General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7

The Sermon - BEHOLD JESUS!

A. G. DANIELLS

Sabbath, June 7, 10 A. M.

A request has come to us from more than one source that we may have today the reading of a part at least of the messages we have received from Sister White during this Conference. Three have been read, but many of our brethren were not present, and quite a good many on the grounds, not knowing these were to be read, were absent. So we thought that this morning we would read portions of all three of these and direct attention to the leading thoughts presented to us. GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.1

We feel that when we are gathered together from all parts of the world in a meeting like this, it is a great privilege to have messages sent to us from the spirit of prophecy, and we want to know the word that comes; we want to understand the admonition received, the counsel given, the encouragement held out to us, and so in this way rightly relate ourselves to the light that comes. GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.2

First of all, I will say that these messages have breathed courage and good cheer and hopefulness all the way through. So this morning, whatever our past neglects have been, our past mistakes and failures, it is our privilege to look up to God and lay hold of him for new light, to live a better life in the days to come, and to win new victories. GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.3

In the very first message, after some scriptures filled with encouragements, we read:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.4

“It is the privilege of our representative men in attendance at the General Conference to cherish a spirit of hopefulness and courage.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.5

As this is our privilege, brethren, let us do it. Let us cherish a spirit of hopefulness and courage. A discouraged man, a man without hope, drifts upon the high seas, heading nowhere, getting nowhere, but losing out all the time. I continue reading:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.6

PHOTO-The cruiser “Searchlight,” mission ship in Alaskan waters, Fred W. Temple, master

“My brethren, the Saviour has revealed himself to you in manifold ways; he has filled your heart with the sunlight of his presence while you have labored in distant lands and in the home land; he has kept you through dangers seen and unseen; and now, as you meet once more with your brethren in council, it is your privilege to be glad in the Lord, and to rejoice in the knowledge of his sustaining grace. Let his love take possession of mind and heart.... Bear an uplifting testimony. GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.7

This is for us all. As we go from this Conference, brethren, let us bear an uplifting, triumphant testimony to our people, to our associates. When we return home, what will our husbands, our wives, our associates except to see in us and to hear from us? Will they expect us to return home with drooping spirits, with downcast countenances? Will they expect to hear from us, about the first thing, some criticisms of somebody or of something we do not like? Will they not rather except to hear from us the shout of victory? [Hearty amens.] I know, and you know, from experience that when people have come to us from a great meeting, we have expected to see evidences in their countenances, in their words, and in their lives, of a blessing received. Let us not disappoint the people. Let us go to our churches and help to lift them up. GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.8

We read further:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.9

“Bear an uplifting testimony. Turn your eyes away from that which is dark and discouraging, and behold Jesus, our great Leader, under whose watchful supervision the cause of present truth, to which we are giving our lives and our all, is destined to triumph gloriously. GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.10

“The attitude that our representative men maintain during the Conference will have a telling influence upon all throughout the field, as well as upon the delegates themselves.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.11

Brethren, God proposes to send the influences of this gathering out to the ends of the world. O, let sunlight come in, then, to the soul! Let the joy of the Lord take possession, as he wants it to. GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.12

“It is your privilege to be endowed, from day to day, with a rich measure of his Holy Spirit, and to have broadened views of the importance and scope of the message we are proclaiming to the world.... Pray most earnestly for an understanding of the times in which we live, for a fuller conception of his purpose, and for increased efficiency in soul-saving.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.13

“Often in the night-season I am bidden to urge our brethren in responsible positions to make earnest effort to follow on to know the Lord more perfectly.. GCB June 9, 1913, page 321.14

A higher platform, a deeper spiritual life, is pointed to here. GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.1

“When our workers realize as they should the importance of the times in which we live, there will be seen a determined purpose to be on the Lord’s side, and they will become in truth laborers together with God. When they consecrate heart and soul to the service of God, they will find that an experience deeper than any they have yet obtained is essential if they would triumph over all sin.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.2

And now an admonition:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.3

“During the General Conference of 1909, a work should have been done in the hearts of those in attendance that was not done.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.4

I am sorry for this, and have during the past four years many times prayed God not to allow this to be repeated at this meeting. GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.5

“Hours should have been given up to heart searching, that would have led to the breaking up of the fallow ground of the hearts of those who were at the meeting.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.6

