Phrase - Cause of the Oppressed ( 8 )
Quotations from the writings of Ellen G. White with the phrase . . .
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the cause of the oppressed |
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Though the rulers of this world know it not, yet often in their councils angels have been spokesmen. Human eyes have looked upon them; human ears have listened to their appeals; human lips have opposed their suggestions and ridiculed their counsels; human hands have met them with insult and abuse. In the council hall and the court of justice these heavenly messengers have shown an intimate acquaintance with human history; they have proved themselves better able to plead the cause of the oppressed than were their ablest and most eloquent defenders. They have defeated purposes and arrested evils that would have greatly retarded the work of God and would have caused great suffering to His people. In the hour of peril and distress "the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." Psalm 34:7. Great Controversy, page 632.1 |
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By no selfish practices can the cause of Christ be served. His cause is the cause of the oppressed and the poor. In the hearts of His professed followers there is need of the tender sympathy of Christ -- a deeper love for those whom He has so valued as to give His own life for their salvation. These souls are precious, infinitely more precious than any other offering we can bring to God. To bend every energy toward some apparently great work, while we neglect the needy or turn the stranger from his right, is not a service that will meet His approval. {COL 383.3} |
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A certain widow presented her case before this judge, and she was repulsed. But she would not fail or become discouraged. Tho she was again and again turned away, she still continued to beg for justice. What use had the cities for a judge unless he could relieve the cause of the oppressed? The Lord put into the woman's heart a persistency that the indifference of the judge could not quench. Often the judge heard her complaint; often were her sufferings presented before him. And finally the judge yielded to her request. But he did not do this willingly, for the truth's sake, because pity and compassion had been stirred in his breast, but because the widow troubled him. {ST, September 8, 1898 par. 3} |
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Be careful, brethren, how you represent the character of Christ before the world. Help must be given to sustain the cause of God but this is not all; there are other things to be considered.. Not long since, I spoke in Sydney upon 2 Cor. 9: 6-15. Read this carefully. The cause must be sustained, but we are not to encourage sinful actions toward our brethren with the impression that one is justified in neglecting to give attention and help which is required to relieve suffering and break every yoke of oppression that comes under our notice. The zeal that some have for the cause they make an excuse for their neglect of the pressing necessities of men and women, and these are brethren and sisters. Selfishness has been and will be indulged under a pretence of great anxiety for the cause of God, but the cause of God is the cause of the oppressed and the poor. The Lord expects his shepherds to look carefully after the sheep of his pasture and show a personal interest in the oppressed; they are to feed the hungry. If they neglect one case brought to their notice where there is real want of food and clothing, God will surely require this: he pronounces no blessing upon those who neglect the personal labor for the poor. {1888 1277.2} |
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the cause of the oppressed is vindicated |
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The sin of one man discomfited the entire army of Israel. A wrong course pursued by one toward his brother will turn the light of God from His people until the wrong is searched out and the cause of the oppressed is vindicated. God requires His people to be tender in their feelings and discriminations, while their hearts should be enlarged, their feelings should be broad and deep, not narrow, selfish, and penurious. Noble sympathy, largeness of soul, and disinterested benevolence are needed. Then can the church triumph in God. But just as long as the church suffer selfishness to dry up kindly sympathy and tender, thoughtful love and interest for their brethren, every virtue will be corroded. Isaiah's fast should be studied and close self-examination made with a spirit to discern whether there is in them the principles which God's people are required to possess in order that they may receive the rich blessings promised. {3T 519.1} |
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Envy has been cherished in the hearts of some in the church as well as in the College. God is displeased at your course. I entreat you, for Christ's sake, never treat another as you have treated Bro. Bell. A noble nature does not exult in causing others pain, or delight in discovering their deficiencies. A disciple of Christ will turn away with loathing from the feast of scandal. Some who have been active on this occasion, are repeating the course pursued toward one of the Lord's servants in affliction, one who had sacrificed health and strength in their service. The Lord vindicated the cause of the oppressed, and turned the light of his countenance upon his suffering servant. I then saw that God would prove these persons again, as he has now done, to reveal what was in their hearts. {5T 56.4} |
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Envy has been cherished in the hearts of some in the church as well as in the college. God is displeased at your course. I entreat you, for Christ's sake, never treat another as you have treated Brother -----. A noble nature does not exult in causing others pain, or delight in discovering their deficiencies. A disciple of Christ will turn away with loathing from the feast of scandal. Some who have been active on this occasion are repeating the course pursued toward one of the Lord's servants in affliction, one who had sacrificed health and strength in their service. The Lord vindicated the cause of the oppressed and turned the light of His countenance upon His suffering servant. I then saw that God would prove these persons again, as He has now done, to reveal what was in their hearts. {PH117 33.2} |
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