SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST REFORM NlOVLVI£ili.

GENERAL CONFERENCE
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SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS

SENIOR DIVISION

THIRD QUARTER 1970

The Spirit of Prophecy

In The Advent Movement
 FOREWORD
In the various subjects of the Sabbath School, the Bible and
the' Spirit of Prophecy are used, thus providing u:nqueSotionahle
material for study. Because of the world-wide character of the
Reform Movement, and the limited translations of the Spirit of
Prophecy' in the different languages, mueh benefit comes to those
who have not the testimonies and the light which otherwise would
be unavailable. Much could be quoted from the great storehouse
of the writings of Sister White, but by noting carefully the parallels
of the prophets and messengers of the Lord, the vital importance
in having the Spirit of Prophecy will be appreciated by all.
The Reform Movement is prophetically 'based as it should be,
a.nd the destiny of God's people depends ::l. great deal on the spirit
in which the Spirit of Prophecy is respected, and understood. . The
identity of the believers in the last days is revealed in the prophecies
of Revelation. Close attention and applicatio'n of the Sabbath School
lessons· should greatly assist all members of this institution to mani-
fest this condition. (Revelation 12:17.)
" . . But this is.not a time to haul down our colors, to be ashamed
of our faith. This distinctive b,anner, dese.ribed in the words, 'Here
is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the command-
ments of God, and the faith of Jesus,' is to be borne through the world
to the close of probation . . ." ~T 144.

GENERAL CONFERENCE SABBATH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

RBMEMBER THE THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

PLAN AHEAD TO HELP IN TH:E FOREIGN MISSIONS

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, "The Spirit of Prophecy in The

Advent Movement'· for July to September, 1970, is published by the
Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference. Mailing
Address: 247 Taylor Avenue, Montebello, CA. 90640. USA
 000 000 012 638
GC Archive

Lesson N{). 1. Sabbath, July 4, 1970.

THE PERPETUITY OF THE PROPHETIC' GIFT

QUESTIONS:
1. What have prophets written concerning the church in the last
days? What great Movement did John the Revelator see in vision?
lls,a.iaal 11:11; 35:8'; Revelation 14:6,7.
2. How did the Lord confirm the forecasts made 'by the prophets?
Luke 24 :44.
3. For how long would the prophetic gift be necessary? Eph. 4:13;
I Corinthians 1:6,7; 13:9,10.

NOTE: "God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest
human thought can reach. 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your
Father which is in heaven is perfect.' This command is a promise.
The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from
the power of Satan. Christ always sllparates th.e contrite soul from
sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made
provision that the Holy Spirit shall he imparted to every repentant
so,ul, to keep him from sinning." -DA 311.
., The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness . . ." -Ibid.
4. What is meant by the expression, "the testimony of Je&us" ac-
cording to the Scriptures? Revelation 19:10.
NOTE: "It was Christ that spoke to His people through the prophets.
'1'he apostle P"eter, writing to the Christian c!)urch, says that the
prophets 'prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: search-
ing what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in
them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ
and the glory that should follow.' I Peter 1:10,11. It is the voice
of Christ that speaks to us through the Old Testament. 'The testi-
mony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.' Revelation 19:10." -PP
366,367.
5-. What important progressive experience must all believeo:s develop
in order that they may profit mOst fully from the Spirit of Pro-
phecy? For what should all believers strive?
1. Fellowwp of the Sp,irit. PhiL 2:1.

2. Unity of the Spirit. Ep~. 4:3.

3. Froits of- the Slpirit. Eph. 5:9.

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 6. What happens to God's people, when for any reason the Spirit
of Prophecy is ignored, subverted, or rejected? Provo 29:18.

7. How does the Lord reveal His will and direction to His people?
Amos 3:7.
NOTE: •• The time of Christ's coming, His anointing by the Holy
Spirit, His, death, and the giving of the gospel to the Gentiles, were
definitely pointed out. It was the privilege of the Jewis,h people to
understand these prophecies, and to recognize their fulfillment in the
mission of Jesus. Christ ill'ged upon His disciples the importance of
prophetic study. Referring to th.e prophecy given to Daniel in regard
to their time, He said, • Whoso readeth, let him understand.' Matt.
24:15. After His resurrection He explained to th:l disciples in 'all
the prophets' • tha things conccl'lling Himself.' Luke 24: 27. The
Savioui· had spoken through all the prophets. 'The Spirit of Christ
which was in th<;m' 'testified befoi'ehand the sufferings of Chris>t,
and the glory that should follow.' I Peter 1:11." -DA 234.

8. How do the angelic messengers frOm heaven identify them-

selves wi.th talOse they call brethren? Rev. 1 :1; 22:9.
NOT1;]: "'1'he words of the angel, 'I am Gabriel, that stand in the
presence of God,' show that he holds a position of high honor in the
heavenly courts. When he came with a message to Daniel, h.e said,
'T.here is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael
(Chris,t) your Prince' Dan. 10:21. Of Gabriel the Saviour speaks
in the Revelation, saying that 'He sent and signified it by His angel
declared, 'I mn :, fellow servant with thee and with thy brethren
the prophets.' Rev. 22:9, R.Y. Wonderful thought - that the angel
who stands next in honor to the Son of God is the one chosen to open
the purposes' of God to sinful men." -DA 99..

9. Why was the prophetic gift so essential at tihe beginning of the

history of the prophetic churches (Ephesus)? I John 2:18; 2 Thess.
2:7.
NOTE: ' 'Early in the his,tory of the church the mystery of iniquity
foretold by the apostle Paul began its halefu1 work; and as the false
teachers concerning whom Peter had wal'lled the believers, urged their
heresies, many WHO ensnared by false doctrines. Some faltered
under trial and welt> tempted to give up the faith. At the time when
John was given thi& revelation, many had lost their first love of
gospel truth. But in His mercy God did not leave the church to·
continue in a backslidden state. In a message of infinite tend~rneBs
He revealed His It-ve for them and His desire that they sh.ould make
sure work for etel'llity. 'Remember,' He pleaded, 'from whence -thou
art fallen, and repe.nt, and do the first works.' Yerse 5." -AA 587.
10. What effect should all prophetic fulfillment have upon us? Matt.
24:33.

Lesson No, 2 S'abbatll, July 11, 1970·.

THE PROPHETS
QUE8'lION8:
I, By What dual title are some of the servants of God known?
2 Ohr, 36:15,16; Hag. 1:12,13,
2. Following the example of John the Baptist, what did Sister
White say she was, and why was this? John 1:21-23.
NOTE: "Some have stumbled over the fact that I s:lid r" did not
,claim to be a pn'rhet . . Early in my youth I was askecl several
times, Are you a pl'ophet~ I have responded, I am the Lord's mes,
sengel'. I know that many have called me a prophet, but I have
ma·de no claim to this title . , . . ', Why have I not claimed to
be a prophet~ - Because in these days many who boldly claim that
they are prophets are a repro.ach to the cause of Christ; and because
my work includes llmch more than the word 'prophet' signifies
'fo claim to be a prophetess is something that I have never done.
H otlH11'S call 111(' by tllflt 11mne, I IJ:lve 110 r.ontrovArsy with them,
but my work haq coveI'ed so many Jines that I can not call myself
other than a messenger , , .' '-The Review and Herald, July 26, 1906.
3, What warning did Sister White give concerning unauthorized use
of the testimonies, reports, footnotes, etc,?
.N UTE: "Ana now to all who have a desire for truth I would say;
Do not give cred'lllCe to unauthenticated reports as to what Sister
White has done or said 01' written. If you desire to know what the
Lord has revealed through her, read her published works, Are there
any points of interest concerning which she has not written, do not
eagerly catch up and report rumors as to what she has said. "-5T 696.
"Do not, whe~ referring to the Testimonies', feel it your duty
to drive them tome, In reading the Testimonies be sure not to mix
in your filling of words, for this makes it impossible for the hearers
to distinguish between the word of the Lord to them and YOUI'
words , .' '-6T 1?-2,123.
4, What is n.oticed tJlroughout the entire duration of the Spirit of
Prophecy? 2 Corinthians 1: 18; Ezeki:el 33: 3<Y·32,
NOTE: "My Jabor has been most discouraging, as I have seen
that what Goel elesigned has not J'een accomplished, Often I have
inquired in distress: Of what account is all my labor' These brethren
took this; position: We believe the visions, but Sister White, in writing
them, put in her own words, and we will believe' that portion which
w~ think is of God, and will not heed the other. This course they
have pursued, and have not corrected their lives. They have' professed
to believe the visions, but have acted contrary to them. Their example
and influence have raised doubts in the minds of others. It would
have been better for the cause of present truth' had they both opposed
the gifts. Then the people would not have been deceived, and would
not have stumbled over these blind teachers . . . "-IT 234.

5. Could it be possible for some contra.diction to exist, if the testi-

monies are truly inspired? Wh'at does Sister White claJ.m? James
3:11,12. .

NOTE:" . . r must contend that I am the best judge of the

things which have been presented before me in vision; and none
meed fear that I ,shall by my life contradict my own testimony, or
that I s'hall fail to notice any real contradiction in the views given me."
-IT 462.

6. WOQ:e the pirophets themselves permitted to add or subtract from

the insp,ired messages given them? Deut. 4:2; 1 Kings 13:1-26.

7. What authority was vested in 'the testimonies of the prophets?

John 5:45-47.

NOTE "God has never left His church without a witness. In all
the scenes of trial and proving, of opposition and persecution amidst
moral darkness, through which the church has ,psssed, God has had
men of opportunity who have been prepared to take up His work
at different stages, and carry it forward and upward. Through
patria1'chs and prophets He revealed His truth to His people. Christ
was the teacher of His ancient people as verily as He was when
He came to the world clothed in the garments of humanity, Hiding
His glory in human form, He often appeared to His people, and
talked 'with them 'face to face, as a man cpeaketh unto his friend.'
He. their invisible Leader, was enshrouded in the pillar of fire
and of cloud, and spoke to His people through Moses. The voice
of Goel was heard by the prophets wh.om He had appointed to a special
work and to bear a special message. He sent them to repeat the
same words over and over aga.in. He had a message prepared for
-them that was not after the ways and will of men, and this He put
in their mouths and had them proclaim. He assured them the Holy
Spirit would give them language and utterance. He who knew the
heart would give tllem words with which to reach the people.' '-TM
404,405.
 8. How have many of the problems of the servants of the Lord
been solv'ed through the propheti!c gift? Acts 15: 1,2025-28',
9, Have the counsels of the prophets' been exclusively for the church
members? Should they not be prlnted and made available for
all men? John 10:16; Acts 1:8.
NOTE: ' 'The volumes of Spirit of Prophecy, and also the Testimonies,
should be introduced into every Sabbathkeeping family, and the
brethren should knew their value and be urged to read them. It was
not the wisest pla.'l to place these books at a. low figure and have only
,~ne set in a church They should be in the library of every family
and read again and again. Let them he kept where they can be read
by many, and Ie'. them be worn out in heing read by all the neigh-
bours. " -4T 390.
10. What frequently happens w1hen the messages of the prophets are,
rejected? What waS'the experience of the pioneers? Amos 7:10'-17;
II Chronicles 36:16,17.
NOTE: "We have learned by painful experience, also, that when
these testimonies an' silent, or their warning lightly regarded, coldlless,
backsliding, worldly-mindedness, and spiritual darkness take possession
of the church. vVe would not give glory to man, but we should be
recreant to our sense of duty not to speak in strong and pointed
lane-uage our views of the importance of these testimonies. The
fearful apostasy of those who have slighted and despised them has
furnished many sael proofs of the dangerous business of doing despite
to the Spirit of grace." -1T 610.

