The Fruitage of Spiritual Gifts

Sermons That Helped

During the workers’ meeting and the conference Mrs. White preached six soul-stirring sermons. Each address was really a solemn appeal for a return to the first love. Her sermon on “Christless Preachers” made a profound impression on the entire conference. In the The Review and Herald, October 23, 1888, Uriah Smith, editor and also the secretary of the session, wrote as follows: FSG 231.1

“Sabbath, October 13, was a memorable day on account of the refreshing received from the Lord. Sister White spoke in the afternoon with great freedom and power. From the text, ‘Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God,’ most precious lessons were drawn of the great goodness of God to us, and how we should receive His love, and what He is willing to do for us, and what returns we should make to Him for His manifold mercies to us. Hearts were melted by the sweet influence of the meeting, and it was indeed good to be there. After the discourse, sixty-two earnest testimonies were borne in quick succession, the burden of which was thanksgiving and praise for the mercies and goodness of the Lord.”—The Review and Herald, October 23, 1888 page 664. FSG 231.2

The sermons and talks of Mrs. White through both institute and conference were marked by deep spiritual fervor and the power of the Holy Spirit. Though the Bulletin for the session is brief, the following reference to her earnest efforts is found: FSG 231.3

“Among the most interesting and important meetings, are the earnest morning devotional meetings. The exhortations of Sister White have been most cheering, as she has presented the love of Christ and His willingness to help. That He is waiting to pour out of His Spirit upon His people in abundant measure. One important thing in the cause of Christ is to be connected with Christ.”—The General Conference Bulletin, Number 7, 1888, page 3. FSG 231.4

On Sabbath, October 20, Mrs. White preached the sermon. Her topic was “Advancing in Christian Experience,” and her text, 2 Peter 1:11, 12. In part she said: FSG 231.5

“Now what we want to present is, how you may advance in the divine life. We bear many excuses, I cannot live up to this or that. What do you mean by this or that? Do you mean that it was an imperfect sacrifice that was made for the fallen race upon Calvary, that there is not sufficient grace and power granted us that we work away from our own natural defects and tendencies, that it was not a whole Savior our that was given us? or do you mean to cast reproach upon God? Well, you say, it was Adam’s sin. You say, I am not guilty of that, and I am not responsible for his guilt and fall. Here all these natural tendencies are in me and I am not to blame if I act out these natural tendencies. Who is to blame? Is God?”—MS. 8, 1888. FSG 232.1