Chapter 48—A Work of Purification Needed
Basel, Switzerland
December 8, 1886
Dear Brethren [G.I.] Butler And [S.N.] Haskell,
For weeks I have not been able to sleep after half past three o’clock.
My mind is deeply exercised in regard to our condition as a people.
We ought to be far in advance of any other people on the earth because
we have greater light and greater knowledge of the truth, which lays
us under increased accountability to advance that light and not only
to profess to believe the truth but to practice it. When we do practice
the truth we are then following Jesus, who is the light of the world;
and if we as a people are not constantly elevating, becoming more
and more spiritual minded, we are becoming like the Pharisees—self-
righteous—while we do not the will of God.
We must have a greater nearness to God. Much less of self and
much more of Jesus Christ and His grace must be brought into our
everyday life. We are living in an important period of this world’s
history. The end of all things is at hand; the sands of time are fast
running out; soon in heaven it will be said: “It is done” (
Revelation
[377]
21:6
). “He that is holy, let him be holy still,” “he which is filthy, let
him be filthy still” (
Revelation 22:11
).
Let our testimonies be sharpened up; let us have a firmer hold on
God. I cannot refrain from prayer at one, two, and three o’clock in the
morning for the Lord to work upon the hearts of the people. I think
of all heaven being interested in the work that is going on upon the
earth. Ministering angels are waiting about the throne to instantly obey
the mandate of Jesus Christ to answer every prayer offered in earnest,
living faith. I think of how many who profess the truth are keeping
it apart from their lives. They do not bring its sanctifying, refining,
spiritualizing power into their hearts....
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