Lesson No 3 Sabbath, July 18, 1970.

QUALIFYING TRUE PROPHETS

QUESTIONS:
1. W1lat type of people were the indiv~duals, called for the pro-
phetic office, according to the apostle P'eter? 2 Peter 1: 21.
2. What were some of the phyisc:al experiences made by some of the
prophets? Did Sister White have similar experiences? What were
r.~me of the cOIJditions def>c:ribed by her husband, Brother James
White? Num.24:15,16; Eze.l:28; 2:1,2'; Dan. 7:1,2; 10:7,11,15-18.
NOTE: "1. She is utterly unconscious of everything transpiring a-
round her, as has been proved by the most rigid tests, but views her-
self as removed from this world, and in the presence of heavenly beings.
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 •• 2. She does not breathe. During the entire period of her con-
tinuance in vision, which has' at different times ranged from fifteen
minutes to three hc,urs, there is no breath, as has been repeatedly proved
by pressing upon tho chest, and hy closing the mouth and nostrils,.

3. Immediately on entlilring vision, her mus'Cles become rigid, and

Joints fixed, so fa:' as any external force can influence them. At the
same time her movl'ments .and gestures, which are frequent, are free
,and graceful, and cannot be hindered nor controlled by the strongest
person.
4. On coming out of vision, whether in the day-time or a well·
lighted room at night, all is total darkness. Her power to distinguish
even the most brilliant objects, held within a few inches of the eyes,
l'eturns. but gmdually, sometimes not being fully established for three
hours. This has continued for the past twenty yean; yet her eyesight
is not in the least impaired, few persons' having better than she no,w
possesses." -James White, Life InCidents, in Connection Wit'h
the Great Advent Movement.. pages 272,273.

3. Were the prophets independent of the messages of other pro-

pihets, or did tl1ey also study the testimonies of others? I Peter
1:10,11; Daniel 9:2.
NOTE: "No truth is more clearly taught in the Bible than that God
by His Holy SpirH especially directs His servants on earth in the
great movements for the carrying forward of the work of salvation.
Men are instruments in the hand of God, employed by Him to accom-
plish His purposes. of grace and mercy. Each has his part to act; to
'e~,ch is granted a measure of light, adapted to the necessities of his
time, and suff'icien~ to enable him to perform the wo,rk which God
has given him to do. But no man, however honored of Heaven, has
ever atta,ined to a full understanding of the great plan of redemption,
or even to a perfect appreciation of the divine purpose in the work
for his own time. Men do not fully understanil what God would ac-
complish by the work which He gives them to do; they do not com-
prehend, in all its bearings, the message which they utter in His, name."
-Great Controversy page 343 .

•, Even the prophets who were favored with the special illumin-
ation of the Spirit did not fully comprehend the import of the reve-
lations committed to them. The meaning was to be unfolded from age
to age, as, the people of God should need the ins,"ruction therein con-
tained. -Ibid., pllge 344.
4. Were the prophets engaged exclusdvely in foretelling future events,
or did their officl;i sometimes inclUde other services? I Sam. 7:15-17;
2 Ohron. 9:29; 26:22; Mark 6:6,.
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 5. of what pitogiessive vaiue were the prophecies of jeremiah? HoW'
does this apply to the Testimonies of Sister White? Da.n. 9:1,2;
l'roverbs 4:18.
NOTE: "Abundant light has been given to our people in these last
days.. Whether 01' not my life is spared, my writings will constantly
speak, and their work will go forward as long as time shall last. My
writings are kept on file in the office, and even though I should not
li.ve, these words that have been given to me by the Lo·rd will-still
have life and will speak to the people . . . " -ISM 55.
" . . . vVe an' not to be satisfied beca.use the message of warning
has been once pre~ented. We must present it again and again." -
~'B 548.

6. Has it been possible for God's people t.o recognize true prophets·?
I Samuel 3:20.
7. What did the Lord say would be the means of knowing all good,
right, and truth? Luke 6: 43-;l5.
NOTB: " . . . God is either teaching His church, reproving their
wrongs and strengthening their -faith, 01' He is· not. This work is
of God, 01' it is not. God does nothing in partnership with Satan.
My work . . . bears the stamp of God 01' the st·amp of the enemy.
There is no halfway work in the matter. The Testimonies are of the
I:3pirit of God, 01' of the devil • , --4T 230.
8. Could these chosen vessels of GOd withhold from declaring God's
will? Jeremiah 20:7-9.

9. How was it passable for tlhese hUltltan vessels to speak such sub-
lime and unerring testimonies'? Who did Sister White say was
the source of inspiration of her wOirdBo? Isaiah 50:4.
NOTE: ' 'The Hol~' Spil'it enabled the disciples to exalt the Lor·d
<J.lone, and guided the pens of the sacred historians, tha,t the record
of the words and works of Christ might be given to the world. To-day
this I:3pirit is constantly at work, seeking to draw the attention of
men to the great sucrifice made upon the cross of Calvary, to unfold
to the world the love of God to man, and to open to the convicted
soul the promises of the Scriptures." -GW 286.
" . . . The instructions that I have given by pen or voice have
been an expression of the light that God has given me. I have tried
to- place before yOll the principles that the Spirit of God has for years
been impressing upon my mind and writing on my heart." -5T 691.
10. What is promised to thooo Who accept and practice the prin-
ciples set forth by the Spirit of :Prophecy? Matthew 10:41.
Lesson No.4 Sabbath, July 25, 1970.

THE SITUATION OF THE CHURCH IN 1844

QUESTIONS:
1. What was the condition generally of the Protestant denomin-
ations in the year 1844? Whose history was repeated with
'them? Lamentations 2: 9.
2. What had been recorded in prophecy concerning this condition?
Revelation 3: 1-3.
NOTE: "But as the spirit of humility and devotion in the church
had given place to pride and formalism, love for Christ &nd f,aith in
His coming iIad grown cold. Absorbed in worldliness and pleasure
seeking, the professed people of God were blinded to the Saviour's
iI~structions concerliing the signs of His appearing. The doctrine of
the second advent had been neglected; the scriptmes relating to
it were obscured by misinterpretation, until it was, to a great extent,
ignored and forgotten . . . . ." -GC 309.
"The condition of the church at this time is pointed out in the
Saviour's words in the Revelation: 'Thou hast a name that thou
livest, and art dead.' And to those who refuse to arouse from their
careless security, the solemn wal'lling is addressed; 'If therefore
thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt
not know what hour I will come upon thee.' Revelation 3:1,3."
-Ibid., pp. 309,310.
3. What great irrefutable signs had marked the arrival of this
time? Mark 13:24-26; Revelation 6:12,13.
,4. In this apparently hopeless confusion and division of beliefs,
What promises of Christ are most helpful? John 16:8,12,13; 17:20,21.
5. In What way did the Lord say He would communicate with His
people? What characteristic would identify the' 'remnant" in tihis
period? Numhers 12:6; Revelation 12:17.
NOTE: "'l'he substitution of the precepts of men for the command-
ments of God has not ceased. Even among Christians are found instit-
utions and usages that have no better foundation than the traditions·
of the fathers. Such institutions, res·ting upon mere human authority,
have supplanted thos0 of divine appointment. Men cling to their trad-
itions, and revere their customs, and cherish hatred against those who
seek to show them their error. In thiEl day, when we are bidden to call
attention to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, we see
the- same enmity as was manifested in the days of Christ. Of the
remnant people of God it is written, 'The dragon was- wroth with

-u-
the woman, and' woit to matte war with the remnant of her seed',
which keep the commandments of. God, and have the testimony of
Jesus Christ.' Revelation 12:17." -DA 398.
6. What wonderfUl experience could have been enjoyed by the
people of God, if the light of the Advent Movement had been
fUlly accepted'l Matthew 25 :34.
NOTE: ' 'Upon us is shining the accumulated light of past ages.
The record of Israel's forgetfu;lness has been presel'ved fol' .our
enlightenment. In this .age God has set His hand to gather unto
Himself a people f10m every nation, kindl'e.d, and tongue. In the
advent movement He has wrought for His heritage, even as He
wrought for the Israelite& in leading them from Egypt. In the great
4isappoilltment of 1844 the faith of His people was tested as wag
that of the Hebrpws at the Red Sea. Had the Adventists in the
early days still trusted to the guiding Hand that had been with them
in their past experipnce, they would have seen of the salvation of God.
If all who had labol'ed unitedly in the work of 1844 had l'eceived
the third angel's message .and proclaimed it in the power of the
Holy Spirit, the Lord would have wrought mightIly with their
efforts. A flood of light would have been shed upon the world.. Years
ago the inhabitants of the earth would have been warned, the closing
work would h.ave been completed, and Christ would have come for
the redemption of His people." -8T 115,116.
7. What is the root cause of the rejection of light? Heb'. 3:12;
Acts 7:51.
8. What was the substance of the first VlSllOns of Sister White
in 1844? What clear revelation of the future was shown?
ANSWBR: Early Writings, pages 13-15.
9. With what is the third angel's message since 1844 positive~y
linked? What is infallible? Matthew 24:35.
NOTE: "Ministers who have preached the truth with all zeal and
earnestness may apostatize and join the ranks of our enemies, but
does this turn the truth of God into a lie~ 'Nevertheless,' says the
apostle, 'the foundation of God standeth sure.' The faith and feelings
of men may change: but the truth of God, never. The third angel's
message is sounding; it is infallible." -4T 595.

