3:2Revelation 3:2

Christ speaks to Sardis as the One who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, telling a church that has a name to live but is dead that its works are not complete before God and it must be watchful and strengthen what remains that is ready to die.RH Oct 22, 1903+4 To be watchful is to be on guard every moment, never losing sight of Christ and His power to save, receiving grace day by day through prayer and the Holy Spirit to resist temptation in an enemy's country, and watching for souls as those who must give an account by seeking the backsliding, weak and perishing to save them.RH Jul 9, 1908+4 To strengthen what remains is to build up fading faith and love that are ready to die by tender sympathy and help, by remembering how the truth was received and holding it fast in repentance, and by refusing new delusions and interpretations that loosen the old landmarks.STMW9 8.2–3+4 Works are weighed by Christ who knows thoughts, words and acts, and they are found wanting when hearts grow cold in love to God and neighbors through selfishness, pride and hardness, and when truth is professed but not practiced.Lt 50a, 1897, par. 16–17+4 Without watchfulness He will come as a thief at an unknown hour, but those who overcome and keep their garments undefiled will walk with Him in white, be clothed in white raiment, and have their names kept in the book of life and confessed before the Father and His angels.Lt 173, 1902, par. 18+4

The words belong to Christ's own message to Sardis, spoken by Him who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, given to John on the Isle of Patmos to make known, where Christ came to show symbols and representations and explain their meaning and desires the instruction to be studied.Lt 261, 1904, par. 1–4+2 It stands together with His messages to Ephesus and to Laodicea, message after message to the churches in the last testimony given to John.Lt 261, 1904, par. 1–4+1 It is delivered with strength and force, so that hearers stand as if arraigned before the Judge of all the earth, with fear and hiding of faces and fainting.RH Oct 22, 1903+1

Sardis has a name to live but is dead, a reputation for being alive hiding spiritual death, and its works are not found complete or perfect or acceptable before God.RH Oct 22, 1903+4 Therefore it must be watchful and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die, staying alert and building up the surviving spiritual life before it perishes rather than relying on reputation.8T 98.1–99.1+4 The message is full of instruction for believers now, distinguishing those with a name for being alive but dead from those striving to overcome, and is applied to the church of the present day.RH Aug 20, 1903+1 These warnings are being fulfilled.8T 98.1–99.1+1

To have merely a name while dead is a terrible and dangerous condition, and nothing is more dangerous to a professing Christian.MWISDAP 28.1–2+2 It is produced by intense labor and occupation with keeping up a living name while neglecting responsibilities of a most solemn character, taking the name Christian without being Christlike and without doing the works of a living church.MWISDAP 28.1–2+2 God cannot put His stamp upon such work, but counts that name as dead so far as correct influence is concerned.MWISDAP 28.1–2+2 Those who follow such an example become dead, harmed and destroyed by false representations.MWISDAP 28.1–2+2 Christ wants instead a living connection with God that braids life with Christ, receiving from Him to impart and give to others rather than keeping precious, glorious truths to oneself, for outward form of godliness and false confidence that undermines established truths leads the inexperienced to doubt and abandon the Sabbath.Ms 151, 1904, par. 10–12+1

Sardis was a very wicked city where light had been given through Paul's preaching and some had believed, but many departed from the faith, and the same falling away exists today.Ms 71, 1903, par. 51–52 Many converted through the preaching of the apostles received truth as a bright and shining light yet forgot the wonderful manner in which they had received and heard it.Ms 71, 1903, par. 51–52+1 After one after another of the old standard-bearers fell they became wearied, and in spiritual blindness desired a wonderful change, not discerning that their sophistries would uproot all past experience.Ms 34, 1905, par. 9–10 To be watchful therefore means to watch diligently and be constantly guarded against delusions of the enemy at a time when errors come as a thief to steal away faith, and to strengthen what remains means to hold former experience and oft-repeated truths instead of seeking a new and more pleasing phase of doctrine.Ms 34, 1905, par. 9–10 The call is joined to remembering how truth was received, holding fast and repenting, with warning that failure to watch brings Christ's sudden coming as a thief at an unknown hour, while the few who have not stained their garments will walk with Him in white.Ms 71, 1903, par. 51–52

The warning to Sardis is symbolic of the Christian church in a period of the Christian era, and because seven indicates completeness it extends to the end of time and is in force today.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56 It portrays conditions in the last days and the state of things existing in the churches of the religious world today, revealing the spiritual condition of God's people who have received great light but are in danger when they fail to follow it.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56+1 It portrays God's professed people as wheat developing among tares, with truth standing on its own eternal basis in contrast with error.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56 Its first three verses call for special attention and belong with the events of earth's final history, where Satan seeks to deceive and confuse, so alertness rather than confusion is required.Lt 224a, 1906, par. 7–9 The messages to the seven churches symbolize seven states covering the entire period from Christ's first advent to His second appearing, and the sixth state represents those who with one united voice proclaimed His coming in the autumn of 1844 and were about to enter great trial.LS 122.1–123.1 Relief came by light from the heavenly sanctuary that at the close of the 2300 days the door or ministration of the holy place was shut and the door or ministration of the most holy place was opened, where Jesus stands before the mercy-seat and the ark of the ten commandments, a shut and open door linking the past Advent movement to present duty to keep the commandments including the Sabbath of the fourth commandment and to future glory and reward, against men near the close of church history who war against that truth by laboring to open the shut door and shut the open door in violent and persecuting opposition to commandment-keepers.LS 122.1–123.1 The solemn testimony is now to be proclaimed as the third angel's message, combining the first and second messages and binding them with the third, belonging to the closing scenes and to the great last warfare between those who keep the commandments of God and those who make void His law.Ms 55, 1895, par. 14–16

To be watchful is to stand on guard every moment, never for one instant losing sight of Christ and His power to save in the hour of trial, keeping the hand placed in His to be upheld by the power of His might while firmly resisting the besetments of the enemy and all his evil agencies.RH Jul 9, 1908+1 Such watchfulness cannot be performed unless strength is first obtained, for strengthening what remains ready to die requires power received beforehand.Ms 92, 1901, par. 1–3 Grace is the price of watchfulness, received as its saving effect is felt day by day through advancing with God, with prayer in faith bringing rich blessing through the gift of the Holy Spirit and strength bestowed as blessing.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1 Constantly receiving that grace and the baptism of the Holy Spirit gives power to resist temptation, by ceasing to regard self, keeping the eyes fixed on Jesus, and waiting and diligently listening to receive orders from the Captain of salvation.Ms 26, 1889, par. 14 No one can be a happy Christian without being a watchful Christian, since overcoming requires watching against worldly entanglements, error, superstition, and mental occupation with Satan's devices that draw followers away from Christ.Lt 5, 1903, par. 15–18

