The Fruitage of Spiritual Gifts

Chapter 16 — Week-by-Week Messages

THE TEACHINGS AND WORK of Mrs. E. G. White are well known from the many books she has written. There are those who think these to be the extent of her literary work. This, however, is not true. Almost every week for over thirty-five years she contributed important articles to our many periodicals, not only in English, but German, French, Swedish, Danish-Norwegian, and other languages. We who lived while these messages came will never forget their influence. Our people came to look for these weekly articles as messages from the Lord. They dealt with a great variety of subjects and answered many questions that were then uppermost in the minds of the people. If they were printed in book form, they would make eighteen to twenty volumes. We hope that someday some of them at least may be republished. FSG 207.1

Though it is not possible in a brief chapter to set forth all that these messages taught, it is well to remember the influence they had. Our best and most successful ministers carefully studied them from week to week. They led to larger endeavor, to higher goals, and to greater efficiency in the ministry. Our churches read them eagerly. Very often they were used in the Sabbath meetings when no minister was present. Our scattered believers and our people generally greatly prized these weekly words from the messenger of the Lord and were drawn nearer to God in every way. As stated, they dealt with a great variety of subjects. Very often at the beginning of the year thoughts for the New Year were presented. Thus in the Review of January 3, 1882, we have this word: FSG 207.2

“Many who were with us at the beginning of 1881 are not here to welcome 1882. We ourselves may not live to see another year. Shall we not seek to improve the little time allotted us?” FSG 208.1

“Let us enter upon the new year with a clean record. Let faults be corrected. Let bitterness and malice be uprooted. Let right triumph over wrong. Let envy and jealousy between brethren be put away. Heartfelt, honest confession will heal grave difficulties. Then with the love of God in the soul, there may flow from sincere lips the greeting, ‘I wish you a happy New Year.’”—The Review and Herald, January 3, 1882 page 1. FSG 208.2

Again on January 20, 1885, we have in the Review an article from Mrs. White concerning another New Year: FSG 208.3

“The year 1884 has passed into eternity, and a new year has dawned upon us. What is the character of the history that has been recorded in heaven, as day by day has glided by with its burden of good or evil? Have not many of you, my brethren and sisters, a spotted record to meet?”—The Review and Herald, January 20, 1885 page 33. FSG 208.4

After underlining the need of prayer and holiness and the joy in the service of God, she goes on to say: FSG 208.5

“Year by year increasing light is shining upon our pathway. The light we had in 1884 is not the light for us this year; if that light has been faithfully improved, we may look for still greater light in the year that is before us. Dear brethren and sisters, the increased light that you receive places you under greater obligation to God.... FSG 208.6

“To each of us some work is assigned in the vineyard of the Lord. There is enough for all to do; none need stand idle. Have you been faithful in your appointed task?”—Ibid. FSG 208.7

The next article from the pen of Mrs. White in the Review, a week later (January 27, 1885), was on “Thoroughness in Christian Work.” In this she speaks of the recent camp meetings, saying: FSG 209.1

“It is not preaching talent alone that is needed in Portland and similar places; the call is for men who will go forth imbued with the Spirit of Christ, and work for souls. The minister should not confine his labors to the desk, nor should he settle down in some pleasant home among the brethren. He must watch for souls. He must visit the people at their homes, and by personal efforts seek to impress the truth upon hearts and consciences. He must pray with families and hold Bible-readings with them.”—The Review and Herald, January 27, 1885 page 49. FSG 209.2

Speaking of the advent work in the East, she says: FSG 209.3

“The work in Maine should be six years in advance of what it now is.” “Not only here, but all over the field, north and south, east and west, more of the spirit that actuated our Savior is needed.”—The Review and Herald, January 27, 1885 page 50. FSG 209.4

Another topic that is dealt with very fully in these weekly messages is the home—the joy and love and peace that should b found in a Christian home. She dwells much upon the duties of parents and the relation of parents to one another and to their children. It is evident in all her writings that she had a deep love for children and also that she was writing out of her experience with her own children. In this connection she also emphasized the holiness of the Sabbath. Thus in an article entitled “The New Heart,” The Review and Herald, April 14, 1885, she says: FSG 209.5

