Such things as loud laughter at the table, jesting, loud responses, to some silly remark made by the workman, jars upon my feelings like a note of discord. It is rude, it is reckless; it is more like the excitement of the irrational animals than that of reasoning beings. Such things show a brutishness and earthliness which is inconsistent with the profession of a Christian. It seems like death knell to spirituality, and all such merriment is weighted with pain to my heart. This boisterous laughing at every thing said sounds to me like drunken revelings, and is a disgrace to the man or woman who indulges in it. This cheap, common talk, and terrible boisterous laughter causes grief and pity in my soul. I have expressed what pain it gives me, for I think how such things must appear to the heavenly Messengers. My tent is so near the dining tent that I can hear all this. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 6)

“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this is also vanity.” Ecclesiastes 7:5, 6. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 7)

“I said of laughter, It is mad; and of mirth, What doeth it?” Ecclesiastes 2:2. These things are painful to me. I am really ashamed of you for such exhibitions as this, searching through a young girl’s trunk and bed to find that which you wanted to gratify your taste with. You do not seem to have a sense of propriety and wisdom. Can you not see that your influence as a Christian leader is dead because of these things? (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 8)

I cannot consent to have you as my agent, because you are not right in the sight of God. You can rebuke a child because she is not diligently employed, when it is none of your business to dictate in any such matters, I had told her that I did not have her come up here to work in the kitchen. I was paying Maude three dollars per week; her brother I gave one dollar per week, besides furnishing him with two suits of clothes and giving him his board, and it was his place to help his sister. Ella was not well and I wanted her to come up here where she could be out of doors in the woods and enjoy the rest. The mere matter of cooking was costing me four dollars per week, clean money, besides their board amounting to two and a half dollars, making five per week. Then one dollar for the washing makes it cost me ten dollars per week simply to get my house work done. Yet you feel it your privilege to tell the child that she had to go and help Maude in the place of playing around. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 9)

I see that the constant tendency of your character is to be arbitrary and overbearing. I do not want you to connect with me in any line. Misapprehension produces unkindness, and unkindness provokes unkindness in return. You are petulant and create unkind feelings in others. Harsh, hasty speech, is common with you, and I cannot have such an element in my family. All harsh judgment is wrong, because our Master condemns it. Gentleness of words and actions is right, because Christ taught this in all His lessons. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 10)

I must now leave this place to return to Granville. I had thought I would leave Ella here that she might become stronger by running out in the woods and enjoying the fresh air; but I see that I dare not leave her, I must take her with me. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 11)

I feel deeply over another matter, and that is your visiting Fannie in her tent. I have already decided that you two cannot work together. You are a married man, father of two children. If your wife has obtained a divorce from you, that does not leave you free to marry again, as I read my Bible. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 12)

When I conversed with you I counselled you to act as a Christian and be doubly guarded, and abstain from the very appearance of evil. But I, a gray-head woman, will no longer be on the ground, and in leaving so many workers here, I warn you that there will be need of constant watchfulness and prayer, that you may be kept from falling into temptation. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 13)

Before leaving I must lay down some rules. There is no call for Caldwell to visit Fannie’s tent. Fannie has not been in working order for some time. Her association with you is largely the cause of this. I know this to be so, and therefore I say, Keep away from her tent. When I am away you will feel that you have a fine opportunity to get in to her society whenever you can; and I cannot go without warning you and charging you to keep yourself to yourself. I want no reproach brought upon me, nor upon this community, by imprudent, careless habits or practices. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 14)

I do not want you to have anything to do with the horses. You have not proved yourself a kind man in dealing with youth, or in the treatment of the animals. You love to show your authority when you have an opportunity. It is in you to be arbitrary. It seems to relieve your feelings to cut the horses with the whip. I have seen you do this quite often when you did not suppose I was watching you. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 15)

I told Willie that I could not have you superintend anything on my place, for you were in that state of mind that you would not be crossed even by a dumb animal, without being cruel to it and causing it to suffer if you had a chance. Your own body should take the stripes just as deservedly as the bodies of the dumb animals. The same witness that stood before Baalim has stood before you, as indignant at your course of action as he was at the perverse spirit of Baalim in his exhibited cruelty to the dumb animal. The Lord looks upon every act of cruelty performed by those to whom He has given reasoning faculties. He sees how they act out the impulse of their own evil heart, in beating and abusing dumb animals, and He will requite for these things. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 16)

We are all making our future destiny. Decisions are being made for eternity. Every action of this kind repeated, is charged against you in the books of heaven, and against every human being who shall pursue such a course of action. There is a certain dignity possessed by dumb animals, and the Lord uses them as His agents to do good. He causes them to show sympathy and tenderness to their companions in suffering. There are vicious animals, as there are vicious human beings; but there are animals in the brute creation that naturally have affection for those who have charge of them, which is far superior to the affection of many human beings. They form attachments which are not broken without great suffering on their part. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 17)

At the stable, and in other places, I have seen you act the part of a tyrant toward the horses when you did not think that you were observed. I held my peace when I ought to have spoken to you. When you were hitching up the team, I have seen you strike Jessie on the head, and trash your own horse. But I did not want you to be tempted to tell a falsehood, and charge the blame upon the dumb animal, so I kept still. At times you have treated your own horse very cruelly. If the strokes you gave him had fallen upon your body, it would have been far more appropriate. It is your treatment of him that has made it impossible for you to go near his head. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 18)

You have whipped your horse most shamefully because he did not do as you wished, and you have also whipped Jessie, as kind and gentle an animal as any one could wish. People have asked me, Why do you allow him to have anything to do with your horses. He has whipped Jessie for nothing whatever, merely because he took a notion to. You may say, This is not true; but it is Your wrong habits of eating have so educated your moral powers that you have not the spirit of a Christian. Your temper is perverse, and your treatment of dumb animals is wrong. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 19)

I have been taken back in your life, and have seen the spirit which is revealed in you, working out evil. You delight to hurt and bruise. If the tenderness of Christ was in your heart, you would not treat animals as you do. Would Jesus do as you have done. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 20)

While at Tasmania, I dreamed I was travelling with a company, of which you were one. Several teams had passed on before yours. You felt annoyed at this. Your horses seemed to be weary, but you lashed them and scolded them, fuming and fretting, because you were behind. You kept touching them with your whip to make them travel faster, notwithstanding the poor beasts seemed to be doing their very best. A tall, dignified man stepped up and took your horses by the bridle, led them a few steps to one side, spoke gently to them, and calmed down their excited spirits. He then turned to you, asking your name, which he wrote in a book. He said to you, Do your remember Baalim? An angel spoke in behalf of his dumb animal, which he was ill-treating. This angel stood ready with flaming sword to destroy Baalim, because he was going contrary to the will of the Lord, and following out his own will and way, after the Lord had said, Thou shalt not curse Israel. After this tall, dignified man had written your name in a book he said to you, “A merciful man is merciful to his beast.” (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 21)

Your spirit is after the attributes of Satan. The dumb animals are God’s property. They cannot speak to utter a protest, but that God who watches over the little sparrows, so that not one falls to the ground without His knowledge, is watching you. He is present on every occasion when you manifest an evil, cruel spirit by beating the beasts which are doing you service. God will call you to an account for such actions. The development of such a character is an offense to Him, and the mischief done to yourself is great. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 22)

God created the dumb animals to be a benefit and a blessing to man; and any one who will vent his passionate, wicked feelings on the Lord’s creatures is manifesting a spirit which is akin to the cruel spirit of Satan. Unless you are transformed in character, and view things in a different light, you will never see the kingdom of heaven. You are not a Christian. Does God deal with you, an intelligent, reasoning being, because of your perversities of character, as you deal with the animals that are not blessed with intelligence? These animals are guided and controlled by those who are required to represent a kind, tender, pitiful God. God will punish the abuse of shown to man or beast. You show a perverse, hard, unfeeling spirit in the treatment of those helpless ones who need tender, thoughtful care. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 23)

How does the Master of these dumb animals look upon man, made superior in every way by the gift of reason and speech, who will treat His creatures disrespectfully? Even though these animals may be His slaves, given to serve Him, they are not given Him to abuse, and it lowers a man in the sight of God when he treats animals in a cruel way. The record against such is, Unfaithful stewards. They can never enter the kingdom of heaven, for their temper is in accordance with that of Satan. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 24)

When any young woman sees a man pursuing a wrong course in the treatment of living creatures, she may well consider that the same spirit will be acted out in his treatment toward his wife and children if they do not meet his ideas and plans. By a repetition of acts of cruelty toward the dumb animals, a man educated himself to be harsh and cruel; he brutalizes himself, and instead of inspiring love and confidence in the members of his family, they are led to fear him. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 25)

In all the walks of life, there is a power in the Christian whose heart is filled with tender sympathy; but if that sympathy is used in sustaining evil, it is not after the similitude of Christ, and becomes a snare. Good is not to be treated as evil, or evil as good. Those whom God has made His agents, to give reproof and correct wrongs, are often hindered in their work by those who consider that God is using them as peacemakers. These stand directly in the way to counteract the work of God in condemning wrong and sustaining righteousness, and are pleasing the enemy and helping him. He who fears the Lord, and walks in the ways of righteousness, will not strengthen the hands of evil-doers, by sympathizing with them and upholding them, thus weakening and discouraging the efforts of those upon whom the Lord has laid unenviable and disagreeable work. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 26)

Sin is not to be clothed with the garments of righteousness; but those who do this may suppose that they are doing a praise-worthy act. God has naught to do with their words, Peace, peace, to the wrong doer. When the Lord sets his watchmen to warn the wicked of his course, if any human being steps in as a middle man to lift that burden which the Lord wants the wrong doer to feel, he has the guilt of that wrong doer upon his own soul. The man or woman who would lessen the effect of the words spoken by God’s messenger is helping the arch-fiend in His work. Let Satan, who is thus working the human agent, be confounded. Let not the idea of love and sympathy help the devil in retaining his power over the human agent. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 27)

May the Lord have mercy, and open the eyes of the unwise sympathizer, who carries on a warfare at his own charges. He engages in a work which God has never sent him to do. (11LtMs, Lt 19, 1896, 28)

Lt 19a, 1896

Caldwell, W.F.
Refiled as Lt 17, 1896.

Lt 20, 1896

Colcord, W. A.; Daniells, A. G.; Faulkhead, N. D.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
August 25, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 374.
Dear brethren Colcord, Daniells, and Faulkhead:

I send you several articles, which you can use in the Echo if you choose. I am thankful to the Lord that it is as well with me as it is, and that I am still able to write. I am also pleased to see the talent displayed by my new workers, Maggie Hare and Minnie Hawkins. I did not suppose that either of them would show so soon that they were capable of doing the work that is now coming from their hands. I think we are often too negligent in developing talent which is close at hand. More persons should certainly be educated in lines of literary work, that when one is sick, or called away for any reason, another can step into the place and prevent any break in the work. (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 1)

My brethren, I beseech you not to lay one stone of stumbling in the way of those who have followed their own judgment, and have left the office. Keep steadfastly to your own work, praying and offering up thanksgiving to God. The men who have lately left the office had no more reason for taking this course than had Korah, Dathan, and Abiram for following the course of action they pursued. (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 2)

The Lord entrusted Korah, Dathan, and Abiram with a part in His work, but they failed in the performance of their duty, and became proud and rebellious. “And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown; and they gathered themselves together against Moses, and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them; wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?” [Numbers 16:2, 3.] (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 3)

I will ask you to read this history for yourselves. These men were guilty of a great sin in the sight of the Lord, and their course was made a lesson of warning to the rest of the congregation. They suffered the penalty of rebellion against God, for “the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained unto them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them, and they perished from among the congregation of Israel.” [Verses 32, 33.] (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 4)

There will always be those who, like Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, set up their own opinion and strive to be first; and they will do just as some in your experience at the office have done, irrespective of all consequences. But although those whom you supposed would understand the situation, and would stand firm to principle, have been swayed by the leaven of dissension, yet I beg of you to stand patiently and calmly. Go forward unitedly in the work of the Lord; let him handle those whose love to be first has led them to keep their own interest in view. They have sinned against Him by using their influence and advantages for their own benefit, without a thought of whether their movements would cripple the cause of God or hinder the dissemination of light. If prosperity attends their efforts, it will be the worst thing that can happen to them. They cannot see that their course of selfishness means a harvest which they will not care to reap; but the Lord sees it all, and He will judge them in righteousness. (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 5)

I am often troubled and my heart sinks within me as I think how men, who have had light poured in upon them from almost every source, have cultivated selfishness. But our work is to hide self in Jesus and in His strength pursue a straightforward course of action. All through the history of our work just such crises as the one you have been passing through have come up. In every one of our institutions they have occurred, and they will occur again and again. But although the waves of circumstance cause our boat to pitch and toss, we are never to forget that the Master is on board. Our faith is too weak; we need to cultivate it more earnestly. Look to Jesus, and tell him of all your difficulties. Be cheerful; talk faith and hope and courage. Press forward in your work as fast as possible. (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 6)

For a time those who have selfishly left the work, gathering to themselves all the advantages they could have seemed to prosper; but God Himself has wrought; and in the hands of unselfish workers, His work has prospered wonderfully. (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 7)

Brethren, in your work be careful to sow only wheat, pure unadulterated wheat. Walk steadily and calmly. Walk humbly before God. Hide in the refuge which Christ has prepared for you. Do not talk of the inconvenience which for the time being has been brought upon the Echo Office. All this will work for the glory of God. (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 8)

Not in your own strength or by virtue of your own merits can you serve God acceptably. Only by continual dependence upon Christ can you do the work of God in a way well-pleasing to Him. True Christians will meet with many difficulties; they will encounter many perplexities, but the way out of these trials is simple. Trustful dependence upon Jesus makes victory not only possible, but certain. Though multitudes be pressing on in the wrong way, though the outlook be ever so discouraging, yet we may have full assurance in our Leader, for “I am God,” He declares, “and there is none else.” [Isaiah 45:22.] He is infinite in power, and therefore all-sufficient, yea, omnipotent to save all that come to Him. There is no other in whom we can safely trust. (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 9)

I have just received good letters from Professor Prescott and Elder Haskell. These I will read to you when I go to Melbourne. (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 10)

In God’s work we must all press together, standing shoulder to shoulder. By our words and actions we must show that we have entire dependence upon Jesus Christ and sincere love for one another. When we are a unit with Christ, we shall all be of one mind, and our work will tell on the side of right. (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 11)

The Word of God represents the power of the Christian church to be an individual dependence upon Christ and a unity between the members. The union between the members of the church and the leader is illustrated by a temple and its foundation. The whole weight of the temple rests upon the foundation, without which it could not stand. So the members of the church of Christ are to build upon Him, for He is the only true foundation. (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 12)

“We are his workmanship,” writes Paul, “created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. In whom the whole building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” [Ephesians 2:10, 18-22.] (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 13)

“Ye also, as lively stones,” writes Peter, “are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious; and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is become the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:5-9.] (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 14)

The union which exists between Christ and His followers is also illustrated by the relation which the head sustains to the other parts of the body. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, pastors, and teachers.” “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. From whom the whole body, fitly framed together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” [Ephesians 4:11, 14-16.] (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 15)

Christ Himself compares the union between Him and His followers to the union which exists between a vine and its branches. (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 16)

Brethren, I feel hurt when I see that so many decided thrusts are made against the Catholics. Preach the truth, but restrain the words which show a harsh spirit, for such words cannot help or enlighten any one. The Echo is a paper that should be circulated largely. Do not do anything that would hinder its sale. There is no reason why it should not be as a light shining in a dark place. But for Christ’s sake heed the admonitions which have been given in regard to making scathing remarks about the Catholics. Many Catholics read the Echo, and among the number there are honest souls who will accept the truth. But there is such a thing as shutting the door in their faces as they are about to enter. Put more cheering, testimonies of thanksgiving into the Echo. Do not hedge up its way, and prevent it from going to all parts of the world by making it a medium for hard expressions. Satan rejoices when one word of bitterness is found on its pages. (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 17)

In His great mercy and infinite love, God has given you light from His Word. You have been led not only to see the light, but to walk in it, and Christ says to you, “Freely ye have received, freely give.” [Matthew 10:8.] Let the light God has given you shine forth to those who are in darkness. As you do this, God will give you the wisdom of the serpent and the harmlessness of the dove. Let us be glad and rejoice that Christ has not only given us His Word, but that He has also given us the spirit and wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God, and that in His strength we may be more than conquerors. (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 18)

Christ is saying to us, “Come unto me. Right counsel and sound judgment belong to me. I have understanding and strength for you.” By faith we must rest in Christ, remembering the words of one who inspired by God to write, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] Ask God that He will give you much of the oil of His grace. Carefully consider every word, whether it be written or spoken. “Preach the word; be instant in season and out of season,” using only the weapon which Christ used—“It is written.” [2 Timothy 4:2.] (11LtMs, Lt 20, 1896, 19)

Lt 21, 1896

Colcord, W. A.
Avondale, Cooranbong, Australia
January 7, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 9MR 272-273.
Elder W. A. Colcord
North Fitzroy, Victoria
Dear Brother:

I do not want to be over anxious in regard to my writing, but I am much perplexed in regard to the situation. I want to get out several books as fast as possible, and therefore I thought you would bring things to a head ere this—would surely have something decided; but was disappointed that matters delayed so long. I do not think it is as it should be. If you cannot keep two editors, why not say so, and have this matter settled. If Eliza [Burnham] is settled to have her own way, and to refuse my urgent solicitations, then I ought to send to America at once. I said I would pay her the same per week that she has been receiving. Some one told me that her salary was $8. I understand she said she was having the easiest time she has hitherto had. (11LtMs, Lt 21, 1896, 1)

Now I know that Eliza is not a well, strong person. I know she needs to guard herself carefully, but then she must expect less wages, because she has not the strength and vitality to put into the work. I know her work is valuable. I understand that she says she has put in ten hours per day labor for me when she was working for me. This was never required of any of my workers. When the mails are closing, then extra time may have been given, but if she put in her labor, as she no doubt has done, it was not because it was exacted of her, but she did it herself. (11LtMs, Lt 21, 1896, 2)

Neither Marian nor anyone is required to do just so many hours. Whenever they ask, a day is given off, and not a word said as to whether they have put in their full time; not a question or a criticism made as to time or amount of work done. They are left individually on their own responsibility. Over and over I have repeated, Do not work when you do not feel well. I make no account of days when they do not do anything for me, whoever it may be. I never question their time, only to say, Let their wages go right on, when sick, when attending meetings, or when engaged in work for themselves. (11LtMs, Lt 21, 1896, 3)

In regard to Fannie, she has done very little of the work for one year. Since the Ashfield camp meeting, her mind has been diverted to other things, preoccupied with things that were of no service to the cause of God, and Satan has worked upon her imagination. It is not the work connected with me that has prostrated her nervous system. It is practicing a course of secrecy and deception and wrongdoing. It is not the requirements made upon her, but it is kindling a fire and walking in the sparks of her own kindling in connection with her wonderful desire for another woman’s husband—lovesick sentimentalism. (11LtMs, Lt 21, 1896, 4)

It was not my work when at Preston that had that effect on her, that caused her to be nervously prostrated. It was her lovesick sentimentalism for a man in America, who has given up the truth. She expected he would write her, renewing his attentions to her, but no letter was received, and she almost blasphemed God because of His Providence. She would ask, “Why does God permit these things to be?” in such a spirit of vehemence and rebellion that I was frightened. (11LtMs, Lt 21, 1896, 5)

Now the appearance is that poor Fannie has broken down in her work for Sister White, as though I had worked her to death. This is not the truth, but such it will be regarded. Fannie has had her own way, and must suffer the result of her own course of action, but I must have the stigma, and the impression will go forth that poor Fannie is worked to death. I feel very sorry for the girl. I feel very sorry that she is suffering, but wrong impressions will be made in regard to my work. I have written this very hastily to go in the morning mail. I will write with reference to Melchizedek (11LtMs, Lt 21, 1896, 6)

Brother Colcord, I have received the impression that you want short articles for the paper, and more of them. I have not felt any special burden to measure the lines that I write. I think if there is more put into the paper of living religious practice, it would certainly be of great value, for this is what the people need. To keep out the living experiences, and yet present the controversial, is not according to the light which God has given. (11LtMs, Lt 21, 1896, 7)

You have a very large field to select from in the many testimonies. In Christian Education there is a rich supply; but if you think [it] not best to select and use these things God has given for the instruction of His people, and all to whom they may come, then you are right in laying them on one side. But if those things are of value, let them speak. (11LtMs, Lt 21, 1896, 8)

I am a little puzzled over this matter. The request made is for “short articles, Sister White.” This cannot always be, therefore I leave you my books to select from, which would be new matter to the readers in this country—Australia and New Zealand—and just what they need. I have felt no burden to write for the paper, because you had a new field of matter for this country, which would be a blessing to those who receive it. Selections are made of matter, apparently to fill up, from other papers. What the people want is instruction: What shall I do that I may save my soul? We need more, and still more, of vital godliness brought out in the papers. (11LtMs, Lt 21, 1896, 9)

Lt 22, 1896

Colcord, W. A.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
June 22, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in UL 187; OHC 104; 5MR 348-349.
Elder W. A. Colcord
North Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
My Dear Brother:

I received your letter this morning, and read it with much interest. You may use any matter that you choose for the Echo, leaving out, of course, the personalities. I think that it would be well for the letter to the Cooranbong church in regard to the school, to be put in the Echo. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 1)

We are in great need of money, and I scarcely know what to do with my workers. For some months I have not been able to settle their wages. We have almost reached the end of our rope. We are running up bills at Cooranbong and Newcastle, and I shall be obliged to write to Battle Creek and tell them that our orders must not be sent to the Echo Office to be cashed, but must come direct to us. We have poor people working for us who need the money they earn to provide food for their families. Entire families are dependent upon us. We are terribly perplexed to know what to do. If we could only pay off our workmen, such as Brother McCann and his boys, we would be relieved. We cannot allow things to come to this pass if we can possibly help it. But we shall not fail nor be discouraged, but will hope that the Lord will open the way for us all. He will be our helper. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 2)

I am looking for something that I have written definitely in regard to the office at North Fitzroy. I will do my best to find it, for it is important. I understand the peculiar temperament of Brother Miller. When he lays down a plan for himself, he does not allow anything to obstruct his course. Opposition only makes him more determined. If possible his will bears down everything. This is the way in which the matter was presented to me before Brother Miller left for America. I saw then that he was not in a position to be any help in setting things in order at the Echo Office. He, with some others, had very wrong ideas in regard to the spirit which should characterize the work there. The same spirit that actuated the disciples when they disputed about who should be greatest, actuated these men. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 3)

“The disciples came to Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 18:1-4.] Who will be instructed? Who will humble his heart to learn? In this chapter there are most important lessons, given from the lips of the great Teacher. All should learn these lessons, imprinting them upon their memories as a safeguard against falling into the same error as did the disciples. Read this chapter carefully to those who are now under the influence of temptation, and who are determined to follow the imagination of their own hearts irrespective of consequences. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 4)

I was present in your assembly on one occasion, and was speaking to the church in regard to their danger, when One stepped into our midst whom we knew to be a messenger from God. The words that fell from his lips were such that the people sat with their eyes riveted upon him. A few covered their faces and would not look at the speaker, for it seemed to pain them. They writhed under his words, and were desirous to leave, but dared not. He said, “It is the essence of sin to allow yourselves to become a contradiction of God’s will. Had it not been for the perverting influence of sin, the character and conduct of God’s creatures would have been in perfect harmony with His will. But this is not the case, and because of this, it becomes necessary for every individual to search for the right way. By studying the Word of God, and carrying out its precepts in all their business transactions, men may carefully discern the spirit which controls the actions. In the place of following human impulse and natural inclination, they may learn, by diligent study, the principles which should control the sons and daughters of Adam.” (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 5)

The Bible is the Guidebook which is to decide the many difficult problems that arise in minds that are selfishly inclined. It is a reflection of the wisdom of God, and not only furnishes great and important principles, but supplies practical lessons for the life and conduct of man toward his fellow man. It gives minute particulars that decide our relation to God, and to each other. It is a complete revelation of the attributes and will of God in the person of Jesus Christ; and in it is set forth the obligation of the human agent to render whole-hearted service to God, and to inquire at every step of the way, Is this the way of the Lord? (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 6)

The question for the church to settle is, Who is prepared to stand up for the Lord at this time, even in difficult circumstances? After most earnestly asking the Lord in prayer, let the words be heard, “Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me.” [Exodus 32:26.] Let there be no striving for supremacy, no strife, for God’s Word declares, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] There is a wrong in your midst. Minds in the church are being leavened by an influence that does not proceed from God, but which has been introduced, not suddenly, but gradually, until the whole church needs to inquire diligently, What spirit is prompting us to action? Will it lead to unity of mind and to correct principles? As Christians, we are but one firm, and we are to act in all things as the Lord Jesus would act were He in our place. But there has been and is in the church an unsanctified independence, which does not show submission to God. The members need to feel upon their minds an influence that is from above, not from beneath. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 7)

Man is not his own; he has been bought with a price; and what a price? The only begotten Son of God condescended to live a life of humiliation, self-denial, and self-sacrifice, divesting himself of His own majesty and glory as Commander in the heavenly courts, that He might bring life and immortality to the human race. He clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to the world all seared and marred with the curse, in order to give the human family an example of what humanity may become through Jesus Christ if they will abide in Him. He lived the law of God in human nature, to show that humanity may keep that law through His power. All who desire to share His glory hereafter must share His self-denial and self-sacrifice at every step heavenward. They must represent Christ to the world in the same manner that Christ represented His Father to the world. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 8)

It is essential for all to practice the lessons given by the Great Teacher. But many minds have been at work independently of the revealed will of God, as though unconscious that there is an inspired Word to regulate their movements and point out the way of the Lord. Changes must be made in human character. For the future safety of His church, God has permitted a condition of things to exist which will develop character. In the providence of God the spirit which is a controlling power over each human agent, will be made manifest. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 9)

Only the one who will keep the way of the Lord can be trusted to do the work of the Lord, for he alone will be a faithful steward. The one who works to leave an impression on the minds of his brethren that will mislead them, and cause them to injure God’s instrumentalities, is working against God. The character of Christianity is decidedly practical. Self, and selfish ambition has no place in the mind of him who is daily converted to God. Whatever his hereditary or cultivated tendencies may be, the Holy Spirit’s molding power on his mind and character leads him into more and still more decided co-operation with the upbuilding of the instrumentalities God has established. Never will he take the side of the power of darkness by striving to weaken and discourage, by seeking to leaven minds with suspicion, distrust, and jealousy. Those who will stand firm as a rock to principle will not become corrupted with the leaven of deception and disaffection. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 10)

The will of every human being should be under the discipline and control of God, for it is a dangerous element if exercised in selfish schemes, and if the will of the great enemy of God and man is allowed to take control of the mind, and seek to counteract the work of God. A deceiving crookedness is discernible in the minds of those whose eyes are not anointed with the heavenly eyesalve, that they may see all things in the light of God’s Word. The will becomes enslaved, bound to pursue a course which the Word of God will not justify. The will of the human agent is not to be given into the control of any other man. When merged into the will of other men, it is misleading. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 11)

The will of man is only safe when united with the will of God. When merged into the will of God, it is a will, joined to conscience, rightly exercised in advancing the honor and glory of God. The Lord has purchased the will, the affections, the mind, the soul, and the strength. Thus he has taken the whole man. Under the supervision of the Divine power the will is to be cultivated to become strong, prompt, and firm; it is not to fail nor be discouraged. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 12)

God’s Word sets forth the will that is to be carried into the recesses of the soul. If the human agent consents, God can and will so identify His will with all our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His Word, that when obeying His will, we are only carrying out the impulses of our minds. All such will not possess an unsanctified, selfish disposition, ready to carry out their own wills, but will have a jealous, earnest, determined zeal for the glory of God. They will not want to do anything in their own strength, and will guard strictly against the danger of promoting self. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 13)

All who would perfect a Christian character must wear the yoke of Christ. If they would sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, they must learn of Him while on this earth. Our natures are in need of discipline. They must be conformed to the nature of Jesus Christ, that He may accomplish the good He designs to do for all who will submit to be molded, by yielding their natures to His authority. The great Teacher will yoke up with every soul who will bear His yoke. He understands man, and has a full knowledge of all the requirements of human nature. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 14)

Christ pleased not Himself. The whole of His life was the development of a pure, disinterested benevolence. He assumed human nature to demonstrate to the fallen world, to Satan and his synagogue, to the universe of heaven, to the worlds unfallen, that human nature, united with His divine nature could become entirely obedient to the law of God, that His followers could manifest the glory of God by their love and unity one for the other, that they could give evidence that God had sent His Son into the world. He rejoiced in the consciousness that He could and would do more for those who are humble and contrite in heart than He had promised, for from Him would flow forth love and compassion, clear as crystal, cleansing the soul temple of those who would receive His grace, and flowing from them to the world. He rejoiced that His prayer that His church might be sanctified through the truth, would be answered, that man would be molded by the renovating, transforming influence of a character after the divine similitude. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 15)

The church which Christ has established needs to inquire, “What must I do to be saved?” [Acts 16:30.] God requires humble, contrite hearts, that tremble at His Word. Where is the preparation of the work of God to be obtained? Where? At the throne of grace. Man’s will and heart must be yielded to God’s will and way. Men are altogether too officious in trying to lift up and exalt themselves. All who do this will be found the last and least of all. It is only from the divine altar that we can receive the celestial torch, which, when received, will give us a full view of our incompetence, and reveal to us the dignity and glory of Christ. When this is seen, God places us under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and it will lead us into all truth. It will take of the things of Christ, the words that fell from His lips, and convey them into the heart that is obedient to the will of God, that it may receive the perfect image of God. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 16)

Again I ask, Who will be on the Lord’s side? Every individual is forming his own destiny. God has been dishonored by those who should have had an eye single to His glory. God reads character, and if the characters of those who persist in a wrong course are not soon transformed, they will become confirmed in deception, delusion, and stubbornness. (11LtMs, Lt 22, 1896, 17)

Lt 23, 1896

Collins, Brother
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
December 14, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 4MR 385-386; 7MR 338. +
Dear Brother:

Your case has been presented before me, and I feel drawn out to write to you. You are a professor of godliness. You have taken upon you the solemn responsibility of a minister of Christ, yet you are satisfied with a low level in the Christian life. In your mind sacred things are mingled with that which is common and carnal. You have not yet endured as seeing Him who is invisible. You have a high opinion of self, and have nurtured self. You do not comprehend the words of Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] You may be active, you may plan and devise; you study, and you may teach the Scriptures; but unless the transforming grace of Christ shall take possession of your heart; unless the thoughts and the imagination are purified, and brought into captivity to the will of Christ; unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, you will not, cannot have eternal life. And you will ere long become offended, and turn away from the truth, saying, “These are hard sayings; who can hear them?” [See John 6:60.] Two paths are before you; you must make a decided change in your practical life in almost every respect, and become one with Christ, or you will deny Christ in character, and put Him to open shame. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 1)

“The bread of God is he that cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Ever more give us this bread.” But when they had an opportunity to eat of that bread, it was not palatable to them. It was not Christ that they wanted, but self. “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” [Verses 33-35.] Coming to Christ and believing on Him as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, places the believer on vantage ground. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 2)

The first chapter of John tells you how. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [Verse 12.] What name? “And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of peace.” [Isaiah 9:6.] Does your faith lay hold upon this? Not yet. You do not know Him whom to know aright is life and peace. Before you shall come to Him, self must be expelled from the soul and crucified. This experience of having an abiding Christ, you do not know. “But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believed not.” [John 6:36.] You have a theoretical knowledge of Christ, but not an experimental knowledge through belief in Him as your personal Saviour. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 3)

Jesus says, “All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” [Verse 37.] Connect this with the invitation, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] Precious promise, of more value than gold and silver and precious stones. But to every promise there are conditions, either expressed or implied. The Saviour continues, “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.” [Verses 29, 30.] When you, my brother, shall come to Christ just as you are, knowing your weakness, your helplessness, your sinfulness, and cast your soul upon Jesus; when you take His yoke and wear it, when you lift His burdens, and learn His meekness and lowliness, you will see a serious solemn phase in human life for you; you will have altogether different ideas of your responsibilities and accountability. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 4)

I have been very much distressed in regard to the action of Elder Corliss in laying hands upon you, and setting you apart for the ministry. You were not prepared for this great work. Had Elder Corliss consulted me in regard to the wisdom of ordaining you to the ministry, I should have said, Wait until he has a deeper conviction of what constitutes sacred service to God. Wait until selfishness is expelled from the heart. Wait until he has learned to yoke up with Christ, till he has learned of Christ meekness and lowliness of heart. Wait until self is hid with Christ in God. Wait until he has a more humble estimate of himself, and better understands the meaning of the words of Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 5)

Your self-confidence has been shown in your disregard of the light upon health reform. The Lord has given His servants a special message to bear, that His people may become intelligent upon this subject. You have had an opportunity to obtain the light; but self-denial would be a new experience to you, and you have not been willing to see that temperance in eating and drinking and in all things devolved upon you. This in itself was a reason why you should not have been ordained to the ministry. No man should be set apart as a teacher of the people while his own teaching or example contradicts the testimony God has given His servants to bear in regard to diet; for this will bring confusion. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 6)

And your disregard of health reform is unfitting you to stand as the Lord’s messenger. Indulgence in meat-eating, and tea-drinking, and other forms of self-pleasing, is injurious to the health of the body and the soul. You remember the inflammation of your eyes from which you suffered so much. It was the indulgence of your appetite which poisoned your blood, and caused the affection of your eyes. Your diet consists largely of the flesh of dead animals, and while you subsist upon such food, you cannot expect to have a pure current of blood. Your body will become diseased, and this in turn will affect the mind. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 7)

We are admonished by the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul, “I beseech you by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” [Romans 12:1, 2.] Every one who has a part to act in the service of God is to cultivate pure, chaste, holy thoughts. He is to keep himself from all appearance of evil. You cannot do this while you subsist on the flesh of dead animals. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 8)

Every indulgence of perverted appetite is a fleshly lust which wars against the soul. By your large meat-eating you are placing in your stomach that which animalizes you. While strengthening the animal propensities, you are weakening the higher, holier attributes, which you so need to cultivate. Your sensibilities are blunted, so that you cannot discern sacred things. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 9)

The violation of principle is eating and drinking perverts your discrimination as to what constitutes sin. If you give loose rein to your appetite, you will give loose rein to your passions. Already corrupt passions are striving for the supremacy. Temptations have come to you in the past. Have you resisted the devil, that he might flee from you? What is your attitude toward women and girls? Let this question be answered to God. Temptation will come to you to indulge unlawful practices, and ruin your soul. If you strengthen the animal propensities by indulgence, you will carry your lustful appetite into forbidden lines. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 10)

This is an age of incontinence in the married life, of indulgence of lust in wedlock; but if you do not become transformed in character, you will break down the barriers. I feel so sorry for your family, for if you continue to do as you have done, you will bring sorrow to them. You will choose the society and petting of women. You will enjoy it, and will be led on and on, to habits of dissipation and lustful practices. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 11)

Licentiousness prevails in our world. Its inhabitants are becoming as corrupt as were the Sodomites. The sin of Sodom is wide spread. Will you become ensnared? Will you become careless, and gratify sensual appetite and passion, which you know will ruin the soul? (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 12)

How are you meeting your obligations as a husband and father? Your children are the Lord’s property. You must give an account to Him of the manner in which you deal with them. What kind of appetites and passions have you transmitted to these children? What kind of instruction and training are you giving them? You are not giving them the education and training they should have. Your family needs health reform. Disease is upon you all. I am alarmed for you and for your family. Gluttony is doing its work. Suffering is brought upon them through the indulgence of appetite. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 13)

The food you give your children is stimulating to the lower passions. You are sowing the seeds for a crop you will not care to harvest. Will you have corruption exist in your family? (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 14)

It is a sad thing for parents who have the light as you have it, to disregard the light as you are doing. Your family needs to have a different element brought into it. As father and mother, you should make a decided change. Cleanse your thoughts, cleanse the soul temple. Pray, and watch unto prayer. Hold fast to the throne of God, and by faith bring your children to Jesus. Come up from your low level, and adorn the doctrine of Christ your Saviour. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 15)

What kind of impression are you making upon the people where you labor? Your selfish indulgence is not making a correct impression upon them. You are not adorning the doctrine of Christ our Saviour. You are not elevating the standard of truth. Will you continue to dishonor God? (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 16)

Every impulse and passion has its seat in the body, and the work of reform must include the physical habits if our lives are to glorify God. The Lord has placed every man under obligation to take care of his physical habitation, the house he dwells in. It is essential that every one should understand how to live in order to preserve health. There is no need of ignorance in regard to these things. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 17)

You should inform yourself upon the subject of organized life, and should conscientiously obey its laws. Study your Bible carefully. we are not to shut our eyes to light for fear we shall see evils that we are unwilling to correct. The Lord will not work a miracle to restore the suffering body while we are inducing disease through indulgence of intemperate appetite. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 18)

According to the light which the Lord has given me, you should make a decided change in your diet. It is your duty to deny appetite, and not allow your taste to rule you. Animalism is already largely developed in you, and it should not be strengthened by the use of flesh meats. Even if you know the meat to be perfectly healthy, it should not pass your lips. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 19)

I ask you not to continue in the ministry and yet indulge your appetite for the flesh of dead animals. For your soul’s sake, take heed. Begin at once to make a decided change. Said Christ, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mark 8:34.] Practice temperance in all things. Give yourself abundance of physical exercise in useful labor. Restrain your animal propensities. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 20)

The Lord has given you reason, and has lent you talents to be improved, not abused and misapplied. Christ has given His life for you. Through faith in Christ, a glorious possibility is set before you. By patient continuance in well doing, by seeking for glory and honor and immortality, you may secure eternal life. Begin at once to humble your heart before God. It is now a proud, boastful, self-sufficient heart; but you have the privilege of entering the school of Christ and learning of Him. If you will yoke up with Christ, you can employ all your powers to do the work He has given you to do. “But if while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God; for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” [Galatians 2:17-21.] (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 21)

As one who loves your soul, and who has an interest in your wife and your children, I urge you to begin now, while it is called today, to act the flesh and blood of the Son of God. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” [John 6:53.] Read John 6:54-65. The same lesson is taught in the 15th chapter of John, under the symbol of the vine and its branches. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 22)

All who claim to believe the Word will reveal in their conversation and their character how much they do believe. If they have faith in the Word, and appropriate it, they will take it into their practical life; and obeying the Word, they have eternal life. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 23)

In the tempest of passion, human barriers against the practice of natural and cultivated tendencies have no more powers than has the sand bank against the raging torrent. But all the force of Satan cannot break down one safeguard of truth. All the powers of earth and the satanic agencies combined, cannot give permanence to one lie. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 24)

Intensity is taking possession of everything upon the earth. Pleasure-lovers are intensely in earnest to secure all that is possible in that line. Gamblers are intensely in earnest. The betting, the horse racing, the various games, create great enthusiasm, and engross the powers of those interested, as if the reward of the victor were to be an eternity of bliss. What terrible infatuation! What madness and folly! An intense life is moving all the powers from beneath, and permeating all the schemes which the arch deceiver can invent through the agency of all the fallen order. Satanic agencies unite with youth, and with men of all ages to crowd life with spurious pleasure and attraction which shall defile the whole mind and corrupt the whole man. It is Satan’s purpose that man shall have no thought of God, no fear of God, no restraint received from God. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 25)

And how is this matter to end? The satanic agencies are to combine with and inspire the professedly Christian world. Those who have the form of godliness, without the power, will rank under Satan’s banner, and will display their zeal in making void the law of God. The whole world will have the opportunity of choosing between Christ and Barabbas. Men who have perverted truth, misapplied Scripture, and who have become blinded by resisting the word which is truth, form the great apostate power of the last day. It belongs to the same order as that power which the Lord Jesus revealed to John as drunken with the blood of saints. It is to pursue the same line of action, determined to rule or ruin. The crisis is right upon us, and many will be deceived. Men who have all their life had opportunity to learn of Christ, but who have tenaciously clung to their own habits and practices, unwilling to change their own course of action and walk in the light, will act like blind men. They will accept everything that will coincide with their own ideas. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 26)

There are thousands upon thousands, millions upon millions, who are now making their decision for eternal life or eternal death. The man who is wholly absorbed in his counting room, the man who finds pleasure at the gaming table, the man who loves to indulge perverted appetite, the amusement lover, the frequenters of the theater and the ballroom, put eternity out of their reckoning. The whole burden of their life is, What shall we eat? what shall we drink? and wherewithal shall we be clothed? They are not in the procession that is moving heavenward. They are led by the great apostate, and will with him be destroyed, both root and branch. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 27)

No man stumbles into heaven. No man goes there blindfolded. If he will take time to consider, every man may know whether he is in the straight and narrow path or in the broad road that leads to death and hell. Let every soul inquire, is my heart renewed by the grace of Christ? Am I transformed by the Holy Spirit? Have I repented of my sins and confessed them? Are my sins forgiven? Am I a new creature in Christ Jesus? Do I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus? Am I willing to make an entire consecration of every hour that remains, to do service for the Saviour? He gave His life for me; He is risen from the dead, and has brought life and immortality to light, that I might be a partaker of the divine nature. Will I purify my soul by obeying the truth and becoming complete in Him? (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 28)

My brother, I beseech you not to risk, your hope of heaven on a possibility or a probability. You have now an opportunity to make your calling and election sure. The question for you o settle is, Am I willing to keep the way of the Lord? The path He marks out is not for women and children alone, but for man, for the youth, the middle-aged, and the aged. It is a narrow, self-denying path. To enter that path and press on through all obstacles and discouragements requires men who are more than weaklings. It requires those who have moral courage, firmness, perseverance, and faith. These will have heavenly intelligences as their companions. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 29)

Brother Collins, will you live as for God? Will you humble your heart before God, and at every step inquire, Is this the way of the Lord? Will you teach your family to keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment? Take the Saviour as your Pattern. Follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 30)

You have not a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. You cannot realize this until you shall draw nigh unto God. By beholding Jesus, you will become changed into His image. Then you will have discernment to see the character of sin; you will resist the devil, and will continue to draw nigh to God, that He may draw nigh to you. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 31)

Temptations will not cease. Satan will seek to lead you into sins which would debase mind and character, and leave you like a wrecked vessel, adrift upon the sea. Indulgence in sin will eat away the affections, and you will not give love where it is due. Let not the barriers of the soul be broken down, for Satan will come in like of flood, and overwhelm you with perplexities that will be fatal to your soul. Be on guard every moment. The barriers are already giving way. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 32)

Think on Jesus and say, Get thee behind me, Satan. Enter not into the path of those who do wickedly. Pass by it. Turn from it. But do not look upon those who have been overcome, and build yourself up in self-righteousness. If you are fully on the side of God, you may be a co-worker with Him to rescue many souls from death, and hide a multitude of sins. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 33)

I ask you to consider these Scriptures: Jeremiah 6:10, 15-19; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 2:19-26. Study and practice the Word. (11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, 34)

Lt 24, 1896

To the Church at Cooranbong
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 23, 1896
See variant Lt 24b, 1896. Portions of this letter are published in CTr 112.
Dear Brethren and Sisters:

Our faith is being tested and tried. In our endeavor to establish a school in Cooranbong, our path has not been smooth. A school is to be built and a church erected, but we are brought into strait places for lack of means. We cannot carry forward the work we so much desire to do. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 1)

In this time of trouble, when we long to advance and yet are unable to because of the difficulties which confront us, let every member of the church remember that he is a chosen agent, called by God to do an appointed work. We have done all we thought it possible for us to do, and we must not fall into discouragement because trials come. A good work has been begun in this place, and does the Lord intend that it shall stop now? No, I answer, no. Let not any heart fail, for the Lord knows that we need means with which to build a meeting house and school. There is no money in the treasury, but shall our faith demand sight before it can work? God forbid. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 2)

Let us put to use every power which God has mercifully given us and do our best to bring about the improvements in the cultivation of land and in putting up buildings, and then trust in the Lord and wait patiently for Him to do that for us which we are unable to do. His thoughts are not our thoughts, or His ways our ways, “for as the heavens are higher than the earth,” saith the Lord, “so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” [Isaiah 55:8, 9.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 3)

Though the way may be rough, we must exercise implicit faith in the power of the Lord to guide us. The experience of the children of Israel when journeying through the wilderness is a lesson for us on this point. “All the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandments of the Lord, and pitched in Rephidim; and there was no water for the people to drink. Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? Wherefore do ye tempt the Lord? (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 4)

“And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. And the Lord said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee the elders of Israel; and thy rod wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the Rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us or not?” [Exodus 17:1-7.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 5)

By the command of the Lord the children of Israel were brought to Rephidim, this place destitute of water. He who was enshrouded in the pillar of cloud was leading them, and it was by His express command that they were encamped at this place. The General of the armies of heaven knew of the lack of water at Rephidim, and He brought His people hither to test their faith; but how poorly they proved themselves to be a people whom He could trust. Again and again He had manifested Himself to His chosen people. He had slain the firstborn of all the families of Egypt to accomplish their deliverance, and had brought them out of the land of their captivity with a high hand; He had fed them with angels’ food, and had covenanted to bring them into the promised land. But now, when brought into difficulty, they broke into rebellion, distrusted God, and complained that Moses had brought them and their children out of Egypt only that they might die of thirst in the wilderness. By their murmurings and lack of faith, they dishonored God, and placed themselves where they could not appreciate His mercies. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 6)

Many today think that when they begin their Christian life they will find freedom from all want and difficulty. But every one who takes up his cross to follow Christ comes to a Rephidim in his experience. Life is not all made up of green pastures and cooling streams. Disappointment overtakes us; privations come; circumstances occur which bring us into difficult places. As we follow in the narrow way, doing our best as we think, we find that grievous trials come to us. We think that we must have walked by our own wisdom far away from God. Conscience-stricken, we reason, If we had walked with God, we would not have suffered so. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 7)

Perhaps doubt and despondency crowd into our souls, and we say, The Lord has failed us, and we are ill-used. He knows about the strait places through which we are passing. Why does He permit us to suffer thus? He cannot love us; if He did, He would remove the difficulties from our path. “Is the Lord with us, or not?” [Verse 7.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 8)

