Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 9, 1892

Hare, Brother and Sister [Robert]

Ballarat, Victoria, Australia

December 1, 1891 - December 1, 1892

Portions of this letter are published in 1BC 1106; 3BC 1163.

Dear Brother and Sister Hare:

God has given us in His Word the standard by which every character is to be tested. “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.” [Luke 10:27.] Can you bear the test? Are you ready for the Lord’s line and plummet to take the measurement of your character as you now are? And would you remain thus for eternity? 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 1

This life, compared with eternity, is as a grain of sand on the sea shore. What if the Lord should speak your name in the heavenly courts and say, “This night thy soul shall be required of thee”? [Luke 12:20.] Have you failed all through this life to love God supremely and your neighbor as yourself? Then if your life ends here, you are weighed in the balance and found wanting; and your life is registered in the books of heaven as a failure. I know that your past life cannot bear the measurement of God; yet that life with its burden of record is now beyond your control. And if God graciously permits you to enter upon another year of trial, what will its record be? 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 2

Bro. Hare, I am very much burdened over your case. When in America your case was presented before me, I saw that in your labor you were not following the example of Christ, but plans of your own devising. In this you are separating your soul from God. You are in positive danger and that danger I must set before you. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 3

You have not understood your sacred responsibility as a shepherd of the flock of God. It requires great wisdom, purity, santification, and holiness, to deal with human minds. Ministers of the gospel should ever bear in mind that upon the faithful performance of their God-given work the well being of the church in a great degree depends. God calls upon them to maintain the principles and influences which will be a savor of life unto life in the conversion of souls. If their work is performed faithfully, through the grace of Christ, it will receive the Lord’s own signature. But their influence may be perverted. And just as through the co-operation of divine agencies, their labor may be powerful for good, so through neglect or unfaithfulness, it will tell to the same degree for evil. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 4

Ministers of the gospel should not allow the enemy to divert their minds from the vital question—the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. But your manner of labor has given to the work a mold that is not at all in harmony with the third angel’s message. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 5

As your case was presented before me, I was referred to that of E. P. Daniels of California. In his preaching he would present subjects and illustrations such as he would have used in the lecture room or the theater, but which were wholly inappropriate for a preacher of the gospel. Eld. Daniels was again and again reproved for these things; but he would not heed counsel. He persisted in following his own imaginings. In your manner of preaching you have followed in his footsteps, and have gone even further than he. I have been bidden of the Lord to labor in the same manner for you as I labored for E. P. Daniels. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 6

It is not your work to instruct the people in phrenology or in reference to marriage. These things divert the mind from the main question. You understand altogether too little upon these subjects to teach the youth in reference to them. When you yourself shall drink deep of the Fountain of life, you will look back upon these lessons you have given to the youth as doing them positive harm. You have put into the minds of those who have listened to you a train of imaginings and thoughts and feelings that you can never remove. Satan has nurtured the seed sown, and the garden of the heart will yield a harvest that you will not care to see in the judgment. All these influences prevent the youth from yielding the will to God that their thought may be brought into captivity to Christ. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 7

The relation of anecdotes in your sermons, and the use of commonplace, cheap illustrations by which you have endeavored to reach the minds of the people and hold their attention, is not pleasing to God, and the result is always evil. This mingling of the sacred and the common confuses the mind. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 8

You are fond of presenting high-flown ideas, soaring far away from the simplicity of Christ’s teaching. What has this kind of talk to do with the lessons you should teach concerning practical godliness, repentance and faith, and the positive requirements of God? Heaven cannot co-operate with this kind of ministry, and thus you are left to your own foolish devising, to employ symbols and representations that are not in any way calculated to uplift the mind and purify the heart. You give the people the impression that your work is not sacred or important. The truth is belittled and placed on a level with common things. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 9

Bro. Hare, you have been seeking out many inventions that Christ has no part in, and it will be the duty of those in responsible positions to investigate the matter and express their disapproval of this kind of work; it bears not the characteristic of the third angel’s message, but tends to divert the attention from serious things, from the truths of God’s Word. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 10

