Introduction
On this page you will find various excerpts and quotations that share Pastor Minchin's convictions on various topics. He was a great believer in the writings of Ellen White and I am told would bring a stack of cards of her quotes with him wherever he went. The data on this page may include some of the Scriptures he quoted, quotations of Mrs. White, his own thoughts, important sermons of his on the topic, books and other authors referenced, etc. There is much to learn from him and this page presents that information topically.
Amusements
Quotes
Forthcoming.
Children
Scriptures
Isaiah 49:25 (NKJV) "But thus says the LORD:
“Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away,
And the prey of the terrible be delivered;
For I will contend with him who contends with you,
And I will save your children."
Ellen G. White Quotes (EGW)
"Manifest a kindly, forbearing spirit; and encourage the same in your children, cultivating all the graces that will brighten the home-life." Ministry of Healing, pp. 393.
"Happy are the parents whose lives are a true reflection of the divine, so that the promises and commands of God awaken in the child gratitude and reverence; the parents whose tenderness and justice and longsuffering interpret to the child the love and justice and long-suffering of God; and who, by teaching the child to love and trust and obey them, are teaching him to love and trust and obey his Father in heaven. Parents who impart to a child such a gift have endowed him with a treasure more precious than the wealth of all the ages, — a treasure as enduring as eternity." Ministry of Healing, pp. 386.
"The mother should cultivate a cheerful, contented, happy disposition. Every effort in this direction will be abundantly repaid in both the physical well-being and the moral character of her children. A cheerful spirit will promote the happiness of her family, and in a very great degree improves her own health. Ministry of Healing, pp. 393, 376.
"Let the husband aid his wife by his sympathy and unfailing affection. If he wishes to keep her fresh and gladsome, so that she will be as sunshine in the home, let him help her bear her burdens. His kindness and loving courtesy will be to her a precious encouragement, and the happiness he imparts will bring joy and peace to his own heart. The husband and father who is morose, selfish, and overbearing, is not only unhappy himself, but he casts gloom upon all the inmates of his home. He will reap the result in seeing his wife dispirited and sickly, and his children marred with his own unlovely temper." Ministry of Healing, pp. 374.
''There is a God above, and the light of glory from His throne rests upon the faithful mother as she tries to educate her children to resist the influence of evil. NO OTHER WORK CAN EQUAL HERS IN IMPORTANCE. She has not, like the artist, to paint a form of beauty upon canvas, nor, like the sculptor, to chisel it from marble. She has not, like the author, to embody a noble thought in words of power, nor, like the musician, to express a beautiful sentiment in melody. It is hers, with the help of God, to develop in a human soul the likeness of the divine." Ministry of Healing, pp. 377.
''The home should be to the children the most attractive place in the world, and the mother's presence should be its greatest attraction. Children have sensitive, loving natures. They are easily pleased, and easily made happy. By gentle discipline, in loving words and acts, mothers may bind their children to their hearts." Ministry of Healing, p. 388.
''There is no more important field of effort than that committed to the founders and guardians of the home. No work entrusted to human beings involves greater or more far reaching results, than does the work of fathers and mothers." Ministry of Healing, p. 350.
"The restoration and uplifting of humanity begins in the home. The work of parents underlies every other. Society is composed of families, and is what the heads of families make it. Out of the heart are “the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23); and the heart of the community, of the church, and of the nation is the household. The well-being of society, the success of the church, the prosperity of the nation, depend upon home influences." Ministry of Healing, p. 349.
"One great reason why there is so much evil in the world today is that parents occupy their minds with other things to the exclusion of the work that is all-important—the task of patiently and kindly teaching their children the way of the Lord. Parents should allow nothing to prevent them from giving to their children all the time that is necessary to snake them understand what it means to obey and trust the Lord fully. Before visitors, before every other consideration, your children should come first. The time spent in needless sewing, God would have you spend in educating them in essential things. That unnecessary garment you are making, that extra dish you think you will prepare — let it be neglected rather than the education of your children. The labour due your child during its early years will admit of no neglect. There is no time in its life when the rule should be forgotten, Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little. Deny your children anything rather than the instruction which, if faithfully followed, will make them good and useful members of society, and will prepare them for citizenship in the kingdom of heaven. ... Seventh-day Adventist parents should more fully realise their responsibilities as character-builders. God places before them the privilege of strengthening His cause through the consecration and labours of their children. He desires to see gathered out from the homes of our people a large company of youth who, because of the godly influences of their homes, have surrendered their hearts to Him, and go forth to give Him the highest service of their lives. Directed and trained by the godly instruction of the home, the influence of the morning and evening worship, and the consistent example of parents who love and fear God, they have learned to submit to God as their teacher, and are prepared to render Him acceptable service as loyal sons and daughters. Such youth are prepared to represent to the world the power and grace of Christ." Counsels to Teachers, pp. 129, 131.