Watchfulness means more than avoiding open dangers and inconsistent moves; it means staying close to Christ in self-denial and self-sacrifice, refusing to let spiritual perception be blinded by a strong determined will, and receiving the grace of Christ and His Spirit to detect artifices and withstand unexpected attacks.Lt 5, 1903, par. 15–18 Believers live in an enemy's country where the one cast out of heaven has come down with great power and uses every artifice to take souls captive, so without constant guard they fall easy prey to numberless deceptions.Lt 5, 1903, par. 15–18 Their manifold enemies are often hidden, coming with smooth words and fair speeches to deceive even the elect, while at other times Satan attacks openly as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, and since unsurrendered human will sides as often with the enemy as with the Lord, safety requires watching unto prayer and watching and praying always.Lt 5, 1903, par. 15–18 As stewards left in charge by their absent Lord who has returned to heaven, they must watch and wait and prepare for His coming and be faithful to their trust lest He come suddenly and find them sleeping.Lt 5, 1903, par. 15–18 Past seasons of prayer or service are not sufficient, for the call is to constant watchfulness and prayer to strengthen what remains spiritually, seeking wisdom from God rather than depending on another human leader as mediator or source of wisdom.9MR 159.4–5

To be watchful is to watch for souls as those who must give an account, searching the Scriptures earnestly and praying often on the knees for heavenly wisdom, and placing oneself under the power of the Scriptures by living in accordance with the will of God with the Word as guide.Ms 2, 1883, par. 1–2+1 Strengthening what remains ready to perish means using the promises, directions, counsel, warnings and reproof of the Word as each case requires, searching it with humble heart and willing mind to understand, drawing from its storehouse things new and old for the benefit of others, and leading minds to gain a personal, experimental knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus.Ms 2, 1883, par. 1–2+1 Those ready to die are souls sorely tempted and perishing because they do not have that knowledge.Ms 2, 1883, par. 1–2+1 The work continues beyond pulpit preaching with earnest personal house-to-house Scripture study and prayer, learning and presenting Christ's method of teaching in the power of the Spirit, planning work for every believer and teaching all, especially new converts, how to labor for others as laborers together with God.RH Jan 21, 1902

Being watchful outgenerals the activity of Satan and turns a sinner from the error of his ways and saves a soul from death, with God working with human effort, and it is done by being workers together with God in looking up the weak and halting, especially souls tainted with error, disaffected, criticizing, and those from foreign countries, and drawing them within caring influence so none can say no one cares for their soul.Lt 4, 1888, par. 15–16 Failing to watch for souls and lead them to the light lets thousands go down to complete discouragement, when honest wrong impressions distort truth and unbelief keeps mercy away.Lt 4, 1888, par. 15–16 It means being watchful for backsliding members who have gone onto Satan's ground and are perishing spiritually, seeking them out and helping them most because they need help most, and building up their failing faith and life.Ms 32, 1893, par. 12+1 Neglecting this rescue work leaves works incomplete before God and shows lack of the mind of Christ, for the warning reaches to the present time against cold-hearted, indifferent neglect of those strayed into Satan's snare and spiritually ready to die.Ms 32, 1893, par. 12+1 Instead of passing by on the other side and leaving wounded, bruised, robbed souls unaided, the watchful search for them with earnest, persevering personal effort in whatever place and position of trust, to awaken interest in their restoration, with soft, tender, broken hearts and human sympathy made sacred and holy by cooperation with the divine, restoring souls spiritually ready to perish and souls already spiritually dead.Lt 69, 1893, par. 11–13

When one sees another doing wrong, the duty is to first look at self and own mistakes, then go directly to that person and tell him his mistakes instead of reporting his wrongdoing to someone else, in the spirit of Christ with a heart full of tenderness, talking and praying with him and seeking reconciliation and straight paths for the feet.Ms 50, 1904, par. 4–5 This earnest help for one another removes misunderstandings and fills hearts with hope and courage, and it strengthens the faith and good that remain in others and are ready to die.Ms 50, 1904, par. 4–5 To be watchful is also to guard those in peril under the Spirit and to yoke with Christ to labor rather than folding the hands, for neglecting the rescue makes watchmen answerable for blood while doing it brings joy in heaven.Lt 4, 1888, par. 15–16+3 To be watchful is to be constantly guarded against delusions, errors coming as a thief, Satan's science, deceptive miracles, spiritualistic influence and false science from the archdeceiver.Ms 145, 1905, par. 6–12+2 It means holding former experience and oft-repeated truths instead of seeking a new pleasing phase, refusing new interpretations that misapply true texts, and rejecting elaborate, uncalled-for explanations that make the Word strengthen error.Ms 145, 1905, par. 6–12+1

Men will arise claiming new light whose theories, built by misapplying true texts and giving them a wrong application, would destroy faith in truths that stood the test for half a century, especially the sanctuary light given after the 1844 disappointment.Ms 145, 1905, par. 6–12+1 Be watchful therefore means to humble the soul before God, to keep spiritual eyesight clear, to remember how the truth was received and heard, to hold it fast, to repent, and to call God's people to turn from such theories without hesitation.Ms 145, 1905, par. 6–12+1 It means to strengthen those ready to die spiritually by reason of false theories brought in through misapplication of Scripture, keeping the warning before God's people and strengthening faith in received truth against efforts to unsettle it.Ms 145, 1905, par. 6–12+1 That requires being clear and firm on what was received and advocated, standing on the platform of eternal truth, and rejecting every error even when it looks real, especially error that denies the personality of God or of Christ, because turning from the path of truth leaves a person without an anchor and drifting from one delusion to another on winds of empty teaching.Ms 124, 1905, par. 10–12 The warning applies to those who have heard and accepted the truth but later let deceptive theories weaken faith until it is near death and works are not complete before God, and to believers whose faith in the truth that distinguishes them as God's commandment-keeping people is being undermined.Lt 230, 1906, par. 11–13+2

