presence! The same spirit will berevealed in His children. Those with whom Christ dwells will be surrounded witha divine atmosphere. Their white robes of purity will be fragrant with perfumefrom the garden of the Lord. Their faces will reflect light from His,brightening the path for stumbling and weary feet. {AG 100.4}

No man who has the true ideal of what constitutes a perfect character willfail to manifest the sympathy and tenderness of Christ. The influence of graceis to soften the heart, to refine and purify the feelings, giving a heaven-borndelicacy and sense of propriety. {AG 100.5}

Chap. 93 - Brings Peace and Rest

The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest. . . . There is nopeace, saith my God, to the wicked. Isa. 57:20, 21. {AG 101.1}

Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is unsubdued, we can find no rest.The masterful passions of the heart no human power can control. We are ashelpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm [Matt. 8:23-27].But He who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee, has spoken the word of peacefor every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus . . . willfind deliverance. His grace . . . quiets the strife of human passion, and in Hislove the heart is at rest. {AG 101.2}

For every soul struggling to rise from a life of sin to a life of purity, thegreat element of power abides in the only "name under heaven given among men,whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). . . . The only remedy for vice is thegrace and power of Christ. The good resolutions made in one's own strength availnothing. {AG 101.3}

Every unholy passion must be kept under the control of sanctified reasonthrough the grace abundantly bestowed of God. We are living in an atmosphere ofsatanic witchery. The enemy will weave a spell of licentiousness around everysoul that is not barricaded by the grace of Christ. Temptations will come; butif we watch against the enemy, and maintain the balance of self-control andpurity, the seducing spirits will have no influence over us. Those who donothing to encourage temptation will have strength to withstand it when itcomes; but those who keep themselves in an atmosphere of evil will have onlythemselves to blame if they are overcome and fall from their steadfastness. . .. {AG 101.4}

Men and women are to watch themselves; they are to be constantly on guard,allowing no word or act that would cause their good to be evil spoken of. He whoprofesses to be a follower of Christ is to watch himself, keeping himself pureand undefiled in thought, word, and deed. His influence upon others is to beuplifting. His life is to reflect the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness.. . . Eternal vigilance is the price of safety. {AG 101.5}

Chap. 94 - Exalts God's Law

Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thineheart. Job 22:22. {AG 102.1}

Everything in nature, from the mote in the sunbeam to the worlds on high, isunder law. And upon obedience to these laws the order and harmony of the naturalworld depend. So there are great principles of righteousness to control the lifeof all intelligent beings, and upon conformity to these principles thewell-being of the universe depends. Before this earth was called into being,God's law existed. Angels are governed by its principles, and in order for earthto be in harmony with heaven, man also must obey the divine statutes. To man inEden Christ made known the precepts of the law "when the morning stars sangtogether, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" (Job 38:7). The mission ofChrist on earth was not to destroy the law, but by His grace to bring man backto obedience to its precepts. . . . {AG 102.2}

His mission was to "magnify the law, and make it honourable" (Isa. 42:21). Hewas to show the spiritual nature of the law, to present its far-reachingprinciples, and to make plain its eternal obligation. {AG 102.3}

The divine beauty of the character of Christ, of whom the noblest and mostgentle among men are but a faint reflection; . . . Jesus, the express image ofthe Father's person, the effulgence of His glory; the self-denying Redeemer,throughout His pilgrimage of love on earth was a living representative of thecharacter of the law of God. In His life it is made manifest that heaven-bornlove, Christlike principles, underlie the laws of eternal rectitude. {AG 102.4}

The Bible is God's will expressed to man. It is the only perfect standard ofcharacter, and marks out the duty of man in every circumstance of life. {AG102.5}

We must so conduct our life work that we can go to God in confidence and openour hearts before Him, telling Him our necessities and believing that He hearsand will give us grace and strength to carry out the principles of the Word ofGod. {AG 102.6}

Chap. 95 - Gives Power to Obey

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedienceof one shall many be made righteous. Rom. 5:19. {AG 103.1}

One HONOURED of all heaven came to this world to stand in human nature at thehead of humanity, testifying to the fallen angels and to the inhabitants of theunfallen worlds that through the divine help which has been provided, every onemay walk in the path of obedience to God's commands. . . . {AG 103.2}

No one less holy than the Only Begotten of the Father, could have offered asacrifice that would be efficacious to cleanse all--even the most sinful anddegraded--who accept the Saviour as their atonement and become obedient toHeaven's law. Nothing less could have reinstated man in God's favour. {AG 103.3}

Christ gave His life to make it possible for man to be restored to the imageof God. It is the power of His grace that draws men together in obedience to thetruth. {AG 103.4}

God desires us to reach the standard of perfection made possible for us bythe gift of Christ. He calls upon us to make our choice on the right side, toconnect with heavenly agencies, to adopt principles that will restore in us thedivine image. In His written Word and in the great book of nature He hasrevealed the principles of life. It is our work to obtain a knowledge of theseprinciples, and by obedience to cooperate with Him in restoring health to thebody as well as to the soul. {AG 103.5}

Men need to learn that the blessings of obedience, in their fullness, can betheirs only as they receive the grace of Christ. It is His grace that gives menpower to obey the laws of God. It is this that enables him to break the bondageof evil habit. This is the only power that can make him and keep him steadfastin the right path. {AG 103.6}

To the heart that has become purified, all is changed. . . . The Spirit ofGod produces a new life in the soul, bringing the thoughts and desires intoobedience to the will of Christ; and the inward man is renewed in the image ofGod. Weak and erring men and women show to the world that the redeeming power ofgrace can cause the faulty character to develop into symmetry and abundantfruitfulness. {AG 103.7}

Chap. 96 - Breaks the Hold of Evil

Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. Rom. 5:20. {AG 104.1}

The gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. . . . Each new gift increases thecapacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord. Hegives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply. If you abide in Him,the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richergift tomorrow. . . . {AG 104.2}