“The Sabbath—oh! make it the sweetest, the most blessed day of the whole week. Parents should not allow their children to be out with others in play or amusement. I have found that on the Sabbath day, many are indifferent and do not know where their children are or what they are doing. Parents can and should give attention to their children, reading to them the most attractive portions of Bible history, educating them to reverence the Sabbath-day, keeping it according to the commandment. This cannot be done if the parents feel no burden to interest their children. But they can make the Sabbath a delight if they will take the proper course.... FSG 209.6

“The mother must keep her mind refreshed and stored with the promises and blessings of God’s word, and also the forbidden things, that when her children do wrong she may present as a reproof the words of God, and show them how they are grieving the Spirit of God.”—The Review and Herald, April 14, 1885 page 226. FSG 210.1

In another article entitled “Proper Education,” July 14, 1885, she states: FSG 210.2

“There is danger of both parents’ and teachers’ commanding and dictating too much, while they fail to come sufficiently into social relation with their children or their scholars.”—The Review and Herald, July 14, 1885 page 433. FSG 210.3

On April 28, 1885, we find an article entitled “Social Meetings.” This is an earnest appeal: FSG 210.4

“Meetings for conference and prayer should not be made wearisome and tedious. If possible, all should be prompt to the hour appointed; and if there are dilatory ones, who are half an hour or even fifteen minutes behind the time, there should be no waiting.... FSG 210.5

“Our meetings should be spirited and social, and not too long. Reserve, pride, vanity, and fear of man, should find no place there. Little differences and prejudices should not be taken with us to these meetings.... FSG 210.6

“But many offer prayer in a dry, sermonizing manner. These pray to men, not to God. If they were praying to God, and really understood what they were doing, they would be alarmed at their audacity; for they deliver a discourse to the Lord in the mode of prayer, as though the Creator of the universe needed special information.” FSG 210.7

“In all His efforts, Christ sought to make His teachings interesting. He knew that a tired, hungry throng could not receive spiritual benefit, and He did not forget their bodily needs.”—The Review and Herald, April 28, 1885 pages 257, 258. FSG 210.8

This article was very helpful, especially at that time when there were so few preachers among us and nearly all churches had to plan their own Sabbath meetings. On May 26, 1885, there appears an article with the heading, “A Cross in Accepting the Truth.” We read, FSG 210.9

“In the renewed heart there will be a fixed Principle to obey the will of God because there is a love for what is just, and good, and holy.” FSG 211.1

“Many are in danger of making shipwreck of faith. They feel that it is a condescension in them to receive unpopular truth; and, while accepting the truth, they seek, to quite a degree, to retain the spirit of the world. This they cannot do; for the friendship of the world is enmity with God.” “I thank God that we must renounce the love of the world, and pride of heart, and everything which tends to idolatry, in order to be followers of the Man of Calvary. I present before you, my brethren and sisters, His self-denying life. Why are we so sensitive to trial and reproach, to shame and suffering, when our Lord has given us such an example?”—The Review and Herald, May 26, 1885 page 321. FSG 211.2

In the June 16, 1885, number of the Review, the message from Mrs. White is entitled “The Unity of the Church.” She states: FSG 211.3

“As all the different members of the human system unite to form the entire body, and each performs its office in obedience to the intelligence that governs the whole, so the members of the church of Christ should be united in one symmetrical body, subject to the sanctified intelligence of the whole. FSG 211.4

“The advancement of the church is retarded by the wrong course of its members. Uniting with the church, although an important and necessary act, does not make one a Christian or insure salvation. We cannot secure a title to heaven by having our names enrolled upon the church books, while our hearts are alienated from Christ.... FSG 211.5

“Our profession is an exalted one. As Sabbath-keeping Adventists, we profess to obey all God’s commandments, and are looking for the coming of our Redeemer.... We should every one feel our individual responsibility as members of the visible church and workers in the vineyard of the Lord.... None of us can occupy a neutral position; our influence will tell for or against. We are active agents for Christ or for the enemy. We either gather with Jesus or scatter abroad. True conversion is a radical change.... God is leading out a people to stand in perfect unity upon the platform of eternal truth.”—The Review and Herald, June 16, 1885 page 369. FSG 211.6

