Prophets and Kings

The language used by Solomon while praying to God before the ancient altar at Gibeon reveals
his humility and his strong desire to honor God. He realized that without divine aid he was as
helpless as a little child to fulfill the responsibilities resting on him. He knew that he lacked
discernment, and it was a sense of his great need that led him to seek God for wisdom. In his
heart there was no selfish aspirations for a knowledge that would exalt him above others. He
desired to discharge faithfully the duties devolving upon him, and he chose the gift that would be
the means of causing his reign to bring glory to God. Solomon was never so rich or so wise or so
truly great as when he confessed, “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.”
(30)
Those who today occupy positions of trust should seek to learn the lesson taught by Solomon’s
prayer. Position does not give holiness of character. (30)
When a burden bearer desires wisdom more than he desires wealth, power, or fame, he will not
be disappointed. Such a one will learn from the Great Teacher not only what to do, but how to do
it in a way that will meet with the divine approval. (31)
The path of men who are placed as leaders is not an easy one. But they are to see in every
difficulty a call to prayer. Never are they to fail of consulting the great Source of all wisdom.
(31)
Both in public and in private worship it is our privilege to bow on our knees before God when
we offer our petitions to him. Jesus, our example, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Luke 22:41. Of
his disciples it is recorded that they, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Acts 9:40. Paul declared,
“I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 3:14. In confessing before
God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. See Ezra 9:5. Daniel “kneeled upon his knees three times a
day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” Daniel 6:10. True reverence for God is
inspired by a sense of his infinite greatness and a realization of his presence. With this sense of
the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer are sacred,
because God is there. (48)
In that which was said during the dedicatory services, Solomon had sought to remove from the
minds of those present the superstitions in regard to the Creator, that had beclouded the minds of
the heathen. The God of heaven is not, like the gods of the heathen, confined to temples made
with hands; yet He would meet with his people by his Spirit when they should assemble at the
house dedicated to his worship. (49)
Although God dwells not in temples made with hands, yet He honors with his presence the
assemblies of his people. He has promised that when they come together to seek him, to
acknowledge their sins, and to pray for one another, He will meet with them by his Spirit. But
those who assemble to worship him should put away every evil thing. Unless they worship him
in spirit and truth and in the beauty of holiness, their coming together will be of no avail. (50)
Ever He watches over his children with a care that is measureless. But He requires undivided
allegiance. (59)
In the midst of prosperity lurks danger. Throughout the ages, riches and honor have ever been
attended with peril to humility and spirituality. It is not the empty cup that we have difficulty in
carrying; it is the cup full to the brim that must be carefully balanced. Affliction and adversity
may cause sorrow, but it is prosperity that is most dangerous to spiritual life. Unless the human
subject is in constant submission to the will of God, unless he is sanctified by the truth,
prosperity will surely arouse the natural inclination to presumption. (59, 60)
Devotion to God and a spirit of sacrifice were the first requisites in preparing a dwelling place
for the Most High. (61, 62)
This call to consecration and willing service should ever have been kept in mind by those who
had to do with the erection of the temple. (62)
Because of his unusual skill, Huram demanded large wages. Gradually the wrong principles that
he cherished came to be accepted by his associates. As they labored with him day after day, they
yielded to the inclination to compare his wages with their own, and they began to lose sight of
the holy character of their work. The spirit of self-denial left them, and in its place came the
spirit of covetousness. The result was a demand for higher wages, which was granted. (64)
Another of the deviations from right principles that finally led to the downfall of Israel’s king
was his yielding to the temptation to take to himself the glory that belongs to God alone. (65)
The wisdom entrusted to him that he might glorify the Giver, filled him with pride. He finally
permitted men to speak of him as the one most worthy of praise for the matchless splendor of the
building planned and erected for the honor of “the name of the Lord God of Israel.” Thus it was
that the temple of Jehovah came to be known throughout the nations as “Solomon’s temple.”
(68)
Man cannot show greater weakness than by allowing men to ascribe to him the honor for gifts
that are Heaven-bestowed. The true Christian will make God first and last and best in everything.