The gift of Christ to the marriage feast was a symbol [John 2:1-11]. Thewater represented baptism into His death; the wine, the shedding of His bloodfor the sins of the world. The water to fill the jars was brought by humanhands, but the word of Christ alone could impart to it life-giving virtue. . . .{AG 104.3}

The word of Christ supplied ample provision for the feast. So abundant is theprovision of His grace to blot out the iniquities of men, and to renew andsustain the soul. {AG 104.4}

Our condition through sin is unnatural, and the power that restores us mustbe supernatural, else it has no value. There is but one power that can break thehold of evil from the hearts of men, and that is the power of God on JesusChrist. Only through the blood of the Crucified One is there cleansing from sin.His grace alone can enable us to resist and subdue the tendencies of our fallennature. {AG 104.5}

Satan is determined that men shall not see the love of God, which led Him togive His only-begotten Son to save the lost race; for it is the goodness of Godthat leads men to repentance. Oh, how shall we succeed in setting forth beforethe world the deep, precious love of God? In no other way can we compass it thanby exclaiming, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,that we should be called the sons of God" (1 John 3:1)! Let us say to sinners,"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29)! .. . {AG 104.6}

Look at the cross of Calvary. It is a standing pledge of the boundless love,the measureless mercy, of the heavenly Father. {AG 104.7}

Chap. 97 - Magnifies the Lord

Let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. Ps.40:16. {AG 105.1}

As witnesses for Christ, we are to tell what we know, what we ourselves haveseen and heard and felt, If we have been following Jesus step by step, we shallhave something right to the point to tell concerning the way in which He has ledus. We can tell how we have tested His promise, and found the promise true. Wecan bear witness to what we have known of the grace of Christ. This is thewitness for which our Lord calls, and for want of which the world is perishing.{AG 105.2}

God would have every family that He is preparing to inhabit the eternalmansions above, give glory to Him for the rich treasures of His grace. Werechildren, in the home life, educated and trained to be grateful to the Giver ofall good things we would see an element of heavenly grace manifest in ourfamilies. Cheerfulness would be seen in the home life, and coming from suchhomes, the youth would bring a spirit of respect and reverence with them intothe schoolroom, and into the church. . . . {AG 105.3}

Every temporal blessing would be received with gratitude, and every spiritualblessing become doubly precious because the perception of each member of thehousehold had become sanctified by the Word of truth. The Lord Jesus is verynear to those who thus appreciate His gracious gifts, tracing all their goodthings back to the benevolent, loving care-taking God, and recognizing Him asthe great Fountain of all comfort and consolation, the inexhaustible Source ofgrace. {AG 105.4}

The true Christian will make God first and last and best in everything. Noambitious motives will chill his love for God; steadily, perseveringly, will hecause honour to redound to his heavenly Father. It is when we are faithful inexalting the name of God that our impulses are under divine supervision, and weare enabled to developed spiritual and intellectual power. {AG 105.5}

Jesus, the divine Master, ever exalted the name of His heavenly Father. Hetaught His disciples to pray, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thyname" (Matt. 6:9, A.R.V.). and they were not to forget to acknowledge, "Thine is. . . the glory" (verse 13). {AG 105.6}

Chap. 98 - To Uproot Selfishness

Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Luke 12:1. {AG106.1}

The hypocrisy of the Pharisees was the product of self-seeking. Theglorification of themselves was the object of their lives. . . . Even thedisciples, though outwardly they had left all for Jesus' sake, had not in heartceased to seek great things for themselves. . . . As leaven, if left to completeits work, will cause corruption and decay, so does the self-seeking spirit,cherished, work the defilement and ruin of the soul. Among the followers of ourLord today, as of old, how widespread is this subtle, deceptive sin! How oftenour service to Christ, our communion with one another, is marred by the secretdesire to exalt self! . . . To His own disciples the warning words of Christ arespoken, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees." . . . Only thepower of God can banish self-seeking and hypocrisy. {AG 106.2}

When Judas joined the disciples, he was not insensible to the beauty of thecharacter of Christ. He felt the influence of that divine power which wasdrawing souls to the Saviour. . . . The Saviour read the heart of Judas; He knewthe depths of iniquity to which, unless delivered by the grace of God, Judaswould sink. In connecting this man with Himself, He placed him where he might,day by day, be brought in contact with the outflowing of His own unselfish love.If he would open his heart to Christ, divine grace would banish the demon ofselfishness, and even Judas might become a subject of the kingdom of God. {AG106.3}

No one was so exalted as Christ, and yet He stooped to the humblest duty. . .. Christ Himself set the example of humility. He would not leave this greatsubject in man's charge. Of so much consequence did He regard it, that HeHimself, One equal with God, acted as servant to His disciples. While they werecontending for the highest place, He to whom every knee shall bow, He whom theangels of glory count it honour to serve, bowed down to wash the feet of thosewho called Him Lord. He washed the feet of His betrayer. . . . His whole lifewas under a law of service. He served all, ministered to all. Thus He lived thelaw of God, and by His example showed how we are to obey it. {AG 106.4}

Chap. 99 - To Break Bad Habits

If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;behold, all things are become new. 2 Cor. 5:17. {AG 107.1}

Through the power of Christ, men and women have broken the chains of sinfulhabit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane have become reverent, thedrunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satanhave become transformed into the image of God. This change is in itself themiracle of miracles. A change wrought by the Word, it is one of the deepestmysteries of the Word. We cannot understand it; we can only believe, as declaredby the Scriptures, it is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1: 27). . . .{AG 107.2}

Renouncing all that would hinder him from making progress in the upward wayor that would turn the feet of another from the narrow path, the believer willreveal in his daily life mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, forbearance, andthe love of Christ. {AG 107.3}

The power of a higher, purer, nobler life is our great need. The world hastoo much of our thought, and the kingdom of heaven too little. {AG 107.4}

In his efforts to reach God's ideal for him, the Christian is to despair ofnothing. Moral and spiritual perfection, through the grace and power of Christ,is promised to all. Jesus is the source of power, the fountain of life. {AG107.5}