But of old the Lord led His people to Rephidim, and He may choose to bring us there also, in order to test our faithfulness and loyalty to Him. In mercy to us He does not always place us in the easiest places, for if He did, in our self-sufficiency we would forget that the Lord is our helper in time of necessity. But He longs to manifest Himself to us in our emergency, and reveal the abundant supplies that are at our disposal, independent of our surroundings. And disappointment and trial are permitted to come upon us, that we may realize our own helplessness and learn to call upon the Lord for aid, as a child when hungry and thirsty calls upon its earthly father. Our heavenly Father has the power of turning the flinty rock into life-giving and refreshing streams. We shall never know, until we are face to face with God, when we shall see as we are seen, and know as we are known, how many burdens He has borne for us, and how many burdens He would have been glad to bear if, with childlike faith, we had brought them to Him. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 9)

In the hour of need we can gain no power by looking to ourselves. Our eyes need to be anointed with the heavenly eye salve, that we may discern our spiritual poverty and lack of faith. God is declared in all His dealing with His people; and with clear, unclouded eye, in adversity, in sickness, in disappointment, and in trial, as well as in prosperity, we are to behold the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ and trust to His guiding hand. Remember the power and love of God has shown us in time past. He “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Then will He not find a way for us out of our difficulties? (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 10)

By their doubt and unbelief, God’s people do much to grieve the heart of God, and tempt a withdrawal of His mercy. But through all, His love is unchangeable. The waves of mercy may be beaten back, but again and again they flow to the hearts of undeserving human beings. God loves His purchased possession, and He longs to see them overcome the discouragement with which Satan would overpower them! Let no thought of unbelief afflict your souls, for unbelief acts as a paralysis upon the spiritual energies. Do not magnify your difficulties, but keep the Lord in your remembrance, watching unto prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 11)

“Moses verily was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which should be spoken after. But Christ as a Son over his own house, which house are we if we hold fast the confidence and rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, Today, if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts as in the provocation in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their hearts, and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath that they shall not enter into my rest. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of us an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” “For we are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” [Hebrews 3:5-14.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 12)

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. And above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” [Ephesians 6:10-16.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 13)

Let every one who names the name of Christ read this Scripture over and over again, and then inquire, Am I clothed with the whole armor of God, that I may be a successful co-laborer with Christ? The more we know of ourselves, the more we prove our motives and desires, the more heartfelt will be the consciousness of our utter inability to fight the battle of the Lord in our own strength, and the more we will feel the need of having our loins “girt about with truth” [Verse 14], in order that we may have purity of purpose, and know that we are not serving ourselves, but the Lord Jesus Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 14)

“Above all,” declares the inspired Word, “taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” [Verse 16.] Stablish your hearts in the belief that God knows of all the trials and difficulties you will encounter in the warfare against evil, for God is dishonored when any soul belittles His power by talking unbelief. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 15)

This world is God’s great field of labor. He has purchased those who dwell in it with the blood of His only begotten Son, and He means that His message of mercy shall go to every one. Those who are commissioned to do this work will be tested and tried, but they are always to remember that God is near to strengthen and uphold them. He does not ask us to depend upon any broken reed. We are not to look for any human aid. God forbid that we should put man in the place where God should be. He has promised to help us, and in the Lord Jehovah is “everlasting strength.” [Isaiah 26:4.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 16)

A lesson of faith is given us in the experience of Christ with the disciples of John the Baptist. Imprisoned in the lonely dungeon, John had fallen into discouragement, and he sent his disciples to Jesus, saying, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” Christ knew on what errand the messengers had come, and by a mighty demonstration of His power, He gave them unmistakable evidence of His divinity. Turning to the multitude, He spoke, and the deaf heard His voice. He spoke again, and the eyes of the blind were opened to behold the beauties of nature, and to look upon the face of their compassionate Restorer. He put forth His hand, and at His touch the fever left the afflicted ones. At His command demoniacs were healed, and falling at His feet, worshipped Him. Then turning to the disciples of John, He said, “Go and show John again the things which ye do see and hear!” [Matthew 11:3, 4.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 17)

That same Jesus who wrought those mighty works is our Saviour today, and is as willing to manifest His power in our behalf as He was in the behalf of John the Baptist. When we are hedged about by adverse circumstances, surrounded by difficulties which it seems impossible for us to surmount, we are not to murmur, but to remember the past loving-kindnesses of the Lord. Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we may endure as seeing Him who is invisible, and this will keep our minds from being clouded by the shadow of unbelief. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 18)

Shortly before Christ’s ascension, Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” Grieved at His unbelief, Christ turned to him saying, “Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?” Is it possible that I have walked with you, and talked with you, and fed you by miracles, and yet you have not comprehended that I was the Sent of God, “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” that I came down from heaven to represent the Father? “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself, but the Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works.” “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father;” for I am the “brightness of his glory,” and the “express image of his person.” “How sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” [John 14:6, 8-11; Hebrews 1:3.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 19)

Too often we grieve the heart of Jesus by our unbelief. Our faith is short-sighted, and we allow trials to bring out our inherited and cultivated tendencies to wrong. When brought into strait circumstances, we dishonor God by murmuring and complaining. Instead of this, we should show that we have learned in the school of Christ by helping those that are worse off than ourselves, those who are seeking for light, but are unable to find it. Such have a special claim upon our sympathy, but instead of trying to uplift them, we pass by on the other side, intent on our own interests or trials. If we do not show decided unbelief, we manifest a murmuring, complaining spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 20)

“O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” [Matthew 14:31.] Christ has already proved Himself to be our ever-present Saviour. He knows all about our trials, and in the hour of need can we not pray that God will give us His Holy Spirit to bring to our minds His many manifestations of power in our behalf? Can we not believe that He is as willing to help us as on former occasions? His past dealings with His servants are not to fade from our minds, but the remembrance of them is ever to strengthen and uphold us. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 21)

No amount of tribulation can separate us from Christ. If He leads us to Rephidim, it is because He sees that it is for our good and for His name’s glory. And if we will look to Him in trusting faith, He will, in His own time, turn the bitterness of Marah into sweetness. He can open the flinty rock and cause cooling streams to flow forth. Then shall we not lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for past mercies, and go forward with full assurance that He is an ever-present help in time of trouble? He has been with us in our past experiences, and His Word to us is, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 22)

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or by our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” [2 Thessalonians 2:15-17.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 23)

“Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:9.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 24)

All who advocate truth in distinction to error have a special work to do in vindicating the law of God. Men inspired by a power from beneath have considered it their duty to uphold, as the Sabbath of the Lord, the first day of the week. By thus disregarding the claims of God, ministers who claim to preach the gospel are voicing the words of Satan, who told Adam and Eve that if they transgressed the law, they would not die, but would be as gods, knowing good and evil. By their influence and example, these false shepherds have caused a lie to be received as truth. With persevering energy they have labored to establish a spurious Sabbath, and this man-made institution has received the homage of the greater part of the world. But this does not make a day holy which God has given us as a common working day. Though this error be hoary with age, though the world bow in reverence to it, it still remains an error and a delusion, for God says, “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” [Isaiah 8:20.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 25)

Well-nigh universal contempt is shown to the law of God, and all who are loyal to Him have a sacred and solemn work to do in magnifying the law, and making it honorable. God placed His sanctity upon the seventh day, and gave it to man to keep holy; and He said, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my mouth.” [Psalm 89:34.] By rendering obedience to His commandments, we uphold the honor of God in the earth. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 26)

Satan works against the law with untiring energy, and God calls upon His people to be witnesses for Him by pressing the battle to the gates. This work must advance, or it will go backward. In this war there is no release. Those who take part in it must put on the whole armor of God, that they may fight manfully in the warfare against evil. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 27)

Often God’s soldiers find themselves brought into hard and difficult places, they know not why. But are they to relax their hold because difficulties arise? Is their faith to diminish because they cannot see their way through the darkness? God forbid. They are to cherish an abiding sense of God’s power to uphold them in their work. They cannot perish, neither can they lose their way, if they will follow His guidance and strive to uphold His law. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 28)

The experience of the children of Israel in the wilderness should guide us in our work. The Word of God declares, “All these things happened unto them for ensamples, and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” [1 Corinthians 10:11.] In their journeyings the Lord brought the children of Israel into hard places in order to test their faith and fidelity to Him. He had promised to bring them into the promised land, and if they had waited patiently for Him, reviving their faith by recounting His great goodness and His wonderful work in their behalf, He would have shortened their test. But they forgot their heavenly Leader. Murmuring and complaining, they vented their wrath and bitterness upon Moses, forgetting that their emergency was God’s opportunity. (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 29)

Today God says to His people, Do not imitate the conduct of the children of Israel at Rephidim by showing unbelief when brought into difficulties. “For there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” [Verse 13.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 30)

“Dearly beloved,” writes the apostle Paul [Peter], speaking by the Holy Spirit, “I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may, by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [1 Peter 2:11, 12.] God has led us forth, and He calls upon us to let our light so shine that others, seeing our good works, may be led to glorify our heavenly Father. We have no time to waste in thinking of our individual difficulties. When we bemoan the hardness of the way, we turn from the path of faith. God can make us fully able to go up and possess the promised land. He says, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” [Revelation 22:14.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 31)

If our path is not always made plain and easy, if we are not always so well favored as we think we should be, let us look to God, and say in faith, “By the mighty Cleaver of truth God has separated us from the world, from its customs and maxims, and has chosen us as His peculiar people, and he is able to work for us.” Let us go forward in the strength of the Lord God Almighty, striving to uphold His law in the earth. So shall ye be “my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant, whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there is no god formed, neither shall there be any after me.” “I have declared and have saved, and I have showed when there was no strange god among you; therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord.” “That they may know from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none beside me.” [Isaiah 43:10, 12; 45:6.] (11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, 32)

Lt 24a, 1896

Conference Presidents and Counselors
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
[August 1896]
Portions of this letter are published in TM 340-346; 9MR 157.
Conference Presidents and Counselors:

God gave to Moses special directions for the management of his work. He directed Moses to associate men with him as counsellors, that his burdens might be lightened. Through Jethro the message was given: “Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to Godward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God. And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 1)

“And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people also shall go to their place in peace.” [Exodus 18:22, 23.] (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 2)

This counsel is for us. It should be heeded by our responsible men. The president of our General Conference has been left to gather to himself burdens which God has not laid upon him, and the things that he has tried to do could not be done wisely and well. The men he has connected with himself have been, in character and principle, entirely the opposite of that which the Lord has specified. Many of the presidents of the several conferences do not answer the measurement of God. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 3)

The awakening power of God, the molding influence of the Holy Spirit, is needed by all who in any way bear responsibilities in the Lord’s work. Without this they are unfit for the work, and should be dismissed. If they have not understood their work, and the qualifications essential, it is vain to expect that they will do in the future, that clear, decided, forcible work which God requires. Please notice (Exodus 18:16): Moses said, “When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” This work is still to be done, and if the men who now bear responsibilities will not do it, then it must be committed to others. The Lord’s work must be carried forward without guile, hypocrisy, or covetousness. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 4)

In His instruction to Moses the Lord very plainly set forth the character of those who were to fill important positions as counselors. They are to be “able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.” [Verse 21.] The Lord’s counsel has been strangely neglected. There are men in places of holy trust who when reproved, have cared naught for it. Some who for years have stood as counsellors, have boldly stated that they would not receive the testimonies given. In triumph they have declared that many of our most responsible men have lost faith in the messages coming from Sister White. Thus the rejecters of light have been strengthened in their unbelief, feeling that they had quite a strong confederacy. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 5)

Men who have had the light, have walked contrary to the light. These words are appropriate: “Truth has fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter.” [Isaiah 59:14.] The malaria of unbelief has been diffusing its deathly atmosphere throughout the ranks, nigh and afar off. All this has been stated plainly, yet for years matters have been left unchanged. Can the Lord’s favor be expected under such circumstances? (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 6)

Spirit of the World

The line of demarkation between the professed, commandment-keeping people of God and the world is not as distinct as it once was. Those who are walking in harmony with God will not be found taking part in political gatherings. Those who do this, give evidence that they are not faithful servants of Jesus. They have handled common fare so long that their discernment is lost. There is a people who have enlisted to stand under the banner of Jesus. They are Christ’s army. They have pledged themselves to come out from the world, and be separate. They have pledged themselves to use the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, to make aggressive warfare against sin and all iniquity. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 7)

We are to show our loyalty to our King, the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle James declares, “Whosoever will be a friend of the world is an enemy of God.” [James 4:4.] And the beloved John, the disciple most like Jesus, has given the warning, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” [1 John 2:15.] No man will find happiness in following the example of Adam, and wandering from his Maker. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 8)

I have been deeply impressed with the necessity of seeking to bring about decided reformation in families. A great work needs to be done for individual members of families, and then it will surely extend to the church. Our homes must be made a Bethel, our hearts a shrine. Wherever the love of God is cherished in the soul, there will be peace, there will be light and joy. Spread out the Word of God before your families in love, and ask, “What hath God spoken?” (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 9)

Oh that God could now commend the principles of His people as He commended Abraham, the father of the faithful, because he cultivated home religion. It is God that speaks. He declares that there will be no betraying of the truth on the part of Abraham, no yielding to any guide but one. God has a law, and Abraham will keep it. He is answerable to the Lawgiver, he will not act on any man’s convictions. He will control his household after him. He will not allow indulgence in wrong principles, which is the veriest cruelty. The Holy One has given rules for the guidance of all. None can be guiltless in departing from these rules. Nothing can excuse any course in which the principles of justice and judgment shall not be made paramount. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 10)

Study God’s Methods

As a people we should study God’s plans for conducting His work. Wherever He has given directions in regard to any point, we should carefully consider how to regard His expressed will. This work should have special attention. It is not wise to choose one man as president of the General Conference. The work of the General Conference has extended, and some things have been made unnecessarily complicated. A want of discernment has been shown. There should be a division of the field, or some other plan should be devised to change the present order of things. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 11)

Instead of advancing the work themselves, insufficient workers have cast their responsibilities on the president of the General Conference. Thus burdens that were altogether too heavy have been brought upon one man. And if that one man’s mind becomes warped or clouded in any way, then a wrong mold is given to the work. It may be urged that there is a General Conference Committee, and each of our institutions has a Board of Directors, and they will carry the burden. But if one or more of these men are leavened with a spirit that God cannot favor, and yet they are retained in the work, they will leaven the president of the Conference. If he is in any way dull of comprehension, if he for any cause permits his staunch, faithful workers, men who are true to principle, to leave him, the cause of God is imperiled. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 12)

In the councils some members have introduced principles which God has condemned. When opposed in their suggestions and devisings, they resented it. Those who would not second the propositions made were not wanted, although it was their duty to be present and to share in the deliberations and decisions. But their presence was disagreeable to the men who wished to carry things their own way. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 13)

The president of the General Conference should have the privilege of deciding who shall stand by his side as counsellors. Those who will keep the way of the Lord, who will preserve clear, sharp discernment by cultivating home religion, are safe counsellors. Of such a one, the Searcher of hearts saith, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him. And they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 14)

Counsellors of the character that God chose for Moses are needed by the president of the General Conference. It was the privilege of Elder Olsen at least to express his preferences as to the men who should be his counsellors. It was his privilege to discern between him that serveth God, and him that serveth Him not. But a strange blindness was upon him. There has been a leavening influence upon human minds, and it has been most painful. For years God has been dishonored. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 15)

Unless he walks in the light of life, the president of the General Conference will make many mistakes. He will continue to do as he has done in the past, in heeding the calls made for his presence in the several conferences, and will absorb means in taking with him men, who, he knows, do not appreciate the work for this time: men who do not walk with God; men who refuse to accept the testimonies the Lord has graciously given them, and who have slighted and rejected the Holy Spirit. To all appearance he has honored them as he should honor faithful men of superior judgment. In this he has dishonored God, and left upon the churches an influence that has confused and perplexed them. God speaks to him, saying, “Them that honor me I will honor.” [1 Samuel 2:30.] (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 16)

Brother Olsen’s example has done much to unsettle the confidence of conference presidents in the Testimonies; for he himself has walked directly contrary to the light which the Lord has given. He has honored men whom God does not honor. There are men who have been, and are still, connected with the councils at Battle Creek, who need a thorough conversion, else they can never enter the kingdom of heaven. Self, self, self is exhibited in every line of their work, and God is greatly dishonored by being misrepresented in character. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 17)

And yet men in positions of trust have been and are being educated to submit all their plans to the counselors at Battle Creek, to be pronounced upon, approved or disapproved, by men. How long shall this departure from the Lord’s arrangement continue? Men have such a burning desire to stretch themselves beyond their measure. They wish to be regarded as authority on all things relative to the work of God in all parts of the world. But this is not God’s plan. The men who compose the councils at Battle Creek have for years been very defective in character. Their own spirit and judgment have leavened the plans and recommendations presented to the workers in different fields. If the people are so blinded that they cannot discern this, God sees it, and it is an offense to Him. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 18)

I have the word of the Lord for presidents of conferences. They should shoulder the responsibilities involved in the trusts reposed in them. In your work, do not try to meet a human standard, but the standard of God’s Word. If you will not do this, if you will not seek the Lord most earnestly, if you will not be burden bearers, but choose to lay your whole weight of responsibilities upon the president of the General Conference, then week by week, month by month, you are disqualifying yourselves for the work. You should leave it, and engage in common business transactions, which do not so decidedly involve eternal responsibilities. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 19)

Presidents of conferences, I appeal to you in the name of the Lord Jesus: “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6, 7.] You are to be self-denying missionaries, men of thought, men who will pray for divine enlightenment, and who will be faithful and true to responsibilities. Sit at the feet of Jesus, and learn His will. There must be zealous activity on your part. Teach not your ideas, your plans, your notions, your maxims, but teach the Word of the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 20)

Your weekly seasons of prayer will not qualify any one of you for your great and solemn responsibility if, after these seasons, you feel that your duty is done, and, having looked into the great moral looking-glass, you go away and forget what manner of man you were. It is not merely one day of special service that will suffice for the soul’s need. You must be constantly coming to the storehouse to feed on the flesh and blood of the Son of God. Religion is not to be cheapened in 1896 or 1897. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 21)

Those who are partakers of the divine nature are to come out from worldly influences, from empty festivities, and sit down with Christ, in heart communion with their Redeemer. Cease your unbelieving worry. When the anxious disciples saw the hungry multitude beside the sea, impossibilities arose in their minds, and they questioned, Shall we go to the villages and buy, to give to them? Just so in the several conferences many now ask, Shall we send to Battle Creek for some one to come and hold meetings with us and revive us and feed us? What said Christ? No. He commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass in companies of fifty and one hundred. They obeyed orders, seating themselves in long lines on the grass. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 22)

Jesus took the five loaves and two fishes out of the hands of the lad, and, looking up to His Father He asked His blessing upon the meager supply. Then He put into the hands of the disciples the food to be distributed. The scanty provisions grew under the hand of Christ, and He had constantly a fresh supply for His servants to distribute to the hungry multitude, until all had a sufficiency. Then the word came, “Gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost.” [John 6:12.] There was a surplus of food to be gathered up. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 23)

This is a lesson to all in their spiritual experience. What an amount of worry would be saved if men would only trust in God. The bread of life is to be given to needy souls. And what a work is often made of the matter. There are long councils for devising plans, inventing new methods. There is a constant effort to get up entertainments to draw people to the church or the Sabbath school. Like the disciples the workers raise the question, Shall we go unto the villages and buy? What is the work to be done? Come unto Jesus. Humble faith and prayer will accomplish very much more than your long councils. Listen to the Saviour’s invitation. Put your neck under His yoke. Accept His burdens. Receive that which He bestows. He says, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:30.] (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 24)

This anticipation of terrible difficulties need not be. We must eat and drink the Word of life, which is represented as eating and drinking of the flesh and blood of Christ. Those who know the truth must be educated the receive it from their own shepherds, and pray over it, and practice it. Then souls will grow in faith, and in intelligent knowledge. They would receive the bread of life and digest it. “The entrance of thy word giveth light. It giveth understanding to the simple.” [Psalm 119:130.] The truth needs to enter into heart and mind. More, much more praying, and less long sermonizing, will be for the health of body and soul. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 25)

Money has been expended in sending men to Jerusalem, to see the place where Jesus travelled and taught, when we have the precious Saviour nigh us, His presence with us, and we may have a Jerusalem in our own houses and in the churches. We can discern His fresh footsteps, we can eat His words, and have eternal life. We need more study, more earnest meditation and communion with Christ. We need to listen for the still, small voice, and to rest by faith in the love of Christ. We should then have a much more healthful experience, and become much more vigorous Christians. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 26)

We have a superabundance of sermons, but we need to learn to receive the Word. All the help from abroad cannot supply this deficiency. The home missionary work must be entered into by home missionaries. God is not pleased with the selfish devising to give so many advantages to those who know the truth, who have had opportunities to understand far more of the truth than they practice. Thousands upon thousands are in ignorance, perishing out of Christ. Yet money and time and labor are devoted to the class who are ever learning, yet never able to come to the experimental knowledge of the truth, because they will not practice the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 27)

Those who are ready to do service are those who feed most on Christ. Read and study His Word, drink in the inspiration of His Spirit, and receive of His grace, not to hoard, but to give to others. In order to instruct others, the teachers must first be learners of Christ. There are Marthas in every church, they are intensely busy in religious activities, and they do much good; but we need also Mary’s side of the character. The most zealous workers need to learn at the feet of Jesus. (11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, 28)

Lt 24b, 1896

To the Church at Cooranbong
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 23, 1896
Variant of Lt 24, 1896. Portions of this letter are published in 10MR 115-118.
Dear Brethren and Sisters:

“Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness in to his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:9.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 1)

All who advocate truth in distinction to error have a special work to do in vindicating the law of God. Men inspired by a power from beneath have considered it their duty to uphold as the Sabbath, the first day of the week. By thus disregarding the claim of God, ministers who claim to preach the gospel are voicing the words of Satan, who told Adam and Eve that if they transgressed the law, they would not die, but would be as gods, knowing good and evil. By their influence and example, these false shepherds have caused a lie to be received as truth. With persevering energy they have labored to established a spurious Sabbath, and this man-made institution has received the homage of the greater part of the world. But this does not make a day holy which God had given to us for a common working day. Though this error be hoary with age, though the world bow in reverence to it, it still remains an error and a delusion, for God says, “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” [Isaiah 8:20.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 2)

Well-nigh universal contempt is shown to the law of God, and all who are loyal to Him have a sacred and solemn work to do in magnifying the law, and making it honorable. God placed His sanctity upon the seventh day, and gave it to man to keep holy; and He said, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my mouth.” [Psalm 89:34.] By rendering obedience to His commandments, we uphold the honor of God in the earth. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 3)

Satan works against the law with untiring energy, and God calls upon His people to be witnesses for Him by pressing the battle to the gates. This work must advance or it will go backward. In this war there is no release. Those who take part in it must put on the whole armor of God, that they may fight manfully in the warfare against evil. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 4)

Often God’s soldiers find themselves brought into hard and difficult places, they know not why. But are they to relax their hold because difficulties arise? Is their faith to diminish because they cannot see their way through the darkness? God forbid. They are to cherish an abiding sense of God’s power to uphold them in the work. They cannot perish, neither can they lose their way, if they will follow His guidance, and strive to uphold His law. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 5)

Our faith is being tested and tried. In our endeavor to establish a school in Cooranbong, our path has not been smooth. A school is to be built and a church erected, but we are brought into straight places for lack of means. We cannot carry forward the work we so much desire to do. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 6)

In this time of trouble, when we long to advance, and yet are unable to because of the difficulties which confront us, let every member of the church remember that he is a chosen agent, called by God to do an appointed work. We have done all we thought it possible for us to do, and we must not fall into discouragements because trials come. A good work has been begun in this place, and does the Lord intend that it shall stop now? No, I answer, No. Let not any heart fail, for the Lord knows that we need means with which to build a meeting house and school. There is no money in the treasury, but shall our faith demand sight before it can work? God forbid. Let us trust in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; His thoughts are not our thoughts, or His ways our ways, “for as the heavens are higher than the earth,” saith the Lord, “so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” [Isaiah 55:8, 9.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 7)

Our Experience Like Israel’s at Rephidim. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 8)

Though the way may be rough, we must exercise implicit faith in the power of the Lord to guide us. The experience of the children of Israel when journeying through the wilderness is a lesson for us on this point and should guide us in our work. The Word of God declares, “All these things happened unto them for ensamples, and they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the earth are come.” [1 Corinthians 10:11.] “All the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandments of the Lord, and pitched in Rephidim; and there was no water for the people to drink. Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? Wherefore do ye tempt the Lord? (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 9)

“And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our cattle and our children with thirst? And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. And the Lord said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee the elders of Israel; and thy rod wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. Behold, I will stand before thee there on the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel.” [Exodus 17:1-7.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 10)

By the command of the Lord the children of Israel were brought to Rephidim, this place destitute of water. He who was enshrouded in the pillar of cloud was leading them, and it was by His express command that they were encamped at this place. The General of the armies of heaven knew of the lack of water at this place, and He brought His people hither to test their faith; but how poorly they proved themselves to be a people whom He could trust. Again and again He had manifested Himself to His chosen people. He had slain the firstborn of all the families of Egypt to accomplish their deliverance; He had brought them out of the land of their captivity with a high hand; He had fed them with angels’ food; and had covenanted to bring them into the promised land. But now, when brought into difficulty, they broke into rebellion, distrusted God, and complained that Moses had brought them and their children out of Egypt only that they might die of thirst in the wilderness. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 11)

By their murmurings and lack of faith, they dishonored God, and placed [themselves] where they could not appreciate His mercies. He had promised to bring them into the promised land, and if they had waited patiently for Him, reviving their faith and recounting His great goodness and His wonderful work in their behalf, He would have shortened their test. But they forgot their heavenly Leader. Murmuring and complaining, they vented their wrath and bitterness on Moses, forgetting their emergency was God’s opportunity. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 12)

Many today think that when they begin their Christian life they will find freedom from all want and difficulty. But every one who takes up his cross to follow Christ comes to a Rephidim in his experience. God says to His people, Do not imitate the conduct of the children of Israel by showing unbelief when brought into difficulties. “For there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able, but will with the temptation make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” [1 Corinthians 10:13.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 13)

Life is not all made up of green pastures and cooling streams. Disappointment overtakes us; privations come; circumstances occur which bring us into difficult places. As we follow in the narrow way, doing our best as we think, we feel that grievous trials come upon us. We think that we must have walked by our own wisdom far away from God. Conscience-stricken, we reason, If we had walked with God, we would not have suffered so. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 14)

Perhaps doubt and despondency crowd into our souls, and we say, The Lord has failed us, and we are ill-used. He knows about the straight places through which we are passing. Why does He permit us to suffer thus? He cannot love us; if He did, He would remove the difficulties from our path. “Is the Lord with us, or not?” [Exodus 17:7.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 15)

But just as the Lord led His people to Rephidim of old, so He may being us there also, in order to test our faithfulness and loyalty to Him. In mercy to us He does not always place us in the easiest places; if He did, in our self-sufficiency we would forget that the Lord is our helper in our time of necessity. But He longs to manifest Himself to us in our emergency, and reveal the abundant supplies that are at our disposal, independent of our surroundings. And disappointment and trial are permitted to come upon us, that we may realize our own helplessness and learn to call upon the Lord for help, as a child, when hungry and thirsty, calls upon an earthly father. Our heavenly Father has the power of turning the flinty rock into life-giving and refreshing streams. We shall never know, until we are face to face with God, when we shall see as we are seen, and know as we are known, how many burdens He has borne for us, and how many burdens He would have been glad to bear if, with childlike faith, we had brought them to Him. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 16)

In the hour of need we can gain no power by looking to ourselves. Our eyes need to be anointed with the heavenly eye salve, that we may discern our spiritual poverty and lack of faith. God is declared in all His dealings with His people; and with clear unclouded eye, in adversity and sickness, in disappointment, and in trial, as well as in prosperity, we are to behold the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ and trust to His guiding hand. Remember the power and love of God has shown us in time past. He “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Then will He not find a way for us out of our difficulties? (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 17)

By their doubt and unbelief, God’s people do much to grieve His loving, and tempt a withdrawal of His mercy. But through all, His love is unchangeable. The waves of mercy may be beaten back, but again and again they flow to the hearts of undeserving human beings. God loves His purchased possession, and He longs to see them overcome the discouragement with which Satan would overpower them! Let no thought of unbelief afflict your souls, for unbelief acts as a paralysis upon the spiritual energies. Do not magnify your difficulties, but keep the Lord in your remembrance, watching unto prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 18)

“Moses verily was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which should be spoken after. But Christ as a son over his own house, which house are we if we hold fast the confidence and rejoicing of the hope, firm unto the end. Wherefore, as the Holy Ghost saith, Today, if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts as in the provocation in the day of temptation in the wilderness, when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their hearts, and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath that they shall not enter into my rest. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of us an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” “For we are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of or confidence steadfast unto the end.” [Hebrews 3:5-14.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 19)

Necessity of Having On the Whole Armor (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 20)

“Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. And, above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” [Ephesians 6:10-16.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 21)

Let every one who names the name of Christ read this Scripture over and over again, and then inquire, Am I clothed with the whole armor of God, that I may be a successful co-laborer with Christ? The more we know of ourselves, the more we prove our motives and desires, the more heartfelt will be the consciousness of our own inability to fight the battles of the Lord in our own strength, and the more we will feel the need of having our loins “girt about with truth” [Verse 14], in order that we may have purity of purpose, and know that we are not serving ourselves, but the Lord Jesus Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 22)

“Above all,” declared the inspired Word, “taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” [Verse 16.] Stablish your hearts in the belief that God knows all the trials and difficulties you will encounter in the warfare against evil, for God is dishonored when any soul belittles His power by talking unbelief. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 23)

This world is God’s great field of labor. He has purchased those who dwell in it with the blood of His only begotten Son, and He means that His message of mercy shall go to every one. Those who are commissioned to do this work will be tested and tried, but they are always to remember that God is near to strengthen and uphold them. He does not ask us to depend upon any broken reed. We are not to look for any human aid. God forbid that we should put man in the place where God should be. He has promised to help us, and in the Lord Jehovah is “everlasting strength.” [Isaiah 26:4.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 24)

A Lesson in Faith From the Experience of John the Baptist. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 25)

A lesson of faith is given us in the experience of Christ with the disciples of John the Baptist. Imprisoned in the lonely dungeon, John had fallen into discouragement, and he sent his disciples to Jesus, saying, “Art thou he that should come or do we look for another?” Christ knew on what errand the messengers had come, and by a mighty demonstration of His power, He gave them unmistakable evidence of His divinity. Turning to the multitude, He spoke, and the deaf heard His voice. He spoke again, and the eyes of the blind were opened to behold the beauties of nature, and to look upon the face of their compassionate Restorer. He put forth His hand, and at His touch the fever left the afflicted ones. At His command demoniacs were healed, and falling at His feet, worshipped Him. Then turning to the disciples of John He said, “Go and show John again the things ye see and hear.” [Matthew 11:3, 4.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 26)

That same Jesus who wrought those mighty works is our Saviour today, and is as willing to manifest His power in our behalf as He was in the behalf of John the Baptist. When we are hedged about by adverse circumstances, surrounded by difficulties which it seems impossible for us to surmount, we are not to murmur, but to remember the past loving-kindnesses of the Lord. Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we may endure as seeing Him who is invisible, and this will keep our minds from being clouded by the shadow of unbelief. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 27)

The Heart of Jesus Grieved by our Unbelief (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 28)

Shortly before Christ’s ascension Him, “Lord, show us the Father and it sufficeth us.” Grieved at His unbelief, Christ turned to him saying, “Hast thou been so long with me, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?” It is impossible that I have walked with you, and talked with you, and fed you by miracles, and you have not comprehended that I was sent of God, “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” that I came down from heaven to represent the Father. “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself, but the Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works.” “He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father;” for I am the “brightness of his glory,” and the “express image of his person.” “How sayest thou, then, Show us the Father?” “Believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” [John 14:6, 8-11; Hebrews 1:3.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 29)

Too often we grieve the heart of Jesus by our unbelief. Our faith is short-sighted, and we allow trials to bring out our cultivated and inherited tendencies to wrong. When brought into straight circumstances, we dishonor God by murmuring and complaining. Instead of this, we should show that we have learned in the school of Christ by helping those who are worse off than ourselves, those who are looking for light, but are unable to find it. Such have a special claim upon our sympathy, but instead of trying to uplift them, we pass by on the other side, intent on our own interests or trials. If we do not show decided unbelief, we manifest a murmuring, complaining spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 30)

He Who Has Helped Will Help (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 31)

“O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” [Matthew 14:31.] Christ has already proved Himself to be our ever present Saviour. He knows all about our trials, and in the hour of need can we not pray that God will give us His Holy Spirit to bring to mind His manifestations of power in our behalf? Can we not believe that He is as willing to help us as on former occasions? His past dealings with His servants are not to fade from our minds, but the remembrance of them is ever to strengthen and uphold us. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 32)

No amount of tribulation can separate us from Christ. If He leads us to Rephidim, it is because He sees that it is for our good and for His name’s glory. And if we will look to Him in trusting faith, He will, in His own time, turn the bitterness of Marah into sweetness. He can open the flinty rock and cause cooling streams to flow forth. Then shall we not lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for past mercies, and go forward with full assurance that He is an ever present help in time of trouble? He has been with us in our past experience, and His Word to us is, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 33)

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or by our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” [2 Thessalonians 2:15-17.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 34)

If We Exalt God’s Law He Will Make Us Able to Possess the Land. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 35)

“Dearly beloved,” writes the Apostle Paul [Peter], speaking by the Holy Spirit, “I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may, by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [1 Peter 2:11, 12.] God has led us forth, and He calls upon us to let our light shine to others, that they may see our good works and be led to glorify our heavenly Father. We have no time to waste in thinking of our individual difficulties. When we bemoan the burdens of the way, we turn from the path of faith. God can make us fully able to go up and possess the promised land. He says, “Blessed are they that do his commandments that they may have a right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city.” [Revelation 22:14.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 36)

If our path is not always made plain and easy, if we are not always so well favored as we think we should be, let us look to God, and say in faith, “By the mighty Cleaver of truth God has separated us from the world, from its customs and maxims, and has chosen us as His peculiar people, and He is able to work for us.” Let us go forward in the strength of the Lord God Almighty, striving to uphold His law in the earth. So shall ye be “my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there is no god formed, neither shall there be any after me.” “I have declared and have saved, and have showed when there was no strange god among you; therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord.” “That they may know from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me.” [Isaiah 43:10, 12; 45:6.] (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 37)

Faithfulness in Smallest Duties Necessary. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 38)

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” [Luke 16:10.] The real Christian is the servant of Christ. His work for Christ must be thoroughly well done. Nothing must come in to divert his mind from his work. Other matters can have proper attention, and yet be held subordinate; but Christ’s service requires the whole man—the heart, the mind, the soul, the strength. He will not accept a divided heart. He expects us to do our best. And nothing faithfully done for Him is insignificant in His sight. The widow’s two mites teach us that the small offering, if it is our best, and given with our whole heart, is of value in the sight of the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 39)

Every man is required to do the work assigned him of God. We should be willing to render small services, doing the things that are to be done, which some one must do, improving the little opportunities. If these are the only opportunities, we should still work faithfully. He who wastes hours, days, and weeks, because he is unwilling to do the work that offers, humble though it may be, will be called to render an account to God for his misspent time. If he feels that he can afford to do nothing because he cannot obtain the desired wages, let him stop and think that that day, that one day, is the Lord’s. He is the Lord’s servant. He is not to waste his time. Let him think, I will spend this day in doing something, and will give all I earn to advance the work of God. I will not be counted a do-nothing. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 40)

When a man loves God supremely, and his neighbor as himself, he will not stop to inquire whether that which he can do will bring in much or little. He will do the work and accept the wages offered. He will not set the example or refusing a job because he cannot count upon as large wages as he thinks he should have. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 41)

The Lord judges a man’s character by the principles which he acts in dealing with his fellow men. If in common business transactions his principles are defective, the same will be brought into his spiritual service for God. The threads are woven into his whole religious life. If you have too much dignity to work for yourself for small wages, then work for the Master; give the proceeds to the Lord’s treasury. Make an offering of gratitude to God for sparing your life. Do not on any account be idle. (11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, 42)

Lt 25, 1896

Daniells, A. G.; Colcord, W. A.
Cooranbong, Australia
June 1, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 2SM 207; 1MR 264-265.
Dear Brethren Daniells and Colcord:

The letter sent to W. C. White was read to me in regard to matters at the Echo Office. Concerning the matter of Brethren Miller and Woods separating from the office, I would say that this is not good policy. Hold on to your educated workers. In Brother Miller’s case, I feel that I have a right to say something. I appropriated about £50, I think, to pay Sister Miller’s fare to America, that he might receive a better training for work. Is this to go for nothing? Were our plans all wrong in sending them to America? By no means let them go. You will find they are the very help you need. If, when cramped for means, you let your competent workers go, to set up business for themselves, you will in a short time wish you had them back. (11LtMs, Lt 25, 1896, 1)

The question of finance can be managed nicely if all the workers will be willing, when there is a pressure for means, to accept less wages. This was the principle the Lord revealed to me to be brought into our publishing institutions. There will be plenty to do, and your work will need these very men. Should we not all be willing to restrict our wants at a time when money is so scarce? My husband and I worked on this principle. We said, The publishing house is the Lord’s institution, and we will economize, reducing our expenses as far as possible. The Lord requires self-sacrifice of all His servants to advance His work and make it a success. Let every worker now do his best to sustain and guard our publishing institution in Melbourne. Do not think that the Lord will be pleased to see this spirit control in all our institutions? We are to bring principle into the work. Jesus said, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” [Luke 9:23.] Are we ready to follow Christ? (11LtMs, Lt 25, 1896, 2)

Let each one who is receiving good wages for this trying time, when means are so scarce, be willing to make some sacrifice on his part The Lord will respect the motive and the action, and will reward those who deny self in this line. Let us all act like those who serve the Lord Christ, and do their duty heartily as unto the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 25, 1896, 3)

The plan which you propose, we have seen tried in our work. We have let men go and set up business for themselves, and the result has been that their talent was lost to the work. When needed, they had an independent business of their own, and the work that should have flowed into the office was turned aside to the establishment that should never have become a rival institution. (11LtMs, Lt 25, 1896, 4)

When my husband and I were both engaged in work in the office we received for years only $4 and afterwards $6 a week. Our work was needed, and we decided that until times should change, we would be content with a limited sum. The Lord blessed us in this. I repeat, Brethren Miller and Woods should not go. Hold on to them, and let each worker take as little wages as possible. I suppose the workers have not had an experience in this line of management under difficult circumstances, but they will need to gain it. Let us walk in the way of the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 25, 1896, 5)

Let the love of Christ reign in our hearts, and as laborers together with Him, we shall be willing to sacrifice something for the truth’s sake. The truth must be advanced. If we would be happy, we must join in the Saviour’s work of beneficence, and show that we appreciate what He has done for us. We need the love of Christ constantly abiding in the soul. This will make the work you are handling sacred. Selfishness will wither the soul and dry up the streams of love that should flow from it. (11LtMs, Lt 25, 1896, 6)

Let us always bear in mind that he who is wedded to the cause of God will have deed interest that other souls may be saved, and with this end, he will be willing to practice self-denial, to endure self-sacrifice. Let us all consider what the Lord has done for us, and then let us show that we appreciate His self-sacrifice by following His example. We should have an interest in the work of God as our individual work, and we shall feel thus if we are ourselves rooted and grounded in the truth. The Lord Jesus Christ must be in our hearts as the blood is in the body, circulating through us as a vitalizing power. (11LtMs, Lt 25, 1896, 7)

Let us make no mistake. The cause of God must be established in this country, and every one who has ability should use it to establish the work, putting his whole heart into the work. It is essential that work should be done, and we must understand that work does not degrade any man. We are all required to be diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. The only dishonor we know is rebellion against God. If we would resist temptations which assail us from without and within, we must make sure that we are on the Lord’s side, that the Lord of the truth is in our hearts, that He is as a faithful sentinel over our souls. (11LtMs, Lt 25, 1896, 8)

Lt 26, 1896

Daniells, A.G.
July 19, 1896
Missing.