"The best test of the Christianity of a home is the type of character begotten by its influence. Actions speak louder than the most positive profession of godliness." Adventist Home, p. 32.
Pastor Minchin's Quotes (ELM Quotes)
"A mother and father in one of our conferences bemoan the fact that, although they have reared their large family in the church, as soon as the children reach their teens, one by one they leave the truth. A short stay in that home revealed the cause. Criticism of God's work and His workers had undermined the faith of those children. Concerning all, from the conference president down to the humblest worker and church member, there was nothing but biting criticism. The faults and failings of church members were freely discussed around the family table. It is no wonder when a family lives on the husks of other people's failures, and where faith in God's message and His messengers is thus undermined, that happiness flees and children lose their confidence in the work of God and drift out of the church. In the day of reckoning who must be responsible for the loss of these youth?" Australasian Record, March 1, 1937
"The Christian parent occupies the most important place in God's work. It is said of Noah that he "prepared an ark to the saving of his house.'' Although his words of warning were rejected by the multitudes, his own children listened and were saved. Surely this speaks volumes for Noah's home life. Ah, yes, Noah's home life was more powerful than his preaching. May God grant that our home life may tell as powerfully." Australasian Record, March 1, 1937
"Unless I am a Christian at home, I am not a Christian anywhere." Australasian Record, March 1, 1937.
"When fathers and mothers rise to their God-given privileges, when our homes become havens to the tempted ones, and places of joy and blessing, then we may claim the fulfilment of the promise, 'I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isa. 49:25. Australasian Record, March 1, 1937.
"Surely it is time that we worked as if we were working for our lives to save our children from being drowned in the polluting, corrupting influences of the world. What we do must be done quickly. How many among us are educating ourselves for the sacred duty of training our children for this life and for the life to come? Shall we not plead with God for an endowment of power? How greatly we need heavenly wisdom to know how to win and hold the confidence and love of our children!" Australasian Record, July 6, 1937.
Other Authors
“The most important work in the world is the work of parents. The home is the foundation of society, the bulwark of the state, the citadel of the church. Where the home has flourished in the purity and grace of Christian love, there has the welfare of society been made secure; and where the home has been betrayed and degraded, there has society crumbled. What parents are, that, in the great majority of cases, will their children be.” A. W. Spalding, Through Early Childhood, p. 5. [This is one of a five-book-series published on the family. They are still available.}
"The gentle grace of the mother lives in the daughter long after her head is pillowed in the dust of death, and the fatherly kindness finds its echo in the nobility and courtesy of sons who come to wear his mantle and to fill his place." Author unknown, Advocate of Peace.
Sermons
March 1, 1937 Is Yours a Happy Home (AAR). ***
July 6, 1937, Call to Parents to Seek Salvation of Children, (AAR).
Conversion
Sermons
March 1, 1946, What is Conversion, Church Officers' Gazette. (COG).
This is one of the best articles I have read on the subject of conversion. Though this article seemed like the first of a series, it is the only one I find of the series.
Article PDF 8x11 PDF *****
Guidance (Knowing God's Will)
Articles
November 22, 1960, Steps to Knowing God's Will, (YI).
This excerpt of an article written by Loren Dickenson, in which he quotes Pastor Minchin, lists ten steps in the path of determining God's will. The information was drawn from a question-and-answer period during the Festival of the Holy Scriptures discussion groups, in this case group eleven: "Spiritual Problems," at the North American Festival of the Holy Spirit held in Atlantic City, NJ. Pastor Minchin was sharing a list found in E. E. Shelhamer's Heart Talks To Converts.