Let us make God's holy word our study, bringing its holy principles into ourlives. Let us walk before God in meekness and humility, daily correcting ourfaults. . . . Peace and rest will come to you as you bring your will intosubjection to the will of Christ. Then the love of Christ will rule in theheart, bringing into captivity to the Saviour the secret springs of action. Thehasty, easily roused temper will be soothed and subdued by the oil of Christ'sgrace. . . . {AG 107.6}

In humble, grateful dependence he who has been given a new heart relies uponthe help of Christ. He reveals in his life the fruit of righteousness. He onceloved himself. Worldly pleasure was his delight. Now his idol is dethroned, andGod reigns supreme. The sins he once loved he now hates. Firmly and resolutelyhe follows in the path of holiness. {AG 107.7}

Chap. 100 - Creates Hatred for Satan

Give no opportunity to the devil. Eph. 4:27, R.S.V. {AG 108.1}

Satan's enmity against the human race is kindled because, through Christ,they are the objects of God's love and mercy. He desires to thwart the divineplan for man's redemption, to cast dishonour upon God, by defacing and defilingHis handiwork; he would cause grief in heaven and fill the earth with woe anddesolation. And he points to all his evil as the result of God's work increating man. {AG 108.2}

It is the grace that Christ implants in the soul which creates in man enmityagainst Satan. Without this converting grace and renewing power, man wouldcontinue the captive of Satan, a servant ever ready to do his bidding. But thenew principle in the soul creates conflict where hitherto had been peace. Thepower which Christ imparts, enables man to resist the tyrant and usurper.Whoever is seen to abhor sin instead of loving it, whoever resists and conquersthose passions that have held sway within, displays the operation of a principlewholly from above. {AG 108.3}

Like a roaring lion, Satan is seeking for his prey. He tries his wiles uponevery unsuspecting youth; there is safety only in Christ. It is through Hisgrace alone that Satan can be successfully repulsed. Satan tells the young thatthere is time enough yet, that they may indulge in sin and vice this once andnever again; but that one indulgence will poison their whole life. Do not onceventure on forbidden ground. In this perilous day of evil, when allurements tovice and corruption are on every hand, let the earnest, heartfelt cry of theyoung be raised to heaven: "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?" Andmay his ears be open and his heart inclined to obey the instruction given in theanswer: "By taking heed thereto according to thy word" (Ps. 119:9). The onlysafety for the youth in this age of pollution is to make God their trust.Without divine help they will be unable to control human passions and appetites.In Christ is the very help needed. . . . You can say with the apostle: "Nay, inall these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Rom.8:37). Again; "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection" (1 Cor.9:27). {AG 108.4}

Chap. 101 - To Banish Unrest and Doubt

O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Matt. 14:31. {AG 109.1}

Christ came to this world to show that by receiving power from on high, mancan live an unsullied life. With unwearying patience and sympathetic helpfulnessHe met men in their necessities. By the gentle touch of grace He banished fromthe soul unrest and doubt, changing enmity to love, and unbelief to confidence.{AG 109.2}

It is not wise to look to ourselves and study our emotions. If we do this,the enemy will present difficulties and temptations that weaken faith anddestroy courage. Closely to study our emotions and give way to our feelings isto entertain doubt and entangle ourselves in perplexity. We are to look awayfrom self to Jesus. {AG 109.3}

When temptations assail you, when care, perplexity, and darkness seem tosurround your soul, look to the place where you last saw the light. Rest inChrist's love and under His protecting care. When sin struggles for the masteryin the heart, when guilt oppresses the soul and burdens the conscience, whenunbelief clouds the mind, remember that Christ's grace is sufficient to subduesin and banish the darkness. {AG 109.4}

He will give you grace to be patient, He will give you grace to be trustful,He will give you grace to overcome restlessness, He will warm your heart withHis own sweet Spirit, He will revive your soul in its weakness. . . . Then stayyour soul in confidence upon God. Roll all your burdens upon Him. {AG 109.5}

The soul that loves God, rises above the fog of doubt; he gains a bright,broad, deep, living experience, and becomes meek and Christlike. His soul iscommitted to God, hid with Christ in God. He will be able to stand the test ofneglect, of abuse and contempt, because his Saviour has suffered all this. Hewill not become fretful and discouraged when difficulties press him, becauseJesus did not fail or become discouraged. Every true Christian will be strong,not in the strength and merit of his good works, but in the righteousness ofChrist, which through faith is imputed unto him. It is a great thing to be meekand lowly in heart, to be pure and undefiled, as was the Prince of heaven whenHe walked among men. {AG 109.6}

Chap. 102 - To Unify the Church

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a goodthing that the heart be established with grace. Heb. 13:9. {AG 110.1}

The Lord in His wisdom has arranged that by means of the close relationshipthat should be maintained by all believers, Christian shall be united toChristian and church to church. Thus the human instrumentality will be enabledto cooperate with the divine. Every agency will be subordinate to the HolySpirit, and all the believers will be united in an organized and well-directedeffort to give to the world the glad tidings of the grace of God. {AG 110.2}

God deals with men as individuals, giving to everyone his work. All are to betaught of God. Through the grace of Christ every soul must work out his ownrighteousness, maintaining a living connection with the Father and the Son. . .. {AG 110.3}

While it is true that the Lord guides individuals, it is also true that He isleading out a people, not a few separate individuals here and there, onebelieving this thing, another that. Angels of God are doing the work committedto their trust. The third angel is leading out and purifying a people, and theyshould move with him unitedly. . . . {AG 110.4}

Some have advanced the thought that as we near the close of time, every childof God will act independently of any religious organization. But I have beeninstructed by the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as every man'sbeing independent. . . . In order that the Lord's work may advance healthfullyand solidly, His people must draw together. {AG 110.5}

Each member of the church should feel under sacred obligations to guardstrictly the interests of the cause of God. . . . Jesus has opened to everyone away by which wisdom, grace, and power may be obtained. He is our example in allthings, and nothing should divert the mind from the main object in life, whichis to have Christ in the soul, melting and subduing the heart. When this is thecase, every member of the church, every professor of the truth, will beChristlike in character, in words, in actions. {AG 110.6}

