WE HAVE A MESSAGE by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 1, 1857

WE HAVE A MESSAGE.

By James White

Bro. Smith:—We have a message for God’s people that will move them. The holy Spirit witnesseth. The subject of the Seven Churches is deeply interesting, and most clearly gives an outline of the Christian Church from its origin to its close. The testimony to the Laodiceans, with its most cutting reproof, its affectionate counsel, its touching entreaties and its blessed promises, will reach the heart of every Sabbath-keeper that can feel. Only those whose consciences are seared as with a hot iron will remain unmoved, after the subject is fully set before them.

Christ is without, knocking. Our lack of faith, lack of consecration, lack of humility, lack of zeal and courage to fight the battles of the Lord, and lack of the spirit of sacrifice has shut Jesus out. For a few years past the glory has been departing from the remnant, and Jesus has been without, knocking till his locks are wet with the dews of night.

The remnant will hear his voice, and open the door and let the Saviour in. But, dear brother, it is of the greatest importance that all should understand what it is to prepare the way for the dear Saviour. He will not come into that heart where pride dwells. He will not dwell where the love of the world is. Where the love of the world is, there the love of the Father is not. And where is the brother or sister who has not more or less of the love of this world? There may be a few; but the eagerness with which very many strive to get more of this world, shows their love for it. This love for the world must die, before Jesus will come in. The hands must be clean and the heart pure before Jesus will dwell with any one. A great work is to be done right here for those who profess the Third Message. But those for whom this work is to be accomplished evidently do not realize it. O Lord, let thy word wake them up to see that their condition is as described, “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

Some will say that this description of the Laodiceans is too bad for the Sabbath-keepers. The reason is, because they are still saying in their hearts, “I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” Others acknowledge the application of this testimony, talk and write about it, who have hardly begun to feel over it, and to see what it is to be zealous and repent, and to buy gold tried in the fire, white raiment and eye-salve.

True repentance is not only a sorrow for past wrongs, but a change of future course. The command to the Laodiceans is to be zealous and repent; or as A. Campbell translates, “be zealous and reform.” An entire change is here required. Now to acknowledge the testimony, and talk of reforming, and still go on denying faith by works, will certainly render one’s case doubly offensive in the sight of Heaven. Such a course will add sin to sin.

There has already been so much talking and so little living the truth, that our position is disgusting, nauseous, to the Lord, and unless we repent, he will spue us out of his mouth. And now to talk the solemn testimony to the Laodiceans, and still go on loving the world, its treasures, its pride and customs, is adding double insult to the dear Saviour who stands at the door knocking, pleading, counseling. Let those who have the message, talk it; but those who have not, let them first get it in their hearts, and be ready to live it, as well as to talk it.

J. W.