The leniency of Eli cost his life and his son's life.

Eli had greatly erred in permitting his sons to minister in holy office. By excusing their course, on one pretext and another, he became blinded to their sins; but at last they reached a pass where he could no longer hide his eyes from the crimes of his sons. The people complained of their violent deeds, and the high priest was grieved and distressed. He dared remain silent no longer. But his sons had been brought up to think of no one but themselves, and now they cared for no one else. They saw the grief of their father, but their hard hearts were not touched. They heard his mild admonitions, but they were not impressed, nor would they change their evil course though warned of the consequences of their sins. Had Eli dealt justly with his wicked sons, they would have been rejected from the priestly office and punished with death. Dreading thus to bring public disgrace and condemnation upon them, he sustained them in the most sacred positions of trust. He still permitted them to mingle their corruption with the holy service of God and to inflict upon the cause of truth an injury which years could not efface. But when the judge of Israel neglected his work, God took the matter in hand. – 

“There came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house? And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be My priest, to offer upon Mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before Me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel? Wherefore kick ye at My sacrifice and at Mine offering, which I have commanded in My habitation; and honorest thy sons above Me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel My people? Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before Me forever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from Me; for them that honor Me I will honor, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.... And I will raise Me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in Mine heart and in My mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before Mine anointed forever.” – 

God charged Eli with honoring his sons above the Lord. Eli had permitted the offering appointed by God as a blessing to Israel to be made a thing of abhorrence, rather than bring his sons to shame for their impious and abominable practices. Those who follow their own inclination, in blind affection for their children, indulging them in the gratification of their selfish desires, and do not bring to bear the authority of God to rebuke sin and correct evil, make it manifest that they are honoring their wicked children more than they honor God. They are more anxious to shield their reputation than to glorify God; more desirous to please their children than to please the Lord and to keep His service from every appearance of evil. – {PP 578.1}
God held Eli, as a priest and judge of Israel, accountable for the moral and religious standing of his people, and in a special sense for the character of his sons. He should first have attempted to restrain evil by mild measures; but if these did not avail, he should have subdued the wrong by the severest means. He incurred the Lord’s displeasure by not reproving sin and executing justice upon the sinner. He could not be depended upon to keep Israel pure. Those who have too little courage to reprove wrong, or who through indolence or lack of interest make no earnest effort to purify the family or the church of God, are held accountable for the evil that may result from their neglect of duty. We are just as responsible for evils that we might have checked in others by exercise of parental or pastoral authority as if the acts had been our own.

Eli did not manage his household according to God’s rules for family government. He followed his own judgment. The fond father overlooked the faults and sins of his sons in their childhood, flattering himself that after a time they would outgrow their evil tendencies. Many are now making a similar mistake. They think they know a better way of training their children than that which God has given in His word. They foster wrong tendencies in them, urging as an excuse, “They are too young to be punished. Wait till they become older, and can be reasoned with.” Thus wrong habits are left to strengthen until they become second nature. The children grow up without restraint, with traits of character that are a lifelong curse to them and are liable to be reproduced in others. 

There is no greater curse upon households than to allow the youth to have their own way. When parents regard every wish of their children and indulge them in what they know is not for their good, the children soon lose all respect for their parents, all regard for the authority of God or man, and are led captive at the will of Satan. The influence of an ill-regulated family is widespread and disastrous to all society. It accumulates in a tide of evil that affects families, communities, and governments.

Because of Eli’s position, his influence was more extended than if he had been an ordinary man. His family life was imitated throughout Israel. The baleful results of his negligent, ease-loving ways were seen in thousands of homes that were molded by his example. If children are indulged in evil practices, while the parents make a profession of religion, the truth of God is brought into reproach. The best test of the Christianity of a home is the type of character begotten by its influence. Actions speak louder than the most positive profession of godliness. If professors of religion, instead of putting forth earnest, persistent, and painstaking effort to bring up a well-ordered household as a witness to the benefits of faith in God, are lax in their government and indulgent to the evil desires of their children, they are doing as did Eli, and are bringing disgrace on the cause of Christ and ruin upon themselves and their households. But great as are the evils of parental unfaithfulness under any circumstances, they are tenfold greater when they exist in the families of those appointed as teachers of the people. When these fail to control their own households, they are, by their wrong example, misleading many. Their guilt is as much greater than that of others as their position is more responsible. –


The promise had been made that the house of Aaron should walk before God forever; but this promise had been made on condition that they should devote themselves to the work of the sanctuary with singleness of heart and honor God in all their ways, not serving self nor following their own perverse inclinations. Eli and his sons had been tested, and the Lord had found them wholly unworthy of the exalted position of priests in His service. And God declared, “Be it far from Me.” He could not accomplish the good that He had meant to do them, because they failed to do their part. 

