Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 110, 1905

Sermon/Education in the Home

Takoma Park, Maryland

August 7, 1904

Previously unpublished.

(Sermon by Mrs. E. G. White, during an open-air meeting at Takoma Park, Washington, D.C., July 31 or August 7, 1904.)

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:1-3.] 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 1

For this coming, we, as Seventh-day Adventists, are now waiting. We are known by the name “Seventh-day Adventists” because we keep the Sabbath-day that our Lord gave to the children of Israel—the day of which He has declared, “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever” [Exodus 31:17]; and because we are watching and waiting for the second coming of our Lord, with power and great glory, in the clouds of heaven. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 2

“And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto Him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way. Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” [John 14:4-6.] 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 3

How encouraging are these words! Those who by experimental faith know Christ, know the Father also. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 4

“If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him. Philip saith unto Him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father.” [Verses 7-9.] Christ was “the express image” of His Father’s person. [Hebrews 1:3.] 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 5

“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you, I speak not of Myself; but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works.” [John 14:10.] 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 6

Christ was the Sent of God. Before sin entered our world, even before man was created, Christ covenanted with His Father that if the human family should transgress the divine law, He would take upon His own divine soul the penalty of transgression. Man fell; and in the fulness of time, in order to reveal to fallen humanity the character of the Father, Christ laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to this earth, here to live a sinless life. For our sakes He became poor. Through His poverty we may come into possession of eternal riches. As He ascended to His Father, He promised to come again in like manner—surrounded with clouds of angels. We long for His second appearing. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 7

And while our Lord delays His coming, we are to learn more and more of the character that through His grace we must form in order to come into possession of the heavenly treasure—a life that measures with the life of God. Those who in their earthly life honor their Saviour, and welcome His Spirit within their hearts will, in the world to come, enjoy his presence throughout the ages. He has taken His place at the head of humanity and is ready to save all who choose to follow in His footsteps. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 8

“To 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.] This privilege is ours. We may present our petitions to One who hears, One whose ear is ever open to the prayer of faith. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 9

It means much to be children of God. It means that we shall become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. If in this life we reveal the character of Christ, we may become kings and priests unto God. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 10

Christ revealed His Father’s character not only during His public ministry, but during the much longer period spent at His home in Nazareth of Galilee. For many years He accepted the lot of a humble carpenter. Though He was the Son of the highest, He was obedient to His earthly parents. And His was a life free from sin. We may be like Him in word and deed; for to us God is ready to impart grace sufficient for every need. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 11

How many will think of the charms of Christ Jesus? How many will remember that the whole life can be lighted up with the brilliancy of the beauty and the glory of the Christ-life? 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 12

Teach these things to your children. Teach them that there is happiness in religion. Christ desires that His joy may be in us, and that our joy may be full. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 13

Fathers, when weary and worn you cross the threshold at the close of the day’s work, remember that you will find the sweetest rest by bringing happiness into the household. How refreshing to your children and to the tired mother are kind, thoughtful, cheering words. The gift of speech has been entrusted to us in order that we may glorify God. Let us cultivate the tones of our voice and learn to speak as Jesus would have us speak. Let us determine to make the most of our opportunities here, knowing that Christ who has ascended above is still more interested in humanity than we can be in ourselves. He is bound to us by the ties of humanity. For us He died on Calvary’s cross. Buried, indeed, He was; but it was not for Him to remain in the grave. On the third day of His burial, an angel, parting the darkness from his track, descended to the earth direct from heaven and came to where the Saviour was entombed. As the burning glory of the light surrounding the angel fell upon the Roman guards, they dropped as dead men to the earth; but first they saw the beautiful angel roll back, as if it had been a pebble, the great rock placed before the sepulcher and take his seat upon the rock. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 14

Then Christ came forth from the grave and proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, “I am the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.] To us this means that if we die in Christ Jesus, having lived in obedience to His commandments—a life reflecting honor to the Creator—He will be faithful in raising us to immortality at the last day, when He shall come to call His own unto Himself. We are to honor the Lord upon the earth with every capability of the brain. We cannot be content with a low standard. We are to live in such a way that we can carry the gospel to those who are in darkness. Of us Christ says; “Ye are the light of the world.” And He adds: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 15