(68)
From such examples we should learn that in watchfulness and prayer is the only safety for both
young and old. Security does not lie in exalted position and great privileges. One may for many
years have enjoyed a genuine Christian experience, but he is still exposed to Satan’s attacks. In
the battle with inward sin and outward temptation, even the wise and powerful Solomon was
vanquished. His failure teaches us that, whatever a man’s intellectual qualities may be, and
however faithfully he may have served God in the past, he can never with safety trust in his own
wisdom and integrity. (82)
In wrath “he put forth his hand from the altar” and cried out, “Lay hold on him.” his impetuous
act met with swift rebuke. The hand outstretched against the messenger of Jehovah suddenly
became powerless and withered, and could not be withdrawn. (102)
The messengers of the Lord are never to fear the face of man, but are to stand unflinchingly for
the right. So long as they put their trust in God, they need not fear; for He who gives them their
commission gives them also the assurance of his protecting care. (105)
“It is nothing with Thee to help,” he pleaded, “whether with many, or with them that have no
power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on Thee, and in Thy name we go against this
multitude. O Lord, Thou art our God; let not man prevail against Thee.” Verse 11. The prayer of
Asa is one that every Christian believer may fittingly offer. We fight in a warfare, not against
flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, and against spiritual wickedness in high
places. See Ephesians 6:12. In life’s conflict we must meet evil agencies that have arrayed
themselves against the right. Our hope is not in man, but in the living God. With full assurance
of faith we may expect that He will unite his omnipotence with the efforts of human
instrumentalities, for the glory of his name. (111)
They did not see that He who created nature controls her laws, and can make of them instruments
of blessing or of destruction. (125)
The widow of Zarephath shared her morsel with Elijah, and in return her life and that of her son
were preserved. And to all who, in time of trial and want, give sympathy and assistance to others
more needy, God has promised great blessing. He has not changed. His power is no less now
than in the days of Elijah. No less sure now than when spoken by our Saviour is the promise,
“He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward.” Matthew
10:41. (131, 132)
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Hebrews 13:2. These words have lost none of their force through the lapse of time. Our heavenly
Father still continues to place in the pathway of his children opportunities that are blessings in
disguise; and those who improve these opportunities find great joy. (132)
It is by the mighty power of the Infinite One that the elements of nature in earth and sea and sky
are kept within bounds. And these elements He uses for the happiness of his creatures. (134)
Today there is need of the voice of stern rebuke; for grievous sins have separated the people
from God. Infidelity is fast becoming fashionable. “We will not have this man to reign over us,”
is the language of thousands. Luke 19:14. The smooth sermons so often preached make no
lasting impression; the trumpet does not give a certain sound. Men are not cut to the heart by the
plain, sharp truths of God’s word. (140)
Gladly would Satan have come to the help of those whom he had deceived, and who were
devoted to his service. Gladly would he have sent the lightning to kindle their sacrifice. But
Jehovah has set Satan’s bounds, restrained his power, and not all the enemy’s devices can
convey one spark to Baal’s altar. (150)
Then, bowing reverently before the unseen God, he raises his hands toward heaven and offers a
simple prayer. Baal’s priests have screamed and foamed and leaped, from early morning until
late in the afternoon; but as Elijah prays, no senseless shrieks resound over Carmel’s height. He
prays as if he knows Jehovah is there, a witness to the scene, a listener to his appeal. The
prophets of Baal have prayed wildly, incoherently. Elijah prays simply and fervently, asking God
to show his superiority over Baal, that Israel may be led to turn to him. (152)
It was because Elijah was a man of large faith that God could use him in this grave crisis in the
history of Israel. (156)
As he prayed, his faith reached out and grasped the promises of Heaven, and he persevered in
prayer until his petitions were answered. He did not wait for the full evidence that God had heard
him, but was willing to venture all on the slightest token of divine favor. (157)
Faith such as this is needed in the world today—faith that will lay hold on the promises of God’s
word and refuse to let go until Heaven hears. Faith such as this connects us closely with Heaven,
and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. Through faith God’s children
have “subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of
lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made
strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” Hebrews 11:33, 34. And
through faith we today are to reach the heights of God’s purpose for us. (157)
Elijah, who, as the prophet of God, had that day humiliated Ahab before his subjects and slain
his idolatrous priests, still acknowledged him as Israel’s king; and now, as an act of homage, and
strengthened by the power of God, he ran before the royal chariot, guiding the king to the
entrance of the city.
