September 3

Last night I slept well. I know the Lord is hearing my prayers. I desire to draw nigh to Him; for the Word declares, “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” This promise I value. I have proved it.SpM 248.1

I am instructed to call attention to some matters. There has been need of reforms in regard to the way in which the workers in our sanitariums, the men and women who bear wearing burdens in caring for the sick, are dealt with. This is an especially delicate question. Those who stand as educators need to be close students themselves of the lessons of the greatest Medical Missionary that ever walked and worked in our world, lest they lose their connection with God and bind themselves as a supreme whole.SpM 248.2

It is not the empty cup that we have trouble in carrying; it is the cup full to the brim that must be carefully balanced. Affliction and adversity may cause much inconvenience and may bring great depression; but it is prosperity that is dangerous to spiritual life. Unless the human subject is in constant submission to the will of God, unless he is sanctified by the truth and has the faith that works by love and purifies the soul, prosperity will surely arouse the natural inclination to presumption.SpM 248.3

Often prayers are solicited for the believing souls in adversity and sickness. But those who are suffering reverses are represented by the bush, which, though burning, was not consumed. As Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro in the land of Midian, “The angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush, and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.” Moses draws near to see a strange thing. The fire in the bush does not consume the bush. He learns that the Lord is in the midst of the bush. So it is in life. It is not deprivation and affliction that is to be most dreaded; for the Lord is in it all, helping and sustaining. Our prayers need most to be offered for the men in high places. They need the prayers of the whole church, because they are entrusted with prosperity and influence.SpM 248.4

In the valley of humiliation, where men depend on God to teach them and to guide their every step, there is comparative safety. But let every one who has a living connection with God pray for the men in positions of responsibility - those who are standing on a lofty pinnacle and who, because of their exalted position, are supposed to have much wisdom. Unless such men feel their need of an Arm stronger than the arm of flesh to lean upon, unless they make God their dependence, their view of things will come distorted, and they will fall.SpM 248.5

The Lord has instructed me to urge every one to realize that man is human. The church of Christ is in need of close communion with the Lord Jesus. Those who feel most their dependence upon God are usually those who have the least amount of earthly treasure on which to depend.SpM 249.1

Of all the trees, the Scotch fir-tree is one of the best from which Christians may draw inspiring lessons. The Scotch fir requires less soil for its roots than any other tree. In a dry soil and amidst barren rocks it finds sufficient nourishment to keep it as green in the winter as in the summer. With the least amount of earth about its roots, it towers above all the other trees of the wood, reaching the highest toward heaven. It would be well for us to plant and cultivate the Scotch fir; for this tree is an object lesson, bring to the minds of all what a Christian should be.SpM 249.2

I would that I could present the meaning of this symbol as it has been presented me. The church members who are standing in their lot and place are trees of righteous, the planting of the Lord. Although their surrounding circumstances may be adverse, yet, like the fir-tree with little soil about its roots, they constantly reach heavenward, drawing nourishment from above. Like the fragrant boughs of the fir-tree, they impart grace for grace received. The hidden nourishment that comes from God is returned to Him in purest service.SpM 249.3

Every soul in this world is bought with a price. To every man is given his work. “Ministers,” this term includes all who do their appointed work, giving God honest service. No one is to apologize for recognizing his personal accountability to God by standing in his lot and in his place. God calls for every man's best energies. No man can find in any human being the strength that will enable him to serve God with all his powers. He must be a partaker of the divine nature. There is now a great work to be done in a short time, and it is essential for the men and women in God's service to look unto Jesus every moment. Brethren and sisters, break every yoke that man would fasten upon you. Take upon you the yoke of Christ. Learn of him who is meek and lowly in heart.SpM 249.4

There are but two classes in the world demanding of us our deepest interest and consideration in connection with the medical missionary work that Christ in His life has taught us to do - those are sinners, in need of a Saviour, yet not realizing their need, and those who in every line of God's service are reaching forward. Whatever their rank, their capabilities, their entrusted talents, this latter class are “laborers together with God.” Regenerated by the grace of Christ, they are God's faithful workers, by their influence regenerating others through the grace given them.SpM 249.5

When this is duly appreciated, there will be no attempt to exercise authority. God's workers will be at unity in love, and will not bind themselves up in confederacies by contracts. I am instructed to say, Shun the signing of contracts that have been originated because of a failure to understand the meaning of true sanctification.SpM 249.6