The example of those who minister in holy things should be such as to impress the people with reverence for God and with fear to offend Him. When men, standing “in Christ’s stead” (2 Corinthians 5:20) to speak to the people God’s message of mercy and reconciliation, use their sacred calling as a cloak for selfish or sensual gratification, they make themselves the most effective agents of Satan. Like Hophni and Phinehas, they cause men to “abhor the offering of the Lord.” They may pursue their evil course in secret for a time; but when at last their true character is exposed, the faith of the people receives a shock that often results in destroying their confidence in religion. There is left upon the mind a distrust of all who profess to teach the word of God. The message of the true servant of Christ is doubtfully received. The question constantly arises, “Will not this man prove to be like the one we thought so holy, and found so corrupt?” Thus the word of God loses its power upon the souls of men. 

In Eli’s reproof to his sons are words of solemn and fearful import—words that all who minister in sacred things would do well to ponder: “If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him; but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him?” Had their crimes injured only their fellow men, the judge might have made reconciliation by appointing a penalty and requiring restitution; and thus the offenders might have been pardoned. Or had they not been guilty of a presumptuous sin, a sin offering might have been presented for them. But their sins were so interwoven with their ministration as priests of the Most High, in offering sacrifice for sin, the work of God was so profaned and dishonored before the people, that no expiation could be accepted for them. Their own father, though himself high priest, dared not make intercession in their behalf; he could not shield them from the wrath of a holy God. Of all sinners, those are most guilty who cast contempt upon the means that Heaven has provided for man’s redemption—who “crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.” Hebrews 6:6. 
 –  {Patriarchs and Prophets pages  577-580}

Letter to The Honorable J. Frederick Motz

Tania Beaman
516 Bonnie CT NW
Salem, OR, 97304
tania1014@gmail.com
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The Honorable J. Frederick Motz
Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
Edward Garmatz Federal Building
101 W. Lombard Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

RE: Case # C-T12-2448B, court case # 8:12-cv-02448-JFM,

Plaintiff – The Ellen G. White Estate, Inc. against Brendan P Knudson and others,
Due to Copy Infringement filed Thursday, August 16, 2012.
To the Honorable Judge J. Frederick Motz,
The purpose of this letter is to bring awareness how important and sacred are the materials that are
being handled in the case above and the history that goes along with it.
My name is Tania Beaman and I am under conviction by God that I must share this information with you.
So it is with the most respect and solemnity I approach you regarding the case above. The writings of
Ellen G White which Brendan P Knudson has been accused of accessing should never have been
withheld as it is not in the place of any earthly person/s to withhold messages or writings from God to
His people from His people. That was not the intention of the writings or the Writer and therefore those
who did this thing should be on trial instead of Brian P Knudson.
I want to bring to your memory the case of Jesus Christ when He was in a court of law. Pilate was called
upon to make decisions by the crowd of hypocrites concerning Him when his wife sent word warning
him to have nothing to do with Jesus for she had much distress in a dream because of Him. Mat 27:19.
She was trying to warn him that he was handling Holy things.
The same way your Honor, you are also handling Holy Things in your own Judging Hall. Ellen G White
was a chosen vessel, chosen by God to write and unveil things for us that live at the end of the world.
Her writings were inspired by the same Holy Spirit as were the men that wrote the Holy Bible; therefore
they are on the same level. The Spirit of Prophecy is a title that was given to the materials written by
Ellen G White throughout her life, while in ministry, from 1844 to 1915. We are told that Jesus is the
Word in John 1:1. Therefore The Bible, The Word of God and the Spirit of Prophecy point to Jesus Christ,
the Son of God. The Spirit of Prophecy does not replace the Bible but it enlarges on the subjects of the
Bible. It is an addition to unfold and give better understanding of the Word of God, The Bible.
Ellen G White, which I will relate to her as EGW, was called to the Prophetic office by God in 1844 after
the great disappointment in Millerite Advent Movement. The Great Awakening is document in our US
history books. She had around 2000 visions, of which about 200 were public. For 40 years from 1844 to
1884 she had open public visions but after that time, they were all private. Less than 50% of her
materials have been released and made public, many a time not in chronological order and they are so
scattered it is hard sometimes to figure out the whole context of the letters or of the manuscripts.