The Lord is not pleased to have us dwell at great length upon the wickedness, the corruption, the crime that is in the world. He desires us to think of that which we can do to live in accordance with His requirements. Some may feel that they cannot do much to stay the tide of evil now sweeping over the world. But each one can begin where he is and do the best he can. Parents can begin in the home. The home is God’s little church. The father is the priest, the head of the household; the mother is the queen of the home. The children are to be taught to carry all the responsibility they possibly can in the home life. Let them lift the little burdens and do the errands that some one must do. In helping father and mother, they will be made happy themselves. The parents, in return, should always express appreciation for the help given them by the children. Many times I have been really hindered in my work by trying to teach my children to help me do the work; but always in answer to their eager query, “Mother, do we really help you?” I would say, “Indeed you do, my children. I see that you are training yourselves to be useful. Your hands are becoming more and more skilful. This is pleasing to Jesus and brings me so much satisfaction that I should not complain if I had to do the work over and over again.” 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 16

O that I could speak with words that would reach the ears of every parent! Fathers, mothers, lead your children to Christ! Lead them gently, tenderly, lovingly. Never let a cross or impatient word escape your lips. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 17

May God help these little children that are here today. Christ blessed little children, and He wants every one of you to be His little children. He is ready to bless every little one who is in the congregation before me. He wants you to pray to Him and to ask Him to keep you from all evil. And He wants you, too, to try to keep yourselves from speaking hastily and from doing any wicked thing. Children, you are fitting up for a beautiful heaven above. Live as God would have you live. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 18

Parents can be a great blessing to their older children by teaching them how to care for the younger members of the family. Thus the mother is relieved of much responsibility, and the children are gaining an experience that will be a help to them throughout life. Faithfulness in the fulfilment of home duties and the blessing of God are so closely associated as to be almost inseparable. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 19

Every home should be a little heaven here below. In the little home church the children are given a preparation for the duties of church relationship as they grow older. Even in tender years the youth, if properly trained, are sometimes ready for baptism and for their names to be registered on the church books. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 20

We have come here to Washington to do what we can to assist our brethren in opening up this new field. We desire to establish an educational institution where we can tell young men and young women about the Lord Jesus Christ and teach them the Bible, which is the Word of God. Christ has said that if we eat His flesh and drink His blood, we have eternal life. Speaking further of this, He has made plain that He refers to an appropriation of the Scriptures to the individual heart. Constant feeding upon the Word will give us a character that will enable us to appropriate the blessings of heaven and to labor successfully for others. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 21

Children are to be educated and trained in such a way that the faculties of the mind shall be strengthened and that no evil habits and practices shall be given a place in their daily conduct. We are preparing for a home in heaven. I want that every one present shall be saved. We are waiting for the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. When He comes, He will know those who are reflecting His image in this world. No matter where His children have lived, whether in humble dwellings or in palaces, He understands all about them; He knows them by name. To overcomers, those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, will be given a welcome into the kingdom of glory. The pearly gates of the city of God will be swung back on their glittering hinges, and the nations that have kept the truth shall enter in. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 22

It is of no use to think that those who never cease to transgress all the principles of righteousness will be permitted to enter the heavenly city; for this would make possible another terrible rebellion in heaven, the result of which would be the expulsion of the transgressors. No, we must prepare in this life for the future immortal life. Many are the dark providences through which the Lord’s children are sometimes called to pass; but in the New Earth the Saviour will lead us beside the living waters and tell us the meaning of these things. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 23

In Revelation we read: “And He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” [Revelation 22:1.] When my son told me of the clear waters of the Sligo Creek flowing through this tract of land that we have secured for sanitarium and school grounds, I told him that the value of a beautiful flowing stream on sanitarium grounds is beyond estimate. In the New Jerusalem there will proceed direct from the throne of God a living stream, clear as crystal. “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” [Verse 2.] Thank God. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 24