Article PDF 8x11 PDF The Full Article PDF
Holiness
Sermons
Separation, The Price of Holiness - Five-part Series (RH).
This series on the necessity of separation to achieve God's character standard, is excellent, and is a welcome restating of the standards that bring holiness and blessing. The series also appeared in the Australasian Union Conference Record.
August 27, 1959, Lessons From the Past, (RH).
September 3, 1959, The Peril of Holiness, (RH).
September 10, 1959, Dress and Marriage (RH)
September 17, 1959, The Sabbath, A Sign of Holiness, (RH).
September 24, 1959, The Fragrance of Christ, (RH).
Holy Spirit
ELM Quotes
"The price of Spirit-filling, — absolute abandonment to the will of God, and the unreserved surrender of every sinful habit and cherished idol. Nothing is clearer than that a Christian receives power in proportion to the completeness of his consecration. How many there are, like Ananias and Sapphira, who keep back part of the price. God’s displeasure is just as surely upon those who do this today." "The Coming Revival," Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
"The reason that so many wonder why their experience is powerless and disappointing is that they, have taken the first step of surrender, but have failed to make the next, and by a definite act of faith RECEIVE the Holy Spirit into the empty heart. The Holy Spirit is “the personal presence of Christ to the soul.” He makes Jesus real to us. We receive power when we receive Him. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power.” John 1:12. 'When we have renounced our idols, the vacuum must be supplied. ... As you empty the heart of self, you must accept the righteousness of Christ.... If you open the door of the heart, Jesus will supply the vacuum by the gift of His Spirit.'— Christ Our Righteousness, p. 145. Many have gone to Calvary for cleansing, but have never been to Jerusalem for the Pentecost, that they may live lives of holiness, boldness, and power." "The Coming Revival," Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
"We are praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. Our greatest and most urgent need is a revival of primitive godliness among us. Already there is evidence of a work of revival going forward, and many are experiencing a quickening of spiritual life and a renewal of their first love. However, the power of the Holy Spirit will not attend the proclamation of this message in its fullness until God completely purifies and cleanses those who proclaim it. "The power of the Holy Spirit awaits our demand and reception." "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." The only way to obtain power to finish this work is by receiving the Holy Spirit. We are commanded to "be filled with the Spirit," but He cannot enter in all His fullness until carnality is removed. Therefore, to seek heart purity is the one and only way to receive the Holy Spirit." "The Coming Revival," Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
Illustrations
“At times, when Finney was speaking, the power of the Spirit seemed to descend like a cloud of glory upon him. Often a hallowed calm, noticeable even to the unsaved, seemed to settle down upon cities where he was holding meetings. Sinners wore often brought under conviction of sin almost as soon as they entered these cities. . . . When holding a meeting in Utica, New York, he visited a large factory there, and was looking at the machinery. At the sight of him one of the operatives, and then another, and then another, broke down and wept under the sense of their sins, and finally so many were sobbing and weeping that the machinery had to he stopped while Finney pointed them to Christ.” Another example of great spiritual power was D. L. Moody. D. L. Moody secured such a baptism of power that enabled him to stir the English-speaking world. We have the record also of the men and women of might and prayer who led in the great movement to which we belong." "The Coming Revival," Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
Sermons
July 6, 1936, The Coming Revival, (AAR).
Laodicean Condition
EGW Quotes
"The love of God has been lost." "Self, self, self is cherished." {RH February 25, 1902, par. 2} "In many hearts there seems to be scarcely a breath of spiritual life. God brings against ministers and people a heavy charge of spiritual feebleness.” {RH February 25, 1902, par. 5} "God's people have lost their first love.'' {RH February 25, 1902, par. 15}—Mrs. E. G. White. [This article was drawn from Letter 55, 1901, written to A. G. Daniells.]
Leadership
EGW Quotes
"As we approach the close of time, as the people of God stand upon the borders of the heavenly Canaan, Satan will, as of old, redouble his efforts to prevent them from entering the goodly land. It is not the ignorant and uncultured merely that need to be guarded; he will prepare his temptations for those in the highest positions, in the most holy office; if he can lead them to pollute their souls, he can through them destroy many.—Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 443, 444.