In this gracious act of God’s messenger shown to a wicked king is a lesson for all who claim to
be servants of God, but who are exalted in their own estimation. There are those who feel above
performing duties that to them appear menial. They hesitate to perform even needful service,
fearing that they will be found doing the work of a servant. These have much to learn from the
example of Elijah. By his word the treasures of heaven had been for three years withheld from
the earth; he had been signally honored of God as, in answer to his prayer on Carmel, fire had
flashed from heaven and consumed the sacrifice; his hand had executed the judgment of God in
slaying the idolatrous prophets; his petition for rain had been granted. And yet, after the signal
triumphs with which God had been pleased to honor his public ministry, he was willing to
perform the service of a menial. (158)
Elijah had expected much from the miracle wrought on Carmel. He had hoped that after this
display of God’s power, Jezebel would no longer have influence over the mind of Ahab, and that
there would be a speedy reform throughout Israel. (160)
Into the experience of all there come times of keen disappointment and utter discouragement—
days when sorrow is the portion, and it is hard to believe that God is still the kind benefactor of
his earthborn children; days when troubles harass the soul, till death seems preferable to life. It is
then that many lose their hold on God and are brought into the slavery of doubt, the bondage of
unbelief. Could we at such times discern with spiritual insight the meaning of God’s providences
we should see angels seeking to save us from ourselves, striving to plant our feet upon a
foundation more firm than the everlasting hills, and new faith, new life, would spring into being.
(162)
The plans of the enemies of his work may seem to be well laid and firmly established, but God
can overthrow the strongest of these. And this He does in his own time and way, when He sees
that the faith of his servants has been sufficiently tested. (164)
In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He
knows your need. He has all power. His infinite love and compassion never weary. Fear not that
He will fail of fulfilling his promise. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant He
has made with those who love him. And He will bestow upon his faithful servants the measure of
efficiency that their need demands. (164)
It is not always the most learned presentation of God’s truth that convicts and converts the soul.
Not by eloquence or logic are men’s hearts reached, but by the sweet influences of the Holy
Spirit, which operate quietly yet surely in transforming and developing character. It is the still,
small voice of the Spirit of God that has power to change the heart. (169)
The joy set before Christ, the joy that sustained him through sacrifice and suffering, was the joy
of seeing sinners saved. This should be the joy of every follower of his, the spur to his ambition.
(172)
The records of sacred history are written, not merely that we may read and wonder, but that the
same faith which wrought in God’s servants of old may work in us. In no less marked manner
will the Lord work now, wherever there are hearts of faith to be channels of his power. (175)
We should see angels flying quickly to the aid of these tempted ones, forcing back the hosts of
evil that encompass them, and placing their feet on the sure foundation. The battles waging
between the two armies are as real as those fought by the armies of this world, and on the issue
of the spiritual conflict eternal destinies depend. (176)
In the vision of the prophet Ezekiel there was the appearance of a hand beneath the wings of the
cherubim. This is to teach God’s servants that it is divine power that gives success. Those whom
God employs as his messengers are not to feel that his work is dependent on them. (176)
He will thwart the purposes of wicked men and will bring to confusion the counsels of those who
plot mischief against his people. He who is the King, the Lord of hosts, sitteth between the
cherubim, and amidst the strife and tumult of nations He guards his children still. (176)
We are to remember that human beings are fallible and erring, and that He who has all power is
our strong tower of defense. In every emergency we are to feel that the battle is his. His
resources are limitless, and apparent impossibilities will make the victory all the greater. (202)
When the Lord in his providence sees fit to remove from his work those to whom He has given
wisdom, He helps and strengthens their successors, if they will look to him for aid and will walk
in his ways. They may be even wiser than their predecessors; for they may profit by their
experience and learn wisdom from their mistakes. (228)
So it is through personal contact and association that men are reached by the saving power of the
gospel. They are not saved as masses, but as individuals. Personal influence is a power. It is to
work with the influence of Christ, to lift where Christ lifts, to impart correct principles, and to
stay the progress of the world’s corruption. (232)
Even kindness should have its limits. Authority must be maintained by a firm severity, or it will
be received by many with mockery and contempt. The so-called tenderness, the coaxing and
indulgence, used toward youth by parents and guardians, is one of the worst evils which can
come upon them. In every family, firmness, decision, positive requirements, are essential. (236)
It is the grace of God on the small portion that makes it all-sufficient. God’s hand can multiply it
a hundredfold. (241)
From his resources He can spread a table in the wilderness. By the touch of his hand He can
increase the scanty provision and make it sufficient for all. It was his power that increased the
loaves and corn in the hands of the sons of the prophets. (242)
When the people of God are brought into strait places, and apparently there is no escape for
them, the Lord alone must be their dependence. (257)
Wherever he was, God was with him, giving him words to speak and power to work miracles.