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Lesson No.5 Sabbath, August 1, 1970.

THE PUBJPOSE OF THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY IN THE

ADVENT MOVEMENT
QUESTIONS:
1. For what reaMn was the Spirit of Prophecy given originally
to Israel? Deut. 18:18; H.os. 12:13; Hab. 2:1-4.
NOTE: "The Lord designs to warn you, to rel'rove, to counsel,
through the testimonies given, and to impress your minds with the
importance of the truth of His word. The written testimonies are
not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the
truths of inspiration already revealed. Man's duty to God and to his
fellow man has been distinctly specified in God's word; yet but
few of y,ou are obedient to the light given. Additional truth is not
tJ'ought out; but God has through the Testimonies simplified the
great truths already given and in His own chosen way brought them
before the people te awaken .and impress the mind with them, that
aU may be left without excuse." -2T 605.
2. What prevents the full blessing of the Spirit of Prophecy in
all ages? Matthew 13:53-58.
NO'l'J<.:: "God haa' never left His church without a witness. In all
the scenes of trial and proving, of opposition and persecution amidst
moral darkness, through which the church has passed, God has, had
men of opportunity who have been prepared to take up His work
at different staged} ,and carry it forward and upward. Through
patriarchs and prophets He revealed His truth to His people. CIll'ist
WilS the teacher of His ancient people as verily as He w.as when He
c.ame to the world clothed in the garments of humanity. Hiding His
glory in human furm, He often appeared to His people, and talked
with them 'face te. face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.' He,
their invisible Leae.er, was enshrouded in the pillar of fire and of
cloud, and spoke to His people through Moses. The voice of God was
heard by the prophets whom He had appointed to a special work and to
bear a s.pecial message. He sent them to repeat the same words over
and over again. Hp had a message prepared for them that was not
afte,r the ways and will of men, and this He put in their mouths and
had them proclaim. He assured them the Holy Spirit would give them
words with which to reach the people." -TM 404,405. '

3. Why should we study diligently the prophecies in association

with the third angel's mess:age? Ezekiel 12,:28.
NOTE: "It is these great truths that old and young need to learn.
We need to study the working out of God's purppse in the history
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of nations and in the revelation of things to come, that we may esti·
mate at their true value things seen and things unseen; that we may
learn what is, the true aim of life; that, viewing the things of time
in the light of eternity, we may put them to their truest and
noblest use. Thus, learning here the principles of His kingdom and
becoming its subjert& and citizens, we may be prepared at His· coming
to enter with Him into its possession.
"The day is at hand. For the lessons to be learned, the work
to be done, the transformation of character to be effected, the time
remaining is but to brief a span." -Education 184.
4. Wl1at must the fa,ithf'ul servant be ever ready to do? Mat. 24:42,43.
NOTE: "After He had given the signs of His commg, Christ said,
'When ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of
God is nigh at hand.' 'Take ye heed, watch and pray.' God has
always given men warning of coming judgments. Those who had
faith in His messagG for their time, and who acted out their faith,
in obedience to Hi~ commandments, escaped the judgments that fell
upon the disobedient and unbelieving . " Those who watched for
the shw of the comIng ruin, and fled from the city, escaped the
destruction. So no'w we are given warning of Christ's second coming
lind of the destruction to fall upon the world. Those who heed the
wa'rning WIll be sp.ved." -DA 634.
5. Wl1at subtle and perilous condition would the remnant in the
period of Laodicea meet? Revelation 3 :15,16.
6. How were the original doctrines established in the Advent Move-
ment? Wl1at part did the Spirit of Prophecy have? Isa. 28:9-13.
N JTE: "We would come together bur·dened in soul, praying that
we might be one in faith and doctrine; for we knew that Christ is not
ilivided. One point at a time was made the subject of investigation.
The Scriptures were opened with a sense of awe. Often we f.asted,
that we might be better fitted to undCl'stand the truth. After earnest
prayer, if any point was not understood it was discussed, and each
one expressed his opinion freely; the·n we would again bow in prayer,
and earnest supplications went up to heaven that God could help us to
see eye to eye, that we might be one as Christ and the Father are one.
Many tears were shed.
"We spent many hours in this way. Sometimes the entire· night
wa~ spent in solemn investigation of the SCI'iptures, that we might
understand the trutn for our time. On some occasions the Spirit of God
would come upon me, and difficult portions were made clear through
God's appointed way; and then there was perfect harmony. We were
all of one mind an . l one spirit." -TM 24,25.
-18-
 7. In which way ha.ve God's people alwa.ys prospered sp!iritually?
2 Chronicles 20:20.
NOTE: " . . . Weare to remember that huma.n beinge 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 appa.rent impossibilities will make
the victory all the greater." -PK 202,.
8. What ha.ppoos to the flock if the shepherds derogate the 1m;.
portance and significance of the Lord's mesBengers? Hos. 4:6-9';
5:6,7.
NOTE: "It is Satan's flettled purpose to cut off all communication
between God and Hi~ people, that he may practice his deceptive wiles
with no voice to warn them of their danger. If he can lead men
to distrust the messenger or to attach no s::tcredness to the message,
he knows that they will feel under no obligation to heed the wo,·l
of God to them. And when light is set aside as· darkness, Satan
has things his OWL way." -5T 300.
9. Are the testimonies of the Lord temporary, or do they apply
in every similar s'et of circumstances? Romans 15:4.
10. What serious mismke was made by the leading brethren of the
early churclh in rejecting the warning of the Holy Spirit through
Agabus? Acts 21 :10-12,30-33.
NOTE: "When we think of Paul's great desire to be in harmony
with his brethren, his tenderness toward the weak in the faith, his
reverence for the apostles; who had been with Christ, and for .Tames,
the brothel' of the Lord, and his purpose to become all things to all
men so far as he could wit,hout sacrificing principle - when we think
of all this, it is less surprising that he was constrained to deviate
f)'om the firm, decided course that he had hitherto followed. But
instead of accomplishing the desired object, his efforts for conciliation
only precipitated the crisis, hastened his predicted SUfferings, and
resulted in separating him from his brethren, depriving the church of
one of its strongest pillars, and bringing sorrow to Chris,tian hearts
in every l,and. " -AA 405,406.

-14.-
Lesson No.6 Elabbath, August 8, 1970.

THE ADVENT MOVEMENT AND THE SPIroT OF PROPHECY

QUESTIONS:

1. What two phases of the sanctuary services, both in the earthly

and heavenly sanctuaries, required completion? Heb. 9:1-6,7-9.
NOTE: "In the typical system, which was :l shadow of the sacrifice
and priesthood of Christ, the cleansing of the sanctuary was the last
service performed by the high priest in the yearly round of minis-
klltion. It was the closing work of the atonement - a removal or
rutting away of sin fl'om Isra'll. It prefigured the closing work in
the ministration of our High Priest in heaven, in the removal 01'
blotting out of the sins of His people, which are registered in the
heavenly records. T1Jis service involves a work of investig.:ltion, a work
of judgment; and it immediately precedes the comiug of Christ in
the clouds of hea' (n with power and great glory; for when He comes,
every case has been decided. Says Jesus: 'My reward is with Me,
to give every mail according :lS his work shall be.' Revelation 22:12.
It is this work of jndgment, immediate·ly preceding the second advent,
that is announced in the first angel's message of Revelation 14:7:
'Fear God, and giw. glorr to Him; for the hour of His judglnent
is come.' " -GC 352.
2. In which way was the prophet Daniel shown this inveSltigative
judgment? Daniel 7:9,10.
NO'rE: . The coming of Christ here dese.ribed is not His
second coming to the earth. He comes to the Ancient of Days in
heaven to receive dominion and glory and a kingdom, which will
be given Him at the close of His work as a mediator. It is this
coming, :lnd not Hi.~ secolld advent to the earth, that was foret01d
in prophecy to takl:' place at the termination of the 2300 days. in 1844.
Attended by heavC!,ly angels, our great High Priest enters the holy
of ho1ies and there appears in the presence of. God to engage in the
last :lcts of His P-linistration in behalf of man - to perform the
work of investigaeve judgment and to make an atonement for all
who are shown to be; entitled to its benefits." -GC 480.
3. What is the longest prophetic period? When did it begin, and
w'hen would i~ end? Daniel 8:13,14,26; Ezra 7:11-13.
NOTE: "In the seventh chapter of Ezr:l the decree is found. Verses
12>-26. In its COlT,pletest form it was issued by Artaxerxes, king of
Persia, 457 B.C. But in Ezra 6 :14 the house of the Lord at Jerusalem
i~ said to havt) beel' built 'according to the commandment (' decree,'
margin) of CJ'rus, and D:lrius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.' These
-lG-
three kings, in originating, reaffirming, and comple,tmg the decree,
urought it to· the perfection required by_the prophecy to ~rk the
beginning of the 2::;00 years . . ." -GC 326,327.
" . . From thiR data there is no difficulty in finding the termin-
ation of the 2300 days. The seventy weeks - 490 days - having
been cut off from the 2300, there were 1810 days remaining. After
the end of 490 days, the 1810 days were still to be fulfilled. From
A.D. 34, 1810 years extended to 1844. Consequently the 2300 days
of Daniel 8:14 terminate in 1844 . . " -,-GC 328.
4. What great prophetically baSed movement began as a result
of the close of thiS long p.eriod? Revela.tion 14:6,7.
NOTE: "Like the Great Reformation of the sixteenth century the
advent movemi\nt appeared in different cquntries of Christendom at
the same time. In both Europe and America mCli of faith and prayer
were led to the study of the prophecies, and, tracing down the in-
spired record, they saw convincing evidence that the end of all
things was at hallo. In different lands, there were isolated bodies
of Christians who, solely by the study of the Se.riptures, arrived
at the belief that the S.aviour's advent was near." ':-GC 357.
5. When t:he expectations of the Advenists were not realized, what
promise was giYen the disappointed and scattered remnant? Rev-
elation 14:12,13: 10:11.
NOTE: ' 'The paRsing of the time in 1844 was followed by a period
of gTeat trial to· those who still held the advent faith. Their only
relief, so far as ascertaining their true position was concerned, was
the light which directed their minds to the sanctuary above. Some
renounced their faith in their former reckoning of the pro.phetic
periods and ascribed to human or satanic agencies the powerful in-
fluence of the Holy Spirit which had attended the advent move-
ment. Another c;ass firmly held that the Lo,rd had led_ them in
their past experience; and as they waited and watched and prayed
to know the will of God they saw that their great High Priest had
entered upon another work of ministration, and, following Him by
faith, they were led to see also the closing work of the church.
They had a dearer understanding of the first and second angel's
messages, and were prepared to . receive .. and give to the world
the solemn wal'lling of the third angel of Revelation 14."· -GC 431,432.