Chap. 103 - That We Might be Overcomers

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of theirtestimony. Rev. 12:11. {AG 111.1}

Christ has made it possible for every member of the human family to resisttemptation. All who would live godly lives may overcome as Christ overcame. {AG111.2}

To make God's grace our own, we must act our part. The Lord does not proposeto perform for us either the willing or the doing. His grace is given to work inus to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort. Our souls are tobe aroused to cooperate. The Holy Spirit works in us, that we may work out ourown salvation. . . . Fine mental qualities and a high tone of moral characterare not the result of accident. God gives opportunities; success depends uponthe use made of them. The openings of Providence must be quickly discerned andeagerly entered. There are many who might become mighty men, if, like Daniel,they would depend upon God for grace to be overcomers, and for strength andefficiency to do their work. {AG 111.3}

It is necessary to maintain a living connection with heaven, seeking as oftenas did Daniel--three times a day--for divine grace to resist appetite andpassion. Wrestling with appetite and passion unaided by divine power will beunsuccessful; but make Christ your stronghold, and the language of your soulwill be, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that lovedus" (Rom. 8:37). Said the apostle Paul, "I keep under my body, and bring it intosubjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myselfshould be a castaway" (1 Cor. 9:27). {AG 111.4}

Let no one think he can overcome without the help of God. You must have theenergy, the strength, the power, of an inner life developed within you. You willthen bear fruit unto godliness, and will have an intense loathing of vice. Youneed to constantly strive to work away from earthliness, from cheapconversation, from everything sensual, and aim for nobility of soul and a pureand unspotted character. Your name may be kept so pure that it cannot justly beconnected with anything dishonest or unrighteous, but will be respected by allthe good and pure, and it may be written in the Lamb's book of life, to beimmortalized among the holy angels. {AG 111.5}

Chap. 104 - To Build Noble Characters

And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16,R.S.V. {AG 112.1}

God expects us to build characters in accordance with the Pattern set beforeus. We are to lay brick by brick, adding grace to grace, finding our weak pointsand correcting them in accordance with the directions given. When a crack isseen in the walls of a mansion, we know that something about the building iswrong. In our character building, cracks are often seen. Unless these defectsare remedied, the house will fall when the tempest of trial beats upon it. {AG112.2}

God gives us strength, reasoning power, time, in order that we may buildcharacters on which He can place His stamp of approval. He desires each child ofHis to build a noble character, by the doing of pure, noble deeds, that in theend He may present a symmetrical structure, a fair temple, HONOURED by man andGod. {AG 112.3}

A noble all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us byaccident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the meritsand grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form thecharacter. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict afterconflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticizeourselves closely, and allow not one unfavourable trait to remain uncorrected.{AG 112.4}

By the life we live through the grace of Christ the character is formed. Theoriginal loveliness begins to be restored to the soul. The attributes of thecharacter of Christ are imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to shineforth. The faces of men and women who walk and work with God express the peaceof heaven. They are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For these soulsthe kingdom of God has begun. They have Christ's joy, the joy of being ablessing to humanity. They have the honour of being accepted for the Master'suse; they are trusted to do His work in His name. {AG 112.5}

As God is pure in His sphere, so man is to be pure in his. And he will bepure if Christ is formed within, the hope of glory; for he will imitate Christ'slife and reflect His character. {AG 112.6}

Chap. 105 - To Strengthen and Encourage

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4:13. {AG113.1}

The Lord has in readiness the most precious exhibitions of His grace tostrengthen and encourage the sincere, humble worker. {AG 113.2}

The disciples of Christ had a deep sense of their own inefficiency, and withhumiliation and prayer they joined their weakness to His strength, theirignorance to His wisdom, their unworthiness to His righteousness, their povertyto His exhaustless wealth. Thus strengthened and equipped, they hesitated not topress forward in the service of the Master. {AG 113.3}

All that man has, God has given him, and he who improves his abilities toGod's glory will be an instrument to do good; but we can no more live areligious life without constant prayer and the performance of religious dutiesthan we can have physical strength without partaking of temporal food. We mustdaily sit down at God's table. We must receive strength from the living Vine, ifwe are nourished. . . . {AG 113.4}

I entreat you to move with an eye single to the glory of God. Let His powerbe your dependence, His grace your strength. By study of the Scriptures andearnest prayer seek to obtain clear conceptions of your duty, and thenfaithfully perform it. It is essential that you cultivate faithfulness in littlethings, and in so doing you will acquire habits of integrity in greaterresponsibilities. . . . Every event of life is great for good or for evil. Themind needs to be trained by daily tests, that it may acquire power to stand inany difficult position. In the days of trial and of peril you will need to befortified to stand firmly for the right, independent of every opposinginfluence. {AG 113.5}

Jesus consents to bear our burdens only when we trust Him. He is saying:"Come unto me, all ye weary and heavy laden; give Me your load; trust Me to dothe work that it is impossible for the human agent to do." Let us trust Him.Worry is blind and cannot discern the future. But Jesus sees the end from thebeginning, and in every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief.Abiding in Christ, we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. {AG113.6}

Chap. 106 - For Times of Trial

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shallreceive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.James 1:12. {AG 114.1}

The powers of darkness gather about the soul and shut Jesus from our sight,and at times we can only wait in sorrow and amazement until the cloud passesover. These seasons are sometimes terrible. Hope seems to fail, and despairseizes upon us. In these dreadful hours we must learn to trust, to depend solelyupon the merits of the atonement, and in all our helpless unworthiness castourselves upon the merits of the crucified and risen Saviour. We shall neverperish while we do this--never! When light shines on our pathway, it is no greatthing to be strong in the strength of grace. But to wait patiently in hope whenclouds envelop us and all is dark, requires faith and submission which causesour will to be swallowed up in the will of God. We are too quickly discouraged,and earnestly cry for the trial to be removed from us, when we should plead forpatience to endure and grace to overcome. {AG 114.2}

Those who turn to God with heart and soul and mind will find in Him peacefulsecurity. . . . He knows just what we need, just what we can bear, and He willgive us grace to endure every trial and test that He brings upon us. My constantprayer is for greater nearness to God. {AG 114.3}