Lt 27, 1896

Daniells, A. G.; Colcord, W. A.; Faulkhead, N. D.; Salisbury, W. D.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
September 20, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in PM 42-44, 77, 112, 114; 3BC 1154. +
Dear Brethren Daniells, Colcord, Faulkhead, and Salisbury:

[While examining my scratch books for an article which I wished to find, I came across the letter which I am sending to you. I supposed it had been copied and sent. I will have it copied and sent to you on the morrow. I dare not neglect this matter. I am sorry that for some reason there has been a delay.—January 13, 1897.] (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 1)

Dear Brethren Daniells, Colcord, Faulkhead, and Salisbury: (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 2)

I am more sorry than I can express that you have made a mistake, a blunder. Advantages has been taken of this, for plans have been made to bring things to just such a crisis. My brethren, could you not see that money had been expended to send Brother Miller to America that he might obtain an experience that would enable him to do more and better work than has hitherto been done at the Echo Office? Could you not see that by your decision to let him leave the office you were counteracting the work that had been done at an expense of hundreds of dollars? Brother Miller was sent to America that he might come back qualified to educate others in the various lines of work to be done in a publishing house. We counseled over this matter before he was sent to America, and thought it was best to do this rather than to send for an American to come to Australia. And now is all this to be for naught? (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 3)

The brothers of Brother Miller have been receiving an education that would be of the highest value to them and to the office if they would preserve their simplicity and integrity. These young men have gained an experience at the office, and they are now becoming capable of filling positions of trust. Will you let them go from the office, will you begin again to educate workers, from the A B C upward? No; you cannot afford to do this; it costs too much. If these brethren insist upon having their own way, you will be compelled to send to America for at least two good workers, without a week’s delay. You see the situation, brethren. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 4)

You cannot now help the mistake that has been made. But I am urged by the Spirit of God to counsel you to mix faith in God with all your movements. We may not now see the outcome of this mistake. It may be that it will work out for the good of the office and the glory of God. It may bring especial trials to you all, that you may be enabled the better to understand that the Echo Office is God’s appointed instrumentality, over which He has a constant, watchful care. The Lord has shown me that there has not been among the workers a sense of the sacredness of this important center; they have not realized that it is God’s by appointment designed by Him, to accomplish the work essential to be done in this part of the world (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 5)

The same defects that have been seen in the Review and Herald Office, and in the Pacific Press, have been seen in the Echo Office. There has been a failure to recognize the high and exalted character of God’s instrumentalities. The Lord has spoken to the managers of the Review and Herald Office and to the managers of the Pacific Press, presenting before them the fact that the Lord would have these instrumentalities regarded as His own by appointment; that as His great centers, they are to be sacredly guarded by faithful stewards. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 6)

All who connect with the institutions established by the Lord should be consecrated to God, soul, body, and spirit. No one who is an unbeliever should be permanently employed. No one whose mind is not under the control of the Holy Spirit should be allowed to handle the sacred work of God, for the enemy lays plans to lead such men to do things which will hurt the work, and which will result in great loss and hindrance. If such, because of necessity, are brought into connection with the work for a time, and, after having had opportunity to know the truth, are no nearer conversion than before, quietly dismiss them, even if their place should have to be filled by a man from America. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 7)

But when such are dismissed, be very careful that they do not go with a spirit of irritation, for it is possible for them to hurt you and do you much harm. If they leave with a revengeful spirit, they can communicate falsehoods and misrepresent the work. You will feel that something is hurting the work, you know not what. It is the secret, underhand work that is being done. Hence the peril of connecting with one of this class, who feels under no obligation to surrender himself to God. All these things are to be considered. “Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” “No man can serve two masters; for either ye will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Romans 6:16; Matthew 6:24.] (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 8)

When you examined the books, and discovered the real indebtedness of the office, some were shocked. They treated the matter unwisely, and looked upon God’s appointed center from a common, worldly standpoint, as though it was their property, and the loss was theirs. They felt embarrassed, and began to fear and tremble. They thought that some of the workers must be dismissed. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 9)

This was Satan’s time to work. He improved the advantage given, and said, “Now is your time.” He had been officious in preparing the way for Brethren Miller and Woods to make the proposition that they separate from the office and take up business on their own account. Then their wages would not come out of the office. Without due consideration, our brethren assented that this might be best. But they did not consider that the wages would be saved at a great loss to the office, that the work these men had been doing, would still have to be done. To take away four educated workers, who were doing their several appointed work, would rob the office of ability and talent that could not be well supplied in this country. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 10)

If the brethren that withdraw from the office had looked at the matter in the proper light as faithful servants who were seeking to do God’s service, they would have seen that they would not be clear before God in leaving the office. Their unselfishness would have told them that the office must suffer in consequence. But unsatisfied ambition blinded their eyes to the true condition of things, and they showed themselves unfaithful sentinels of the Lord’s great center. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 11)

The Lord calls for the men who are connected with sacred things to be as true as steel to His work and to the cause of God. His instrumentalities are to be first in all their thoughts and plans; they are to be guarded as a sacred matter. The Lord’s co-workers are to use every jot of their entrusted ability and knowledge for Him. Especially should this have been in the case of Brother Miller, for at the expense of money from the treasury of God, he had received knowledge at the Pacific Press. This knowledge should have been used for the benefit of the office, not for his own benefit. If he allows the matter to remain as it now is, he will have an account to render of robbery toward God. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 12)

Brethren Miller and Woods should have taken an all-sided, Christian view of this matter, as also should the brethren who were left in the office. All who were in any way connected with the work should have carefully considered the situation before uttering any words in harmony with unbelief. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 13)

The enemy moves very slowly and cautiously if he sees that this will deter the work from advancing. At times, moderation has been sin and unbelief. But when he sees that delay will injure his plans, he creates circumstances which make it necessary to move hastily, without due consideration. Much deliberation was needed in this case. It was necessary for all the actors to fast and pray, for they were stewards of God’s work. It was placed in their hands to conduct to the very best end. After much prayer, believing that the Lord would answer them, they should have waited patiently until they could move intelligently. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 14)

My brethren, if you had all had a solemn sense that you were stewards of sacred trust, had you realized from your first connection with the office that you were in co-partnership with God, these rash, selfish movements would not have been made by Brethren Miller and Woods. Self-serving was the root of it all. Deceitful reasoning came in. If you had received from God the spirit which all should cherish, if you had had a sense of the sacredness of God’s work, you would have realized that you did not rightly regard the center where God is watching and working. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 15)

My brethren, you moved altogether too hastily. Elder Daniells made a mistake when he left matters in such a crisis at North Fitzroy. The enemy was allowed to come in and occupy the field. God was not in this. Many things have taken place that reveal unwise generalship. But the Lord will not leave His people. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 16)

Those who acted a part in the circumstances of this separation did not realize sufficiently what they were doing. They did not realize their responsibility and accountability toward God, as those who are entrusted with a sacred charge. The work is not yours, but the Lord’s; and none are to become fainthearted. The angels have a constant care over the work. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 17)

The Lord would have all know that they have lacked wisdom and faith. You have a desire to walk by sight. God would have you learn to walk by faith. You will be often tempted to look at appearance, but this will not do. You must walk by faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] But when you looked at your depleted treasury, the dark shadows encircled you, and your faith failed. Then was the time to talk faith and courage, to rise to the emergency. The work is the Lord’s; it is not ours; and we may safely leave it in His hands. Daniel sought the Lord when brought into trying places; and when in trouble, we must pray earnestly to God. You have not moved wisely in all things. You need to learn the lesson of self-denial and self-sacrifice. You must be willing to receive less money in an emergency. God will be glorified in this. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 18)

The enemy is seeking to use every device which will cripple this institution. He seeks to make it a common thing through those whom he connects with it. When the workers are educated to think of this great center as related to God, and under His supervision, when they realize that it is a channel through which light from heaven is to be communicated to the world, great respect and reverence will be shown to it. The best thoughts and noblest feelings will be cultivated and brought into the work, that the heavenly intelligences may co-operate with human beings. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 19)

As the workers realize that they are in the presence of angels, whose eyes are too pure to behold iniquity, what a strong restraint they will place on thoughts, words, and actions. They will be given moral strength, for the Lord says, “Them that honor me, I will honor.” [1 Samuel 2:30.] Every worker will possess a precious experience, and a power and faith that is stronger than all circumstances. They will be able to say, “The Lord is in this place.” [Genesis 28:16.] The angels of God will be in every room. The power of an inward life will circulate through the office. There will be a power in the lives of the workers that will be felt throughout the entire institution. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 20)

Brethren, you must rise higher in your service. The office is not to be regarded as a common business institution. All who acknowledge God in His appointed channels, who act as faithful stewards in any place where they can do God service, will be honored by God. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 21)

Paul charged Timothy, “Take heed to thyself, and to the doctrine.” [1 Timothy 4:16.] These words need to be considered by all connected with the Lord’s work. Set your own heart in order before God. Then the Holy Spirit will so prepare you that you will be a mouthpiece for God. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 22)

We are God’s workmanship. The value of the human agent depends wholly upon the polishing he receives. When the rough stones are prepared for the building, they must be taken into the shop, and hewed and squared. The process is often sharp as the stone is pressed down upon the wheel, but the rough coarseness is being removed, and the luster begins to appear. The Lord spends not His time upon worthless material; only His jewels are polished after the similitude of a palace. Every soul must not only submit to the work of the divine hand, but must put to the tax every sinew and muscle, that the character may become more pure, the words more helpful, the actions such as God can approve. “By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” [Matthew 12:37.] (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 23)

We read in Zechariah, “And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep. And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold, a candle stick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof. And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.... Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candle stick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again and said unto him, What be these two olive branches through which the golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me, and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my Lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” [Zechariah 4:1-3, 11-14.] (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 24)

The two olive trees, the heavenly messengers, empty the golden oil out of themselves into the golden tubes, that it may flow into the golden bowls, representing the churches. These are to let the light shine forth in glorious brightness. See Revelation 1:20; 2:1. The Lord will not accept the most splendid service unless the work is purified from all selfishness, all pride, and all impurity. There must be soul consecration. The golden oil from the heavenly messengers must be received. This connection with the divine influences will make every worker in the office a living channel of light. Far greater consecration must be shown; active faith must be manifested. The Lord will bless those who are faithful, and make them stewards of His grace. They will be capable of appreciating the fact that they are honored in being privileged to be brought directly into connection with the Lord’s work. The Lord would have all connect with Him in His chosen work. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 25)

Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, were slain because they placed common fire on their censers, and offered it before the Lord. This the Lord had commanded them not to do. The sacred fire, kept burning day and night, was of God’s own kindling, and was to be used upon the censers of the priests. But Nadab’s and Abihu’s brains were beclouded by the wine which they had been drinking. They had not a clear sense of what they were about, and the sacred fire was not distinguished from the common. Fire from the Lord devoured them, and they died before the Lord. All are to realize that the experience of Nadab and Abihu may be applied to our time. “This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified.” [Leviticus 10:3.] (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 26)

“He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me like a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me. And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught, and in vain; yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with God.... And he said, a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation to the ends of the earth.” [Isaiah 49:2-4, 6.] (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 27)

This is the Word of the Lord to all who have any connection with His appointed institutions. They are favored of God; they are brought into channels where the light shines; they have a work to do for God. They are in God’s special service, and they are not to esteem this as a light thing. Proportionate to their position of sacred trust should be their sense of responsibility and devotion. Cheap common talk, and light, trifling behavior should not be tolerated. A sacred sense of the place should be encouraged and cultivated. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 28)

All should be educated to realize that we need a deeper, higher teaching than man can give. Let all do their best to help those connected with them to do their best. With earnest words direct their minds to the great Teacher. Christ must dwell in the heart just as the blood must be in the body, circulating through it as a vitalizing power. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 29)

Each should strive to help his fellow laborer to the perfection of knowledge, that he may do more perfect service for God. None are to work for love of praise, of applause, or because of an ambitious desire for supremacy. The true worker for God will do his best because in so doing he can glorify God. We will do right, in order to regard the requirements of God. He will try to improve all his faculties. He will perform all his duties as unto God. His one desire will be that Christ may receive homage and perfect service. This honors the Redeemer, who clothed His divinity with humanity, and gave Himself to a shameful death, that He might break Satan’s power upon man, that man, through faith in Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour, might be complete in his humanity, like unto Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 30)

Will all who work in our institutions take heed to these things? The Lord sees not as man sees. He looks beneath the surface. He looks at the mind, from whence all our actions proceed. Especially does He note everything that glorifies His name before the people. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 31)

The movements made by Brethren Miller and Woods to separate from the office, and use their God-given ability in their own service, were wrong. The Lord will not, cannot, bless them. they have dishonored the Lord’s instrumentality [and] By their actions they have manifested to the people that they have no more respect for the Lord’s great center than for their own business interest. The sacred things that should be treated as high and exalted have been placed on a level with common things. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 32)

The Lord designs that through our publishing houses, our sanitariums, and our schools, bright beams of light shall shine to the world. Every branch of the work connected with, or attached to these instrumentalities, should be treated with the highest respect. But a lack of faith has been revealed. Now is not the time to lesson our facilities and show that our expectations are growing feeble. God would have improved, elevated, ennobled, and sanctified the ability possessed by the Brethren Millers if they had let selfish schemes alone, and had walked humbly before God. The Lord has taught these young men. He has given them qualifications for His work. They were blessed by the Lord in proportion to their unselfish devotion to His work. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 33)

Had Brother Miller come back from America fully resolved to put heart and soul into the work of God, willing to work cheerfully for God’s glory, he could have carried his brothers with him, and have been to them a channel of light. But the experience gained by them, through the unwise movements that have been made, has been deleterious to their spiritual advancement. By his spirit of selfishness he has turned things in a wrong channel, and set in operation a current of influence that has resulted in harm to souls for whom Christ died. Some will never find their standing again. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 34)

In some things, Brother Miller has not gained by his visit to America. He has not obtained increased humility. He came back with a spirit of self-sufficiency. He was free to return to Australia with right motives, or to yield to temptation, and set self before the Lord’s appointed work. This latter he has done. He has given evidence that he had not heart and soul for the work. If he had, he would have been used by the Lord to bring freshness and courage into the institution. This was his test. O, my heart aches as I see so little wisdom exercised in these matters, and so little faith shown in God. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 35)

The Lord would have reform movements made. Irregularities will be sure to occur, and strange things will take place in every institution that has been established, but if the workers are grafted into the true vine stock, and become more and more fruitful, they will not look at the things which are temporal, but at the things which are unseen and eternal. The results of inexcusable ignorance of the dealing of God with His people is that when trial comes, selfishness is revealed. The sentiments that compose the religious experience are made manifest. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 36)

All that separates from God means the development of traits of character which will never allow us to see the mansions which Christ has gone to prepare for those that co-operate with Him. The world knows not God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, but they are not excusable; they might know the sinfulness of selfish motives; they might imitate the pure, self-denying life of Christ, our Example. Men have positions and influence and authority, and they are pleased and content with the established order of things. Too many have no practical sympathy with the souls that are perishing in their ignorance. The world is full of those whose aims are selfish. They have no correct views of the Lord’s instrumentalities, ordained and set apart by Him to do His work, not to build up selfish interests, but to establish His kingdom in the world. But life is too solemn to be absorbed in temporal and earthly matters, in a treadmill of care and anxiety for the things that are but an atom in comparison with eternal interests. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 37)

In the circumstances that have occurred in North Fitzroy, hearts have been revealed. Unbelief has been shown on all sides, and the enemy has watched for an opportunity to spring into active life, the buried seeds of unbelief. These will flourish into roots of bitterness, whereby many will be defiled. Why should we look for results of this kind? This is the way Satan works. He makes his impression upon hearts that do not clearly discern spiritual things. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 38)

A revival is so much needed in the Echo Office, a revival that will extend throughout the church. The workers must give soul and body to God, that they may do His work acceptably. There must be no drawing apart to set up a separate interest, for this would make a rival to God’s instrumentality. There are those who profess to be children of God who do not study from cause to effect. They do not appreciate the blessings which they daily received. Let old and young remember that we are forming characters which will decide our future, eternal destiny. Keep in touch with Jesus, not now and then, this is not enough, but always. We must abide in Christ as the branch is united to the parent stalk. The Lord has given to each and every one his work. All are to keep the glory of God in view. The heart of Christ is grieved when He sees those who have their names on the church records, so full of unbelief, so interestedly active to give their opinion on things which they do not understand. Many are not prepared to receive the richest proclamation ever made to fallen man. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 39)

The publishing house at North Fitzroy is either the Lord’s appointed center, or it is not. If it is the Lord’s instrumentality, all should regard it thus, and work always with the glory of God in view. Had those bearing the responsibility in the office called the workers together, and stated the situation to them, speaking strong, courageous words to all, for there was need of such words, showing that God’s eye is continually upon this institution, for it is His means of diffusing light to the world, a very different state of things would now appear. Not one seed of unbelief should have been sown; only seeds of faith should have been planted. Had this been done, how different should have been the showing. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 40)

Trials will come to all who engage in the Lord’s work. Encourage all to seek the Lord in earnest prayer, asking Him to work in behalf of His own instrumentality. Mistakes have been made, because a proper estimate has not been placed on the Lord’s Center, from which the heavenly olive trees are appointed to empty themselves into the golden tubes to supply the golden bowls of the candlestick with oil that the light may shine forth in distinct rays to the world. It is the transforming energy of the Holy Spirit that is so much needed in every institution. My brethren, while you lament the mistakes and deplorable errors that have been made, do not add to sin by continuing in unbelief. (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 41)

Let all that are left in the office look to God, and cry to Him for wisdom. Work away from all self-serving. We are laborers together with God. With such a helper, should you disbelieve? He is our personal Saviour, our Lawgiver as well as our Helper. He works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Then let God work through you. By faith open your hearts to receive the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. All need to live by faith, and work by faith. Let the Holy Spirit work through you. Christ says, “Come unto me for strength. You impart no light, no courage, to others, unless you first receive grace from Me.” (11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, 42)

Lt 28, 1896

Eldridge, Captain
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
August 30, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in PM 247; 5Bio 231. +
Dear Brother:

I cannot trace with pen and ink the disappointment of my soul as I consider what you might have been had you used and improved your God-given capabilities. But the Lord cannot save the man who has a greater desire to win the crown than he has to bear the cross. The Lord wants men who manifest more anxiety lest they shall fail to do their duty in every respect than they do for their reward. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 1)

I speak to you in the name of the Lord. I know you do not see things clearly. When you were receiving large wages from the office you did not give their equivalent in influence and work. You were not faithful to keep the charge of the Lord. You have ever valued your labors far more highly than their worth. By exaggerating the value of your own work, you have received the credit of the knowledge and experience which others have brought in to the publishing work. I must tell you the truth: I cannot see how you can ever be connected with such important interests again when the principles interwoven into the work have been so entirely contrary to the light God has given in regard to how His work in business and religious lines should be conducted. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 2)

When the complaints came in against Edson, and I was so burdened it seemed to me that I should lose my life, I then had opened before me the principles that had been steadily gaining a foothold in every department of the office. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 3)

In intents and purposes, Edson was not guilty of the charge made against him. Those who looked upon him with Pharisaical horror were themselves dealing unjustly, and were working in a concealed manner to carry out their own imaginations. Their influence was doing far more harm, right at the heart of the work, than was Edson, for they were disregarding justice, mercy, and the love of God. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 4)

In your letter you speak of helping Edson. At one time I had confidence in you that you did try to help him; but when a true insight into matters was given me, your help was proved to be really a hindrance. Your ideas and work were not of that value you supposed them to be. Still, you shall have the one hundred dollars which, from your standpoint, you think is your due. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 5)

I have been shown the inward workings and decisions of your councils and board meetings, the strange positions that have been accepted, the mutual obligations involved, and the binding up of plans and inventions that God does not endorse. But nothing that I could say would change the current of selfish, dishonest practices, for you are indifferent to the messages given you of God. You say, “I do not care for the testimonies. Men in important and responsible positions do not believe in them, and pay no regard to them, and why should I have faith in them?” This is the spirit that has come in, and controls the work at the present time. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 6)

When God sends His messages of warning, and they are turned from with the words, “I do not believe it,” what means has He left to call the deluded soul back to repentance? They care not to obey the “Thus saith the Lord” and when the message comes through His chosen instrumentalities, they say, “I do not want to hear any more on this subject.” One taken the written words of reproof and throw it in the fire, and another treats it with perfect indifference. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 7)

Thus they go on in their own way, doing their own will, and confederating together to devise methods and plans to take from the treasury large wages which they do not earn; they work to rob the workers to whom God has entrusted talents, in order to supply the unjust measure they extract. In other matters also, they deal unfairly, but the books of heaven contain a record of all these dealings. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 8)

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor.” And why should we do this? The reason is given: “for we are members one of another.” [Ephesians 4:25.] (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 9)

There are no men among whom friendship can be preserved true and untainted, without partiality and without hypocrisy, but those who are united by the truth in Jesus Christ. Pure love is not an impulse, a spasmodic feeling, but a principle that is divine, a permanent power. We imbibe it fresh from the current of love that flows from the heart of God. Quickened and sustained by this strong motive, heart is bound to heart, taught by the Holy Spirit of God. The true sons and daughters of God love Him supremely, and one another truly, sincerely, and unaffectedly, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. As branches of the living vine, brothers and sisters of one family, members of one body, branches of one root, we will respect and love one another with pure hearts fervently. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 10)

Mutual responsibility, natural obligations, are involved when friendships are formed. Mutual confidence is powerful for good or for evil—the stronger minds over the weaker ones, and also the weaker minds over the stronger. God has given us talents that can, but being sanctified, be exercised for the benefit of one another, or, by being perverted, they may be employed to hurt and injure our fellow men. Our influence is unconsciously always tending to good or evil. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 11)

The association one with another of the workers in our publishing institution at Battle Creek has not been pure and clean from dishonest inventions and practices. I cannot possibly give a tithe of the inward workings that have been presented to me; but I can give something of how the Lord regards the principles underlying their course of action, in its perversion of righteousness. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 12)

In business transactions, true Christians will use their influence conscientiously and truthfully, in the love and fear of God. But it is a terrible thing to see perverted principles creeping stealthily in as a thief until the self-deluded actors know not, and care less, what they do. The money accepted in the high wages, by those who were deluded by the tempter, was dishonesty. had they done real service, they had not tact, ability, nor skill to demand such wages. But when they were bringing in their own imaginings, and showing a masterly spirit, as though they were lords over minds and hearts, they were doing the work of the enemy. Money was received for introducing wrong plans and methods and principles, which have misrepresented the teachings and character of true Christianity. were traitors, rather than co-laborers with Jesus Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 13)

Now, my brother, I do not know that you yourself would do any better than these have done, or are doing. Surely your experience in the past has not been of that character to evidence that you were fitted, by experience, to stand in so a responsible a position. When light was shining forth upon you in clear distinct rays from heaven, when I stood [for] over two years in Battle Creek you were continually saying, “I have no experience.” The class of experience you received in your connection with the publishing institution was not of the right quality. It did not bear the right credentials. Sacred, eternal interests were brought down to a level with common things. Those who should, by precept and example, have been a help to you were as guide posts pointing in the wrong direction. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 14)

Being placed in a responsible position as you were, in connection with the highest interest that exists in our world, with as limited an experience as you possessed in regard to the work which you were handling—surrounded with men in various positions of trust, of grave and solemn responsibility, who manifested that they were not led and taught and controlled by the Spirit of God—left such impressions upon your mind, and exerted such an influence upon you, that in place of doing the work as God would have it done, that it might bear the inspection of His all-seeing eye, there has been marked deficiencies. You could not bear the test. Far less could you now stand in a high position of trust with the elements that are now composing council and board meetings; where, if things move in a wrong direction, and a dissenting voice is heard, “Why do ye so?” that voice is speedily silenced—a special position is found for him in some place “where his help is needed.” Council and board meetings will not make room for him; his room is considered far better than his company. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 15)

The man who is willing and anxious to be educated in regard to the fulfillment of his duties, in fear and love of God as a moral accountable agent, will find a Helper who is higher and mightier than can be found in connection with any human companion. God is the presiding power to whom man is to look for his orders. “As a man thinketh, so is he.” “A tree is known by its fruit.” [Proverbs 23:7; Matthew 12:33.] Every man decides his own destiny. If he insists upon conditions of favor and remuneration which he supposes his services command, but which are out of proportion to the work performed, he is doing a wrong that will mold his spirit, and form a character that is unlike the character of Christ. The spirit of selfishness bears the rebuke of God. It is in opposition to the lessons we are to learn during our probationary time from our great teacher Jesus Christ, and is contrary to the spirit of the gospel. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 16)

Every one who strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. The enlargement of conveniences, the desire for self-indulgence, will lead to an extravagant disposition of means that will make the human agent a slave to circumstances. If he would restrict his wants, the lust of the eyes, conquer the pride of position and appearance, and would manifest an earnestness in doing the work of God intelligently, if he would strive to become a faithful steward of God’s sacred trusts, he would grow in wisdom, strength, and understanding, and would obtain increased ability with every encumbrance and difficulty and apparent adversity. Trials and obstacles are the Lord’s chosen methods of discipline, and His appointed conditions of true success. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 17)

Those who will have sumptuous fare, and selfish temporal indulgences, are not the men to be connected with God’s sacred work. They will be seduced by ambitious projects and unbelief, from the humble, self-denying path that every Christian must consent to travel. Any other path but the “way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment” [Genesis 18:19] is a byway that leadeth not to the city of God. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 18)

Jesus has plainly specified the conditions of discipleship: “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me, so shall he be my disciple.” [See Luke 9:23.] Those who appreciate these words, and are doers of the Word will maintain a close connection with Christ. They are permitted to become partakers with Christ of His sufferings, that they may have the joy of being partakers also with Him of His glory. They will all be tested and tried; they will all pass through periods of temptation and darkness. There will be times of serious self-examination and close investigation of the Word of God, to see whether they are in the faith; but these experiences will give them a higher perception of what Christ is to them, and of what they may be to Christ in co-partnership in His great work. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 19)

The Holy Spirit will impress the mind and form the character for their high and sacred vocation of being co-laborers with God. Such souls will grow in faith. There will never come from their lips the words, “I have no experience.” They will have an experience of a high order. Fancy and ambition will not be woven into their experience; but they will have a sober, sacred sense of the holy character of their work. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 20)

God’s Word is to discern between true religion and false, between the divine and the earthly; and that Word is the standard by which actions are weighed. What that Word teaches is spirit and life. That which it forbids, the Christian conscientiously avoids. He yields his understanding, his conscience, his will, his affections—his life—to its control. Its teachings—by precept and example—are the very life of the believer. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 21)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Do we inquire what God will require of us in return for the life of His only begotten Son? The Lord will accept of nothing less than entire consecration. His sons and daughters are to be one with Him, ever ready, not only to receive favors at His hands, but to suffer privation and to endure shame for His sake. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 22)

Every soul entrusted with responsibilities in the work and cause of God have an experience to obtain—an experience of an entirely different order than that which they have been passing through—if they would escape from the net with which Satan has entangled their feet. There is only one way of escape: they must repent and be converted, for unless they do this, they will never see the kingdom of heaven. God calls upon them to return to their first love, and live in the sunshine of divine grace, to discard the idea that they can walk in the sparks of their own kindling. Instead of being filled with pride and self-sufficiency, manifested in a domineering spirit, God would have them come under the power of Omnipotence. Faith and joy and hope in the Holy Ghost will impart to them light and strength to guide them in the path of obedience to the Word of God. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 23)

Every human being must humble himself if he would be lifted up. Those who are now occupying positions of trust will have to overcome all their masterly dictation, and authoritative control, or the Lord will humble them under His mighty hand. It would be far better for the cause of God if every soul who will not learn the meekness and loveliness of Christ, who will not wear His yoke and help to bear His burdens, would choose some other calling than to remain in connection with a work that is holy. God wants none to enter His work who will not carry into their lives the deep laid holy principles which He Himself has established. Man-made theories and maxims cannot be productive of happiness and joy. All who are controlled by the spirit of selfishness, who are working to serve their own special interest, who are determined not to come into line with Christ, had better separate themselves at the earliest opportunity from the work of God. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 24)

I have only touched on matters in this letter; but I now entreat of you to try your past and present experience by the Word, the living oracles of God. “Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of.” [2 Corinthians 7:10.] If you can discern the mistakes of the past, you can be made to sorrow after a godly manner. I beseech of you to obtain a genuine experience in the things of God. Do not, for your soul’s sake, rest upon a supposed hope, but have a genuine experience in vital piety. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 25)

I have too great love for you, my brother, to flatter you; this is Satan’s special work. I love you both, Brother and Sister Eldridge, and I ask you to come up from the lowlands of earth into a pure and more elevated atmosphere. Seek the Lord, O, seek Him while He may be found; call ye upon Him while He is near. Do not accept the record of your past service in connection with the work of God as just about right. God has not written it thus in the books of heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 26)

“Unto you who believe he is precious.” [1 Peter 2:7.] Have you sought the Lord for divine enlightenment? Do you prize the blessings of God and the righteousness of Christ above worldly inducement and the praise of men? May the Lord open your eyes that you may see where you have made mistakes, The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace in the Holy Ghost. The religion of Christ consists in walking uprightly. The interest of the universe in the choice which humanity shall make. A heaven of happiness and bliss is prepared for the overcomer. All heaven will enter into co-partnership with you if you will come to Christ for eternal life. Then come to Him in meekness, as a little child, as one who has made a surrender to God, and then stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel. Then you will keep God’s principles firm and uncorrupted, and He will work in you, increasing your intellectual and moral efficiency. Daily you may grow in favor with God and man, and be fitted to have God’s image restored in you. Then you can and will act in connection with Christ, as a brother and benefactor in the great web of humanity. May God bless you is my prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, 27)

Lt 29, 1896

To the General Conference of 1897
NP
December 27, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in TM 331-340.
To the General Conference of 1897:

I have words to speak to our brethren who shall assemble in conference in 1897. There is a power moving from beneath which is after the working of the great enemy. The present financial controversy has been presented to me as one of Satan’s masterpieces for these last days. I supposed our own people would step very softly and more very guardedly and keep themselves aloof from all these new issues in regard to the circulating currency. This is not of the devising of God—the changing of the circulating currency. What will it effect? It will cause a state of things that will bring oppression to the poor, and create great distress. It is one of the devil’s schemes, and I thought those who believed the truth would not be deceived in the least degree upon this matter. But within the year 1896 matters have been presented to me which have made me tremble for our people. I have been where I heard conversations from those in positions of trust in our institutions, and there was great warmth in controversy over the different positions taken. The light given me was, This is the policy Satan has arranged to bring distress. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 1)

Would we know how we may best please the Saviour? It is not in engaging in political speeches, either in or out of the pulpit. It is in considering with fear and trembling every word we utter. Where the people assemble to worship God let not a word be spoken that shall divert the mind from the great central interest, Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The third angel’s message is to be our burden of warning. The side issues are not for us to meddle with. The burden of the work is, Preach the Word. There are those who have had an experience in seeking the salvation of souls for whom Christ has given His precious life. That work is the special enterprise to engross everyone who feeds the flock of God. It is a time now when voices will be heard: “Hear. This is the way, walk in this path.” But the Lord Jesus says, “Follow thou Me. They that follow Me shall not walk in darkness.” [See John 8:12.] The saving of souls is to be our personal work, from which nothing is of sufficient moment to divert the mind. Christ came to our world to save souls, to diffuse light amid moral darkness. A living voice is heard, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [John 14:6.] (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 2)

I was surprised as I saw men who claim to believe the truth for this time all excited in regard to matters—which relate to the Lord Jesus and eternal interests. No; but they seemed to be wonderfully excited in regard to the currency. Some ministers were distinguishing themselves by weaving these subjects into their discourses. They were excitably involving themselves, taking sides in regard to these questions that the Lord did not lay upon them the burden to engage in. These persons seemed to have a large share of self-sufficiency. But they themselves really did not know what they were advocating. They knew not whether they were defending principles that originated in the councils of heaven or in the councils of Satan. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 3)

The voice of one in authority spoke with great decision: Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. Read the directions given by the only begotten Son of God when enshrouded in the cloudy pillar. When that voice is obeyed, ye will not give your voice or influence to any policy plan to enrich a few, to bring oppression and suffering to the poorer class of humanity. There is in this excitement just what separates those of the same faith. Is this bearing the divine credentials? Beware. See that your arm is not linked in the arm of a personal demon. He is in appearance as a man. He is walking about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, and he finds them among Seventh-day Adventists. He can terrify by his roaring; but, when it serves his purposes best, he has the sweet voice of an angel of light and speaks of heavenly things. Does he not know all about heavenly glory? (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 4)

I inquired why those who could read their Bibles and see the perils of these last days were so ready to snatch up matters they had best let alone. How can they connect with men who are advancing principles that originated in the councils of demons? Why do they not see that this is no work the Lord has set them to do? The answer came, because their hearts are lifted up unto vanity. They are beguiled. They do not know how weak they are. There are many who will be deluded and who by pen and voice will cast their whole influence to create a condition of things—that will exist just the same whatever they may do—but they should not be bound up with the evil workers. All who are longing for some engagement that will represent Jehu riding furiously will have opportunity enough to distinguish themselves. Their arm will be linked with his who was once an exalted angel, and who has not forgotten his manners in the heavenly courts, which he will assume; and in representing persons, he will allure many who life is not hid with Christ in God. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 5)

Because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. Why should their love wax cold? Because they have not humbled their hearts and fled to their refuge, Jesus Christ. They thought they know so such that they became fools and allowed themselves to be depraved. Thus many souls will be lost. Worldly plans and devisings, and strange sentiments, and principles will be put forth by the prince of the power of the air, which are directly opposed to the law of God. Here we should reserve all our influence to act, in upholding the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 6)

The sentiments brought to the front by politicians will be voiced by some who claim to be Sabbath-keepers. What angels will attend those in the pulpit as they stand up to give the flock poison instead of pure wheat, thoroughly winnowed? Here is the working of satanic agencies to bring in confusion, to bewitch the minds of old and young. Those who have been walking humbly with God will not be engrossed in advocating either side of this question. They will place themselves under his guardianship, and reveal that they are learning lessons from the Great Teacher, who has said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] (See Scripture). (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 7)

All this excitement and unrest is placing the mind where it will not dwell upon the truth. Do you suppose that the world, the flesh and the devil would be able to link up those souls who were humble and lowly of heart, and blind their understanding, so that they could not tell what sort of companions they were choosing? If the eyes of many could be opened in their heedless march, they would see a mighty procession of people of all classes, all kinds, all nations, passing in the same ranks, classing themselves as the companions of demons, rapidly moving on in a continually swelling procession to certain ruin. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 8)

What shall I say? The faith of many, including those who preach the Word, must be something different from what it is now, else their future eternal destiny is settled. The Word of God, studied carefully and obeyed, is the only thing that will make man pure and keep him pure. This alone can save him from meddling with all the iniquities that prevail. Christians are to bear the stamp of the King of kings. All in our world are taking sides. This political money strife we are not to take part in. It has come into our ranks. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 9)

There are those who are now under the reproof of the Word of God, even among Seventh-day Adventists, because of the way they acquired their property and use it, as if they owned it and created it, without an eye to the glory of God, and without earnest prayer to direct them in acquitting or using it. They are grasping at a serpent which will sting them as an adder. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 10)

Of God’s people He says, “Her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the Lord; it shall not be laid up.” [Isaiah 23:18.] But many who profess to believe the truth do not want God in their thoughts any more than did the antediluvians or the Sodomites. One sensible thought of God, awakened by the Holy Spirit, would spoil all their schemes. Self, self, self, has been their God, their Alpha and Omega. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 11)

Christians are safe only in acquiring money as God directs, and using it in channels which He can bless. God permits us to use His goods with an eye single to His glory, to bless ourselves that we may bless others. Those who have adopted the world’s maxim and discarded God’s specifications, who grasp all they can obtain of wages or goods, are poor, poor indeed, because the frown of God is upon them. They walk in paths of their own choosing, and do dishonor to God, to truth, to His goodness, to His mercy, His character. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 12)

Now, in probationary time, we are all on test and trial. Satan is working with his deceiving enchantments and bribes, and some will think that by their schemes they have made a wonderful speculation. But lo, as they thought they were rising securely and were carrying themselves loftily in selfishness, they learned that God can scatter faster than they can gather. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 13)

“I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree, yet he passed away, and lo, he was not; yea, I sought him, and he could not be found.” [Psalm 37:35, 36.] He who sees the end from the beginning and who brings order out of confusion, is doing all things well. We will view another side of the picture: “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.” [Verse 37.] The Word of God is offering all the preparation for eternal life. Our faith must be a faith that works by love and purifies the soul, not defiles faith and practice. Do we believe the Word of God? Are all who profess the truth faithful and true, steadfast to principle? Are we doing missionary work with the spirit of Christ? (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 14)

There are men who stand in the pulpits as shepherds, professing to feed the flock. But the sheep are starving for the bread of life. There are long-drawn-out discourses, largely made up of the relation of anecdotes; but the hearts of the hearers are not touched. The feelings of some may be moved, they may shed a few tears, but their hearts are not broken. The Lord Jesus has been present when they have been presenting that which was called sermons, but their words were destitute of the dew and rain of heaven. They evidenced that the anointed ones described in Zechariah (see chapter 4) had not ministered to them, that they might minister to others. When the anointed ones empty themselves through the golden pipes, the golden oil flows out of themselves in the golden bowls, to flow forth into the lamps, the churches. This is the work of every true, devoted servant of the living God. The Lord God of heaven cannot approve much that is brought into the pulpit by those who are professedly speaking the Word of the Lord. They do not inculcate ideas that will be a blessing to those who hear. There is cheap, very cheap fodder placed before the people. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 15)

When the speaker shall, in a haphazard way, strike in any where, as the fancy strikes him, when he talks politics to the people, he is mingling the common fire with the sacred. He dishonors God. He has not real evidence from God that he is speaking the truth. He does his hearers a grievous wrong. He plants seeds which will strike their fibrous roots deep, and they spring up and hear poisonous fruit. How dare men do this? How dare they advance ideas when they do not know certainly whence they came, or that they are the truth? (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 16)

Will our brethren bear in mind that we are living amid the perils of the last days? Read Revelation in connection with Daniel. Teach these things. Let discourses be short, spiritual, elevated. Let the preacher be full of the Word of the Lord. Let every man who enters the pulpit know that he has angels from heaven in his audience. And when these angels empty from themselves the golden oil of truth into the heart of him who is teaching the Word, then the application of the truth will be a solemn, serious matter. The angel messengers will expel sin from the heart, unless the door of the heart is padlocked and Christ is refused admission. Christ will withdraw Himself from those who persist in refusing the heavenly blessings that are so freely offered them. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 17)

The Holy Spirit is doing its work on the hearts. But if the ministers have not first received their message from heaven, if they have not drawn their own supplies from the refreshing, life-giving stream, how can they let that flow forth which they have not received? What a thought, that hungry, thirsty souls are sent away empty! A man may lavish all the treasures of his learning, he may exhaust the moral energies of his nature, and yet accomplish nothing, because he himself has not received the golden oil from the heavenly messengers, therefore it cannot flow forth from him, imparting spiritual life to the needy. The tidings of joy and hope must come from heaven. Learn, O, learn of Jesus what it means to abide in Christ! (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 18)

If the Christian minister receives the golden oil, he has life, and where there is life there is no stagnation, no dwarfed experience. There is constant growth to the full stature of Christ Jesus. If we have a deep, growing experience in heavenly things, we walk with the Lord as did Enoch. Instead of consenting to the propositions of Satan, there is most earnest prayer for the heavenly anointing, that we may distinguish the right, the heaven-born, from the common. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 19)

If we are fighting in the strength of the Mighty One, we are on the side that will win at last. In the end we shall conquer. The greatest work, the most perilous scenes, are before us. The deadly conflict we must meet. Are we prepared for it? God is still speaking to the children of men. He is speaking in many different ways. Will they hear His voice? Will we place our hands confidingly in His and say, “Lead me, guide me”? (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 20)

There is cheap religion in abundance, but there is no such thing as cheap Christianity. Self may figure largely in a false religion but it cannot appear in Christian experience. “Ye are workers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] “Without me,” said Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] We cannot be shepherds of the flock unless we are divested of our own peculiar habits, manners, and customs, and come into Christ’s likeness. When we eat His flesh and drink His blood, then the element of eternal life will be found in the ministry. There will not be a fund of stale, oft-repeated ideas. There will be a new perception of truth. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 21)

The Word is the preacher’s light, and as the golden oil empties from the heavenly olive trees into the bowl, it makes the lamp of life flash with a clearness and power that all will discern. Those who have the privileges of sitting under such a ministry will, if their hearts are susceptible to the Holy Spirit’s influence, feel an inner life. The fire of God’s love will be kindled within them. The Bible, the Word of God, is the bread of life. He who feeds the flock of God must himself first eat of the bread which came down from heaven. He will see the truth on every side. He will not venture to come before the people until he has first communed with God. Then he is led to work as Christ worked. He respects the varied minds that compose his audience. He has a word that touches the case of all, not worldly, confusing ideas. He has no right to introduce the worldly perplexities. The bread of life shall satisfy every soul hunger. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 22)

Some who stand in the pulpit make the heavenly messengers in the audience ashamed of them. The precious gospel, which it has cost so much to bring to the world, is abused. There is common, cheap talk, grotesque attitudes and workings of the features. There is with some rapid talking, with others a thick, indistinct utterance. Every one who ministers before the people should feel it a solemn duty to take himself in hand. He should first give himself to the Lord, in complete self-renunciation, determined that he will have none of self, but all of Jesus. (11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, 23)

Lt 30, 1896

Hickox, Brother and Sister
Adelaide, South Australia
October 13, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in OHC 126.
Dear Brother and Sister Hickox:

I know not why you have been in my mind so much during this meeting. I hoped you would be here, for I had some special things to say to you, which I could not speak of to others. I have been so very busy that I have not been able to write. I have not known your whereabouts. I knew you had been working in connection with Brother Merritt Kellogg at Broken Hill, and I supposed you would be at this meeting. We are having a good meeting. Brother Hawkins is on the ground, and is engaging in the work. I feel the deepest interest in this brother, and I hope that as the Lord has been leading him to investigate the Scriptures, he will search most earnestly for the hidden treasure. He may sink the shaft deeper and still deeper in the mines of truth, and discover veins of precious ore. He will then see that the third angel’s message is full of precious, substantial truth for this time. What is it? The commandments of God, and the testimony or faith of Jesus. In this message those who do God’s will will know the doctrine, whether it be of God. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 1)

Brother and Sister Hickox, are you prepared to take hold of the work anywhere, with heart and soul. When clouds come between your souls and God, when all around you in darken and forbidding, when the enemy stands ready to rob the soul of its integrity to God and the truth, and when error stands out plausible and attractive, then it is time to pray and exercise faith in God. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 2)

The Lord will work by His Holy Spirit upon every mind and heart that is committed to Him. Will you both place yourselves in the channel of light, where the Holy Spirit can work with you? I have looked upon you both with great interest, because I know that your natural temperaments need to be softened; the rugged, natural traits of your character need to be removed. Will you see this? Will you realize the danger that is constantly before you? Satan takes advantage of every objectionable trait of character, and if these natural sentiments and passions are not overcome, they will overcome you, and will greatly detract from your usefulness in any line of the work. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 3)

What is faith? It is not sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Cherishing faith, the soul is enabled to rise beyond itself, and penetrate the hellish shadow which the enemy casts athwart the pathway of every soul that is striving for an immortal crown. How many times Jesus said, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” [Mark 14:38.] We are to watch and pray just as long as Satan brings up clouds of unbelief, composed of every evil thing that he can devise, to lead the human mind to yield to temptation. But this cloud that lies between God and the human agent cannot envelop man and penetrate his soul unless he opens his mind and heart to its dark beams. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 4)

The angels of God will guard every man from the poisonous malaria of temptations of the wicked one, who will rise beyond self and circumstances and surroundings, looking unto Jesus through every mist and fog and cloud, and penetrating by faith the darkest temptations. What will be the privilege of the one who does this? “Let him take hold of my strength,” the Lord declares, “that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 5)

Satan would lead minds into clouds and darkness and unbelief by tempting them to indulge in a wrong spirit. But do not let your human feelings attain the mastery. Here is your danger. If you realize this, you will guard the doors of your heart, lest the darkness of Satan’s clouds come in. If this darkness enters, it will go from you to others, your influence will be hurt; you will never rise to be a representative man, because of our self-esteem and self-assurance. The Lord will not be able to bless you as He would, because your faith and works will not be in harmony. The works show the value and quality of the faith. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 6)

If you trust Him, the Lord will give you a breadth of experience that you do not now possess. You are and will be placed under trying circumstances, for every man’s faith will be tested and proved. If you stand the proving of God, and do not allow self to be the master, if your faith holds fast, producing active obedience to the Lord’s will, you will then be worked by the Holy Spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 7)

The Lord is not pleased when you, or any of His servants who bear the message of truth to others, do not feel the necessity of constantly learning. The child often asks, “Why should I learn?” and by many this sentiment is entertained, if not expressed in so many words. We have a Great Teacher, even Jesus Christ. He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.] Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Truth must ever be treasured in the soul. The more we learn under Christ’s yoke, the more influence we will have. Wisdom, well-used, is a wonderful blessing. The more we learn from the Great Teacher, the more we have to communicate, and the greater our influence for good over other minds. Nothing savoring of display or of boasting of the knowledge we have, nothing like lifting up the soul in vanity or in self-sufficiency, nothing like a display of the talents God has entrusted to us, will be seen. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 8)

A grave responsibility rests upon the human agent to increase his talents by use. Under the Great Teacher, he is constantly to accumulate knowledge, following distinctly in the course the Lord has marked out. But many are acting upon the idea that there is a connecting link between light and darkness, between Christ and Belial. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 9)

The Lord will impart His divine skill and aptitude to all who are true learners. If He sees that their hearts are humble, He will instruct them out of His Word, which is profitable for all things, for doctrine, for reproof, for instruction, for correction in righteousness, that the man of God may be prefect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 10)

The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to obtain knowledge from him. She talked with him of the things of nature. Solomon was a true student of natural history. He had studied the inanimate creation, the shrubs and flowers, and had acquired a better understanding of God’s wisdom. His love for God and his knowledge of God increased as he recognized Him as the God of nature. He had also studied the things of the animate creation. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 11)

From many lands people came to hear Solomon, and he taught them of God as the Creator of all things. These people carried away with them impressions of the living God that were new and wonderful to them. They began to look at the things of nature as their instructor. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 12)

The Lord is not pleased or glorified by the ignorance of human beings in regard to natural laws, or in regard to spiritual laws, which are in perfect harmony with natural laws; for the whole creation is one masterpiece of infinite wisdom. The essential knowledge of the soul-life is faith in God. Then the qualities of character will appear as vital, living things, which should increase and advance, constantly growing. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 13)

My brother and sister, you have very much to learn. You need not be dwarfed or crippled in your experience if you will bring your lessons to a definite purpose, placing yourselves under the control of God. But selfish traits of character rob you of the wisdom you might obtain. You are not willing to be taught. You think that you know enough. But you have only just begun to climb the ladder of genuine, sanctified experience in the things of God. This deficiency in the knowledge of the meekness and lowliness of Christ will place you where you will have much tribulation, which will not yield the precious fruits of righteousness. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 14)

The promises of God are sure and unbounded. You need faith, pure, unadulterated faith. Without this faith no one can engage in successful warfare against the seen and unseen agencies which are at work to uproot confidence in God and in one another. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 15)

I cannot finish this now, so will send it as it is. If I have the time during this meeting, I will follow out the matter here presented to you; but I have no time now. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 16)

My brother, my sister, Christ demands more than you have given Him. He asks the entire heart, the undivided allegiance of every soul that names His name. The Lord will work with you if you will co-operate with Him. But, my dear brother, your faith must go deeper. It must lay hold of the promise, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” [John 15:7.] Your faith must be continually exercised. If you do not win the crown of life, it will be because you have not striven lawfully. United with Christ, all the power you require will be given you. Abiding in Him, you can fight manfully. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 17)

The more you believe and trust as a child in the Lord Jesus, the greater will be your capacity for believing. By faith you stand. Only by exercising faith can you conquer self. It will cost you a severe struggle, because self has been hard to manage. Self is the ground where Satan always meets and manages those whom he wishes to deceive and conquer. But if the righteousness of Christ is revealed in you, you become strong. Looking beyond yourself, to a crucified Saviour, a risen and ascended Lord, who is, as your Advocate, making intercession for you, taking hold of Christ’s power and efficiency, you can conquer. (11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, 18)

Lt 31, 1896

Hughes, Br-Sr.
Refiled as Lt 32, 1896.