Why am I telling you this? So that you can be aware she is one of the reasons the SDA church exist
today. She is the back bone of Adventism. The backbone is what keeps the whole body together. I
want to share with you a book that was written by Gilbert M. Valentine called “The Struggle for the
Prophetic Heritage”, which deals with issues from 1930 to 1939 in the conflict for control of the EGW
publications. This book was published in Thailand and is not available in USA, which I find very
disturbing. The man that wrote it was also chastised for writing this book. Even though he writes it in
the light that what our General Conference leaders of the SDA church did, undermining every possible
way to take over the EGW Estate and her writings was a good thing, even though it was so unethical and
underhanded.

In 1915 when she died, her Written Words were to be treated in a certain way. Her Last Will points that
out, that certain way. On page 153 you will find her final will and it begins with these words “In the
name of God, Amen.” On page 145 you will find the chronology of events that took place from 1929 to
1939 in order for the leaders of the General Conference office to take control over the EGW Estate and
Her writings. By the way, EGW was given a dream in 1867, which can be found in the book Testimonies
to the Church Vol. 1 p.578-579, allowing her to know that her estate and the goods found within the
house were to be confiscated. It has fulfilled as she saw it. I also am including a book called “The
Startling Omega and its true Genealogy & An Open Letter to A.G. Daniells, An appeal to the General
Conference” by J.S. Washburn. This man J.S. Washburn is made to be a rebel in page 31 of the book
written by Valentine. Valentine writes that Washburn falsely accused one of the leaders, A G Daniells,
but that is not true. That’s why I am including this book also. He was a true watchman for the SDA faith
and EGW and her writings.
We are encouraged to reason from cause to effect and I am sure you can really relate to that phrase. I
encourage you to take a look at it. Make yourself familiar with the case that you are handling your
Honor, which you may be able to reason from cause to effect, for you are handling matters of eternity,
HOLY THINGS.
I also want to point something out your Honor that you might find interesting.
You were appointed to serve as a judge by President Ronald Reagan in 1985 and you served as a chief
judge from 1994 to 2001. Are you aware President Ronald Reagan fulfilled a major prophecy for our
time? He, together with Pope John Paul II, received the credit for bringing down Communism in Nov 9,
1989, which fulfilled the 2nd part of Dan 11:40.

On Sept 11, 2001 America came under attack by the radical Islam which began fulfilling the 3rd Woe of
Revelation chapters 9-11. Were you aware your Honor that EGW had a vision in February 1904, while
she was in New York? She was shown how some great buildings of New York were to be destroyed.
(Book -”Testimony to the Church Vol.9, starting pg 11”). In August 1903 she writes a letter pointing out
that when the great buildings of New York were to come down, then the Words of Revelation 18:1-3
were to be fulfilled. (Book “Life Sketches, pg411”) Yes, she had written about New York being under
attack. After Sept 11, 2001 the leaders of Evangelical churches came to the SDA Church leaders asking
them if their prophet EGW had written anything about it, they said no. The EGW Estate, which works
under the authority and guidance of the Conference office Leaders, had made a decision to release all
the writings of EGW by the year 2002. In 2002 they changed their mind...I wonder why?? Could Sept 11,
2001 have anything to do with it? There are many things that have not been published due to fear that
our religion will be view as a cult.