(260)
The lesson is for all in positions of trust. When God opens the way for the accomplishment of a
certain work and gives assurance of success, the chosen instrumentality must do all in his power
to bring about the promised result. In proportion to the enthusiasm and perseverance with which
the work is carried forward will be the success given. God can work miracles for his people only
as they act their part with untiring energy. He calls for men of devotion to his work, men of
moral courage, with ardent love for souls, and with a zeal that never flags. Such workers will
find no task too arduous, no prospect too hopeless; they will labor on, undaunted, until apparent
defeat is turned into glorious victory. Not even prison walls nor the martyr’s stake beyond, will
cause them to swerve from their purpose of laboring together with God for the upbuilding of his
kingdom. (263)
It was not given Elisha to follow his master in a fiery chariot. Upon him the Lord permitted to
come a lingering illness. During the long hours of human weakness and suffering his faith laid
fast hold on the promises of God, and he beheld ever about him heavenly messengers of comfort
and peace. (264)
Let those engaged in soul-saving ministry remember that while there are many who will not heed
the counsel of God in his word, the whole world will not turn from light and truth, from the
invitations of a patient, forbearing Saviour. In every city, filled though it may be with violence
and crime, there are many who with proper teaching may learn to become followers of Jesus.
Thousands may thus be reached with saving truth and be led to receive Christ as a personal
Saviour. (277)
Throughout his long and arduous mission he carried with him the memory of this vision. (310)
It is Satan’s special device to lead man into sin and then leave him there, helpless and hopeless,
fearing to seek for pardon. (326)
The outlook seemed utterly dark; yet the king could still pray to the One who had hitherto been
his “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1. (340)
The story of Hezekiah’s failure to prove true to his trust at the time of the visit of the
ambassadors is fraught with an important lesson for all. Far more than we do, we need to speak
of the precious chapters in our experience, of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, of the
matchless depths of the Saviour’s love. When mind and heart are filled with the love of God, it
will not be difficult to impart that which enters into the spiritual life. (347)
Constantly He is sending his angels to those who, while surrounded by circumstances the most
discouraging, pray in faith for some power higher than themselves to take possession of them
and bring deliverance and peace. (378)
In the service of God there need be no despondency, no wavering, no fear. The Lord will more
than fulfill the highest expectations of those who put their trust in him. He will give them the
wisdom their varied necessities demand. (387)
On one occasion, by command of the Lord, the prophet took his position at one of the principal
entrances to the city and there urged the importance of keeping holy the Sabbath day. The
inhabitants of Jerusalem were in danger of losing sight of the sanctity of the Sabbath, and they
were solemnly warned against following their secular pursuits on that day. A blessing was
promised on condition of obedience. (411)
From the day of his call to the close of his ministry, Jeremiah stood before Judah as “a tower and
a fortress” against which the wrath of man could not prevail. (419)
Untiringly the prophet labored. Desirous of reaching all classes, he extended the sphere of his
influence beyond Jerusalem to the surrounding districts by frequent visits to various parts of the
kingdom. (428)
The gracious opportunity proffered them at the time of the burning of the sacred roll, was their
last. God had declared that if at that time they refused to hear his voice, He would inflict upon
them fearful retribution. They did refuse to hear, and He pronounced his final judgments upon
Judah, and He would visit with special wrath the man who had proudly lifted himself up against
the Almighty. (436)
Strong were the temptations surrounding them in that corrupt and luxurious court, but they
remained uncontaminated. No power, no influence, could sway them from the principles they
had learned in early life by a study of the word and works of God. (482)
In faith they prayed for wisdom, and they lived their prayers. They placed themselves where God
could bless them. They avoided that which would weaken their powers, and improved every