Lt 32, 1896

Hughes, Brother and Sister
“Sunnyside,” Avondale, New South Wales, Australia
March 7, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in AH 416-417; 6MR 262; CTr 343. +
Dear Brother and Sister Hughes:

I am awakened at one o’clock. The Lord has laid open before me your perilous situation as a family, and has given me a message for you. Should the Saviour come in the clouds of heaven, not one in your family could meet Him with the assuring words, “This is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.” [Isaiah 25:9.] Light has been given you before, but your moral courage has been too feeble to rise and meet the emergency. You desire to have things different, but you have not the moral courage to take up your long-neglected duties, and set things in order. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 1)

Brother and Sister Hughes, you love your children, but your love has been but human, in nothing resembling the love of Christ. Parents are under a most solemn obligation to train their children in the way of the Lord, but your children are almost wholly left to follow their own impulses, and instead of being controlled by you, they rule you. As they act toward you, so do they act toward God. Their love is not genuine, for they are allowed to be disrespectful, disobedient, unthankful, and unholy. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 2)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” [2 Corinthians 5:17.] Brother Hughes, the converting power of God must come into your home. Rise in the name of God, for He calls upon you, “Go, work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Often you have tried, but your efforts have only been halfway. You know the truth, but you do not practice it. As you now stand, you are unconverted and unsanctified. The ploughshare of truth must go deeper into your mind and heart than it has yet done. You have assented to the truth, Brother Hughes, but do you love it well enough to make self-sacrifice for it? Do you love Jesus well enough to deny yourself for Him? The use of tobacco is your cherished idol, and it is a barrier to you in your Christian life. Will you cling to this idol till the case of every soul is decided, and you are left shipwrecked, as it were, without God and without hope in this world? (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 3)

You need to come to Jesus just as you are, asking Him to forgive you for wasting your life, for following your own way, for doing your own will and not walking in the light. “Walk in the light while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” [John 12:35.] How long do you purpose to place your idol tobacco before your Saviour? How long will you keep yourself aloof from the church because you are not ready to yield up a hurtful, sinful indulgence? You know the truth, but you do not receive it into your inmost life; therefore it is impossible for you to assert your God-given freedom from the slavery of hurtful habit. Only by having a faith that works by love and purifies the soul can you obtain relief from sin. When by faith we appropriate the truth, it exercises a transforming influence upon the life and character. The truth must not only be accepted by the intellect, but must be brought into the inmost recesses of the heart, that the Holy Spirit may give it a living power. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 4)

When the truths of the Bible are brought before you, you feel assured that you would not have denied Christ as did Peter; but you do not discern that unless your present position changes, you are now denying Him. The current of your life must change; no cowardice or fickleness must appear in your character. When in the name of the Lord you say, I will receive Jesus as my Saviour, you will be no longer weak. If you will come to Him, and in penitence and faith ask Him to strengthen your will to resist temptation, He will give you power to overcome the habit which now holds you in slavery. Co-operating with God, you will gain power to expel the use of tobacco; your will will be strengthened, and you will gain moral courage to take your position for God and for heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 5)

If you believe that Christ died for you, you will realize that you have been bought with a price; you will see that you are of value in the sight of God, and you will not permit any selfish practice to come between you and Jesus. You will fully consecrate yourself to the service of God. Brother Hughes, you are an intelligent man upon other subjects, but you are making a most vital mistake in neglecting the great salvation presented to you. By your attitude you refuse the light brought to you. Knowing the truth, you do not practice it. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 6)

My brother and sister, you must give an account to God for the long years during which you have refused to serve the Lord with full purpose of heart. As parents, you need to rise in the name and strength of the Lord and take up your long-neglected duties. You need to say to some purpose, I think I see where I have failed. I have not corrected evils in my children, and therefore they will not respect me. Without delay I will seek God; I will no longer walk in my own way, but I will walk according to the way of the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 7)

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] Is this your object in life? All things needful cluster round this great and glorious point—the kingdom of God. Your only object being to amuse yourself, you will make shipwreck of your faith. Kneel before God just as you are, and say, I bring to Thee my soul which Thou hast purchased. Had I improved my opportunities, I should not now be dwarfed in religious experience. But I have wasted my opportunities. Wilt Thou pardon me for spurning Thy love? Wilt Thou give me strength to war the good warfare in Thy name? (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 8)

God has enjoined upon parents to teach their children the commandments of God. When parents neglect this work, and permit their children to care more for their own pleasure than for the Word of God, they themselves dishonor God and transgress His law. No child is to be allowed to rule in the house, but parents are to teach their children to do justice and judgment, and to keep the way of the Lord. But your children know not how to reverence or even respect the truth, and they never will unless they turn from fictitious reading—the idol to which they have given soul and body. They keep their minds intoxicated with this reading; it is the god they worship; and while they continue this practice, they are just as much intoxicated as any drunkard. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 9)

Children, I have a message for you. You are now deciding your future destiny, and your character building is of that kind which will exclude you from the Paradise of God. The eldest daughter is an exception, but the atmosphere of the home will not help her to perfect a Christian character and become complete in Christ. How sad it is for Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, to look upon a family where the children have no love for God, no respect for the Word of God, but are all absorbed in reading story books. The time occupied in this way robs you of a desire to become effective in household duties; it disqualifies you to stand at the head of a family, and, if continued, it will entangle you more and more closely in Satan’s snare. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 10)

Brother and Sister Hughes, the life of your son is almost ruined by the management he has received ever since he was born. You may learn this lesson from nature. Leave a piece of ground uncultivated, and it will bring forth only briars and unsightly weeds. Your son has been left to do just as he pleased, and he has not that education and discipline that he should have. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 11)

God has placed a high estimate upon the human soul by giving the life of his only begotten Son that all might be saved. Individually we belong to the Lord by creation and by redemption. You have been bought with a price, even the precious blood of the Son of God. Each member of this family must render an account to God for their own souls, which they have treated so indifferently, caring not to reach the perfection of the Christian character, but choosing instead to follow their own selfish, undisciplined way. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 12)

I call upon these blood-bought souls, Awake to your eternal interests, and pass not your time in self-pleasing, which yields no real happiness. God has given you a probation in which to prepare for eternity but you are bringing into your character-building wood, hay and stubble—nothing, absolutely nothing by which God will be glorified. He has given every human being a work to do for Him, and every hour you spend in serving self is lost for eternity. “Yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” [Hebrews 10:37.] What record will you meet in the judgment? What account will you render of the time given you in which to serve God? (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 13)

What will the books of God reveal, children, in regard to the treatment you have given your mother? What words have you spoken to her that you will not be pleased to meet when the judgment shall sit, and every one shall be judged according to the deeds done in this life? In treating your parents disrespectfully, remember that you are dishonoring your Maker. He has borne long with your perversity, but He now requires that your life shall be very different from what it has been. The message, “Go, labor today in my vineyard” [Matthew 21:28], has been given you again and again, but by precept and example, you refuse to go. An atmosphere surrounds you that diverts the minds of those with whom you associate from God and heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 14)

God calls upon you to turn to Him with full purpose of heart. “Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” [Hebrews 3:7.] It is not yet too late for you to choose to do the will of God. If you will hear His voice, if you will lay aside your life of inactivity and idleness, Christ will receive you just as you are. Too long you have trifled with your soul’s eternal interest, too long you have neglected the great salvation provided for you, too long you have put yourself on the side of the enemy. Will you not now consider how it is with your souls? (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 15)

Although Christ has done everything on His part, this will not save you unless you perform your part by co-operating with God. Yield up those practices which are a willful denial of Christ, and which, if persisted in, will cost you your soul. You are helping one another to resist every overture of mercy. You are educating yourselves to have cheap thoughts, and to be frivolous and irreligious. By refusing to give God your hearts’ best and holiest affections, you are cheating Him of what rightly belongs to Him. You cannot afford to meet the results of this course of action in the judgment. God calls upon you to turn to Him before it be everlastingly too late. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 16)

Dear children, you are not bringing piety into your lives. The time will come when you will realize what you have lost, but you will not realize in time, unless you cease filling your minds with chaff. Some of the books you read contain excellent principles, but you read only to get the story. If you would gather from the books you read that which would help you in the formation of your character, your reading would do you some good. But as you take up your books and peruse page after page of them, do you ask yourself, What is my object in reading? Am I seeking to gain substantial knowledge? You cannot build a right character by bringing to the foundation wood, hay, and stubble. In the past you have done so little for God that you have not the courage and educated ability to work acceptably. But must your life forever be dwarfed? God loves you, and He longs to receive you as His children. “Come unto me,” He says, “and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 17)

The language spoken in many homes is a great reproach to the parents who allow such words to be uttered, and daughters who can speak to their parents, as you have done to yours, place themselves where they will sink lower and lower in the scale of rectitude and moral value. Rightly used, the gift of speech is a wonderful blessing; its power for good cannot be estimated; misused, it is a curse to humanity and a dishonor to God. Speech is the means by which thought is expressed, and a mind under the molding influence of the Spirit of God will speak words of tender sympathy; a love for that which is good will be awakened in the heart, and the thoughts will flow out in words. But those who permit themselves to be controlled by satanic agencies will rail against all good in language of unrestrained passion. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 18)

I have heard language from you which was nothing less than profanity. When a child curses its parents, it curses God. You have allowed your tongue to have free rein, and have not cultivated the attributes of Christ, our Pattern in all things. Every word you speak is heard and recorded by the Majesty of heaven, who has said, “By your words ye shall be justified, and by them condemned.” [Matthew 12:37.] Could your eyes be opened, could you see the heavenly watcher by your side listening to the words you utter, you would control your tongue, for you would realize that you were speaking these shameful, wicked words before the whole universe. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 19)

You have a most serious account to render to God, children, for you have openly transgressed His commandments, especially the fifth. A blessing is pronounced upon those who honor their father and mother, but you do not respect or obey your parents. You belong to God by creation and redemption, and He would have you curb your unruly tongue. I call upon you, if you have any regard for yourself, for your happiness, if you want peace, if you wish to be elevated and ennobled, Stop; do not go one step further in your course of rebellion, for you are running up a terrible account. Do not, like the rebellious Jews, close your eyes and your ears lest you see and hear and be converted, for in proportion as you reject the light, will you reap a harvest of sorrow. (11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, 20)

Lt 33, 1896

Hawkins, Harry
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
November 27, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in UL 345.
My dear young friend:

I have felt an interest in you similar to the yearning desire a mother feels for her child. Will you let me be your friend? Gladly would I help you to help yourself to become an honorable, trustworthy man. You need a friend that will help you at all times, and I point you to Jesus as your Friend and Helper. I do not ask how far you separated your soul from God in the days of your temptation. I do not seek to draw aside the curtain that conceals the past; but some things which have been opened before me in your past history have made me feel an intense desire to preserve you from companionship that would not be a help to you, that would not lift you up, but would drag you down. (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 1)

Will you please to open your Bible and read the one hundred and nineteenth Psalm? Read especially the ninth, fifteenth, and sixteenth verses. Here is your sure remedy for wrong doing. You want to possess an individuality of your own. If you succeed in anything that is elevating and ennobling, you must cultivate firmness for the right. You have most excellent qualities, and you can, if you will, become just such a man as you would trust and respect. Then you will make your mark in the world for good. (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 2)

When you shall come to Jesus just as you are, and acknowledge Him as your Saviour, you will be acknowledged by Jesus as His son. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] Your only safety is in making a decided movement in the right direction. (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 3)

I cannot choose for you. If I could, gladly would I do it; but every soul must have moral courage to choose for himself. None of us can be carried to heaven by proxy. I have hoped that ere this you would decide to be a follower of Christ. When you take your position, the Lord can use you as his agent to do good to the souls of many. When you give yourself to Christ, your character will grow into positiveness. You have kept yourself aloof from Christ for a long time, and yet probation has been granted you. You have had light, and opportunities to know what is truth. It rests with you to decide whether you will choose the service of Satan, or the service of Him who gave His life for you. (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 4)

Jesus has revealed to you your own value by the price He has paid for you. May the Lord quicken your perceptive powers, that you may look upon Him who has ransomed you. Look to Calvary, and measure the degradation He submitted to endure, that He might take away your sins. He, the guiltless, has borne your guilt, that you may stand without fault before His Father; that though undeserving you may be treated as deserving of the reward of eternal life. When you look to Jesus, you will no longer be uncertain, but positive, saying under all temptation, “He gave His life for me.” Your life has been purchased with agony and blood. You have everything in your favor, to help you now to be a Christian. You can be resolute if you will. It will require higher help than any of us can give you, but that help is promised you. (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 5)

Everything has been done that God could do. In giving Jesus to become a propitiation for our sins, God gave us power to resist and overcome evil. You have every encouragement, if you yourself will consent to yield and form new habits. This requires effort on your part, persistent effort, for if Satan sees you taking a step decidedly for Christ, he will employ every ingenious method to attract, to deceive, and ruin you. But the Lord Jesus has provided a refuge for poor, tempted souls. He has His angels that will help, shield, and guide every soul. (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 6)

I do not want to deal in generalities, but to bring this matter home to one individual case. One soul saved is of more value than a world. That one soul has refused to stand longer under the black banner of the power of darkness. He has changed captains. Instead of grieving longer the heart of Christ, he has given himself into His army, joined the ranks of those who are fighting to win a crown of life. (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 7)

In your younger days you had conscientious convictions, but your associations were not properly chosen; and in following your own lead, you have brought danger and suffering upon yourself. You will carry the marks as long as life shall last. If an angel of God had not, in answer to the many prayers sent up to heaven in your behalf, stood by your side at the time of the accident, your life would have ended then and there. Had not angels ministered unto you, the fever would have drank up your life. But the Lord said, “I will spare him for another trial.” (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 8)

The Lord treats you with respect. He does not drive you. He says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” [Revelation 3:20.] The religious work which God gives to young men, and to men of all ages, shows His respect for them as His children. He gives them the work of self-government in His service. He calls upon them to be sharers with Him in the great work of redemption and uplifting. As a father takes his son into partnership in his business, so the Lord takes His servants into partnership with Him. We are laborers together with God. Jesus says, “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” [John 17:18.] (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 9)

The preparation for Christ’s coming is a preparation made through Christ for the exercise of our very highest qualities by thought, faith, and love. We sometimes blunder, but if we see and confess our errors, God is just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Our failures should not discourage us, but should be turned into victories. It is your privilege to choose this day whom you will serve. If you believe in Jesus Christ, you can bring solid timbers into your character-building, discarding every worthless rotten timber. Your character may be a beautiful structure, a temple for God. (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 10)

But what kind of company will you choose, the weakest characters, the uneducated, undisciplined, or will you choose to rank in Christ’s army? Would you not rather choose to be a child of God than a servant of Satan and sin, having your name registered as the enemy of God? “Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is, and every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” [1 John 3:2, 3.] (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 11)

You have within your reach more than finite possibilities. If you link yourself with God, turning to Him with full decision of soul, He will accept the prodigal. If you give your heart and soul to God, He will bless you, and work with you to help other youth to give their hearts to Him and be converted. You are accountable for all the good you might have done, and which Jesus died that you might do. He still invites you to wear His yoke, to lift His burden, and to learn His meekness and lowliness of heart, and as your reward, you shall find rest unto your soul. (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 12)

You have the God-given ability to become a man; through Jesus Christ you may stand registered in the books of heaven as a man. And a man, as God applies the term, is a son of God. I want you to consent to be molded and worked by the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus Christ is sitting for His portrait, His likeness, in us. Shall I reflect it? Will you reflect it? Will you continue to refuse light and evidence, and despise the great salvation proffered you? (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 13)

Are you willing that God and the Saviour who died for you shall say, “Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof. I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early but they shall not find me; for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord; they would none of my counsel; they despise all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.” [Proverbs 1:24-31.] (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 14)

Jesus loves you; He wants you to become a sharer of His glory. He wants you to link up with Him, be one with Him, true as steel to His service. You can turn away from that which is cheap and inferior, and rise to a high standard; you can be respected by men, and beloved of God. Jesus came to our world to show you how to live, and form a character which God shall approve. It seems so wonderful, the love of God to fallen man! (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 15)

When I was stricken so suddenly last Tuesday afternoon, I was so violently ill for a time that I became unconscious. That night I was in a raging fever, but the next morning I thought of you. I had not spoken to you personally. I decided that as soon as I had sufficient strength, I would write to you. Today, November 27, I lie in bed and trace these lines. I pray the Lord to touch your heart by His Holy Spirit, that you may have the moral courage to decide to be a Christian. (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 16)

You have been led away from truth, from light, from faith and obedience, by young companions who have done you only harm. Now will you be led by one who loves your soul? Make your decision for time and for eternity. Let not any human agent cheat you out of your soul. No one can pay a ransom for your soul. Jesus has done that. Will you be indifferent to such love? Shall the weak, silly remarks of those whom Satan has bound fast to his chariot influence you to discard God, to be at enmity with Him? Christ must judge the living and the dead at His appearing and kingdom. He is soon coming in the clouds with power and great glory. Will you, my dear friend, brave the matter through, and determine to be on Satan’s side of the question? Jesus has given His life for you; what have you given to Jesus? What response have you made? (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 17)

“Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] What excuse can you make, when every case shall be tried in the Judgment, that you should show such disrespect and dishonor to His only begotten Son? Will you let Satan have all your powers, to do with you as he pleases? Again I say, Come; Jesus invites, all heaven says, Come. Will you come? (11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, 18)

Lt 34, 1896

Hare, Brother and Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
December 19, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in Ev 169, 178; 2MR 93-95; CTr 247.
Dear Brother and Sister Hare:

I will write you a few lines. I cannot write much, but will send you enclosures. We feel sorry as we think of you so far away in that unpromising field. We would despair of your accomplishing anything did we not have the most reliable assurance, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] Christ knows. He came to a world that was all seared and marred with the curse, that He might reach to the very depths of human woe and misery and lift man up. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 1)

Jesus Christ is the Restorer. The apostate, Satan, is the destroyer. Here is the conflict between the Prince of life and the prince of this world, the power of darkness. How can we doubt this when our Lord and Saviour left the courts of heaven, laid aside His royal robe and His royal crown, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might stand as the substitute and surety for men, bearing their guilt and their sin. He intended that a greater work should be done in behalf of man than we have yet seen. He did not intend that such large numbers should choose to stand under the banner of Satan and be enrolled as rebels against the government of God. He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. The world’s Redeemer did not design that His purchased inheritance should live and die in their sins. What, then, is the matter? Why are so few reached and saved? It is because so many of those who profess to be Christians are working in the same lines as the great apostate. They let Satan devise and plan for them. He makes them apostates, disloyal to God, because rebels against His precepts and His laws. This brings severe, taxing labor upon the true Christian. He must convince the transgressor that he is a sinner, because “sin is the transgression of the law.” [1 John 3:4.] (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 2)

But very much more might be done for Christ if all who have had the light and the truth set before them, and who profess to believe the Word, would practice the Word, and adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour. Whole families might be missionaries, engaging in personal labor, toiling for the Master with busy hands and active brains, devising methods for the success of His work. Then their voices and their persuasive words would set forth Jesus Christ, crucified among them. There are many earnest, prudent, warm-hearted men and women who could do much for Christ if they would first give themselves to God, and draw nigh to Him, seeking Him with their whole hearts. He has promised that He will draw nigh to them, and God will not lie. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 3)

Christ met with great discouragement in His mission. The greatest trial and heartache came to Him through the very people that had been exalted to heaven by their privileges and by the great light which had been given them. This people, favored above every people on the face of the whole earth, walked away from the light into forbidden paths. They so far separated themselves from God that He could not use them as channels through which the two olive trees should empty the golden oil, which flows through the golden tubes into the golden bowl, and keep the lamp burning to enlighten the world. As a people we have to meet that which Christ met. The lukewarm, the covetous, the self-righteous, the impure were the chief stumbling blocks He had to encounter, and those who work with Him will find the same discouraging hindrances in their experiences. Christ was oft rejected, oft derided; but He did not fail. He would not fail nor be discouraged; for He knew that truth must triumph. Satan is not always to triumph. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 4)

All who engage in this work as co-laborers with Christ must not only be willing to preach the truth, but to practice it. Of the professedly learned and pious people of His day, Christ said, “Ye are both ignorant of the Scriptures and of the power of God. Ye teach for doctrine the commandments of men.” [Matthew 22:29; 15:9.] He longed to fill the whole nation with the spirit of His mission of love, that they might unite with Him in the work of saving the world. The Holy Spirit would now come to our workers if they would earnestly seek for it. There will be no change made in the divine economy in order to bring around marked changes in the religious world. Men and women must arise to the emergency; they must receive the golden oil, the divine communication in rich blessings. This will enable them to arise and shine, because their light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon them. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 5)

Those who claim to believe the Word of God, and yet cherish their own hereditary and cultivated traits of character, are the greatest stumbling blocks we shall meet as we present the grand, holy truths for this time. Those who believe present truth are to practice the truth, live the truth. They are to study the Word and eat the Word, which means eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. They are to bring that Word, which is Spirit and life, into their daily, practical life. It is the bread from heaven, and it will give life to the world. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 6)

Power will be given to every man and woman who will eat of the bread that came down from heaven. O, cannot we take this in? Cannot we comprehend it? Why is our imagination so dull? “This is the will of him that sent me,” said Christ, “that every one (how comprehensive, how far-reaching) that seeth the Son, and believeth on him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:40.] If this, the life of Christ, be in us, what may we not accomplish in His name? “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 7)

Christian culture will follow the labors of every soul who will practice the truth conscientiously under all circumstances. But there is altogether too much skimming over the surface. There is a mine of precious ore, hitherto only in the possession of a very few. A careful and thorough digging will put us in possession of untold resources, represented as the golden oil, emptied from the two olive trees into the golden pipes, and from them into the golden bowls, to pour forth and enrich others. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 8)

We are in great need of large-hearted, level-headed men, who are true Christians, and who will show that they are feeding upon the Word of God, at home and abroad. Those of our faith and not of our faith will take knowledge of these men that they have been with Jesus and learned of Him. They will see that they are yoked up with Christ, and are drawing with Him, that they are apt scholars, learning of Him His meekness and lowliness of heart. These will not complain of the yoke of Christ or murmur when lifting His burdens. They will march cheerfully forward, singing, yes, making melody to God in their hearts. The yoke of Christ is easy, and His burden is light. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 9)

O, it makes every difference with those who study the Scriptures as to what and how they shall understand the Word, whether they eat it or not. The Word of God, if eaten, will give spiritual sinew and muscle. Those who eat and digest this Word will practice it. Their eyes, anointed with the heavenly eye salve, will see other lessons in the Holy Word than those seen by readers whose hearts are not cleansed, refined, and elevated. Under the working of the Holy Spirit the conscience will recognize a pure, high standard of righteousness that puts to shame the low, cheap ideas of the surface reader whose mind is corrupted with sin. They see that the doers of the Word alone are justified before God. Those who hear and fail to do are in no wise better, morally or spiritually, for hearing. Those who will deny self, and make any and every sacrifice for Christ’s sake, will be able to teach because their precept and example harmonize. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 10)

My brother, I know of no rule in my life as to where it is my duty to labor. I work where the necessity is the greatest, where labor is most needed. Our work is to consecrate ourselves wholly to the work. A divided heart cannot do much. The Lord demands all that there is of us. Let us consecrate ourselves wholly to the work. God is your strength, and He will be at your right hand, helping you to carry out His merciful designs. Do good as you have opportunity. Do all that you can by personal labor to reach the people where they are. Become acquainted with them. Preaching alone will not do the work that must be done. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 11)

Angels of God attend you to the dwellings of those you visit. This class of work cannot be done by proxy. Money loaned or given cannot accomplish it. Sermons given from the pulpit cannot do it. By visiting the people, praying and sympathizing with them, you will win hearts and open doors of access to perishing souls. This is the highest missionary work that you can do. You will need resolute, persevering faith, and love for souls. You will need to practice self-denial and to exercise patience; but all the while you will be gaining an experience which will be of the highest value. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 12)

You are in a field where a dozen faithful missionaries would find a large amount of work to do. Hold meetings in different localities. Preach the Word so that it will be easy to comprehend. Bring the people right to Jesus Christ, in whom their hopes of eternal life are centered. You can see much that needs to be done. Act your part, and Jesus will do the rest. Emigrants are flocking in from all parts of the country, ambitious for change, hoping to get work and money easily. People of intelligence, who have had some experience in religion, will come also. As you bring to them the Word of God, presenting it in a simple style, the seed will grow, and after a time you will have a harvest. The seed sowing is your work; the propagation of the seed is the Lord’s divine work. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 13)

O what a work there is to do in the place to which you have been sent! Do not fear to proclaim the message of warning clearly and distinctly. Give the trumpet a certain sound. Workers as well as ministers are needed. May the Lord impress men and women with the breadth and urgency of the work, with the crying, suffering wants of the people who are flocking to an uncertain something, many only to be disappointed. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 14)

Western Australia must be worked. Any minister or worker who enters this field should not be encouraged to stay if he has not high moral principles, and a firm faith and reliance upon God. Anything but the Word of God controlling the heart is as feeble to stand against hereditary and cultivated traits of character as a spider web against a storm. The Word of God alone, brought into the daily life, is life eternal through Jesus Christ. It will bring to all who believe the Word a firm reliance upon Jesus Christ, the living center. Men who have been bold in sin and iniquity will be convicted by those who hold forth the Word of life, and who at the same time eat that word and show by their daily lives that they believe it. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 15)

It is a mystery that there are not hundreds at work for God where there is now only one. The whole heavenly universe is astonished at the apathy and coldness, and the want of zeal, shown by those who claim to be sons and daughters of God. There is a living power in truth, and the Holy Spirit is the agent that opens human minds to the truth. But the ministers and workers who proclaim the truth must show certainty and decision. They are to go forth in faith and present the Word as though they believed it. Try to make those for whom you labor understand that it is God’s truth. Preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. This will confront Stan’s lies. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 16)

The gospel is to be planted in every place where it is not. With our eyes fixed upon the cross of Calvary, beholding our uplifted Saviour, relying on His grace, believing that He will fulfill His promise and be with us to the end of the world as our shield, our strength, and our efficiency, we are to work for God. What is the ground of our distrust and unbelief? We expect too little from the source of all light and power. What is our excuse for expecting little or nothing? Has God lost His love toward men? Is it not still directed earthward? Has He lost His desire to show Himself strong to His people in behalf of righteousness and truth? When the Lord gave Jesus to our world to save His inheritance from ruin, He gave all the resources of heaven to all those who would receive the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 17)

The reality of the humanity of Christ brings with it lessons of precious consolation. Our Redeemer sought the Lord as a daily petitioner, seeking, as the substitute and surety for the human race, fresh supplies of needed blessings and daily strength at the hand of His Father. He came forth invigorated from this communion with God, to strengthen and invigorate others. Behold the Son of God bowed in prayer before His Father, in all points tempted even as humanity. He is our Elder Brother. He knows that we are in a world of sin, and compassed with infirmities. He will help us. Be assured that you are not striving alone. Divine support will surely be given to you. Christ’s life was a life of consecrated work. O matchless, self-sacrificing, devoted love! (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 18)

This morning, while others are sleeping, my heart is drawn out to write to you. Be of good courage in the Lord. Have faith in God, and you will have “Power with God, and will prevail.” [Genesis 32:28.] Receive my affection and love. (11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, 19)

Lt 35, 1896

Hardy, Brother
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
July 14, 1896
Previously unpublished. +
Brother Hardy:

I have some things to say to you, and I shall not feel free until I have said them. Sister Hardy visited me yesterday for the first time since coming to Cooranbong, to ask my advice in regard to her son Ebbie going to Africa on the steamer which sails in September. She told me that you had sent for your son to come to you, in order that you could care for him, and he care for you if you were sick. Your wife has moved from Sydney and is settled in a retired location on the banks of Dora Creek. Moving is expensive business. I enquired very minutely into her financial prospects, and what provision you had made for her, and learned that you expected her to live with her children. I promised to see her today, and tell her, as best I could, how to manage. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 1)

Last night I was in conversation with you. The Lord gave me a most solemn, positive message for you. The incidents of your life experience I again laid out before you. I have not time now to place on paper the things which the Lord opened before me, but will write fully of these things for the next mail. Sufficient light was given me so that I could advise your son in no case to be induced to leave his mother. When you left your children in her hands to care for and support, without help from you, she did her duty to them. She toiled in weariness, and God helped her. After you came back to her, she worked hard to sustain herself and her children, and now, when she is nearly sixty years old, you leave her again. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 2)

You are earning large wages, but instead of making provision for her by sending the means to sustain her, you call her only unmarried son from her side to look after you, and you after him. Your wife has been wronged by you exceedingly. Could you do any greater wrong than to leave her to toil and support your children? And now, when she has exhausted her vitality, and has fled from the city, and is living here in a little shanty that is bare and cold and comfortless, but which, by dint of exertion, has been fixed so that they will not actually suffer, you call her son to leave his mother and come to you. I told Sister Hardy that I knew God did not require this of her; she must hold fast to her son. As for her being dependent on her daughters, or her married sons, she is best alone by herself, with her son to care for her. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 3)

I cannot now tell you the things I shall be obliged to write you, but I warn you to change the unfeeling, selfish, heartless course which you have pursued toward your wife, if you expect the Lord to have pity and mercy upon you. I can trace no language with my pen that would be strong enough to express the way in which God regards your course of action. You have capabilities to earn money, and your wife, in her weak and worn out condition, should be amply provided with means enough to give her every possible comfort. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 4)

What restitution have you made to your wife for deserting her to live with another woman and raise up a family of children? After forsaking your wife, who is regarded as precious gold by the Lord, who purchased her with His own blood, and living in adultery for years, you came back to her. She ought never to have connected herself with you again, but her tender, forgiving spirit did not cast you off. That foul blot upon your life stands registered in the books of heaven, and will remain there unless you sincerely repent before God, and confess your sins and your iniquities, and make restitution as far as it is in your power to do so. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 5)

When you neglect the wife you have acted toward so selfishly, when you do as you are now doing, you bring back all the sins of which you have been guilty, and which are charged against you in the books of heaven. How does that God who notices every little brown sparrow, so that not one falls to the ground without his knowledge, look upon your present heartless course in leaving your wife dependent upon her children after she has carried the burdens that she has. What is worse, she has had to meet your passionate outbursts of satanic temper. I have seen it all. I have several pages which I kept back from the testimony given you before. The Lord bade me present that which I did, and if you had heeded the testimony, and repented and turned from your evil course of action, it need not have been known by you that I had the history of your past life presented before me. I must now send you this matter which I have had copied on the typewriter; for it is again presented to me. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 6)

Do you mean to place yourself, as did Judas, beyond the reach of repentance? Will you deprive your wife of the money which is justly her due for bringing up your children? Your wife is the Lord’s child. Will you leave her neglected, to wrestle her way through the world, to carry burdens, when strength and vital energy are no longer hers? What kind of a heart can you have? What is it made of? Is it a mill stone? (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 7)

I beg of you to tell me, when you answer this letter, what you mean to do. You need to exercise your reason in this matter, if you have never done so before. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 8)

I have kept the darkest representation of your case to myself. O, how thankful I felt that you did change, but the change was only partial. You did not hold fast to God. You did not say, Lord, if I have taken aught from any man, I will restore him fourfold. You left your children for your wife to support. What have you done toward restoring that which you have robbed from her? Where is your sense of justice? (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 9)

I did so hope that you would be a man, and have a human heart. I did so hope that you would confess the wrongs done to your patient, suffering wife, who was left to struggle with the whole burden earlier time, and to gratify your love of change. You took another woman. Will you right this wrong, or will you leave this large debt unpaid, and leave your wife to struggle along broken down in health, enfeebled by the care and burdens that have been so constant as to leave no time for ease, quietude, or resting spells. What will you answer to the Lord for this wicked, unrighteous course. When the Lord shall say, Who required this at your hands, what will you say? (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 10)

The wrong you have done is not charged as being done to your wife, but to Jesus Christ in the person of His saint. “Verily I say unto you,” said Christ, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” [Matthew 25:40.] Jesus Christ identifies His interest with suffering humanity. Your wife is His property, bought with the price of His blood. But you have permitted her to work like a slave to support herself and her forsaken little ones. This will all appear against you in the books of heaven unless you repent and confess your sins to God. I beg of you for your soul’s sake to make no delay. God has borne long with your perversity. He has given you more than one test and trial. Shall the mandate at last go forth, “And after that thou shalt cut it down”? [Luke 13:9.] (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 11)

We are nearing the judgment. Can you not see that your course of action has been of such a character as to destroy the confidence of your children in your Christianity? It is your influence which has barred the way against their receiving the truth. Can it be said of you, “Not easily provoked”? [1 Corinthians 13:5.] When business matters disturb your mind, you fly into a passion with any one whom you dare attack. Though he may be innocent of blame, you make him suffer. Your wife has been the object of your anger, because you knew she was afraid of [you]. Upon her you have acted out your violence, and when you did this, you were imbued with the spirit of Satan. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 12)

This is the spirit which was manifested by the antediluvians. There was violence in the land. The people followed out their own imagination. This you have done. Do not make the list already charged against you any more severe and grievous. Turn from your sins and iniquities, and seek the Lord with all your heart. Do your duty to your wife. Your debt to her can never be paid; it has accumulated altogether too long. Selfish and covetous, you have grudged every penny that has come into her hands. She has borne with your unchristian course like a Christian, and if she endures a little longer, the diadem of glory will be placed upon her brow. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 13)

Can the Lord open to you the gates of the city of God? Can He say to you, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”? [Matthew 25:21.] I so much hope you would be convicted of the robbery which you had practiced toward your wife, for the Lord has pronounced it embezzlement. You have robbed her of that which was her right, and thrown upon her weak shoulders the care of your numerous children. I beg of you to do justice to the woman you have abused and loaded down with such heavy burdens. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 14)

I meant to have talked with your wife, in order to see if you had made wrongs right, but no words passed between us until yesterday. I asked her plain questions, which she answered. “What is your husband sending you for your support?” I asked. She said, “Nothing.” I looked at her in astonishment. “Nothing?” I repeated. “No,” she answered. “What does this mean,” I said. “I thought that he was converted, and that a decided change would be made. I thought that he would feel that he could not do too much to repair the injuries he has done in casting the burden of the support of his children upon you, leaving you. Has he done nothing to return to you the means which was rightfully yours?” With the tears rolling down her cheeks, she answered, “He tells me to make my home with the children, and send my son to Africa.” “God will visit him in His wrath,” I said. “He idolizes money. He has robbed you.” (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 15)

Look at this matter. You bring children into the world, and then in the place of standing beside your wife to help to share the burdens, you forsake her and take another woman, and rear a second family. All that labor you should have done, bringing every dollar into the house for the support of your rightful family. After you came back, you never confessed your sins. There is not a semblance of a chance for you to enter the kingdom of heaven unless you are thoroughly converted, and pay your honest debts for the support of your children. God holds this charge against you. You will see it, and you will hear it proclaimed in the ears of the assembled universe. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 16)

Is your discernment so deficient that you cannot see what you have done to one of the very best of women? And now you would deprive her of her only unmarried child, for fear you might need him if you were sick. Would not your wife need him were she sick? Is your health of so much more value than that of one of the most true and forbearing women in the world? I said to your son, “Never leave your mother. If your father is so selfish and self-centered that he has not the heart that is in common humanity, it is time for you to do your duty to your mother.” (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 17)

Your work is to make haste and retrieve the past. Make thorough work for eternity, for God has a controversy with you. Unless you do repent and become Christlike, the judgments of God will not long be delayed. O may God help you to see these things as they are. Redeem the past. Make restitution. Christ died to redeem your soul, but you have made such a record that your name will be blotted out of the book of life unless you are convicted and converted. You had had no love for your long-suffering wife. If you had, you would have revealed it. The Lord will pardon if you will now clear the track, remove the stumbling blocks you have laid in the path of your wife and children, for them to stumble over to perdition. God help you, is my prayer. Unless you repent, and make restitution to your wife and children as far as is in your power, you will never see the kingdom of heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 18)

July 15, I rise early this morning, and will add to what I have written: Do not, I beseech you, longer neglect the work you have left undone. You have never done justice to your wife. I understand that you are now earning a pound a day. How much of this do you propose to send to your wife, to begin to make restitution for your past course in begetting your children, and then leaving your wife to labor as no woman should labor, while you were raising another family? Send your wife half of your earnings, not as a gift, but as the payment of a just debt. Little time is now left of your probation. Will you, at this eleventh hour, repent before God? (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 19)

There is a great risk for you in pursuing the course you have done. A Watcher is writing every action of your life. Rule your passions. Your appetite is your god. You worship yourself, but not a trace or fiber of selfishness will ever enter the city of God. A worldly spirit has a treacherous power over you. God must be first and last and best in everything. Self must be hid in God. Your will, your appetite, your unholy passions, must be overcome, or you will lose heaven. You have a work to do to right, as far as possible, your past cruel wrongs to your wife and children. This must be done, else you evidence before the universe of heaven, that you have no conception of the character of those who shall be clothed in white raiment and walk with Christ. Eating and drinking is your god. Money is your god. With the stamp of character you now possess, the seal of the living God will never be placed upon you. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 20)

The angels of heaven that are ministering to your wife, angels that do always behold the face of God, have witnessed your oppression, your overbearing, your masterly spirit toward one of God’s beloved, a daughter of Abraham. She is God’s own property, bought with a price, and your treatment of her is charged against you as done to Christ in the person of His saints. Christ identifies His interest with that of His own blood-bound inheritance. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 21)

Make it your lifework to reform. Make no delay. Satan has his net all ready to close about you. Flee to Christ for refuge. I want you to be converted, to be transformed. That Watcher who gave the denunciation against the king of Babylon, is waiting to see if he will be compelled to say of you, “Hew down the tree, cut off its branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit.” Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, and then, as he stood before the monarch of Babylon, he gave him counsel, “Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility.” [Daniel 4:14, 27.] The judgments foretold came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 22)

Unless you do show mercy toward a wise, diligent, care-taking, God-fearing, God-loving wife, the Lord will deal with you without sympathy, without mercy, without compassion. (11LtMs, Lt 35, 1896, 23)

Lt 36, 1896

Haskell, S. N.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
April 26, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 147; 4Bio 264.
Dear Brother Haskell:

I received your letters with gratitude, but somehow I was not informed when the last boat left for Africa, therefore missed sending my letters written to you. My health has been somewhat taxed. I visited Sydney just before our Institute was held here. The journey was a most taxing one to me. I visited Elder Israel’s family. His wife has been in despair for a long time. At times she seems to be very violent. This violence had come upon her the night before I arrived, and Jessie was alone with her. She ran out of the house in her nightdress, screaming at the top of her voice. Brother Israel said he thought he would be obliged to take her to an asylum. She talked to me constantly, telling me that she was lost, and talked all sorts of inconsistent things. I took dinner with them, but felt that I could not remain, for there would be no rest in spirit for me. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 1)

Oh, how I besought the Lord to rebuke the enemy, and set the captive free. When I came into the house, Sister Israel thought she felt the presence of heavenly angels, and she was determined that I should not leave their home. But Sara and I went to North Shore to call on Brother Starr. We had many changes to make from the tram to the boat, and from the boat to the tram again. After this we had to walk quite a long distance. We had considerable difficulty in finding the house, but finally we got on the right track. I was so tired that I had to sit down on the side of the street. I felt as though I could not walk another step, but with Sara’s help I dragged along, and reached the house at last. We found Brother and Sister Starr packing up to move, but we had a nice visit with them. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 2)

I arose early Thursday morning, about two o’clock, and was writing busily upon the True Vine, when I felt a presence in my room, as I have many times before, and I lost all recollection of what I was about. I seemed to be in the presence of Jesus. He was communicating to me that which I was to be instructed. Everything was so plain that I could not misunderstand. I was to help one whom I thought I should never again be called upon to be troubled with again. I could not understand what it meant, but at once decided not to try to reason about this, but follow the direction. Not an audible word was spoken to my ear, but to my mind. I said, “Lord, I will do as Thou hast commanded.” (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 3)

Friday morning I rode nine miles to visit Elder McCullagh, and then rode back to Elder Israel’s. Again the enemy seemed to try to gain the supremacy, but that night a word came to me from the Lord, “Thus saith the Lord, Be still, and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] Sister Israel asked me, Has the Lord given you a word for me? I answered, Yes. “Thus saith the Lord, Be still, and know that I am God.” This seemed to strike right home. “Then,” she said, “I must not walk.” She had been walking and groaning almost continually for months. “No,” I said, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 4)

From that moment the spell of the enemy was broken. She went with us to meeting on the Sabbath. The Lord gave me a word for the people who were assembled. After I had finished speaking we had a very precious testimony meeting, and Sister Israel arose and bore her testimony as rationally as if her lips had not been closed for months. We felt that we had gained a great victory. Oh, how thankful we were for the goodness of the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 5)

The next morning, Sister Israel asked, “What has the Lord given you for me this morning?” I said, I have a word for you from the Lord, “Who is among you that obeyeth the voice of his servant; that walketh in darkness, and hath no light. Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.” “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” “For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded; therefore have I set my face like a flint; and I know that I shall not be ashamed.” [Isaiah 50:10; 57:15; 50:7.] Sister Israel began to feel that she must heed the word of the Lord, and she did begin most earnestly; but I had to repeat the words again and again. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 6)

I visited Brother McCullagh again on Sunday. We could stop but a short time. We had lunch with them, a short conversation, and a season of prayer, and then went in Brother Israel’s carriage to the Ashfield church, where I spoke to a good congregation. I had only spoken in this church once before, when I gave the dedicatory address. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 7)

I had to speak very loudly, and could not lower my voice, for I had two deaf people sitting before me, one on the platform; and both had their trumpets pointed at me. If I lowered my voice, they would manifest frantic efforts to catch every word. After I had finished speaking, we had a testimony meeting. The Lord’s blessing rested upon us. The meeting closed, and we went down to Brother Israel’s, which is only a short distance from the meeting house. We continued to see great improvement in Sister Israel. She seemed to be restored to her right mind. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 8)

We rode seven miles on Monday to visit Sister James, who was in trial over some things that had been spoken to hurt her. She had remained away from meeting for several weeks. Oh, how sad I felt to think that this sister should be wounded and bruised in soul because of words spoken by unadvised lips. I tried to speak comforting words to her. We had a season of prayer, and then returned to Brother Israel’s. Here I met a brother and sister from Queensland, and a brother from Africa, who had worked his way over, hoping to find work, but no door was opened, and now he was seeking a way to get back to Africa. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 9)

The next morning we rode three miles to Strathfield, where we took the cars for Cooranbong. Sara and I were both very tired, but we could not find a compartment that promised us any quiet or rest. We finally entered one containing five men and one woman, and decided to make the best of it. It was not long, however, before all the gentlemen left the car, and we three ladies had it all to ourselves. I lay down and obtained refreshing sleep. I left so thankful to my heavenly Father for the rest. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 10)

At the depot we were met by Brother Connell, the man who is working for us. All our luggage was loaded into the wagon, and [we] rode home four miles and a half after eight o’clock. The moon gave good light, and the weather was very mild, but the roads were bad, as the men had been working on them for some time. Brother Connell led us round through the bush to avoid the large holes in the road. We were thankful to be at home once more. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 11)

Our Institute commenced on Thursday, April 2nd. We have had a most precious season. Professor Prescott, Brother Starr, and Brother Herbert Lacey united their efforts to do all that they possibly could. It is now April 21, and in two days our precious meetings will close. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 12)

May White was in attendance at the meeting April 4. Monday April 5 [6?] she was safely delivered of twin boys. Sunday, April 19, she rode in the carriage to meeting. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 13)

We are pleased to find that God has precious souls in the bush. Most of the houses here are built in the woods. Some are mere shells of houses; others are neat little cottages, comfortable and pleasant, surrounded by a few orange and lemon trees. Some have peach orchards, which means about half a dozen trees. Almost all the people are poor, but their hearts have been touched with the truth. Some are charmed with what they hear, and express themselves in these words, “I never heard such precious things presented. It is wonderful.” (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 14)

During the Institute I have spoken ten times. Professor Prescott has spoken every day, besides giving lessons as to a class in school, educating the people to search the Scriptures for themselves. There is such an interest here that we shall have to continue the meetings in the tent. These meetings have been similar in their influence to a camp meeting. The very best class of the community have come out to hear. We have been made glad to see families attending these meetings. They are as sheep without a shepherd. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 15)

There are two very small churches in this place, one a Protestant, the other a state church. The people who have come out to hear have intelligence, and there are men and women here who know what religion is. A few come out and stay all Sabbath and Sunday. Brother Hughes goes for them in his buggy, takes them to his home and cares for them, and they remain Sabbath night. They attend every meeting on Sunday. One family, named Baker, have a farm, and raise cattle for sale. He and his wife have been in attendance. They came because they wanted to hear; we have not urged them at all. They sit and feast upon the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 16)

Last Sunday night the constable came [to] the meeting. He saw some of the brethren, and told them that some boys designed to cut the ropes of the tent, and he was watching them. But the constable and the boys listened with deep attention, as if afraid they would lose one word, as did also the postmaster, the school teachers from Cooranbong and Dora Creek, and a number of other outsiders. No sport or laughing was heard, but all listened to the message God gave Professor Prescott to bear in regard to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven. It was a direct and positive discourse, very clear, powerful, and convincing. Elder Daniells has also spoken with a clearness and power. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 17)

Those who have attended this Institute have been greatly benefited, and if they practice the truth they have heard, they will be better qualified to exert a proper influence in teaching, preaching, and working in any line. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 18)

After this meeting closes, there is to be a meeting in Sydney, commencing Friday and holding till Tuesday or Wednesday. There have been more outsiders to this meeting in Cooranbong than came out to the meeting held in Sydney. The souls here seem starving for the bread of life. Mr. Baker and his wife are deeply interested. Sabbath afternoon Mr. Baker gave an excellent testimony in the social meeting. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 19)

During the first part of the meeting we felt a burden for souls. Plain testimonies were borne. I had direct, personal testimonies which I was constrained to bear. Upon some, these had a good effect. Others felt no special need of the Holy Spirit to convince of sin, righteousness, and judgment to come. We think that all who have attended this meeting are convinced that the Holy Spirit has been striving with hearts. Some are obtaining a new and deeper experience. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 20)

The Lord is at work, and we greatly desire that everything shall be done that can be done. Every Christian will be compelled to contend for the mastery. He must fight the good fight of faith as long as he shall live. He is not to permit himself to be conquered or overcome if [he] would win the crown of eternal life. We each have a warfare to wage. There are no discharges from this war; but we have a strong helper who will meet and resist the devil. At no period in life is it safe to be indolent. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, ... but against spiritual wickedness in high places.” [Ephesians 6:12.] (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 21)

We are pleased to be assured that this is the place the Lord has selected for us, where the youth will have every advantage to combine earnest, physical work with their studious efforts to gain book knowledge. (11LtMs, Lt 36, 1896, 22)

Lt 37, 1896

Haskell, S. N.
NP
February 2, 1896
Extract. Portions of this letter are published in BTS 08/1905, 05/1915.
[Brother Haskell:]

“Arise, shine: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to the light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” [Isaiah 60:1-3.] (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 1)

If we will keep looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we shall catch the light of His countenance, reflect His image, and grow up into the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. My brother, to know Him is life eternal. We are to contemplate God in Christ. We are certainly near the end; and if we would only do the work the Lord would have us do, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, our hearts would become in His hands sacred harps, every chord of which would send forth praise and thanksgiving to the Lamb, sent by God to take away the sins of the world. (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 2)

The life of Christ and His labors of love, shames and condemns our unbelief. But the promise is, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more will your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” [Matthew 7:7, 11.] Then let us ask. I am sorry that so few know Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 3)

The character of God as represented by His Son, as the Lord of heaven and earth and yet our Father, is not only full of justice and truth, but of mercy and lovingkindness. This makes the lessons of Christ as a new revelation of God, as a new gift received in a new light to the world, showing the deep and broad benevolence He bears toward man—Christ’s representation of God—as a tender, loving, pitying Father. (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 4)

My brother, the Lord would have your thoughts center upon Him. For every service, every self-denial, every sacrifice we make, the Lord has guaranteed to requite us, not because it is a debt He owes us, but because His heart is full of infinite love, full of mercy and tenderness, overflowing toward us in that He will repay us a hundred fold in this life, and give us in the world to come life everlasting. The reason why so many are weak is that they do not cultivate faith, but look at the objectionable and discouraging features. They do not consider that all the universe of heaven is waiting to become co-laborers with them, waiting to make them the living agencies to bless the world with the messages God shall give them to bear. (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 5)

The Lord Jesus is our strength and happiness. He is the great storehouse from which the human agent may, on every occasion, draw strength and happiness. How grieved He is when, after He has given us a rich experience in His willingness to help us in any emergency, we withdraw our eyes from His sufficiency to look on and bemoan our own weakness. We forget to behold Him and to trust Him as the One ever ready to help those who need His help. We have no right to bemoan our own weakness and inefficiency, because He has shown Himself to be an ever present help in time of need. (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 6)

In the place of studying our poor ignorant, worthless selves, we need to study Jesus and become more and more able to behold Him, talk of Him, apprehend His character, avail ourselves of His kindness and helpfulness, and receive the blessings He proffers us. As we receive of Him, we have something with which to help others. Thus receiving and imparting, we grow in love toward God, increasing in faith and peace, and assurance, and holiness, which is wholeness toward Him. We give to Him all that there is of us, that the blessings which He has brought within our reach may be communicated to others as freely as they have been communicated to us from the Lord Jesus our Restorer. To every one who believes, He is as the Tree of Life in the Paradise of God. His branches reach to the lower world, in order that the blessings which He has purchased for us may be brought within our reach. From this tree we may pluck and eat, and then guide others to it, that they also may eat. (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 7)