So in this Conference we have arranged for a large number of ministers to meet in different parts of the camp with the brethren. We have opened the way so that every one attending this meeting might be present every morning in some meeting and get some help from God. These ministers have gone out here, and they have prayed earnestly for this Conference and this camp. And they have come with their hearts burdened, morning after morning, and, O, we have been glad to hear that God has met with you in these morning meetings! One brother said to me this morning, “Brother Daniells, it is not a matter of pulling the people; there seems to be an awful pressure behind them to get hold and receive the blessing of God, and get what they want and need.” And so it seemed in the meeting this morning. We have tried to provide every way whereby souls might come into close touch with ministers who could pray with them and counsel with them with reference to their souls. If this had been done more fully four years ago, we are told,—“this would have given them insight to understand the work so essential to be done by them in repentance and confession. But, though opportunities were given for confession of sin, for heartfelt repentance, and for a decided reformation, thorough work was not done. Some felt the influence of the Holy Spirit, and responded; but all did not yield to this influence. The minds of some were running in forbidden channels. Had there been on the part of all in the assembly a humbling of heart, there would have been manifested a wonderful blessing.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.7

Brethren, let us today search our hearts, and make that surrender to God that is spoken of here. Each one must do this for himself. GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.8

“When the Lord sets his hand to prepare the way before his ministers, it is their duty to follow where he directs. He will never forsake or leave in uncertainty those who follow his leadings with full purpose of heart.” Is not that encouraging? GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.9

“I have been deeply impressed by scenes that have recently passed before me in the night-season. There seemed to be a great movement”— GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.10

In what direction? away from the movement with which we are connected? away from the work and the message of God? Let us see:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.11

“There seemed to be a great movement—a work of revival [Thank God!]—going forward in many places. Our people were moving into line, responding to God’s call.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.12

I do not know of anything better in all this world than for God’s people to be moving into line, responding to his divine call. GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.13

“My brethren, the Lord is speaking to us. Shall we not heed his voice? Shall we not trim our lamps, and act like men who look for their Lord to come? The time is one that calls for light-bearing, for action.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.14

Now these are some of the more important statements in this first message, and O, I feel that these should lead us to our knees in praise and repentance and in consecration of all to our blessed Lord! GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.15

Then there came a second communication. It was entitled “Courage in the Lord.” From this I read:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.16

“Recently in the night-season, my mind was impressed by the Holy Spirit with the thought that if the Lord is coming as soon as we believe he is, we ought to be even more active than we have been in years past in getting the truth before the people.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.17

Now this message follows up the first message of hopefulness and courage—the laying hold of God personally—with the exhortation to put forth greater efforts in behalf of those who are unprepared to meet the Lord. GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.18

I continue reading:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.19

“In this connection, my mind reverted to the activity of the advent believers in 1843 and 1844. At that time there was much house-to-house visitation, and untiring efforts were made to warn the people of the things that are spoken of in God’s Word. We should be putting forth even greater effort than was put forth by those who proclaimed the first angel’s message so faithfully.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.20

Brethren, it seems to me that this Conference should mark the beginning of new activity throughout our ranks [many amens] in soul-winning effort in the home land. Do you know, there is great danger of our forgetting this? We appeal for these millions in the lands of heathenism, and there is response by giving money and our children; but, dear friends, the message that comes to us is that while we do this, we in the home land must put forth greater personal efforts for those around us. And so it seems to me that we should begin anew the circulation of our tracts and our papers; we should begin anew to visit our neighbors and talk with them; we should begin anew earnest efforts, personally, to bring these people to the Lord, and to lead them to see the meaning of this message. I read further:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.21

“We are rapidly approaching the end of this earth’s history; and as we realize that Jesus is indeed coming soon, we shall be aroused to labor as never before. We are bidden to sound an alarm to the people. And in our own lives we are to show forth the power of truth and righteousness. The world is soon to meet the great Lawgiver over his broken law. Those only who turn from transgression to obedience, can hope for pardon and peace.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.22

This is why we should be greatly in earnest in our sphere of influence, wherever we are. GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.23

“O, how much good might be accomplished if all who have the truth, the Word of life, would labor for the enlightenment of those who have it not!... GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.24

“I have words of encouragement for you, my brethren. We are to move forward in faith and hope, expecting large things from God. The enemy will seek in every way to hinder the efforts that are being made to advance the truth, but in the strength of the Lord you may gain success. Let no discouraging words be spoken, but only such words as will tend to strengthen and sustain your fellow workers.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.25

Then the servant of the Lord says, “I long to be personally engaged in earnest work in the field.” At eighty-five years of age, weighted down with these long years of burden, of anxiety, of labor and toil, this servant of the Lord says, “I long to be personally engaged in earnest work in the field.” Dear friends, what ought not we to do, young in years, in the very prime of life, with physical strength to endure? O, what should be our consecration to service! GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.26

A third message came to us, which was read a few days ago, when many were absent. In that message we have these statements:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.27