You have connected with you, as your wife, a woman who has not a deep religious experience. Unless she is converted and spiritualized, the Lord cannot use her to His name’s glory, but Satan will work through her to strengthen you in a manner of labor that God cannot approve. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 11

My dear Sister Hare, I cannot be free before the Lord without presenting your case before you as it has been presented to me. The cause of God is imperiled through you. From the light which the Lord has given me, you are self-deceived in regard to your spiritual standing. You feel self-sufficient, but said Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] You are the wife of a minister who has had but a short experience in the truth, and your experience is not of a character to help him. He needs to be educated in a different manner of labor; but that which is pleasing to you is not pleasing to God. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 12

You think that your husband’s discourses give evidence of superior talent, and you wonder that every one cannot see his superiority; but my sister, the Lord seeth not as you see, and as some others may see who are in great need of the heavenly anointing. Light and chaffy is the food which Bro. Hare often places before the people. He dwells upon themes which give no true representation of Jesus Christ. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 13

In the judgment every work will be estimated at its true value and not according to the opinion of finite minds or the empty, fickle praise of those who need the sanctification of the Spirit of God. You have been gratified when human lips praised your husband’s discourses, but there was so little of true value in many of these discourses that in the books of heaven angels have traced opposite his name, “On such a day, in such a place, Robert Hare did not preach Christ and Him crucified as the sinner’s only hope. He is weighed in the balances of the sanctuary and found wanting.” 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 14

You have exalted ideas of your own qualifications to labor for the young; and in your own imaginings have devised methods for helping them. But I was shown that had you both been feeding upon Christ, the lessons you had given to the youth would have been of an altogether different character. The symbols and figures which you have used before the youth have not planted one seed that would result in conviction of sin and the conversion of the soul. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 15

Sr. Hare, I have light for you that, as you now are, you cannot help the young, the impenitent, or those who are seeking the truth, because Christ is not abiding in your heart by faith. You cannot communicate that which you yourself have not received. For your soul’s sake, for Christ’s sake, do not attempt to labor for others until you have experienced a transformation of character. Then you will treasure up the precious, golden moments of time, improving every opportunity of doing good. You will no longer indulge in cheap, commonplace talk that can benefit no one. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 16

When you, my sister, feed on the flesh and blood of the Son of God, you will go weighted by his Holy Spirit. Your words will be the right words, coming from a heart where are the treasures of solid Bible principles. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 17

I feel deeply sorry for Bro. Hare. He needs help, sound counsel; but he does not feel this. You both have need of the religion of Christ, that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Neither of you possesses any real depth of piety. You both need to drink of the higher springs and no longer of the turbid streams of the valley. For Christ’s sake seek for a deeper work of grace in your hearts. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 18

If the Lord has called you, Bro. Hare, to be a watchman on the walls of Zion, you are to give the trumpet a certain sound. You cannot permit your mind to be diverted from the main question at issue—the third angel’s message. All side issues will prove just so many hindrances in making the truth positive and efficacious in the conversion of souls. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 19

The apostle Paul felt a deep responsibility that those converted under his labors should be faithful, “that I may rejoice in the day of Christ,” he said, “that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” [Philippians 2:16.] Paul trembled for the result of his ministry. He felt that his own salvation would be imperiled if he should fail in fulfilling his duty and the church should fail to co-operate with him in the work of saving souls. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 20

Preaching alone would not suffice to educate the church to let their light shine and themselves hold forth the Word of life. Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, they must be taught to advance step by step. It is a principle impressed upon every part of God’s universe that whenever one will not use his God-given powers, these powers decay and perish. Hence the apostle’s fear that he should fail of presenting every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 21

The apostle’s hope of heaven grew dim when he contemplated any failure on his part toward the church, so that it should receive the mold of the human instead of the divine. His knowledge, his eloquence, his miracles, his view of eternal scenes (when caught up to the third heaven),—all would prove unavailing, a defeat, a dishonor, if the church for whom he labored should prove inefficient and unfaithful. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 22