O, why do we spend our breath and our precious golden moments in bemoaning our leanness and wretchedness? Christ has made every provision for us by giving us a Comforter in His representative, the Holy Spirit, to be ever present to present to us from the Tree of Life its precious fruit. The office work of the Holy Spirit is to bring to our remembrance all things that Christ has spoken for our comfort, that we may have hope and a sweet sense of forgiveness. A rich current of praise and gratitude and thanksgiving will constantly flow from our soul; the sweet spirit of Jesus will kindle in our hearts grateful praise; our souls will be uplifted with a sense of security; and the unfailing, in exhaustible righteousness of Christ becomes our righteousness by faith. (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 8)

There is a work for every individual to do if he will co-operate with God in His work. “For thus saith the high and holy One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] This is the work the holy intelligences are waiting to do through human agents if they will but render to God heart and mind and every endowment to be used to His glory. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 9)

“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness (the righteousness of Christ) shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here am I,” (what wilt thou have; what shall I do for thee.) “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:6-9, 11.] (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 10)

Do you not know that your life is hid with Christ in God? Then is not your life bound up with the life of Christ? In your own experience, when depressed and discouraged, almost ready to yield to despair, have you not felt that light has come to you amid the darkness? Have you not felt that Jesus was pouring into your life perpetual streams from the ocean fullness of His love? Bear in mind that the church militant is not the church triumphant. We see our path to the Paradise of God intercepted by the whole synagogue of Satan, who is intent on weakening our faith by intercepting the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. But our Saviour has warned us that “through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God.” [Acts 14:22.] “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” [John 16:33; 14:27.] (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 11)

The Lord Jesus is a risen Saviour. He is not lying in Joseph’s new tomb; He has risen, and has proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, “I am the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.] We are to manifest to the world that we know we have a risen Lord, whose life is a quickening power in our lives. By appropriating Christ to ourselves we can say, “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us.” [Romans 5:1-5.] (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 12)

Jesus Christ is the life of every blessing, every grace, every religious ordinance, the life of all that is precious and valuable to the children of God. In the human agent we shall often meet with uncertainty and disappointment; but it is not well for us to brood over that phase of character, for if we look at it and talk of it, it becomes to us a living reality. Distrust and suspicion bear their own fruit, and we will reap that which we sow. But Christ is an overflowing fountain, an ever outspreading shade. In His shadow we may find rest and peace and pleasure. When temptations assail you, as they surely will, when care, perplexity, and darkness seem to enshroud the soul, look, O look, to where with eyes of faith you last saw the light, and you will rest in Christ’s love and under His protecting shield. Bereavements come to all, but we have no right to mourn over the dead or to afflict our souls because of the change in our lives. This certainly cannot help them or us. (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 13)

Our work is to do service for the Master by representing Christ in character to the world. We must honor our Saviour in all things. Who, my brother, has applied to you the precious promises? Who heals the human sorrows? Who dries the bitter tears? Jesus. He is our Restorer. When sin struggles for the mastery in the human heart, when guilt seems to oppress the soul and burden the conscience, when unbelief clouds the mind, who lets in the beams of light? Whose grace is sufficient to subdue sin, and who gives the precious forgiveness and pardons all our sins, expelling the darkness, and making us hopeful and joyful in God? Jesus, the sin-pardoning Saviour. He is still our Advocate in the courts of heaven; and those whose lives are hid with Christ in God must arise and shine, because the glory of the Lord has risen upon them. (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 14)

The reason [for] the spiritual feebleness of today is the low estimate the believer is constantly inclined to form of his spiritual character. But he is of that value that the Lord Jesus has paid an infinite price for his salvation, and Christ would have His chosen heritage value themselves according to the price He placed upon them. In view of this, do not let any one of us disappoint Jesus by placing a low estimate upon ourselves. Let us embrace the opportunities and privileges, which will increase our value with God, by using all the treasures of His grace to become precious and lovely in His sight. If this were done, many more souls of solid moral worth would be seen, because by uniting with Jesus, our lives become imbued with His spiritual likeness. Practical holiness would run like threads of gold through our lives, and as they behold the wholeness of character to God, heavenly angels would say, “I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.” [Isaiah 13:12.] (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 15)

All heaven rejoices over the weak, faulty human soul that gives itself to Jesus and lives a life of purity. Those who overcome much, love Jesus the most, and are put next to Christ, next to the great white throne, within the inner circle; yes, greatly honored. “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” [Revelation 3:4, 5.] (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 16)

Every moment is exceedingly precious. We cannot, without great loss neglect the precious opportunity of walking in the light. If we have neglected to place our hand in the hand of Christ, we are in constant danger of being deceived. We will be led in false paths by seducing spirits, who have not received the love of the truth, but who have, in turning away from Christ, become blinded by strong delusions, so that they believe and work a lie. (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 17)

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, be strong in the grace of Christ; know that He loves you and will be to you a constant efficiency. Lift your voice in praise and thanks to God. “Behold, bless the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.” [Psalm 134:1-3.] (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 18)

Give my love to Brother and Sister Robinson, and all those who love God. (11LtMs, Lt 37, 1896, 19)

Lt 38, 1896

Haskell, S. N.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 30, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 1888 1536-1555.
Dear Brother:

I write a few lines to you this morning by lamplight. Before receiving this, you will have met Professor Prescott. We would gladly have retained him in this country, but we dared not do this, for it would have savored of selfishness. We hope he will do the brethren much good in South Africa, and that he will be received cordially, in brotherly love. He has the truth in the heart, as well as on the lips. God is with him, and will work by him if our brethren will receive him as one who bears to them a message from God. May it not be true of them as of the people of Nazareth, that Jesus could not do many mighty works because of their unbelief. There is no virtue in refusing to receive the light which God shall send; we need every ray of light from heaven. We should appreciate the love of God which sends the light, and should accept the light joyfully. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 1)

Many need to learn that it is one thing to assent to truth, and another thing to receive the truth as the bread of God, of which if a man eat, he shall live forever. Day by day we must feed upon the living bread that we may receive spiritual sustenance, as we partake of temporal food to give us physical strength. What is the bread of life? Jesus said, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” [John 6:54-56.] (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 2)

He does not leave us to misunderstand Him. He says, “It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.] The words of Christ are to be received with no half-hearted, weak, hesitating faith. The Word gives light and assurance to all who educate their souls to believe. The heart needs the presence of the heavenly Guest—Christ abiding in the soul. We are to dwell in Christ, and Christ is to dwell in us by faith. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 3)

The largest promise that Christ could give to His disciples when He left them was the promise of the Holy Spirit. He was in search of the strongest consolation He could leave them, to do them good after His departure. Of all the subjects that were of the most importance to them, He chose that of the Holy Spirit. And what did He predict concerning the Spirit? “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [John 14:26.] Truths had been buried beneath the rubbish of misinterpretation, the maxims of men, the sayings of finite beings that had been exalted as being of more consequence that the Word of the living God. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 4)

In our day the church has been to a great degree content with the surface truths of revelation made so plain and easy to be understood that many have thought these supplied all that was essential, and in accepting them they have been content. But the Holy Spirit, working upon the mind, will not allow it to rest in indolence. It awakens an earnest desire for truth uncorrupted with error and false doctrines. Celestial truths will reward the diligent seeker. The mind that is really desirous to know what is truth cannot be content in indolence. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 5)

The kingdom of heaven is likened to treasure hid in a field, “that which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field;” he buys it that he may work it, plough up every part of it, and take possession of its treasures. [Matthew 13:44.] It is the Holy Spirit’s office to direct this search and to reward it. The searcher, while digging the field, finds leads of precious ore of which he seeks to estimate the value, and he sinks the shaft deeper, for still more valuable treasure. Thus many a rich lode is discovered. The gold fields of the earth are not so interlaced with veins of precious ore as is the field of revelation with leads that bring to view the unsearchable riches of Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 6)

The Lord would have every one of His believing children rich in faith; and this is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. From the heart the Spirit works outward, developing a character that God will approve. What a vast field of the treasures of truth did Christ add to the domain of faith to be appropriated by His disciples! We need greater faith if we would have better knowledge of the Word. The greatest hindrance to our receiving the divine illumination is that we do not depend on the efficiency of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is freely given us of God if we will appreciate and accept it. And what is it? The representative of Jesus Christ. It is to be our constant helper. It is through the spirit that Christ fulfills the promise, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” [Hebrews 13:5.] “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” [John 6:47.] (The bell is sounding for morning worship, I must stop here.) (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 7)

I have returned from our season of prayer. The spirit of intercession came upon me, and I was drawn out in most earnest prayer for souls at Battle Creek. I know their peril. The Holy Spirit has in a special manner moved me to send up my petitions in their behalf. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 8)

God is not the author of anything sinful. None should fear to be singular if the fulfillment of duty requires it. If it makes us singular to avoid sin, then our singularity is merely the distinction between purity and impurity, righteousness and unrighteousness. Because the multitude prefer the path of transgression, shall we choose the same? We are plainly told by inspiration, “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.” [Exodus 23:2.] Our position should be clearly stated, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15.] (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 9)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehendeth it not.... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1-5, 14.] Would that every one whose name is written in the church books could from the heart utter these words. The church members need to know from experience what the Holy Spirit will do for them. It will bless the receiver, and make him a blessing. It is sad that every soul is not praying for the vital breath of the Spirit, for we are ready to die if it breathe not on us. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 10)

We are to pray for the impartation of the Spirit as the remedy for sin-sick souls. The church needs to be converted, and why should we not prostrate ourselves at the throne of grace, as representatives of the church, and from a broken heart and contrite spirit make earnest supplication that the Holy Spirit shall be poured out upon us from on high? Let us pray that when it shall be graciously bestowed, our cold hearts may be revived, and we may have discernment to understand that it is from God, and receive it with joy. Some have treated the Spirit as an unwelcome guest, refusing to receive the rich gift, refusing to acknowledge it, turning from it, and condemning it as fanaticism. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 11)

When the Holy Spirit works the human agent, it does not ask us in what way it shall operate. Often it moves in unexpected ways. Christ did not come as the Jews expected. He did not come in a manner to glorify them as a nation. His forerunner came to prepare the way for Him by calling upon the people to repent of their sins and be converted, and be baptized. Christ’s message was, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand; repent ye and believe the gospel.” [Mark 1:15.] The Jews refused to receive Christ, because He did not come in accordance with their expectations. The ideas of finite men were held as infallible, because hoary with age. This is the danger to which the church is now exposed—that the inventions of finite men shall mark out the precise way for the Holy Spirit to come. Though they would not care to acknowledge it, some have already done this. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 12)

And because the Spirit is to come, not to praise men or to build up their erroneous theories, but to reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment, many turn away from it. They are not willing to be deprived of the garments of their own self-righteousness. They are not willing to exchange their own righteousness, which is unrighteousness, for the righteousness of Christ, which is pure, unadulterated truth. The Holy Spirit flatters no man, neither does it work according to the devising of any man. Finite, sinful men are not to work the Holy Spirit. When it shall come as a reprover, through any human agent whom God shall choose, it is man’s place to hear and obey its voice. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 13)

Just before He left them, Christ gave His disciples the promise, “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” [Acts 1:8.] “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:18-20.] While these words were upon His lips, He ascended, a cloud of angels received Him, and escorted Him to the city of God. The disciples returned to Jerusalem, knowing now for a certainty that Jesus was the Son of God. Their faith was unclouded, and they waited, preparing themselves by prayer and by humbling their hearts before God, until the baptism of the Holy Spirit came. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 14)

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [Acts 2:1-4.] In that assembly there were mockers, who did not recognize the work of the Holy Spirit, and they said, “Those men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, Be this known unto you, and hearken to my words; for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel.” [Verses 13-16.] (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 15)

Read the history. The Lord was at work in His own way; but had there been such a manifestation among us, upon whom the ends of the world are come, would not some have mocked, as on that occasion? Those who did not come under the influence of the Holy Spirit, knew it not. To this class the disciples seemed like drunken men. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 16)

After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the disciples, clothed with the divine panoply, went forth as witnesses to tell the wonderful story of the manger and the cross. They were humble men, but they went forth with the truth. After the death of the Lord, they were a helpless, disappointed, discouraged company—as sheep without a shepherd; but now they go forth as witnesses for the truth, with no weapons but the Word and Spirit of God, to triumph over all opposition. Their Saviour had been rejected and condemned and nailed to the ignominious cross. The Jewish priests and rulers had declared in scorn, “He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.” [Matthew 27:42.] But that cross, that instrument of shame and torture, brought hope and salvation to the world. The believers rallied; there hopelessness and conscious helplessness had left them. They were transformed in character, and united in the bonds of Christian love. Although without wealth, though counted by the world as mere ignorant fishermen, they were made by the Holy Spirit witnesses for Christ. Without earthly honor or recognition, they were heroes of faith. From their lips came words of divine eloquence and power that shook the world. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 17)

The third, fourth, and fifth chapters of Acts give an account of their witnessing. Those who had rejected and crucified the Saviour, expected to find his disciples discouraged, crest-fallen, and ready to disown their Lord. With amazement they heard the clear, bold testimony given under the power of the Holy Spirit. The words and works of the disciples represented the words and works of their Teacher; and all who heard them said, They have learned of Jesus, they talk as He talked. “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” [Acts 4:33.] (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 18)

The chief priests and rulers thought themselves competent to decide what the apostles should do and teach. As they went forth preaching Jesus everywhere, the men who were worked by the Holy Spirit did many things that the Jews did not approve. There was danger that the ideas and doctrines of the rabbis would be brought into disrepute. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 19)

The apostles were creating a wonderful excitement. The people were bringing their sick folk and those that were vexed with unclean spirits into the streets, crowds were collecting around them, and those that had been healed were shouting the praises of God, and glorifying the name of Jesus, the very one whom the Jews had condemned, scorned, spit upon, crowned with thorns, and caused to be scourged and crucified. This Jesus was extolled above the priests and rulers. The apostles were even declaring that He had risen from the dead. The Jewish rulers decided that this work must and should be stopped, for it was proving them guilty of the blood of Jesus. They saw that converts to the faith were multiplying. “Believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.” [Acts 5:14.] (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 20)

“Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of Sadducees,)” who held that there would be no resurrection of the dead. [Verse 17.] The assertions made by the apostles that they had seen Jesus after His resurrection, and that he had ascended to heaven, were overthrowing the fundamental principles of the Sadducean doctrine. This was not to be allowed. The priests and rulers were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. The disciples were not intimidated or cast down. The words of Christ in His last lessons to them were brought to mind, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” [John 14:21.] (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 21)

“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness of me, because ye have been with me from the beginning. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them.” [John 15:26-16:4.] (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 22)

“The angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” [Acts 5:19, 20.] We see here that the men in authority are not always obeyed, even though they may profess to be teachers of Bible doctrines. There are many today who feel indignant and aggrieved that any voice should be raised presenting ideas that differ from their own in regard to points of religious belief. Have they not long advocated their ideas as truth? So the priests and rabbis reasoned in apostolic days. What mean these men who are unlearned, some of them mere fishermen, who are presenting ideas contrary to the doctrines which the learned priests and rulers are teaching the people? They have no right to meddle with the fundamental principles of our faith. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 23)

But we see that the God of heaven sometimes commissions men to teach that which is regarded as contrary to the established doctrines. Because those who were once the depositaries of truth became unfaithful to their sacred trust, the Lord chose others who would receive the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and would advocate truths that were not in accordance with the ideas of the religious leaders. And then these leaders, in the blindness of their minds, give full sway to what is supposed to be righteous indignation against the ones who have set aside cherished fables. They act like men that have lost their reason. They do not consider the possibility that they themselves have not rightly understood the Word. They will not open their eyes to discern the fact that they have misinterpreted and misapplied the Scriptures, and have built up false theories, calling them fundamental doctrines of the faith. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 24)

But the Holy Spirit will from time to time reveal the truth through its own chosen agencies; and no man, not even a priest or ruler, has a right to say, You shall not give publicity to your opinions, because I do not believe them. That wonderful “I” may attempt to put down the Holy Spirit’s teaching. Men may, for a time, attempt to smother it and kill it; but that will not make error truth or truth error. The inventive minds of men have advanced speculative opinions in various lines, and when the Holy Spirit lets light shine into human minds, it does not respect every point of man’s application of the word. God impressed his servants to speak the truth irrespective of what men had taken for granted as truth. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 25)

Even Seventh-day Adventists are in danger of closing their eyes to truth as it is in Jesus, because it contradicts something which they have taken for granted as truth, but which the Holy Spirit teaches is not truth. Let all be very modest, and seek most earnestly to put self out of the question, and to exalt Jesus. In most of the religious controversies, the foundation of the trouble is that self is striving for the supremacy. About what? About matters which are not vital points at all, and which are regarded as such only because men have given importance to them. See Matthew 12:31-37; Mark 14:56; Luke 5:21; Matthew 9:3. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 26)

But let us follow the history of the men whom the Jewish priests and rulers thought so dangerous, because they were bringing in new and strange teaching on almost every theological subject. The command given by the Holy Spirit, “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of life,” was obeyed by the apostles. “They entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.” [Acts 5:20-26.] If the priests and rulers had dared act out their own feelings toward the apostles, there would have been a different record, for the angel of God was a watcher on that occasion, to magnify His name if any violence had been offered to His servants. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 27)

“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them saying, Did not we straitly command ye that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” [Verses 27, 28.] See Matthew 23:34, 35. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.” [Acts 5:29-33.] (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 28)

Then the Holy Spirit moved upon Gamaliel, a Pharisee, “a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people.” His advice was, “Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this council and this work be of men, it will come to nought. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God, and to him they agreed.” [Verses 34, 38, 39.] (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 29)

Yet the attributes of Satan so controlled their minds that notwithstanding the wonderful miracles that had been wrought in healing the sick and in releasing God’s servants from prison, the priests and rulers were so filled with prejudice and hatred they could hardly be restrained. “When they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” [Verses 40-42.] (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 30)

We can see what evidence was given the priests and rulers, and how firmly they resisted the Spirit of God. Those who claim superior wisdom and piety may make most terrible and (to themselves) fatal mistakes if they allow their minds to be molded by another power, and pursue a course in resistance to the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus, represented by the Holy Spirit, was in the presence of that assembly, but they did not discern Him. For a moment they had felt the conviction of the Spirit, that Jesus was the Son of God, but they stifled conscience, and became blinder and more hardened than before. Even after they had crucified the Saviour, God in His mercy and sent them additional evidence in the works wrought through the apostles. He was giving them another call to repentance, even in the terrible charge brought against them by the apostles, that they had killed the Prince of life. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 31)

It was not alone the sin of putting to death the Son of God that cut them off from salvation, but their persistence in rejecting light and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The spirit that works in the children of disobedience worked in them, leading them to abuse the men through whom God was giving a testimony to them. The malignity of rebellion reappeared and was intensified in every successive act of resistance against God’s servants and the message He had given them to declare. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 32)

Every act of resistance makes it harder to yield. Being the leaders of the people, the priests and rulers felt it incumbent on them to defend the course they had taken. They must prove that they had been in the right. Having committed themselves in opposition to Christ, every act of resistance became an additional incentive to persist in the same path. The events of their past career of opposition are as precious treasures to be jealously guarded. And the hatred and malignity that inspired those acts is concentrated against the apostles. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 33)

The Spirit of God revealed its presence unto those who, irrespective of the fear or favor of men, declared the truth which had been committed to them. Under the demonstration of the Holy Spirit’s power, the Jews saw their guilt in refusing the evidence that God had sent; but they would not yield their wicked resistance. Their obstinacy became more and more determined, and worked the ruin of their souls. It was not that they could not yield, but they could, and would not. It was not alone that they had been guilty and deserving of wrath, but that they armed themselves with the attributes of Satan, and determinedly continued to be opposed to God. Every day, in their refusal to repent,m they took up their rebellion afresh. They were preparing to reap that which they had sown. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 34)

The wrath of God is not declared against men merely because of the sins which they have committed, but for choosing to continue in a state of resistance, and, although they have light and knowledge, repeating their sins of the past. If they would submit, they would be pardoned; but they are determined not to yield. They defy God by their obstinacy. These souls have given themselves to Satan, and he controls them according to his will. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 35)

How was it with the rebellious inhabitants of the antediluvian world? After rejecting the message of Noah, they plunged into sin with greater abandon than ever before, and doubled the enormity of their corrupting practices. Those who refuse to reform by accepting Christ find nothing reformative in sin; their minds are set to carry their spirit of revolt, and they are not, and never will be, forced to submission. The judgment which God brought upon the antediluvian world declared it incurable. The destruction of Sodom proclaimed the inhabitants of the most beautiful country in the world incorrigible in sin. The fire and brimstone from heaven consumed everything except Lot, his wife, and two daughters. The wife, looking back in disregard of God’s command, became a pillar of salt. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 36)

How God bore with the Jewish nation, while they were murmuring, rebellious, breaking the Sabbath and every other precept of the law. He repeatedly declared them worse than the heathen. Each generation surpassed the preceding in guilt. The Lord permitted them to go into captivity, but after their deliverance, his requirements were forgotten. Everything that He committed to that people to be kept sacred was perverted or displaced by the inventions of rebellious men. Christ said to them in his day, “Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law?” And these were the men who set themselves up as judges and censors over those whom the Holy Spirit was moving to declare the Word of God to the people. See John 7:19-23, 27, 28; Luke 11:37-52. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 37)

Read these Scriptures to the people. Read carefully, solemnly, and the Holy Spirit will be by your side, to impress minds as you read them. But do not fail to read with the true sense of the Word in your own heart. If God has ever spoken by me, these Scriptures mean very much to those who shall hear them. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 38)

Finite men should beware of seeking to control their fellow men, taking the place assigned to the Holy Spirit. Let not men feel that it is their prerogative to give to the world what they suppose to be truth, and refuse that anything should be given contrary to their ideas. This is not their work. Many things will appear distinctly as truth, which will not be acceptable to those who think their own interpretation of the Scriptures always right. Most decided changes will have to be made in regard to ideas which some have accepted as without a flaw. These men give evidence of fallibility in very many ways; they work upon principles which the Word of God condemns. That which makes me feel to the very depths of my being, and makes me know that their works are not the works of God, is that they suppose they have authority to rule their fellow men. The Lord has given them no more right to rule others than He has given others to rule them. Those who assume the control of their fellow men take into their finite hands a work that devolves upon God alone. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 39)

That men should keep alive the spirit which ran riot at Minneapolis is an offence to God. All heaven is indignant at the spirit that for years has been revealed in our publishing institution at Battle Creek. Unrighteousness is practiced that God will not tolerate. He will visit for these things. A voice has been heard pointing out the errors, and in the name of the Lord pleading for a decided change. But who have followed the instruction given? Who have humbled their hearts to put from them every vestige of their wicked, oppressive spirit? I have been greatly burdened to set these matters before the people as they are. I know they will see them. I know that those who read this matter will be convicted. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 40)

The church of Christ, enfeebled, defective as she may appear, is the one object on earth upon which He bestows in a special sense His love and His regard. The church is the theater of His grace, in which He delights in making experiments of mercy on human hearts. The Holy Spirit is His representative, and it works to effect transformation so wonderful that angels look upon them with astonishment and joy. Heaven is full of rejoicing when the members of the human family are seen to be full of compassion for one another, loving one another as Christ has loved them. The church is God’s fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world. Any betrayal of her sacred trust is treachery to Him who has bought her with the precious blood of His only begotten Son. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 41)

Christ speaks of the church over which Satan presides, as the synagogue of Satan. [Revelation 2:9.] Its members are the children of disobedience. They are those who love to sin, and choose to sin, always laboring to make void the law of God, which is holy, just, and good. It is Satan’s work to mingle evil with good, and to confuse the distinction between good and evil. Christ would have a church that labors to separate the evil from the good, whose members will not knowingly tolerate wrong doing, but will expel it from their own hearts and lives. How careful should we be in passing judgment on the work of others, how careful lest we become guilty of ascribing to evil agencies the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, 42)

Lt 39, 1896

Haskell, S. N.
Cooranbong, Sunnyside, New South Wales, Australia
April 26, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 10MR 63.
Dear Brother:

“Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” [Galatians 6:7.] Let the question come home to each individual soul, What kind of harvest am I preparing to reap? (11LtMs, Lt 39, 1896, 1)

There is a self-propagating power in evil, and the man, woman, or child who pursues a wrong course in any line, becomes through his influence a propagator of evil, a parent to a line of misdoings. (11LtMs, Lt 39, 1896, 2)

When the Lord shall send a message by any one of His delegated messengers, it is for the good of the person who shall hear it and with humble heart act upon it. To go on just the same as if no warning had been given is to refuse to be corrected in an evil way, and [to] refuse the admonitions which the Lord graciously gives the soul that He sees is in peril of losing the crown of eternal life. Pride, self-will, obstinacy, and a determination to hold to some idol and refuse to yield up some gratification which has been indulged in until it has become a fixed habit and a part of the very nature is injurious to both mind and body. (11LtMs, Lt 39, 1896, 3)

If the Lord in mercy calls to the wrong doer, “Turn ye, turn ye, for why will ye die?” it is because He wills not the death of the sinner but rather that he should accept the invitation of mercy and truth unto the Lord, repent, and be saved. [Ezekiel 33:11.] He may do many things that are right and consistent in themselves, and yet hold firmly to wrong practice and refuse to obey the warnings of God. The conviction is stifled, and the first step in resistance of the message, brought to him from Jesus Christ, was the first step in the pathway which led directly to the strengthening of self in resistance, and to stupefying the conscience. (11LtMs, Lt 39, 1896, 4)

There will be a satisfaction in hearing the Word from the lips of the Lord’s servant notwithstanding the natural master—passion—which holds the will in selfish, lustful indulgence of some kind, holds undisputed lordship over his spirits, and he is the servant or slave to sin. This passion may be selfishness, self-indulgence of appetite, it may be lustful passion, it may be ambition, envy, jealousy, or pride; it may be the appetite craves tobacco or stimulating drinks, yet it is lust and holds dominion over the man until he shall through faith, by placing his will on the Lord’s side, control the unnatural appetite which he has acquired. (11LtMs, Lt 39, 1896, 5)

The Word of God delivered in earnestness, the spirit of the living God speaking through the human agent, would break through the stronghold of Satan; but the moral power of the human agent is not exercised fully, strongly, to heed the words of warning God has sent. His will is not put on the Lord’s side, but on the side of the enemy, to be a co-worker with Him to his own ruin, as well as to the ruin of others. (11LtMs, Lt 39, 1896, 6)

When Paul stood before Felix in his own defense concerning the faith in Christ, as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, “Go thy way for this time, when I have a more convenient season I will call for thee.” [Acts 24:25.] How many act in the same way as did Felix? Under the Holy Spirit’s ministration, they are moved; they tremble at the appeals of God through His servants, but it has become habit to hear, to feel, and yet make no change in their course of action, and the next appeal has less effect. God spares them, He bears long with their perversity. Satan’s kingdom trembles at the Word lest those who are warned of God will hear the message from heaven and shall yield to the entreating, compelling message of the Spirit of God. It is at such times that Satan trembles for his ascendancy. (11LtMs, Lt 39, 1896, 7)

When sin is denounced in all its forms, revealing the danger to which the impenitent are exposed, and the direct comment is made, “Thou art the man” [2 Samuel 12:7], the individual, sought after and drawn by the Holy Spirit, knows that all this means him, that he is in peril; but he has procrastinated so long that he knows not his danger and ventures on still further [in] resistance, still clinging to his unsanctified propensities. It looks like a hard matter to break up his old habits. He does not heed the admonitions, but goes on in his own strength. He will do everything he can in any other line, but he does not heed the admonitions of God on the very points that are essential, and therefore the impression wears away. The impulse is gone. For a time he felt his danger, but the oil of grace was not in his vessel with his lamp, and he continues in self-indulgence. The mind soon habituates itself to indifference in regard to his own personal danger, and his old habits, which are second nature, are not disturbed. He has sown to the flesh, he shall reap that which he has sown, which is corruption. (11LtMs, Lt 39, 1896, 8)

Lt 40, 1896

Haskell, S. N.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 4, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in TM 387-391.
[S. N. Haskell:]

I am uncertain where to address Sister Wessels Senior. I am under the impression that you wrote me that she had returned to South Africa. I send the enclosed letter to you for her. You may read it before giving it to her, then I need not repeat to you that which I have written. I shall send a copy to Battle Creek also, so that wherever she is, she may receive it. I felt sorry when I read your letter breathing so depressed a spirit. Read Ephesians 2:4-22. This Scripture has been given me for you. Read it carefully, as you never read it before. It is full of instruction. Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith means the contemplation of Christ, beholding Christ, ever cherishing the dear Saviour as our very best and honored Friend, so that we would not in any action grieve and offend Him. We have always this promise to comfort and help us, “For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” [Verse 8.] (11LtMs, Lt 40, 1896, 1)

Bear in mind, the time will never come when the hellish shadow of Satan will not be cast athwart our pathway to obstruct our faith and eclipse the light emanating from the presence of Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness. Our faith must not stagger, but cleave through that shadow. We have an experience that is not to be buried in the darkness of doubt. Our faith is not in feeling, but in truth. The inspired apostle speaks of our being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone. The church of Christ is represented as being builded for “an habitation of God through the Spirit.” [Verse 22.] If we are rooted and grounded in love, we shall be “able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of God, which passeth knowledge.” [Ephesians 3:18, 19.] O, precious possibilities and encouragement! In the human heart cleansed from all moral impurity dwells the precious Saviour, ennobling, sanctifying the whole nature, and making the man a temple for the Holy Spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 40, 1896, 2)

Then is Christ a personal Saviour. We bear about in our body the dying of the Lord Jesus, which is life and salvation and righteousness to us. Wherever we go, there is the recollection of One dear to us. We are abiding in Christ by a living faith. He is abiding in our hearts by our individual appropriating faith. We have the companionship of the divine presence, and as we realize this presence, our thoughts are brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. Our spiritual exercises are in accordance with the vividness of our sense of this companionship. Enoch walked with God in this way; and Christ is dwelling in our hearts by faith when we will consider what He is to us, and what a work He has wrought out for us in the plan of redemption. We shall be most happy in cultivating a sense of this great gift of God to our world and to us personally. (11LtMs, Lt 40, 1896, 3)

These thoughts have a controlling power upon the whole character. I want to impress upon your mind that you have a divine companion with you, if you will, always. “And 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.” [2 Corinthians 6:16.] As the mind dwells upon Christ, the character is molded after the divine similitude. The thoughts are pervaded with a sense of His goodness, His love. We contemplate His character, and thus He is in all our thoughts. His love encloses us. (11LtMs, Lt 40, 1896, 4)

If we gaze even a moment upon the sun in its meridian glory, then when we turn away our eyes, the image of the sun will appear in everything upon which we look. Thus it is when we behold Jesus; everything we look upon reflects His image, the Sun of Righteousness. We cannot see anything else, or talk of anything else. His image is imprinted upon the eye of the soul and affects every portion of our daily life, softening and subduing our whole nature. By beholding, we are conformed to the divine similitude, even the likeness of Christ. To all with whom we associate we reflect the bright and cheerful beams of His righteousness. We have become transformed in character, for heart, soul, mind, are irradiated by the recollection of Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. Here again there is the realization of a personal, living influence dwelling in our hearts by faith. (11LtMs, Lt 40, 1896, 5)

When His words of instruction have been received, and have taken possession of us, Jesus is to us an abiding presence, controlling our thoughts and ideas and actions. We are imbued with the instruction of the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. A sense of human accountability and of the sense of human influence gives character to our views of life and of daily duties. Jesus Christ is everything to us—the first, the last, the best in everything. Jesus Christ, His Spirit and character, colors everything; it is the warp and the woof, the very texture of our entire being. The words of Christ are spirit and life. We cannot, then, center our thoughts upon self; it is no more we that live, but Christ that liveth in us, and He is the hope of glory. Self is dead, but Christ is a living Saviour. Continuing to look unto Jesus, we reflect His image to all around us. We cannot stop to consider our disappointments, or even to talk of them, for a more pleasant picture attracts our sight, the precious love of Jesus. He dwells in us by the Word of truth. (11LtMs, Lt 40, 1896, 6)

What said Christ to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well? “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink, thou wouldst have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again, but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.” [John 4:10, 13, 14.] The water that Christ referred to was the revelation of His grace in His Word. His Spirit, His teaching, is as a satisfying fountain to every soul. Every other source to which they shall resort will prove unsatisfying. But the Word of truth is as cool streams, represented as the waters of Lebanon, which are always satisfying. In Christ is fullness of joy forevermore. The desires and pleasures and amusements of the world are never satisfying or healing to the soul. But Jesus says, “Whosoever eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life.” [John 6:54.] (11LtMs, Lt 40, 1896, 7)

Christ’s gracious presence in His Word is every speaking to the soul, representing Him as a well of living water to refresh the thirsting. It is our privilege to have a living, abiding Saviour. He is the source of spiritual power implanted within us, and His influence will flow forth in words and actions, refreshing all within the sphere of our influence, begetting in them desires and aspirations for strength and purity, for a holiness and peace, and for that joy which brings no sorrow with it. This is the result of an indwelling Saviour. (11LtMs, Lt 40, 1896, 8)

Jesus says, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] He walked once a man on earth, His divinity clothed with humanity, a suffering, tempted man, beset with Satan’s devices. He was tempted in all points like as we are, and He knows how to succor those that are tempted. Now He is at the right hand of God, He is in heaven as our Advocate, to make intercession for us. We must always take comfort and hope as we think of this. He is thinking of those that are subject to temptations in this world. He thinks of us individually, and knows our every necessity. (11LtMs, Lt 40, 1896, 9)

When tempted, just say, He cares for me, He makes intercession for me, He loves me, He has died for me. I will give myself unreservedly to Him. We grieve the heart of Christ when we go mourning over ourselves as though we were our own saviour. No; we must commit the keeping of our souls to God as unto a faithful Creator. He ever lives to make intercession for the tried, tempted ones. Open your heart to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and let not one breath of doubt, one word of unbelief, escape your lips, lest you sow the seeds of doubt. There are rich blessings for us; let us grasp them by faith. (11LtMs, Lt 40, 1896, 10)

This subject is not exhausted, but I must close now in order to get my letter into the mail. You shall have more of the same next month. But I entreat you to have courage in the Lord. Divine strength is ours, and let us talk courage and strength and faith. Read the third chapter of Ephesians. Practice the instruction given. Bear a living testimony for God under all circumstances. (11LtMs, Lt 40, 1896, 11)

In hope and faith. (11LtMs, Lt 40, 1896, 12)

Lt 41, 1896

Israel, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
July 30, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister Israel:

I have a message for you from the Master: “Arise, shine: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to the light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” [Isaiah 60:1-3.] (11LtMs, Lt 41, 1896, 1)

If we will keep looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we shall catch the light of His countenance, reflect His image, and grow into the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. My sister, to know Him is life eternal. We are to contemplate God in Christ. If we will only do the work the Lord would have us do, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, our hearts will become, in His hands, sacred harps, every chord of which would send forth praise and thanksgiving to the Lamb, sent by God to take away the sins of the world. (11LtMs, Lt 41, 1896, 2)

The life of Christ and His labors of love shames and condemns our unbelief. But the promise is, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more will your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him.” [Matthew 7:7, 11.] Then let us ask. (11LtMs, Lt 41, 1896, 3)

The character of God as represented by His Son as the Lord of heaven and earth, and yet our Father, is not only full of truth, but of mercy and lovingkindness. This makes the lessons of Christ as a new revelation of God, as a new gift viewed in a new light to the world, showing the deep and board benevolence He bears toward men—Christ’s representation of God—as a tender loving, pitying Father. (11LtMs, Lt 41, 1896, 4)

For every service, the Lord has guaranteed to requite us, not because it is a debt He owes us, but because His heart is full of infinite love, full of mercy and tenderness, outflowing toward us in that He will repay us a hundredfold in this life, and give us in the world to come life everlasting. Many do not cultivate faith, because they look at the objectionable and discouraging features. They do not consider that all the universe of heaven is waiting to become co-laborers with them, waiting to make them the living agencies to bless the world with the message God shall give them to bear. (11LtMs, Lt 41, 1896, 5)

The Lord Jesus is our strength and happiness. He is the great storehouse from which the human agent may, on every occasion, draw strength and happiness. How grieved He is when, after He has given us a rich experience in His willingness to help us in our emergency, we withdraw our eyes from His sufficiency to look on and bemoan our own weakness. Let us ever behold Him, and trust Him as the One ever ready to help those who need His help. We have no right to bemoan our own weakness and inefficiency, because He has shown Himself to be an ever present help in time of need. (11LtMs, Lt 41, 1896, 6)

As we receive Him, we have something with which to help others. Thus receiving and imparting, we grow in love toward God, increasing in faith and peace, and assurance, and holiness, which is wholeness toward Him. (11LtMs, Lt 41, 1896, 7)

Yours with love. (11LtMs, Lt 41, 1896, 8)

Lt 42, 1896

Israel, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
August 14, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in VSS 161.
Dear Sister Israel:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] With this gracious promise in (John 1) we read, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [Verse 12.] So you see, much depends upon our taking God at His word. He who was in the form of God, who thought it not robbery to be equal with God, descended from His throne, and laid off His royal robe, laid off His kingly crown, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might become your surety and substitute, and become acquainted with all the temptations wherewith man should be beset, that He might know how to succor just such tempted ones as you and me. He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities; He would have us lay our perplexities and troubles at His feet, and leave them there. (11LtMs, Lt 42, 1896, 1)

It is the enemy that wants to interpose his shadow between our souls and our God, that the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness shall not shine into our hearts. Every time we talk darkness, it pleases the enemy, for he does not want that the joy of Christ shall dwell in our heats by faith. Christ is to us a never failing fountain of refreshing joy. God does not regard it any virtue in us to keep looking at and talking of our mistakes and sins. He wants us to accept His forgiveness, now, just as we are. His pardon is full and free, and He will receive honor if we will do this. (11LtMs, Lt 42, 1896, 2)

Christ tells us if we eat His flesh and drink His blood, we shall have eternal life, for His flesh is meat indeed, and His blood drink indeed. It is, Eat continually, and drink continually; and He says, “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” He explains, “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:54-56, 63.] Where shall we find His words? In the Scriptures. Then if you search the Scriptures, you will find just what you need—comfort, hope, encouragement. (11LtMs, Lt 42, 1896, 3)

Let us give to Christ all that there is of us, that the blessings which He has brought within our reach may be communicated to others as freely as they have been communicated to us from the Lord Jesus, our Restorer. To every one who believes, He is as the Tree of Life in the Paradise of God. His branches reach to the lower world, in order that the blessings which He has purchased for us may be brought within our reach. From this tree we may pluck and eat, and then guide others to it, that they also may eat. (11LtMs, Lt 42, 1896, 4)

O, why do we spend our breath and our precious golden moments in bemoaning our leanness? Christ has made every provision for us by giving us a Comforter in His representative, the Holy Spirit, to be ever present to present to us from the Tree of Life its precious fruit. The office work of the Holy Spirit is to bring to our remembrance all things that Christ has spoken for our comfort, that we may have hope, and a sweet sense of forgiveness. A rich current of praise and gratitude will continually flow from our soul; the sweet Spirit of Jesus will kindle in our hearts grateful praise; our souls will be uplifted with a sense of security; and the unfailing, inexhaustible righteousness of Christ becomes our righteousness by faith. (11LtMs, Lt 42, 1896, 5)

In love. (11LtMs, Lt 42, 1896, 6)

Lt 43, 1896

Israel, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
August 6, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 5BC 1141.
Dear Sister Israel:

How thankful should you and I be that we have Christ as our Saviour. He liveth to make intercession for us; yes, for you and me, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, the length, the depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.” [Ephesians 2:10; 3:14-21.] (11LtMs, Lt 43, 1896, 1)

The love of Christ is a golden chain that binds finite, human beings who believe in Jesus Christ to the infinite God. The love that the Lord has for His children passeth knowledge. No science can define or explain it. No human wisdom can fathom it. The more we feel the influence of this love, the more meek and humble shall we be. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” Paul exclaims; “how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” Romans 11:33. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Romans 8:38, 39.] (11LtMs, Lt 43, 1896, 2)

The Lord’s children are never absent from His mind. Even the little birds flying in the heavens and the flowers of the field are objects of His tender solicitude. “Behold the fowls of the air,” said our Redeemer; “for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” “And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” [Matthew 6:26, 28-30.] (11LtMs, Lt 43, 1896, 3)

Yes, my sister, every provision has been made whereby Christ will clothe you with His righteousness. If the Majesty of heaven has bestowed such care upon the inanimate flowers and dumb animals, will He not have a special care for all those who believe in Him? His care and love flow earthward to His children. His love is unceasing, and He loves to have you and me appreciate that love by being cheerful, happy, and restful in Jesus Christ. Will you trust in Jesus? Will you speak forth His praises? Will you sing the songs of Zion, and show gladness in Jesus Christ? It is not pleasant for our Saviour to have us doubt His love, to go mourning and questioning and disbelieving. (11LtMs, Lt 43, 1896, 4)

Although sin has existed for ages, seeking to counteract that love and obstruct its flowing earthward, yet the love flows still in rich currents to the human beings for whom Christ has died. Every evidence is given of the love of God to us. Shall we receive it? Do not think doubts. Do not talk of yourself. Talk of Jesus, and think of Him, and sing of His matchless love. The spell of the enemy has been broken, and you are free in the love and compassion of Jesus. May the Lord bless you as you shall search for yourself the rich promises of God. Now do not worry, but trust in Jesus’ power every moment. (11LtMs, Lt 43, 1896, 5)

In much love to yourself and Brother Israel and Jessie. (11LtMs, Lt 43, 1896, 6)

Lt 44, 1896

Israel, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
July 1, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in RH 09/15/1896.
Dear Sister Israel:

Not because we first loved Him did God love us; but “while we were yet sinners,” Christ died for us, making full and abundant provision for our redemption. [Romans 5:8.] Although by our disobedience we have merited God’s displeasure and condemnation, yet He has not forsaken us, leaving us to grapple with the power of the enemy in our own finite strength. Heavenly angels fight our battles for us, and co-operating with them, we may be victorious over the powers of evil. Trusting in Christ as our personal Saviour, we may be more than conquerors. (11LtMs, Lt 44, 1896, 1)

“Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and will give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles, to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” [Isaiah 42:5-7.] This precious assurance of God to His Son, His anointed, embraces all who receive Jesus Christ, for John says, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] To every one the Lord presents terms of mercy. As we draw nigh to Him by faith, He draws nigh to us, adopting us into His family, and making us His sons and daughters. (11LtMs, Lt 44, 1896, 2)

By disobeying the commands of God, man fell under the condemnation of the law. This fall called for the grace of God to appear in behalf of sinners. We would never have learned the meaning of this word “grace” had we not failed. God loves the sinless angels who do His service and are obedient to all His commands; but He does not give them grace; they have never needed it, for they have never sinned. Grace is an attribute of God shown to undeserving human beings. We did not seek after it, but it was sent in search of us. God rejoices to bestow this grace upon every one who hungers for it, not because we worthy, but because we are so utterly unworthy. Our need is the qualification which gives us the assurance that we will receive this gift. (11LtMs, Lt 44, 1896, 3)

Never has a soul that trusts in Jesus been left to perish. “I even I, am he,” the Lord declares, “that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put me in remembrance; let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.” [Isaiah 43:25, 26.] “I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth. I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.” “Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am the Lord, and there is none else.” [Isaiah 45:19, 22.] Respond to the calls of God’s mercy, my sister, and say, I will trust in the Lord and be comforted; for thou hast loved me. I will praise the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 44, 1896, 4)

In much love. (11LtMs, Lt 44, 1896, 5)

Lt 45, 1896

Israel, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
April 27, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister Israel:

My dear sister, you will not be left at peace by the enemy. Doubts will come into your mind, but let not Satan get hold of you and carry away with him your faith. Bear in mind that faith which is the life of the soul. You feel your need of a Redeemer, you feel your need of a Saviour. When the cross was just before Him, and He was, as it were, walking in the shadow of the cross, He said for the comfort and assurance of every tempest-tossed soul, “This is the cup of the New Testament in my blood shed for you for the remission of sins.” [Luke 22:20; Matthew 26:28.] (11LtMs, Lt 45, 1896, 1)

Then Christ is teaching the divine redemption through the sacrifice of His own life upon the cross. And what a full, free, abundant, and perfect offering was made upon the cross that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. You are included in the “whosoever.” [John 3:16.] Then reveal to others with whom you shall converse that you do not entertain any longer one doubt of the word of Jesus Christ, because doubts of His forgiving love pain His heart, so full of mercy, so full of sympathy for those who are so dear to Him that He gave His precious life that they should not perish. (11LtMs, Lt 45, 1896, 2)

Let peace come into your heart and abide with you. Commune with Jesus. Look unto Jesus and live. Keep near to Jesus. He can have your doubts. He is healing you; rejoice in His love. The ministry of His love is about to close; the weary soul-agony of Gethsemane to commence. He knows it all; He has a full sense of it all. Will He deceive His disciples now with false hope? He reads as an open book their future. He knows that He is about to be separated from them, and leave them as sheep amid wolves, who are ready to tear and devour them. He knows that they will suffer persecution, be put out of the synagogue; that they will be imprisoned and put to death because they believe His words that He is the anointed One. He sees and knows that Stephen will be the first to win the martyr’s crown in the kingdom of glory. (11LtMs, Lt 45, 1896, 3)

But Jesus, the shepherd of the sheep, does not consider His own suffering and human and divine agony. He says, “Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me.” [John 14:1.] He knew that their faith would be sorely tried, and that Peter would deny Him. All would forsake Him. But listen to His words—choice, yes, more choice than the most precious pearls. “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am there ye may be also.” [Verses 2, 3.] “If it were not so I would have told you,” is the assurance, the healing of every doubt that we are cast off, or forgotten. No, no; never never dishonor my precious Saviour by doubting His love. Have faith, talk faith. (11LtMs, Lt 45, 1896, 4)

