56
Selected Messages Book 1
A Misquotation
In this quotation are also found the words, “I saw two long golden
rods on which hung silver wires, and on the wires were glorious
grapes.”
My opponents ridicule “that weak and childish expression of glori-
ous grapes growing on silver wires, and these wires attached to golden
rods.”
What motive impelled the writer of the above to misstate my
words? I do not state that grapes were growing on silver wires. That
which I beheld is described as it appeared to me. It is not to be sup-
[66]
posed that grapes were attached to silver wires or golden rods, but
that such was the appearance presented. Similar expressions are daily
employed by every person in ordinary conversation. When we speak
of golden fruit, we are not understood as declaring that the fruit is
composed of that precious metal, but simply that it has the appearance
of gold. The same rule applied to my words removes all excuse for
misapprehension.
The Seal of God
Another “suppression” reads as follows: “Well, bless the Lord,
brethren and sisters, it is an extra meeting for those that have the seal
of the living God.”
There is nothing in this that we do not still hold. Reference to
our published works will show our belief that the living righteous will
receive the seal of God prior to the close of probation; also that these
will enjoy special honors in the kingdom of God.
Renouncing the Sabbath
The following passage is said to be omitted from the vision related
on pages 25-28 [pages 32-35, present edition] of Early Writings:
“And if one believed, and kept the Sabbath, and received the bless-
ing attending it, and then gave it up, and broke the holy commandment,
they would shut the gates of the Holy City against themselves, as sure
as there was a God that rules in heaven above.”
Those who have clearly seen and fully accepted the truth upon
the fourth commandment, and have received the blessing attending
obedience, but have since renounced their faith, and dared to violate