To be watchful means to cherish the love of Jesus Christ by watchful, persevering, missionary, painstaking effort, for that love is what remains and is ready to perish when it is not cherished.Lt 16d, 1892, par. 8–11+1 Works found imperfect are hardness of heart toward one another, dealing with human minds without sensitivity and sympathy, and failing to copy Christ the Pattern in associations, business deals, and spiritual things, which offends God, dishonors His holy name, and places Him in a false light.Lt 16d, 1892, par. 8–11 Dissension among God's people prevents them from being in harmony with Christ, so the call to watch and strengthen what remains applies to a church divided among itself.STGC 68.2+1 It means being firm to duty, being bound together by the bonds of Christian fellowship, and being strengthened in faith by speaking often to one another about the precious truth entrusted to them.Lt 179, 1902, par. 29–33 It forbids quarreling and condemning, and requires uniting upon the importance of obedience to God's law.Lt 179, 1902, par. 29–33

The things ready to die are the beginning of faith and first love and spiritual strength once rejoiced in by those convicted under John the Baptist and by those who received truth from Christ's teaching but afterward forsook it.Lt 179, 1902, par. 25–28 Their dying state came from not holding the beginning of confidence firm unto the end, quibbling over matters of no special importance that God never gave as tests and dwelling on differences of opinion until the differences became as mountains separating them from Christ and from one another and destroying unity and love.Lt 179, 1902, par. 25–28 The verse calls present believers in the same danger to awake, to be one with Christ and with one another, to put on the robe of Christ's righteousness instead of garments spotted by sin, and never to lift what God has not made a test into a test as was done with the subject of the law in Galatians.Lt 179, 1902, par. 25–28 Without such watchfulness Christ will come as a thief at an unknown hour, so the call is to remember how truth was received and heard, to hold fast and repent.Lt 173, 1902, par. 18+1

Watchfulness requires that children of God who have light on Bible truth be wide awake and advance with the opening providence of God, watching against the devising of Satan to strengthen what remains ready to die, that works may be found perfect before God.Ms 21, 1889, par. 61–64 It requires not being deceived in self, dealing honestly with self, looking unto Jesus, and by beholding becoming changed into His image, with rich hope and encouragement to parents and children only on conditions of faith and obedience to do works of righteousness.Ms 21, 1889, par. 61–64 It means to wake up from lethargy, lukewarmness and deathlike slumber and strengthen unfinished work about to fail, for years of lukewarm slumber have left the work of entering cities and establishing centers and memorials for present truth far behind.RH Jul 23, 1908+1 Only a few are doing all they can because the burden has not been laid on hearts and workers have not been urged to cooperate, so shepherds must throw off lethargy with heartfelt confession of sin and seeking after God, in earnest organized efforts under the moving of the Holy Spirit so that light goes forth to those in darkness through earnest presenters who reveal that God is with them.RH Jul 23, 1908+1 It warns against laxity and against corrupt influences and seducing spirits that work subtly and can lead into false paths, calling for staying watchful and strengthening remaining faith and spiritual life close to dying rather than remaining weak and indifferent.Lt 37, 1905, par. 9–10

To strengthen what remains is to build up, not put down, the fading faith and good that is ready to die, keeping alive the light of forgiveness by helping those who need help, retaining the softening love of Christ, practicing received truth, and stretching out the hand in tender sympathy to save distressed, straying, starving and despairing souls.STMW9 8.2–3+2 Failure to do this building work is the sin specially charged against Sardis, and works are not perfect or complete before God until it is done, for splendid profession without tender love is not acceptable.Lt 44, 1898, par. 8–12+2 The lack comes through self-righteousness, pride, self-importance, self-love, self-deception, self-justification, selfishness and covetousness, hardness of heart toward brethren, and gross neglect to help by encouraging words and deeds, which lets faith grow dim, closes the heart to truth's influence, leaves excellent qualifications neutralized, and leaves those who could have been helped in despair.STMW9 8.2–3+2 Taking the Christian name without being Christlike does not pay, for what is wanted is a living connection that braids life with Christ, receiving from Him to impart and give to others instead of keeping precious truths to self, communicating in love to churches that know the reasons of faith and to souls outside, with every person watching to do appointed work and using God-given talents to diffuse light instead of hindering others.Lt 44, 1898, par. 8–12+1 Neglect makes works fail to correspond with faith, calls for repentance for making so little use of truth, and leaves works weighed in the sanctuary balance and found wanting, with the warning that without watchfulness Christ will come as a thief.STMW9 8.2–3+1

Strengthening also means remembering how truth was received and heard, holding it fast and repenting, keeping the old landmarks and refusing any interpretation that would loosen a pin or remove a pillar from the platform of truth.Lt 346, 1905, par. 2–5+2 Especially to be held are the pillars concerning the sanctuary and concerning the personality of God and of Christ, for bringing in theories that remove those pillars is working in blindness, bringing uncertainties and setting people adrift without an anchor.Ms 62, 1905, par. 13–14+1 Truth received into the heart must be developed and expressed in character and held fast against skepticism, falsehood, distorted representations, false coloring of word and work, human interpretations and fables that spoil faith, confuse understanding and make faith in Christ of none effect.1MR 54.4+1 The need is urgent because Satan labors to dull memory and understanding of the light, to weaken confidence by the tempter's voice, and to imbue minds imperceptibly through subtle theories and mind upon mind influence from those departed from the faith, so discernment must be kept fine and correct and the beginning of confidence held steadfast to the end.Lt 346, 1905, par. 2–5+1

The things ready to die are weak believers and wavering faith, including those whose hold on the prophecies is struggling and who are strengthened by heaven's light and living testimonies of knowing and walking with God.Ms 7, 1890, par. 8+1 They include the dying work in Atlanta and the whole Southern field, to be strengthened by keeping the Atlanta building in the hands of God's people instead of selling it to worldlings and using it for sanitarium work where medical missionary work united with gospel ministry proclaims the third angel's message, opens doors, removes prejudice, and stands as a memorial of service.Lt 73, 1902, par. 1–6 They include the faith of members in Michigan wavering because watchmen give an uncertain message, to be settled by visits of experienced workers with personal effort where the people are.Ms 65, 1893, par. 1–2+1 A leader who has imperiled the cause must stay at Battle Creek at the seat of war and restore what he has made weak and ready to die after sustaining unsanctified men and giving them influence, for to leave in that condition is unfaithful like Aaron and without appearance of being true, brave or honorable.Ms 176, 1897, par. 66 The same rule leaves workers to uphold existing work while others enter new fields, with wisdom sought from the Holy Spirit free from bondage to men.Ms 138a, 1899, par. 16