Lt 46, 1896

Israel, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
April 7, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister Israel:

I have words of encouragement for you. “Then are they glad because they are quiet.” [Psalm 107:30.] Silence in the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. The Lord’s everlasting arms are beneath you, my sister. You have begun to feel after God, and your soul is refusing to believe itself, time-bound and sense-bound. You are now responding to the words of Christ Jesus. The Lord Jesus has taken you into a harbor of gracious experience, and bids you, “Be still, and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] Rest in His promise. Your life has been for [a] time past of unrest, but the voice of Jesus comes to you saying, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] (11LtMs, Lt 46, 1896, 1)

You are privileged as a daughter of Abraham to have gladness in God Himself. Through the name and merits of Christ Jesus, you become, not only restored to God, but an heir of God, and joint-heir of Jesus Christ. When you as heir of God survey your restored inheritance, your countenance lights up with peace and restfulness in God. This is gladness in your heart. The joy of Christ in the soul is worth everything. It is Christ’s summer in the soul. “Then are they glad,” because they are privileged to be quiet and rest in the arms of everlasting love. [Psalm 107:30.] “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” [Psalm 37:7.] Through faith in Jesus Christ we are at one with the Father, “I in thee, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that thou has sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me.” [John 17:23.] (11LtMs, Lt 46, 1896, 2)

Now, in the place of talking over your questioning doubts, break away from them in the strength of Jesus Christ and glorify the Lord; and let light in your own soul by making your voice and lips express faith and confidence and trust in God. I know that the Lord is very nigh you to give you the victory. All I can say to you is, Be helped, be strengthened, be lifted up out of and away from the dark dungeon of unbelief. No dart can wound and bruise the soul like the sharp doubts of unbelief, and God is dishonored by any soul who shall belittle the power of God by talking unbelief. Doubts will rush into your mind, because Satan has held you so long in captivity to his cruel power. But face him with all the strength Jesus is willing to give you, and conquer the inclination to express unbelief in your precious Saviour. (11LtMs, Lt 46, 1896, 3)

It is not enough that you believe that He will save others, but that He saves you. There is not, there cannot be peace where there is a lost faith. Let us, you and me, pray for this removal of doubts; but pray in faith, that God does hear your prayer, that the Lord will do it, because He wants you to be saved. Repeat now, as often as you have repeated hitherto that the Lord will not save you, “I believe, help thou mine unbelief.” [Mark 9:24.] Do you believe the merciful Saviour gave no rest to the soul of the doubting Thomas? Bear in mind that Jesus is your Redeemer. Rest in Christ Jesus as you never rested in Him before. (11LtMs, Lt 46, 1896, 4)

In much love, praying the Lord to bless you. (11LtMs, Lt 46, 1896, 5)

Lt 47, 1896

Israel, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
August 28, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister Israel:

You have had several letters from me. Have they encouraged you? Have they taken your mind away from yourself to Jesus? Christ is the light of the world. “Let not your hearts be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:1-3.] (11LtMs, Lt 47, 1896, 1)

By living faith you are to trust in God. Even if the impulse is strong within you to speak distrust and unbelief, overcome that distrust. Peace enters dependent on divine power, expecting that God will, will and do, that which is for your good, according to His own good pleasure. As fast as the soul will earnestly, determinedly resolve to act in accordance with the light that is revealed, then the Holy Spirit’s office work is to take the things of God, and to give more strength and light to the soul. (11LtMs, Lt 47, 1896, 2)

The grace of the Holy Spirit is supplied to co-operate with the soul’s resolve; but it is not to be a substitute to our individual exercise of faith and working out our own salvation—in accordance with the light bestowed. More evidence will not make you advance one step. Your success depends upon the appropriation of the light God has been pleased to give you. It is not an abundance of light and evidence that will make the soul free in Christ Jesus; but it is the rising up of the powers of the will and energies of the soul to cry out sincerely, “Lord, I do believe; help thou mine unbelief.” [Mark 9:24.] (11LtMs, Lt 47, 1896, 3)

Acknowledge the light by your actions; move in accordance with the light already given. Thus you co-operate with God and the heavenly ministering angels appointed of God to work for the salvation of your soul. If you remain looking to yourself, talking of yourself, of how you feel, you will not be free. Look unto Jesus, else the light will shine and flash about you in vain, and a thousand fold more light will shine for you in vain. Eagerly grasp the light. Believe and walk in the light while you have the light. Talk light. Talk faith. Talk not one word of unbelief. (11LtMs, Lt 47, 1896, 4)

In love. (11LtMs, Lt 47, 1896, 5)

Lt 48, 1896

Israel, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
June 15, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in UL 180.
Dear Sister Israel:

“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” [Hebrews 6:17-20.] (11LtMs, Lt 48, 1896, 1)

We have every reason to trust in God, and to bring all our worries and anxieties to Jesus Christ, that we may become better acquainted with Him. It should not be a difficult thing to remember that the Lord Jesus is desirous that we should bring all our troubles and perplexities to Him. “Take it to the Lord in prayer,” and then leave your perplexities and burdens with Him. How much happier we should be, could we do this. You may come to Him as a child comes to his parents, saying, “Here, Lord, I have carried my self as though I could save myself for a long time. My burdens are too heavy for me to carry longer. Thou canst bear them for me.” He says, “I will take them. With everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee.” (11LtMs, Lt 48, 1896, 2)

This love is [as] strong as it is tender. The love of Jesus is stronger than death, for He died to win your love, to have you lean upon Him fully and entirely, and to make you one with Him, mystically and eternally one. The love of Jesus is something expressed, more tender than even the love of a mother for her child. The most tender love we know is that of a mother for her child, but the love of Jesus exceeds this. She may change in her affection. Mothers may become unkind; but Jesus never, never will become unmindful or unkind, or cruel to His children. (11LtMs, Lt 48, 1896, 3)

Then never, never will we show distrust and want of faith. So strong is His love that it controls all the affections of His nature and employs all the vast resources to do His people good. His love is durable, without variableness or shadow of turning. Never let us dishonor God by trying so hard to keep ourselves, fixing our eyes upon ourselves, and keeping ourselves constantly in view. Look unto Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Let us not do as we have done, make ourselves miserable over some supposed future tomorrow’s burdens. Carry your duties of today cheerfully. Today’s faith, today’s trust in Jesus, we must have. Today I may look and live. Today I will put my trust in God. Today I will rest in quietude and peace kept by the power of God. Say, the Lord will be glorified by my being cheerful and happy in His assurance of His love today. (11LtMs, Lt 48, 1896, 4)

In much love. (11LtMs, Lt 48, 1896, 5)

Lt 49, 1896

Israel, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
July 17, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in TSB 257-260.
Dear Sister Israel:

I would call your attention to the precious promises in the Word of God. All who are children of God have not the same powers, the same temperaments, the same confidence and boldness. I am glad indeed that our feelings are no evidence that we not children of God. The enemy will tempt you to think that you have done things that have separated you from God; and that He no longer loves you; but our Lord loves us still, and we may know by the words He has placed on record for just such cases as yours. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9; 2:1.] (11LtMs, Lt 49, 1896, 1)

Now, my dear sister, I have evidence that God loves you, and the precious Saviour, who gave Himself for you, will not thrust you from Him because you are tempted, and your weakness may have been overcome. He loves you still. (11LtMs, Lt 49, 1896, 2)

Peter denied his Lord in the hour of trial, but Jesus did not forsake His poor disciple. Although Peter hated himself, the Lord loved him, and after His resurrection He called him by name and sent him a loving message. O, what a kind, loving, compassionate Saviour we have! And He loves us though we err. (11LtMs, Lt 49, 1896, 3)

Now do not worry yourself out of the arms of the dear Saviour, but rest trustingly in faith. He loves you; He cares for you. He is blessing you, and will give you His peace and grace. He is saying to you, “Thy sins be forgiven you.” You may be depressed with bodily infirmities, but that is not evidence that the Lord is not working in your behalf every day. He will pardon you, and that abundantly. Gather to your soul the sweet promises of God. Jesus is our constant, unfailing friend, and He wants you to trust in Him. (11LtMs, Lt 49, 1896, 4)

God is at work, and Satan also is at work. Satan would have our minds drawn away from the mighty Helper, to ponder over your degradation of soul, and feel that all its powers are being wasted, and God dishonored. Look away from yourself to the perfection of Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 49, 1896, 5)

We cannot manufacture a righteousness for ourselves. Christ has in His hands the pure robes of righteousness, and He will put them upon us. He will speak sweet words of forgiveness and promise. He presents to our thirsty souls fountains of living water whereby we may be refreshed. He bids us come unto Him with all our burdens, all our griefs, and He says we shall find rest. Therefore if we come to Him, we must believe that He speaks pardon, and we must show our faith by resting in His love. The heart is moved by all that is tender and pure and lofty—high ambition, holy joys, ennobling motives, endearing sympathies, and needful help. (11LtMs, Lt 49, 1896, 6)

Jesus sees the guilt of the past, and speaks pardon, and we must not dishonor Him by doubting His love. This feeling of guiltiness must be laid at the foot of the cross of Calvary. The sense of sinfulness has poisoned the springs of life and of true happiness. Now Jesus says, “Lay it all on Me. I will take your sins. I will give you peace. Banish no longer your self-respect, for I have bought you with the price of My own blood. You are Mine. Your weakened will I will strengthen. Your remorse for sin I will remove.” Then turn your grateful heart, trembling with uncertainty, to Him, and lay hold on the hope set before you. God accepts your broken, contrite heart, and extends to you free pardon. He offers to adopt you into His family, with His grace to help your weakness; and the dear Saviour will lead you on step by step, you placing your hand in His, and letting Him guide you. (11LtMs, Lt 49, 1896, 7)

Search for the precious promises of God. If Satan thrusts threatenings before your mind, turn from them, and cling to the promises, and let your souls be comforted by their brightness. The cloud is dark in itself, but when filled with the light, it is turned to the brightness of gold, for the glory of God is upon it. (11LtMs, Lt 49, 1896, 8)

May the Lord bless to your soul these few words He has prompted me to write. (11LtMs, Lt 49, 1896, 9)

Lt 49a, 1896

Workers in the Echo Office
NP
September 1896
Portions of this letter are published in SD 15, 33, 34; 13MR 362-363.
To the Workers in the Echo Office:

There has been in the publishing house at North Fitzroy a condition of things difficult to describe so that all connected with the institution may understand. The Lord has declared that He will overturn and overturn, until the hearts of those connected with the office are purified, or the workers separated from the office. Some of the workers have had no real sense that this institution is one of the Lord’s instrumentalities for the advancement of His work. They have not realized that the Lord has established consecrated centers through which He manifests light to the world. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 1)

A Lesson from Israel

I will call your minds to the account of the wonderful deliverance of the children of Israel, by the passage made for them through the Red Sea and the drowning of Pharaoh and his host of warriors. “The Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.” [Exodus 14:30, 31.] Then the beautiful song recorded in the fifteenth chapter of Exodus was chanted. The voices of the people rang out over the waters of the Red Sea in glorious triumph. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 2)

But soon their faith was tested. The Lord would know how much He could depend on His people to be true and loyal to Him. They went three days journey into the wilderness, and found no water. “And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah: for they were bitter.” Did the people then show their faith in God, because of the evidence they had received that Christ, wrapped in the fold of the cloud, that His glory might not destroy them, was leading them in person? “The people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?” [Verses 23, 24.] Instead of trusting and fearing the Lord, believing in Him under apparently discouraging circumstances, they cast reflections upon their leader. So people act in this generation. Satan’s plan of temptation is always the same. While everything moves prosperously, men think that they have faith. But when suffering, disaster, or disappointment comes, they lose heart. A faith that is dependent on circumstances and surroundings, that lives only when everything goes smoothly, is not a genuine faith. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 3)

In his trouble, Moses cried to the Lord. This is what the children of Israel, so recently delivered, ought to have done. The Lord heard the cry of His servant, against whom the people had said so many bitter things. He showed Moses a tree, “which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet.” It was not the virtue of the tree that turned the bitter water to sweet; it was the power of Him who was enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, the One who can do all things. “There he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, and said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord that healeth thee.” [Verses 25, 26.] (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 4)

“And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and three score and ten palm trees. And they encamped there by the waters.” [Verse 27.] Did the people then appreciate and acknowledge God’s blessings? Were their hearts filled with gratitude and thanksgiving to Him? Did they have a praise service, as when they stood on the banks of the Red Sea? We have no evidence that their faith was strengthened by God’s mercy and grace and love toward them. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 5)

So it is with the people of God today. We do not acknowledge God’s mercy, love, and care; we do not appreciate His great goodness toward us. Our hearts are full of complaint. We do not think of his painstaking efforts in our behalf. Our eyes are not open to see His great love. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 6)

When trial comes to prove us, when we cannot see an increase of prosperity and comfort before us, but a probable lessening of these things, when there is a pressure necessitation sacrifice on the part of all, how shall we receive Satan’s insinuations that we are going to have a hard time, that everything is going to pieces, that there is sore trouble ahead of us? If we listen to these suggestions, unbelief in God will spring up. We ought to believe that God has always had a care for His people and His institutions. We ought to look at the work He has done, the reforms He has wrought. We ought to gather up the fragments of heaven’s blessings, and tokens for good, saying, “Lord, I believe in Thee, in Thy servants, and in Thy work. I will trust in Thee. Thou hast made this institution a center. It is Thine own instrumentality, and we will not fail nor be discouraged. Thou hast honored me by connecting me with Thine own work. I will keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment. I will act well my part by being true to the work of God.” (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 7)

The Publishing House a Center of Influence. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 8)

The Echo Office is an institution of the Lord’s appointing. When the workers combine faith and works, there will be no betrayal of sacred responsibilities and holy trusts. There will be no conniving at transgression. There will be no rivalry. It will be revealed to discerning minds that God has His hand upon every branch of the work. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 9)

God is Commander in our offices of publication, and as the workers pass over the threshold to enter their work rooms, they should feel a sacred awe. Angels are in these rooms. Those who have any connection with the service of God should bear themselves with a Christlike dignity, manifesting a Christlike spirit toward superiors, inferiors, and equals. If they are learners in the school of Christ, they will have Christlike manners. There should be no partiality or hypocrisy. The fear of God, the sense of His goodness and holiness, should circulate through the entire institution. “They shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] This should be the standard at all times for the managers and workers in the appointed centers which God has created to vindicate His truth. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 10)

The workers should not strive to follow their own way, for man’s way often leads to disaster and defeat. If the attributes of the great destroyer are cherished, the leaven of disunion, unholy ambition, and ruin will be introduced. Each one is to look to God and believe in God for himself. Work in the Spirit of Christ, in complete unity. Do not ask, What will men think of me? What will the world say? What will best serve my own temporal interests? but, What would the Lord have me to do? What can I do to honor God? How can I use my talents to best glorify His holy name? (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 11)

Self is not to be consulted. No rest or happiness is found by wandering from God into paths of our own choosing. The highest standard must be uplifted in every institution that God has established as a center for the diffusion of light. No one should be retained in any one of these institutions who, in a crisis, fails to realize that God’s instrumentalities are sacred. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 12)

A Reform Needed

In our institutions a course of action is being followed that will bring results we little expect. When we crave things that are not for our best good, when we are determined to have our own way, the Lord takes us over paths that are very painful to travel. Let us study the principles set forth in the sixth chapter of John. The Lord Jesus unfolded truths that the priests and rulers, and even many of the disciples did not understand. The Great Teacher knew that these words must be spoken, in order to lead the people to decide for or against Him. It were better that those not of the faith should manifest themselves in a decided manner before His crucifixion, else they would tempt the disciples in their great trial to dishonor their Master. Christ knew that all who were not wholly with Him then would at His trial take a position against Him. Therefore He presented the truths found in this chapter, leading His hearers to reveal the real sentiments of their hearts. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 13)

I speak to those in responsible positions in our publishing houses. You must be led by the Spirit of Christ, else Satan will intrude himself and counterwork the work of God. All do not see that if they are connected with Christ, they will be closely bound together in unity and confidence. Through Christ’s grace those connected with our offices of publication are to show that they are true disciples. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:12.] It is your privilege to have a power that you do not now possess. All who through grace come to Christ will share His trials, and be partakers of His suffering and rejection. But they will also be partakers of His glory. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 14)

A different sentiment needs to be cherished in our publishing houses. The workers need to realize that the Lord has honored them by giving them exalted duties to perform, and that impulsive motions and fitful actions must be put aside. Those who cannot distinguish between the sacred and the common cannot be trusted as stewards of great responsibilities, for when tempted, they will betray their trust into the hands of the enemy. Those who do not cherish an appreciation of a connection with the work which is under God’s special supervision will never know how to stand when the enemy presents his specious temptations and flattering attractions. They are easily misled by false statements and ambitious projects. If, after the light has been presented to them, they still fail to distinguish right from wrong, the sooner they are disconnected from the office, the purer and more elevated will be the character of the work. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 15)

God has sent trials to His institutions to prove who will stand faithful under the temptation of the enemy. The Lord calls upon all who are connected with His work to draw nigh to Him. Those who have shown themselves ready to listen to the voice of a stranger rather than the voice of God have lost much. They have allowed their hearts to become perverted. But this does not annul one iota of their obligation to God. The burden rests upon them none the less because they have not from the true source gathered strength to bear it. They have loosened their hold on Christ, and have chosen a broken reed on which to lean. They have fallen into Satan’s snare. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 16)

For them there is only one way of escape, and that is to be afraid of themselves, to reject false principles and wrong theories, accepting the invitation, “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.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] Those who have been leavened by disaffection, have injured their own souls. We hope that they will quickly return to the Lord. Be sure that you have a clear conviction of sin, and then, through earnest prayer and soul-surrender, learn that in Christ alone are found holy aspirations. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 17)

Just before Christ left His disciples, He gave them important lessons. These lessons they did not comprehend, because they were not in accordance with their own ideas and plans. He told them what He must pass through, and how He must suffer many things, and then be crucified. But Peter rebuked Him, saying, “Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.” Peter had yet to learn that Christ, the Son of God, was the rejected stone, disallowed indeed of men, though chosen of God and precious. Christ exclaimed, “Get thee behind me, Satan; for thou savorest not the things which be of God, but the things which be of men.” [Matthew 16:22, 23.] These words were a rebuke to the tempter. “Get thee behind me, Satan,” Christ said. “Let Me come close to Peter. He must hear My voice.” (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 18)

Christ then proceeded to teach His disciples that all who would follow Him, instead of listening to the suggestions of the enemy and the temptation of the natural heart to spare self, and place self first, must educate themselves to practice self-denial and self-renunciation, to lift the cross and follow where Jesus has led the way. One step out of that way, even if it be to gain the world, is no gain. For what is a man profited if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? The world sinks into insignificance when compared to a human soul. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 19)

We must unite our interests with Christ, even though it be at a sacrifice. He sacrificed all for us. He gave His riches, His glory, His life, that we might gain immortality. Those who enter upon the work of reform need the help of the Holy Spirit to be self-denying, partaking of Christ’s sufferings that His important mission may be advanced. The age in which we live calls for all the ability, all the talents, that Christ’s followers possess. These abilities and talents come from God, and those to whom they have been given are under obligation to build up God’s centers in this world. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 20)

From these centers the light of truth is to go forth in various ways to those nigh and afar off. If human agents will walk humbly with God, pressing onward and upward, the Lord will use them as channels through which He can communicate light. If they are purged from all selfishness, if they have a continual desire to work for the glory of God, they will receive increased light from the Source of all light. But God cannot connect with those who give evidence that they live to please themselves, to make themselves first. He declares that those who do this will in the end be last of all. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 21)

Those who are faithful in that which is least will be faithful also in much. God will use those who show that they are self-sacrificing. He has not only entrusted much to man in order to test his loyalty, but He has taken him into co-partnership with Himself. By taking human nature, by making it possible for man to partake of the divine nature, and to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, through the power God has provided for him, Christ showed the heavenly universe and the unfallen worlds the estimate He places upon the human race. If man does not co-operate with Christ in the work of his own restoration, if he does not employ every faculty of mind, soul, and body in God’s service, that he may be a living channel of light, and reveal the restored image of God, he fails to fulfil God’s purpose. But if he does this, he demonstrates to a fallen world what the grace of God can do through Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 22)

Man is honored by being made a co-partner in God’s firm, by being accepted as a worker in the great centers He has established. Those who are thus privileged to be laborers together with God are not to be self-servers. By appointment, the Lord our Redeemer is heir of God, and those who are co-laborers with Him in the work of saving souls are joint heirs with Him. He is the Substitute and Surety for the human race. He has been anointed as head of the human family. He is our Leader, and all who receive Him by faith are co-laborers with Him in the reformatory work that is to be carried forward and upward to glorious victory. His appointment to human leadership was marked by a life of humiliation, self-denial, and self-sacrifice; and to such a life all His followers are appointed. Those who share in His life of self-denial and suffering will reign with Him in glory. To be an overcomer is to be placed in the ranks of those who have the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 23)

Only the Holy Spirit of God can quicken the perceptive faculties to discern these exalted mysteries. How man can be a counter part of Jesus Christ is beyond human comprehension. But the Holy Spirit can strengthen our spiritual eyesight, enabling us to see what our natural eyes cannot see, or our ears hear, or our minds comprehend. By the Spirit which searches all things, even the deep things of God, have been revealed precious truths which cannot be described by pen or voice. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 24)

If I have failed to present something of the importance with which God regards His institutions, as the centers through which He works in a special manner, may the Lord by His Spirit portray these things to your minds, that you may understand the difference between common and sacred service. By the appointment of centers, God designs to bring human beings into partnership with Himself, that humanity may touch humanity, and that man, controlled by the Holy Spirit may increase in knowledge, strengthening every principle of character according to the divine similitude. But the workers in our institutions have failed to fully understand their privileges and responsibilities. In consequence, self has been woven into the work, and has taken the place due to God. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 25)

Let all beware how they weave self-serving and self-pleasing into the work. If they do this, they dishonor God, and He cannot use them to His name’s glory. In His dealing with Nadab and Abihu, God has shown how He regards this. “Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein.” They performed the outward ceremony, but there was no virtue in their action. They had on the priestly attire, they had the censer, and they put fire and incense thereon; but it was not the sacred fire of God’s kindling, the representation of God’s connection with humanity. They took strange fire, which He had commanded them not to use. “And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified.” [Leviticus 10:1-3.] (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 26)

If the Lord should visit transgression now as He did then, there would be a very different state of things in His institutions. The managers of our institutions have not taught the workers by precept and example that the excellence of God is in all things to be made prominent; and church officers have failed to teach this in the churches. God’s standard must be uplifted. All must be made to see that our publishing institutions are of God’s appointment. Those who depreciate any one of them, representing it to the people as an inferior place, in order to serve their own interests, must render an account to God. The Lord designs that everything connected with His work shall be treated as sacred. I would impress on all that common fire is not to be used in place of the sacred, that common things must not be mingled with God’s appointed agencies. (11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, 27)

Lt 50, 1896

Israel, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
July 24, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister Israel:

I have words of encouragement to you from the Lord. Will you receive them, and heed the voice of God? (11LtMs, Lt 50, 1896, 1)

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] As our heavenly Father is perfect in His sphere, so also those for whom Christ has given His own life that they may not hopelessly perish, should be perfect through the grace of Christ in their humanity. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] In this expressed love, we are to believe for our individual selves, and live that belief, not in our own strength, but trusting in the efficiency and righteousness of Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 50, 1896, 2)

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” (1 John 4:9), “who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began; but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath ... brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2 Timothy 1:9, 10. The Lord wills not that any soul should perish. His mercies are without number; and He will not leave His purchased possession, that He has given His own life to ransom, to become the sport of Satan’s temptations. All heaven is given to those who believe in Jesus Christ as their present, personal Saviour. And no soul can dishonor God more than by claiming to believe the truth, and yet wearing the garments of mourning as though orphans. (11LtMs, Lt 50, 1896, 3)

“I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” [John 10:11.] “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them hath gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the wilderness, and seeketh that which is gone astray? and if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than over the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:11-14. (11LtMs, Lt 50, 1896, 4)

The Lord does not leave His wounded and bruised sheep to the power of Satan to be torn in pieces. He is ever strengthening His own when they are weak, and delivers the tried and tempted ones from the enemy’s power. The Lord Jesus never forsakes any soul that puts [his] trust in Him, and those who claim to be sons and daughters of God must trust in Jesus always. To do otherwise is to disown that He loves us, and by going depressed, covering ourselves with garments of heaviness and mourning, we make a very bad representation of Christ. We virtually say, “Our Lord is a hard, tyrannical Master.” This is dishonoring and misrepresenting the precious Saviour, who gave His own life that He might make it possible for all to believe on Him, and confide entirely in His interest and love for sinful man. (11LtMs, Lt 50, 1896, 5)

“He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” Psalm 72:12. “I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.” Isaiah 27:3. You do great injustice to my Saviour when you walk as though in the shadow of darkness. You are never to walk in the fire and sparks of your own kindling, subject to feelings and emotions. They that follow me “shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.] There is a positive promise. Now if you are following another leader than Christ, who is light and truth, and life, leave that leader at once, and follow Jesus, the light of the world. Is the Lord pleased to have you tossed about as the restless waves of the sea? No! No! I tell you, He bids you, be strengthened, stablished, rooted, and grounded, and built up in the most holy faith. “Ye are not your own.” [1 Corinthians 6:19.] (11LtMs, Lt 50, 1896, 6)

You are bought with a price which cannot be estimated. Then your owner is God, the mighty God, and the price is paid. Look to the cross of Calvary. This fluctuating between hope and fear hurts the heart of Christ, who hath given you unmistakable evidence of His love, and hath chosen you. “Ye have not chosen me,” saith Jesus; “but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” [John 15:16.] (11LtMs, Lt 50, 1896, 7)

In much love to yourself, and husband, and Jessie. (11LtMs, Lt 50, 1896, 8)

Lt 51, 1896

Israel, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Avondale, Australia
March 28, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister Israel:

The Word of God is given me to you, “We are laborers together with God” in working out your own salvation, and the achievements of personal religion. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Whenever the human agent accomplishes anything, it is in co-operation with God, in obedience to His Word. God works through His agencies, and man works in harmony with God. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you, to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] This is encouragement to you. It is His divine theory to guide you in all His plans, to do His good pleasure in His service. Declaim not against your inefficiency and defects of character. Jesus says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] (11LtMs, Lt 51, 1896, 1)

The human agent is to receive Christ as his personal Saviour. Jesus loves you. He will manifest Himself unto you. You are not to feel you are presumptuous in laying your hand in the hand of Jesus Christ, or in saying, “He is my Saviour. I receive the clear teaching of His Word. I will not try to manage this matter in my own strength, or in my own way. I take the Word of God as the voice of God speaking to me.” The Lord says to you, “Ye must be a laborer together with me.” Unless you co-operate with Him, He cannot work for your present and eternal good. You must talk faith and hope and courage. You must live by faith, not by feeling. (11LtMs, Lt 51, 1896, 2)

God has given you moral powers and religious susceptibilities. He hath delivered up His own Son as a propitiation for our sins. He is our Redeemer. He manifests to us the light, the truth, and the way, and He requires you to fulfill the Scripture, “Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the light of my countenance and my God.” [Psalm 42:11.] The Lord gives you His Holy Spirit, and supplies providential opportunities and facilities for the training of your mind. This is done independently of you, and the matter will end here, unless when tempted you draw nigh to God, and co-operate with Him by believing that He saves you now, whatever may have been your past history. (11LtMs, Lt 51, 1896, 3)

Grasp the promise. Forget the things that are behind, and lay hold of the Word of promise: “I will manifest myself unto you,” “I will come unto you,” and “abide with you.” [John 14:21, 23; 15:4.] You must work, and God will work. The work He requires of you is to believe in Jesus Christ whom He has sent to save you. Your soul is of value with God. You must pray and believe and obey. You must be a laborer together with God, for it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. (11LtMs, Lt 51, 1896, 4)

Jesus loves you. He gave His precious life that you should not perish, but have everlasting life. Then lift up your eyes to Jesus. “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] When despair would seem to sweep over your soul, continue to look to Jesus, and say, Get thee behind me Satan, I will have naught to do with thee. I hang my helpless soul upon Jesus Christ. He liveth to make intercession for me. My soul is precious in His sight. He that looks with interest upon the little brown sparrow, looketh upon me. Not a sparrow falleth to the ground without the notice of your heavenly Father, and if He thus notices the birds, how much more will He care for you who is formed in His image? He gave Jesus to be a propitiation for your sins, and not for yours only, but for the sins of the whole world. Now believe, and trust in Him, and talk faith. The spell is broken. Christ hath spoken, “Peace be unto you.” “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but in me ye shall have peace.” [John 16:33.] (11LtMs, Lt 51, 1896, 5)

In much love I send you these lines. Believe and act upon them. (11LtMs, Lt 51, 1896, 6)

Lt 52, 1896

Israel, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
June 22, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister Israel:

The word I have for you this morning is, “The Lord Jehovah is ours, in Him is everlasting strength.” [See Isaiah 26:4.] Then comes forth a burst of praise mingled with humility, “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy and thy truth’s sake.” [Psalm 115:1.] The Lord expects His children for whom He is doing so much to respond to the weighty evidence He has given them of the great love and mercy He has manifested unto them. When their faith is tried, the enemies of God and of His people watch them critically to see if there is not a chance for Satan to wedge himself in with his great temptations. Where is now your God? Will the children of God for whom He has done so much answer in cheerful, trustful words, “Our God is in the heavens; He hath done and will do whatsoever He hath pleased”? The contrast is then made plain in response to the scornful retort. “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.” [Verses 3, 4.] And then is repeated the useless dependence that they have in their idols. Will the chosen people of God look in faith to the Source of all might and power, and sing of the mercies of God? (11LtMs, Lt 52, 1896, 1)

All were called upon—the house of Aaron, and those who feared the Lord—to trust in the Lord, to prove their immortal principles, for God was their help and their shield. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth them out of them all.” [Psalm 34:19.] All their troubles and trials but conform them to their Lord and Master. They prove the eternal principles which the love of God, the love of truth, has planted in their hearts. (11LtMs, Lt 52, 1896, 2)

Then comes from the Psalmist, and from the voices of the assembled people in holy song of praise, “The Lord hath been mindful of us; He will bless us.” “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” “I will praise thee, O Lord; with my whole heart will I show forth thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee. I will sing praise to Thy name, O thou Most High.” [Psalm 115:12; 23:1-3; 9:1, 2.] Israel had not a cold and severe judge in their God, whom the little mind of man could not take hold upon. In order to reveal God as He is, full of mercy and truth, He gave Jesus to our world to represent the love of the Father, that in the person of Christ there might be a sure representative for their faith to grasp, the only begotten Son of the infinite God, the manifested brightness of His glory, the express image of His person. That God, the great Ruler of the universe, had a deep interest in every home, to help, to bless, to cheer, to strengthen. Then let us believe and love and trust Him. (11LtMs, Lt 52, 1896, 3)

Lt 52a, 1896

Israel, Sister
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
April 21, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister Israel:

I am writing to you, keeping my promise. And the Word of God is full of rich assurance and most precious promises. You ought to have more faith in God than in any human being. He loves you with a love greater than the love of a mother for her child. The Word of God declares a mother may forget her sucking child, yet I will not forget you. It is your privilege to rest in the love of Jesus for salvation, in the fullest, surest, noblest manner; and say, He receives me, He loves me; I will trust Him, for He gave His precious life to save me, and He does save every one who wants to be saved, and who believes in Him as their personal Saviour. And you can, in this growing and increasing, bear to the world the surest evidence of the truth of the Word of God, because you consent to be saved, you consent to let Jesus take away all your sins. (11LtMs, Lt 52a, 1896, 1)

There is nothing that can dispel doubt more than coming into contact with the character of Christ. He hath said it: “He that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out” [John 6:37], that is, there is no possibility for Me to cast out, for I have given them My pledged word. I will receive them, I will manifest Myself to them. When you talk faith and practice faith, you are bearing a living testimony of the truthfulness of the Word of God. (11LtMs, Lt 52a, 1896, 2)

Is Jesus true? Does He mean what He says? Answer decidedly, Yes, every word. Then if you have settled that, you may by faith grasp every precious promise, and receive [it], and be blessed, for this acceptance by faith gives life to the soul today. Is Jesus true to His word? You can answer that question in your own individual case, believing He is true to you, even if you feel yourself to be the weakest and most unworthy. All your dark brooding doubts are scattered back upon the archdeceiver who originated them. In Satan is deception, is guile. Christ is truth, and in His mouth is found no guile. (11LtMs, Lt 52a, 1896, 3)

Christ came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many. His own divine power and Godhead given for Me? Yes. He declared, “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father. I and my Father are one.” [John 14:9; John 10:30.] When challenged by the high priest, “I adjure thee by the living God that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God,” Jesus saith unto him, “Thou hast said.” The high priest knew just what that saying comprehended, and he turned and said, “He hath spoken blasphemy.” [Matthew 26:63-65.] Bear all this in your mind. The Saviour whom I know you love, is behind all His words, for His words are truth. Now look at His character, believe His words. Amid insult and scorn and mockery and rejection and shame is He not without guile? Then rest in His words of love, and honor Him by your faith. (11LtMs, Lt 52a, 1896, 4)

Lt 52b, 1896

Ings, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 7, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in FBS 71.
Dear Sister Ings:

I received your letter, and read it with pleasure. I cannot write much now, as the books so essential to be gotten out need my time. The Life of Christ needs to be out. One is now ready for publication, and the other must have my time at once. I cannot leave here for Africa or America until these books are completed. (11LtMs, Lt 52b, 1896, 1)

You speak about the goods sent to me. I did think it was strange that such a mess of things were sent that I never sent for. Crockery of any common order should never be sent so far. Goblets such as we have in America are never seen here. In the place of putting a few choice things in the drawers with the rolls of cotton, things were packed in a very careless manner, and were smashed all to pieces. I did not send for the bedsteads. The marble slabs cost a great deal to transport, and those immense walnut bedsteads should never have been sent. I sent for my wicker chairs that are light and easily transported, but they never came. I do not know who packed these goods. The largest mirror sent was broken into many pieces. Instead of being put securely between boards, these looking glasses were packed back to back in such a way that they would have broken had they been sent but a short distance. But all this is, I think, of small account. (11LtMs, Lt 52b, 1896, 2)

I may be back to America, but cannot tell. I want to have clear light. My memory is good, my mind clear, and my health better than it has been for many years. All who came up to Cooranbong are doing excellently well healthwise. (11LtMs, Lt 52b, 1896, 3)

Ella and Mabel are useful, industrious girls. The other day I went in where May Lacey White lives close by us, and Ella was just taking out of the oven five or six loaves of nicely baked bread. These she had made herself. They do not find much time for play. Mabel is keen in perception. She understands what is wanted and is ever ready to think and supply the forgetfulness of others. Both have grown wonderfully since coming to Australia. Ella weighs one hundred seven and a half pounds. She has gained twenty-four pounds since leaving San Francisco. Mabel has not been weighed, but she is nearly as large as Ella. They have outgrown all their clothing, are robust and solid in flesh, cheeks red, and show unmistakable improvements in their entire physical structure. (11LtMs, Lt 52b, 1896, 4)

You speak of warm weather. We had a few warm days in December and in January. These are not melting days. I never was in a climate more even and healthful than New South Wales. New Zealand is also beautiful. I enjoyed it there, but Cooranbong has a beautiful, healthful climate. (11LtMs, Lt 52b, 1896, 5)

There is but little sickness here, and no physician living in Cooranbong, for there is scarcely anything for one to do. We were much worried to know how we would get along with May Lacey White’s confinement. We thought we would have to send to Sydney or Newcastle or else send her down to Sydney, but Willie consulted the physician in Newcastle, twenty-five miles from Cooranbong. He said there was a woman who attended such cases, and since she had come to Cooranbong he had never had a call to that place. He assured us that we could trust any case in her hands. We did as we were told, and all went off splendidly. (11LtMs, Lt 52b, 1896, 6)

The nurse knew that there were two children to be born, but she wisely kept the knowledge to herself until the first child was born. May then said, “I am so thankful that I am through.” “But,” said Mrs. D., “there is another child to be born.” Sure enough, W. C. White has twin boys. The first born weighed six pounds and a half, and the second five pounds and a half. I have never seen infants with such perfectly round heads. Their foreheads are prominent and perfect in shape. (11LtMs, Lt 52b, 1896, 7)

Sara was with May White all the time, and took charge of her. The nurse came only twice after the children were born. The babies are now one month and one day old. They are very good children, and yet May has her hands full, for both require attention at once. (11LtMs, Lt 52b, 1896, 8)

Mabel has given away both her dolls. She says she does not want dolls now, for she has two living dolls to take care of. The little girls are so much pleased they do not know how to express themselves. (11LtMs, Lt 52b, 1896, 9)

We would be much pleased to have you and your husband come to Australia. We have no fog here, except occasionally there may be a little mist, but it lasts only a few hours and then the sky is clear again. I think it would be a blessing healthwise for you to be here. I cannot tell you how much Sara has gained, but she was never so fleshy in all her life as now. I have no rheumatism here. We are surrounded by a variety of gum trees, and these may help us healthwise. (11LtMs, Lt 52b, 1896, 10)

Our home is on a cleared spot of land in the forest. If you decide to come, we will be more than pleased to see you, and will link up with you as of old. I think the school would like to have a matron and a good cook. Do you know of a superior cook whom you could recommend? (11LtMs, Lt 52b, 1896, 11)

At present we have in our family Marian Davis, Eliza Burnham, Sarah Belden, Sara McEnterfer, May Israel, Brother Connell, Edith Ward, and Maggie Hare. Sarah Belden does the cooking. Edith Ward is a little girl fourteen years old. She washes the floors, cleans the vegetables, washes the dishes, etc. She is active, willing, and very helpful. We like her very much. May Israel is my book-keeper, and Maggie Hare is my stenographer. Fannie’s health has failed, and she leaves us today for America. Brother Connell is our hired man, as faithful as the day is long, a young man of good, solid sense. (11LtMs, Lt 52b, 1896, 12)

Just now we are much perplexed over the question of means. We want to commence the school here, and I have sent to Africa for the loan of some money on which I will pay interest. We cannot go on with our school building unless we have means. We are hoping and praying that the Lord will open the way for the school buildings to go up, but we shall need to do all in our power to keep things in operation. Camp meetings must be held in the suburbs of our large cities. This does more for our work and its advancement than any other kind of labor, as the influence is felt by so large a number. (11LtMs, Lt 52b, 1896, 13)

Lt 53, 1896

Johnson, Brother
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, Australia
June 29, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in Ev 499.
Dear Brother Johnson:

I received a letter from a sister in Stockholm, in regard to sister Ekman, stating her case to be still comfortless. I send this letter to you, asking you to translate it, and send it to her. I hope it may be blessed to her good. I also send you copies of letters which I have written to one in a condition of similar discouragement. These you are at liberty to translate for the benefit of our afflicted sister. I am deeply sorry for this dear soul, and I believe that she will be delivered from the temptations of Satan. (11LtMs, Lt 53, 1896, 1)

“Who is among you that feareth the Lord? that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.” [Isaiah 50:10.] (11LtMs, Lt 53, 1896, 2)

“Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth forever.” [2 Chronicles 20:20, 21.] (11LtMs, Lt 53, 1896, 3)

These are the words of God. If there was much more praising the Lord, and far less doleful recitations of discouragements, many more victories would be achieved. These words are for our encouragement. We are not to talk darkness and doubt. This was a singular way of going to battle against the enemy’s army—praising the Lord with singing, and exalting the Lord God of Israel. This was their battle song. They praised the beauty of holiness. Do you not think that if more of this was done now, hope and courage and faith would be strengthened? Would not this strengthen the hands of the valiant soldiers who today are standing in defense of truth? Would not the voice uttering the praises of God uplift? The inspiration of the Holy Spirit proceeding from God leads us to say, “Praise ye the Lord; for his mercy endureth forever.” [Verse 21.] (11LtMs, Lt 53, 1896, 4)

“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord.” Then what shall we do when brought into strait places, when the warfare shall become decided, as it now is in many places, to oppress the people of God? Shall we not seek the Lord most earnestly? Should there not be unity of purpose, our prayers going forth from unfeigned lips? “And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the Lord; even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.” [Verses 3, 4.] Read the prayer of Jehoshaphat. The entire chapter is one we need to study. In this chapter there is light and courage. But there are no words of encouragement to those who are unbelieving and refuse the message of God for His people. (11LtMs, Lt 53, 1896, 5)

“Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets; so shall ye prosper.” [Verse 20.] There is no time now to refuse to hear the messages of warning and encouragement which God sends to His servants. There is no time now to sow the seeds of doubt and criticism, and [to] murmur and complain. We must encourage faith, having full and entire trust in God. In the place of complaining, praise God, the beauty of holiness, and say, Praise God; for His mercy endureth for ever. (11LtMs, Lt 53, 1896, 6)

From the light which the Lord has given me, there is not all that faith exercised among our people in the churches in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark that there should be. There is need of much larger faith, far less talking of unbelief, far less murmuring and complaining, and far greater humbling of the soul before God. The least expression of doubt is a seed sown. (11LtMs, Lt 53, 1896, 7)

In the name of the Lord I bear you a message. In the place of sullen unbelief, in the place of weakening the faith of others by leavening them with unbelief, let the words of the king Jehoshaphat be heard as if spoken to you. “Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” [Verse 20.] Praise the beauty of holiness, as you meet opposition and falsehood and error of every stripe and type, let not lying reports find a lodgment in [the] minds of those who have the precious light of truth. Lift up your hearts in thanksgiving. Praise the Lord; for His mercy endureth for ever. (11LtMs, Lt 53, 1896, 8)

If you talk unbelief, you will have unbelief, plenty of it. Sowing unbelief, the murmuring against the Lord, is murmuring against His servants. All who do this are preparing a harvest they will not care to garner. All the darkness possible, I am pained to say, will be pressed in upon the people of God. This darkness will come through human agents who claim to believe the truth. The very ones who have had light and evidence have not cherished this light, and have no heart to receive the evidence. They gather darkness about their souls, and dwell in darkness. They make doubt and unbelief the atmosphere surrounding their souls. But the time has come for those who are deceived by these agents to turn their faces away from the darkness to the light. I have words for you. Turn ye away from every deceptive, falsifying influence, and face the light. Talk light; come into actual, personal contact with Jesus Christ, that you may surround yourself with an influence that is uplifting and reviving. While some men and women love to talk disagreeable unbelief, let those who [are] in the service of Christ come to the source and center of light. Then they will not live apart from Christ, and lead others to the enemy’s ground. (11LtMs, Lt 53, 1896, 9)

Christ is love, not hatred and variance, but love. Life and truth dwell in this atmosphere. Think the thoughts and do the acts of Christ. Express the feelings of Christ, which will be a communication of Himself. It is the working of His Holy Spirit, and the innermost soul is drawn out after Christ, and lays hold, and becomes possessed of the Spirit of Christ. Then we work in Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 53, 1896, 10)

I beseech you, and all our ministering brethren, to talk faith. Put away doubts yourselves, and be representatives of Christ to others. Talk faith. Believe His prophets, receive His light from his servants. (11LtMs, Lt 53, 1896, 11)

I send you this because I am warned of danger and darkness. A dark cloud is settling over all who do not believe. Turn your faces to the Sun of Righteousness, and praise the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 53, 1896, 12)

In much love. (11LtMs, Lt 53, 1896, 13)

Lt 54, 1896

Kellogg, J. H.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
July 10, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in CD 110, 291-292; SpM 30-33.
Dr. J. H. Kellogg
Battle Creek, Michigan
Dear Brother:

I am up this morning at three o’clock. At nine the mail must leave Cooranbong. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 1)

Several times I have been in gatherings of our people where yourself and Elder Olsen were present, and I have a message from the Lord to you, and to all assembled. I have not time this morning to present but a few matters. I fear I can never write the words as I spoke them. There was danger on the right hand, and on the left, that should be considered and realized. The matter, as it was opened to me, demands more time than I can now command. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 2)

One was standing in your midst that is never absent from any of your assemblies. He spoke to you. Laying His hand on your shoulder, He said, in substance, these words: God will be with you while your heart is humble, contrite, and wholly with Him. But he that exalteth himself shall be humbled. The work you have been entrusted to do cannot be successfully performed unless the great Physician stands by your side. You must work in harmony with Him, having your heart deeply stirred with human sympathy. You cut into the human flesh that you may sever the diseased portion to save future suffering, and death. One who is under the tender influence of the Spirit of God, will not, through familiarity of practice, quench the tide of human sympathy and fellow feeling that should ever be kept alive in his heart. A more than human power presides to repeatedly kindle afresh, as the case may demand, the Divine tenderness for human suffering, that so oft comes to his hands for counsel and relief. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 3)

Will you consider that on every occasion there is an object lesson before you in regard to the Lord’s dealings with His people? Often He has to cause pain in pruning away the unhealthy growth of temporal and secular interests, which are endangering the heart and character for eternity. God works with no wanton hands and indifferent heart; but it is in love to the human agent that He prunes and cuts away the growth which will become of such proportions as to endanger the health and life of the soul. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 4)

Be attentive to the spiritual and eternal interests. You are gathering too many responsibilities, and this is making your work, in many respects, defective. Some branches will be overgrown, others left to become sickly and enfeebled. While you are doing an important work, bring to your side co-workers. Educate, educate, educate. Secular business, that will tell on your mental and physical strength, is absorbing your thoughts, and taxing your mind and energies. You must not presume to load down so heavily, for you are but mortal man. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 5)

Your conscience must ever be kept clean and tender and true. There are those associated with you that should ever have kept before them their aptness and inclination to use poisonous drugs, that kill if they do not cure. The light that God has given upon the subject of disease and its causes needs to be dwelt upon largely, for it is the wrong habits of indulgence of appetite and careless, reckless inattention to properly care for the body that tell upon people. Habits of cleanliness, care in regard to that which is introduced into the mouth, should be observed. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 6)

You are to make no prescriptions that flesh meats shall never be used, but you are to educate the mind, and let the light shine in. Let the individual conscience be awakened in regard to self-preservation and self-purity from every perverted appetite. The variety of food at one meal causes unpleasantness, and destroys the good which each article, if taken alone, would do the system. This practice causes constant suffering, and often, death. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 7)