God in His great love is seeking to develop in us the precious graces of HisSpirit. He permits us to encounter obstacles, persecution, and hardships, not asa curse, but as the greatest blessing of our lives. Every temptation resisted,every trial bravely borne, gives us a new experience and advances us in the workof character building. The soul that through divine power resists temptationreveals to the world and to the heavenly universe the efficiency of the grace ofChrist. {AG 114.4}

Those who surrender their lives to His guidance and to His service will neverbe placed in a position for which He has not made provision. Whatever oursituation, if we are doers of His word, we have a Guide to direct our way;whatever our perplexity, we have a sure Counsellor; whatever our sorrow,bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. {AG 114.5}

Chap. 107 - To Establish the Home

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established.Prov. 24:3. {AG 115.1}

He who gave Eve to Adam as a helpmeet performed His first miracle at amarriage festival. . . . Thus He sanctioned marriage, recognizing it as aninstitution that He Himself had established. He ordained that men and womenshould be united in holy wedlock, to rear families whose members, crowned withhonour, should be recognized as members of the family above. {AG 115.2}

Like every other one of God's good gifts . . . , marriage has been pervertedby sin; but it is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty. .. . {AG 115.3}

The grace of Christ, and this alone, can make this institution what Goddesigned it should be--an agent for the blessing and uplifting of humanity. Andthus the families of earth, in their unity and peace and love, may represent thefamily of heaven. The condition of society presents a sad comment upon Heaven'sideal of this sacred relation. Yet even for those who have found bitterness anddisappointment where they had hoped for companionship and joy, the gospel ofChrist offers a solace. The patience and gentleness which His Spirit can impart,will sweeten the bitter lot. The heart in which Christ dwells will be so filled,so satisfied, with His love that it will not be consumed with longing to attractsympathy and attention to itself. And through the surrender of the soul to God,His wisdom can accomplish what human wisdom fails to do. Through the revelationof His grace, hearts that were once indifferent or estranged may be united. . .. {AG 115.4}

Men and women can reach God's ideal for them if they will take Christ astheir helper. What human wisdom cannot do, His grace will accomplish for thosewho give themselves to Him in loving trust. His providence can unite hearts inbonds that are of heavenly origin. Love will not be a mere exchange of soft andflattering words. The loom of heaven weaves with warp and woof finer, yet morefirm, than can be woven by the looms of earth. The result is not a tissuefabric, but a texture that will bear wear and test and trial. Heart will bebound to heart in the golden bonds of a love that is enduring. {AG 115.5}

Chap. 108 - To Sustain the Burden Bearer

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee. Ps. 55:22. {AG116.1}

In the humble round of toil, the very weakest, the most obscure, may beworkers together with God and may have the comfort of His presence andsustaining grace. They are not to weary themselves with busy anxieties andneedless cares. Let them work on from day to day, accomplishing faithfully thetask that God's providence assigns, and He will care for them. . . . {AG 116.2}

The Lord's care is over all His creatures. He loves them all, and makes nodifference, except that He has the most tender pity for those who are called tobear life's heaviest burdens. {AG 116.3}

Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears, beforeGod. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs ofyour head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. . . . Take to Himeverything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for Heholds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that inany way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapterin our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficultfor Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxietyharass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which ourheavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest. "Hehealeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds" (Ps. 147:3). Therelations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though therewere not another soul upon earth to share His watchcare, not another soul forwhom He gave His beloved Son. {AG 116.4}

The Lord does not press on anyone burdens too heavy to be borne. He estimatesevery weight before He allows it to rest upon the hearts of those who arelabourers together with Him. To every one of His workers our loving heavenlyFather says: "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee" (Ps.55:22). Let the burden bearers believe that He will carry every load, great orsmall. {AG 116.5}

Chap. 109 - For Each Day's Need

My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by ChristJesus. Phil. 4:19. {AG 117.1}

All blessings are bestowed upon those who have a vital connection with JesusChrist. Jesus calls them to Himself not simply to refresh us with His grace andpresence for a few hours, and then to send us forth from His light to walk apartfrom Him in sadness and gloom. No, no. He tells us that we must abide with Himand He with us. . . . Trust in Him continually, and doubt not His love. He knowsall our weakness and that which we need. He will give us grace sufficient forour day. {AG 117.2}

Those only who are constantly receiving fresh supplies of grace, will havepower proportionate to their daily need and their ability to use that power.Instead of looking forward to some future time when, through a special endowmentof spiritual power, they will receive a miraculous fitting up for soul-winning,they are yielding themselves daily to God, that He may make them vessels meetfor His use. Daily they are improving the opportunities for service that liewithin their reach. Daily they are witnessing for the Master wherever they maybe, whether in some humble sphere of labour in the home, or in a public field ofusefulness. {AG 117.3}

To the consecrated worker there is wonderful consolation in the knowledgethat even Christ during His life on earth sought His Father daily for freshsupplies of needed grace; and from this communion with God He went forth tostrengthen and bless others. . . . {AG 117.4}

Every worker who follows the example of Christ will be prepared to receiveand use the power that God has promised to His church for the ripening ofearth's harvest. Morning by morning, as the heralds of the gospel kneel beforethe Lord and renew their vows of consecration to Him, He will grant them thepresence of His Spirit, with its reviving, sanctifying power. As they go forthto the day's duties, they have the assurance that the unseen agency of the HolySpirit enables them to be "labourers together with God" (1 Cor. 3:9). {AG 117.5}

Chap. 110 - To Lift the Most Sinful

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, butgiveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6. {AG 118.1}

Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner, but Christ knew thecircumstances that had shaped her life. He might have extinguished every sparkof hope in her soul, but He did not. It was He who had lifted her from despairand ruin. Seven times she had heard His rebuke of the demons that controlled herheart and mind. She had heard His strong cries to the Father in her behalf. Sheknew how offensive is sin to His unsullied purity, and in His strength she hadovercome. {AG 118.2}