Sharing means belongs to this strengthening, for poor indebted churches burdened by poverty are among the things that remain, and stronger churches should share to bring them to prosperity, since selfishness leads to spiritual death.8T 135.3 In Vermont the remaining life is strengthened by earnest ministry that meets spiritual needs, and in the East by more effective labor and preaching to those who have not heard, where the angel of mercy hovers and organization and order are at last felt, with former discouragements removed, a coming revival, danger of extremes, and God's moving of the work westward to humble an independent rebellious spirit and teach prizing of faithful servants.2T 649.1+1 Publishing plain clean truth in the Spirit of God strengthens what remains and builds up in the most holy faith, rejoicing trusting hearts, showing that most Advent believers once held the shut door in 1844, bringing many out to a firm unyielding stand, which is why Satan hinders publication by sickness and distress because he knows it hurts his cause.Ms 7a, 1850, par. 5+2

Strengthening begins in the home by watchful religion there and thorough work in home life, educating children to well-balanced characters the Lord can approve, for without these essential duties no ground exists to expect God's blessing, since God works with human effort but does not do the assigned work for men.Ms 19, 1889, par. 1–2+1 Fathers must do this work, mothers are to be honored as queen and respected before all children old or young as teacher from babyhood, children are to respect her and share burdens so she is not laid prematurely in the grave leaving orphans, and then children are to be carried to church with respect for authority, bringing peace as a river and representing Christ's righteousness.Ms 159, 1904, par. 23–24 It means also visiting and caring for churches already raised up instead of leaving them to go down and ravel out while restlessly creating new interests that cannot be looked after, and taking up present family duties and burdens of today in the fear of God instead of neglecting them for some great ungiven work, wiping out reproach and redeeming the time.Lt 1, 1879, par. 2+1 It includes temperance in eating and drinking to keep mind and body fit for service, accepting health reform by denying perverted appetite and putting away flesh meat which animalizes nature, robs of love and sympathy, and lets lower passions rule because men are built from what they eat, choosing instead abundant fruits, grains and nuts, where God can cooperate and give better health.5MR 407.5–408.1

Ministers and conference leaders are called to awaken from neglect, improve use of entrusted abilities, and urgently build up churches and believers left sickly and unfed through wasted hours, neglected duties and misused talents, with hope now for those who see unfulfilled duties and redeem the time and use talents faithfully, since unused powers weaken and decay.ASCOP 20.2–21.1+1 Those with a name to live but dead must cease to be consumers and not producers, for those sustained by the tithe must bear much fruit by sincere earnest persevering soul labor in the vineyard, wise dealing, justice to self and cause, counting no work too taxing, refusing selfishness, carelessness, inaction and wasted opportunity that weaken spiritual sinews.Ms 35, 1901, par. 17–20+1 Tithe-supported workers who bear no fruit make the tithe a snare instead of a blessing, and wise dealing does not reward the faithful little while the fruitless receive much.17MR 248.3–5 They need converted hearts baptized by the Spirit, advancing from light to greater light instead of remaining lukewarm, with earnest labor to revive failing spirituality, for even splendid service imposing a small human yoke is not acceptable and God calls for breaking every yoke.Lt 115, 1890, par. 11–13+1

Christ weighs the character and works of all who take His name, supervising every individual and knowing the thoughts and intents of the heart as well as every word and act, knowing all about religious experience and whom each loves and serves, so there is need of close self-examination.Lt 149, 1903, par. 10–12+2 The life record of church members is registered in God's book of records and will be examined in the great day when everyone receives according to his works, so watchfulness to strengthen what remains that is ready to die is preparation to stand in that judgment.Lt 22, 1901, par. 7–8+2 The message to Sardis is symbolic of a period of the Christian era, and because seven indicates completeness it extends to the end of time and is in force today, portraying the state of things in the churches of the religious world and of God's professed people as wheat developing among tares, with truth standing on its own eternal basis in contrast with error.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56 It is addressed not to open sinners but to professed churches and Christians who claim advanced experience yet have fallen from first love and lost zeal, keeping the name of being alive while dead, with no excuse for being unlike Christ, for God requires purity and holiness and has made it possible.Lt 149, 1903, par. 10–12+2 Weighed in the balances of the sanctuary they are pronounced wanting and offensive to God when carnal security, pride, and contempt for His holy law and service mark them, and when fruit and spiritual condition fail to match light, blessings, and opportunities, judged by present course against the progress that could have been made rather than by past condition or human opinion.Ms 52, 1900, par. 5–9+1

Works are not perfect before God when religious life is praiseworthy in works and patience yet hearts grow cold and unimpressible and deficient in love to God and to neighbors.Lt 50a, 1897, par. 16–17+1 That coldness works out through Pharisaical harshness that hurts a brother, self-love, self-deception, self-justification, selfishness, covetousness, hardness toward brethren, pride, self-importance, self-righteousness, arbitrary authority, domineering, oppression, offering strange fire in harsh words and self-exaltation, restricting liberty by human plans and rules which God has not framed, unsanctified will, love of supremacy, earthly sensual thoughts, and hurtful transactions by those in exalted light.Lt 50a, 1897, par. 16–17+2 It is seen when self figures too largely in a minister so that Christ is not honored or glorified, making his work faulty and superficial, his example unsafe to follow, his life not yet pleasing to the Lord and his character not yet Christlike, calling him to diligent obedience, unreserved consecration, careful work with no blunders, and leaving self behind, lest he step down from ministry and fail of the straight gate and heaven as his home.Lt 185, 1902, par. 5–7 It is seen in murmuring over sharing blessings such as five thousand dollars of overflow to a needy field.Lt 185, 1902, par. 5–7 Splendid work does not make service acceptable when even a small or the least human yoke is imposed on God's people, and God calls for breaking every yoke and burdening them with none.Ms 156, 1901, par. 38–39+1