I, Tania Beaman plead with you, the Honorable Judge J. Frederick Motz, in the name of God, to consider
the matter and reason from cause to effect. The materials that the S.D.A. Church claims that have been
stolen, were taken over by the leaders of the Conference Office of the SDA church, unethically and
underhanded. It may appear legal on paper but God knows the truth.
I pray and place my hope in God that He has, is, and will continue to guide your mind in this trial.
As it was during Martin Luther’s time where he had to fight to get the Written Word out to the People,
so we, the People of the Bible shall do our efforts to bring out the Writings of Ellen Gould White, that
many may be able to understand the times that we are living for The Final Warning to the Whole World
needs to be announced in clear tones and lines that Jesus is coming soon. Probation is about to end and
only Prophecy can prove that, for Prophecy is History in Advance.
What a privilege and honor the Lord has bestowed upon you, your Honor. You have been chosen to deal
with this matter. May He give you wisdom from on high to guide your mind and give you discernment,
that His Name may be glorified above all things.
Under conviction and with much respect,
Tania Beaman

P.S. I am also including a book that shows the fulfillment of Daniel 11:40 if you might be interested in
reading it. Below are the visions and statement by EGW pointed out in the letter above.

The dream about the House and goods confiscated” Testimony to the Church Vol. 1 page 575,577
January 29, 1867, we left Wright, and rode to Greenville, Montcalm County, a distance of forty
miles… We remained in this vicinity six weeks, laboring with the churches at Greenville and Orleans,
and making Brother Maynard's hospitable home our headquarters. {1T 575.1} …. On the way we held
two meetings in Orange and had evidence that the church was profited and encouraged. We were
ourselves refreshed by the Spirit of the Lord. That night I dreamed that I was in Battle Creek looking
out from the side glass at the door and saw a company marching up to the house, two and two. They
looked stern and determined. I knew them well and turned to open the parlor door to receive them,
but thought I would look again. The scene was changed. The company now presented the appearance
of a Catholic procession. One bore in his hand a cross, another a reed. And as they approached, the
one carrying a reed made a circle around the house, saying three times: "This house is proscribed. The
goods must be confiscated. They have spoken against our holy order." Terror seized me, and I ran
through the house, out of the north door, and found myself in the midst of a company, some of whom
I knew, but I dared not speak a word to them for fear of being betrayed. I tried to seek a retired spot
where I might weep and pray without meeting eager, inquisitive eyes wherever I turned. I repeated
frequently: "If I could only understand this! If they will tell me what I have said or what I have done!"
I wept and prayed much as I saw our goods confiscated. I tried to read sympathy or pity for me in the
looks of those around me, and marked the countenances of several whom I thought would speak to
me and comfort me if they did not fear that they would be observed by others. I made one attempt to
escape from the crowd, but seeing that I was watched, I concealed my intentions. I commenced
weeping aloud, and saying: "If they would only tell me what I have done or what I have said!" My
husband, who was sleeping in a bed in the same room, heard me weeping aloud and awoke me. My
pillow was wet with tears, and a sad depression of spirits was upon me. {1T 578.1}

The Vision about New York Testimony to the Church Vol.9 “page 12-14
On one occasion, when in New York City, I was in the night season called upon to behold buildings
rising story after story toward heaven. These buildings were warranted to be fireproof, and they were
erected to glorify their owners and builders. Higher and still higher these buildings rose, and in them
the most costly material was used. Those to whom these buildings belonged were not asking
themselves: "How can we best glorify God?" The Lord was not in their thoughts. {9T 12.1}
I thought: "Oh, that those who are thus investing their means could see their course as God sees it!
They are piling up magnificent buildings, but how foolish in the sight of the Ruler of the universe is
their planning and devising. They are not studying with all the powers of heart and mind how they
may glorify God. They have lost sight of this, the first duty of man." {9T 12.2}
As these lofty buildings went up, the owners rejoiced with ambitious pride that they had money to
use in gratifying self and provoking the envy of their neighbors. Much of the money that they thus
invested had been obtained through exaction, through grinding down the poor. They forgot that in
heaven an account of every business transaction is kept; every unjust deal, every fraudulent act, is
there recorded. The time is coming when in their fraud and insolence men will reach a point that the
Lord will not permit them to pass, and they will learn that there is a limit to the forbearance of
Jehovah. {9T 12.3}
The scene that next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly
fire-proof buildings and said: "They are perfectly safe." But these buildings were consumed as if made
of pitch. The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction. The firemen were unable to
operate the engines. {9T 13.1}
I am instructed that when the Lord's time comes, should no change have taken place in the hearts
of proud, ambitious human beings, men will find that the hand that had been strong to save will be
strong to destroy. No earthly power can stay the hand of God. No material can be used in the erection
of buildings that will preserve them from destruction when God's appointed time comes to send
retribution on men for their disregard of His law and for their selfish ambition. {9T 13.2}
There are not many, even among educators and statesmen, who comprehend the causes that
underlie the present state of society. Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the
problem of moral corruption, poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to
place business operations on a more secure basis. If men would give more heed to the teaching of
God's word, they would find a solution of the problems that perplex them. {9T 13.3}
The Scriptures describe the condition of the world just before Christ's second coming. Of the men
who by robbery and extortion are amassing great riches, it is written: "Ye have heaped treasure
together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of
you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the
Lord of Sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your
hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you."
James 5:3-6. But who reads the warnings given by the fast-fulfilling signs of the times? What impression
is made upon worldlings? What change is seen in their attitude? No more than was seen in the attitude
of the inhabitants of the Noachian world. Absorbed in worldly business and pleasure, the antediluvians
"knew not until the Flood came, and took them all away." Matthew 24:39. They had heaven-sent
warnings, but they refused to listen. And today the world, utterly regardless of the warning voice of
God, is hurrying on to eternal ruin.The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecy of the
eleventh chapter of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Soon the scenes of trouble
spoken of in the prophecies will take place. {9T 14.2}

