Upward or Downward Steps?
“The (1) direction given by the Son of God to Moses for the instruction of the children of Israel, is (2) just as essential now as it was then,and (3) it should be heeded as diligently by parents today as (4) by God’s ancient people. (1) Religion must be woven into every part of the home life (2)if we would see the results that (3) God has designed as the fruit of following His way. (4) Pride,(5) self-esteem, and (6) boldness are (7) marked characteristics with the children of this day, and (8) they are the curse of the age. When (1) I see this unchristlike, (2) unlovely manifestation on every side, and then (3) see parents and (4) teachers (5) seeking to display (6) the ability and (7)proficiency of their children and scholars, (8) I am pained to the heart;
for I know (9) that it is exactly the opposite course(10) from the one that should be pursued.” SSW, April 1, 1889
“In (1) accepting the religion of Jesus Christ, many seem to thinkthat (2) they are taking a downward step. These are in (3) need of stepping down from (4) their self-esteem and (5) self-righteousness, and (6) humbling themselves before God. But those who (7) place themselves in connection with the living God, as (8) His sons and daughters, are (9) taking steps upward.” Manuscript 36, 1885.
“The self-denial, the condescension,
(characterized by superior attitude toward others) The infinite compassion of Him who was highly exalted in heaven puts to shame human pride, self-esteem,and social caste. Pure, undefiledreligionmanifests its Heaven-born principles in bringing into oneness all who are sanctified through the truth. All meet as blood-bought souls, alike dependent upon Him who has redeemed them to God.”
GW 330 (1915).
1 There are two ways for trav’lers, only two ways:
One’s a hill pathway of battle and praise;
The other leads downward; tho flow’ry it seem
Its joy is a phantom, its love is a dream
Its love is a dream, ’tis only a dream.
2 There are two guides for trav’lers, only two guides:
One’s the Good Shepherd, e’en thro’ the death tides;
The other, the serpent, beguiling with sin
Whose beauty external hides poison within,
Hides poison within, death poison within.
3 There are two homes for trav’lers, only two homes:
One’s the fair city where evil ne’er comes;
The other, sin’s wages, eternal and dread,
The fate of the lost ones, the doom of the dead.
The doom of the dead, the sorrowful dead.
4 Quickly enter the strait way, leading to life;
Shun the wide gateway of folly and strife.
The Spirit invites you this moment to come;
The Saviour is waiting to welcome you home;
To welcome you home, to welcome you home.
Words to the Young
How to Meet the Mind of God
” Jesus has said, ‘In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were
not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I
go
and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto
myself;
that where I am, there ye may be also’.”
“Do you wish to enter the mansions Jesus has gone to prepare? Is
heaven
desirable? Then why not bring as much of heaven as possible into your
daily
life? Day by day you receive Heaven’s blessings; but do you make a
grateful
recognition of the same by offering thanksgiving and praise to your
heavenly
Father? Is it a proper course for you to pursue to rise in the morn-ing
and
go without prayer to your duties and responsibilities, to the dangers and
temptations of the day? Is it not essential that you seek for guidance
and
protection, for help and grace from God? Let the youth who profess to
love
God make it a rule of their lives to engage in regular seasons of prayer.
If
two or three of you are together, who are servants of Christ, you may
claim
the promise of His presence.
“Suppose there are those around you who do not respond to the claims
of
God, who offer no grateful praise for His mercy, and who ridicule your
faith, should you not seek protection from the only Source of strength,
and
plead with God to quicken those who ridicule His name, and bring them to
repentance? How can you expect God’s blessing if you have not moral
courage
to go to Him, and ask Him for His help before those who do not love God,
or
reverence His name?
”Many who profess the name of Christ are very poor soldiers of the
cross. They profess to be seeking heaven as their home; but they do not
bring heaven into their practical lives. Their thoughts and conversation
are
not upon heavenly things. Their conversation is vain and trifling, and
their
souls are as destitute of the grace of Christ as were the hills of Gilboa
of
dew or rain. Let the youth who are called to associate together in family
life be true to principle concerning the hour of prayer. Let them read
tender words from the blessed Bible, and with humble, contrite hearts,
let
them bow before God, and pray for His blessing. Angels of God will be
round
about you. To this scene Jesus will be a witness. God will hearken to
your
petitions, and will be your helper, your strength when temptation comes
upon
you. Suppose in your company there are those who do not pray, who do not
answer to the claims that God has upon them, should you be weakened by
their
presence, and be found unfaithful to your trust?–No; you should be all
the
more earnest, faithful, and steadfast, gathering zeal for God because
others
utterly fail to do their duty.
“Those who refuse to be guided by the Spirit of God are always a
hindrance to their companions. They are bodies of darkness, agents of
Satan.
The more pleasing their manners, and the greater their ability, the
greater
harm they can do through their influence upon others, and the greater
will
be their condemnation at last, unless they repent and forsake their sins.
“The young disciples of Christ should show faithfulness in
cross-bearing, in rendering vigorous service, manifesting unfaltering
fidelity to the cause of their Master. They should let their light so
shine
that their young companions may be led to glorify God. You cannot let
your
light shine unless you have light, and there is only one source of light.
In
order to meet the mind of God, and exert a saving influence upon those
around you, you must avail yourself of every help Jesus has made
available
to you, that you may daily grow in grace. Your faith must grow by
exercise.
Your love for Christ must increase more and more, and your lips will be
prepared to express the love that is glowing in your heart. Your
conversation will then be upon heavenly things,– upon Christ, the
Christian’s hope, and the incorruptible inheritance.” – YI, August 4,
1892