Works are incomplete when those who teach the truth do not practice it, for reputation for spiritual life can conceal spiritual death, and knowing the truth is not enough unless Christ's love and holy principles of action shape the life.Ms 43a, 1898, par. 32–33+1 Christian name and religious activity do not prove character and works right before God, but professed Christians must practice truth and become Christlike, not merely maintain piety, as doers and not hearers only.STMW9 14.1+1 God has warned for years, saying this is the way, walk in it, requiring works to be made perfect and brought to completeness before Him, yet those warned have determined to follow their own will and way, presenting a very ragged practice while claiming to teach truth, so their works are not accepted and the enemy obtains victories over minds and hearts and wills.MWISDAP 5.2+1 Those who reject His words and follow their own will become vulnerable to Satan's deception, which can replace truth with error and lead away from belief in His word into skepticism and unbelief, instead of more faithful service with trustful unwavering faith and joy in the Lord.STB 348.2+1 The call to be watchful and strengthen what remains is joined to offering the sacred fire, so that Christ's works, His love, His mercy, and His righteousness ascend before God as a cloud of holy fragrant incense wholly acceptable.STMW9 14.1

To be perfect before God is to put on righteousness, the white raiment of Christ's righteousness instead of garments spotted by sin, seeking the Lord and standing firmly for truth.Lt 179, 1902, par. 25–28+1 Only those so clothed will endure His glory when He appears with power.Lt 179, 1902, par. 25–28 Genuine spiritual strength and power to overcome temptation come by firm humble dependence on Christ, living out profession by self-examination, cultivating His love, pleading with God for a new heart and accepting the heart He gives, holding fast the faith first received and resisting false messages.Ms 188, 1905, par. 35+1 The things ready to die are the beginning of faith and first love and spiritual strength once rejoiced in by those convicted under John the Baptist and by those who received truth from Christ's teaching but afterward forsook it, dying because they did not hold the beginning of confidence firm to the end but quibbled over matters God never made tests and dwelt on differences until they became as mountains separating them from Christ and one another and destroying unity and love.Lt 179, 1902, par. 25–28 Present believers in the same danger are called to awake, to be one with Christ and with one another, and never to lift what God has not made a test into a test as was done with the subject of the law in Galatians.Lt 179, 1902, par. 25–28

These warnings are being fulfilled now in the present situation, calling for watchfulness and renewal rather than reliance on a reputation for being alive.8T 98.1–99.1+1 The rebuke was strictly fulfilled when conviction at the last General Conference in Battle Creek was not followed by broken penitence and separation from practices in decided opposition to truth and righteousness, and the warning has been given in two fulfilments.Lt 5, 1903, par. 4–7 That call came at that Conference as an opportunity to discern the movings of the Spirit, with decisions then made for eternity and with no greater evidence ever to be given, and those who did not improve it would be more blinded by the enemy to do strange things, bringing a new order in which God turns and overturns and proves His people, humbling those who falsified principle if they harden their hearts as Pharaoh did, and coming near in judgment at an unknown hour because their works are not perfect before God.Lt 308, 1903, par. 10–11 For years the words described the moral condition of the Review and Herald office, whose name and work hid failing spiritual life, urging its workers to guard against decline and bring conduct into line with God's will.Lt 22, 1894, par. 12–13+1 Christ repeatedly visited Battle Creek with mercy and healing but was met with unbelief like Jerusalem's rejection, leaving the church discouraged and near death.Lt 5, 1903, par. 4–7

The message distinguishes those who have a name for being alive but are dead from those striving to overcome, and it is applied to the church of the present day.RH Aug 20, 1903 It belongs to Christ's message to the churches which portrays conditions in the last days and reveals the spiritual condition of God's people who have received great light but are in danger when they fail to follow it.Ms 166, 1902, par. 25–28 It is sent to the church of the present day as part of the whole third chapter to be read with personal application, together with the Laodicean message that applies especially to God's people today, directed to professing Christians become so like the world that no difference can be seen.Ms 78, 1903, par. 22–23 As the living face investigative judgment they must watch and strengthen what remains but is near death, because their works are not complete before God, calling for repentance and readiness for His coming.10MR 266.3–267.1 It is a lesson of warning to Seventh-day Adventists now, to be heeded because the time is at hand, describing their present condition in a most trying time before them with perils thickening until the close of earth's history.Ms 112, 1904, par. 1 It means living for Bible truth alone and living lives of humility and prayer in view of the world's abominations and crimes fulfilling prophecies of prevailing wickedness in the last days.Lt 220, 1903, par. 46–48

The rebuke still calls shepherds in the flock who do not discern their spiritual need, who do not keep pure principles uncontaminated by worldly influences, and who are careless about their standing, correcting the deficiency of having a name to live while dead as to saving influence, having a form of godliness without power.Lt 64, 1903, par. 7–8 It is a rebuke and command to those claiming to be Sabbathkeepers proclaiming the last work to be done, whose work is undone and whose ideas are confused, whose remaining things are ready to die, calling them to receive the Spirit for power, to remember how truth was received and heard and hold fast with the earnest effort of the early days to get the warning before everyone, and to repent lest Christ come as a thief.Ms 72, 1910, par. 1–4 Its warning that works are not complete applies to the Fresno church where earnest work is needed to set things in order, since criticizing and condemning others does not strengthen weakened spiritual life.Lt 8a, 1890, par. 34–37 The counsel to Laodicea joined with these messages applies to the church in Los Angeles and to churches generally, calling them to awake and do the work God has given them.15MR 317.2–3+1 These words identify true spiritual condition where a church can have a reputation for life while dead, warning that Dr. Kellogg is unconverted and that some associate physicians are deceived and obstructing his repentance.Lt 23, 1904, par. 7–8

The verse means a present work of spiritual reviving of the third angel's message in all the churches, to be carried out in gatherings and camp-meetings by setting aside business for deep heart-searching from the very beginning, curing alienation not by talking grievances but by each soul seeking the Lord, emptying self and humbling the heart before God to be prepared to work and receive strength.Ms 16, 1908, par. 2–4 It means to wake from lethargy, lukewarmness and deathlike slumber and strengthen unfinished work about to fail, applying to ministers and people far behind in entering cities and establishing centers for present truth where only a few do all they can, calling for confession, seeking God, shepherds throwing off lethargy, and earnest organized efforts under the Spirit so light goes to darkness through presenters who reveal God is with them.RH Jul 23, 1908 Years of lukewarmness and slumber have left this work of entering cities and establishing memorials far behind, with the people not bearing its burden or being urged to cooperate and set the remaining work in order.Ms 51, 1908, par. 8 Strengthening what remains means reprinting and setting forth past experience in the message, the special working of Providence and the power of the Holy Spirit, because those without that experience need it, requiring watchfulness in choosing the line of work that will most strengthen what is ready to die.Lt 339, 1905, par. 4