June 23, 1885, the message is on “The Influence of Worldliness.” FSG 212.1

“Many of the people of God are stupefied by the spirit of the world, and are denying their faith by their works. They cultivate a love for money, for houses and lands, until it absorbs the powers of mind and being, and shuts out love for the Creator and for souls for whom Christ died. The god of this world has blinded their eyes; their eternal interests are made secondary; and brain, bone, and muscle are taxed to the utmost to increase their worldly possessions.... FSG 212.2

“How can houses and lands compare in value with precious souls for whom Christ died? Through your instrumentality, dear brethren and sisters, these souls may be saved with you in the kingdom of glory; but you cannot take with you there the smallest portion of your earthly treasure.”—The Review and Herald, June 23, 1885 page 385. FSG 212.3

This instruction was especially timely then when so many of our members, especially in the Central States, had become deeply engrossed in acquiring land, through homestead and other means, to their spiritual loss. FSG 212.4

Mrs. E. G. White in these weekly messages also dealt with particular questions or pointed out special dangers to the people of God. In an article in the The Review and Herald, March 11, 1884, she writes on the subject of “Exacting Usury of Brethren.” She refers to the experience of Nehemiah as recorded in the fifth chapter, where he found some of the wealthy Jews oppressing their poorer brethren, and then she says: FSG 212.5

“Here is important instruction for all who would walk in the fear of the Lord and in the way of His commandments. Some who profess to be so walking are acting over again the course pursued by the rulers and nobles in Israel. Because they have the power, they exact more than is just and honest, and thus become oppressors. The word of God must be the rule in deal. Those who profess to love God, and yet take advantage of the necessities of their brethren to exact large interest, perhaps ten or twelve percent, may for a time appear to gain by this course; but they will finally learn that God can scatter. The Lord will judge and punish; He will hear the cry of the oppressed, and will repay the oppressor according to his deeds.”—The Review and Herald, March 11, 1884 Page 161. FSG 212.6

A week later, March 18, 1884, she sent a message entitled “A Sabbath Reform Needed.” In this she states: FSG 213.1

“There is need of a Sabbath reform among us, who profess to observe God’s holy rest-day. Some discuss their business matters and lay plans on the Sabbath, and God looks upon this in the same light as though they engaged in the actual transaction of business. Others who are well acquainted with the Bible evidences that the seventh day is the Sabbath, enter into partnership with men who have no respect for God’s holy day. A Sabbath-keeper cannot allow men in his employ, paid by his money to work on the Sabbath. If, for the sake of gain, he allows the business in which he has an interest to be carried on during the Sabbath by his unbelieving partner, he is equally guilty with the unbeliever; and it is his duty to dissolve the relation, however much he may lose by so doing. Men may think they cannot afford to obey God, but they cannot afford to disobey him. Those who are careless in their observance of the Sabbath will suffer great loss.”—The Review and Herald, March 18, 1884 page 177. FSG 213.2

Still a week later, on March 25, 1884, the weekly message dealt with the topic, “May Christians Manufacture Wine and Cider?” FSG 213.3

“I have received letters from different individuals inquiring if I think it in accordance with our faith to raise hops, knowing that they are principally used in the manufacture of intoxicating drinks, or to engage in the manufacture of wine or cider for the market. I cannot see how, in the light of the law of God, Christians can conscientiously engage in these pursuits.”—The Review and Herald, March 25, 1884 page 193. FSG 213.4

In another message, printed March 28, 1882, Mrs. White writes on the topic, “Where Are We Drifting?” and she deals with a number of things, among them the question of jewelry. FSG 213.5

“Mrs. D., a lady occupying a position in the institution, was visiting at Sr.____’s room one day, when the latter took out of her trunk a gold necklace and chain, and said she wished to dispose of this jewelry and put the proceeds into the Lord’s treasury. FSG 213.6

“Said the other, ‘Why do you sell it? I would wear it if it was mine.’ FSG 214.1

“‘Why’ replied Sr., ‘when I received the truth, I was taught that all these things must be laid aside. Surely they are contrary to the teachings of God’s word.’ And she cited her hearer the words of the apostles, Paul and Peter.... FSG 214.2