You have too little care, and feel too lightly, the burden of providing an orderly, ample repast for your workers. They are the ones who need an abundance of fresh, wholesome provision. They are constantly taxed; their vitality must be preserved. Their principles should be educated. They, of all in the Sanitarium, should be abundantly furnished with the best and most wholesome, strength-giving food. The table of your helpers should be furnished, not with meat, but with an abundant supply of good fruit, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a nice, wholesome way. Your neglect to do this has increased your income at altogether too great an expense to the strength and souls of your workers. This has not pleased the Lord. The influence of the entire fare does not recommend your principles to those that sit at the helper’s table. If they are worthy to compose your family, they are worthy of the very best and most strength-giving diet, that seeds will not be planted in their breasts which will germinate and bring forth a harvest to the dishonor of God. But this has been done; and this must have attention. Equality must be practiced as well as talked. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 8)

That God who gave His only begotten Son to die for the redemption of the sinful race will not approve the management of the table for the workers at the Sanitarium. The money saved by limiting the table supplies, by not providing fresh, wholesome food, and not taking pains to get a variety at one meal, but to provide odds and ends, is a loss. The ones who give the treatment and care for the sick men and women are taxed in their labor, and must have greater privileges than have been given them if their hearts are to be kept from temptation and corruption. This line of work has been neglected. Let the education be given, line upon line, precept upon precept, that we are all servants. All work done is serving ministers of the gospel. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 9)

All the servants of God are to be respected, loved, cared for. They are servants who work in caring for the sick, who need to have vital force to do their work intelligently and thoroughly and with good cheer in their hearts. All the time they are to feel that their labors are appreciated, and that they must ever be kind, cheerful, hopeful, full of faith, having words that they can speak to poor, suffering ones. While all gossiping and talking should be avoided, because much conversation worries the sick, words should be spoken of the blessed Saviour, His love and tenderness, the compassion He has for the suffering ones. This will have a soothing influence upon the afflicted souls. They will feel that the One watching over them is tender and faithful and sympathetic. This is one important position which God has given them in comforting the oppressed ones, in speaking a few words to the Lord in prayer in their behalf. Angels of God will help such souls, and will strengthen and bless those who are ministering unto them. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 10)

All your helpers need encouragement in their work. Those who have a class of work to do,which is not pleasing to their natural feelings, need encouragement; they need to keep their souls uplifted. They need to feel that every provision is made for them to supply the food prepared for them. They are not to be regarded as menials, but as workers to keep the institution in such order that angels of God will be pleased with the fidelity of every worker. The institution is kept and upheld by the workers, and there can be no indifferent laxness on their part. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 11)

There should be no lording it over God’s heritage, for those who do the most disagreeable work, out of love for God, are as precious in His sight as those in higher positions of trust. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] There can be no neglect in regard to the duties you owe to these souls, who are workers, without the disapproval and condemnation of God. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 12)

I present these things to you that you may make a decided change in this order of things. There are many things that need to be corrected and made wholesome and beautiful, so that the angels of God may not see preference for one and dishonor to another. Eating of the flesh of dead animals is deleterious to the health of the body, and all who use a meat diet are increasing their animal passions and are lessening their susceptibility of the soul to realize the force of truth and the necessity of its being brought into their practical life. This meat eating question needs to be guarded. When one changes from the stimulating diet of meat eating to the fruit and vegetable diet, there will always be at first a sense of weakness and of lack of vitality, and many urge this as an argument for the necessity of a meat diet. But this result is the very argument that should be used in discarding a meat diet. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 13)

The change should not be urged to be made abruptly, especially for those who are taxed with continuous labor. Let the conscience be educated, the will energized, and the change can be made much more readily and willingly. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 14)

The consumptives who are going steadily down to the grave should not make particular changes in this respect, but care should be exercised to obtain the meat of healthy animals as can be found. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 15)

Persons with tumors running their life away should not be burdened with the question as to whether they should leave meat eating or not. Be careful to make no stringent resolutions in regard to this matter. It will not help the case to force changes, but will do injury to the non-meat-eating principles. Give lectures in the parlor. Educate the mind, but force no one, for such reformation made under a pressure is worthless, and will surely go back to [a] meat-eating diet. Enlighten the mind that God would be pleased to have the body free from disease. The greatest cause of disease is in the food taken into the system in large meat eating. When you remove the meat from the table, you have a work to do to substitute articles of food tasteful and appetizing in fruits and grains. Meat will soon be forgotten in arousing the conscience and the determined will brought into action. There is to be no forcing the mind, but educating it to view the subject from a right standpoint. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 16)

There needs to be presented to all students and physicians, and by them to others, that the whole animal creation is more or less diseased. Diseased meat is not rare, but common. Every phase of disease is brought into the human system through subsisting upon the flesh of dead animals. The feebleness and weakness consequent upon change from a meat diet will soon be overcome, and physicians ought to understand that they should not make the stimulus of meat eating essential for health and strength. All who leave it alone intelligently, after becoming accustomed to the change, will have health of sinews and muscles. More again. (11LtMs, Lt 54, 1896, 17)

Lt 55, 1896

Kellogg, Brother and Sister [J. H.]
Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia
November 14, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 1MR 146-150.
Dear Brother and Sister Kellogg:

Our second conference meeting has just been held in New South Wales, and the blessing of the Lord rested upon those assembled. Many more came together than we supposed would come. The churches have all been represented. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 1)

We were rejoiced to see Brother Radley at this meeting. He came on Sunday, and remained until the meeting closed, Wednesday. We have felt great anxiety for him. His wife embraced the truth first, and he came along more slowly. He was very cautious in regard to committing himself. We visited him, and saw that he was a man of few words, and seldom attended our meetings. I talked with him personally in regard to his responsibilities as a husband and father. He has two boys, little lads, and three girls. All are interesting, and at an age when they need the leading and guiding of a father. The mother has done the best she could. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 2)

We held meetings at Brother Radley’s house, but he manifested so little interest in them that they were discontinued. His heart was not inclined to fully accept the faith. But I talked with him as though he were fully with us, presenting before him his responsibilities for his neighbors. I said, “You have the light of truth, and you have a work to do to enlighten others. You love to read. Study, then, for time and for eternity. The time which any of us have to work is short. We must act our part in the service of God.” I told him what he could do to advance the knowledge of the truth. He assented to it all by a mere response. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 3)

This was in 1894. Brother Starr was with me. After we left he said, “I was surprised to hear you talk to him as though he were fully with us. If he himself does not work on the Sabbath, his hired help works.” I answered, “I talked to him just in the right way. I presented to him his high obligations to God in point of influence, laying the matter before him as one who should stand in the gap and make up the hedge, and raise the Sabbath of the fourth commandment to its exalted standard.” (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 4)

He felt himself far from deserving the confidence I placed in him. We prayed with the family, and had the precious blessing of the Lord. Thus from time to time we visited him, and he always treated us courteously, but did not fully identify himself with us. Yet I always talked with him as one who knew and loved the truth, always laying out plans with him whereby he might be a laborer together with God. I told him that our responsibility and accountability to God was the strongest and most powerful of all motives that should lead us to obtain the very best kind of knowledge, the highest education. If he gained this, he could help other minds with a force proportionate to his intelligence and his religious devotion, and be a bright and shining light to his neighborhood. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 5)

I said to him, “Brother Radley, the Lord wants you to co-operate with Him. You have a large orange, lemon, and peach orchard, and other fruit. You are giving these time and attention, that they may bear fruit, and not disappoint you. Well, you are God’s husbandry; you are God’s building, and He looks to you to be His human agent, through whom He can communicate truth to others. He will use you, through the strongest principles of your mental and moral capabilities, to reach other minds. At this period of your life, while your mind is yet vigorous and susceptible to the influence of His grace, God calls for you. Any selfish influence to which you give your mind will soon contract the intellect and harden the heart.” (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 6)

I begged him to improve his talents. I asked him if he had Patriarchs and Prophets and Great Controversy. He said no, but that they were in the library, and he was intending to get them, and read them. Then I remarked that I had never yet seen them on his table. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 7)

He lived eleven miles from Granville, and I seldom saw him at meeting in the little church at Castle Hill, which was about seven miles from where he lived. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 8)

One night the Lord gave me a message for him, and I arose at midnight and wrote out page after page. I knew the Lord was calling for him. I sent the message to him, to be read to him and his neighbor, Brother Whiteman, who was in a similar position, tempted and allured away from the truth. Brother McCullagh, I think it was, read the matter to him, and he said, “Why did she write such a communication to me? I am not a believer. I do not want to separate from my neighbors. I cannot displease those with whom I have lived for twenty years.” (I think it was.) (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 9)

I told Brother McCullagh to leave the message with him. His case was again urged upon me. I said, “What can I do more, Lord; he will not receive the light. What can I do?” I was directed to do one thing more—to place my books in his hand as a gift, first, Steps to Christ, then Patriarchs and Prophets, then Great Controversy. I did this, and he read Patriarchs and Prophets through three times, and said that he could not find one sentence in it to criticize. It was all just as it should be. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 10)

When I placed Great Controversy in his hands, he objected to taking it, saying that there was one in the library that he could get. I said, “Never mind. I want to place this in your family as your very own, that it may be a blessing to you, and to your children. The Lord has given me light, and I mean that all shall have that light, if possible.” He accepted the gift. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 11)

I had been shown that we become too easily discouraged over the souls who do not seem to take hold at once. But those who minister must not fail nor be discouraged. Christian motives demand us to act with a steady purpose, and undying interest, and an ever increasing importunity for the souls whom Satan is seeking to destroy. No disappointment, no outward appearance, can chill the earnest, yearning energy for the salvation of others. The Holy Spirit’s efficacy will co-operate with human effort, and that love flows forth upon the soul for whom Christ has died with an inexhaustible interest, for we have an inexhaustible source upon which to depend. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 12)

I have given Brother Radley Christian Education, and Christian Temperance. I have sent to Battle Creek and ordered the Review, Sabbath School Worker, Sentinel, and Youth’s Instructor, to be sent to Brethren Radley, Whiteman, and Thomson, and asked to have this charged to me. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 13)

It would be difficult for a mind to continue in resistance to all these efforts, and O how happy I am to state that Brother Radley has come out, decided, firm, and true. He is now one of the leaders in the Castle Hill Church, and is growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He enjoys the meetings. His heart, I believe, is warming to the enterprise of building up the work. With all his powers of soul and influence, he gladly co-operates in this great work of highest importance. We now expect that benevolence, and an earnest desire to do good to other souls, will take the place of worldliness and narrow selfishness. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 14)

As the love of God enlists all the energies and the stability of Christian principles on the side of unselfish, persevering work for the Master, Brother Radley will be an instrument in the hands of God for saving the souls of his children, and filing them under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel. And their influence will extend beyond his own family to his neighbors. As he works, God will work with him, and furnish his soul with more than human efficiency. The mind will become inventive, vigilant, and a power to win others. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 15)

I have placed this case before you in full, in order that you may know the manner in which I have worked. This we have done in many cases, with the best results. We have kept reading matter before those who are unsettled. Yet temptations are so strong that they will not yield to truth. Brother Radley has a large orchard, which is profitable to him. In this section of the country there is no one believing the truth who is so well situated as Brother Radley. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 16)

I have been giving reading matter to the postmaster in Cooranbong. In the absence of the minister he takes his place. During the Institute we held last April, he was convicted of the truth; but a minister who seems to be a second Canright came in with all his false statements and theories, and created such a state of things that those who had been interested, turned their ears from truth to fables. I have also given the station master Great Controversy, and some books for his children, and have supplied other families with books and papers. This reading matter may do them good sometime. The light must be introduced into families by reading matter if we cannot get them to come and hear. I am glad to say that as a result of our labors in Cooranbong and vicinity, several families are now keeping the Sabbath. We hope to do more visiting when we return home. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 17)

There has been a decided interest manifested at the conference we have just held. The question of a Health Home has been up, and many questions were asked. We tried to lay the matter before them in its true light. I was glad to have it presented, as I had considerable to say on the subject. Difficulties present themselves. We would be so much pleased if Brother and Sister Caro were calculated to move economically. But from that which has been revealed to me, Brother Caro has hereditary tendencies to extravagant expenditure of means. He does not look upon it in this light. But I have worked with all the powers that the Lord has given me to counteract the tendencies to indulgence in selfish ideas to use up money, as we see is done in this country, so that those who embrace the truth shall be converted on this point. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 18)

Many are learning, by precept and example given them, to be careful, to study how to limit their wants, and to be missionaries in every sense of the word. But it is a difficult lesson for them to practice. The necessity to keep up appearances is urged, and I know this has swallowed up means which the Lord would have used in advancing different lines of the work. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 19)

The students sent from New Zealand have had the idea that they must have money in order to be gentlemen. But had they studied deeper, they would have seen that the things which they desired would not make them Christian gentlemen. Christ was a gentleman after the divine order. He was a missionary of the highest type; He was also the greatest teacher the world ever knew in the higher education. After working a miracle to feed five thousand, besides women and children, with five loaves and two small fishes; after all wants were abundantly supplied, He said, “Gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost.” [John 6:12.] The gathering up the fragments are lessons that all who follow Christ must learn. He is the express image of His Father’s person. We are estimated by the value of our perfect obedience to the Word. Those who feel poor in spirit are rich in value with God. Those who work in new fields must have the spirit of self-sacrifice. There must be a daily consecration of soul, body, and spirit to God. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 20)

I submit this to you because it is right that you should understand how we are situated. We want a physician very much indeed. But if we should say to those who have not learned the lessons of economy, “Come right along, and we will find a place for you,” and then see debts accumulating, who will be the one who will have to carry the load, the censure? It will be the one who has charge of the conference. By allowing debts to accumulate, he may destroy his usefulness. It may be that after having learned in the school of Christ, Brother Caro and his wife will be willing to wear the yoke of Christ, and to receive His teaching, to be meek and lowly in heart. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 21)

We must take the people where they are. We must be an example to them of how to dress, how to be temperate in their eating and in all their practices, lest those who are lame and feeble in their experience shall be turned out of the way. Many souls have educated themselves to want to make a show. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 22)

I work hard, and more hours than many would work, but I bind about my wants. I will not let intemperate tastes lead me to needlessly expend the Lord’s money. Some stand ready to murmur at every demand upon them; they refuse to deny self for Christ’s sake. They dispute every inch of ground that conscience and the Word of God compels them to take in advance, and they stand on a line of worldly self-gratification and selfish indulgence that puts their salvation in constant jeopardy. They are professors, but they do not come out from the world to be separate, or acknowledge themselves as the property of Jesus Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 23)

We do not dare to encourage anyone to come to our help who will confirm the intemperate desires of the people. We are living now where all classes are taking sides, and it is the most solemn, awful moment of this earth’s history. Not a soul will stand in the great day of trial just before us whose whole life has been made up of self-pleasing, who has made smooth and easy places for themselves. I point all such to the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, who laid aside His kingly crown, His royal robe, and stepped down from His exalted throne, clothed His divinity with humanity, and for our sake became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. All we plead is that Christ is our example in all things. He is the One in whom our eternal interests are centered. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 24)

Christ condescended to take human nature that He might walk with us, that in associating with humanity, we might receive the glory (character) that God gave Him. The very poorest one on earth who will deny self, lift the cross, and come after Him may receive His glory. If they do not follow Him in the transformation of the entire being, how can they follow Him in the regeneration? How can they receive the moral image of God and see His face? (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 25)

In these hours of probation, we are deciding our future eternal destiny. We have opportunity furnished us to cultivate earnest, refined piety, and unreserved self-sacrifice, because nothing less than this will make us complete in the similitude of Christ’s image, and constitute us the lights of the world. We are honored with the privilege of becoming co-partners with Jesus Christ in the great firm of heaven, heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus, anointed with the Anointed One, ministers appointed to hold forth the Word of life for the salvation of a perishing world. We are to bind up all our interests with Christ’s interests. We are to unite with Him in order to obtain qualifications requisite for the fulfillment of our appointed mission. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 26)

We are counselled that we are to do all things without murmurings, that we may be “harmless,” without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom we are to shine as lights in the world. [Philippians 2:15.] No one else can do this work for us. If we withhold our abilities or talents when God has appointed us to give the light, some souls will be left in darkness through our refusing to shine. We are to hold forth the Word of life. We are required to make known Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 27)

The Lord wants each to stand in his allotted place. For our own eternal good, the Lord Jesus depends on us to do our duty. We are to shine in Christian example. It would be far better for sinners never to come into association with professed Christians who have no vital connection with God. They are powerless for good. There are many, many, who are neither cold nor hot. Christ says, “I would that thou wert cold or hot; but because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” [Revelation 3:15, 16.] (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 28)

I have words for the church in Battle Creek, the very heart of the work. If you want to co-operate in the work of saving souls, deny yourself, lift the cross, and follow the footsteps of your Redeemer. The dress of many testify on whose side they re. They are bracing themselves against light and knowledge. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 29)

The sons of God represent Him. As children of God they long to uplift Jesus. They long to reveal to a careless world that His recognition of the human agent is an undeserved favor which brings them under the most sacred obligations to devote all their talents to His service, and enter into sacred partnership as workers together with God, doing the same work that Christ came to our world to do. (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 30)

We long to witness for Him, to testify our gratitude. We have an intense longing to reveal our Saviour, to show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Against the world’s impenitence, pride, and rejection of Christ, we are to say, by precept and example, that Christ is our only hope; we are to proclaim Him as the Lamb of God who “taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] (11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, 31)

Lt 56, 1896

Kellogg, J. H.
Avondale, Cooranbong, Australia
January 19, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 1888 1487-1492.
Dr. J. H. Kellogg
Sanitarium
Battle Creek, U. S. A.
Dear Brother:

I want to say that the third angel’s message is the gospel, and that the health reform is the wedge by which the truth may enter. There are to be no abrupt declarations of any phase of our truth, but the truth as it is in Jesus is to be preached, and all the brightness and special radiance of the Sun of Righteousness brought into the gospel. If those who shall speak of practical godliness to those assembled in your church building would do this, they will dwell upon the lessons of Christ. We want the Holy Spirit’s guidance; do not be satisfied without it. Let your words express your confidence and love for God. The most simple testimonies, borne in a humble manner, and expressing the love of God, will touch hearts. They will see that the doctors and nurses and workers are all combined to represent the truth in character. (11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, 1)

God has spared your life; He has wrought that you should give honor to His name as did Daniel in Babylon. Most determined effort will need to be made, by all who believe they have the truth, to create an atmosphere of purity, stability, and devotion that will magnify the truth and show its power upon the mind. The Lord has made you steadfast. He has been giving you an experience that is of value. He has given you light and aptitude and knowledge, not to add to your glory, but that you should glorify His name and exalt Him. (11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, 2)

There are earnest, prudent, warm-hearted, God-fearing, loving workers in the Sanitarium, but there are many helpers who are not reliable. They are affected by the worldly element that pervades the worldly class who patronize the institution. They thirst for applause; they wish to be flattered; they want to invest their wages in dress. They may claim to be Christians, but they do no honor to Christ. These lukewarm, selfish covetous ones, who do not consider that they are making their record for eternity, will be no help to these worldly visitors. If all who claim to be Christians would be so in heart, many stumbling blocks would be removed out of the pathway of those who make these poor sinners their excuse for the neglect of the great salvation, which Christ has brought to light in our world and given His own precious life to save, that all who believe in Him shall do His works and have eternal life. (11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, 3)

We are living in most solemn times. The gospel in the Old and New Testaments is not to be contemplated from a narrow aspect, as one or two men, or even many men may view it. How large, how broad, how extensive is the gospel. I have been writing upon this subject for years, and have much written that I cannot now place in shape to be handled. I have had but a trifle of editing done for one year. I speak the things, and write the things that burden my soul, whether men will hear, or whether they will forbear. I must work; I must watch; I must pray; I must consider nothing in a narrow, contracted style. (11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, 4)

Truth and error are both in the field, striving for the mastery. The champions of truth will have a fierce conflict. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The warning comes and the directions are repeated: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.” [Ephesians 6:12, 13.] All that the Lord has told you, it devolves on you to do. No one need to be deceived if they will make the Word of God their study. (11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, 5)

How little is the book of Revelation studied. It is a hidden mystery to the religious world; and why? Because the events not pleasant for their consideration are so faithfully traced by the prophetic pen; and people who are in any way troubled about the matter are soothed with the statement from their shepherds that Revelation cannot be understood. But it especially concerns us who are living in these last days. “Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.” [Revelation 1:3.] Read the last chapter of Revelation carefully and prayerfully. What significance there is in the statements of this chapter! “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” “I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” [Revelation 22:13, 14, 16.] (11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, 6)

This is the most effectual teaching that can be given in the church built for the Sanitarium, and this testimony is to be given in all churches. Whenever there is an opportunity to reach the people, the attention should be called from the earthly to the heavenly. “And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” [Verse 17.] (11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, 7)

We are not to drift into worldly channels. Consider the cleansing of the temple at the beginning of Christ’s ministry. He found the Jews intent on gain. They had made the court of the temple a scene of sacrilegious traffic, and had turned the ancient and sacred institution of the Passover into a means of vile profit. They bartered deeply, turning the service instituted by Christ Himself into the worship of mammon. But Christ came suddenly into the temple court, divinity flashed through humanity, and raising a whip of small cords in His hand, with a voice that they will hear again in the execution of the judgment, He said, “Take these things hence. It is written, My Father’s house shall be called a house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [John 2:16; Matthew 21:13.] The priests and rulers saw as it were an avenging angel, such as guarded the way to the tree of life. (11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, 8)

Today this sacrilegious work is being more than repeated. There will be messages borne, and those who have rejected the messages God has sent will hear most startling declarations. The Holy Spirit will invest the announcement with a sanctity and solemnity which will appear terrible in the ears of those who will not hear the pleadings of Infinite Love, and who have not responded to the offers of pardon and forgiveness. Injured and insulted Deity will speak, proclaiming the sins that have been hidden. As the priests and rulers, full of indignation and terror, sought refuge in flight at the cleansing of the temple, so will it be in the work for these last days. The woes that will be pronounced upon those that have had light from heaven, and did not heed it, they will feel, but will have no power to act. This is represented in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. They cannot obtain a character from the wise virgins, and they have no oil of grace to discern the clear light, or to accept it, that they may join the procession going into the marriage supper of the Lamb. (11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, 9)

I cannot write more; I must close. I will have some things sent by next mail. Study Revelation in connection with Daniel, for history will be repeated. We must be true and faithful amid the iniquity that abounds. At no period of time are we in so much danger as when prosperity seems to crown our efforts. Self must be hidden in God. We are living amid the perils of the last days, and many of us are insensible to the perils that threaten our world. We, with all our religious advantages, ought to know far more today than we do know. “Watch therefore,” said Jesus, “for ye know not when the time is. Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Mark 13:33; Matthew 24:42, 44.] “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.” [Luke 13:3.] The right hand is to be cut off; the right eye is to be plucked out. There is hidden depravity that needs to be carefully considered and uprooted. God help us individually to purify our souls by obeying the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, 10)

Lt 57, 1896

Kellogg, J. H.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 27, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 16MR 332-337. +
J. H. Kellogg
Battle Creek, Michigan
Dear Brother:

I have been much perplexed in regard to some matters that have been presented before me concerning the condition of things in some of our institutions. I sent you a copy of letters sent to Elder Olsen. I have been shown that you also are in danger of making serious mistakes. You feel a deep interest in the circulation of the health publications, and this is right; but that special branch is not to be made all-absorbing. The health reform is as closely related to the third angel’s message as the arm to the body, but the arm cannot take the place of the body. The proclamation of the third angel’s message, the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, is the burden of our work. The message is to be proclaimed with a loud cry, and is to go to the whole world. The presentation of health principles must be united with this message, but must not be independent of it, or in any way take the place of it. (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 1)

I was shown that the strong presentation of the health line of work is causing it to absorb more attention than should be given to any one branch. There must be a well-balanced, symmetrical development of the work in all its parts. You, my brother, should not press workers to handle the health books as the Bible Readings was handled. Matters are now taking that phase. The glowing impressions given to the canvassers in regard to this one branch result in excluding from the field other works that must come before the people. You know I would have the health books occupy their proper place, but they are only one of many lines in the great work to be done. (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 2)

Canvassers should not be taught that one book, or one class of books, is to occupy the field to the neglect of all others. Among the workers are always some who can be swayed in almost any direction. Those who have charge of the canvassing work should be men of well-balanced minds, who can discern the relation of each part of the work to the great whole. Let them give due attention to the circulation of health books, but not make this line so prominent as to draw men away from other lines of vital interest. It is my prayer that you may not move unadvisedly in this matter and exercise an influence that shall lead men to dishonor God by neglecting the very things essential to come before the people at this time. My brother, you are in danger of self-exaltation; I caution you to walk humbly with God. Seek wisdom from Him, that you may be guided in safe paths. (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 3)

There is need of a much closer study of the Word of God; especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before in the history of our work. We may have less to say in some lines, in regard to the Roman power and the papacy, but we should call attention to what the prophets and apostles have written under the inspiration of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit has so shaped matters, both in the giving of the prophecy and in the events portrayed, as to teach that the human agent is to be kept out of sight, hid in Christ, and the Lord God of heaven and His law are to be exalted. (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 4)

Read the book of Daniel. Call up, point by point, the history of the kingdoms there represented. Behold statesmen, councils, powerful armies, and see how God wrought to abase the pride of men and lay human glory in the dust. God alone is represented as great. In the vision of the prophet He is seen casting down one mighty ruler, and setting up another. He is revealed as the monarch of the universe, about to set up His everlasting kingdom—the Ancient of days, the living God, the Source of all wisdom, the Ruler of the present, the Revealer of the future. Read, and understand how poor, how frail, how short-lived, how erring, how guilty is man (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 5)

The Holy Spirit, through Isaiah, points us to God, the living God, as the chief object of attention—to God as revealed in Christ. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” [Isaiah 9:6.] (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 6)

The light that Daniel received direct from God was given especially for these last days. The visions he saw by the banks of the Ulai and the Hiddekel, the great rivers of Shinar, are now in process of fulfillment, and all the events foretold will soon have come to pass. (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 7)

Consider the circumstances of the Jewish nation when the prophecies of Daniel were given. The Israelites were in captivity, their temple had been destroyed, their temple service suspended. Their religion had centered in the ceremonies of the sacrificial system. They had made the outward forms all important, while they had lost the spirit of true worship. Their services were corrupted with the traditions and practices of heathenism, and in the performance of the sacrificial rites they did not look beyond the shadow to the substance. They did not discern Christ, the True Offering for the sins of men. The Lord wrought to bring the people into captivity, and to suspend the services of the temple, in order that the outward ceremonies might not become the sum-total of their religion. Their principles and practices must be purged from heathenism, the ritual service ceased, in order that heart service might be revived. The outward glory was removed, that the spiritual might be revealed. (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 8)

In the land of their captivity, as the people turned unto the Lord with repentance, He manifested Himself unto them. They lacked the outward representation of His presence, but the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shone into their minds and hearts. When they called unto God in their humiliation and distress, visions were given to His prophets which unfolded the events of the future—the overthrow of the oppressors of God’s people, the coming of the Redeemer, and the establishment of the everlasting kingdom. (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 9)

In giving the light to His people, God did not work exclusively through any one class of men. Daniel was a prince of Judah. Isaiah also was of the royal tribe. David was a shepherd boy, Amos a herdsman, Zechariah a captive from Babylon, Elisha a tiller of the soil. The Lord raised up as representative men, prophets and princes, the noble and the lowly, and by inspiration taught them truths to be given to His people. (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 10)

The revealed will of God must stand forth distinct as a lamp that burneth. Those who, like yourself, are in responsible positions, we thank God, can be a power for good if they are not perverted by prosperity. But in order that our work may be a success, we must co-operate with the heavenly messenger that is to lighten the whole earth with his glory. The Lord calls upon you, as upon Daniel, to enlist all your God-given powers in revealing Him to the world. The interest and effort of physicians are to be given, not to the health question alone, but to making known the truths for these last times, truths that are deciding the destiny of souls. (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 11)

Daniel and his three companions had a special work to do. Although greatly honored in this work, they did not become in any way exalted. They were scholars, being skilled in secular as well as religious knowledge, but they had studied science without being corrupted. They were well-balanced because they had yielded themselves to the control of the Holy Spirit. These youth gave to God all the glory of their secular, scientific, and religious endowments. Their learning did not come by chance; they obtained knowledge by the faithful use of their powers, and God gave them skill and understanding. (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 12)

science and Bible religion are in perfect harmony. Let the students in our schools learn all they possibly can. But, as a rule, let them be educated in our own institutions. Be careful how you advise them to go to other schools, where error is taught, in order to complete their education. Do not give them the impression that greater educational advantages are to be obtained by mingling with those who do not seek wisdom from God. The great men of Babylon were willing to be benefited by the instruction that God gave through Daniel, to help the king out of his difficulty by the interpretation of his dream. But they were anxious to mix in their heathen religion with that of the Hebrews. (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 13)

Had Daniel and his fellows consented to such a compromise, they would, in the view of the Babylonians, have been complete as statesmen, fit to be entrusted with the affairs of the kingdom. But the four Hebrews entered into no such arrangement. They were true to God, and God upheld them and honored them. The lesson is for us. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] (11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, 14)

Lt 58, 1896

Kellogg, J. H.
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 7, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 21MR 394-397.
Dear Brother:

We received your letters with pleasure, and have read them to others. We have just had a most interesting and profitable Bible Institute. We know that much good has resulted from this meeting. We know that Professor Prescott worked under the influence of the Holy Spirit of God. He is giving the trumpet a certain sound. For fully one month the Word of God was studied, and an interest has been awakened in this place. I will send you some copies of letters written to others. Our camp meetings held in Melbourne have been doing their work. The influence of camp meetings are lasting. It is not always readily discerned, but they are doing a good work. Last year only two were held, one in Armadale near Melbourne, and one in Tasmania. These meetings were excellent. We considered the meeting held in Armadale has been and still is exerting its influence in regions round about. The work has to be carried on in any way that will arrest the attention of the people. (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 1)

You speak of Brother Semmens working more largely in a sanitarium. We have tried our best to secure a location for a sanitarium, but some were not suitable, and others required more means than we were able to furnish. If we only had one quarter of the advantages which you have in America, it could be done. I have to stand as a bank to uphold, borrow, and advance money, and I turn and twist every way to do the work. Others will take hold and do something when they see that I have faith to lead out and donate. (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 2)

A few days ago, one of our faith, an excellent family, sent their two little girls, ages ten and thirteen years, about two miles with a note to me. They came carrying between them a long stick a large bunch of bananas. It was a hot day and they were very tired tugging their burden. I just pitied them. They handed me a letter from Sister _____. I read in this letter as follows, “We are in trouble. Our quarterly rent is due and we know not where to get the money to pay it. Could you loan us the money?” (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 3)

We had no money to get necessary supplies for a family of ten. I sent word back, “Tell your mother she shall have the money Thursday.” I had not the slightest idea where I could get the money for them. I had some money in the Echo Office, but they are so hard up that I have no heart to draw on them for what little we have there when they are unable to pay their ministers, and for some time they have had to get along by running bills at the stores. (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 4)

I don’t think that we can consent to depend upon the Echo Office for our means to live on. Everybody in this country is poor. When out of means we will be obliged to buy on time. This we do not want to do, but I fear we will be compelled to. We cannot possibly wait for prosperity to come through sale of books that we may receive our pay. Here are all our workers that must be paid. (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 5)

I am heavily in debt in this country to those in other countries. Eighteen-hundred dollars from one person; this money has been used up. Five hundred dollars from one in Africa, which is a loan and has been applied in different ways that demanded means to forward the work. I move by faith. (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 6)

In the last Bible Institute I paid the fare of some who wanted to attend the meetings, but were not able. I also boarded several, in order that they might have the benefit of the meetings. I do not regret this. I know that such precious opportunities are beyond the estimate of gold and silver. Everyone who attended the meeting were constantly sitting at a banquet from heaven. I could not bear to think of anyone losing the precious things that were presented from the Word of God. This has to be acted over every meeting that is held. We cannot depend upon others. There are but few that can do anything, and there are so many ways to apply every dollar that we can obtain, and then many things have to be left undone which ought to be done. We are often put to our wits’ end to know what to do and how to apply certain means where they are the most needed. (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 7)

Several camp meetings are to be held this season, and I know what that means—all the money that I can possibly collect from my dues everywhere to invest. When people come to our camp meetings, they come all unprepared to care for themselves, and they must be fed, for they have nothing with which to feed themselves. Poor hungry souls, starving for the Bread of Life. (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 8)

There are fine men, several of our canvassers, who are called jewels in the work, who come to these large gatherings almost completely destitute of clothing. I have felt it duty to invest pounds to make them reasonably comfortable. I have expended much means in these lines. Yet not one penny do I regret. I am determined to use all that I can possibly spare in these ways. God helping me, I will reach every one possible to reach. (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 9)

Besides paying the board of several and the expenses of some, I have boarded a number at my own table. Dr. Kellogg, I am working in every way possible to the very extent of my ability. (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 10)

I was consulting with Brother Prescott about the case of Bro. _____, who was unable to pay his quarterly rent of three pounds. I told Brother Prescott that I must have the remuneration for my past years’ labor else I would be brought into very miserable circumstances. “Here,” said I, “is three pounds that we must raise for this poor family. They ask it as a loan, but they will be no better able to pay the next quarterly rent than they are now. This means a gift. I have done this before, and it is our duty to do it again.” Well, before Professor Prescott left Cooranbong he sent me three pounds, one from himself, one from his wife, and one from Grace Prescott. I was relieved, for I could see no possibility of procuring the money. (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 11)

Now I find Brother Pocock, an excellent intelligent man, reduced by the hard times to poverty. He has a family several miles from here. Has four or five children. His wife is a very economical woman. One day when Sarah and I were out riding, we went round to the sawmill on the school ground and had a talk with Brother Hare, the manager at the mill. I asked him what wages Brother Pocock was receiving per day for his work on the school land for taking out the trees. So much per tree, but he does the work so faithfully that he cannot earn much. How much, I asked, does your contract allow him? Three pence per tree. In American money this would be six cents. I asked, How much does he earn per day? Brother Hare said, about fifty cents, sometimes sixty. I asked him, could you live and support your family on that much Brother Hare? “No, Sister White, but money is so scarce that we do not know where it is coming from.” Well, said I, This will never do; pay the poor man four shillings per day, and if you cannot do that I will be responsible for it. (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 12)

Brother Pocock came to me afterwards with tears in his eyes and thanked me, and said he had been living on the smallest amount possible in order to send any money home to his wife, and she had written him that they could not live on the amount that he was sending them, but had been obliged to borrow from their neighbors to have enough to supply their needs. He said he thought they could get along with the one dollar per day. This is a sample of the cases we find everywhere. (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 13)

I have been furnishing work for boys and young men. One fine-looking intelligent young man come to us almost destitute of clothing. Willie lent him his coat, and I gave him a pair of pants that cost one dollar, which I had brought for such purposes. We made him a home in a tent and kept him for some time, paying him five dollars per week and board. Last February he left us well clothed and in good health. Still another and another we have taken in and paid them wages and let them ... [Remainder missing.] (11LtMs, Lt 58, 1896, 14)

Lt 59, 1896

Kellogg, J. H.
Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia
November 22, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 18MR 14-21.
Dr. J. H. Kellogg
Medical Sanitarium
Battle Creek, Michigan
Dear Brother:

Yesterday (Sabbath) morning, Willie spoke to the church in Ashfield. At 3 p.m. we hired a horse and carriage to take me to Newtown, four miles from Ashfield. We met in a small hall upstairs where a goodly number were assembled. I spoke to them on the prayer of Daniel, his contrition of soul, and his deep sorrow as he witnessed the desolation of Jerusalem. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 1)

Daniel identified himself with Israel’s sins, and confessed their sins as his own. He prayed, “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.” Yet Gabriel, the heavenly messenger, thrice called him a man greatly beloved. “And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin, and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God; yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of the supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” [Daniel 9:19-23.] (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 2)

Here is a communication direct from heaven to Daniel. How can we but see how closely the universe of heaven is connected with this fallen world. These communications given to Daniel should fill our souls with awe, with humility, with meekness, and lay our pride low in the dust. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 3)

I tried to present to the people the short time we have in which to work. I tried to present before them the necessity of prayer, earnest, heart-felt prayer. How little exaltation Daniel had when the Lord condescended to communicate with him. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 4)

“And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me.... Then said he, knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. But I will show thee what is noted in the Scripture of truth, and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.” [Daniel 10:15-18, 20, 21.] (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 5)

A wonderful connection is here seen between the universe of heaven and this world. The things revealed to Daniel were afterward complemented by the revelation made to John on the isle of Patmos. These two books should be carefully perused. Twice Daniel inquired, How long shall it be to the end of time? “And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.... But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” [Daniel 12:8-10, 13.] (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 6)

It was the Lion of the tribe of Judah who unsealed the book and gave to John the revelation of what should be in these last days. Daniel stood in his lot to bear his testimony, which was sealed until the time of the end, when the first angel’s message should be proclaimed to our world. These matters are of infinite importance in these last days, but while “many shall be purified, and made white, and tried,” “the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand.” [Verse 10.] How true this is. Sin is the transgression of the law of God, and those in the denominational churches who will not accept the light in regard to the law of God, will not understand the proclamation of the first, second, and third angel’s messages. The book of Daniel is unsealed in the revelation to John, and carries us forward to the last scenes of this earth’s history. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 7)

The case of Daniel reveals to us the fact that the Lord is always ready to hear the prayers of the contrite soul, and when we seek the Lord with all our hearts, He will answer our petitions. Here is revealed where Daniel obtained his skill and understanding;d and if we will only ask of God wisdom, we may be blessed with increased ability, and with power from heaven. If we will come to God just as we are, and pray to Him in faith as did Daniel, we shall see of the salvation of God. We need to pray as we never prayed before. Even our prayers are indited by the Holy Spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 8)

We are praying for the Lord to open that way for His work to be accomplished in this place. We must first bend all our energies to have our school buildings completed. The Lord will make a way for us to do this. The meeting house will have to wait until more money comes in. Then our Health Home must be thoroughly established. A meeting house must be built in Sydney also. All these things we shall accomplish as the Lord opens the way. We shall ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally. We have Daniel’s prayer and its results to help us in our conceptions of the willingness of God to help all who come unto him. “Watch and pray,” are the words of Christ, “lest ye enter into temptation.” [Mark 14:38.] (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 9)

I can write but little more now, but my heart is deeply stirred. I am full of the word of the Lord for the churches in different places. I have been unable to sleep full time for several weeks, except about two nights in a week. I am awakened at one and two o’clock. This is the time I can write. My hand goes over the paper rapidly, and my head is clear. I am deeply stirred in spirit. Sometimes I feel that impressions of the truth, and the important events that are opening before us, will deprive me of physical strength and lay me prostrate under a sense of the eternal realities opening before us. And yet many of our own people seem to be paralyzed. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 10)

When on our way to the Adelaide camp meeting, we stayed here over Sabbath and Sunday. The Lord gave me a message for the people in Ashfield, clear, decided, sharp, and which cut to the soul. Its results were most excellent, and since our conference, which has just been held, closing last Wednesday, there has been an altogether different atmosphere among our people. Nearly all are new in the faith. Those who have been sowing their seeds of doubt and criticism are not here, and we have much to be thankful for, for we know that the Holy Spirit has been operating on human hearts. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 11)

After speaking on Sabbath, we had a social meeting. Brother Jennett, who has not been long in the faith, and has been halting more or less between two opinions, bore a most decided and excellent testimony. He exhorted all to pray for the Holy Spirit, which alone can melt the proud heart. He said that he felt his heart full of the love of God. These were wonderful words for him. He rejoiced in the truth, and thanked God for the third angel’s message. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 12)

The working of the Holy Spirit was felt in the meeting. A prominent member of the Salvation Army was present. She said this was the first Sabbath she had kept. She had been convicted of the truth, and had been searching for a long time; but the captain and the whole army were interested in her case, and had put so many obstacles in her way that she did not know what to do. “But O how thankful I am,” she said, “that I was here today. Your words were from God. They have cut away my difficulties. I see everything in a clear and solemn light.” (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 13)

She related to me how many objections they had brought up before her, declaring that the first day of the week was the Sabbath; they no longer admit it is Sunday. The round of objections which we all know, was repeated. “But,” said she, “you have enlightened me in regard to my work. I shall search the Scriptures until I can give a reason for walking in this new light. I believe that many souls will be converted from this army on the Sabbath question. And that prayer of Daniel! How wonderful, how full, how earnest, how complete! As you presented before us the result, I felt indeed that, through God, you were placing my feet upon solid rock.” (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 14)

Then I told her the result of Daniel humbling himself, and what an experience he had. I referred her to chapter ten of this same book, where Daniel tells of the impression made upon him by the vision: “Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.” [Verse 8.] (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 15)

“This, my sister,” I said, “will be the impression made upon those who have the greatest manifestation of the Spirit of God. Not one boastful word of self-esteem will be presented by those who have a knowledge of the true God, and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent. No one who has a clear conception of God will be uplifted in himself. This was the impression made upon the man who is thrice called ‘greatly beloved,’ because he was contrite in spirit, and faithful, and true.” She replied, “How hard it is to die to self, and lift the cross of Christ. But I thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice for this new victory gained.” (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 16)

This woman is an intelligent, noble soul in Christ. She sees now where she has been in transgression, and longs to acknowledge the truth, to show her repentance, and be clothed with the righteousness of Christ. I said to hear, “The Lord will be by your side when you become a witness for Him. All the day long you will realize His blessedness in a new and more complete experience; and when you honor God by obedience at every step, God will honor you.” (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 17)

On Friday I had written about forty pages, and on Sabbath morning I was weary, but this did not discourage me. I know upon whose arm I am leaning for support, and the Lord did not disappoint me. As I meditate upon the goodness and mercy and love of God, I cannot but praise His holy name. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] If these words will not thrill through every soul as he shall contemplate them, what will? This is the price of our salvation—the most humiliating, agonizing death a human being could suffer. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 18)

And the Son of God endured this shame as the penalty of guilt, in order that the sinner may stand guiltless and innocent before the throne of God. See what may arise from the height of exaltation from which our Saviour came, and the depth of humiliation to which he reached, in order to grasp the sinner and lift him up to become a partaker of His divine nature, and link his life, his soul, with the Infinite God. When we obtain a sight of that cross; when that suffering, agonized cry, “It is finished,” pierces our ears, the sacrifice is complete. [John 19:30.] His love has imprinted the name of every saint upon the palms of His hands. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 19)

O unbounded grace! What love expressed! Shall we not expel pride from the soul? Can we cherish self-esteem; shall we harbor stubbornness of soul when we see and understand what our redemption has cost? Shall not a view of the cross cause us to humble ourselves in the sight of God, that He may lift us up? (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 20)

But while we are to humble ourselves, we are to have a true sense of our value as God has estimated us, in the price paid for our redemption. We are to value every capability, every talent entrusted to us, as the Lord’s most precious endowment, that we may use them to His name’s glory. When we look upon ourselves as purchased at an infinite cost, in order that we might have every advantage in the strife for immortality, eternal life, we will make every gift a treasure of influence whereby we may reach perfection, completeness in Jesus Christ. Then let the prayer of Daniel be our prayer, that the Holy Spirit may work in our behalf. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 21)

Today, with my workers, I am preparing the American mail. I am sending copies of testimonies to California, to Africa, and to Melbourne. O that God would give that impression to the human heart that would humble the pride of the human agent! Then the holiness, the meekness of Christ will be manifested. If we persevere in maintaining the likeness of Christ, He will write our names, as He did Daniel’s for his faithfulness, as children of God, “greatly beloved.” [Daniel 9:23.] (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 22)

Ashfield,
November 23, 1896

Sunday was a very busy day with us all. My workers are with me, and they worked hard all day. On that day I had my subject, “The Armor of Jesus Christ,” ready to present in the little chapel in Ashfield, which is only a minute’s walk from our hired house. But when I stood before the people, I spoke upon a subject that I had not looked at all—1 Corinthians 9:24-27. When I was preparing for meeting, I said, “I would feel relieved if some one would take my place;” for I had been writing all day, and was weary both in body and mind. But I had not been upon my feet one minute when I felt that an angel of God stood by my side and strengthened me. I talked [for] over one hour, and all listened with interest. The blessing of the Lord was upon me. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 23)

After the meeting I was warmly greeted. One lady brought me a small but choice bouquet. Then the usher of the house came, bringing a good-sized fancy basket full of beautiful flowers. Both basket and flowers were a present. The basket was made by the son of one of our sisters. Inside was a tin tank, shaped in the form of a basket, and this was supplied with water, the flowers being arranged in the water. I thought much of this token of regard. It was more than I could carry. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 24)

All are gathering up flower roots for me to make my wilderness home blossom as the rose. Already we have many flowers, but I have plenty of space, and have set it apart for flowers. I wish that my home shall be made beautiful by the things of nature that God has created. Generally I call the attention of the children to these beautiful flowers, and tell them that these things are an expression of the love of God for them. I direct their mind from nature to nature’s God. These lessons always seem to touch the hearts of the parents as well as the children. The pulpit is often festooned with flowers of every variety, and beautiful bouquets are brought me. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 25)

The Lord blessed me and the people last night. When I had retired to rest for the night, the matter came distinctly before me. I had not spoken from the text I had selected, but I was not sorry, for it must have been the mind of God that I should speak as I did. But the Lord knows all about this. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 26)

Outsiders are coming in to every meeting to hear the truth. There is now a nice couple interested. The husband has a good business, and this stands in his way; but the Lord will open the way for him. We have been here two weeks on the morrow. I do not know that we shall spend another Sabbath here. (11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, 27)

Lt 60, 1896

Lacey, Herbert
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, Australia
December 20, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in CS 272; 8MR 284-285.