opportunity to become intelligent in all lines of learning. They followed the rules of life that
could not fail to give them strength of intellect. They sought to acquire knowledge for one
purpose—that they might honor God. (486)
Constantly praying, conscientiously studying, keeping in touch with the Unseen, they walked
with God as did Enoch. True success in any line of work is not the result of chance or accident or
destiny. It is the outworking of God’s providences, the reward of faith and discretion, of virtue
and perseverance. Fine mental qualities and a high moral tone are not the result of accident. God
gives opportunities; success depends upon the use made of them. (486)
In the life of the true Christian there are no nonessentials; in the sight of Omnipotence every duty
is important. The Lord measures with exactness every possibility for service. (488)
But the Lord did not forget his own. As his witnesses were cast into the furnace, the Saviour
revealed himself to them in person, and together they walked in the midst of the fire. In the
presence of the Lord of heat and cold, the flames lost their power to consume. (508, 509)
Satan with all the hosts of evil cannot destroy the weakest of God’s saints. Angels that excel in
strength will protect them, and in their behalf Jehovah will reveal himself as a “God of gods,”
able to save to the uttermost those who have put their trust in him. (513)
Once more in this idolatrous nation, testimony was to be borne to the fact that only those who
love and fear God can understand the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. (516)
Where but a few moments before had been hilarity and blasphemous witticism, were pallid faces
and cries of fear. When God makes men fear, they cannot hide the intensity of their terror.
Belshazzar was the most terrified of them all. He it was who above all others had been
responsible for the rebellion against God which that night had reached its height in the
Babylonian realm. (524)
Heavenly wisdom cannot be bought or sold. (527)
As the wheellike complications were under the guidance of the hand beneath the wings of the
cherubim, so the complicated play of human events is under divine control. Amidst the strife and
tumult of nations He that sitteth above the cherubim still guides the affairs of this earth. (536)
The history of nations speaks to us today. To every nation and to every individual God has
assigned a place in his great plan. Today men and nations are being tested by the plummet in the
hand of him who makes no mistake. All are by their own choice deciding their destiny, and God
is overruling all for the accomplishment of his purposes. (536)
God will not fail his church in the hour of her greatest peril. He has promised deliverance. (538)
The enemies of Daniel left the presence of Darius, rejoicing over the snare now securely laid for
the servant of Jehovah. In the conspiracy thus formed, Satan had played an important part. The
prophet was high in command in the kingdom, and evil angels feared that his influence would
weaken their control over its rulers. It was these satanic agencies who had stirred the princes to
envy and jealousy; it was they who had inspired the plan for Daniel’s destruction; and the
princes, yielding themselves as instruments of evil, carried it into effect. (540)
Thus the prophet boldly yet quietly and humbly declared that no earthly power has a right to
interpose between the soul and God. (542)
God did not prevent Daniel’s enemies from casting him into the lions’ den; He permitted evil
angels and wicked men thus far to accomplish their purpose; but it was that He might make the
deliverance of his servant more marked, and the defeat of the enemies of truth and righteousness
more complete. “Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee” (Psalm 76:10), the psalmist has
testified. Through the courage of this one man who chose to follow right rather than policy,
Satan was to be defeated, and the name of God was to be exalted and honored. (543, 544)
Heaven is very near those who suffer for righteousness’ sake. Christ identifies his interests with
the interests of his faithful people; He suffers in the person of his saints, and whoever touches his
chosen ones touches him. The power that is near to deliver from physical harm or distress is also
near to save from the greater evil, making it possible for the servant of God to maintain his
integrity under all circumstances, and to triumph through divine grace. (545)
Strict compliance with the requirements of Heaven brings temporal as well as spiritual blessings.