Every true minister of Christ will feel a responsibility that the members of the churches under his ministry shall become laborers together with God. The church must arise and shine because her light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon her. The light given must shine forth to others in clear, steady rays. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 23

Those who receive the truth must be educated and become intelligent, that they may communicate the Word of God to others, making manifest that the Word is quick and powerful, and that Christ has not died for them in vain. All are answerable to God for their influence, and they are to become more and more familiar with the Scriptures, growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 24

Satan tells you both that you must work in certain lines to please and attract the people, and then means will flow into the treasury to carry forward the work. All this is carnal. Preach the truth as it is in Jesus. The burden of the message to be carried to all nations is Jesus Christ and Him crucified. This was a stumbling block to the Jews, for they required a sign instead of a Savior. The Greeks sought after wisdom, and the message of the cross was to them foolishness. But to all that receive Him, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. Jesus seeks to bring every sinner into communication with Himself. Let men be careful that they interpose nothing between the soul and the Savior. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 25

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” [2 Timothy 3:16-4:2.] Keep close to your work; let not any device turn you from it. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 26

“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid.” [2 Timothy 2:23.] Do not seek to gratify the taste for drollery, or to present something novel or romantic. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear (we should not fear to speak the truth clear and close and practical); but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” [2 Timothy 1:7.] “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.” [2 Timothy 2:14.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 27

The precious, saving truth has been buried under a mass of words. In every discourse let it stand out clear and prominent, that there may be no mistaking what saith the Lord. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” [Verse 15.] “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.” [1 Thessalonians 2:4.] “Sanctify the Lord of Hosts Himself; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.” [Isaiah 8:13.] See Colossians 1:25-29; Acts 20:19-21, 26, 27. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 28

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God which He hath purchased with his own blood.” [Verse 28.] “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being Lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” [1 Peter 5:2, 3.] See 1 Peter 5:4-9; John 21:15-17. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 29

In all the efforts made to enlighten those that are in darkness, there is danger of presenting unessential matters, passing away the golden moments in cheap talk. Often there are listeners present who will never again be in the congregation to hear your voice. You yourself have raised a barrier in the way of the salvation of these souls. Had you taught as Christ taught, in the simplicity of truth and holiness, irrespective of praise or censure, you might have brought to Jesus some poor lost soul who left the meeting as ignorant and as bewildered as when he came into it. You are to do your Master’s work in His way, as a shepherd of the flock. Be not faithless or improvident, but as a faithful steward give to all their portion of meat in due season. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 30

There are many who have no interest to attend the services of the sanctuary, and who have not felt the power of the Word of God, because in the popular preaching it is covered up with rubbish of man’s devising. Present to these souls what Christ is to you, and what He is to all that believe. Act your part in faith. Lay the poor wandering lost soul on the bosom of Christ’s infinite love. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 31

Let it not be your greatest anxiety to secure a large congregation, but seek wisdom from God to prepare a feast of the richest, grandest truth found in the Living Oracles. The starving souls who have been fed upon froth want the Bread of life, the waters of salvation. In every effort dwell decidedly upon practical godliness. Let Christ speak through you as you present His lessons, in the beauty of their simplicity, before the people. Let your words be instinct with wisdom and love, and the hearers will have precious subjects of thought to carry away with them. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 32

Let not the truth be covered up with vain philosophy, for in teaching this you are crying peace, peace, when there is no peace. Go to the very root of the matter. Society is rotten to the core. The people need to have the message proclaimed in their ears with startling distinctness, “Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [Matthew 3:2.] Make it manifest to the people that you have no time or disposition to trifle away important, solemn moments in any kind of talk that does not make Christ first and last and best in everything. Words that exalt Christ are music to the angels of God; but angels are not present to co-operate with anything that does not uplift Jesus. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 33

In presenting the truth as it is in Jesus you will gain the confidence of the serious minded who are striving to reach a higher standard. Christ is all the time drawing souls to Him by His Holy Spirit, and if He is abiding in your heart, He will work through you to draw men to Him. Souls perishing in skepticism and infidelity will be convinced that there is a reality in religion, and that you understand the way, for the character of Christ will be revealed through you. If you work in this manner, many more souls will be brought as sheaves to the Lord in the coming year’s labor. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 34

