“If Thine Eye Be Single, Thy Whole Body Shall be Full of Light.”

Sermon, Williamstown, Vic.
March 18, 1894.EA 164.1

(649) “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal: For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be singe, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: (650) for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other; ye cannot serve God and mammon.”EA 164.2

Christ here seeks to reveal to us truths that are of the highest value, that we may not be deceived by the falsehoods of Satan, and be led into paths of disobedience and transgression. He wants us to consider His words, to open the chambers of the mind, and receive the truths that He is bringing before us. To have the eye single means to have nothing interposing between the soul and Christ. The salvation of the soul should be the first consideration of every son and daughter of Adam. We cannot afford to have a double eye, one for the world, and one for Christ. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” The will, the intellect, the whole being must be subservient to Jesus Christ. When we place ourselves in this relation to Him, all we possess will have His blessing upon it.EA 164.3

“Therefore I say unto you,” Christ continued, “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life (651) more than meat, and the body than raiment?”EA 164.4

We know not how long this life we have today will last, how soon the arrow of death will be aimed at our vitals, and our last record pass into eternity. Then it will be too late to correct mistakes. There will be no change of character with the resurrection from the dead; whatever change is made, must be made in this life. If we believe in Christ as a personal Saviour, and accept His sacrifice in our behalf, if our life is hid with Christ in God, we may go down into the grave, but we shall not remain there. When the Life-giver comes, and the trumpet sounds, and the dead in Christ arise, we shall come forth to a glorious immortality. We read something of the life we shall them receive in Paul’s epistle to the Romans: “Who will render to every man according to His deeds, to them who by patience continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life.” It is of this life the Saviour speaks when he says, “Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” Glory and honor and immortality, eternal life, are offered us—a life that runs parallel (652) with the life of Jehovah. Should we not begin to make preparation for that life? Should we not examine ourselves, and see if our hope is well grounded in Jesus, and that he is the center of our life and affections? This life, eternal life is more than meat, this glorious body more than raiment.EA 164.5

Do you fear that if you take your stand for the truth of the Bible, that you will lose your worldly position? Some of you say, “I cannot take my position to keep the Sabbath and serve the Lord; for if I do this, my worldly prospects will be spoiled.” Then let them be spoiled. Far better had you lose your worldly position than lose Jesus, far better we partakers of the sufferings of Christ than gather to yourself the riches of this life. You cannot carry these with you into the future life. But if you have Jesus, you have everything; He is all you need to stand the test of the day of God.EA 164.6

“Which of you by taking thought, can add one cubit unto his stature. And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these.”EA 165.1

(653) Solomon is considered the wisest king that ever swayed the scepter. He was called a man after God’s own heart. Let us follow for a time the course of this king who, at the dedication of the temple prayed that the worshipers might not be divided in heart, but be true to the service of God. His is a sad history of failure. This king who prayed for wisdom to rule his kingdom well, became a despot and tyrant. In order to meet the wants that his extravagance demanded, he laid a heavy yoke upon His people. In gathering the riches that were to compose the temple, Solomon brought gold from Ophir, and silver and precious woods from Tyre. Everything that would enrich his kingdom as well as the temple was brought into it. Every rare plant and shrub helped to beautify his kingdom. Young men clad in garments that glittered with silver and gold ministered to his wants. And yet Solomon was not a happy man. Disappointment, unhappiness and discontent resulted from the course he followed.EA 165.2

Do you ask why Solomon took such a course after receiving from God such a rich endowment? It was because he did that which God forbade him to do. “Thou shalt not marry with (654) the heathen nations,” God declared. God knew that these heathen influences would turn the hearts of the king from the service of God. But the king married into heathen nations, and had many wives, who turned the heart of the king from the worship of the true God to serve idols. Right down in the days of Christ could be seen the evidence of the king’s corruption. On a hill across from the Mount of Olives, there could be seen through the olive groves and forest trees the remains of the idols Solomon had worshipped. These had been broken down by faithful king, but the remains were still there, and their presence gave to that mountain the name of the Mount of Offence.EA 165.3

Solomon should have been an example and a counsellor to his people. He should have refused to take the first step when God said, “Thou shalt not.” The responsibility of a nation was upon him, the responsibility of the chosen nation of God. In his experience we can see how little dependence can be placed on the wisest earthly king who goes contrary to the injunctions of God. We are to see that it is not safe to turn away from the sayings of Christ to follow the leading of any human mind or will. We need in every detail of life to understand what (655) the will of the Lord is. To every minister, to every responsible man, to every humble worker, God will give light, if man will keep his eye single to the glory of God.EA 165.4

“Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”EA 165.5

Consider the care that God has given to the grass of the field. He has clothed the earth, not in a somber drab or brown, but with a carpet of living green. Consider the flowers that he has clothed with such beauty of tint and color. The artist seeks to copy nature, but how readily we discern that his work is only an imitation of the true. God wants us to learn a lesson from the works of His hands; He wants us to study the beauties of the natural world, to educate our children to study them, that they and we may see in them an expression of the love of God for us! Here is a voice speaking to parents, bidding you keep ever before you the One who made the heavens and the earth. This is the God you are to present to our children Point them to the flowers, telling them that God made them, and that after six days of labor he rested on the seventh, and that (656) gave the Sabbath to man as a memorial of His creative work. Yet instead of talking of the praise of God who made these things we talk of the things that human hands have made; we study the adornment of our homes and our bodies. The means God has given us to glorify Him, we spend in self-indulgence. The honor and glory and applause of the world should be worth nothing to us in comparison with the love of God that is awaiting us. O, if the curtain could be rolled back, and we could get but a glimpse of the glory that is in reserve for those who serve God with a single eye. If our life is hid with Christ in God, Christ who is our life shall appear, ten shall we also appear with Him in glory. We cannot afford to sin; for its wages are death. When the follower of Christ receives into his heart the love flowing from the heart of God, he turns to serve God, and keep his commandments.EA 165.6

“Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” These temporal matters need not cause you anxious thought. God has given you everything that is lovely and of worth in this world. “Will he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith.” (657) Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these thing shall be added unto you.” “Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. Christ does not say, “God knoweth” but “Your heavenly Father knoweth what ye have need of these things,” placing God in the relation of a tender, thoughtful parent. He who has not withheld the gift of His precious Son, will he not with Him freely give you all things?” God has pledged his word; let us believe him. It is time that we began to cultivate the faith that is presented to us by precept and example in the precious lessons of the word of God. If we will let Him, the Lord will teach us lessons of trust.EA 166.1

Fathers and mothers, are you repeating the words of Christ to your children? or do you give anxious thought to what you shall eat and drink and wear? “Take no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”EA 166.2

God estimated man at such a value, that He gave to the world His only begotten Son. He gave Him, knowing that he would receive from the world insult and derision and mocker, (658) Christ’s followers must not expect to escape trials and difficulties. Christ said to his disciples, warning them of the treatment they would receive at the hands of men, “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my sayings, they will keep yours also. If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call them of His household.” “He that will come after me, let deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”EA 166.3

Brethren and friends, are you lifting the cross, or are you trying to step over it? Are you willing to be a partaker with Christ in His sufferings? When the judgment shall set, and the books shall be opened, and the human family is set, some on Christ’s right hand, and the others on His left, Christ will say to those who have lifted the cross in self-denial, “Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger and ye took me in: naked and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison and ye came unto me.” (659) Then shall the righteous answer Him saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in, or naked and clothed thee? or when saw we thee sick or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” They were so imbued with the Spirit of God, so filled with His love, that unconsciously they worked as Christ worked. The love of God received by them from Christ was daily springing up unto everlasting life.EA 166.4

To those on His left hand Christ declares, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and His angels: for I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they answer him saying, Lord when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or sick or in prison, and did not minister unto Thee? Then shall He answer them saying, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the (660) least of these, My brethren, ye did it not to me.” These have not hid their lives in that of their Master. Their minds have been filled with a desire for earthly gain. “What shall we eat? what shall we drink? wherewithal shall we be clothed? has been the absorbing study of their lives.EA 167.1

The reason why men do not understand the designs of God, I that their eye is not single, and therefore their whole body is full of darkness. Why with their Bibles before them, do they observe as sacred the first day of the week, when God has declared, The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.”EA 167.2

Do you say, It is not convenient for me to make this change? Are you going to set your family a wrong example because of your convenience? For the sake of convenience are you willing to perpetuate the disobedience that resulted in the fall of man? It was not convenient for Jesus to hang on the cross, to endure the long fast in the wilderness of temptation; but he did this that the human race might be elevated and ennobled and obtain the crown of everlasting life. It was not convenient, but it was expedient. In the face of the great sacrifice made in your behalf can you afford to study your convenience? What (661) have you sacrificed for Jesus? what have you done for the Man of Calvary? O that you would teach Him in your families, and represent Him as He represented the Father.EA 167.3

