The truths contained in the Word of God must not be received merely as a theory. Through the reception of Christ as our personal Saviour, the precious truths which that Word contains will become as threads of gold to bind us to Christ and to one another. As the penetrating power of the leaven produces an entire change in the meal, so the power of the Word of God, through His grace, will work a transformation in the soul.ST October 27, 1898, par. 1

But the question arises, Why are there so many, claiming to believe God's Word, in whom we do not see a reformation in words, in spirit, and in character? Why are there so many who can not bear opposition to their purposes and plans, who manifest an unholy temper, and whose words are harsh, overbearing, and passionate? The answer is, They are not converted. They need to be born again. The Word of God has not had the opportunity of doing its work upon the heart. The sunshine of Christ's righteousness has not been permitted to shine into the soul temple. Their natural and cultivated tendencies to evil have not been worked upon by the transforming power of the truth, and as the result, preconceived opinions are retained. All this reveals the absence of the grace of Christ, and a disbelief in His power to transform the character.ST October 27, 1898, par. 2

The truths of the Word of God meet in one grand practical necessity,—the conversion of the soul through faith. When the believer is united with Christ, that faith is manifested in holiness of character, in consistent obedience to every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. The grand principles of the Word of God are not to be thought too pure and holy to be brought into the daily life. The truths of the Word of God are truths which reach to heaven and compass eternity; and yet their vital influence is to be woven into the human life. The influence of the Word of God is to have a sanctifying effect on our speech, our actions, our associations with every member of the human family. It must bring under its control the temper and the voice. The apostle exhorts us: “As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”ST October 27, 1898, par. 3

It is a mistake for any to suppose that they can with safety pass by the little things with indifference. In the home and in the church there are matters which are looked upon as “little things.” But it is these “little things” that have the great results. It is the “little things” that discipline the soul, and prepare men to act with lowly-mindedness under large responsibilities. The leaven of truth is a living principle. This principle is to be practised in the little things, and exert an influence over the daily life. The large and small things are always linked together. It is because the “little things” are not always seen and linked with those of higher interest that so many professed Christians fail. Many whose characters are now being weighed in the balances of the sanctuary are pronounced wanting, because they do not bring the truth into the practical life.ST October 27, 1898, par. 4

As members of the royal family, we are in solemn covenant with God to promote piety in the home and in the church. But many act as if the truths of God's Word did not exist. The same love of self, the same selfish indulgence, the same temper and hasty speech are seen in their lives as in the life of the worldling. The same sensitive pride, the same yielding to natural inclination, the same perversities of character, are seen as if the truth were totally unknown to them. They close the windows of the soul and shut out the righteousness of Christ, and then complain that they have no joy, no assurance and happiness in believing the truth. But the sin lies at their own door; for they have not hidden the leaven of truth in the heart. When the waters of life flow in pure, sweet currents to the parched soil of the heart, there will be a development of fruit to the glory of God. Then the truth will not be brought into disrepute by the perverse disposition, the defective hereditary and cultivated tendencies now revealed in word and action.ST October 27, 1898, par. 5

The leaven of truth must have life in itself, or it will not work out of the heart the deadly errors that are there. The Word of God enjoins upon believers: “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, ... do; and the God of peace shall be with you.”ST October 27, 1898, par. 6

Should not the consideration of these matters arouse every Christian to the solemn resolution to be more faithful? The words of inspiration should have weight with us: “Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” This scripture is given to us to heed and to practise. As men and women who profess godliness, we need to ask ourselves, Are we obeying the Word of God? Is the leaven of truth hidden in the heart, working in the character, and conforming the entire being to the will and ways of God? We need the converting power of God. The leaven of evil which works in disobedience and denial of the truth must be eradicated, and the leaven of the Word of God implanted in the heart, to work with its vital properties to restore the lost image of God in man. And, the transformation having taken place through the leaven of truth, a work is intrusted to us. Christ commissions us: “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”ST October 27, 1898, par. 7

Mrs. E. G. White

October 20, 1898

November 3, 1898