The call to stay alert and strengthen what is near death is inseparable from remembering how the truth was first received and heard, holding it fast, and repenting, for works are found incomplete before God when received truth is neglected and leaves souls vulnerable to false ideas and weakness.Lt 173, 1902, par. 18+4 Without such watchfulness Christ will come as a thief at an unknown hour and catch the unprepared, and the threat gives the appeal its urgency.Lt 173, 1902, par. 18+3 Only those who truly watch and hold fast will know the time and not be caught unprepared.Lt 173, 1902, par. 18+2 The warning comes not from human lips but from heaven, from One who cannot be swayed by human influence.Ms 118, 1903, par. 15–19

This dying condition is the condition of having left first love and first works, having lost zeal and spiritual strength and interest in spiritual things through cold worldliness shutting Christ's love from the heart.6T 76.4–77.2+3 It is the state of those who must come in penitence to ask forgiveness for not keeping the law and for not loving one another as Christ loved them.Ms 14, 1903, par. 37 It is like salt without savor, to be met by remembrance of where they have fallen, repentance, and doing the first works, with the things written not only read but studied most earnestly and kept.Lt 93, 1896, par. 5 Returning to first love means living in peace and unity with one another, for union with Christ brings unity among believers, while a fierce displeased spirit is Satan's and not Christ's, and self must be wholly devoted to God and crucified.2MR 225.4

The verse stands with precious promises held out to the overcomer and pictures the spiritual life of many.Lt 66, 1910, par. 6+1 A few in Sardis have kept their garments undefiled and will walk with Christ in white, and those who overcome will be clothed in white, with names kept in the book of life and confessed before the Father and angels.Ms 52, 1898, par. 31–33 It stands among Christ's messages to the churches alongside the assurance of an open door that no one can shut.Ms 143, 1901, par. 11–16 This dead profession with a reputation for life is joined to being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, claiming to be rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing while being wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, needing gold tried in fire and white raiment and eyesalve.Lt 24, 1897, par. 4–5 It is to be read as part of the highest education that can be given, learned directly from God and not from unsanctified human teachers, teaching obedience to all the commandments pronounced in awful grandeur from Sinai.Lt 164, 1910, par. 5–7

The whole third chapter was penned by inspiration of the Spirit of God and must be heard as what the Spirit says to the churches.Ms 118, 1903, par. 15–19+1 Those who watch for souls must study it because they must give an account, and watchmen, ministers and doctors in every place are called to guard every outpost, to answer in clear decided tones under the Holy Spirit, and to rouse themselves from stubborn unbelief lest blood of perishing confused souls be required at their hands.Lt 100, 1906, par. 17 They are commanded to awaken the watchmen and to cry aloud and spare not and lift the voice like a trumpet, to remain alert and build up what is left that is about to die, in order to redeem humanity and save the flock from satanic delusions and delusive sentiments.Lt 100, 1906, par. 14 Christ will continue to send message after message of this kind until the redeemed universe is at rest, giving all who are willing opportunity to separate from delusion.Lt 100, 1906, par. 14 Outward religious forms are worthless without the love of God in the heart, for works lacking that inward life are not complete before God, and the people addressed had once believed with conviction but some had lost faith or first love and spiritual strength and saving influence.Lt 31, 1903, par. 6+1

The message rebukes departing from pure, holy, sanctified principles in business management in institutions, calling for watchfulness to strengthen what remains because works are not found perfect before God.Lt 63, 1903, par. 18–20 In that setting it calls leaders to cleanse their lives and prepare for the judgment, to repent and hold fast.Lt 51, 1886, par. 24–25 It warns professed believers and many churches that have not made the needed changes to heed Christ's counsel and change their attitude.Ms 142, 1909, par. 25–27 It appeals especially to young men and young women to know there is a right side and a wrong side and to be on the right side, refusing to follow the majority as in Noah's day when the largest number chose the wrong side, and refusing to follow a world maddened under Satan's training into sustaining and popularizing transgression of the law whose principles remain fully in force.Ms 176, 1897, par. 21–23

The grave warning against present spiritual indifference and half-hearted work calls for awaking to the condition, receiving the impartation of the Holy Spirit, making unreserved consecration to God's service, and going to work with zeal and animation and genuine interest in matters of eternal importance.Lt 153, 1902, par. 18–20+1 To strengthen the gospel work that remains and is ready to die, because works are not perfect before God, laborers must be supplied for the open fields for proclamation of truth, and this is Bible truth to be preached that applies to many in the world today.Lt 153, 1902, par. 18–20+1 To wake up is to get rid of wrapping up in own desires and interests while God and His work are forgotten, to gain a realizing sense of the shortness of time and the work to be accomplished for God's people, to agonize with God until the holy unction rests, and then to appeal to hearts so the testimony affects them and does others good.Lt 2, 1862, par. 6 The sleeping condition to be cured is dangerous, cold, dead and almost dead like an unfaithful servant whose works are not right, seen where the church is bowed in prayer yet asleep, some fast asleep and a few dead asleep so they have fallen over while two or three sleepily drag out a few words of prayer.Lt 2, 1862, par. 6+1 They need to be brought into right position through warning and reproof to be watchful and strengthen what remains, for the heavy impure atmosphere smarting throat and nostrils is the stench of sins and wrongs from emanations of their bodies, which do not win souls to God and the truth but drive them from the truth and disgust unbelievers rather than convicting them.Lt 49a, 1874, par. 4–5

