Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 116, 1904

Let This Mind Be in You

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

April 14, 1904

Previously unpublished.

For the last few days my mind has been dwelling upon some of the discourses given by the apostle Paul. During the last two nights their importance has been brought before my mind. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 1

Yesterday, I thought to write a few words of encouragement to my son J. E. White. But as I wrote, the sweet peace of God came into my soul, the vigor of my mind seemed to be renewed, the pain in my head ceased, and I wrote many pages. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 2

In the visions of the night, I stood before a large congregation, repeating with the power of the Spirit the second chapter of Philippians: 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 3

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye My joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” [Verses 1-8.] 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 4

Will those who read these inspired words consider their meaning, and seek to bring themselves into conformity to the example of humility and lowliness revealed in our Lord Jesus Christ? Will those who are striving to become first and foremost bear in mind that the Majesty of heaven, our Lord and our Redeemer, in laying aside His glory, left an example of humility for His people in every church? 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 5

By precept, as well as by example, Christ taught lessons of humility. We have an instance recorded in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew. His disciples came unto Him, saying, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” [Verse 1.] Shall we whose privilege it is to be entrusted with the gospel message in our day ask similar questions? Shall we be desirous of attaining the highest positions? Let those who are selfishly striving for high positions heed the words of Christ in answer to His disciples’ question. He does not commend their character. He desires them to become an example of humility to the flock of God. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 6

“And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me.” [Verses 2-5.] 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 7

Consider carefully the words: “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were drowned in the depths of the sea.” This shows how heaven regards wrong purposes or evil actions that cause others to stumble. “Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.” [Verses 6, 7.] 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 8

If any one is cherishing any evil thing that is a cause of offense to any one, he should cut it loose and cast it from him. However much he may appreciate his unsanctified sharpness, God writes it down in His book. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 9

Christ continues: “Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.” [Verses 8, 9.] 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 10

I have a warning for professed Christians who cherish an evil disposition to exalt themselves. They try in every possible way to receive honor one above another, and often in their efforts they do grievous wrongs that annoy and perplex their brethren. They consider it a matter of great importance that they themselves are treated with honor and respect, but they regard it of little importance how they treat others who are the Lord’s purchased possession. By harsh, unfeeling words, they bring pain and discouragement to their brethren. They need to learn the precious lessons that Christ gave in such plain and distinct words to His disciples. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 11

Those who have neglected to learn the true science of soul-saving, who have exalted their sophistries above the plain truths of God’s word, should heed these words of the Great Medical Missionary: 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 12

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven”—a personal God who is in heaven. “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven that any should perish.” [Verses 10-14.] 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 13

There is a great science to be learned by church members—the science of soul-saving. Let them with compassionate effort seek to be a blessing to their fellow men, to speak only pleasant and sanctified words, lest they shall injure souls. If one neglects to bear the burdens he should bear, and to exercise the love that he should exercise, will you say, “Let him alone: we cannot help him: turn him out of the church”? As members of the body of Christ, we are to study the science of soul-saving. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 14

In the infinite sacrifice He has made, Jesus has shown the value He places upon the human soul. Those who, notwithstanding His example, exalt themselves will some day understand how precious are the souls for whom Christ has shed His blood. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 15

I am charged with a message of appeal to our churches, that they make no delay in seeking to obtain a practical education in doing the will of our heavenly Father to save souls that are ready to perish. The solemn messages of Revelation two and three should arouse our churches to realize their solemn obligation, then put forth personal efforts in the work of Christ. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 16

Let the example of our Bible teachers be such as to give the impression that they reverence God and His Son Jesus Christ whom the Father gave to our world. The only begotten Son, equal with the Father, gave His sinless life a ransom for every soul. And those who have experienced this redemption are called to do their utmost to be laborers together with God, and in co-operation with Christ, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit, to manifest an intelligent, working knowledge of the great science of soul-saving. This they can do if they are consecrated to God. Should not those who are saved by the infinite sacrifice of Christ stand in their lot and place? 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 17

“We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Are you forming your character building after the divine similitude? If you fail to perfect your own characters, others will pattern after your imperfections. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 18

“When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?” [Psalm 8:3, 4.] It is high time that those who profess to be followers of Christ reverently study and obey strictly the lessons He has given them. Let them place themselves under discipline to the Omnipotent One; to Him who upholds all things by the word of His power, who directs and keeps in place the heavenly bodies. He only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 19

There are many, even in the churches, who are disobedient, unthankful, unholy, by whom the gospel of Christ is brought into contempt, and the cause of God is constantly dishonored. The Lord is greatly displeased with professed Christians who are not refined and educated in what constitutes Christian character. If all who profess to be Christians would honor Christ, they would consider that all for whom Christ has died are His property. He has paid an infinite price that they may be placed on vantage ground, that they need not be compelled by Satan to join themselves to his apostate army. Many need to reveal a different attitude to their brethren than they reveal at present. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 20

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 21

Your greatest consideration should be the salvation of your own soul. Cease to watch and judge other people. You have a work of greatest importance, in which no one else can act your part. You are to work out your own salvation. You cannot for one moment safely relax your vigilance in prayer and obedience to all God’s requirements. You cannot afford to give yourself up to pride and boasting. Your only safe course is to walk humbly with God, fearing lest you make rash movements, and by a display of an unconverted heart give occasion for the truth to be evil spoken of. Continual spiritual vigilance is the price of our victory. If we will draw nigh to God, He will draw nigh to us. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 22

So great was the love of Christ for the human race, fallen in sin, that He left His home of glory. He laid aside His royal robe, and clothed His divinity with the humble garb of humanity, thus revealing the true science of salvation, the wonderful union of divinity with humanity. Thus we may receive the imparted righteousness of Christ. Through belief in Him we receive power to become the sons of God, and, being partakers of the divine nature, to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 23

The Majesty of heaven revealed before the world a sinless character, that His salvation might be revealed in the lives of His disciples, bearing witness to the world, to angels, and to men of the grace and glory that will be revealed to all who will deny self and take up the cross of Christ. Through His grace, they are justified, made righteous. And every soul to whom Christ has imparted His righteousness is under solemn obligation to practice that righteousness. The imputed righteousness of Christ will become implanted righteousness, if they will continually follow in His steps. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 24

Christ has taken His position at the head of humanity. Though He came to our world, was born of humble parentage, and accepted a life of poverty, yet He was a Prince. It was for our sakes that He become poor, that through His poverty we might receive the eternal riches. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 25

You cannot do greater dishonor to Christ than to take His name, yet deny Him in your actions, and exalt yourself, instead of following His example of humility. If you do not practice His virtues, He will not accept you as His representative. When church members give evidence that they are born again, they will reveal a new life, and others will see by their good works that they are indeed bearing the fruits of righteousness. “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin. ... In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God.” [1 John 3:9, 10.] “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 7:21.] 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 26

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings; that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.” [Philippians 2:14-18.] 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 27

Whatever your calling or your responsibility, do your duty in faith, in obedience, in cheerfulness with hope and courage in the Lord. You need not seek for the supremacy. Leave all this with God, and let your work bring its own reward. 19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 28