ELM Quotes
Perils of Leadership:
- Failing to realize our supreme need for time with Jesus
- Being so busy that we fail to leave time for personal, daily, regular absorbing communion with God.
- Deadening familiarity with spiritual things.
- Worldliness brings a benumbing deadening influence to our service.
"Are we, as leaders, removing the stones from the path of our young people? Are we lifting up the standard for them to follow? or are we so friendly with the world that the standard is dragging in the dirt, and our influence is placing stumbling stones? Our homes, furniture, clothing, all influence others and reveal our true selves. God calls for simplicity in living. Man's position does not make him one jot or tittle greater in the sight of God. Character alone is what God values." "Perils of Leadership," Australasian Union Conference Record, May 17, 1937.
Power
Illustrations
"When Moody was burnt out in Chicago, all of his earthly possessions were destroyed. He took a train for New York, a discouraged man. He felt his ministry had been a failure. During that journey in the train he wrestled with God in prayer. He prayed, ''O God, make me willing in the day of Thy power. Make me willing to be as strong for service as Thou dost want me to be." Arriving in New York, he engaged a room "in a hotel, closed the door, and continued in agonising prayer for blessing and power. A friend called on him, but after knocking upon his door he could hear Moody's voice coming from within, "O God, make me willing, make me willing to be as strong for service as Thou dost want me to be.'' Going away, he returned in the evening, and venturing to go in, he saw Moody in the corner of the room, his tear-stained face turned heavenward, as he cried, "O Lord, stay now Thine hand; it is enough; it is enough." He did not notice his visitor, and so great was the blessing that flooded his soul that he asked God to stay His hand. This experience marked the commencement of that mighty revival that spread throughout the United States." "The Way to Spiritual Power," Australasian Union Conference Record, June 29, 1936.
Prayer
Sermons, Manuscripts, Articles
Prayer
The three sermons that follow are wonderful. My favorite is the first, but they are all excellent.
When I Find It Hard to Pray
Obstacles to Prayer
Making Prayer Real
Revival
Scripture
Acts 2:17. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions.”
EGW Quotes
''A revival and a reformation must take place under the administration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganisation, a change in ideas and feelings, habits and practices. . . . Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend." Christ Our Righteousness, p. 154.
“The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain, at the opening of the gospel, are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close.” The Great Controversy, p. 611.
“In visions of the night, representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God’s people. ... I have been deeply impressed by scenes that have recently passed before me in the night season. There seemed to be a great movement, a work of revival, going forward in many places. Our people were moving into line, responding to God’s call.” Christ Our Righteousness, pp. 157, 158.
Self (Dying to and being emptied of self)
Scriptures
Psalms 110: 3 "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power."
EGW Quotes
"There must be a painful work of detachment, as well as a work of attachment. The reason why many find the Christian life so deplorably hard, why they are so fickle, so variable is, they try to attach themselves to Christ without first detaching themselves from their cherished idols." — Ellen G. White, Christ Our Righteousness, p. 48.
ELM Quotes
"We often claim that we have made a full consecration, when God, who understands all hearts, knows that we are holding something in reserve. The Holy Spirit is sovereign. He will not sit on the throne with an idol. Here is where many fail, and the longing cry for victory and Spirit-filling goes unanswered. They set up in their hearts some idol, some pet sin, some darling indulgence, and then dare to invite the Spirit of God to come and sit enthroned by the side of this unclean thing. Is not this an insult to the Holy Spirit? I am more convinced than ever that the only way to revival and victory is the way of complete renunciation and confession of every known sin. The temple must be cleansed. Let us be honest with ourselves and with God. If we prize the victory, shall we not give God the right of way in our hearts? He comes only into empty hearts." Australasian Union Conference Record, June 29, 1936.
Service
ELM Quotes
"The work of the Lord is starving for young men and women who can lead out."