God has given us a message. He wants to see if we will be obedient children in the kingdom of Heaven. He has made every provision that through His strength we may overcome and sit down with Him in His throne. “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city.” Are you standing on the side of Christ or on the side of the enemy of righteousness? Are you disdaining the word of God or are you building up the foundations of many generations that in the heavenly courts you may be called “the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in?” “The Sabbath,” God declares, “shall be a sign between me and you throughout your generations.” God will help you to stand if you will take your position for the truth because it is truth, because it is rights. I invite you to come over on the Lord’s side, and rivet your souls to the eternal Rock.EA 167.4

(662) Do you think I feel ashamed because of the persecution and falsehood I have had to meet because of my obedience to the commandments of God. NO; I know in whom I have believed, I come to you with no idle tale, but with the sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place. The earth is covered with the darkness of sin as with a pall; but soon Christ is coming, and then sin is to have an end. The dross will be consumed by the fires of heaven. Do you not want to enter the gates of the eternal city. When the pearly gates are thrown open, do you not want to hear the Saviour’s words of welcome. Do you not want to have placed on your brow the immortal crown of glory, and be clothed in the robe woven in the loom of heaven, white as no fuller on earth could white it. I want to see the King in his beauty, and behold His matchless charms. I want to see the King in his beauty, and behold His matchless charms. I want to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. I must be there, and I want you to be there. I want to see you cast your glittering crowns at the Saviour’s feet, and fill heaven with his praises. I beg of you to lay up your treasure in heaven, to rid yourselves of everything that will confuse your minds, that you may be able to distinguish between the sacred and the common, and place the Sabbath of the Lord in its right position. God help us to have an eye single to His glory, and not be found at last transgressors of His law. Visit to KellyvilleEA 168.1

(663) April 9, 1894. Last Friday W.C. White came from Melbourne. On Sabbath we drove to Kellyville, to meet with the church in that place. This company were newly come to the faith. They had built themselves a small house of worship, neat and nice, which was paid for except for a few pounds. They were very happy as they assembled there to worship God. The great financial depression in Australia made it difficult to raise means for building churches, but the brethren at Kellyville were full of determination and zeal to have a house of worship of their own. They were a very earnest little company.EA 169.1

I had much freedom in speaking to them. W.C. White spoke for a short time, and a social meeting followed. Several took part and earnest sincere testimonies were borne. In the afternoon W.C. White attended the church at Parramatta, where the ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated.EA 169.2

On Sunday afternoon I spoke in the tent at Seven Hills where Brother Hickox had labored alone since the camp-meeting.EA 169.3

(664) Again the Lord gave me freedom in speaking to the people. They were intelligent, and listened with deep interest. A Brother Martin came with his wife, driving twelve miles to the meeting. She was a bitter opposer of the truth, but we had hopes that she would yet take her stand with her husband and daughter. The daughter, a girl of about eighteen years of age, first took her stand, saying, Father I must keep the Sabbath.” He said to her, “Daughter, if you feel this to be your duty, do so, and I will support you in the step you take,” Next the father took his position firmly for the truth. He called together his family of grown-up sons and daughters and told them that he had decided that the seventh day was the Sabbath enjoined upon the human family to keep; he said he would be glad if they and their mother would unite with him in honoring the Sabbath day, but if they did not do this they must understand that no work must be done on his premises on the Sabbath. This man had two large orchards. He said that his horses must not work, neither must his children. “Now” said he, “You know that my word is law, and I shall expect you to refrain from labor on the Sabbath day.”EA 169.4

(665) We were much interested in the company assembled at Seven Hills. We prayed that a number more might be converted to the truth here. Brother Hickox preached on Sabbath and Sundays, and in the evenings during the week. He had awakened quite a good interest, and several had taken their position for the truth. Near the preaching tent, Brother Hickox had erected a small tent which he had made with his own hands, and in which he lived alone. In this tent he had his library and typewriter, and house-keeping arrangements. The tents were pitched in the open fields among the trees. Brother Hickox would leave his tent open, and go away visiting and giving Bible readings, and strange to say, nothing in his tent was ever disturbed, though he had a valuable library.EA 169.5

One day I went in search of a cow that I wished to purchase. I had been told of one, gentle and fresh, owned by a Mr. Thompson of Seven Hills. Elder Starr and Brother Stephen Belden accompanied me. We visited Brother Hickox’ tent, hoping to find him. He was not there. His tent was open and all his property exposed to anyone who might be disposed to steal. (666) We waited for some time, supposing that he would come in; but as he did not appear, we drove to the neighbors, Mr. Thompson, where we expected to see the cow. We found Brother Hickox there visiting.EA 169.6