“In answer, the lady displayed a gold ring on her finger, given her by an unbeliever, and said she thought it no harm to wear such ornaments. ‘We are not so particular,’ said she, ‘as formerly. Our people have been over-scrupulous in their opinions upon the subject of dress. The ladies of this institution wear gold watches and gold chains, and dress like other people. It is not good policy to be singular in our dress; for we cannot exert so much influence.’ FSG 214.3

“We inquire, Is this in accordance with the teachings of Christ? Are we to follow the word of God, or the customs of the world? Our sister decided that it was safest to adhere to the Bible standard. Will Mrs. D. and others who pursue a similar course be pleased to meet the result of their influence, in that day when every man shall receive according to his works?”—The Review and Herald, March 28, 1884 page 193. FSG 214.4

About this time a new member of the church wrote a letter to Mrs. White and asked her opinion on the question of dancing. In her reply on the subject, “Should Christians Dance?” (The Review and Herald, February 28, 1882), she writes: FSG 214.5

“You inform me in your letter that you have been recently converted from error to truth. You now see and acknowledge the claims of God’s law. You see the true Sabbath plainly brought to view in the fourth commandment, and have begun to keep it. You feel a joy that you never experienced before. In all this I rejoice with you. Then you ask if it is sinful to attend dancing parties. You say that this amusement possesses great attractions for you, but if sinful you will relinquish it. FSG 214.6

“Before answering this question directly, I ask you to consider briefly the position and work of God’s people at the present day.... The true Christian will not desire to enter any place of amusement or engage in any diversion upon which he cannot ask the blessing of God. He will not be found at the theater, the billiard hall, or the bowling saloon. He will not unite with the gay waltzers, or indulge in any other bewitching pleasure that will banish Christ from the mind... FSG 214.7

“The amusement of dancing, as conducted at the present day, is a school of depravity, a fearful curse to society. If all in our great cities who are yearly ruined by this means could be brought together, what histories of wrecked lives would be revealed. How many who now stand ready to apologize for this practice, would be filled with anguish and amazement at the result. How can professedly Christian parents consent to place their children in the way of temptation, by attending with them such scenes of festivity? How can young men and young women barter their souls for this infatuating pleasure? ... FSG 215.1

“My sister, when you carefully study the life of Christ as recorded in Bible history, and when He is revealed to you as He is, by the Holy Spirit, then you will be convinced for yourself that dancing has no place in the Christian’s life. When you feel a desire to engage in this amusement, go in imagination to Gethsemane, and behold the anguish which Christ endured for us.... FSG 215.2

“Not only did Christ die as our sacrifice, but He lived as our example. In His human nature He stands, complete, perfect, spotless. To be a Christian is to be Christ like. Our entire being, soul, body, and spirit, must be purified, ennobled, sanctified, until we shall reflect His image and imitate His example. My sister, such is the work before us as Christians. We need not fear to engage in any pursuit or pleasure that will aid us in this work. But it is our duty to shun everything that would divert our attention or lessen our zeal. In this light, is it hard to decide on which side dancing should be placed?”—The Review and Herald, February 28, 1882 pages 129, 130. FSG 215.3

These weekly articles by Mrs. White touched on almost every topic and sometimes brought in past experiences that were most helpful. For instance, on the danger of negative criticism she wrote: FSG 215.4

“As soon as you gain a clear view of the power and goodness of Christ, your murmuring will cease. You will not pick at the faults of others. It is Phariseeism that leads men to exalt themselves by depreciating their brethren. An experience that some of us had some years ago at Battle Creek comes to my mind. There were several ministers who were very much disturbed because we kept the Sabbath and worked on Sunday. They went to the officers of the law, and said, ‘We have a petition to place before you. We want you to arrest these people who are keeping Saturday and working on Sunday.’ The officer said, ‘I have heard that these people are quiet, law-abiding, honest, and religious people, and I see no occasion for interfering with them.’ Then the minister showed him a petition that pleaded for a law to prohibit Sabbath-keepers from working on Sunday. The officer took the paper, and tore it to pieces, and said, ‘Get out, you bigots!’ Brethren, I fear that there are bigots among us. Stop picking flaws in the character of others, and attend to your own work. When persons come to you with miserable tales of the mistakes and misdoings of others, do not listen to them. Say to yourself, ‘Is it my work to go and help settle this matter? If it is, God help me.’ But if it is not your work, let it alone.”—The Review and Herald, June 11, 1889, page 370. FSG 215.5