“Last night I seemed to be in earnest conversation with some of our brethren who seemed to be unable to take a broad view of the work that God desired them to do. Some in their efforts were going beyond that which was wise and prudent, while others were falling short of that which was required of them. I was trying to make these brethren understand the necessity of carrying the work forward intelligently, so that one worker would not tear down the work that another was endeavoring to build up.... GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.28

“Unless there is a united drawing with God, unless those in positions of leadership lift up their hearts to heaven, confessing their defects of character, and pleading for help to reach a higher standard, they will not discern their own spiritual needs, nor strive successfully for higher attainments. GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.29

“Because a worker does not see the importance of a fellow worker’s effort, he should not pull back and make the work go hard. Every laborer should now be working with zeal and energy, pressing onward and upward. There should be no such thing as backsliding from the light that has guided us for so many years. God is calling upon his people to reach a higher standard of spirituality, to work unitedly.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.30

Many talk very much about spirituality, and about the Spirit’s presence, and about rejoicing in the Lord; but they do not realize that all this should lead to earnest work for Jesus in behalf of the lost. I believe, brethren, that the highest degree of spirituality and of true rejoicing in the gospel comes to those who take these blessings of God, and make themselves channels of light and blessing to their fellow men. That is the spirit of Jesus, who came from heaven to save the lost. So we are told that “God is calling upon his people to reach a higher standard of spirituality, to work unitedly.” I continue reading:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.31

“Much of the work being accomplished in the cause of present truth would require not more than half the labor that it now demands if the workers would come unitedly to the help of the Lord, lending their courage and zeal, their faith and influence, to the building up of whatever enterprise is called for.. GCB June 9, 1913, page 322.32

“We are to learn to take God at his word,” and that is very important, brethren, in this Conference and today, to “take God at his word.” So many long for help, but fail to get it because they do not reach out the hand of faith and lay right hold of it. Mr. Moody found that in his work for souls. They would come to the inquiry room, and they came, of course, to get help, to get salvation; but when they got there, so many of them could hardly be induced to lay hold of it; and so he illustrated it by an incident that he wrought out for the purpose. He took a dozen boys, and went before them with a silver dollar in his hand, offering it to the first boy. The little fellow looked at it very smilingly and wistfully, but did not put out his hand. He passed right on to the next one. He asked each one if he wanted the dollar, and each one said, “Yes, sir,” but did not take it. So he went on. Finally, down near the end of the row, a little fellow reached his hand right out, and took the dollar. Mr. Moody said to him, “It is yours, because you took it.” Then he turned to the others and said: “It was not yours, because you did not take it. It was for any one who would take it.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.1

Brethren and sisters, thousands of people right in the church today are going on barren, going on longing, simply because they will not reach out the hand of faith and take what God is holding over their heads. I know that by years of experience. Long after I entered the ministry, I came to learn that it is one thing to long, and desire, and pray earnestly for help, and it is another thing to just reach right out and take salvation, and say: “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Lord, I take what you have for me, right here and now.” A distinct blessing comes in that. I read on:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.2

“We are to learn to take God at his word, for thus only can we carry out his purposes. There should be no back on the part of any. With all the light that has been given us, we cannot truthfully say, ‘We did not understand his will.’ Let there be a drawing together, every one lifting in spiritual lines.... GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.3

“Not all are pursuing a course of indifference. There are some who are reviewing their past mistakes and are learning from these mistakes the lessons that God would teach them.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.4

I am glad that is our privilege—to take our mistakes, however bad they were, however much they have hurt us and others, and lay them right down there deep and solid as stepping-stones to a better life. What a glorious provision God has made for poor, weak, flair humanity, that we can take these mistakes and make them stepping-stones to better service. GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.5

“They are making close examination of self. These workers are studying their own lives in the light of Christ’s perfect example, and are becoming changed into the same image. GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.6

“Our ministers have some experiences to gain that have not yet been gained, standards to reach higher than those yet attained. They have lessons to learn of personal ministry for souls.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.7

Brethren in the ministry, let us heed the message that comes to us. God is no respecter of persons. When he addresses a great concourse of people like this, he speaks to us who stand forth as leaders, and he tells us what we have not done, and what we ought to do. Let us heed the counsel. GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.8

“We do not realize how untiring are Satan’s efforts to sap our spirituality. He is working mightily that the people of God may be only half converted. Then self will swell to large proportions, and there will be no revelation to the world of the transforming power of God. If this power does not rest upon God’s people and move them to sanctified action, they cannot do the work in the earth that has been shown us must be done. Without this power, they will not realize their responsibility as his representatives in a world of unbelief.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.9