Had you recognized the fact that the power was not in yourself but in the divine agencies, you would have given a different mold to the work, and double the number would have responded. But you and your wife have not been what God would have you. You were ready to give all the credit of success to your human efforts; God saw that you would take all the glory, and exalt yourselves. He can accept and bless and honor you only as you humble yourselves under His hand, and glorify Him, not taking any praise or glory to self. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 35

What is our life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Who has given you your brain power? It is God; you have nothing that you have not received from Him, and you are wholly dependent upon Him. If you are self-sufficient and exalted, you separate yourselves from God, so that He cannot give you His wisdom, and you will not be accepted to co-operate with divine agencies. Your power and sufficiency are in submitting yourselves under the control of God, to work in Christ’s lines. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 36

I entreat you both to reach a higher standard. The work must begin in the heart. You need faith and perfect trust in God. When faith works by love, and purifies the soul, your labors will bear an altogether different mold. Do you wish to be transformed more and more into the image of Christ? The model is before you. You need to change your line of study; you need to be much more familiar with the lessons of Christ. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 37

Study the Word of God rather than human authors. Learn to pray in faith, as you have not yet done. Learn to cast your care upon God, to unburden your anxious hearts to Him. Implore that guidance, restraint, and support, which the circumstances demand, and which you must have. God has an interest in your body and your soul; present your whole life to your Saviour. “Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labor of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.” [Psalm 128:1, 2.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 38

Dear brother and sister, there are other points in which your course has not been right, and the duty is laid upon me to set these things before you, for no other will do this painful and trying work. You both have indulged a spirit of criticism; you have felt that you were gifted above many of your brothers and sisters, and you have depreciated them, and compared yourselves among yourselves, and have allowed an envious, jealous spirit to take possession of your souls. You have withdrawn from those with whom it would have been your desire to associate if you knew how little you really know of experimental religion. But unless your fellow workers seemed ready to acknowledge your superiority, you withdrew your sympathies from them, and your hearts have been filled with bitterness. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 39

Especially has this been true of Sr. Hare. My sister, you have done harm to your own soul, harm to your husband, by yielding to this strange infatuation of the devil. Those who admire and flatter you are the ones whose society you prefer. This dries up the very well-springs of life. You cannot do as you have done and yet have the witness that your ways please God. Your thoughts, your meditations, are not brought into captivity to Christ, and what is in the treasure house of the mind will be forthcoming. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 40

You need to look closely to the garden of your own heart. No longer sow the seeds of unholy aspiration, seeking to stand highest in the estimation of others. You are not a woman of fine perceptions, of excellent judgment, knowing when to speak, what to say, and when to keep silent. You know not what spirit has control of your thoughts. You dishonor God by your much talking, and you bruise and wound your own soul. You have quenched the love of God in your heart by thinking and speaking evil of your brethren and sisters. In a flippant, frivolous spirit, you have magnified trifles, telling things unfavorable of the ministers and of the church members. You are cultivating the root of bitterness. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 41

Bear in mind that you are constantly making impressions upon other minds; people will judge you, as you judge others. Connected as you are with the work of God, and with Bro. Robert Hare, who is opening the Scriptures to the people, you are by your evil speaking placing a stumbling stone in the way of others. You view many things in an incorrect light; you put your interpretation upon them as the enemy presents them to your mind; then you present the matter before others, who take it for granted that all is just as you have represented, as your imagination has pictured it. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 42

You are planting in the heart of your husband seeds which it will require a decided, determined effort on his part to uproot. Bro. Hare is so sensitive, so quick to suppose that evil is intended against him, that you can, by a word spoken now and then, lead him to believe that all his brethren are against him and mean to hurt him. Bro. Hare needs an active influence that would help him to overcome the disposition to think and speak evil. He needs to close the door of his heart against insinuations concerning his brethren. But you have suggested to his mind evil surmisings, jealousies, evil thoughts, and have strengthened the temptations he has had in regard to his brethren and sisters. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 43