6. What gift was now urgently needed to eliminate the confusion,

and restore the confidence of God's remnant people? Rev. 12:17;
19':10.
7. What other prophet had written of the restoration of thiS gift?
Joel 2:28-32.
-1f-
 $. As a r"esuit ot the operation of this gift, what feature of th&
gospel could new be expected? What three things are linked
together? Acts 3:19-21.
.NOTE: "The work of the investigative judgment and the blotting
out of sins is to bll accomplished before the second advent of the
Lord. Since the dtad al'E~ to be judged out of the things written in
the books, it is ilJJpossible that the sins of men should be blotted
out until after the judgment at which their casell are to be investi-
gated. But the ajJostle Peter distinctly states th'at the 'sins of be-
lievers will be blotted out 'when the times of refreshing shall come
f~'om the presence of the Lo·rd; and He shall send Jesus Christ.'
.A ets 3: 19,20. Wi,en the investigative judgment closes, Christ will
come, and His rewdrd will be with Him to give to every man as his
work shall be." --GC 485.

9. What important work was now begun by heavenly agencies?

What had the Spirit of Prophecy stated in the Old Testament?
Ezekiel 9:1-4,5-7.

10. How was the same work now combined with the last mess·age
of mercy? Revelation 7:1-3.

NOTE: "This sealing of the servants of God is the same that wall
shown to Ezekiel ill vision. John had been a witness of this most
startling revelation. He saw the sea and the waves roaring, and
men's hearts failing them for fear . . .
, 'The same angel who visited Sodom is sounding the note of
warning, 'Escape for thy life.' The bottles of God's. wrath canno·t
be poured out to destroy the wicked and their works until all the
peo~le· of God have been judged, and the cases of the living as well
as the dead are decided . . .• , TM 445,446.
" . . . We must work while the day lasts, for when the dark
night of trouble and .anguish comes, it will be too late to work fo·r
God. Jesus is stOll in his Holy Temple, and will now accept our
sacl'ifices, our praY6rs, and our confessions of faults. and sins, and
will now pardon a:L the transgressions of 1sl'ael, that they may be.
blotted out before he leaves the Sanctuary. When Jesus leaves the
Sanctuary, then hl) that is holy and righteous, will be holy and.
righteous still; for all theil' sins will then be blotted out, and they
will be sealed wit.h the s·sal of the living God. But those that are
u'njust and filthy, will be unjust and filthy still; for then there
will be no Priest in the Sanctuary to offel' their sacl'ifices, theil'
confessions and their prayers before the Fathei' 's throne. Therefo.re,
what is dorie to rescue souls from the coming storm of wrath, must
be done befo·re Jesus leaves the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly
-17-
Sanctuary." -E.G. White, The Present Truth, Vol. 1, No.4, Sep-
tember, 1849, pp 21-24. (EW 48.)

11. How many Will be sealed during this period? Rev. 7:4; 14:1.

Lesson No. 7 sabbath, August 15, 1970.

SABBATH REFORM AD THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY

QUESTIONS:
1. What had t'he prophet Isaia.h foretold about Sabbath blessmg for
both the Jew and the Gentile in the last days? lsa.iah 56:1,2,3·8.
NUT.E: ' 'These wGrds apply in the Christian age, as shown by the
context: 'The Lore: God which gathereth the outc·asts of Israel
saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered
unto him.' Vers.e 8. Here is foreshadowed the gathering in of the
Gentiles bJ' the go~r,el. And upon those who then honor the Sabbath,
a blessing is pronounced. 'l'hus the obligation of the fourth com-
mandment extends p.ast the crucifixion, resu1'l'ection, and ascension
vi. Christ, to the time when His servants should preach to all
nations the messa!;"" of glad tidings." -GC 451.
2. How would this restoration become of great importance? ISla.
58:1~,14.

NOTE: . To ail who rcceivc the Sabbath as a sign of Christ's

creative and J'edeeming power, it will be a delight. Seeing Christ
in it, they delight themselves in Him. The Sabbath points them
'to the works of CJ ea tion as an evidence of His mighty power ill
redemption. Whi te it calls to mind the lost peacc of Eden, it tells
of peace restored through t.he 8aviour. And every object in nature
repeats His invita~jon, 'Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are
heavy-laden, and I will give you l'est.' Matt. 11:28." -DA 289.

3. What had the Spirit of Porophec.y written through the pro-

phet Moses concerning the seventh-day Sabbath? What was it
to be, and for how long? Exodus 31:12-17.

NOTE: " . [n the al'k was the golden pot of manna, Aaron's
I'od that budded, :'In(~ the tables of stone which folded together like
a book. Jesus openeu them, and I saw the ten commandments written
on them with the finger of God. On one table wel'e four, and on the
othel' six. The foUl' on the first table shone brighter than the other
six. But the foul'tt, the Sabbath commandment, shone above them
-l&-
.aft; {or the &:bY,ati, was set apart to be kept in honor of Godis
holy name. The ht'ly Sabbath looked glorious - a halo of glo~'y
was all around it. 1 saw that the Sabbath commandment was not
nailed to the cross. If it was, the other nine commandments were;
and we are at libel't~' to break them all, as. well as to break the
fOUl'th. I saw that God had not changed the Sabbath, for He never
changes. But the POP'] had changed it fron: the seventh to the ~irst
llay of the week; far he was to change times and laws." -EW 32,33.
4. As God has had tests in every ea:a of the church, what becomes
the great final test for all? Ecc.l. 12:13,14.
NOTE: "The Sabr.ath will be the great test o·f loyalty, for it is
the point of truth esp('cially controverted. When the final test shall
be blought to beae upon men, then the line of distinction will be
drawn between tho5f. who serve God and those who serve Him not.
While the observar""J of the false sabbath in compliance with the
law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an
avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the
keeping of the tru,~ Sabbath, in obedience to God's law, is an evidence
of loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by accepting the sign
of SU'bmission to· em t.hly powers, receive the mark of the beast,
the other choosing the token of alleg1ance to divine authority, re-
.ceive the seal of G"d." -GO 605.
5. How does the Sipirit of Prophecy describe the development of
the fourth a.ngel's work, and the mark of the beast? Rev. 18:1-4;
13:16.
NOTE: "Then I saw that the seven last plagues were soon to
be poured out upJn those who have no· shelter; yet the world re-
garded them no more thall they would so mlJ-ny drops of water that
were about to· fall. I was then made capable of enduring the awful
sight of the seven l;;st. plagues, the wmth of God. I saw that His
.anger was dreadful an d tenible, and if He should stretch forth His
lland, or lift it in unger, the inhabitants. of the world would be as
!though they had l:oover been, or would suffer from incurable sores
and withering pla1!,ues that would come upon them, and they would
find 110 deli vemnce, but be destroyed by them. Tenor seized me,
and I feU upon my face before the angel and begged of him to cause
the sight to he reulcved, to hide it from me, for it was too dreadful.
Then I realized, n..~ never b-efOl'e, the impo.rtance of searching the
Word of God carilfu]]y, to know how to escape the plagues which
that Word declaras shall come on all the ungodly who shall worship
Ithe beast and his ll.l:.. ge and receive his mark in th~ir foreheads. or in
their hands. It w«s a great wonder for me that any could trans-
gress the law of I}od and tread down His h.oly Sabbath, when such
awful threatenings :llld denunciations were against them." -EW 64,65.
-li-
 6. What command and promise did the Lord give for these closing
times? What fllirit a.gain a.rises? Isaiah 60:1,2; 61:1-3.
NOTE: "As the c(;ntroversy extends iI~to new fields and the minds of
the people are .~alled to God's downtrodden law, Satan is astir. The
power attending ih,. message will only madden those who oppose it.
'1'he clergy will pu~ forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the
light lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their
cummand they will endeavour to suppress t!1O discussion of these vital
questions. 'l'hc chul't'h appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and,
in this work, papist3 and Protestants unite. As the movement for
Sunday enforcement bEcomes more bold and decided, the law will be
invoked against commandment keepers. They will be threatened
with fines and impnsonment, and some will be offered positions of
influence, and oth'~i' rewards and advantages, as inducements to
renounce their faith . . ." -GO 607.
7. What sad expenence has been repeated in pro,fessed C'hrist,ian
families, and churches? What does the Spirit of Prophecy say
concerning the developing apostasy of tihe SeventhLday Adventist
Church? Matthl'w 10:36; Isaiah 66:5.
NOTE: "As the t,tcJ'm approaches, a large class who have professed
faith in the third augel's message, but have not been sanctified through
obedience to the truta, abandon their position and join the ranks of the
opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they
have come to view 111·atters in nearly the same light; and when the
test is brought, they are prepared to choose the '9asy, popular side.
Men of talent and rleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth,
empl(}y their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the
most bitter enemies of their former bl'(~thren. When Sab-bathkeepers
are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates
are the most eff'icieo:t agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse
them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against
them." -GO 608.
8. Into what two clear and distinct classes will the people of this
earth ultimately be drawn? Malachi 3:18.

NOTE: "And I saw that if God had changed the Sabbath from the
seventh to the fin,t day, He would have r.hanged the writing of
the Sabbath comJ1l2.ntlment, written on the tables of sto.no, which are
110W in the ark iu the most holy place of the temple in heaven; and
it would read thus: The first day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy
God. But I saw that it read the same as when written on the tables
o.f stone by 1.he fj;:ger of God, and delivered to Moses on Sinai.
'But the seventh da;,- is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.' I saw
that the holy sabbatl. is, and will be, the separating wall between
 tfle true Israel or God and unbelievers; and that the S'abbat11
'is the great questit·1] to unite the hearts of God's dear, waiting
Baints." -EW 3o,
9. How does the Spirit of Proph.ecy warn against any degree of
conscientious rooperation with secular and religious bodies ot'
the world? 2 Corinthians &:14-18.

NOTE:" j;lIr the fact that a movement to establish error

is connected with a work which is in itself good, is not an argument
in favor of the erl'(,:·. We may disguise poison by mingling it with
wholesome food, bnt we do not change its nature. On the contrary,
it is rendered InOl'e dangerous, as it is more likely to be taken unawares.
It is one of Sat·an.'!, devices to combine with falsehood just enough
truth to give it plau.sibility. The leaders· of the Sunday movement
lllay advocate reforllls which the people need, principles which are
in harmony with the Bihle; yet while there is with these a requirement
which is contrary h God's law, His servants cannot unite with them.
Nothing can justify them in setting aside the commandments of God
for the pl'ecepts of 11'.en." -GC 587,588.