We found Mr. and Mrs. Thompson intelligent people, and favorable to the truth. Mr. Thompson was a carpenter, and had a large family. Mrs. Thompson said, “This preaching is wonderfully different from anything we have ever heard before. The Bible is becoming a new book to me. We seem to be quite slow to understand, but we believe we must keep the Sabbath. It is a very important step, and we want to understand it thoroughly. But if it is the truth, what can we do but obey it.” I told her I would send her “Steps to Christ” She said, “Please send us writings that are simple, and easy to understand. We are so ignorant in regard to these new interpretations of the Scriptures. I am perplexed with the cares of a large family. We have good health, and I have much to be thankful for; but I have a hasty temper, and become impatient when I think my children are doing wrong. Will you pray for me especially, and understand that I am trying to learn my duty.” We had a most (667) precious season of prayer with the family, and we knew that angels of God were in our midst.EA 169.7

I have thought many times since of the request of Sister Thompson: “I want that precious faith that is so necessary. Send me something simple, that my mind may grasp it; then I can take hold of this faith to believe in Jesus as a present help in every time of need.” This is the want of every soul, — something that the needy longing soul can grasp, something easy to be understood; and yet the reason that many do not lay hold of the truth is because it is so easy. They think they must do some great thing, that God expects them to go through some wonderful process in order to be converted; and when we present the truth as it is, in its beautiful simplicity, they stand amazed, “Is that all?” they inquire. Simply to take God at His word seems such a simple thing that they hardly dare accept it. We need to make the way of life just as clear to souls as it is in Jesus, that all may see the truth and the life.EA 170.1

We returned to Granville about dark. The following day W.C. White and others went on a tour in search of land. They (668) found several fine sites, but we feared the price would be too high for us.EA 170.2

On Monday Brother and Sister Lawrence and their daughter from Michigan arrived. They came to our home by special invitation to remain until it should be decided where it would be best for them to settle. We were glad to welcome them to this country. They had come in response to the call for our American brethren and sisters to come to this country as self-supporting missionaries. We prayed that God would give wisdom in placing them in the right position. Brother and Sister Lawrence were accompanied from Melbourne by Carrie Gribble, who was to become the wife of Brother Hickox. On Tuesday morning our large dining room was prepared for the wedding ceremony. Brother Hickox made request that I should offer prayer after the marriage ceremony by Elder Starr. The Lord gave me special freedom. My heart was softened and subdued by the Spirit of the Lord. On this occasion there was no light jests and foolish talking. Everything was of a solemn and sacred character, and deeply impressive. The Lord sanctified this marriage, and these two united their interests to work in this mission field to seek and save the lost.EA 170.3

Sermon, given at the S.D.A.chapel, Parramatta,
Sunday 3 p.m.
May 13, 1894EA 171.1

(669) “Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it; that thou mightiest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear, therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it, that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.”EA 171.2

In keeping the commandments of God, and teaching them to our children, we may claim this promise of God; for the promise is made to all who follow in the path of obedience. Heavenly intelligences are waiting to cooperate with us. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to them which (670) shall be heirs of salvation.”EA 171.3

“That thou mightiest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.” If we are not standing in this position before God, God cannot let his blessing and protecting care and guardianship be over us. Satan is seeking his possession. He pleads that the whole race is his because they have transgressed the commands of God. “Let me bring my power to bear upon them” he says. If we are living in disobedience it is important that we consider our situation. “Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord; thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”EA 171.4

The invisible Leader of Israel from the pillar of cloud gave direction unto Israel: “Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest (671) in thine house; and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. And it shall be when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he swore unto thy Fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildest not, and houses full of good things which thou fillest not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shall have eaten and be full; then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.”EA 171.5

Fathers and mothers, we want you to hear with an understanding heart. We ask you, Are you carrying out the requirements of God. Do you feel the necessity of surrendering the hearts’ affections to God. The words of God are of the highest value; we cannot afford to be negligent. If parents feel the sacredness of truth, they will seek to educate their children in right principles, as Abraham commanded his household after him. (672) Great Consequences are to be met. To the disobedient, no promises, no blessings are held out, but the threatenings of the Lord. God cannot take them to his kingdom, to the city of God, or there would be a second rebellion.EA 171.6

We need to take heed to the instruction God has given us. Parents should know that it is a sacred thing to carry out these principles in the household. The father who expects to bring up his child in the right way cannot afford to play the lad. He must have the growing dignity that Christ gives to man. God so appreciate the human soul that he “gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The Son of God came into the world to practice self-denial, and to work for the uplifting of the human race. Do you ask how much God values man? I point you to Calvary, where His Son suffered the most ignominious death that he might rescue you. His love is without a parallel; no comparison can be made to it. He who was one with the Father suffered and died for us that he might take men and women from a state of sin into favor with God,—man with Christ, and Christ with God. Our life is to be hid with Christ (673) that when He who is our life shall appear, we also may appear with Him in glory. Yet God will not force us to serve Him. In giving Jesus, he has done all that it is possible for Him to do. He asks us to search the Scriptures. He puts his Holy Spirit upon us and says, “I am at thy right hand to uphold thee.”EA 172.1

