Look up, my brethren. Has the gospel lost its power to impress hearts? Is it because the regenerating influence of the Spirit of Christ has died away that hearts are not purified, sanctified, and prepared for the Holy Spirit? No; the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of the living God, is with us yet; but it must be wielded with earnestness. Let us use it as did God’s sanctified ones of old. By its living, quickening power it will cut its way to hearts. {Ms2-1900.11}
"When we follow Christ in meekness and lowliness, there will be more means to use for the advancement of missionary work. Rest is found in wearing the yoke of Christ. By bringing His virtues into the practical life, we become like Him. Thus we learn to avoid the distortion of sin."
O, my soul is burdened for our institutions. What has become of the spirit of Christlike self-denial? God calls for a cleansing of His institutions, for a manifestation of the spirit of self-sacrifice. We need so much the revival of the day of Pentecost. Those who advocate truth by pen and voice should be governed by Christlike principles. Remember, my brethren, the record stands just as it will appear in the judgment. {Ms2-1900.12}
"Why are not the demonstrations of the Spirit of God as marked as they were in the days of the apostles? Because there is no room in our hearts for the Spirit to work. Wake up, my brethren, lest you sleep the sleep of death. Let cold formality be a thing of the past. Sinners are perishing out of Christ. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” [Isaiah 60:1.]"
The Lord calls for a reformation all through our ranks. Do not ask the Lord to humble you. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. If ever a people needed the spirit and grace of Christ, it is those in our institutions. If the men in high positions of trust are not purged from the spirit of selfishness, they will have to step down and seek some other work. Those who are in God’s service must closely examine themselves and seek earnestly for soul-cleansing, or God will remove them from their place. Men must be under God’s discipline. There must be seen less of self and more of Christ. Then sinners will be converted. As a people to whom have been committed the most sacred truths ever committed to mortals, we must catch the Spirit of Christ and practice His principles. He says, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23.] When we follow Christ in meekness and lowliness, there will be more means to use for the advancement of missionary work. Rest is found in wearing the yoke of Christ. By bringing His virtues into the practical life, we become like Him. Thus we learn to avoid the distortion of sin. {Ms2-1900.13}
Why are not the demonstrations of the Spirit of God as marked as they were in the days of the apostles? Because there is no room in our hearts for the Spirit to work. Wake up, my brethren, lest you sleep the sleep of death. Let cold formality be a thing of the past. Sinners are perishing out of Christ. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” [Isaiah 60:1.] {Ms2-1900.14}
When the church is awakened, decided changes will be made. Men and women will be converted, and so filled will they be by the Spirit of God that they will pass from country to country, from city to city, proclaiming the message of truth. With hearts filled with earnest love for souls, they will open their Bibles and present the Word—“It is written.” Wherever they go a people will be raised up to stand in the day of the Lord. The simplicity of these humble workers will be their strength, for angels of God work with those who are humble and obedient. Learned, eloquent men will not see the results from their work that are seen by these humble, zealous, praying men. {Ms2-1900.15}