Fulfillment of Revelation 18:1-3 “Life Sketches” page 411-412
Under date of Aug. 3, 1903, Mrs. White further wrote regarding this sensational report: {LS 411.4}

"Now comes the word that I have declared that New York is to be swept away by a tidal wave. This I
have never said. I have said, as I looked at the great buildings going up there, story after story: 'What
terrible scenes will take place when the Lord shall arise to shake terribly the earth! Then the words of
Revelation 18:1-3 will be fulfilled.' The whole of the eighteenth chapter of Revelation is a warning of
what is coming on the earth. But I have no light in particular in regard to what is coming on New York,
only I know that one day the great buildings there will be thrown down by the turning and
overturning of God's power. From the light given me, I know that destruction is in the world. One
word from the Lord, one touch of His mighty power, and these massive structures will fall. Scenes will
take place the fearfulness of which we cannot imagine." {LS 412}

No Provision for Willful Blindness

 Those who have an opportunity to hear the truth, and yet take no pains to hear or understand it, thinking that if they do not hear, they will not be accountable, will be judged guilty before God the same as if they had heard and rejected. There will be no excuse for those who choose to go in error when they might understand what is truth. In His sufferings and death Jesus has made atonement for all sins of ignorance, but there is no provision made for willful blindness. . . .  
    
We shall not be held accountable for the light that has not reached our perception, but for that which we have resisted and refused. A man could not apprehend the truth which had never been presented to him, and therefore could not be condemned for light he had never had. But if he had opportunity to hear the message, and to become acquainted with the truth, and yet refused to improve his opportunity, he will be among the number of whom Christ said, "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life." Those who deliberately place themselves where they will not have an opportunity of hearing the truth, will be reckoned among those who have heard the truth, and persistently resisted its evidences . 
    
Light That Has Shone, Will Condemn.--None will be condemned for not heeding light and knowledge that they never had, and they could not obtain. But many refuse to obey the truth that is presented to them by Christ's ambassadors, because they wish to conform to the world's standard; and the truth that has reached their understanding, the light that has shone in the soul, will condemn them in the judgment.

     Judged According to Light.--Men will not be judged for light they have never had. But those who have kept Sunday, whose attention has been called to this error, but who would not open their eyes to behold wondrous things out of the law, will be judged according to the light that has come to them (RH Sept. 13, 1898).  {5BC 1145.5}