Wives and mothers do not realize how great is their power for good or for evil. As Eve listened to the tempter in Eden, so women listen to the tempter today. And notwithstanding we have before us the experience of Adam and Eve as a warning, many are repeating that experience. Many are sensitive in a high degree in regard to anything which they think will lower them in the estimation of others. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 44

Never is temptation so dangerous, so fatal, as when it comes in the garb of affection, of close relationship. Mind influences mind. Even with those who think they want to serve God, and that they are Christians, evil prevails over good unless Christ is abiding in the heart. Remember that as husband and wife you are exerting an influence over each other for good or evil. Let one see things in a wrong light, and the other is led to view them in the same way. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 45

This kind of education is having its transforming influence upon your own character and upon the character of your husband. He cooperates with you, and you are both becoming judges of others’ motives, weighing character in your human scales. This is a grievous sin in the sight of God. Your seed-sowing has been producing a harvest which you will not care to reap. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 46

You are both in danger of receiving an education under a terrible teacher, even no less a personage than his satanic majesty. All this envy, jealousy, and evil surmising, is a hellish shadow by which Satan seeks to intercept your views of the character of Christ, so that by beholding the evil you may be fully changed into its likeness. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 47

Of all the gifts with which men are endowed, none is more influential than the power of speech. It is with the tongue that we express our thanks to God, and with the tongue we make known the wonders of His grace. The ten commandments are given us as a standard of righteousness, and when the law is treasured in the heart, our speech will give evidence of the fact. Two of the commandments, one in each table, relate to sins of the tongue. The second commandment forbids all irreverence towards God, the ninth all uncharitable speech against our neighbor. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 48

So positive is the connection between the words and the condition of the heart, that the character is determined by the words. It is declared that our words will judge us in the last day. “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” [Matthew 12:35-37.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 49

The principles of the law are an expression of the character of God, and it is not enough for us to acknowledge the authority of the law. God expects us to fulfil its requirements. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. ... Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? ... But he is a Jew which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” [Romans 2:13, 17-21, 29.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 50

The government of the tongue is closely bound up with personal religion and the wonderful mysterious influence we exert for good or for evil. I have been shown that every true worker for God must guard against the spirit of careless and irreverent criticism. Whoever forms the habit of speaking carelessly and irreverently of the Lord’s messengers and criticizing their manners and the messages they bear, is in danger of losing respect for the servants of God and placing their message on a level with common things. I warn you off this ground. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 51

The license given to the tongue causes more mischief than we can comprehend. To speak evil of God’s messengers, because of some fancy or impression of our own unfavorable to them, is a sin. And the evil reacts upon ourselves. Not only are we forming the habit of rash and exaggerated speech, but by our words, feelings are created in our own hearts as exaggerated and unreal as the words themselves. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 52

Men who possess firm determination and considerable self-confidence are greatly influenced by their own words; actions follow the words. While our thoughts prompt the tongue to utterance, our words influence our thoughts. Thus when we indulge in jealousy and evil surmisings, however unjust these feelings may be, every time they are expressed they react on the mind, and repetition makes us believe them to be true, when in many cases they spring wholly from the suggestions of Satan. Thus many have created a rock of offense for themselves by their own words in regard to souls for whom Christ has died. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 53

Slander covers more ground than we suppose. The command, “Thou shalt not bear false witness” [Exodus 20:16], means very much more than we realize. False witness is borne again and again in flippant speech concerning even the workers whom God has sent. The seeds of envy, of evil thinking and evil speaking, germinate and produce a harvest of their kind, to be garnered by the one who planted the seed. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” [Galatians 6:7.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 54

While our words thus react upon ourselves, they have even a more powerful influence upon others. We may by careless words sow seeds of doubt, distrust, and suspicion which may never be uprooted from the mind. A dying man once said, “Gather up my influence, and bury it with me.” Impossible! One’s influence will live after he is dead and will reproduce itself a thousand-fold. As Christians we must see these things in an altogether different light from that in which we have hitherto regarded them. We must cease to think evil and speak evil of our brethren and sisters, for it is in little things that Satan’s wedges are introduced to separate brethren. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 55