That is the last word that has come in the form of a message to us. It sounds very important to me. This is the last that we shall receive, unless something comes in the mail tonight or tomorrow; and if nothing else comes, we shall break up with this solemn closing admonition. GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.10

Voice: Please read that last thought again, Brother Daniells. GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.11

A. G. Daniells: I am asked to read this last paragraph again:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.12

“We do not realize how untiring are Satan’s efforts to sap our spirituality.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.13

Then, brethren, when we get home to the farm, to our business, yea, to our ministry, let us drink at the fountain of spiritual life. GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.14

“He is working mightily that the people of God may be only half converted.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.15

He would just as soon as not take us down to perdition on this road as on any other. But, brethren, God has cast up a highway that leads to the celestial city. O, let us travel on that upward way! If he can get us to be only half converted, then “self will swell to large proportions, and there will be no revelation to the world of the transforming power of God. If this power does not rest upon God’s people and move them to sanctified action, they cannot do the work in the earth that has been shown us must be done. Without this power, they will not realize their responsibility as his representatives in this world of unbelief.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.16

I am glad these communications are in print, so that we can all read them when we get to our homes. GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.17

Now I thought that in this closing Sabbath service of the Conference, we could well afford to listen to the words of Jesus which he spoke on an occasion something similar to this. “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of him shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive).” Now I understand that this invitation is to us, right here, today. “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” Shall we do that today? What is in the way of doing that? Does not Jesus as truly say that to us who are here as he did to the people back there?—Of course he does. That is why he had it written. GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.18

“He that believeth on me.” Now that indicates that when we come to drink, we must believe that he is accessible, and that he will give us to drink. “He that believeth on me [and drinketh], out of him shall flow rivers of living water.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.19

Hundreds of prayers have been offered here today, and requests made all through this meeting, for that wayward boy and that unbelieving husband. I received a letter from a little lad. He said his mother was feeling very bad, and had sent the letter for me to read, with the request that prayer be offered for her husband. I read the letter. It must have been from some very kind husband and father, for he said:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.20

“I am glad that you and our boy are where you can get God’s blessing, but I am in despair. I am grown-up man and a sinner, and I have no hope in God. But I want you to be happy. I do not want my lost condition to trouble you.” It was a sad word indeed to hear. We ought to pray for that man. He may not be so far from the kingdom as he felt in his soul when he wrote those words. But I will tell you, that wife and that boy will need much of the Spirit of God as they go from these meetings to that husband and father, the breadwinner, that man who perhaps is struggling with the great question as to whether he will give up his employment and jeopardize the well-being of his wife and boy. How much they need to go away with this blessed Spirit, so that there can flow from them a river of life and hope to that man! Dear friends, do you know how much you need to go from this meeting and let the benign influences of God’s Spirit and God’s blessing fall upon those around you? GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.21

I remember one time when some of our people came back from our State camp-meeting. I was not able to go to the camp-meeting; and when they came back, the first thing one of the men told me was that a certain one was converted and baptized at the camp-meeting. This person had made no profession of religion at the time. Well, the very message made a pronounced impression upon me. But something made a deeper impression. When I saw that converted young person, I saw a change in him; I felt the influence of a Christian life. Dear friends, as we return home, we ought to take Jesus with us, and not leave him here at the temple on the ground. GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.22

You remember the record, that in going from a gathering of God’s people at Jerusalem once, Jesus was left behind. The people journeyed without him, visiting with one another and having a social time. When the day was spent, it was found that Jesus was not with them. His parents turned back to find him. When they found him, they said, “We have been looking for you for three days.” Brethren, as we leave here, let us be careful to take the Master with us, so that we shall not spend a long time looking for him. We ought to settle it in deep resolution here that we shall make that consecration, and will lay hold of God here, and be careful when we leave to take him with us, that there may flow from us rivers of living water, spiritual life, and power, and influence, to lay hold of those to whom we go, and with whom we come in contact. GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.23

“But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive.” Our beautiful motto here before us is, “Receive ye the Holy Spirit.” That is what Jesus has said: “As my Father hath sent me into the world, even so send I you: receive ye the Holy Spirit.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.24

Now we have all heard many requests today for prayer. Some have requested prayer for their own spiritual uplift, and power and victory over sin; and others for those whom they know are unprepared to meet God over his broken law. Before we close this meeting, there may still be some burdened heart who has a special request to make. If so, we will give you an opportunity to state your request, and state exactly what it is that you desire most that prayer shall be offered for. GCB June 9, 1913, page 323.25

[Many persons at this point arose in quick succession and stated requests for prayer. The meeting was closed with a season of prayer, led by Elders S. N. Haskell and A. G. Daniells.] GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.1