How Gods People turn from light .---A long preparatory process, unknown to the world, goes on in the hearts of God's people before they commit open sin. There is first a gradual decline of spirituality; God is not cherished in the thoughts; prayer is neglected; selfish thoughts and feelings have a controlling power; carnal desires slowly but surely gain the ascendency; and a spirit of proud self-sufficiency takes possession of the soul.
    Had the children of Israel, as they journeyed, called to mind the wonderful deliverance which God had wrought for them in breaking from their necks the yoke of Egyptian bondage, had they dwelt upon the many precious and miraculous revelations of divine power in their behalf, they might have strengthened the courage of the faint-hearted and unbelieving, and thus averted the terrible judgments which had fallen upon them. But light had become darkness to them, and darkness light. Egypt looked brighter and more desirable than liberty and the land to which God was leading them.
     Thus it is with many professed Christians at the present day. They become weary of self-denial and humiliation. They desire an easier path, in which there is less self-restraint, in which there is no necessity for a constant, individual effort. Their hearts are ever pleading, "I pray thee, have me excused." They have no love for duty, no affinity for wholesome restraint and discipline. They act over the experience of ancient Israel, in doubting and murmuring. They dwell upon the objectionable features in their experience, and with their spiritual sight dimmed, everything pertaining to their religious life wears a dark, forbidding aspect. They begin to turn toward the world, as the hearts of the Israelites were constantly turning back to Egypt. In conversation, in dress, in deportment, this class manifest a conformity to the world. How dwelleth the love of Christ in them?  {ST, October 21, 1880 par. 6} 

To Vote or not to Vote is not the Question

Chap. 61 - Special Testimony Relating To Politics

To the Teachers and Managers of our Schools:--

     Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our churches and in our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures, because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe present truth some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church.  {FE 475.1} 
     The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political schemes. We cannot labor to please men who will use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office.  {FE 475.2} 
     We are not compromise principle by yielding to the opinions and prejudices which we may have encouraged before we united with God's commandment-keeping people.
We enlisted in the army of the Lord, and we are not to fight on the enemy's side, but on the side of Christ, where we can be a united whole, in sentiment, in action, in spirit, in fellowship. Those who are Christians indeed will be branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine. They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear political badges, but the badge of Christ.  {FE 475.3} 
     What are we to do, then? -- Let political questions alone. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?" What can there be in common between these parties? There can be no fellowship, no communion. The word fellowship means participation, partnership. God employs the strongest figures to show that there should be no union between worldly parties and those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ. What communion can there be between light and darkness, truth and unrighteousness? -- None whatever. Light represents righteousness; darkness, error, sin, unrighteousness. Christians have come out of darkness into the light. They have put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth and obedience. They are governed by the elevated and holy principles which Christ expressed in His life. But the world is governed by principles of dishonesty and injustice.  {FE 476.1} 
     "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine upon them.
                                                                           477
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Two parties are here brought to view, and it is shown that there can be no union between them.  {FE 476.2} 
     Those teachers in the church or in the school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics, should be relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay; for the Lord will not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be used to pay any one for speechifying on political questions. Every teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His influence must tell as a laborer together with God in winning souls to Christ, or his credentials must be taken from him. If he does not change, he will do harm, and only harm.  {FE 477.1} 
     In the name of the Lord I would say to the teachers in our schools, Attend to your appointed work. You are not called upon by God to engage in politics. "All ye are brethren," Christ declares, "and as one you are to stand under the banner of Prince Emmanuel." "What doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and His statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? . . . For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; Him shalt thou serve, and to Him shalt thou cleave, and swear by His name. He is thy praise, and He is thy God."
                                                                           
