HERE WAS A TIME DURING DAVID’S reign over the kingdom of Israel, when he saw that special contempt was shown for the law of God. . . . He saw that the disregard of the law of Jehovah brought moral desolation instead of increased piety, devotion, and love for God. . . . He beheld the influences that resulted from the transgression of the law of God, and it quickened his zeal, earnestness, and devotion, so that he felt urged to elevate the standard of righteousness, and hold it high amid the people. . . .

 

What should be the attitude of the people of God at the present time? We see this growing contempt for the law of God revealed everywhere; and the outlook for the future is perilous for those who love that law, for they stand in marked contrast to those who are showing it such contempt. The secular and the Christian world seem to have joined hands in this matter, and all are trampling under foot the law of Jehovah. . . .

 

God has a law which governs the intellects of all the holy beings in His universe, and this law is designed to govern the inhabitants of this world. Christ died that the human family might be brought back to their allegiance to God. He was their only hope of redemption. He did not suffer and die on Calvary’s cross to annul the law, because He would thus be the administrator of sin by perpetuating transgression. If the law of God could have been changed, or one precept of it altered to meet man’s fallen condition, then the Son of God need not have come into our world and died.

 

But because the law of God was changeless in its character; because not one principle of it, not even a jot or a tittle, could be dishonored and swept away, God consented to let His Son take upon Himself the results of man’s transgression of that law, thus making it possible for man to be pardoned, and to become obedient to all God’s commandments. It is the righteousness and perfection of His Son, who takes upon Himself our sins, our defects, our weaknesses, which God accepts; and through faith in the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Savior we are prisoners of hope.

 

Christ’s righteousness becomes our righteousness, if we sustain a living connection with Him. Then we cease to transgress the holy law of God, and become partakers of the divine nature. . . .

John was shown the last work for this time (Rev. 14:9-12), and he saw a people of whom he says, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” . . .

 

God is working for His people, that they may not be left in darkness. He would have us anoint our eyes with eyesalve, that we may discern between the workings of the powers of darkness and the movings of the Spirit of God. We must not give our attention to unimportant things; we need to become acquainted with the Scriptures as we have never done before. They are the rock upon which we are to stand, for everything that is revealed is for us and for our children.

 

We can study the Bible, and understand the fulfillment of prophecy, and everything that has to do with the law of God, and Christ’s sacrifice in connection with the law of God; and we can, as did Paul, go from house to house, teaching repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. . . .

 

When Christ went away, he gave to every man his work. This rests upon every one of us. If God should speak to you, he would say as he did to Elijah, “What doest thou here?” . . . I ask, “Is there no missionary work for you to engage in?” May the God of heaven stir up your minds and hearts. This work does not rest alone with the ministers; but every man is to search the Scriptures for himself, that he may give a reason of the hope that is within him with meekness and fear. . . .

 

There is a field before you in the home, in the neighborhood, in the city, and in the church; and it is this very work that God wants you to do. The people of God should arise and put on the armor. . . .

We need not go to foreign lands to become missionaries. All around us are fields white already to the harvest. Do not be inactive now. . . . Go where you may be a blessing to others. Go where you can be a help in some weak church. Shake off your spiritual lethargy. Work with all your powers to save perishing souls; and the heavenly benediction will fall upon you; and you will finally hear the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” . . .

 

The religion of Jesus Christ is a living principle within us, and every power and every faculty must be in subjection to the will of God. We are not our own; we are bought with a price. Christ says we are laborers together with God. . . . There is a great and important work to be done to prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord; and may God help us to do this work to His acceptance. . . .

 

If you are walking humbly with God, you will understand the truth, and the preparation necessary to be made for this time. “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God, but the things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever.” If you believe this, and walk out by faith, you will be saved in the kingdom of glory. We should not try to know the “whys” and “wherefores” of everything, but be content to know the simplicity of godliness.

 

Jesus Christ has laid the plan of salvation, and opened the way before us, clear and distinct, that even the simplest who desire the truth, may find it. Special forces of darkness are at work to encircle us, and to take away our liberty of conscience. The mouths of those who have not kept pace with the work are closed, and they do not know what to say; but we who have been waiting and watching for the appearing of our Savior, are not taken by surprise. . . .

 

We need missionaries at home; and we need missionaries who will go out into new fields, and see what they can do. Trade upon your one talent or two talents. Although your talents may be limited, God will accept them. . . .

 

O, I would rather come to the Master with garnered sheaves than to have treasures of gold and of silver. Give me souls as the fruit of my labor, and I will not ask for convenience or ease in this world. . . .

 

Do to the best of your ability, and God will cooperate with you.

 

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This article is excerpted from one that appeared in the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, now the Adventist Review, December 18, 1888. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Ellen G. White exercised the gift of prophecy during more than 70 years of public ministry.