Lesson No.8 Sabbath, August 22, 1970.

GUARDING FUNDAMENTAL TRUTH

QUESTIONS:
1. What warning continues throughout every dispensation of the
gospel concerning the undennining of the truth? Where is error
most effective? Acts 20: 28-32.
NOTE: " . . . Let the son of deceit and false witness be enter-
tained by a church tnat has had great light, great evidence, and that
church will discard the message the Lord has sent, and receive the
most unreasonable ~.~s('rtions and false suppositio.ns and false theories.
l:3atan 1aughs at thrll' folly; for he knows what truth is.
"Many will st:~h(1 in our pulpits with the torch of false pro-
phecy in their jlands, kindled fl'om the hellish torch of Satan. If doubts
and unbelief are cherished, the faithful ministers will be removed
from the peopl\) who think they know so much. 'If thou hadst known,'
said Christ, 'even tLou, at least in this thy day, the things which
belong unto thy peRce! but now they are hid from thine eYell.' "
-TM 409,410.
2. What conditions prevent the fullest blessing of the prophetic

--
gift, and the completion of t;he gospel? Matthew 13 :53-58.
 3. While the pionce:rs of the third angei's messag'e remamed stead-
fast to the truth, what happened to the multitudes, an.d
to the false prul'hets? John 6:66; I John 2:19.

NOTE: '" God is sifting His p€oplo. He will havo a clean and
holy church. We raJlHot read the heart of man. But the Lord has
providec.] me,ans to ](0,,1' the church pure. A corrupt people has arisen
who could not liv3 w~th the people of God. They despised reproof,
and would not be conected. 'rhey had an oppo,rtunity to know that
theirs was an Ul1l'igltl eous warfare. They had time to repent of their
wrongs; but self wa~ too deal' to die. They nourished it, and it grew
strong, and they SOI,Grated from the trusting people of God, whom He
is purifying unto Himself. We all have reason to thank God that
a way has been op,med to save the church; for the wrath of God
must have come uprll us if these COl'l'Upt pretenders had remained
with us.'" -IT Pf!.

4. What platform became firmly ei>llablished in the Advent Move-

ment? How wert the three angels' messages illustrated? Luke
6:47,48.

NOTE: "I saw a company who stOod well guarded and firm, giving
no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith
of the body. God iLl'ked upon them with approbation. I was shown
three steps - the fil st, second, and third angel'8 messages. Said my
accompanying angel, 'Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a
pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages
IS of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner
in which they are l'I:r.eived.' I was again brought down through these
messages, and saw h01' dearly the people of God had purchased their
experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe
conflict. God had lec. them along step by ste,p, until He h,ad placed
them upon a soIid, immoveable platform. I saw individuals approach
the platform and o.hmine the foundation. Some with rejoicing im-
mediately stepped lIl'or. it. Others commenced to find fault with
the foundation. T~H'Y wished improvements made, and then the plat-
fo,rm would be mal'O perfect, and the people much happier. Some
stepped off the pblfOl'm to examine it and declared it to be laid
wrong. "-f:W 258,259.
5. For wlhat have the saints of God always contended? Jude 3.

6. Can there tie any progressive a.nd beneficial association, if

the Adventists to;erate any modification or changes in fundamental
truth revealed tJllOUgh the Spirit of Prophecy? 2 John 8-10.
NOTE: "I was shown the necessity of those who believe that we
are having the last message of mercy, being separate from those who
are daily imbibing ileW el'l'ol's. 1 saw that neither yOiiilg _TIor old
;11ould attend theI;' meetings; for it is wrong to thus encolll'age
them while they tear h error that is a deadly poison to the soul and
teach for doctrines the commandments of men. The influence of
such gatherings is 1,0t good. If God has delivered us' from such
darkness and e1'1'or, lYe should stand fast in the liberty wherewith He
has set us free and l,,,,joice in the truth. God is displeased with us when
we go to listen to cnor, without being obliged to go; for unless He
sends us to those meetings where e1'1'or is forced home to the people
by the power of the will, He will not keep us. The angels cease their
watchful care over us, and we are left to the buffetings of the enemy,
to be darkened aJld weakened by him and the power of his evil angels;
and the light arO,lll(~ us becomes contaminated with the darkness."
-EW 124,125.

7. What infallible, divine gauge measures all true doctrines, and

principles? Isa. 8:20; Matthew 5:17-20.

NOTE: "It is a l~.v both of the intellectual and the spiritual nature
that by beholding Wt' become changed. The mind gradually. adapts itself
to the subjects up 011 which it is allowed to dwell. It becomes as-
similated to that v- 11 i ell it is accustomed to love and reverence. Man
will nevel' rise llig!181' than his standard of purity or goodness or
truth. If self is 11.:3 loftiest ideal, he will never attain to anything
more exalted. Ra;..hcr, he will co,nstantly sink lower and lower.
The grace of God alone has power to exalt man. Left to himself,
his course must inevitably bu downward." -GO 555.

8. How has God spc>ken in the past? In which ways does He

now speak? Hebrews 1:1,2.

NOTE: "Perilous times are before us. Everyone who has a know-
!ledge of the truth should awake and place himself, body, soul, and
spirit, under the di3dpline of God. The enemy is on our track. We
must be wide awake, on our guard against him. vVe must put on
the whole armor o·f God. We must follow the directions given through
the spirit of propher·y. We must love and obey the truth for this
time. This will save us from accepting strong delusions. God has
spoken to us througil His word. He has spoken to us through the
testimonies to the c!mrch and through the books that have helped to
make plain our pr';St'nt duty and the position that we should now
occupy. The warll:Jlgs that have been given, line upon line, precept
upon precept, shou!cl be heeded. If we disregard them, what excuse
<l-an we offer~" -ill' 298.

9. What has the Spirit of Prophecy written concerning the past.

experience of the Advent M{lvement? What warning is given
 aga.lru;t any challge in the "teaching fu oUr past history;;? neut.
8':Zo6.

NOTE: . . . We have nothing to fear for the future, except

as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching
in our past history." -LS 196.

Lesson No.9 sabbath, August 29, 1970.

THE SPIRIT OF ELIJAH

Questions:
1. What prophetic promise was given through the prophet Malachi
concerning a spirit of refonnation? :Mal. 4:5.

2. What effect would this prophecy have? What kind of man was
John? Malachi 4:6.
NOTE: " John was a reformer. The angel Gabriel, direct from
heaven, gave a disLourse upon health. reform to the father and mother
of John. He said that he should not drink wine or strong drink, and
that he should be filled with the Holy Ghost from his birth.
. . . The pl'Ophet Malachi declares: I Behold, I will send you
J~]'ijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day'
of the Lo·rd: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the child-
ren, and the heal·t of the children to their fathers.' Here the prophet
describes the character of the work. Thos.e who are to prepare the
w.ay for the secol',l coming of Christ are represented by faithful
Elijah, as John came in the spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for
Christ's first adver:i. The great subject of reform is to b,e agitated,
and the public milhl to be stirred. Temperance in all things is to be
connected with the mess·age, to turn the people of God from their
idolatry, their gluttony, and their extravagance in dress and other
things." -s'r 62.
3. How was the prophecy partially fulfilled? Luke 1:15-17.

NOTE: 'I It was believed also that before the Messiah's, advent,
J':lijah would persoJJally appear. This expectation John met in his
denial; but his words had a deeper meaning. Jesus afterward said,
referring to John, IV ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah., which
is to come.' Matt. 11:14, R.V. John came in the spirit and power
r of Elijah, to do sl~cll a work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received
him, it would have been accomplished for them. But they did not
!receive his messagp. To them he was not Elijah. He could not
fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplidl." -DA 135.
4. As a repetition of similar events in the past, how a.re the
hearts of 'the children to be turned to the hearts of the fathers
in our time? Malachi 3:1-3.
NOTE: "Today, it: the spirit and power of Elias and of John
the Baptist, messe!~gers of God's appointment are calling the attention
of a judgment-boune! world to the solemn events soon to take .place
in connection with the closing hours of probation and the appearance
of Chris,t Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords. Soon every man
is to be judged f1l' the deeds done in the body. The hour of God's
judgment has come, and upon the members of His church on earth rests
the solemn responsihility of giving warning to those who are standing
as it were on the very brink of eternal ruin. To every human being
in the wide world who will give heed must be made plain the prin-
ciples at stake in the great controversy being waged, principles upon
which h.ang the dpstinies of all mankind." -PK 716.
5. How do we 10;0w that many were still expecting the fulfillment
of this prophecy in Christ's time? Matthew 16:13,14.
6. Under what character and form of work would the sp,irit of Elijah
and John revived? Matthew 3:3.
NO'l'J<;: "Solemnly evildoers wero w.:.ll'ned of tho d'ly of judgment to
oome and of Jeho\'Clh's purpose to visit with swift destruction every
transgressor. Yet Hone were left without hope; Malachi's· prophecies
of judgment wero accompanied by invitations to the impenitent
to make their pea'l') with God. 'Return unto Me,' the Lord urged;
'and I will return unto you.' Malachi 3:7." -PK 706
7. While many claimed to be Elijah, what did John the Baptist
say ab(}ut himself and h(}w did he explain his mission? J(}hn 1:19-23.
8. What w(}rk wculd be d(}ne in the spirit and p(}wer of Elijah
during the third angel's message? Matthew 17:11.
NOTE: ' 'The Jews tried to stop the proclamation of the message
.that had b,een predicted in the word of God; but prophecy must be
fulfilled. The Lord says, 'Behole1; I send you Elijah the prophet,
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.' Some-
body is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, and when he appears,
men may say, 'You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures
in the propel' way. Let me tell you how to teach your message.'
"There are many who cannot distinguish between the work of
God .and that of tnan. I shall tell the truth as God gives it to me,
and I say now, If you continue to find fault, to have a spirit of

-IG--
variance, you wiII never know the truth . . ." -Review and Herald,
1<'ebruary, 18, 1890.
9. With what great prophetic movement would the Elijah spiri'" be
connected? Revelation 18:1-4.
NOTE: ' 'Today, a s in the days of Elijah, the line of demarcation
between God'8' commandment-keeping people and the worshippers of
false gods is clearly dra.w11. 'How long halt ye between two opillions~'
]<;Iioah cried; 'if the Lo.rd b€ God, follow Him: but if Baal, then
fo'llow him.' I Kings 18:21. And the message for today is: 'Ba1ylon
the great is fallen, is fallen . . . Come out of her, My people, that
ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plague.•.
1<'01' her sins h.ave r{·ached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her
iniquities.' Revelation 18:2,4,5." -PK 187,188.
10. What may all Elijah-led reformers confidently believe? Acts 1 :6--8.
NOTE: "God lle"el' leads His children otherwise than they would
ehoose to be led, ii' they could see the end from the beginning, and
discern the glOl·.l' ('f the purpose which they are fulfilling as coworkers
with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to he~ven, not Elijah, who
ascended in a charIot of fire, was greater or more h0110red than· John
the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. 'Unto you it is
gf.ven in the b('hah' of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also
to suffer for His s:lke.' Phil. 1 :29. And of all the gifts that Heaven
can bestow upon men, fellows'hip with Christ in His sufferings
is the most weighty trust and th.e highest honor." -DA 224,225.