When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Marycapabilities for good. He saw the better traits of her character. The plan ofredemption has invested humanity with great possibilities, and in Mary thesepossibilities were to be realized. Through His grace she became a partaker ofthe divine nature. The one who had fallen, and whose mind had been a habitationof demons, was brought very near to the Saviour in fellowship and ministry. Itwas Mary who sat at His feet and learned of Him. It was Mary who poured upon Hishead the precious anointing oil, and bathed His feet with her tears. Mary stoodbeside the cross, and followed Him to the sepulchre. Mary was first at the tombafter His resurrection. It was Mary who first proclaimed a risen Saviour. {AG118.3}

Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, verysinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns noweeping, contrite one away. . . . He bids every trembling soul take courage.Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration. . . .{AG 118.4}

The souls that turn to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and thestrife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach these souls. Christ unitesthem to His own divine-human nature. {AG 118.5}

To those who with steadfast perseverance strive to reveal the attributes ofChrist, angels are commissioned to give enlarged views of His character andwork, His power and grace and love. Thus they become partakers of His nature.{AG 118.6}

Chap. 111 - Gives Life to the Soul

Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; butthe water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing upinto everlasting life. John 4:14. {AG 119.1}

He who seeks to quench his thirst at the fountains of this world will drinkto thirst again. Everywhere men are unsatisfied. They long for something tosupply the need of the soul. Only One can meet that want. The need of the world,"the Desire of all nations," is Christ. The divine grace which He alone canimpart, is as living water, purifying, refreshing, and invigorating the soul.{AG 119.2}

Jesus did not convey the idea that merely one draught of the water of lifewould suffice the receiver. He who tastes of the love of Christ will continuallylong for more; but he seeks for nothing else. The riches, honours, and pleasuresof the world do not attract him. The constant cry of his heart is, More of Thee.And He who reveals to the soul its necessity is waiting to satisfy its hungerand thirst. Every human resource and dependence will fail. The cisterns will beemptied, the pools become dry; but our Redeemer is an inexhaustible fountain. Wemay drink, and drink again, and ever find a fresh supply. He in whom Christdwells has within himself the fountain of blessing. . . . From this source hemay draw strength and grace sufficient for all his needs. {AG 119.3}

He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiverbecomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert,welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager todrink of the water of life. {AG 119.4}

The water that Christ referred to was the revelation of His grace in HisWord. . . . Christ's gracious presence in His Word is ever speaking to the soul,representing Him as the well of living water to refresh the thirsting. It is ourprivilege to have a living, abiding Saviour. He is the source of spiritual powerimplanted within us, and His influence will flow forth in words and actions,refreshing all within the sphere of our influence, begetting in them desires andaspirations for strength and purity, for holiness and peace, and for that joywhich brings with it no sorrow. This is the result of an indwelling Saviour. {AG119.5}

Chap. 112 - To Make Us Holy

Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy. Lev. 19:2. {AG 120.1}

Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God; it isliving by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; it is doing the willof our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as inthe light; it is walking by faith and not by sight; it is relying on God withunquestioning confidence, and resting in His love. {AG 120.2}

Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. . . . Education, culture, theexercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here theyare powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behaviour, but theycannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be apower working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed fromsin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifelessfaculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness. {AG 120.3}

No man receives holiness as a birthright, or as a gift from any other humanbeing. Holiness is the gift of God through Christ. Those who receive the Saviourbecome sons of God. They are His spiritual children, born again, renewed inrighteousness and true holiness. Their minds are changed. With clearer visionthey behold eternal realities. They are adopted into God's family, and theybecome conformed to His likeness, changed by His Spirit from glory to glory.From cherishing supreme love for self, they come to cherish supreme love for Godand for Christ. . . . Accepting Christ as a personal Saviour, and following Hisexample of self-denial--this is the secret of holiness. {AG 120.4}

Forgetting the things that are behind, let us press forward in the heavenwardway. Let us neglect no opportunity that, if improved, will make us more usefulin God's service. Then like threads of gold, holiness will run through ourlives, and the angels, beholding our consecration, will repeat the promise, "Iwill make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedgeof Ophir" (Isa. 13:12). All heaven rejoices when weak, faulty human beings givethemselves to Jesus, to live His life. {AG 120.5}

Chap. 113 - To Adorn the Christian

Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, andof wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man ofthe heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek andquiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 1 Peter 3:3, 4. {AG121.1}

God, who created everything lovely and beautiful that the eye rests upon, isa lover of the beautiful. He shows you how He estimates true beauty. Theornament of a meek and quiet spirit is in His sight of great price. {AG 121.2}

Of how little value are gold or pearls or costly array in comparison with theloveliness of Christ. Natural loveliness consists in symmetry, or the harmoniousproportion of parts, each with the other; but spiritual loveliness consists inthe harmony or likeness of our souls to Jesus. This will make its possessor moreprecious than fine gold, even the golden wedge of Ophir. The grace of Christ isindeed a priceless adornment. It elevates and ennobles its possessor andreflects beams of glory upon others, attracting them also to the Source of lightand blessing. {AG 121.3}

Our appearance in every respect should be characterized by neatness, modesty,and purity. But the Word of God gives no sanction to the making of changes inapparel merely for the sake of fashion, that we may appear like the world.Christians are not to decorate the person with costly array or expensiveornaments. . . . {AG 121.4}

All who are in earnest in seeking for the grace of Christ will heed theprecious words of instruction inspired by God. Even the style of the apparelwill express the truth of the gospel. {AG 121.5}

It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love andseek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward adorningcan compare in value or loveliness with that "meek and quiet spirit," the "finelinen, white and clean" (Rev. 19:14), which all the holy ones of earth willwear. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafterbe their badge of admission to the palace of the King. {AG 121.6}

Chap. 114 - To Bring Comfort

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort themwhich are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted. 2Cor. 1:4. {AG 122.1}

The Lord has special grace for the mourner, and its power is to melt hearts,to win souls. His love opens a channel into the wounded and bruised soul, andbecomes a healing balsam to those who sorrow. {AG 122.2}