The Lord has given great light and privileges to His people. "Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments," He says; "keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I have set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons."  {FE 478.1} 
     As a people we are to stand under the banner of Jesus Christ. We are to consecrate ourselves to God as a distinct, separate, and peculiar people. He speaks to us, saying, "Incline your ear, and come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David." "In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by Me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. . . . No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord."  {FE 478.2} 
     I call upon my brethren who are appointed to educate, to change their course of action. It is a mistake for you to link your interests with any political party, to cast your vote with them or for them. Those who stand as educators, as ministers, as laborers together with God in any line, have no battles to fight in the political world. Their citizenship is in heaven. The Lord calls upon them to stand as separate and peculiar people. He would have no schisms in the body of believers. His people are to possess the elements of reconciliation. Is it their work to make enemies in the political world?--No, no. They are to stand as subjects of Christ's kingdom, bearing the banner on which is inscribed, "The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." They are to carry the burden of a special work, a special message. We have a personal responsibility, and this is to be revealed before the heavenly universe, before angels, and before men. God does not call upon us to enlarge our influence by mingling with society, by linking up with men on political questions, but by standing as individual parts of His great whole, with Christ as our head. Christ is our Prince, and as His subjects we are to do the work appointed us by God.  {FE 478.3} 
     It is of the highest importance that the youth understand that Christ's people are to be united in one; for this unity binds men to God by the golden cords of love, and lays each one under obligation to work for his fellow men. The Captain of our salvation died for the human race that men might be made one with Him and with each other. As members of the human family we are individual parts of one mighty whole. No soul can be made independent of the rest. There is to be no party strife in the family of God; for the well-being of each is the happiness of the whole. No partition walls are to be built up between man and man. Christ as the great center must unite all in one.  {FE 479.1} 
     Christ is our teacher, our ruler, our strength, our righteousness; and in Him we are pledged to shun any course of action that will cause schism. The questions at issue in the world are not to be the theme of our conversation. We are to call upon the world to behold an uplifted Saviour, through whom we are made necessary to one another and to God. Christ trains His subjects to imitate His virtues, His meekness and lowliness, His goodness, patience, and love. Thus He consecrates heart and hand to His service, making man a channel through which the love of God can flow in rich currents to bless others. Then let there be no shade of strife among Seventh-day Adventists. The Saviour invites every soul, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." He who approaches nearest to the perfection of Christ's divine benevolence causes joy among the heavenly angels. The Father rejoices over him with singing; for is he not working in the spirit of the Master, one with Christ as He is one with the Father?  {FE 479.2} 
     In our periodicals we are not to exalt the work and characters of men in positions of influence, constantly keeping human beings before the people. But as much as you please you may uplift Christ our Saviour. "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory [from character to character], even as by the Spirit of the Lord." Those who love and serve God are to be the light of the world, shining amid moral darkness. But in the places which have been given the greatest light, where the gospel has been preached the most, the people -- fathers, mothers, and children -- have been moved by a power from beneath to unite their interests with worldly projects and enterprises.  {FE 480.1} 
     Great blindness is upon the churches, and the Lord says to His people, "What agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
                                                        