In well-ordered, well-disciplined families, God gives an example to the world. You want a well-ordered household. The children are God’s property, his heritage, brought with His blood. It is no light matter to know how to deal with the Lord’s heritage with such wisdom that at last you may bring to them to the Lord and say, Here, Lord are the children you committed to my charge. God will inquire in the judgment, “What have you done with my possessions? You want to train your children, not only for this life, but for the future immortal life as well.EA 172.2

God said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him.” Just as soon as Abraham pitched his tent, he erected his altar where he offered his morning and evening sacrifices to God. Today God wants to offer your morning and evening petitions to him. Are (674) you weak in moral power? You may become a partaker of the divine nature, and escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust. You may learn to do justice in everything, and teach your children to do the same. Children should pray for the guardianship of the angels through the night. Teach them that it is a sin to be idle, that God has not given them their hands to hang helpless at their sides. Work, watch, pray; the night cometh when no men can work. You know not how soon the time will come when your hands will be folded on your breast. Every day you are to accomplish a progressive work in sanctification. Today you are to sow the fruits of the Spirit of Christ. His goings forth are prepared as the morning. As you follow on to know the Lord, you will understand more and more the light that is reserved for you. Abraham’s altar was a living testimony wherever he went; even the roving Canaanites recognized it.EA 172.3

Shall we not honor the Maker of the heavens and the earth by obeying the fourth commandment. Shall we not “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” From the beginning of the week we should prepare our lessons for the Sabbath school. When my children were small, we had a large family of adopted children. (675) As the Sabbath approached, before the setting of the sun, we would have all our work put away. The children would hail the Sabbath as a joy. “Now” they would say, “father and mother will give us some of their time.” We would take them for a walk, taking with us our Bibles and other religious reading to read them and explain the scriptures. We did not lie in bed Sabbath morning because it was the Sabbath. We would have all our preparations made the day before, so that we could go to church without hurry or worry. We wanted our children to have the privileges and blessings of God’s sanctified rest day.EA 172.4

“Behold, ye fast for strife and debate,” God says, “and to smite with the fist of wickedness; ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the (676) poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked that thou cover him. and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”EA 173.1

Shall we not set ourselves to the work that is to be done. We must love our neighbors as ourselves, working on the right hand and on the left for those who are in need. We are to help our brother who is falling into decay. Just as soon as we see the necessities of those around us, we should take hold and help. “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; and the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday.EA 173.2

Do you want it thus. Do you want that the cloud of reproach shall be rolled away. Then lay up your treasure in heaven, that when the Lord shall appear you may have the eternal (677) weight of glory. “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and a well of water, whose waters fail not.” How many I have heard talk of the dearth of their souls. They did not seem to feel a burden for the souls for whom Christ died.EA 173.3

Who was it that tore down the fourth commandment from its place, and covered it up so that men should forget it. Shall we take the spurious and trample on the divine? Every tree and shrub and flower that God has made testifies to the fact that he made the world in six days and rested on the seventh. “They that be of thee shall build the whole wast places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of path to dwell in.”EA 173.4

When one is arrested for working on the first day of the week according to the commandment, do you hear him say I will not keep the Sabbath anymore? No he is glad that he can bring the truth before the people, even in this way. He bears in mind the promise, “If thou take away thy (678) foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable, and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words, then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy Father, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.EA 173.5

When Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, and their feet put into the stocks, the universe of heaven knew all about it. In the night the jailers heard these men singing praises to God. Then the army of heaven approached, and at their tread the earth began to quake, and the prison doors were thrown open. The jailers knew that those who had kept the prison when Peter escaped had been put to death, and they came in fear and trembling to Paul and Silas. He acknowledged the power of God and asked forgiveness for his cruelty. “What shall I do to be saved?” he asked. Right there the jailer gave himself to God.EA 173.6

The God who wrought for Paul and Silas lives today. If the prison is to be our home, we can sing within prison walls. We will not be called to endure more than the King of (679) glory bore in our behalf. May God help us to establish the fear of God in our homes. May he help us to make straight paths for our fest. May he help us to help one another, and the Lord of hosts will be with us.EA 174.1