Those who have borne the greatest sorrows are frequently the ones who carrythe greatest comfort to others, bringing sunshine wherever they go. Such oneshave been chastened and sweetened by their afflictions; they did not loseconfidence in God when trouble assailed them, but clung closer to His protectinglove. Such ones are living proof of the tender care of God, who makes thedarkness as well as the light and chastens us for our good. Christ is the lightof the world; in Him is no darkness. Precious light! Let us live in that light!Bid adieu to sadness and repining. Rejoice in the Lord always. {AG 122.3}

It is your privilege to receive grace from Christ that will enable you tocomfort others with the same comfort wherewith you yourselves are comforted ofGod. . . . Let each try to help the next one. Thus you may have a little heavenhere below, and angels of God will work through you to make right impressions. .. . Seek to help wherever you can. Cultivate the best dispositions that thegrace of God may rest richly upon you. {AG 122.4}

Young and old may learn to look to God as the One who will heal, as One whosympathizes, who understands their necessities and who will never make amistake. {AG 122.5}

Find time to comfort some other heart, to bless with a kind, cheering wordsomeone who is battling with temptation and maybe with affliction. In thusblessing another with cheering, hopeful words, pointing him to the BurdenBearer, you may unexpectedly find peace, happiness, and consolation yourself.{AG 122.6}

A consecrated Christian life is ever shedding light and comfort and peace. Itis characterized by purity, tact, simplicity, and usefulness. It is controlledby that unselfish love that sanctifies the influence. It is full of Christ, andleaves a track of light wherever its possessor may go. {AG 122.7}

Chap. 115 - Makes Our Foundation Sure

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation astone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. Isa. 28:16.{AG 123.1}

In the Scriptures the figure of the erection of a temple is frequently usedto illustrate the building of the church. . . . Writing of the building of thistemple, Peter says, "To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeedof men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built upa spiritual house, an holy priesthood . . ." (1 Peter 2:4, 5). . . . {AG 123.2}

The apostles built upon a sure foundation, even the Rock of Ages. To thisfoundation they brought the stones that they quarried from the world. Notwithout hindrance did the builders labour. Their work was made exceedinglydifficult by the opposition of the enemies of Christ. They had to contendagainst the bigotry, prejudice, and hatred of those who were building upon afalse foundation. . . . But in the face of imprisonment, torture, and death,faithful men carried the work forward; and the structure grew, beautiful andsymmetrical. . . . {AG 123.3}

Through the ages that have passed since the days of the apostles, thebuilding of God's temple has never ceased. We may look back through thecenturies and see the living stones of which it is composed gleaming like jetsof light through the darkness of error and superstition. Throughout eternitythese precious jewels will shine with increasing lustre. . . . {AG 123.4}

But the structure is not yet complete. We who are living in this age have awork to do, a part to act. We are to bring to the foundation material that willstand the test of fire--gold, silver, and precious stones. . . . The Christianwho faithfully presents the word of life, leading men and women into the way ofholiness and peace, is bringing to the foundation material that will endure, andin the kingdom of God he will be HONOURED as a wise builder. {AG 123.5}

Divine power will unite with our efforts, and as we cling to God with thehand of faith, Christ will impart to us His wisdom and His righteousness. Thus,by His grace, we shall be enabled to build upon the sure foundation. {AG 123.6}

Chap. 116 - A Preserving Power

Ye are the salt of the earth. Matt. 5:13. {AG 124.1}

By these words of Christ we gain some idea of what constitutes the value ofhuman influence. It is to work with the influence of Christ, to lift whereChrist lifts, to impart correct principles, and stay the progress of the world'scorruption. It is to diffuse that grace which Christ alone can impart. It is touplift, to sweeten, the lives and characters of others by the power of a pureexample united with earnest faith and love. God's people are to exercise areforming, preserving power in the world. They are to counterwork thedestroying, corrupting influence of evil. . . . {AG 124.2}

The work of the people of God in the world is to restrain evil, to elevate,to purify, and to ennoble mankind. The principles of kindness and love andbenevolence are to uproot every fibre of the selfishness that has permeated allsociety and corrupted the church. . . . If men and women will open their heartsto the heavenly influence of truth and love, these principles will flow forthagain, like streams in the desert, refreshing all, and causing freshness toappear where now are barrenness and dearth. The influence of those who keep theway of the Lord will be as far-reaching as eternity. They will carry with themthe cheerfulness of heavenly peace as an abiding, refreshing, enlighteningpower. {AG 124.3}

Again, there is to be an open influence. Christ says, "Let your light soshine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Fatherwhich is in heaven." . . . {AG 124.4}

The light that shines from those who receive Jesus Christ is notself-originated. It is all from the Light and Life of the world. . . . Christ isthe light, the life, the holiness, the sanctification, of all who believe, andHis light is to be received and imparted in all good works. In many differentways His grace is also acting as the salt of the earth; whithersoever this saltfinds its way, to homes or communities, it becomes a preserving power to saveall that is good, and to destroy all that is evil. True religion is the light ofthe world, the salt of the earth. . . . {AG 124.5}

The fountain of grace and knowledge is ever flowing. It is inexhaustible. Itis from this abundant fulness that we are supplied. {AG 124.6}

Chap. 117 - A Light to Shine

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen uponthee. Isa. 60:1. {AG 125.1}

Through the social relations, Christianity comes in contact with the world.Everyone who has received the divine illumination is to brighten the pathway ofthose who know not the Light of life. . . . Social power, sanctified by thegrace of Christ, must be improved in winning souls to the Saviour. Let the worldsee that we are not selfishly absorbed in our own interests, but that we desireothers to share our blessings and privileges. Let them see that our religiondoes not make us unsympathetic or exacting. Let all who profess to have foundChrist, minister as He did for the benefit of men. {AG 125.2}

We should never give to the world the false impression that Christians are agloomy, unhappy people. If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we shall see acompassionate Redeemer, and shall catch light from His countenance. Wherever HisSpirit reigns, there peace abides. And there will be joy also, for there is acalm, holy trust in God. {AG 125.3}

Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that, though human, theyare partakers of the divine nature. They are not statues, but living men andwomen. Their hearts, refreshed by the dews of divine grace, open and expand tothe Sun of Righteousness. The light that shines upon them they reflect uponothers in works that are luminous with the love of Christ. {AG 125.4}

The confession of faith made by saints and martyrs was recorded for thebenefit of succeeding generations. Those living examples of holiness andsteadfast integrity have come down to inspire courage in those who are nowcalled to stand as witnesses for God. They received grace and truth, not forthemselves alone, but that, through them, the knowledge of God might enlightenthe earth. Has God given light to His servants in this generation? Then theyshould let it shine forth to the world. {AG 125.5}

We are to be channels through which the Lord can send light and grace to theworld. . . . The entire church, acting as one, blending in perfect union, is tobe a living, active missionary agency, moved and controlled by the Holy Spirit.{AG 125.6}

Chap. 118 - Workers with God

For we are labourers together with God. 1 Cor. 3:9. {AG 126.1}

God will honour and uphold every true-hearted, earnest soul who is seeking towalk before Him in the perfection of Christ's grace. He will never leave norforsake one humble, trembling soul. Shall we believe that He will work in ourhearts? that if we allow Him to do so, He will make us pure and holy, by Hisrich grace qualifying us to be labourers together with Him? Can we with keen,sanctified perception appreciate the strength of His promises, and appropriatethem, not because we are worthy, but because by living faith we claim therighteousness of Christ? {AG 126.2}

In giving light to His people anciently, God did not work exclusively throughany one class. Daniel was a prince of Judah. Isaiah also was of the royal line.David was a shepherd boy, Amos a herdsman, Zechariah a captive from Babylon,Elisha a tiller of the soil. The Lord raised up as His representatives prophetsand princes, the noble and the lowly, and taught them the truths to be given tothe world. To every one who becomes a partaker of His grace, the Lord appoints awork for others. . . . {AG 126.3}

Let all cultivate their physical and mental powers to the utmost of theirability, that they may work for God where His providence shall call them. Thesame grace that came from Christ to Paul and Apollos, that distinguished themfor spiritual excellencies, will today be imparted to devoted Christianmissionaries. God desires His children to have intelligence and knowledge, thatwith unmistakable clearness and power His glory may be revealed in our world. .. . {AG 126.4}

Men deficient in school education, lowly in social position, have, throughthe grace of Christ, sometimes been wonderfully successful in winning souls forHim. The secret of their success was their confidence in God. They learned dailyof Him who is wonderful in counsel and mighty in power. {AG 126.5}

Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will show forth His loveto the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of humanity. As hereceives from the Saviour grace to impart to others, from his whole being flowsforth the tide of spiritual life. {AG 126.6}

Chap. 119 - Fishers of Men

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matt.4:19. {AG 127.1}

Divine grace in the newly converted soul is progressive. It gives an increaseof grace, which is received, not to be hidden under a bushel, but to beimparted, that others may be benefited. He who is truly converted will work tosave others who are in darkness. {AG 127.2}

When a crisis comes in the life of any soul, and you attempt to give counselor admonition, your words will have only the weight of influence for good thatyour own example and spirit have gained for you. You must be good before you cando good. You cannot exert an influence that will transform others until your ownheart has been humbled and refined and made tender by the grace of Christ. Whenthis change has been wrought in you, it will be as natural for you to live tobless others as it is for the rosebush to yield its fragrant bloom. {AG 127.3}

He whose heart is filled with the grace of God and love for his perishingfellow men will find opportunity, wherever he may be placed, to speak a word inseason to those who are weary. Christians are to work for their Master inmeekness and lowliness, holding fast to their integrity amid the noise andbustle of life. {AG 127.4}

We should strive to understand the weakness of others. We know little of theheart trials of those who have been bound in chains of darkness and who lackresolution and moral power. . . . {AG 127.5}

We become too easily discouraged over the souls who do not at once respond toour efforts. Never should we cease to labour for a soul while there is one gleamof hope. Precious souls cost our self-sacrificing Redeemer too dear a price tobe lightly given up to the tempter's power. . . . Without a helping hand manywould never recover themselves, but by patient, persistent effort they may beuplifted. Such need tender words, kind consideration, tangible help. . . .Christ is able to uplift the most sinful and place them where they will beacknowledged as children of God, joint heirs with Christ to the immortalinheritance. By the miracle of divine grace many may be fitted for lives ofusefulness. {AG 127.6}

Chap. 120 - A Completed Work

He shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace,grace unto it. Zech. 4:7. {AG 128.1}

Human power did not establish the work of God, neither can human powerdestroy it. To those who carry forward His work in face of difficulty andopposition, God will give the constant guidance and guardianship of His holyangels. His work on earth will never cease. The building of His spiritual templewill be carried forward until it shall stand complete, and the headstone shallbe brought forth with shoutings: "Grace, grace unto it." {AG 128.2}

Christ has given to the church a sacred charge. Every member should be achannel through which God can communicate to the world the treasures of Hisgrace, the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is nothing that the Saviourdesires so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and Hischaracter. There is nothing that the world needs so much as the manifestationthrough humanity of the Saviour's love. . . . {AG 128.3}

The church is God's agency for the proclamation of truth, empowered by Him todo a special work; and if she is loyal to Him, obedient to all His commandments,there will dwell within her the excellency of divine grace. If she will be trueto her allegiance, if she will honour the Lord God of Israel, there is no powerthat can stand against her. {AG 128.4}

Christ desires by the fullness of His power so to strengthen His people thatthrough them the whole world shall be encircled with an atmosphere of grace.When His people shall make a whole-hearted surrender of themselves to God, thispurpose will be accomplished. . . . Christ will abide in humanity, and humanitywill abide in Christ. In all the work will appear, not the character of finiteman, but the character of the infinite God. . . . {AG 128.5}

The goodly fabric of character wrought out through divine power will receivelight and glory from heaven, and will stand before the world as a witnesspointing to the throne of the living God. Then the work will move forward withsolidity and redoubled strength. {AG 128.6}