Selections from the Testimonies for the Church For the Study of Those Attending the General Conference in Oakland, Ca., March 27, 1903

Chapter 9—To Our Churches Where Institutions are Located

St. Helena, Cal.,

November 21, 1902.

Lately my mind has been drawn to the work that needs to be done for our people. Things have been revealed to me that make me afraid. The One of authority declared: “Seventh-day Adventists are on losing ground in every place where they have established institutions; and the reason for this is that they have lost their first love. Let them remember from whence they have fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else God will come to them quickly, and will remove their candlestick out of his place, except they repent.” PH151 47.1

There has been such strife of tongues, such neglect of work that ought to be done, that much, very much, has been lost. In the place of making centers of influence for the Lord's work, men spend their time criticizing and condemning what others are doing. Thus they have done for years, and the saddest part of it all is that they do not realize that they are among those who have lost their first love. They think that they must make others walk in straight paths, when they themselves are constantly making crooked paths for their feet, by their unchristian course strengthening the spirit of strife and dissension. PH151 47.2

The Lord looks upon such ones with great displeasure. His counsel to us is: “It is the duty of each one to do all in his power to put down strife for the supremacy. It grieves the Lord to see the unwise, injudicious encouragement given to those who are so ready to make unfavorable reports concerning the work of others. Many stand by as criticizers, ready to make a man an offender for a word. Unless they put on the robe of Christ's righteousness, they will be rejected by God. Let them study carefully the parable of the man who came to the wedding supper not having on the garment provided for the guests. Let them remember that, while they are watching and criticizing others, they are neglecting to put on the robe of Christ's righteousness.” PH151 47.3

Some have supposed that it was their right to occupy the highest place, because they could skilfully detect the mistakes of others. Thinking of the faults of their brethren, they have forgotten their own. They have neglected to look at themselves in the divine mirror. Their building is going up without symmetry or artistic skill. They are too busily engaged in watching the work of others to build symmetrical characters for themselves. PH151 48.1

Those who give themselves to the work of spreading evil reports have no desire to put on the garment of Christ's righteousness. They may claim to have a knowledge of the truth, but the truth does not work in their lives with sanctifying power. They may seat themselves at the Lord's table, but they have not clothed themselves with the garment of righteousness provided for them, and they are dismissed from the heavenly banquet. PH151 48.2

I have been instructed to warn our people no longer to accuse others, but to rid their hearts of all selfishness, that in their lives Christ may be revealed. They are to show an appreciation for one another, esteeming others better than themselves. Then they will be prepared to help and strengthen one another, speaking words of hope and cheer, making hearts glad instead of sorrowful. PH151 48.3

This is the message that I am bidden to give to ministers and people. They need to feel the transforming influence of the grace of Christ. They need to receive the Holy Spirit, that they may work in Christ's lines. PH151 48.4

Let no one become so self-centered that he will fail to see that the Lord has appointed to every one a work. Let each do his best. This is all that the Lord requires of any one. Let our people read to a purpose the instruction given in the seventh chapter of John. The lessons of this chapter are not carried out in their daily practise. The Lord is not glorified in their lives, because they do not cherish love for one another. When their hearts are filled with the love of Christ, backbiting and criticizing will cease. No longer will Seventh-day Adventists weaken one another's hands; for they will love one another as Christ has loved them. PH151 49.1

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The proof that we are not of the world will be the manifestation of Christ's glory,—His character,—in our life-practise. When He dwells in the heart, His joy will be ours. PH151 49.2

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In their habits the people of God should be simple, honest, pure, free from all iniquity. God requires perfect obedience, perfection of character. Great injury is brought upon His cause by those who, while claiming to be His followers, deny Him in character. The religion of Jesus Christ never degrades the receiver, but makes him pure, that he may see God. It gives him an intensity of desire to be like Jesus Christ, the One altogether lovely, the Chiefest among ten thousand. PH151 49.3