As we pass through this life, and come in living connection with Christ, He gives us the leaves of the tree of life. Some may ask, What are these leaves of the tree of life? They are the words of the living God. Christ walks and talks with us. Some may not have had the educational advantages that others have had; but to all is granted the privilege of communion with Christ, the Life-giver. Thank God with heart and soul and voice! 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 25

Listen to the words that follow in this prophecy of the Revelator: “And there shall be no more curse; but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him; and they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.” [Verses 3, 4.] Elsewhere we read that no man shall see His face and live; but the redeemed shall have the privilege of beholding His face. O I wake up in the night, sometimes, burdened and distressed; and then this verse comes to my mind so forcibly that I cannot help praising God. The tears flow unbidden, and I feel as if nothing in this life were so heavy but that it could be borne cheerfully, in view of the privileges granted us in the future, immortal life. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 26

The prophet continues: “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light; and they shall reign forever and ever.” [Verse 5.] What a prospect! To us is given the promise of a life in the kingdom of glory, without any curse, without anything to cause tears, and this life is to extend throughout the ages. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 27

“And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true; and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show unto His servants the things which must shortly be done.” It seems a long time to us; but I do not pray for the time to be shortened, so long as there is an opportunity to save sinners for Jesus. “Behold, I come quickly; blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had seen and heard, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not; for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book; worship God.” [Verses 6-9.] 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 28

Let us not forget to worship God. We ought to worship Him every day, in our character-building, and by standing before the world as representatives of what it means to be a Christian whose life is hid with Christ in God. Let us worship Him by showing the difference between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 29

“And he said unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand.” [Verse 10.] Shall we, then, treat this prophecy as if it were sealed? Let us search it carefully, to learn what it says about the very last scenes of this earth’s history. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 30

“Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” [Verse 12.] Every one is to be given his reward in accordance with his lifework. Let us, then, crowd into the life all the good works possible; let us so live that the character attained will be of influence in the world; let us seek for the peace that is granted to every true child of God. To every one is given the privilege of being an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ Jesus to an immortal inheritance, an eternal substance that no fire can destroy, and that can in no wise pass away. The faithful will have the joy of viewing the beauty and the glory of the earth made new. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 31

Many gain the idea that in heaven we shall live a life of inactivity. This is not a correct idea. There we shall plant and build; there we shall ever be learning; there we shall worship God, delighting to sing His praises and to speak of His infinite mercy and love. To every overcomer will be given a golden harp; and the music of heaven will be far richer than the sweetest music of this earth. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 32

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” [Verses 13, 14.] Those who keep God’s commandments are the ones who will be given an entrance into the heavenly city. “Without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” [Verses 15-17.] 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 33

This reveals clearly the necessity of carrying God’s work beyond the limits of our home churches. We have a message to bear to the world. A living church, a church that has in it the renovating power of Christ, is a working church. Those who go to work for the Master find that all their hopes and powers are renewed and strengthened; their countenances are lighted up with joy as they present Jesus the Crucified and thus win souls to their Saviour. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 34

And it is to help our fellow men that we have come to Washington. It was because of our desire to spread a knowledge of God’s truth that we consented to go to Australia, where we remained ten years, establishing a training school, church schools, sanitariums and treatment rooms, strengthening the publishing work, organizing new churches, and building meetinghouses. God was with us. Those whose hearts are filled with His love and a desire to make known to others His loving kindness cannot be made unhappy. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 35

I may never meet you again in this life, but I desire to tell you that there is a heaven above, where I hope to see your faces. Think of what I have told you. Study your Bibles; find in them the precious words given by the Saviour for our encouragement; appropriate His promises, and thereby gain strength to overcome the temptations that are growing stronger and more subtle as the end draws near. Christ is ready to impart to you the divine nature He came to bestow upon sinful humanity; and, by partaking of His divine nature, you may be overcomers, and see His face, and sit with Him on His throne. 20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 36