Lesson No. 10 Sabbath, September 5, 1970.

THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY IN TIMES OF CRISIS

QUESTIONS:
1. When is the cl aracter of individuals or societies revealed? Mat-
thew 25:6.
NOTE: "It is in a crisis that character is revealed. When the
earnest voice procla!med at midnight, 'Behold, the bridegroom cometh;
go ye out to meet him,' and the sleeping virgins were aroused from
their slumbers, it was seen who had made prepar.ation for the event.
Both parties were taken una.wares; but one was prepared for the
emergency, and the other was found without preparation. So now,
a sudden and unlo{,ked-for calamity, something that brings the soul
face to face with death, will show whether there is any real faith
ill the promises of God. It will show whether the soul is sustained
by grace. The grea·; fhlal test comes at the close of human probation,
when it will be too late for thG soul's need to be supplied." -COL 412.
2. Though the Spirit of Prophecy had instnlc'ted the people of b-
rael, what condition still remained? Rom. 9:31,32; 10:1-4.
NOTE: "At lhe SHme time the Jews were, by their sins, separating
th.emselves from Goel. They were unable to discern the deep spiritual
significance of the,;, .symbolic service. In their self·righteousness the~
trusted to their own works, to the sacrifices and ordinances them-
selves, instead of relying upon the merits of Him to whom all these
things pointed. Thus' going about to· establish their own righteous-
ness' (Romans 10:3), they built themselves up in a self-sufficient
formalism . . ." -PK 708,709.
3. Within a few short years of separation from apostate Protestantism
what condition quickly developed among Seventh-day Adventists?
Revelatioll 3: ~.4·20.
NOTE: "As I hayc of late looked around to find the humble follower,~
of the meek and luwly Jesus, my mind has been much exercised. Many
who profes& to be IGokiJlg for the speedy coming of Christ are becoming
conformed to this ,Yorld and seek mOl'e earnestly the applause of those
around them tll:ln the approbation of God. They are cold and formal,
like the nominal cLUTches from which they but a short time since
separa ted. The" ords addressed to the Laodicean chUl'ch describr
their present conuition perfectly. (Hee Rev. 3 :14-20). They are
'neither cold nor hot,' but 'lukewarm.' And unless they heed the
counsel of the 'faithful and true Witness,' and zealously repent and
obtain' gold tried in the fire,' 'white raiment,' and' eyesalve,' He will
spew them out of His mO)lth.
"The time has come when a large portion of those who once re-
joiced and shouted aloud for joy in view of the immediate coming
of the Lm'd, are Oll the ground of the churches and the world who
once derided them for believing that Jesus was coming, and cir-
culated all manner of fal~ehoods to raise prejudice against them and
destroy their influel',ce . . . ." -EW 107,108.
4. How far had this alarming condition developed by the year 1888?
What message did the Spirit of Prophecy give in this crisis?
NOTE: " . . The solemn ,<JJuestion should come home to every mem-
ber of our churehc3, How are we standing before God, as the pro-
fessed followers of Jesus Christ~ Is our light shining forth to the
world in clear, steHdy rays~ Have we, as a people solemnly dedicated
'to God, preserved Gur union with the source of all light~ Are 110t
the symptom.s of elr-cay allC] declension painfully visible in the midst
of the Christian churches of to-day ~ Spiritual death has come upon
·the people that shruld be manifesting life and zeal, pUl'ity and conse-
cration, by the most earnest devotion to the cause of truth. The facts
-21-
concerning the re'tl cOlldition of the pmfessed people of God, spook
more loudly tha!1 their profession, and make it evident that some
.power has cut the cable that anchored them to the Eternal Rock, 'and
that they are drifting away to sea, without chart or compass."
-ReView and Herald, July 24, 1888. (C.O.R. 36.)
5. What stupendous event had GOd promised tihroughout the long
history of the "everlasting gospel"? Num. 14:20,21; ISll. 6:3.

NO'J'.Jo.:: "It. Wll~ concPrning the futme fulfillment of this prophecY

tha t Isaiah had he::;rd the shining seraphim singing before the throne,
• The whole earth i< full of His glory.' Isaiah 6 :3. The prophet,
confident of the certainty of these words, himself nftel'ward declared
of those who wen bowing down to images of wood and stone, 'They
shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.' Isaiah
6: 3. The prophet, confiden t of the certainty of these words, himself
afterward boldly declared of those of the Lord, amI the excellency of
our Gael.' Isaiah 36: 2." ·-PK 313
6. What did the Lord want to give to His people to qualify for
the gift of the latter rain? W1hat is the last message? When did
it begin? Revelati.on 18:1·4.
NOTE: •• Revelatiol) 18 points to the time when, as the result of
rejecting the thredold warning of Revelation 14:6·12, the chmch
will have fully r"ached the condition fGretold by the second angel,
and the people of God still in Babylon will be called upon to sepa,rate
f.rom her communion. This message is the last that will ever be given
to the WOrld; awl it will accomplish its work . . . " -GC 390.
•• . . . The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the
third angel has already begun in the revelation of the l'igh teousness
of Christ, the sinpardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the
light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth . . ."
Review and Herald, November 22,1892. (COR 56.)

7. What fundamental truth has become lost? What percentage of

the Laodicean church un.derstood the third angel's mess'age?

NOTE: " . . 'fhe doctrine of justification by faith has been lost

sight of by many who have professed to believe the third angel'd
message "-Review and Herald, August 13, 1889. (COR 87.)
•• . . There IS not one in one hundred who understands for him·
self the Bible truth on this subject (justification by faith) that is
so necess,ary to our present and eternal welfare . . ." -Ibid., Sep.
3, 1889.
8. What has ever been God's process of purifying and preparing
His church for its ultimate victory? What does Satan do? I Peter
1:5·7; Eph. 5:14.

-28--
NOTE: "That wMcIl Satan has led men to do fn the past, he wlII
if possible lead them to do again, The early church was deceived by
the enemy of Go:1 and man, and apostasy was brought into the ranks
of those who professed to love God; and to-day, unless the people
of God awake out of sleep, they will be taken unawares by the devices
of Satan. Among those who claim to believe in the near coming of the
I:'iaviour, hov... maJI)' are back-slidden, how Illany have lost their first
lo,ve, and come under the description written of the Laoaicean church,
denominating them as neither cold nor hot. Satan will do his utmost
to keep them in a state of indifference and stupor. May the
.Lord reveal to the people the perils that al'e before
them, that they may arouse from their spiritual slum her, and trim th.eir
lamps, and be found watching for the Bridegroom when he shall
return from the wPdding.' -Review and Herald, _Nov. 22, 1892.
9, Who had been lllirgely responsible for the, Laodicean condition
now existing? What was the main reason? Jeremiah 5:30,31;
IS'a, 6:9,10.
N O'1'E: ' 'In His instructiuJl to Moses the Lord very plainly set
forth the charact'Ji' of those who were to fill important positions as
counselors, They an to be 'able men, such as fe·ar God, men of truth,
hating covetousnes~.' The Lord's counsel has been strangely neg-
lected. 'l'here a.'(' men in places of holy trust who, wh.en reproved,
have cared nought for it. Some who fo,r years have stood as coun·
selors have boldly stated that they would not receive the testimonies
given. In triumph they: have declared that many of our most re-
sponsible men have lost faith in the message coming from Sister
White. 'l'hus the rejectors of light have been strengthened intheu
unbelief, feeling that they had quite a strong confederacy. Men
who have had the light have walked contrary to the light. These
words aJ'e appropl'iate,: 'Truth is fallen in the stl'eet, and equity
r.unnot enter.' 'l'lw malaria of ullbeli6f has been diffusing its deathly
r.tmosphere throughout the Nlllks, nigh and afar off. All this has
been stated plainl,h yet for years matters have been left unchanged.
C:;m the Lord's fayor be expected under such circumstances7 . . . "
-TM 341,342,
10, While this w<>nderful message - specifically sent to God's people
in 1888 - was rejected, what promise has God given through
His prophets? Hosea 6:3; Joel 2:23.
NOTE: "The great work of the gospel is not to close with less mani·
festation of the power of God tha.n marked its opening. The pro·
phecies which we,"l fulfilled in the latter raiil at its close. Here are
't:1.e times of refreshing' to which the apostle Peter looked forward
when he s,aid: 'R(.pent ye therefore, and be converted, that your aim
may be blotted out, when the times o,f refreshing shall come from the
presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus.' Acts 3:19,20."
-Great Controversy pages 611,612. -

~
Lesson No. 11 S'abbatli, Sieptember 12, 191d.

ORDER AND ORGANIZATION IN THE ADVENT MOVEMENT

QUESTIONS:
1. What is the cJlul.rac¢e.l'i&tic of the Lord in all that we see and; know
of Him? I Corinthians 14:40.
NO'l'E: "As Our numbers increased, it was evident that without
some form of GrgEJtization there would be great confusion, and the
work would not be 0al'1'ied forward successfully. To provide for the
support of the ll'.'nistry, for cal'1'ying the work in new fields, for
protecting both the churches and the ministr'y from unworthy members,
for holding church property, for the publication of the truth through
the press, and for other Objects, organization was indispensable.
, 'Yet there wa3 strong feelings against it among our people. The
flirst-day Adventist:l were opposed to organization, and most of the
/Seventh-day AdvGlltists entertained the same ideas. We sought the
I,ord with earliest prayer that we might understand His will, and
light was given by His Spirit that there must be order and thOl'ough
discipline in the church - th.at organization was 9ssential. System
a~ld order are manifest in all the works of God throughout the uni-
",-'erse. Order 1S the law of heaven, and it should be the law of God's
people on the earth." -TM 26.
2. What missionary enterprises became essential? Matthew 5:16.