Sin & The Carnal Christian
ELM Quotes
"Oh, my dear friends, what a cry! What a bondage! Yet she [a young woman enslaved in sin] is only one. What a warning to those who are tempted to believe that the “pleasures of sin” are satisfying! Could ever deception be greater? Here is a girl from a good home, with an honoured ancestry, sunken to the very depths and crying for a liberty she does not possess. Let us not deceive ourselves, for the human heart is desperately wicked, and unless it is cleansed and possessed by the power of the living God, there is no limit to the depths to which it may take the best of us." "The Coming Revival," Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
"It is well for us to remember that within the Christian there are two natures, the spiritual and the carnal, the divine and the fleshly, and these are engaged in deadly warfare. Deliverance from the old sphere “in Adam” and entrance into the new sphere “in Christ” demand the complete dethronement of self. Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
"The carnal Christian enjoys spasmodic and momentary victory, but more often the flesh nature is in control. He lives in Romans 7, and has an “up and down” experience. Paul speaks of the carnal Christian as still being a babe in Christ. He never grows up. He lives in the realms of his feelings, and is sensitive and touchy. He absorbs attention and is happy if all goes well, but rebels if his will is crossed. He loves to be coaxed and humoured, and as a helpless babe is dependent upon others for his food. He does not feed on the Word for himself. He cannot help others. One great Christian has said, “Some Christians are monstrosities, they are no more like Christ twenty years after their conversion than they were the day they professed faith in Him,” The carnal Christian lives a life of protracted infancy. Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
"His influence is negative, and his life is inconsistent and barren. The carnal Christian hobnobs with the world; he loves its friendship, its music, and its pleasures. He commits spiritual adultery. James 4:4. He is a hypocrite, for he says one thing and does another. His life contradicts his preaching." "Are You a Carnal Christian," Australasian Union Conference Record, August 31, 1936.
Sermons
August 31, 1936, Are You a Carnal Christian (AAR). ****
Surrender
ELM Quotes
Consecration means "giving our hearts, our minds, our hands, our feet, our voices, our ears, and all that we have and saying, "Here Lord, take them all; they are Thine; do with them as Thou seest best." Report of sermon given at 19370517 MinEL 19370419 Report of sermons given at the Australian Missionary College now Avondale) by A. Piez. "Inspiration for Leadership," Australasian Union Conference Record, April 19, 1937,
"At the commencement of the Christian life, there must be a complete renunciation of all self-will, the complete denial to the flesh of its every desire and pleasure, and complete separation from the world in all its ways of thinking and of acting. This renunciation and surrender must be a continual experience; nothing short of this can God accept. The trouble is that too many of us want to live His life without first of all dying His death. This is a death to self and to the world. We lose our experience because we do not know the meaning of surrender and self-denial. We sin because we want to.""How to Maintain A Good Christian Experience," Australasian Union Conference Record, June 22, 1936.
"Surrender: absolute abandonment to the will of God, and the unreserved surrender of every sinful habit and cherished idol. Nothing is clearer than that a Christian receives power in proportion to the completeness of his consecration. How many there are, like Ananias and Sapphira, who keep back part of the price. God’s displeasure is just as surely upon those who do this today." "The Coming Revival," Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
Sermons
How To Make Surrender Real
In this very helpful sermon, discussion is given on how to really surrender in giving God each part of our bodies, and then always remembering that they all belong to God!
How To Make Surrender Real MP3
Sermon PDF Telephone-Friendly PDF ePUB Document
September 2, 1954, The Great Secret, (RH).
This excellent article looks at how Paul focused on one thing in his life, as well as surrendered everything. We need to do the same!
"O Christian youth, we have been too halfhearted, we have never specialized. We have not been able to say with Paul, "This one thing I do." We have walked with one foot in the church and one in the world. There is no joy or power in such a life. This is the reason for the failure of so many Christians. They have not served God with a whole heart and a single eye. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." This is God's call for specialists."
Victory
EGW Quotes
“The only defence against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. . , . Without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him, moment by moment, we shall be overcome.” — The Desire of Ages, p. 324.
“We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes; but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God.” — Steps to Christ, p. 69.
"The religion of Christ in the heart will gain for its possessor a complete victory over those passions that are seeking for the mastery." — Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 610.
ELM Quotes
"The constant, abiding presence of Jesus, our Mighty Keeper, keeps our evil nature, the flesh, down. This, indeed, is the secret of constant victory." ELM 19360622
"Spiritual feebleness, lack of power, is the curse of the church. A life of conscious, daily victory, is gloriously possible to every believer. Yea, it is a positive necessity if we would “see Him as He is.” This personal holiness, personal victory over sin, is the greatest asset this denomination can possess for the finishing of the work in this generation. May it not be that in seeking after this experience we shall witness a revival of primitive godliness as is promised in the time of the latter rain?"—"How to Maintain A Good Christian Experience," Australasian Union Conference Record, June 22, 1936,
Sermons, Manuscripts, Articles
The Life of Victory
June 22, 1936, How to Maintain A Good Christian Experience, (AAR).
