August 16, 1906

Words of Counsel and Encouragement From Sister White

EGW

At this juncture of the meeting, Sister E. G. White spoke, as follows:RH August 16, 1906, par. 1

“I am so glad that we have for our God One who judges righteously, and who understands the human heart. He knows just how to deal with every human being; and for this we ought to render to Him grateful, heartfelt thanksgiving.RH August 16, 1906, par. 2

“We are distinctly denominated as a people that keep the day which the Lord gave man in Eden in commemoration of the creation. After God had made the world in six days, He rested on the seventh day, and was refreshed; and He blessed the day upon which he had rested, and sanctified it. By observing this day, we are to be reminded continually of the creative power of our God.RH August 16, 1906, par. 3

“The world's inhabitants have lost sight of the holiness of God's law, and have set aside the day that He has sanctified. In its place, they have substituted a day of their own choosing. As a people, we are bidden to restore that which has been broken down. The breach that has been made in God's law, must be repaired. In directing the attention of the world to the light of the truth for this time, preparatory to the second coming of Christ, we are to use every agency possible for the proclamation of our message.RH August 16, 1906, par. 4

“It is for this purpose that our institutions have been established. The world is filled with subjects of Satan's kingdom. We thank God that we have many institutions wherein are carried forward various lines of work.RH August 16, 1906, par. 5

“How thankful we should be that we have a God who can preserve and sustain us in the hour of trial! We can not always understand his dealings with us. His providences may at the time seem strange; but he has in view something that is for our good and for the glory of his name.RH August 16, 1906, par. 6

“In the book of Job we find recorded a narrative that throws considerable light on things otherwise difficult to understand. [Sister White then read the first chapter of Job.]RH August 16, 1906, par. 7

“From this scripture we may learn much regarding God's dealings with His people. And when calamity comes, unless the Lord indicates plainly that this calamity is sent as a punishment of those who are departing from the word of His counsel; unless He reveals that it has come as a retribution for the sins of the workers, let every man refrain from criticism. Let us be careful not to reproach any one.RH August 16, 1906, par. 8

“The enemy is often permitted to try God's people in just such a way as Job was tried. And when Job's friends came to him and began to remind him of his sins, and to urge that he was suffering because of divine displeasure, they were doing a work that was wholly uncalled for.RH August 16, 1906, par. 9

“Job endured the test; he proved true to God. And after his trial, his blessings were manifold. The prosperity that attended the closing years of his life gave the enemy no opportunity to exult over the former misfortunes of God's faithful servant.RH August 16, 1906, par. 10

“The Lord desires us to labor for the benefit of one another. Let us all, ministers and people, be careful of our words. The power of speech is a talent; the mind, the voice, the strength,—all these are precious talents. Let us keep them wholly sanctified for service in God's cause. We must sanctify ourselves, body, soul, and spirit, unto God, that he may use us effectually as evangelists for the carrying forward of his work.”RH August 16, 1906, par. 11