No'rE: "As the development of the work called upon Us to engage

in new enterprisns we were p1'epa1'ed to enter upon them. The Lord
directed our minds to the importance of the educational work. We
8aw the need of schoolS, that our children might receiv(; instruction
£1 ee from the enon, of false philosophy, that their training 'might
be in harmony wii;il the prin,.ciples of the word of God. The need o.f
a health institutlo:l had been mged upon us, both for the help and
I~nstructiou of ou,' own people and as a means of blessing and en-
lightenment to others. This enterprise also was 0arried forward. All
this was missionary work of the highest order." -TM 27,
3. How did many of the self-right.eous elements behave? Of what
should we beware? Matt. 7:21-23.
NOTE: "Satan well knows that success can only attend order and
harmonious actioll, He well knows that everything conneCted with
hea.ven is in perfer.t order, that subjection and perfect discipline mark
the mo.vements of the angelic host. It is his studied effort to lead
professed Ohristim.s just a far f~om heaven's arrangement as he
can; theTefore he deceives even the professed people of God and
makes them believe that order and discipline are enemies to spirituality,
that the only safet~ for them is to let each pursue his own course,
-10-
and to remain espedaHy d'istinct {rom bodies at Ohristians who aTe'
united and are lab(,ring to establish discipline and harmony of action,
All the efforts made to establish order are considered dangerous, a
restriction of rightful liberty, and hence are fear"d as popery. Thes,,"
devoted souls' consiller it a virtue to boast of their freedom to think
and act independently They will not take any man's say-so. They
are amenable to no man. I was shown that it is Satan's special work
to lead men to fe0l that it is God's. order for them to strike out for
themselves and choose their own course independent of their brethren."
jTestimonies to Ministers page 29.
4. What was the result of these instructions given tbrough the
Spirit of P;rophecy? What platform was establisJJ.ed? Eph. 2:20-22.
NOTE: "God hU5 brought His people together in church capacity
in order that they may reve·al to the world the wisdom of Him who
formed this organization. He knew what plans to outline for the
efficiency ,ani! SllCC('SS of His people. Adherence to these plans will
enabe them to testify of the divine authorship of Goi! 's great plan
fOl' the restoration of the world." -6T 235.
"God is le:ldiug out a people to stand in perfect unity upon the
platform of eternal truth. Christ gave Himself to the world that He
might 'purify unto Himself a peculiar people,' zealous of good works.'
" -4T 17.
5. What agency ha~ always guided God's servants in times of serious
crisis? Matthew 10: 19,20.
NOTE: "We are to be one with Christ as He is on(1 with the Father,
and the Father will love us' as He loves His Son. We may have the
same help that Ohrist had, we may have strength for every emergency;
fur God will be oui' front guard and our rearward. He will shut us in
on every side, ani! when we are brought before rulers, before the au-
thorities of the earth, we need not meditate beforehand of what \ve shall
say. God will teallll us in the day of our need. Now may God help
us to COUle to th0 feet of Jesus and learn of Him, before we seek
to become teacher., of others. -Review and .I:Ierald, Feb. 18, 1890."
-Testimonies to Ministers, page 386.
6. When Jeremiaih could not meet all the people personally, what
did he do? How was the publishing of the TeSitimonies and
other essential material originat.ed? Jeremiah 36:2,3.
NOTE: "At a 1l10r:ting held in Dorchester, Mass., November, 1848, I
had been given a yjew of the proclamation of the sealing message, and
of the duty of the brethren to publish the light that was shining
upon our pathway.
.. After coming out of vision, I said to my husband: 'I have a m(l;lJ'
sage for you.. You must begin to print a little paper and send it
out to the people. Let it be small at first; blLt as the people read,
-a--
trley wlI! send you means wIth willctl to print, and it witl be a sliccElsd
from the first. Ji'rom this smaII beginning it was shown to me to
be like streams of light that went clear round the world: " -LS 125.

7. How does the prophet. Ezekiel illustrate the program of missionary

enterprise in all ages? Eze. 47:8.
.NOT'!!;: "Hunl<tn power did not establish the work of God, neither
c,an human pow'3r destroy it.. To those who carry forward His work
III face of difficulty and o,pposition, God will give the constant guidance
and guardianship C-1: His holy angels. His work on earth will never
cease. The buildil!g of His spil'itual temple will be carried forward
until it shaII stand complete,' and the headstone shall be brought
f.orth with shoutilLgSl: 'Grace, grace unto· it.' " -7'1' 170.

8. Upon what is all order, organization and prosperity positively

founded? What should be understood by • 'unity' '? Gal. 3:28;
Eph. 4:4!-6; I John 1:7; John 17:17,21.
NOTE: "Christi::'llity makes a strong bond of union between master
and &lave, king and subject, the gospel minister and the degraded
sinner who has fCund in Christ cleansing from sin. They have been
washed in the E11,me blood, quickened by the same Spirit; and they
are made one III Christ Jesus." -AA 460.
" . . . We an; one in unity of the truth.
"We must now, by diligent, self-sacrificiJig effort, endeavour to
walk in the love of Christ, in' the unity of the Spirit, through sancti-
!lcation of the tluth . . . " -9'1' 197.
9. What warning has the Spirit of Prophecy constantly given against
mixing God's directions with those of worldly philosophy? 2 Cor-
inthians 6:14:-18.
NOT E: ' 'My dear brethren and sisters, let the commandments of
God and the tesllJnony of Jesus Christ be in your minds continually
and let them crowli out worldly thoughts and cares. When you lie
clown and when you rise up, let them be yOUT meditation. Live and
act wholIy in reference to the coming of the Son of man. The sealing
time is very short, and will soon be over. Now is the time, while the
four angels are holaing the four winds, to make our calling and election
sme." -EW 58.
10. What great reform first introduced into the early Chr1lltian church
was repeated in the third angel's message? I Cor. 6:19,20; 9:24-27.
NOTE: "In the time· of John the Baptist, greed for riches, and the
love of luxmy and display had become widespread.. Sensuous pleasures.
f.easting and drinking, were causing ph.ysicai disease and degeneracy,
benumbing the spiritual pel'ceptions, and lessening the sensibility to
sin. John was to stand as a reformer. By his abstemious life and
plain dress he was to rebuke the excesses of his time. Hence the
directions given t.1 the parents of John, - a lesson of temperance
by an angel from the throne of heaven." -DA 100,101.
"The health reform, I was shown, is ,a part of the third angel's
message and is just as closely connected with it as are the aI'm and
hand with the human body. I saw that we ·as a people must make an
adva.nce move in this great work. Ministers and people must act in
concert. God's people are not prepaI'ed for the' loud cry of the third
angel. They hav';) c work to do for themselves which they should not
leave for God to do for them. He has left this work for them to do.
rt is an individual work; o·ne cannot do it for anotheI' . . . .
"In order to be fitted for translation, the people of God mu~t
know themselves. They must understand in reg:1l'd to their own
phy!lical frames tlJat they may be able with the psalmist to exclaim:
'I will praise 'rhee; for I am fearfully aJlCl wonderfully made.' They
should ever have tl,e appetite in subjection to the moral and intellectual
organs. The body should be servant to the mind, aud not the mind to
the body." -IT 486,487.

LeSSOn No. 12 Sabbath, September 19, 1970

THE TESTIMONiES A TEST OF FELLOWSHIP
QUESTIONS:
1. Is citizenshIp in all countries dependent upon loyalty tq, and
recognition of its constitution and gov'ernment? How are the
citizens of God's kingdom organized and controlled? Rom. 13:1,2.;
Matthew 23:8; 20:25-28.
2. Did 1ftle Christian church have certain agreed principles in church
fellows'hip, beliefs, and practices?
NOTE: "The ol'der that was maintained in the early Christian church
made it possible for them to move forward solidly as a well-disciplined
army clad with thl3 armor of God. The companies of believers, though
scattered over a lal'ge territory, were a.JI members of one body; all
moved in concert and in h.armony with one another. When dissension
arose in a local ClIUl'ch, as later it did arise in Antioch and elsewhere,
and the believflrs were unable to come to an agreement among them-
selves, such matter;; were not permitted to create a division in the
church, but were referred to a general council of the entire body
of believers, made up of appointed delegates from the various 10001
churches, with the apostles and elders in positions of leading responsi-
bility. Thus t,he efforts of Satan to attack the church in isolated
places were met by concerted action on the part of all, and the plans
of the enemy to disrupt and destroy were thwarted." -AA 95,96
--u-
3. Was the recognition of the aU'bhority of the Scriptures an im-
portant factor in church fellowship in all dispensations? Acts
Z4:12\-14.

4. Are the testimonies given in our time of equal importance as the

testimonies given in other times? Who is the author of them?
I Peter 1: Z4,25.
NOTE: "When I went to Colorado I was so burdened for you that,
in my we.akness, I wrote many pages to be read at Jour camp meeting.
Weak and trembling, I arose at three 0 'clock in the morning to write
to you. God was speaking through clay. You might say that this
communieation was only a letter. Yes, it was a letter, but prompted
by the Spirit of Goel, to bring before your minds things that had been
shown me. In thes3 letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am
presenting to you tl·at whieh the Lord has presented to· me. I do not
write one .artiele in the paper expressing merely my own ideas. They
are what God has opened before me in vision - the preeious rays of
light shining from the throne." -5T 67.
5. What scriptur'e~ show that the written words of God. demand
collective obed1ence, and are to remain the court of all enquiry
and decision? Isa. 8:20; ReveJation 22:18,19.

6. What was the position of the testimonies as a test of fellowship

in the time of the pioneers of the third angel's message?
NOTE: "While we regard them as eoming from God, and entirely
harmc.nizing with His written word, we must aelOlowledge ourselves
under obligation to .abide by their teaehingsl. and be eorreeted by
their admonitions. To say that they are of Go'd, and yet we will not
be tested by them, is to say that God's will' is not a test or rule fo·r
Christians, whieh ;s ineonsistent and absurd." -Review and Herald,
Deeember 4, 1853.
7. In the matter of the testimonies being a test, whom Sihould nat·
u:mIly be given some consideration? What is the position of all
others?
NOTE: "We therefore do not test the world in allY manner by these
gifts. Nor do we in our intereourse with other religious bodies who
are striving to walk in the fear of God, in any way make these a
test of Christian d,ameter. Upon none of these persons do. we urge
these manifestations of the Spirit of God, nor test them by their
teaehing. -'
"There is sueh a thing, however as men having in the providenCe
of God an opportunity to beeome acquainted with the special work of
the Spirit of Goil, so that they shall aeknowledge that their light is
elear, eonvincing, and satisfaetory. . 'j'o such persons, we eonsider the
gifts of the Spirit are clearly a test. Not only has God spoken, but

-u-
they have had opT-ortunity to ascertain that fact, and to know it
for themselves. In aU such cases, spiritual gifts are manifestly a
test that cannot be disregan]ec] e'xcept at the peril of eternal ruin."
-Review and Herald, February 15, 1870.