Obedience forbids giving time to faultfinding and criticizing and requires receiving divine truth into the heart until the heart breaks before God, for God receives the broken heart and contrite spirit.Ms 21, 1903, par. 1–3 Salvation must not be based on supposition but on knowing of a surety that Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, and that the Spirit of God abides in the heart with living communion with God, so as to be ready if Christ comes quickly or if life is suddenly ended.Ms 21, 1903, par. 1–3 The house must be set in order now while it is called today and step kept with Christ, lest through unbelief of God's word there be failure to enter the promised land, as the children of Israel who left Egypt perished in the wilderness.Ms 21, 1903, par. 1–3 Those who have resisted light and evidence walk as blind men not knowing at what they stumble, make crooked paths for their feet, and turn the lame out of the way.17MR 174.3–175.1 The call is to receive the Holy Spirit proffered again and again, to honor God and praise Him, to respond to His grace by cultivating love for heavenly things, and to behold Jesus so His likeness is reflected in cheerful, grateful praise for His love and grace, for the heavenly anointing departs when the soul is not trained to pity, when faith scarcely has an existence, and when men handling sacred things are sharp, critical, and censorious.17MR 174.3–175.1 Each person must test the heart in the light of God's word and make setting the heart in order with the help of Christ the first work, together with remembering what was received and heard, holding firm, and turning from wrong, for failure to strengthen what remains and is ready to die is the sin specially charged.5T 610.1

A most earnest work must be done by those with defective characters who have known the truth, even those standing in positions of responsibility, who must humble proud hearts and repent instead of refusing to confess and make crooked things straight.Lt 186, 1903, par. 10–12+1 Those who dishonor God by evil works, coercing and hurting their brethren, will have His protection removed, their evil works revealed, and the candlestick removed out of its place, and those who act as sinners will be punished as such unless they repent.Lt 186, 1903, par. 10–12 The church must remember what it received and heard, hold fast, and repent, because Christ finds its works incomplete before God.Ms 155, 1902, par. 18–21 Thorough conversion and thorough and decided reform in all spiritual lines in the churches is required, without which His people view things incorrectly and work at cross purposes with Him.Lt 289, 1904, par. 15 Being watchful and strengthening what remains means doing thorough work now and carrying it forward until the change God calls for is made, with ministers and people ceasing to criticize others and to repeat discouraging reports that weaken the hands of those trying to do their appointed work, for failure to watch brings Christ coming as a thief at an hour not known.Lt 289, 1904, par. 15

Being watchful and strengthening the things that remain means adorning the doctrine of Christ the Saviour by having the same mind that was in Christ, overcoming personal likes and dislikes and the desire to favor self to the disadvantage of others, letting the peace of God rule in the heart, and having Christ within as a living, working power.Ms 39, 1896, par. 29 It is the work every son and daughter of God must do, and the duty to strengthen the faith and good that remain in others and are ready to die.Ms 39, 1896, par. 29+1 When one sees another doing wrong, the duty is first to look at self and own mistakes, then to go directly to that person and tell him his mistakes instead of reporting his wrongdoing to someone else.Ms 50, 1904, par. 4–5 The approach must be in the spirit of Christ with a heart full of tenderness, talking and praying with him and seeking reconciliation and straight paths for the feet, and this earnest help for one another removes misunderstandings and fills hearts with hope and courage.Ms 50, 1904, par. 4–5 Believers must act as home missionaries by taking decided interest in religious meetings, being found among the little few who meet to worship God, giving every jot of influence on the Lord's side, and bearing uplifting testimony of the truth full of courage and hope and victory.12MR 105.2–106.1

Strengthening is done by guarding and preserving the truth received rather than letting faith be undermined, requiring wakefulness and vigilance because works are incomplete before God.Lt 356, 1907, par. 7 To strengthen what remains that is ready to die means to be laborers together with God in appointed places, reflecting the light given by God, and planning and executing the work of God carefully with sanctified hearts and minds rather than with rashness in a loose, slipshod manner.20MR 95.3–5 It means laboring for the best interests of the church in God's ways and methods, walking softly and humbly before God with wisdom from above, encouraging devotion, cultivating piety, and being spiritually minded.20MR 95.3–5 It requires upholding those God has ordained to work for the upbuilding of His cause rather than complaining of, criticizing, and condemning them when ideas conflict, for giving the church a different kind of labor without humility and closeness to God is not strengthening under God who as chief magistrate guides and rules the churches in every land.20MR 95.3–5 Preserving and strengthening faith rather than weakening it through quarrels, and helping people overcome despondency through earnest service for Christ, is the application, using time to build up rather than weaken others' faith and confidence and to work earnestly for Christ instead of quarrelling.CEv 39.2+1 Serving others lifts people out of despondency that ruins body and soul, stops complaint, turns thought and talk away from faults of brethren and sisters and from personal trials to the love of Christ, gives helpful, joyful, courageous testimonies to bear when assembling for worship, and produces earnest striving to become more efficient workers for Him.RH Jan 27, 1903+1 Followers of God must be bound together in firm strong bonds of love and faithfulness, knowing not one soul is perfect before God and not one is out of danger, every soul having battles to fight and victories to gain and human weaknesses, so each must seek to help another and not weaken and tear down, understanding on whose side one is working, for the children of God are few and Satan and his hellish arts are exercised to annoy and destroy them, so weapons must not be turned against one another.Lt 42, 1891, par. 13–15 Secrecy and doing things in an underhanded manner against brethren of the same faith must end, with seeking the Lord in true contrition, looking away from others' faults to one's own errors in neglecting duty and not walking in the way of the Lord, for it is not too late for wrongs to be righted, and wrongs must be made right to remain and work in a higher, purer, holier manner.Lt 42, 1891, par. 13–15

The Lord calls for spiritual life to be renewed where it has grown torpid, so that what remains may be strengthened before it dies, and this renewal is associated with prayer, confession of sin, and the coming power of the Spirit.8T 297.4–5 His people need a revival because spiritual energies have long been inactive, though life that appears nearly dead can be restored, even resurrected from apparent death.MWISDAP 41.3+1 Ministers must be converted, because only God's power can change the heart, fill it with Christ's love, subdue the passions, and sanctify the affections, requiring humbling of self, submission of will to God, and hiding life with Christ in God.STOM 1.4 The reformation to be begun means taking up the work of seeking and laboring for unconverted neighbors so that they too may be saved and join in the work.Ms 192, 1903, par. 26 Renewal includes renewal of the straight testimony borne in years past, refusing to let the foundation God has laid be torn down and holding the beginning of confidence steadfast unto the end, being led point by point, step by step, into the clear light of present truth.Ms 117a, 1903, par. 19–20