June 29, 1936, The Way to Spiritual Power (AAR).
September 9, 1943, Conquest of Self, (AAR). *****
This is a really excellent article on the subject. Take the time to read it!
Weakness
EGW Quotes
"Men may profess faith in the truth, but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world."—The Desire of Ages, p. 310.
ELM Quotes
"Why is it that this condition exists? Is there a remedy? Why, do we not experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit, for God has not yet withdrawn Him? Why are there so many feeble, powerless Christians? There are two plain and simple reasons. First, only partial consecration, and secondly, holding on to sin. This is taught clearly in Paul's statement: "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And let ever y one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 2 Tim. 2:19. This means complete consecration and holiness. It is in this that we fail, and therefore fall short of receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit." —"The Way to Spiritual Power," Australasian Union Conference Record, June 29, 1936.
Reasons for Weakness
"It may be some sinful secret habit or impure thoughts. Perhaps your record is one of strong passion and weak will. There is nothing which sears the conscience like impurity; there is nothing so fatal to the fine instincts, and so debasing to the nobler impulses. Dear friend, let go, and let God. '' He shall save His people from their sins." Matt. 1:21. Was ever music half so sweet as that? "The religion of Christ in the heart will gain for its possessor a complete victory over those passions that are seeking for the mastery." — Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 610.
"Perhaps the world, with its glitter and its tinsel, is rolled before the door of the heart. Perhaps worldly music, pleasures, and practices enthrall you. Or it may be that improper reading is grieving the gentle Spirit of God from the heart. This is why many backslide. Cheap novels and trashy literature excite and pervert the imagination, weaken the mind, and destroy the taste for God's Word and all substantial reading. Such literature gives false ideas of heroism, love, matrimony, sociability, and success in life. Surely the frown of God is upon this. May He give His people courage to cleanse, the camp from this canker.
"Perhaps an evil temper hinders you from enjoying victory in Christ. Or it may be that hatred of someone who has wronged you is destroying your spirituality. Oh, how many heartaches and church divisions there are because of hatred and criticism! There never will be a revival until strife and hatred are put away from us. Backbiters and tattlers are everywhere. Taking up a reproach against our neighbour is a dangerous business. There is scarcely anything that will more effectively grieve the Spirit from the heart than this work.
"Men may profess faith in the truth, but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world."— The Desire of Ages, p. 310. What a solemn statement is this! We are plainly told here that our profession may become a curse.
"Many professed Christians are so given to telling jokes and funny stories that they have been robbed of the presence of the Spirit. I learned early in my experience that this kind of conversation and a deep Christian experience do not go together. It robs us of depth and sincerity, and leaves us barren. When we have victory over the tongue we shall have the key to complete victory.
"Again, the reason for our spiritual barrenness may be because of our prayerlessness. A prayerless life is a Spiritless life. One man has said, "Find a cold, lifeless backslider, and you find a prayerless life.'' All through whom the Spirit of God has worked in power have been men and women of prayer. A prayerless person is not a Christian. May God teach us how to pray. Let us not neglect our daily appointments with Him. May we seek the joy of fellowship with Him on the street, in the office, on the farm.
"Poor Sabbath-keeping may be robbing us of victory. Maybe we are robbing God in tithes and offerings. Perhaps it is unkindness and fretfulness in the home, harsh words to those we love, that hinder us. Or is it dishonesty in business deals, scheming, and sharp bargaining? All or any of these will rob us of victory. Let us cleanse the camp of its Achans, for then we may go on to victory. There is no other way. May our dear people, and especially our young men and young women upon whom rests so great a responsibility, put these things away by His grace, and invite the precious Saviour in to abide as the supreme Sovereign and Lord of their hearts. What a power will then attend the proclamation of this message! What a holy influence will emanate from every life!" —"The Way to Spiritual Power," Australasian Union Conference Record, June 29, 1936.
This is a work in progress.