8. Are we without clear evidence of the goodness of God? What

is He constantly trying to do? Mat. 5:45; Acts 14:17; 17:30.
9. Before candidates se·eking church fellowshi.p are expected to
acknowledge in the Spirit of Proph.ecy, what sihould be done? What
was the rule with the pioneers?

NOTE: "In th8 reception of members into our churches, we desire

on this subject to know two things: 1. That they believe the Bible
doctrine of. Spiritual gifts; 2. That they will candidly acquaint
themselves with thE' visions of Sister White, which have ever held
so prominent place in this work. We believe that every person stand-
~ng thus and calTying out this' purpose will be guided in the way
of truth am] righteousness. And those who occupy the ground, are
never denied all thE' time they desire to decide in this matter."
-J.N. Andrews, Review and Herald, February 15, 1870.

10. Is it possible for genuine harmony and unity to exist amonlT,

God's people if a percentage of members reject or doubt the
authority of the testimonies? Amos 3 :3.

REMEMBER NEXT WEEK IS THlftTEENTH SABBATH

Lesson No. 13 Sabbath, September 26, 1970.

THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY AND REFORMATION

QUESTIONS:
1. Does the Lord promise or suggest that any mdivi.dual or move-
ment sihall retain His' provid.ential preference unconditionally?
Matthew 2l:4(J-43; Acts 13:44L47.

NOTE: "The Jewish people cherished the idea that they were th'3
favorites of heaveH, and that they were always to be exalted as the
church of God. TLey were the children of Abraham, they declared,
and so firm did the foundation of their prosperity seem to them
that they defied earth and heaven to dispossess them of their rights.
But by lives of ulJfaithfulness they were preparing for the con
demn'1tion of heavel, and for separation from Goel." COL 294.

2. How does apostasy overtake a religious society? When apostasy

pCirsists, what does the Lord bring for the sincere remnant? Acts
7:51-53.
NOTE: "When Christ looked down from the crest of Olivet, He
,aw this state of things existing in every church. The warnings
come down to all that are folIo,wing in the tread of the people of
Jerusalem, who hal~ such great light. This people is before us as
a. warninJ. By rtjecting God's warnings in this our day, men art)
repeating the sin of Jerusalem. The LOI'd sees what the human
agent does not see .and will not see - the outcome of all the human
devising in Battle Creek. He has done all that a God could do. He
has flashed light before the eyes of the people, that their sins might
not reach the boundary where repentance cannot be felt. But by a
long process of departure from just and righteous principles, men
have placed themselves where light and tI'uth, justice and mercy
are not discerned. 'I'his course has become paTt of their very nature.
"I call upon all who have united in a course of action that is
wrong in principle, to make a decided reformation and forever afte!"
wa.Ik humbly whII God " - 8 T 6S.
"Do not the Sniptures call for a more pure and holy work thaI'
we IUlVe yet seen ~ . . . God calls upon those who, are willing to be
controlled by the Holy Spirit to lead out in a work of thorough
reformation. I se0 a crisis before us, and the Lord calls for His
laborers to come into line. Every soul should now qtand in a position
of deeper, truer COIJsecration to, God than during the years that have
passed . . I have been deeply impressed by scenes that have recently
passed before m0 in the night se:lson. There seemed to be a great
movement - a work of reviv':ll - going forward in many places,
Our people wer9 moving into line, responding to God's call.
General Conference Bulletin, :May 19, 1913, p. 34." -ChS 42.

3. Because the Lord may recommend certain locations for special

institutions, does this guarantee their immunity from apostasy?
When apostasy existed among the people, did a move of th')
headquarte'rs from Battle Creek bring a reformation any more
than the move from Shiloh? Jeremiah 7:12-16.
NOTE: "The chmch of Christ is God's agency for the proclamation
of truth; she is empowered by Him to do a special work; and if
she is loyal to GoLl, obedient to His commandments, there will dwell
within her the excl'llence of divine power. If she will honor the Lord
God of Israel, there is 110 power that can stand against her. If she
will be true to her allegiance, the forces of the enemy will be no
more able to overpower her than is the chaff to resist the whirlwind."
-8'I'estimonies paw] 11.
4. What further crisis came? To what degree had the vitally im-
portant publishing house become defiled? What was Sister White
afraid of' in November 1901?
ROTE: "I feel 3. terror of soul as I see to wh:lt a pass our pub-
lishing house has come. The presses in the Lord's institution have

-n-
been printing the soul-destroying theories of Romanism and other
mysteries of inLq;uity. The office must be purged of this objectionable
matter. I have a, testimony from the Lord for those who have placed
sucll matters in the hands of the workers. God holds you accountable
for presenting to young men and young women the fruit of the for-
bidden tree of knowledge. Can it be possible that you' have not a
knowledge of the warnings given to the Pacific Press on this subjectf
Oa.n it be possible that with a knowledge of these warnings you are
going over the same ground, only doing much worse~ It has often
been repeated to you that angels of God are passing through every
room in the offi(le. What impression has this made on your minds'
"You have gh en matter containing /:::latan's sentiments into the
hands of the workers, bringing his deceptive, polluting principles be-
fore their minds. The Lord looks upon this action on your part a~
helping /:::latan to prepare his snare to catch souls. God will not hold
guiltless those who have done this thing. He has a controversy with
the managers of the pUblishing house. I have been almost afraid
to open the Review, fearing to see that God has cleansed the pub-
lishing house by fire." -8T 91.
"Unless there is a reformation, calamity will overtake the pub-
lishing house, and the world will know the reason. I have been
shown that there has not been a turning to God with full purpose
of heart. 'rhe Lurd is dishonored in the institutions erected for
His honor . , " -Ibid., page 96.
5. Does the Lord through the Spirit of Prophecy mean what He
says? How did He ,demonstrate this in the year 1903? ISla. 55:11.
NOTE: "At the General Conference, held in Battle Creek in 1901,
the Lord gave His people evidence that He was c.alling for reform-
ation. Minds were convicted, and hearts were touched; but thorough
work was not done. If stubborn hearts had then broken in penitence
before God, there would ha.ve been seen one of the greatest mani-
festations of the p<,wer of God, that has ever been seen. But God
was not honored. The testimon'ies of His Spirit were not heeded.
Men did not separa te from the practices that were in decided oppos-
ition to the principles of tru~h .and righteousnes~, which should ever
be maintained in the Lord's work." -8'r 97,98.
"It has been asked if I have any advice to give. I have already
given the advice that God has given me, hoping to prevent the falling
of the fiery sword that was hanging over Battle Creek. Now that
which I dreaded has come - the news of the burning of the Review
and Herald building. When this news came, I felt no s'urprise, and
1 had ]lQ. words to speak. What I have had to say from time to time
m warnings has had no effect except to harden those who heard, and
now I can only s,ay. I am so sorry, so very Borry, that it was neces-
sary for this stroke to· com.e. Light enough has been given. If it
were acted upon, further light would not be needed." -Ibid. p. 99.
......,-
 EL After the destruction of the sanitadum and the publishing house,
what further danger came, even though apparent improvement
had come in August 1903?
NO'l'E: "After I l'eceived word in regard to the excellent meeting
of confession a11(1 unity that had been held in Battle Creek I was
writing in my diary and was about to record the th,ankfulness I felt
because a change had come, when my hand was arrested, and there
came to me the words: 'Write it not. N a change f(H' the better
has taken place. Teachings that are turning souls from the truth
are being presented as of great worth. Doctrines are being taugh~
that lead into bypaths and forbidden paths; doctrines that lead
men to, act in harmony with their inclinations and to 'work out their
unsanctified purposes; doctrines that, if received, would destroy the
(tlgnity and power of God's people, obscuring the light that would
otllenvise come to tlJem through God's appointed agencies.' "-8T 231.
7. What is an unchanging, uncompromising condition fixed by the
Lord for unlimit,ed blessing in His business? 2 Ohr. 15:2; 24:19,20.

8. What is the only heaven-recognized refonnation acceptable to

God? Had reformation come in 1909? Malachi 3:7. '

NO'l'E: "During the General Conference of 1909 a work should have

been done in the heuTts of those in attendance that was not done. HOUl'S
should have been given up to heart searching, that would have led to
the breaking up of the' f.allow groUl1(l of the hearts of those who were
at the meetlllg. 'rhis would have given them insight to understa-nd the
\\'01'1, so essential to be done by; them in repentance and confession. But,
tllough opportunities were given for confession of sin, for heartfelt
repentance, and fa,' a decided reformation, thorough work was not
dWle. Some ,felt thlO influence of the Holy Bpirit, aild responded; but
alJ did not yield to this influence. The minds of some were running
III forbidden channels. Had there been on the part of all in the
assembly a humbling of heart, there would have been manifested a
wonderful blessing." -2SM 400,401.

9. What has t,he prophet Amos written concerning the mea,ns wt.ich
the Lord has frequently used to bring a thorough reformation?
Amos 9:8,9.
10. Towards' the close of the long ministry of t,he Srpirit of Prophecy
under the third angel's message, what encQura,ging scene di!l
she see?
NOTE: "It will be well for us to consider what is soon to come
upon the earth. TI,is is no time for trifling or self-seeking. If the
times in which we are living fail to impress our minds seriously, what
can reach us ~ Do not the Scriptures call for a more pure and holy
11'01'1<: than we have yet seen ~

-8S-
 "Men of clear understanding are needed now. God calls upon
those who are willing to be controlled by the Holy Spirit to lead
out in a work of thorough reforma.tion. I see a crisis b.efore us,
and the Lord calls for His laborers to come into line. Every soul
should now stand in a position of deeper, truer consecration to God
than during the years that have passed . . ." -'I'M: 514.
"I have been deeply impressed by scenes tha.t 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. My brethren, the
IJord is speaking to us. Shall we not heed His voice~ Shall we not
"trim our la,mps, o3Il(i act like men who look for their Lord to come~
The time is one t.lw l , calls for light bearing, for action." -Ibid., p. 515.

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