     The condition of being received into the Lord's family is coming out from the world, separating from all its contaminating influences. The people of God are to have no connection with idolatry in any of its forms. They are to reach a higher standard. We are to be distinguished from the world, and then God says, "I will receive you as members of My royal family, children of the heavenly King." As believers in the truth we are to be distinct in practice from sin and sinners. Our citizenship is in heaven.  {FE 481.1} 
     We should realize more clearly the value of the promises God has made to us, and appreciate more deeply the honor He has given us. God can bestow no higher honor upon mortals than to adopt them into His family, giving them the privilege of calling Him Father. There is no degradation in becoming children of God. "My people shall know My name," the Lord declares; "therefore they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak: behold, it is I." The Lord God omnipotent reigneth. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion."  {FE 481.2} 
     Why is so much attention given to human agencies, while there is so little reaching up of the mind to the eternal God? Why are those who claim to be children of the heavenly King so absorbed in the things of this world? Let the Lord be exalted. Let the word of the Lord be magnified. Let human beings be placed low, and let the Lord be exalted. Remember that earthly kingdoms, nations, monarchs, statesmen, counselors, great armies, and all worldly magnificence and glory are as the dust of the balance. God has a reckoning to make with all nations. Every kingdom is to be brought low. Human  authority is to be made as naught. Christ is the King of the world, and His Kingdom is to be exalted.  {FE 481.3} 
     The Lord desires all who bear the message for these last days to understand that there is a great difference between professors of religion who are not doers of the word, and the children of God, who are sanctified through the truth, who have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The Lord speaks of those who claim to believe the truth for this time, yet see nothing inconsistent in their taking part in politics, mingling with the contending elements of these last days, as the circumcised who mingle with the uncircumcised, and He declares that He will destroy both classes together without distinction. They are doing a work that God has not set them to do. They dishonor God by their party spirit and contention, and He will condemn both alike.  {FE 482.1} 
     The question may be asked, Are we to have no union whatever with the world? The word of the Lord is to be our guide. Any connection with infidels and unbelievers which would identify us with them is forbidden by the word. We are to come out from them and be separate. In no case are we to link ourselves with them in their plans or work. But we are not to live reclusive lives. We are to do worldlings all the good we possibly can. Christ has given us an example of this. When invited to eat with publicans and sinners, He did not refuse; for in no other way than by mingling with them could He reach this class. But on every occasion He gave them talents of words and influence. He opened up themes of conversation which brought things of eternal interest to their minds. And this Teacher enjoins us, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." On the temperance question take your position without wavering. Be as firm as a rock. Be not partakers of other men's sins. Acts of dishonesty in business deal, with believers or unbelievers, should be reproved; and if they give no evidence of reformation, come out from among them and be separate.  {FE 482.2} 
     There is a large vineyard to be cultivated; but while Christians are to work among unbelievers, they are not to appear like worldlings. They are not to spend their time talking politics or acting as politicians; for by so doing, they give the enemy opportunity to come in and cause variance and discord. Those in the ministry who desire to stand as politicians should have their credentials taken from them; for this work God has not given to high or low among His people. God calls upon all who minister in doctrine to give the trumpet a certain sound. All who have received Christ, ministers and lay members, are to arise and shine; for great peril is right upon us. Satan is stirring the powers of earth. Everything in the world is in confusion. God calls upon His people to hold aloft the banner bearing the message of the third angel. We are not to go to Christ through any human being, but through Christ we are to understand the work He has given us to do for others.  {FE 483.1} 
     God calls to His people, saying, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate." He asks that the love which He has shown for them may be reciprocated and revealed by willing obedience to His commandments. His children are to separate themselves from politics, from any alliance with unbelievers. They are not to link their interests with the interests of the world. "Give proof of your allegiance to Me" He says, "by standing as My chosen heritage, as a people zealous of good works." Do not take part in political strife. Separate from the world, and refrain from bringing into the church or school ideas that will lead to contention or disorder. Dissension is the moral poison taken into the system by human beings who are selfish. God wants His servants to have clear perceptions, true and noble dignity, that their influence may demonstrate the power of truth. The Christian life is not to be a haphazard, emotional life. True Christian  influence, exerted for the accomplishment of the work God has appointed, is a precious agency, and it must not be united with politics, or bound up in a confederacy with unbelievers. God is to be the center of attraction. Every mind that is worked by the Holy Spirit will be satisfied with Him.  {FE 483.2} 
     God calls upon the teachers in our schools not to become interested in the study of political questions. Take the knowledge of God into our schools. Your attention may be called to worldly wise men, who are not wise enough to understand what the Scriptures say in regard to the laws of God's kingdom; but turn from these to Him who is the source of all wisdom. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Make this first and last. Seek most earnestly to know Him whom to know aright is life eternal. Christ and His righteousness is the salvation of the soul. Teach the little children what obedience and submission means. In our schools science, literature, painting, and music, and all that the world's learning can teach are not to be made first. Let the knowledge of Him in whom our eternal life is centered come first. Plant in the hearts of the students that which will adorn the character and fit the soul, through sanctification of the Spirit, to learn lessons from the greatest Teacher the world has ever known. Thus students will be fitted to be heirs of the kingdom of God.--June 16, 1899.  {FE 484.1} 

The Leaders of the Jews considered the news of the coming Messiah a Fanatical Excitement

 The  Repeat of History

The priests and elders of Jerusalem were not as ignorant concerning the birth of Christ as they pretended. The report of the angels’ visit to the shepherds had been brought to Jerusalem, but the rabbis had treated it as unworthy of their notice. They themselves might have found Jesus, and might have been ready to lead the magi to His birthplace; but instead of this, the wise men came to call their attention to the birth of the Messiah. “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” they said; “for we have seen His star in the East, and are come to worship Him.” Now pride and envy closed the door against the light. If the reports brought by the shepherds and the wise men were credited, they would place the priests and rabbis in a most unenviable position, disproving their claim to be the exponents of the truth of God. These learned teachers would not stoop to be instructed by those whom they termed heathen. It could not be, they said, that God had passed them by, to communicate with ignorant shepherds or uncircumcised Gentiles. They determined to show their contempt for the reports that were exciting King Herod and all Jerusalem. They would not even go to Bethlehem to see whether these things were so. And they led the people to regard the interest in Jesus as a fanatical excitement. Here began the rejection of Christ by the priests and rabbis. From this point their pride and stubbornness grew into a settled hatred of the Saviour. While God was opening the door to the Gentiles, the Jewish leaders were closing the door to themselves. – {Desire of Ages page 62.5}