How often words are spoken without due consideration of their effect. As the result, passion is excited, revengeful feelings cherished, angry words spoken, and threatenings uttered. Often the matter does not end until the very worst passions of the heart are kindled. The mischief wrought by the tongue has destroyed influence, broken hearts, and blasted lives. The inconsistent expressions of professed Christians, even a thoughtless, hasty word, has been a seed sown, to bear its evil fruit for time and for eternity. Souls have been lost as the result. God alone can discern the extent of the harm done by evil thoughts and words. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 56

We should weigh well the influence of our words before giving them utterance. If the heart is open to learn of Jesus who is meek and lowly, we shall be unobtrusive, we shall be careful of others feelings, and our words will be modest and kind. “I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. ... Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.” [Romans 12:3, 9, 10.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 57

I wish to speak decidedly on this one point, that you may not forget the words the Lord has given me for you. When you feel hurt because you think that you are not appreciated, and you draw away from your brethren and sisters, and instead of manifesting warmth of affection and friendship, you are as cold as an iceberg, how does Heaven look upon this picture? Has the Lord made either of you a judge in regard to your brethren? No. Has He given you spiritual power to discern the secret springs of action? Has He placed in your finite hands the scales with which to weigh moral worth? No, He has not done this. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 58

You have enclosed yourselves in the walls of your self-righteousness, and thus you have shut yourselves away from your brethren. Read the message to the Laodicean church. The True Witness declares, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve that thou mayest see.” [Revelation 3:15-18.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 59

Look, O look, upon the cross of Calvary. Have you by your sins helped to place Christ upon that cross, and will you try to measure the exact degree of your sins in comparison with those of others? Can you climb upon the judgment seat and bring one criticism against another and not meet the condemnation of Him who has said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:1, 2.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 60

While watching intently to remove the mote from the eye of your neighbor, you may have a beam in your own eye. Christ your Redeemer has said, “First cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Verse 5.] How little we understand of the evil lurking in our own hearts and the danger of losing our souls because of our own defects of character. Deceiving ourselves, we miss the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 61

Hear what the Lord said to Samuel concerning Eliab, whom the prophet would have anointed as king: “Look not on his countenance or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” [1 Samuel 16:7.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 62

Some of the very ones you feel unhappy toward may be much nearer the kingdom of heaven than yourselves. They may not be perfect; neither are you perfect. Their ways may not please you, and your ways do not please them; because you hold yourself aloof from them, having no love, and hardly manifesting courtesy. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 63

Please read (John 17) carefully with humble hearts, and try to take it all in in the fullest sense. Christ pleads for His disciples, “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them; that they may be one even as we are one. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” [Verses 21-23.] Is it possible that this can be? Yes, it is true that the Lord will love all who believe in Jesus as He loves His Son, because He gives them His glory. And what is His glory? His own character. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 64

A positive duty rests upon you to fulfil the prayer of Christ. The church members who through faith and repentance are serving God are very dear to the heart of Jesus. On one occasion our Saviour said, “Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” [Matthew 12:50.] If Christ holds them in this close relationship—and He gave His own life to bring them into this relationship—how must He regard the remarks you have accustomed yourselves to make concerning these, His kindred, and the feelings you have cherished toward them? Do these brethren and sisters not belong to the royal family? And can the world’s Redeemer be pleased with your criticisms and comparisons? 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 65

The apostle Paul says, “We dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” [2 Corinthians 10:12, 17, 18.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 66

Will you, my dear respected brother and sister, consider that there is a Witness by your side on all occasions? When you injure the reputation of any one of the church of God by your evil surmisings and evil speaking, you are wounding Christ afresh and putting Him to open shame. How have you esteemed your Redeemer, who gave His life for you, when you speak envious words against Him in the person of His saints whom He claims and honors? 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 67

