Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 710—SDA's and Politics

Set Talents in Right Channels—When your letter came to me on the subject of gold and silver, a political question, I knew that I could not help you by any words that I might say. Your self-confidence would be very strong, and any words I might offer would be as seed sown upon the rock. The Lord did not want you to employ your God-given time, and set your talents to work in wrong channels. Your work has not set you in that line at all.... 9MR 128.1

The Lord would have us represent Christ, and show to the world His attractive character. We may have joy in the Lord if we will hear His commandments. If we indeed have our citizenship above, and a title to an immortal inheritance, an eternal substance, then let us have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul from every spiritual defilement. If our citizenship is above, what right have we to be engaging in political strifes? We are not called to any such service. “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18). What more could we ask? We shall be members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to an immortal inheritance. We shall have the crown of life that fadeth not away.... 9MR 128.2

From this time believe that the Lord can do all things, that He can make you a consistent Christian who wears the beauty of his heavenly character in the home life. A loving, lovable Christian is the most powerful argument in favor of the truth. Love your Saviour. Have your heart saturated with the holy oil that is emptied from the two olive trees. (Zechariah 4:11-14.) We want that oil emptied from the olive trees into our hearts every day. Then our tongues will speak forth the praise of our God. Looking unto Jesus, catching the light of His countenance, the light of His righteousness, we can turn deformity and sullenness and our many words of speech, into sound words, and our deformity of character will be removed. 9MR 128.3

[In closing, Malachi 2:5-7 is quoted.]—Letter 11, 1897, pp. 1, 10-12. (To Brother_____, December 14, 1897.) 9MR 129.1

True Believers Will Not Enter Into Political Strife—We are not to come down from our position of ever remaining a people distinct and peculiar from the world. Our vocation is high, holy, and elevated. Our faith, if appreciated, will keep all true believers from political strife.... 9MR 129.2

The fires of the last day will consume many souls who might have been saved if the church had but comprehended her sacred responsibilities.—Manuscript 139, 1897, pp. 7, 10. (“The Work Before God's People,” no date.) 9MR 129.3

Some Will Change Leaders—Those who claim to believe the truth, and yet spend their time in making political speeches, are changing leaders. They cannot claim the privilege of being subjects of the heavenly kingdom.—Manuscript 177, 1899, p. 8. (“The Medical Missionary Work,” May 10, 1899.) 9MR 129.4

“Come Out From Among Them”—Christ is the Saviour of the body as verily as He is the Saviour of the soul. His first sermon at Nazareth shows this.... 9MR 129.5

This command [2 Corinthians 6:17] is just as valid today as when God gave it to Moses to give to the children of Israel. The sins against which ancient Israel were warned have led modern Israel into byways and forbidden paths. The professed people of God have made those who are trampling under foot His commandments their counselors. 9MR 130.1

They have weakened their hold on God by uniting in politics with unbelievers. By parading their political belief before the world, just as worldlings do, they have created division, strife, and jealousy among themselves. The influence of this course of action is a great offense to God, and He cannot and will not prosper those who follow it.... 9MR 130.2

We are to work distinctly in God's lines, refusing to follow worldly practices. The exhibitions made in Battle Creek regarding political questions have not raised any soul who has acted a part in them in God's estimation. Thus God's people have given evidence to the world that they had not the love of God in their hearts, whatever might be their profession. Those who have distinguished themselves in politics, who have paraded their political differences, were looked upon, not only by human spectators but by the Lord Jesus, who gave His life to save a perishing world. The heavenly universe watched their course with disapproval, and Satan and his synagogue watched also. They were a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. 9MR 130.3

By this course of action, you have convinced many that you are not what you claim to be. In spirit and action you are no more true to God than are those watching you. The spirit which has led you to link up with the world in political matters, has so dimmed your spiritual discernment, that you would lay yourselves open to the world as some of you have done, hiding the fact that you have God as a leader and guide. You have carried to worldlings matters which concern only our own people, called out from the world to be a peculiar people, who are to look for guidance and direction to heavenly agencies. Of those who have acted thus, after having great light and great opportunities, God says, “Ye know not what spirit ye are of”.... 9MR 130.4

As the sons and daughters of God, we are to have nothing to do with political strife. Those who engage in these contests make Satan glad, for he knows that they will exhibit the natural attributes of unregenerate hearts.—Manuscript 75, 1898, pp. 1, 3, 4, 9. (“Come Out From Among Them, and Be Ye Separate,” June 6, 1898.) 9MR 131.1

White Estate

Washington, D. C.,

March 19, 1979.