Unwavering in his allegiance to God, unyielding in his mastery of self, Daniel, by his noble
dignity and unswerving integrity, while yet a young man, won the “favor and tender love” of the
heathen officer in whose charge he had been placed. Daniel 1:9. The same characteristics marked
his afterlife. (546)
Heaven was bending low to hear the earnest supplication of the prophet. Even before he had
finished his plea for pardon and restoration, the mighty Gabriel again appeared to him, and called
his attention to the vision he had seen prior to the fall of Babylon and the death of Belshazzar.
(556)
It is when the vital principles of the kingdom of God are lost sight of, that ceremonies become
multitudinous and extravagant. It is when the character building is neglected, when the
adornment of the soul is lacking, when the simplicity of godliness is despised, that pride and love
of display demand magnificent church edifices, splendid adornings, and imposing ceremonials.
But in all this God is not honored. He values his church, not for its external advantages, but for
the sincere piety which distinguishes it from the world. He estimates it according to the growth
of its members in the knowledge of Christ, according to their progress in spiritual experience. He
looks for the principles of love and goodness. (565)
A congregation may be the poorest in the land. It may be without the attractions of any outward
show; but if the members possess the principles of the character of Christ, angels will unite with
them in their worship. (566)
Over every soul that is rescued from the power of evil, and whose name is registered in the
Lamb’s book of life, the controversy is repeated. Never is one received into the family of God
without exciting the determined resistance of the enemy. (585)
The remnant church will then be brought into great trial and distress. Those who keep the
commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts. Satan
numbers the world as his subjects; he has gained control even of many professing Christians. But
here is a little company who are resisting his supremacy. If he could blot them from the earth, his
triumph would be complete. (587)
Their only hope is in the mercy of God; their only defense will be prayer. (588)
At times the Lord may seem to have forgotten the perils of his church and the injury done her by
her enemies. But God has not forgotten. Nothing in this world is so dear to the heart of God as
his church. (590)
God’s faithful, praying ones are, as it were, shut in with him. They themselves know not how
securely they are shielded. Urged on by Satan, the rulers of this world are seeking to destroy
them; but could the eyes of God’s children be opened as were the eyes of Elisha’s servant at
Dothan, they would see angels of God encamped about them, holding in check the hosts of
darkness. (590, 591)
The way of the world is to begin with pomp and boasting. God’s way is to make the day of small
things the beginning of the glorious triumph of truth and righteousness. Sometimes He trains his
workers by bringing to them disappointment and apparent failure. It is his purpose that they shall
learn to master difficulties. (595)
Human power and human might did not establish the church of God, and neither can they
destroy it. Not on the rock of human strength, but on Christ Jesus, the Rock of Ages, was the
church founded, “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18. The presence
of God gives stability to his cause. (595, 596)
The crisis that Esther faced demanded quick, earnest action; but both she and Mordecai realized
that unless God should work mightily in their behalf, their own efforts would be unavailing. So
Esther took time for communion with God, the source of her strength. (601)
As he learned more and still more concerning God’s dealings with his children, and
comprehended the sacredness of the law given at Sinai, Ezra’s heart was stirred. He experienced
a new and thorough conversion and determined to master the records of sacred history, that he
might use this knowledge to bring blessing and light to his people. (608)
As he communicated to others the truths he learned, his capacity for labor increased. (609)
Wherever Ezra labored, there sprang up a revival in the study of the Holy Scriptures. (623)
In this age of the world, when Satan is seeking, through manifold agencies, to blind the eyes of
men and women to the binding claims of the law of God, there is need of men who can cause
many to “tremble at the commandment of our God.” Ezra 10:3. (623)
There is need of men mighty in the Scriptures, men whose every word and act exalts the statutes
of Jehovah, men who seek to strengthen faith. Teachers are needed, oh, so much, who will
inspire hearts with reverence and love for the Scriptures. (624)

The widespread iniquity prevalent today may in a great degree be attributed to a failure to study
and obey the Scriptures, for when the word of God is set aside, its power to restrain the evil
passions of the natural heart is rejected. Men sow to the flesh and of the flesh reap corruption.