When you think you see things in others that are not right, instead of afflicting your soul and allowing your mind to dwell upon these things, and your lips to repeat them to others, leave them with the Lord. Christ has died for the sins of the world; He has not made either of you sin bearers. As He has Himself borne the sins of the whole world in His own body on the cross of Calvary, making a full and complete offering for the transgressions of fallen humanity, He has not laid upon any finite being the sins of another. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 68

Although Noah, Job, and Daniel, were in the land, they could save neither son nor daughter, but only deliver their own souls by their own righteousness. Bro. Hare, as you criticize others, you feel that your brethren criticize you, and as you are not in union with them, you would rather go to a field of labor alone, where you could work in your own way and have no one to criticize or counsel you. But this cannot be; for you have much to learn to regard to the true methods of labor. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 69

You have an unyielding, stubborn disposition; and when you have entered upon any course of action, right or wrong, you do not appreciate counsel. You think you know all about the matter, when you are liable to be wrong. You pursue your own course as one fully competent to judge, when if you would receive counsel, it would be much better for yourself and all connected with you. You have marred the work of God, and will continue to do this if you go forward according to your independent judgment. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 70

“We, being many, are one body in Christ Jesus, and every one members one of another.” [Romans 12:5.] How are you to teach this grandest of lessons, unity and love for one another, if you do not bring these precious graces into your practical life? How can you expect the Lord to give you freedom and His Holy Spirit, when you are neglecting the plainest teachings of Christ? 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 71

I warn you to root out every fiber of the root of bitterness, and make the lessons of Christ your daily study and practice. You have a desire to stand first; well, Christ declares that those who humble themselves shall be great in the kingdom of heaven, and those who exalt themselves shall be abased. [Matthew 23:12.] “Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity: whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 72

Jesus bids you, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:28, 29.] You are foolishly weak in some things; but when you learn the lessons which Christ has invited you to learn, you will obtain an experience of the highest value to you both. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 73

You both need the converting power of God upon your hearts, that you may work from a different standpoint and in different lines. My sister, you need the heavenly anointing, for you are your husband’s inspiration. God grant that the eyes of you both may be opened, that you may discern all things in their true light. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 74

There is a work which we must do if we would be prepared for the day of God. The Lord bids us, “Gather yourselves together, ... before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord’s anger come upon you. Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgments; seek righteousness, seek meekness; it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” [Zephaniah 2:1-3.] Now in probationary time is our opportunity to humble our hearts before God and receive His righteousness. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 75

My brother and sister, could you read the record of your life through the words as it stands in the books of heaven, you would humble your souls before God, and cry, “Blot it out of thy book; forgive my transgressions, my self-esteem, my judging my brethren, my extolling myself.” Sr. Hare, your influence has been an injury to your husband, in leading him to draw away from his brethren. He would better cling to Jesus, and you would better cling to Jesus, and then the unity for which Christ prayed will exist between you and your brethren. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 76

While Jesus is knocking at the door of the heart, make thorough work of repentance. Take back what you have spoken against your brethren. Confess and forsake your evil speaking, and turn to the Lord with heartfelt contrition. Let the education you have received be unlearned as soon as possible. “Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.” [John 12:35.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 77

Do not rest till you have surrendered to Christ, soul and body and spirit. When you consecrate yourselves to Him, and abide in His love, you will be transformed in character. When your life is hid with Christ in God, your selfishness will disappear; your heart will not then entertain pride or pettish, perverse feelings. Then you will not be so easily hurt; you will endure as seeing Him who is invisible. The view of Christ will so attract and absorb your mind that you cannot fix your eyes upon any of these disagreeable things and manufacture burdens for your soul. Will you, for your soul’s good think of Jesus? Will you love Him with your whole heart and mind? Will you bring to God an offering in righteousness? 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 78

When we are connected with Christ by faith, we can no longer be fitful and selfish and exacting. We shall view our fellowmen in a new light. The love of Christ flowing into the heart makes men kind and sympathetic and loving toward all. They have a different type of character, a Christlikeness, a heart glowing with love, because they are receiving the healing beams of the Sun of Righteousness. God is taking away their sins. It is He, “who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.” [Psalm 103:3, 4.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 79

