Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, vol. 2

Preach the Word

I would say to those who hold views contrary to this plain declaration of Christ, Upon such matters silence is eloquence. It is presumption to indulge in suppositions and theories regarding matters that God has not made known to us in His word. We need not enter into speculation regarding our future state. 2NL 163.3

To my ministering brethren, I would say, “Preach the Word. Be instant in season and out of season.” Do not bring to the foundation wood, and hay, and stubble,—your own surmisings and speculations, which can benefit no one. 2NL 163.4

Christ withheld no truths essential to our salvation. Those things that are revealed are for us and our children, but we are not to allow our imagination to frame doctrines concerning things not revealed. 2NL 163.5

The Lord has made every provision for our happiness in the future life, but He has made no revelations regarding these plans, and we are not to speculate concerning them. Neither are we to measure the conditions of the future life by the conditions of this life. 2NL 163.6

Matters of vital importance have been plainly revealed in the word of God. These subjects are worthy of our deepest thought. But we are not to search into matters on which God has been silent. Some have put forth the speculation that the redeemed will not have gray hair. Other foolish suppositions have been put forward, as though these were matters of importance. May God help His people to think rationally. When questions arise upon which we are uncertain, we should ask, “What saith the Scripture?” 2NL 163.7

Let those who wish for something new seek for that newness of life resulting from the new birth. Let them purify their souls by obeying the truth, and act in harmony with the instruction Christ gave to the lawyer who asked what he must do in order to inherit eternal life: 2NL 164.1

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “This do and thou shalt live.” Luke 10:27, 28. All who will conform their lives to the plain requirements of God's word will inherit eternal life.—Manuscript 28, 1904. 2NL 164.2