Ministers and churches resting in outward preaching while neglecting personal house-to-house labor must wake up and do faithful shepherd work, remembering how they received and heard, holding fast and repenting, lest by failing to watch Christ come upon them as a thief at an hour they do not know.Lt 3, 1892, par. 6–7 Watchfulness and strengthening what remains comes through an education that trains and consecrates all powers, youthful zeal and ardor to glorify God in service to others as in the school of the prophets, which is what is needed to be ready for the day of trial coming upon the world as a thief in the night, stealing unawares.Lt 49, 1893, par. 1–3 Ministers should give churches the teachings of faith and grace as spiritual nourishment, so believers gain spiritual strength and live in practical obedience to God's Word.8MR 276.2 Ministers need the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the converting power of God on their own hearts before they are prepared to build up what is left and dying, applying especially to those who profess to love God but are unprepared to work for the Master in their own house or neighborhood or church, who are not advancing step by step from light to greater light to answer the claims of God but remain lukewarm neither cold nor hot.Ms 45, 1890, par. 21–24 The very food that gives spiritual health and vigor is the doctrines of faith and grace that Jesus brought to view everywhere He taught in short sentences like pearls sown as heavenly grains to be gathered up by a discerning laborer, and this feeding produces rich experience in practical obedience to the Word of God.Ms 27, 1889, par. 24 Churches must make the truth for this time their study and revive earlier messages and apply them to the present, repenting careless indifference and arising to seek the Lord because it is too late to be indifferent, and instead of remaining weak and strengthless and ready to die must make diligent efforts to proclaim the truth, to give to the world the things heard and to those who do not know them, with a work to be done in the churches to do this.Lt 64, 1906, par. 13–15

Churches weak, sickly, and ready to die when carnal people remain among them without overcoming self and the world need an awake and watchful people and a clear, pointed testimony that rebukes impurity and exalts Jesus.STOM 54.2+1 Where members remain worldly and unsanctified, and where carnal-minded, sensual, debased members are all through them who have never been sanctified through the truth, never partaken of the divine nature, and never overcome self and the world with its affections and lusts, such characters will never unite with the family of the redeemed.STBk 68.2+1 No indifferent testimony will do now but a decided, pointed testimony rebuking every impurity and exalting Jesus.Ms 27, 1892, par. 7 God's people must live in the attitude of expectation, working and waiting and watching and praying, expectant, active, and prayerful amid perplexity and doubt.STBk 68.2+2

Those ready to die need help and strengthening, with opportunities within the organized church to inspire it with zeal and new life even while tares remain among the wheat, the work to be done humbly and devotedly, not by tearing the church apart.RCOC 10.1–2 Staying at the seat of war instead of leaving the cause one's own attitude has imperiled is required, trying to restore the things made weak and ready to die after sustaining men not connected with God or sanctified for the work and giving them influence among the people, for leaving in that condition is a decided mistake with no appearance of being true, brave, or honorable, but unfaithful like Aaron.Ms 176, 1897, par. 66 When God's work is left weakened and destitute because workers withdraw to serve selfish benefit, God demands every jot of ability from those who remain to strengthen what remains, and to leave at that most important period is to turn traitor and prove principle sacrificed for selfish interest and untrustworthy, while obedience stays yoked with Christ to uphold and sustain the sacred work and give knowledge, skill, and labor needed to keep the institution alive.Lt 179, 1896, par. 9–12 Strengthening what is left and ready to die requires wisdom greater than human wisdom, coming by following the Lord now, just now, under guidance of the Holy Spirit, free from bondage to any man or confederacy of men, for human wisdom has been followed long enough.Lt 208, 1902, par. 40 Building up requires humbling the heart before God, closing the soul to temptation and opening it to faith, letting light shine and laboring for souls instead of caviling, doubting, dissension, disunion, and working against the truth, having self dead, forgetting self and selfish interest, having truth in the heart, taking hold of the strength of the Mighty One and claiming the promises of God, and working disinterestedly for salvation of souls rather than acting the part of Judas or of Peter who denied his Lord.Ms 9, 1883, par. 2–3 Special, merciful efforts must be made to save what is ready to die, meaning love, tender sympathy and bowels of mercy in councils and in handling sacred things, and souls ready to perish, applying to those in responsible positions in institutions and in the church and to people claiming to keep God's commandments and to look for Jesus Christ to come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, who need spiritual perception, vigor, steadfast faith and power in prayer to do this work.Ms 41, 1890, par. 76–80 Neglect comes when self-important, self-sufficient spirit rules, when harshness and severity prevail, when love is cherished only for favorites, and when finite man holds up his own way as model of perfection, which is a Christless way as destitute of Christ as the offering of Cain, while doing the saving work by caring for widow and fatherless and devoting self to saving souls brings growth to full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.Ms 41, 1890, par. 76–80

Watchfulness requires every true child of God, though tempted but never above what can be borne, to make the Bible the guide and close companion and supreme sovereign standard and lamp of life, revealing the highest Christian principle where some failed to preserve principle and were led astray to obtain advantages unfairly and brought confusion, while others kept the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment and held fast integrity and kept souls in the love of God unspotted from the world.Lt 188, 1901, par. 4–6 The appeal is tied to not giving up the light of truth God allowed to shine to establish in the faith, with the next call to remember what was received and heard, hold fast, and repent.Ms 130, 1906, par. 41 Obedience requires genuine repentance with sincere, continual prayer at daily work, at business, and everywhere for the keeping power of God, who will keep from falling, as duty for professed Christians who carry the Christian name but are spiritually dead, like Sardis where truth came but was refused until hearts hardened and judgments were permitted to come.Ms 114, 1903, par. 25–27 Resisting light leaves people spiritually blind, and spiritual decline is linked to failure to cultivate pity and faith and to sharp, critical, censorious conduct of those handling sacred things.Lt 2, 1894, par. 14–15 Christ must live within so His love, grace, and power are revealed at home and outside the home, for eternal interests are at stake for everyone, since all will be tried and tempted in a real conflict between good and evil with a real devil and tempter.Ms 161, 1904, par. 31–34 Unless this conflict is recognized, feet will slip, and when someone comes with a message there will be no ability to discern light from darkness, leaving people just as likely to accept darkness as light.Ms 161, 1904, par. 31–34 Those who refuse to testify to God's Word and shine for Christ will lose their place, while faithful witnesses will stand and take the places of the unfaithful, calling the church to be watchful and strengthen what remains before it dies.Lt 3, 1902, par. 22