The question is asked by the prophet Micah, “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” [Micah 6:6-8.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 80

The graces of the Spirit require constant cultivation. Love, joy, peace, meekness, pity, sympathy, hope, and gratitude, springing up in the heart, will flow from the lips, strengthening and healing like the balm of Gilead. By educating the tongue, and encouraging the utterances from the heart where the love of Jesus is abiding, we may be as a well of water springing up into everlasting life. As we encourage the expression of love, sympathy, and tenderness, these precious attributes will increase and strengthen. But many regard such expressions as an evidence of weakness of character; so they keep a rigid guard over themselves, repressing the utterance of kindly, Christlike sympathy, and thus the affections wither and the heart becomes desolate and cold. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 81

Do not fall into this error. Be natural, be simple, not overstraining on any point. Do not, because you feel like it, allow a disrespectful word, or a sour word, to escape your lips. The principle of love enjoined by our Lord toward all men should find free expression in kind, affectionate words to all, and especially in the home. This is the education you need. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 82

Bro. Hare, let not the hearts of those connected with you starve for the want of kindly words. Speak in simplicity that which is often in your heart, but which you think it a weakness to express. Cultivate love; be not inclined to call it softness and weakness, and show the rough side of your character. Reveal Christ’s courtesy and kindliness; show that you have not a hard heart, but a tender, sympathetic nature, like that of our Saviour. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 83

And cultivate cheerfulness, let it take the place of depression. You cannot adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour unless you do this. And how can you adorn the truth better or glorify God more than by keeping cheerful, talking faith, hope, and courage, witnessing to the peace and joy that the Holy Spirit will freely impart? This is the beauty of holiness, the highest eloquence in language and in life. Let cheerfulness be manifested in the very tones of the voice. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 84

You need not be sad, repining, depressed, for there is a heaven of blessing for you if you will obey God from the heart, heeding all His instructions. Do not at any time act as though you had no hope. Be joyful in God. Cultivate sunniness of temper. Let the Sun of Righteousness shine into the chambers of the mind, and into the soul temple. Open the door of the heart and invite Jesus to abide with you, and you will receive help. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 85

You have relied too much on your finite sufficiency; now take hold of the Mighty One as you have never done before. You must both fall on the Rock and be broken. If there be any good you can report of another, speak it and act it. Never indulge a murmuring, faultfinding spirit. Rejoice not in iniquity, but rejoice in the truth. Make it a business to educate your tongue to speak pleasant words. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 86

“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” [Proverbs 27:2.] “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” [Romans 12:16.] See 1 Peter 5:5-9; Romans 15:1-7. Will you, dear children, consider these plain instructions? Will you strive to overcome hereditary and cultivated faults of character in yourselves? Will you draw nigh to your brethren, respect them, love them, cultivating confidence rather than suspicion? 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 87

Let your own souls be warmed and invigorated by the truth as it is in Jesus, refreshed by the dews of divine grace, and you will, like precious buds, expand, and send forth fragrance as the flowers of God: that atmosphere that surrounds your souls will be filled with perfume. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 88

I have not dared to suppress the message I have received from God for you. You may think it is of a character to discourage you; not so, it is to give you hope and courage, to increase your faith and confidence in God. “The Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is this day. And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He hath commanded us.” [Deuteronomy 6:24, 25.] 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 89

Now having the evidence that God cares for you, put on the whole armor of God. “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might ... For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.” [Ephesians 6:10, 12, 13.] See Philippians 4:4-8; 1 Peter 1:13-22; 2:1. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 90

I leave these words with you. Consider them not as the words of Sr. White, but the words of God addressed to you, that you may see yourselves in a different light, and that you may both be God’s workmen, because you are learning the lessons from Him. See Ephesians 1:15-19. The Master would have you work as Christ worked, that your efficiency may be of God and not of self. This is the will of God, even your sanctification. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 91

I have some things to write to you in reference to your government of your child, but I cannot do this now, will attend to it as soon as I can. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 92

In much love and deep interest that you should make a success of perfecting Christian character, I remain your true friend and sister in Christ Jesus. 7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 93