However, it was not merely specific points and duties or general spiritual exhortation that were found in these messages. Many of them contained information concerning the future and earnestly urged our people to prepare for what was coming upon the earth. Thus in The Signs of the Times, April 21, 1890, there was published an article with the heading, “The Danger of Skepticism in Our Youth.” The last part of this article deals with the great destructions coming upon mankind, as follows: FSG 216.1

“We have an individual work to do to prepare for the great events that are before us. The youth should seek God more earnestly. The tempest is coming, and we must get ready for its fury, by having repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord will arise to shake terribly the earth. We shall see troubles on all sides. Thousands of ships will be hurled into the depths of the sea. Navies will go down, and human lives will be sacrificed by millions. Fires will break out unexpectedly, and no human effort will be able to quench them. The palaces of earth will be swept away in the fury of the flames. Disasters by rail will become more and more frequent; confusion, collision, and death without a moment’s warning will occur on the great lines of travel. The end is near, probation is closing. Oh let us seek God while He may be found and call upon Him while He is near! The prophet says: ‘Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness; it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.’”—The Signs of the Times, April 21, 1890 page 242. FSG 216.2

In the Week of Prayer reading for 1904, as recorded in the Review of November 24, we find further statements concerning a great destruction that this earth must witness before the end. Mrs. White states: FSG 217.1

“Not long ago a very impressive scene passed before me. I saw an immense ball of fire falling among some beautiful mansions, causing their instant destruction. I heard some one say, ‘We knew that the judgments of God were coming upon the earth, but we did not know that they would come so soon.’ Others said, ‘You knew? Why then did you not tell us? We did not know.’ On every side I heard such words spoken.... FSG 217.2

“Soon grievous troubles will arise among the nations—trouble that will not cease until Jesus comes. As never before, we need to press together, serving Him who has prepared His throne in the heavens, and whose kingdom rules over all. God has not forsaken His people, and our strength lies in not forsaking Him.”—page 16. FSG 217.3

On the basis of the trying times ahead Mrs. White made many strong, soul-stirring appeals. Thus we read: FSG 217.4

“The four angels are holding the four winds that a special work may be accomplished: the saints of God are to be sealed in their foreheads. Brethren, how long before you will be ready for the seal of God? .. FSG 217.5

“Four mighty angels are still holding the four winds of the earth. Terrible destruction is forbidden to come in full. The accidents by land and by sea; the loss of life, steadily increasing, by storm, by tempest, by railroad disaster, by conflagration; the terrible floods, the earthquakes, and the winds will be the stirring up of the nations to one deadly combat, while the angels hold the four winds, forbidding the terrible power of Satan to be exercised in its fury until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. Get ready, get ready, I beseech you, get ready before it shall be forever too late! The ministers of vengeance will pour all the terrible judgments upon a God-forsaken people. The way of obedience is the only path of life. May the Lord help you to see it in time to open your ears, that you may hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”—The Review and Herald, June 7, 1887, page 354. FSG 217.6

These predictions concerning the great desolations that would be witnessed in the wars which were then future, and especially the words “one deadly combat,” made a profound impression upon our people, and as the first world war began, and then the second, the minds of Adventists everywhere were called to what had been given us by the messenger of God years before. For all coming time they will strengthen the faith of this people in the prophetic gift as we see that everything Mrs. White wrote concerning future events finds a literal and definite fulfillment. FSG 218.1

For years our leaders were guided to a large extent by these weekly messages. They exercised a most helpful influence in uniting, organizing, inspiring, and keeping the advent movement. Even ministers of other churches made use of them. We think of one preacher, an earnest, godly man of another church, who largely built his weekly sermons on articles from Mrs. White which he found in our paper. FSG 218.2

Nearly all the periodicals in many languages that contain these weekly messages from Mrs. E. G. White are still with us. They are found in our libraries as well as with many individuals. They are among the most inspiring and helpful of all Mrs. White’s writings. A share of them have been published in some of her books, but a large part have appeared only in periodicals. Our ministers cannot, we think, find any reading that will be more instructive to them than these articles. FSG 218.3