(624)
The tremendous issues of eternity demand of us something besides an imaginary religion, a
religion of words and forms, where truth is kept in the outer court. God calls for a revival and a
reformation. The words of the Bible and the Bible alone, should be heard from the pulpit. But the
Bible has been robbed of its power, and the result is seen in a lowering of the tone of spiritual
life. In many sermons of today there is not that divine manifestation which awakens the
conscience and brings life to the soul. The hearers cannot say, “Did not our heart burn within us,
while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32.
There are many who are crying out for the living God, longing for the divine presence. Let the
word of God speak to the heart. Let those who have heard only tradition and human theories and
maxims, hear the voice of him who can renew the soul unto eternal life. (626)
This example of wise forethought and resolute action should be a lesson to all Christians. God’s
children are not only to pray in faith, but to work with diligent and provident care. They
encounter many difficulties and often hinder the working of Providence in their behalf, because
they regard prudence and painstaking effort as having little to do with religion. Nehemiah did not
regard his duty done when he had wept and prayed before the Lord. He united his petitions with
holy endeavor, putting forth earnest, prayerful efforts for the success of the enterprise in which
he was engaged. (633, 634)
In every religious movement there are some who, while they cannot deny that the cause is God’s,
still hold themselves aloof, refusing to make any effort to help. (639)
Satan takes advantage of every unconsecrated element for the accomplishment of his purposes.
Among those who profess to be the supporters of God’s cause there are those who unite with his
enemies and thus lay his cause open to the attacks of his bitterest foes. Even some who desire the
work of God to prosper will yet weaken the hands of his servants by hearing, reporting, and half
believing the slanders, boasts, and menaces of his adversaries. But, like Nehemiah, God’s people
are neither to fear nor to despise their enemies. (645)
However craftily the plots of Satan and his agents may be laid, God can detect them, and bring to
nought all their counsels. The response of faith today will be the response made by Nehemiah,
“Our God shall fight for us;” for God is in the work, and no man can prevent its ultimate success.
(645)
Satan’s assaults have ever been directed against those who have sought to advance the work and
cause of God. Though often baffled, he as often renews his attacks with fresh vigor, using means
hitherto untried. But it is his secret working through those who avow themselves the friends of
God’s work, that is most to be feared. Open opposition may be fierce and cruel, but it is fraught
with far less peril to God’s cause than is the secret enmity of those who, while professing to
serve God, are at heart the servants of Satan. These have it in their power to place every
advantage in the hands of those who will use their knowledge to hinder the work of God and
injure his servants. (658)
There was a constant struggle with opposing elements, and only by fasting, humiliation, and
prayer was advancement made. (674)
Industry in a God-appointed duty is an important part of true religion. Men should seize
circumstances as God’s instruments with which to work his will. Prompt and decisive action at
the right time will gain glorious triumphs, while delay and neglect result in failure and dishonor
to God. If the leaders in the cause of truth show no zeal, if they are indifferent and purposeless,
the church will be careless, indolent, and pleasure-loving; but if they are filled with a holy
purpose to serve God and him alone, the people will be united, hopeful, eager. (676)
God blesses the work of men’s hands, that they may return to him his portion. He gives them the
sunshine and the rain; He causes vegetation to flourish; He gives health and ability to acquire
means. Every blessing comes from his bountiful hand, and He desires men and women to show
their gratitude by returning him a portion in tithes and offerings—in thank offerings, in freewill
offerings, in trespass offerings. (707, 708)
Thus God’s purpose for Israel will meet with literal fulfillment. That which God purposes, man
is powerless to disannul. Even amid the working of evil, God’s purposes have been moving
steadily forward to their accomplishment. It was thus with the house of Israel throughout the
history of the divided monarchy; it is thus with spiritual Israel today. (720)