Instructions to Schools

I have many things to say to you, Brother Herbert Lacey. The Lord has been my Counsellor, and He has given me words for you. You are not prepared to be placed at the head of the work in the school. You have need to be a constant learner. If you are [to be] a teacher, many things will have to be unlearned, and many things learned of a different order. If this is not so, you will encourage the very things the Lord has been seeking to correct in the school at Battle Creek. You will introduce methods and plans that are not inspired of God, and that will be misleading. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 1)

When any idea has been cherished by you, it finds a ready utterance and will be caught up by other minds. Thus seed will be sown that is not true grain. But if you give yourself to God, He will lead you in safe paths. It is a very hard matter for you to part with the cherished idea that you have received from your teachers in Battle Creek. But there are things that you may and will have to learn in the future in the school experience. Make yourself thoroughly familiar with the Word of God. If you do not do this, projects and ideas will imprint themselves on your mind that should not be entertained, for it is not the way of the Lord. In all honesty you will come to conclusions that will need to be sifted. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 2)

It is essential for your clearness of eyesight to have a more elevated direction. The common customs and practices of school life, which may be called little things, cannot be brought into the school at Avondale. Your thoughts and ideas will change by experience if you earnestly and humbly inquire at each step, “Is this the way of the Lord?” “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 3)

The word was given me in regard to you, “You cannot trust the guidance and management of a vessel to boys who have not served in that line; neither can you trust the molding of minds and characters to youth who have not had years of experience to understand the workings of God. It will take older heads, those who have had larger experience, to devise and plan for the youth to obtain an all-sided character. Let not the work pass into the hands and be managed by those who have but little experience.” The word was given to you, Brother Herbert Lacey, that you and your wife have yet to obtain a different kind of experience. The word was spoken, Keep your hands off the machinery. You will make mistakes if you attempt to run a school. It is not left for you to plan and devise and manage things after your own ideas. You should seek to learn all you possibly can. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 4)

You are to be very cautious how you move. Do not start out on your independent judgment and follow your own supposedly wise plans; but consider, Here are those who have been working on this ground, who have carried heavy burdens. They have had much perplexity for over two years, and it will be best for me to consult with them, and know just how to cooperate with them, that I may be a help and not a hindrance. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 5)

Let your souls be transformed by the grace of Christ Jesus, and your mind absorbed in meditating and studying the glorious truths concerning the life of the Great Teacher. The Word of God is to be your food. Follow Christ to the very letter, and then you will find that the elevated standard of virtue and holiness is placed before you in the gospel. Unless this is the case, you cannot, as teachers, do the work that it is essential to do to prepare the students who shall come to the school to be transformed to the higher grade. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 6)

You both have ideas and plans which you think essential, but which must not be brought in with pen or voice. There are many imaginings and schemes and ambitions that you may suppose essential, but which should have no standing room, for we do not want that these ideas be brought in before the students, that they may be molded according to their likes and dislikes. A training must be given the students which you have not had and cannot give them. Let every teacher sow the precious seeds of truth in the minds of students. Your work should be more and more after the order of the teaching of Jesus Christ. He is the standard Teacher. Then let us not exalt as all-essential that which we have no record of Him teaching. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 7)

February 20

I have been directed to Brother and Sister Haskell as experienced servants of God, who will be efficient workers as helpers and counsellors. They have both had experience in managing the interests of the cause of God. Sister Haskell has been a school teacher for many years, and it will be a great blessing to the school to have the help and benefit of her all-round experience. I value their capabilities of entering into the work. They are a God-sent help in this time of necessity. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 8)

We are nearing the end of time, and it is most essential that we walk humbly with God. We cannot fit up the building with carpets, or enter into any preparation that requires an outlay of means, for we have none. I have been constantly handing out means, investing thousands of dollars to keep the work moving; but I know that we must heed the instruction given in regard to the school in Melbourne—to study economy in every line. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 9)

Christ said of the scribes and Pharisees: “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.” [Matthew 22:29.] These both let us learn in the school of Christ. We must make the Scriptures our Counsellor, and be doers of the Word if we would have a knowledge of the power of God. Our desires will have to be bound about. We are of necessity obliged to plan and devise and economize. We cannot manage as if we had a bank on which to draw in case of emergency. Therefore we must not get into straitened places. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 10)

I am glad that Brother and Sister Haskell in their experience have learned that there is a limit to means. While we would be pleased to have many things that we have not in our school building, we must look at the old furniture, the bureaus, tables, washstands, and other articles, and say, We must make them do. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 11)

Sister Lacey, you will have a new experience here. In America there is an altogether different style of things. There they have facilities; and they have been reproved because they have made such an extravagant outlay of means in their school interests. Now, my sister, we will necessarily have to cut away everything like a desire to make a display or show. Everything will have to be brought within the narrow compass of that which we can be assured we can sustain. This point cannot be overlooked. It will be far better for the students coming to the school, as far as they themselves are concerned, to see and understand our poverty in regard to means, for if they are made to understand our strait for want of means, it will help them to help the workers in the school in the line of economy. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 12)

In the school in Melbourne, I carried through a large number of students; but I cannot do this now. But I know that the Lord will help us if we are willing to follow His example, and not perpetuate a desire to make an appearance. This principle should be discerned by the Word of God and cut away from the life practice by the Holy Spirit’s power. My brother and sister whom I love in the Lord, you have many things to learn. A new experience must be gained by a close and careful, earnest education in the school of Christ. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;” says the great Teacher, “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.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” “Every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” [Matthew 7:13, 26, 27.] (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 13)

May 20

There are many things to write of; but I have such an intensity of feeling that it is consuming me. May God help me, is my prayer. Let all seek the Lord most earnestly. You have perceptive faculties, Brother and Sister Lacey. God has given you talents, and you must use them to a purpose. May the Lord help you. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 14)

I was shown the necessity of connecting with the school some one of experience, some one who understood the principles of an all-round education, who has taken in the subject that has been before our people, who has realized the necessity of physical and mental taxation being combined, and who has brought the same into practical use in his life. Proper education means much. O, that all could understand these matters in their true bearing. Physical, mental, and moral industry must be combined in proper education. Teachers who have not practiced this in their school life need to learn their lessons over again. Everything that would be detrimental to the spiritual interests of the school must be cut away from the process of education. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 15)

I have prayed most earnestly to the Lord to move upon some one of His chosen men or women who have a practical knowledge of educating in right lines, and who could unite with the students, and say, not “Go,” but “Come, and let us engage in manual labor, and learn how to employ the muscles given us by God.” (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 16)

I have felt a great burden for Brother Haskell to come to Australia and connect with and give Bible lessons in the school. His experience in the searching of the Scriptures, and in religious exercises in the work from his youth till the present time, has qualified him to stand first in the school, and to be the counsellor and instructor in Bible lines. Let his age and experience as the chosen servant of God bring him respect. There is ever to be connected with the school the talent of experience, how to manage and mold and teach the youth. This is an experience that you have not at the present time; and as this is an important matter, I shall present it before you, from time to time, and I hope that you will understand the whole matter. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 17)

I have written much on education, and will, when able, present it to the whole school. When your active, fruitful mind shall be educated in the different lines, be sure that you do not bring in the very things that were objectionable at Battle Creek and Healdsburg, which have been an offense to God in the past history of the management of those schools. Have you brought with you the impressions of education you received at Battle Creek from infidel authors, to be an influence here? If you had known all in regard to the testimonies given them, I am sure that some of the ideas that you and your wife have brought with you would not seem so essential to you. The Lord was grieved at the attitude taken by the teachers at Battle Creek. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 18)

It is exceedingly hard for you to give up an idea when once you have cherished it. Thus it would be a dangerous experiment to put Sister Lacey in as matron of the school, and yourself as principal, to take the place as director or manager. You have both to learn many things. You need to obtain a different kind of education from that you have received. You are to understand that some of the studies that have been carried at the schools in Healdsburg or Battle Creek, or in any other college, are not to be brought into the Avondale School. I have not spoken very plainly to you in regard to these things, for I have written so largely upon these matters to Battle Creek that I supposed that you understood them and were prepared to carry them out. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 19)

Economy should be exercised in everything connected with the school. Those who come to the school generally leave homes that are unadorned, where they have been accustomed to eat simple food without a number of courses. They are accustomed to plain, hearty food at noon. It would be better for all to have only a simple evening meal. There must be a strict regard to economy, or a heavy debt will be incurred. Keep within bounds. Shun the incurring of debt as you would shun leprosy. But if you work on the other plan, it will hurt you more than you suppose. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 20)

The management must not be left to yourself or your wife, for you would make grave mistakes if you followed your own inclinations in many things. Your own appetites must not control the food of the students. While we have so many ways in which to use our means, while thousands are starving, dying from famine, bloodshed, fire, and plague, it becomes every one of us to carefully consider, and not get any needless articles in order to gratify appetite, or to make an appearance. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 21)

When these matters were opened before me in Melbourne, I bore my testimony decidedly against any outlay of means that would plunge the school into debt. What to do here I did not know; but light came. Here it is: “Brother Haskell will connect with your school, and he will take heed to carry out the instruction that God has graciously given. His age and experience must be respected. Hold up his hands, and in no case demerit his counsel.” (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 22)

We all need to be baptized into a higher faith, and be prepared to work in Christ’s lines. The importance of physical taxation combined with mental should be understood. If the instruction that has been given for years had been received, searched into, and studied from cause to effect, many less students would leave the school, where they have been acquiring an education, heavily in debt. They would have that education that is essential for practical life. They would have used their God-given abilities in physical as well as intellectual labor. This important phase of education, if they will devise and think to a purpose, would have kept them free from the bondage of debt. If all the edges had been bound about, according to the Word of God, which all must learn to do who engage in any line of the work, their education would have been much more solid and all-round. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31.] Self-indulgence is not to take the place of simplicity and reasonable thoughtfulness. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 23)

There is a great need of teachers who have an all-round education. The appetites must be held in control; they must not be misdirected. By students and teachers the physical powers must be carefully considered, or they will fail to tax the physical sufficiently to correspond with the taxation placed upon the mental. The physical powers must not be unemployed or misemployed, as they have been in instituting amusements to exercise the muscles. There is need of candid, earnest thought. These are lessons that no students need attend school to learn. We have naught of this in the lesson of Christ. Let the physical powers be employed in useful labor that will be doing good. Let no one think that he is departing from his dignity as a teacher if he uses his arms and hands that the Lord has made, and gives his muscles solidity by useful exercise. This is God’s plan. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 24)

Mind and heart will suffer with the indulgence of sedentary habits. Educate the inactive to put into exercise the limbs and muscles that God has given to be used, and it will bring its sure reward. If one part of the human body is exercised to the neglect of other portions, some of those members not used will become strengthless. If one member suffers through inaction, the whole body—brain, nerve, bone, and muscle—will become enfeebled. O, how much every student and teacher needs the higher, more thorough education, and a correct understanding of what we are, and what we may be through self-discipline, that all our powers may be used to glorify God. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 25)

Christ has purchased us, and we cannot for one moment claim ourselves, to do with ourselves as we please, as if we were our own property. We have a right to existence only because Christ has died to give us life and immortality through His infinite love. By creation and by redemption we belong to God. Our mind, heart, soul, and strength is the Lord’s, lent to us to see if we will use these talents to the glory of God by doing His will on the earth. “Occupy till I come,” God says to each human agent; and of our stewardship we must each give account. [Luke 19:13, 15.] (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 26)

Individually, we must do the work given us by God. We must give ourselves to the Lord, placing ourselves in readiness to do just what He shall appoint us. If we do not do this, the shadow of self will darken everything. But when self is surrendered to God, everything is brightened by His presence. (11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, 27)

Lt 60a, 1896

Friends of the Avondale School
Cooranbong, Australia
December 20, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 8MR 150-155.

The Character and Work of Our Avondale School. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 1)

To the Friends of the School:

The light which has been given me regarding the work of the Avondale school is that we must not pattern after the similitude of any school that has already been established. We must study the Word of God critically as our great lesson book, in order to know what the school may become under the guidance of the Word of God if we receive and do that Word. Unless we are watchful and guarded, we shall experience the same hindrance to the spiritual education, that have retarded the work of our older schools. This we shall do by a misconception as to what is the most essential work to be done by students, and by the teachers for them. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 2)

When Christ was in our world, He had but few followers, and His disciples were continually kept back by the customs and the maxims of the scribes and Pharisees from making the advancement that they might have made, from supplying their great lack of knowledge, and from becoming efficient workers. The customs and traditions, which had come down from generation to generation through the rabbis, had been made all-essential, and were regarded as of more force even than the ten commandments. Thus the precepts and teachings of men were dwelt upon as of more value than the words of the living God. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 3)

I have been warned that the teachers in our younger schools should not travel over the same ground that many of the teachers in the Battle Creek College have passed over. Popular amusements for students were brought into the Battle Creek school under a deceptive garb. Satan approached as an angel of light, and worked most assiduously. If he could secure the sanction of the teachers in this school at the great heart of the work, there was prospect that every school established would follow its example. The leaven of evil introduced and sanctioned at the Battle Creek College would spread its properties to all with which it had connection, and thus affect all the schools. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 4)

The Lord has thought it essential to give reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness on many points regarding the management of schools among Seventh-day Adventists. All the light that has thus been given must be carefully heeded. No one should be connected with our schools as a teacher who has not had an experience in obeying the Word of God. The instruction which the Lord has given to our schools should be strictly regarded, and if the education given is not of a different character than that which has been given, in the Battle Creek College, we need not be to the expense of purchasing land and erecting buildings. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 5)

In every school Satan will try to make himself the guide of the teachers who are instructing the students. It is he who would introduce the idea that selfish amusements are a necessity. It is he who would lead students sent to our schools for the purpose of receiving an education and training for the work of evangelists, ministers, and missionaries to believe that amusements are essential to keep them in physical health, when the Lord has presented to them that the better way is for them to embrace manual labor in their education, and thus let useful employment take the place of selfish amusements. These amusements, if followed, soon develop a dislike for useful, healthful exercise of body and mind, such as would make students efficient to serve themselves and others. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 6)

The education to be gained in the felling of trees, the tilling of the soil, and the erection of buildings, as well as the studies of the classroom, is what our youth should seek to obtain. Tent making also should be taught; buildings should be erected; and masonry should be learned. Farther on, a printing press should be connected with the school, that an education may be given to students in this line of work. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 7)

There are many things which the lady students may also engage in, such as cooking, dressmaking, and gardening. Plants and flowers should be cultivated, strawberries should be planted. Thus the lady students may be called out of doors to gain healthful exercise and to be educated in useful labor. Bookbinding also, and a variety of trades should be taken up. These will not only give exercise to brain, bone, and muscle, but they will also give knowledge of great value. The greatest curse of our world today is idleness. The students coming to our school have had an abundance of amusement, which serve merely to please and gratify self. They are now to be given a different education, that they may go forth from the school prepared for any service. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 8)

The proper cooking of foods is a most important accomplishment. Especially where meat is not made a principal article of food is good cooking an essential requirement. Something must be prepared to take the place of meat, and these substitutes for meat must be well prepared, so that meat will not be desired. Education and culture on all points of practical experience will fit our youth for usefulness when they shall leave school to engage in mission work at home or in foreign countries. They will not then be dependent upon the people to whom they go to cook for them, to sew for them, or to build their habitations; but they will be prepared to education the ignorant, to show others how to do all manner of labor by plans and methods that will produce the best results, and they will thus become much more influential and helpful. Their abilities will be especially appreciated where money is hard to obtain, for a much smaller fund will be required to sustain such missionaries. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 9)

Those who have put to the very best use their physical powers in useful, practical labor, while obtaining an education, will show that missionaries can become successful teachers and educators in various lines of labor, and wherever they go, all that they have gained in these lines will give them favor, influence, and power. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 10)

It is also very essential that students shall understand the principles of medical missionary work, for wherever students may be called, they need a knowledge of the science of how to treat the sick. This will give them a welcome anywhere, because there is suffering of every kind in every part of the world. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 11)

It is an important matter that students be given an education that will fit them for successful business life. In many schools, the education given is one-sided. In our school the common branches should be fully and thoroughly taught. Bookkeeping is one of the most important lines of study to fit students for practical business life. Bookkeeping should be looked upon as of equal importance with grammar. And yet there are very few who leave our schools with a clear knowledge of how to correctly keep accounts. Those who have a living interest in the cause and work of God should never allow themselves to settle down with the idea that they are not required to know how to keep accounts. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 12)

The reason for many of the mistakes made in accounts and the failure in business matters is because men have not a thorough knowledge of bookkeeping. They are not prompt in making a faithful record of all transactions and keeping a daily account of their expenditures; and many are charged with being dishonest when, designedly, they were not dishonest. Their failure has come through a lack of knowledge of accounts. Many a youth, because of ignorance in the matter of keeping accounts, has been led into errors that have caused him serious trouble. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 13)

True education means much. We have no time now to spend in speculative ideas or in haphazard movements. The evidence that the coming of Christ is near are many, and are very plain, and yet many who profess to be looking for Him are asleep. We are not half as earnest as we ought to be to gather up the important truths that are for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come. Unless we understand the importance of passing events, and make ready to stand in the great day of God, we shall be registered in the books of heaven as unfaithful stewards. The watchman is to know the time of the night. Everything is now clothed with a solemnity that all who believe the truth should feel and understand. They should act in reference to the great day of God. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 14)

Our time is precious. We have but few days left of probation, in which to qualify ourselves for the future eternal life. We are not to devote these precious moments to cheap, common, or superficial things. We shall have to guard against the holding of ideas and maxims, which may be presented as essential from a human standpoint, for it is not the words of worldly wisdom, it is not the maxims of men or the theories of human beings, that will qualify us for acceptable service, but it is the Word of the living God. In all our schools this Word is to be made the essence of education. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 15)

It is in feeding upon the Word of God that we obtain the divine element that the soul needs in order to secure a healthy development of all its spiritual powers. Those who dig deep for the hidden treasure will find their reward in the precious veins of ore, and these hidden truths will make them wise unto salvation. They are following the example of their Saviour, and all the wiles and subtleties of satanic agencies cannot beguile them from a position of steadfast self-denial. (11LtMs, Lt 60a, 1896, 16)

Lt 61, 1896

Lane, Sands
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
April 12, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in Ev 209-210, 494; VSS 274-275.
Dear Brother:

There has been a great burden on my soul during the past night. Some things have been presented before me. I have a message to you, my brother. You need to seek the Lord with all your heart. You are placed where you need to have clear discernment. The mission work is in need of greater ability than you have given it. (11LtMs, Lt 61, 1896, 1)

“The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.” [1 Peter 3:12.] You should have more care and tender sympathy for the workers. Bring thoughtfulness, caretaking into your work. There is danger that the women connected with the work will be required to labor too hard, without proper periods of rest. Such severe taxation should not be brought upon the workers. Some will not injure themselves, but others, who are conscientious, will certainly overwork. Periods of rest are necessary for all, especially women. God thought best to make provision for them to have rest at certain taxing periods. (11LtMs, Lt 61, 1896, 2)

It will be necessary for you to cherish the most tender sympathy. You will become coarse and rough unless you learn your lessons at the feet of Christ, becoming meek and lowly in heart. Put no confidence in self. This you are in danger of doing. Put your entire dependence upon God. Have special seasons for closely examining yourself by the Word of God. Hide in Jesus Christ, I pray you. (11LtMs, Lt 61, 1896, 3)

My brother, you need to examine more closely the discourses you present to the people. The object of your ministerial labors is not to amuse. It is not to convey information alone, not merely to convince the intellect. The preaching of the Word should appeal to the intellect and impart knowledge, but it comprises much more than this. The heart of the minister must reach the hearts of the hearers. You have adopted a style of preaching that does not have a right influence. It has become a habit with you to cheapen your discourses by the relating of anecdotes. The impression thus made upon the hearers is not a savor of life unto life. You should not bring amusing stories into your preaching. You need, and the people need, pure provender, thoroughly winnowed from all that is not food. “Preach the word,” was the charge that Paul gave to Timothy, and this is your commission. [2 Timothy 4:2.] (11LtMs, Lt 61, 1896, 4)

Years ago, in speaking to ministers, I dwelt upon this subject in your presence. The minister is using strange fire when he mixes storytelling with his discourses. This habit should not be perpetuated. My brother, you believe the truth, you love the truth, and you are not too old to improve. You are required by our Saviour to take heed how you witness for Him. You need to go deeper, and deeper, and still deeper in the study of the Word. You have men of all classes of minds to meet, and as you deal with the sacred Word, you should manifest earnestness, respect, reverence. Let not the impression be made upon any mind that you are a cheap, surface speaker. Weed out storytelling from your discourses. Preach the Word. You would have had more sheaves to bring to the Master if you had constantly preached the Word. (11LtMs, Lt 61, 1896, 5)

You little understand the soul’s great need and longing. Some are wrestling with doubt, almost in despair, almost hopeless. You need to understand the fourth chapter of Zechariah. The two olive trees that stand in the presence of God empty, through the two golden pipes, the golden oil out of themselves into the golden bowl, from which the lamps of the sanctuary are fed. The golden oil represents the Holy Spirit. This the heavenly messengers impart to the preachers of the Word. The ministers of righteousness are to be continually replenished, that they in turn may impart to the church, giving it greater strength and efficiency. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Verse 6.] The Lord’s servants can obtain victories, not by mere outward manifestations, but by inward purity, by cleanness of soul, heart piety, by holiness, which is wholeness to God. They are dependent upon the grace of God, represented by the holy oil emptied from the olive trees through the golden pipes into the golden bowl of the candlestick. (11LtMs, Lt 61, 1896, 6)

What can I say that shall make upon our ministers an impression never to be forgotten? The angels are present in the assembly where the Word of God is preached. If this fact could be riveted in the mind of the speaker, with what awe would he give utterance to the truth of God’s Word. Nothing is as precious in the sight of God as His church. There is nothing regarded with such jealous care. God is offended when His representatives descend to the use of cheap, trifling words. The cause of truth is dishonored. Men judge of the whole ministry by the man whom they hear, and the enemies of the truth will make the most of his errors. (11LtMs, Lt 61, 1896, 7)

All who preach the Word should be in close fellowship with Jesus Christ. All who assume the sacred responsibility of being mouthpiece for God should be sure that they do preach the Word. They should give evidence that they have the inward adorning, the graces of the Holy Spirit. Christ loves His human agents who honor Him. His love will not cause weakness of character. He gave His own life to ransom us. And when the Lord God gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life, He withheld nothing from His purchased possession. He gave all heaven, from which we can draw strength and efficiency, that we not be repulsed or overcome by the enemy. He will furnish all needful help; but He will not connive at man’s sins, or excuse his defects of character. He expects us to overcome through His name. Only through faithfulness can we expect to enjoy the favor of God. (11LtMs, Lt 61, 1896, 8)

Of those who minister in word and doctrine, the Lord Jesus requires wholehearted service. They are required to be the representatives of Christ, the heavenly Branch. Light and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit will surely be revealed. O how entirely out of place is pride and vainglory and self-esteem in those that preach the Word, and yet this is common. (11LtMs, Lt 61, 1896, 9)

Let every minister bear in mind that he has the highest heavenly intelligences in his audience. Let every discourse be short. Grasp the great, forcible points. Bring the truth home to the heart; but keep your stories to yourself. The people are not soul-hungry for these, but they want the bread of life, the Word that liveth and abideth forever. What is the chaff to the wheat? (11LtMs, Lt 61, 1896, 10)

Remember that in your audience are those who are constantly harassed by temptation, yet they meet temptation with a determination to conquer. They are wrestling with the adversary of souls. Preach the Word. Dwell upon the Word. Then the Master may speak to your softened, humble heart words that will enter into other hearts, and strengthen them for the conflict. O, let those who minister in this sacred, holy calling be all that is possible, to elevate, ennoble, refine, purify the imperfect character. But let not the imperfection of finite men be woven into the service of the ministry. The gospel must stand out in its elevated, sacred character. (11LtMs, Lt 61, 1896, 11)

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.... Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” [2 Timothy 4:1-6, 8.] (11LtMs, Lt 61, 1896, 12)

Lt 62, 1896

Lindsay, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 20, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister Lindsay:

I am constrained by the Spirit of God to address you personally, for God has given me a message for you. Your faith must be of a different character from what it now is, or you will never meet the Lord Jesus in peace, you will never enter the portals of the city of God. Christians are to be co-workers with God, but look at your life and ask yourself whether you have consecrated your life entirely to His service. Have you daily striven for communion with God? Have you sought to overcome your inclination to worldliness and your love of dress? Wherein is your life different from that of a worldling? Wherein does your influence savor of the fragrance of the righteousness of Christ? Does your life evidence that you believe the Word of God? Does your faith mean anything to you? Do you carry credentials which show to the world that you have enlisted in the army of the Lord Jesus? (11LtMs, Lt 62, 1896, 1)

The eternal Word of God should be your spiritual food; unless you live on it, you can have no life in Christ; but take that Word, search its pages, and ask yourself if the precious truth there revealed is suited to your taste. Instead of this, the Word of God is a dead letter to you. The truth it contains has been so interpreted by you that it has lost its precious meaning; its power to move your conscience and cleanse the soul-temple, has been made of none effect. Do you believe the Word of God? Those who are God’s chosen ones love God, and He works in and through them. Are you bearing about with you a heavenly atmosphere? Are you obtaining a valuable experience in spiritual things? (11LtMs, Lt 62, 1896, 2)

My sister, unless you are transformed in character, you will not be numbered among the jewels of God’s kingdom. You have no love for the truth. God requires us to listen to the words He sends by His servants, but how little have you prized the truth. By misapplying and misinterpreting the truth, by making light of it, and talking unbelief, you dishonor God. Your life has been one continuous round of selfishness. Your inclination to dress and to indulge in cheap, common talk has worked against the truth. If you loved God and the truth, the divine, sanctifying influence of God’s Word would be revealed in your disposition and actions. (11LtMs, Lt 62, 1896, 3)

Light has been given you in rich measure; you have had many opportunities to learn what is truth. The light given us of God bears an important relation to our lives. If received, we improve in character, and it is a savor of life unto life, but if rejected, it is a savor of death unto death, because it testifies against us. Had you grown in knowledge and spirituality in proportion to the light you have had, you would now possess an intelligent, experimental knowledge of the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent; but your impenitence, your carelessness in regard to sacred things has worked harm to your family, and this has been felt by other families. You have not been a spiritual help to your husband. You have been a hindrance to his obtaining that experience which would enable him to use his talents to the glory of God. (11LtMs, Lt 62, 1896, 4)

As the mother of your children, you are called upon to educate them to form characters fit for the kingdom of God, setting before them an example of self-denial and piety which will lead them to avoid a life of cheap indulgence, and seek most earnestly to be children of God. By doing this, you would bring to the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, imperishable materials, and your work would tell for time and eternity. But your affections are with the world. Your disregard of truth and righteousness has had its effect upon your family, which is now like a false signboard, pointing in the wrong direction. (11LtMs, Lt 62, 1896, 5)

Every day, every hour, every moment of your time belongs to the Lord, but have you given Him that soul-service which He has purchased with His own blood? The great and amazing love which God has expended upon men is beyond computation. No greater or more powerful love could be exercised or imagined. “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we might be called the sons of God.” [1 John 3:1.] “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] In view of this, what use are you making of the wonderful mercy of God and His great love for you? I ask you, in the name of Him who has died for you, what are you doing for Christ? (11LtMs, Lt 62, 1896, 6)

My sister, do not trifle with this message, for it is from the Lord. He desires you to be a witness for Him. He wants you to arise and co-operate with Him, and He has let light shine into your mind to awaken your conscience; but cheap, frivolous things have occupied your mind, and you have not become transformed in character. You have not opened the door of your heart to the heavenly Guest. You have not cherished a love for the truth, but have forgotten its claims, and it has become a dead letter to you. Testimonies from the Spirit of God have no influence over you. Will it continue to be thus till the close of time? If so, you will be obliged to say, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved.” [See Jeremiah 8:20.] The hours you spend in pleasure are fast passing away. Day by day, hour by hour, you are deciding your own destiny for weal or for woe. Which shall it be? You case will soon be decided for ever. Turn to the Lord before it is too late; for He is long suffering and plenteous in mercy. (11LtMs, Lt 62, 1896, 7)

Lt 63, 1896

Lindsay, Harmon
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
April 20, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 1888 1502-1512.
Harmon Lindsay
Battle Creek, Michigan
Dear Brother:

I am constrained to say to you, “The Judgment is to sit, the books are to be opened, and every man is to be judged according to the deeds done in the body.” You look upon things seen as of value, but he who is a citizen of the heavenly kingdom will be constantly looking at things not seen. The power of earth over the mind and character is broken. He has the abiding presence of the heavenly Guest according to the Saviour’s promise, “I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” [John 14:21.] He walks with God, as did Enoch, in continual communion. Only he who walks with the Lord Jesus in this life will be translated or come forth from the grave changed from mortal to immortality, to dwell with Christ in the heavenly courts through eternal ages. There must now be manifest in us the Holy Spirit’s working, a power that will enable us to withstand temptation. (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 1)

The end of all things is close upon us, but for some of us the end of our probation may be yet nearer. As you look upon your substantial, convenient establishment, as you see the good things of this life with which you are surrounded, I ask you to consider that these must all pass away. You yourself may soon be an inhabitant of the very narrow house, to remain till called forth by the trump of God. As you, your wife, and your children devote your thoughts to earthly things, your characters are receiving a worldly mold. As they are at death, such they will be in the morning of the resurrection. No conversion, no transformation of character, will be made then. How would you and your wife and children appear before the redeemed, holy throng with your present tastes, habits, dress, thoughts, and words? Let every one of your poor, deceived family remember that the reaping time will be as the sowing time has been. None can sow tares and reap wheat. (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 2)

How can you appear in the last great day without the robe of the righteousness of Christ? The word is spoken, “Why are they here without the wedding garment which I gave my life to purchase for them? Take them out of My presence. It is not possible for them to love and enjoy My presence here. They have not educated themselves to be at home in heaven. It would be no place of joy to them. It does not harmonize with their habits and their tastes. Nothing here can harmonize with the characters they have formed. They have loved, admired, and glorified themselves. They did not choose to heed My invitation to come out from the world and be separate. They did not learn of Me to take My yoke, to bear My burdens; they cannot appreciate the rest that I have purchased for all who are laborers together with Me. (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 3)

“If Harmon Lindsay had been true to the Word of God, he would have been true to his family, true to the church, true to his neighbor, and true to his fellow men. He would have made his calling and election sure. But he thought his own wisdom all sufficient. I sent my Holy Spirit to testify unto him the truth, and to move upon his soul, for there was hidden in its depths that which needed to be brought to the Spirit to testify unto him the truth, and to move upon his soul; for there was hidden in its depths that which needed to be brought to the surface. Messenger after messenger was sent to entreat his attention. Many times I called. Often I presented my grace before him. Often he was moved by the story of the self-sacrificing Redeemer. He felt the heart touch of the Messenger of peace, and tenderness and love awakened to respond to the call. Often he turned to listen as the voice was heard. But in the home there was vanity, self-indulgence, a very cheap religious influence; the wife was frivolous, trifling, vain, and superficial. He might have led her to receive an altogether different mold had he strenuously set his own heart above the world and turned to Me for help and strength. But he failed to do this, and the heavenly was eclipsed by the earthly. (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 4)

“Temporal blessings were given him, but vanity and love of show absorbed that which should have been used to lay up a treasure in heaven. Selfishness always grows by exercise, and at last he ceased to appreciate the gift of the grace of Christ. His efforts to gratify the frivolous minds about him absorbed the entrusted talents, and he drifted back into his own natural element. He separated from God, and when the Holy Spirit’s voice was heard to call him to repentance, he did not appreciate the voice; he treated it with neglect, then resistance, then disdain, then refused to have anything to do with the message of warning. He received encouragement from others who were in positions of holy trust, men whom God had used to be faithful watchmen, but who became untrue to their trust. Every favor that God bestowed upon him to turn him from his course, he refused. The manifestation of the gifts of God seemed to make him more defiant, until there was written in the books of heaven, ‘Unfaithful steward of talents of means, unfaithful steward of talents of influence, unfaithful steward, in that he is saying in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming.’ (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 5)

“He could not be happy; yet he tried to rest in self-complacency, to be at peace with his backsliding heart, and to believe that he was right, that God did not require him to be true to principle. Thus he continued to sow seed of the same kind that had filled his life with evil. The truth was no longer truth to him. To depart from God is to open the heart to infidelity. Inward forces, inspired by the devil, have been weaving about his soul thread after thread of deception and delusion, and his influence has been against the message of the third angel. He cannot see what he is. He cannot see that he has taken up with falsehoods of Satan’s framing. He cannot now see the light of the Holy Spirit which he has quenched in his soul. He is left as blind as were the Jews, who closed their eyes lest they should see, and their hearts lest they should feel. He has called the manifestations of the Spirit fanaticism. His finite lips have expressed sentiments that revealed the working of the power within him. His perception is so perverted that he calls light darkness, and darkness light. The danger is great that he will never again be able to distinguish between light and darkness, truth and error, for he has educated himself in skepticism, deceiving and being deceived. In the work which ought to have been sacred in his eyes, he has mingled the common fire with the holy. He needed to humble his heart before God, and change his entire course of action.” (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 6)

Eternity, eternity—my brother, how will you meet it? What would be your position should death end your career now? I ask you to consider that you cannot carry the world with you into heaven. Have you supposed that God has accepted your life of deception, that He has been glorified by your course of action? All who enter the city of God, enter there through the strait gate, through agonizing effort. You and some there who have been depended on as trustworthy men, to do the work of God, have been surrounded by an atmosphere that is not divine, but as deleterious to the soul as a poisonous malaria. (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 7)

Could you have the past years of your religious experience opened up to your view, you would have no more false peace, no more self-complacency. Every fiber of your being would be agonized. If you continue to do as you have done, bear in mind that when the Judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened, things that have been hidden from human eyes will appear just as they are. Then the forces that have been at work under a pretense of advancing the cause of God will be revealed in an altogether different light from that in which they are now seen. (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 8)

It is through misconception on the part of your brethren that you have held a position which gives you so much influence. What the outcome will be, God alone can discern. He will judge you by your works. Oh how sad, how sad, will be the future revelation! All the evil seed that you have sown will yield its harvest. By God’s own appointment you must reap the sure result of your own course of action. The selfishness and injustice toward brethren, in thought, word, and deed, will return upon yourself. You may endeavor to justify your course to yourself and to others, but God rejects that vindication. The only reason for what you have done is that found in a perverse heart and a perverse will. You may say, “I did not originate this or that plan;” but just so far as you sanctioned it, you were responsible, and the evil will react upon yourself. In your dealing with your brethren you have acted like a blind man, and have oppressed souls. Others have been of the same spirit with you, and have been even stronger in the wrong than you have been, but I will not now speak of them; it is your individual case that I am dealing with. (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 9)

Much that has occurred since the Minneapolis meeting gives evidence of the working of things that lie deeper than human reason can fathom. You and others have planned according to your own will, and have been determined to carry out your plans; but God has not planned with you. Much that has appeared on the surface as merely the design of men has had its origin in the schemes of the great master worker of evil. Whenever you try to carry out a policy contrary to that which God has specified, you will, in the outcome, be compelled to acknowledge that, whatever you or those connected with you may do, a power is at work that is not under the control of men, and that, once set in operation, will continue to act and re-act. (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 10)

The two great powers in controversy are working, one from beneath, the other from above. Every man is under the secret influence of the one or the other, and his acts will reveal the character of the inspiration from which they proceed. Those who are united with Christ will work always in Christ’s lines. Those who are in union with Satan will work under the inspiration of their leader, opposed to the Holy Spirit’s power and action. The will of men is left free to act, and by action is revealed what spirit is moving upon the heart. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20.] (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 11)

Man may become a fellow laborer with God in carrying out the great work of redemption. God allows each man his own sphere of action. While He has given His Word as the guide of life, He has also given the Holy Spirit as a sufficient power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character on the human agent, and, through Him, upon all who shall come within the sphere of his influence. The human agent is urged to co-operate with God, to work out His mercy, His goodness, and His love, thus impressing other minds. Every man is to become instrumentality through which the Holy Spirit can work. He can become this only by yielding all his capabilities to the control of the Spirit. God gave His Spirit upon the day of Pentecost, and through its working upon receptive hearts, He could impress all with whom the believers came in contact. (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 12)

Through our relation of friendship and familiarity with human beings like ourselves, we may exert an uplifting influence. Those who are united in a common hope and faith in Christ Jesus can be a blessing to one another. Jesus says, “Love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] Love is not simply an impulse, a transitory emotion, dependent upon circumstances; it is a living principle, a permanent power. The soul is fed by the streams of pure love that flow from the heart of Christ, as a well-spring that never fails. O, how is the heart quickened, how are its motives ennobled, its affections deepened, by this communion! Under the education and discipline of the Holy Spirit, the children of God love one another, truly, sincerely, unaffectedly—“without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” [James 3:17.] And this because the heart is in love with Jesus. Our affection for one another springs from our common relation to God. We are one family, we love one another as He loved us. When compared with this true, sanctified, disciplined affection, the shallow courtesy of the world, the meaningless expressions of effusive friendship, are as chaff to the wheat. (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 13)

Every man, woman, and youth has an influence upon others. This influence we have from God. It flows from God to the human agent, and we are responsible for its use. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another; if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfectness.” [Colossians 3:12-14.] Will we consider that this pure, unselfishness love, one toward another, is the bond of perfectness in character? “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks unto God and the Father by him.” [Verses 15-17.] (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 14)

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” [Ephesians 4:29-32.] (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 15)

This is the instruction of the Word. How has it been obeyed? Oh, if this had been brought into the character of all the workers, what a change would there be in our institution! How different now would be the mold upon the work of God in Battle Creek! The strange developments that have been revealed in the decisions of your councils would not have seen the light of day. Bitter jealousies would not have been thriving in the hearts of those who profess to be followers of Christ. Advice or decisions that would involve a brother in distress or perplexity, or bind him in poverty, would be shunned as you would shun the leprosy. It is a fearful thing for a man to lose his own soul, yet every day men are taking steps that will result in the loss of their souls. The question came from the lips of Christ, “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man given in exchange for his soul?” [Mark 8:36, 37.] Solemn, fearfully solemn, question! And yet how many are, like Esau, selling their souls for a mess of pottage. And for a man to lose his own soul means more even than this. His words, his example, his evil-spun theories lead others into perplexities and difficulties. He tolls [draws] men away from Christ to rank under the black banner of the prince of darkness. He is, in short, a soul-slayer; he is doing his best to destroy the principles which God has commanded to live. How terrible the thought of destroying the souls of men whom Christ came to our world to save. The result of our lives day by day should be to heal, not bruise; to save, not destroy. (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 16)

Cannot you see that eternal interests are involved in your life practice? Every one is deciding his own destiny. He who reigns in heaven allows every man to take his position to hasten or retard his Lord’s appearing. All who consent to be freed from their natural selfishness, and to [be] charged with the Holy Spirit of God, are taking part with God. As the human channel they are pouring forth the currents of divine influence. Their work has God’s blessing within it. They are building upon the foundation—gold, silver, precious stones. When the day of judgment shall try every man’s work, of what sort it is, the gold, silver, precious stones are imperishable; the wood, hay, stubble, are consumed, and the life work of the builder is lost. Just in proportion to man’s consecration to God in this life will be his advancement in the future life. According to its character, his work is rewarded, and determines his place in the temple of God. (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 17)

Each human being is responsible for the salvation of his own soul, and is under the most solemn responsibility for the salvation of the souls of others. He is to exert a saving influence; he is to watch for souls as they who must give an account. Each man, woman, and youth is passing his time here as a probationer. In that great day when the accounts of all are opened, it will be known who is the foolish builder on the sand, and who the builder on the eternal Rock. Then it will be known who have dishonored God’s sacred work by bringing in their own principles and practices. It will be seen who have woven their own spirit into methods and plans, to be passed on to the churches to mold their work. All the pettishness, the envy, the jealousies, the want of self-sacrifice, the stubborn resistance to the Holy Spirit’s working—all this the day will declare. Every work will be judged according to its character. (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 18)

My brother, I leave these words with you, saying, “Turn ye, turn ye; for why will ye die?” [Ezekiel 33:11.] (11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, 19)

Lt 64, 1896

Lindsay, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
May 8, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 1888 1516-1519.
Dear Sister Lindsay:

Please read Christ’s instruction to the lawyer, recorded in Luke 10:25-28. “A certain lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” This lesson outlines the duty of all. (11LtMs, Lt 64, 1896, 1)

By this mail I am writing to Brother C. H. Jones, and if possible will send you a copy of his letter. (11LtMs, Lt 64, 1896, 2)

Again and again, at different times and in different places, decided warnings have been given me. I could not define the import of these warnings, for they were presented to me in figures and symbols. I have been very much puzzled over this matter, which was introduced before my husband’s death. Since that time I have been shown that efforts would be made to bind up the publishing house in Oakland with the publishing house in Battle Creek, in order that the publishing house at Battle Creek might have control. These warnings I did not fully understand, because many times the message had been given me that these two instructions should not be at strife one with another, or manifest anything savoring of jealousy or envy, but that they should stand as sister institutions, each doing their appointed work as God’s instrumentalities. “Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.” [Isaiah 11:13.] Each institution was established of God to do its respective work. (11LtMs, Lt 64, 1896, 3)

Before my husband’s death this matter in regard to the publishing house at Battle Creek and the publishing house at Oakland was presented to me under the figure of the vine, and since that time it has been presented to me under the same figure. The Lord has shown me that these two institutions are to be kept as separate as two branches which, though distinct, both center in the parent vine. They are not to be merged into one, but are to be kept distinct, yet each is to derive its nourishment from the same source. Said Christ, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” “I am the true vine, ye are the branches.” “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit ... he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” “He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.” [John 15:1-5.] (11LtMs, Lt 64, 1896, 4)

“If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered, and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” [Verse 6.] “And now also the axe is laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree which bringest forth not good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” [Matthew 3:10.] “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles. Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:16-20.] “Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit, so shall ye be my disciples.” [John 15:8.] (11LtMs, Lt 64, 1896, 5)

Under different figures this matter has been presented to me, and I know that it is not the Lord’s will that these two publishing houses shall be united. I fear that those at Battle Creek have also made a mistake in taking over the schools and the Health Retreat at St. Helena. The publishing house at Battle Creek has been under the reproof of God for years, especially since the time of the Minneapolis meeting, when some acted the part of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. If its managers were not swelled with self-importance and self-sufficiency, they would not feel that they could carry every crippled institution. The showing of their own institution is anything but favorable. (11LtMs, Lt 64, 1896, 6)

Edson White was unsparingly condemned because he was to blame in his financial management, but those who condemned him knew that their own financial embarrassment was not after God’s order. This has been represented to me like a man trying to pull a mote out of the eye of his brother, while a beam was in his own eye. (11LtMs, Lt 64, 1896, 7)

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgeth; for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasureth up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory, and honor, and immortality, eternal life; but unto them that are contentious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath.” [Romans 2:1-8.] (11LtMs, Lt 64, 1896, 8)

Lt 65, 1896

Miller, Brother; Woods, Brother
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
November 8, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brethren Miller and Woods:

You have both moved unwisely. Brother Miller has disappointed us. Had he walked humbly with God, he himself and his brothers, would today be connected with the Echo Office, but they have withdrawn themselves. Unless transformed, mother and sons will from henceforth view things in a perverted light. Deceptive fancies will lead to a course of action that will result in spiritual weakness, and they will not go on from strength to strength. They themselves have closed the passage behind them. They have now created a condition of things that will make it very difficult for them in their future Christian experience. Assertions have been made that were not true, and thus it stands in the record books of heaven. Will this be seen and repented of? (11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, 1)

The Lord highly favored Brother Miller and his brothers with a position in His work. In their connection with the Echo Office, they could be in touch with the world, but not of the world. They have placed themselves where temptations will be increased. At such a time as this every soul, especially young men, should be found where there is the most light. If the Lord in His providence places them, as He did Joseph, amid the corruption of heathen courts, then He will give them grace to stand, not in their own finite strength, but in His strength. (11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, 2)

But of what use is it for me to write on these points? I write much, but the matter will not be appreciated, and may confirm a spirit of resistance which will make it still more difficult for them to retrace their steps. (11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, 3)

The whole devising has been wrong. The whole planning has created a perplexing condition of things that will be detrimental to the church. Whenever, through a certain devising, impressions are made on the church members so that there is less unity among them, whenever seeds of bitterness are sown, whenever brothers and sisters, instead of drawing together in stronger fellowship and union with their brethren and sisters, are drawing apart, when the root of bitterness is striking its fibers deeper and deeper, to spring up, whereby many will be poisoned and defiled, know that God’s signature is not on any such work. The conflict, the heart burnings, are unholy, and deadly to spirituality. (11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, 4)

When these influences prevail, what words in warnings will be respected in counsels? There is a spirit springing into earnest activity which leads many to despise the very ones whom God is using to do His work. In their hearts they are despising, not the messengers, but Him who has delegated them to speak His Word. They cannot extinguish the message; they cannot prevent the accomplishment of the work God has in His Providence appointed to be done; but they can place themselves in a position to make light of God’s appointed agencies, and the words of the Lord’s messengers have no weight with them. They can ridicule the message and the messengers, but that will not change the truth of God into a lie. The truth is the truth still. (11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, 5)

But what does this feeling of bitterness effect? Those who cherish these sentiments place themselves where the Lord has no means to reach them. They close the door against light which the Lord desires shall be communicated to them and appreciated by them. They make it an impossibility for them to love the Lord Jesus Christ and His work. There is a jealous, sensitive spirit cherished. Those who have pampered their own pride into such morbid activity will be wounded constantly. The truth which God commands to be spoken cannot be expressed without creating offense. Our Master Himself, who was perfect in character, was misunderstood and unkindly judged by those who cherished their own spirit and the feelings of an unrenewed, unsanctified heart. Will not His followers who are wearing His yoke and lifting His burdens, share the contempt and scorn and reproach with Jesus? Those who have sown evil seed in the minds of others are responsible before God. (11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, 6)

The Lord will speak just the same, whether men will hear or whether they will forbear. The Lord’s servants may be disapproved by the very ones whom He would help, whom, if they would let Him, He would instruct, strengthen, bless, refine, and ennoble, but God calls for faithful work to be done at all times, and in all places. Read Ezekiel 3:11, and chapter 18. There is a very great work to be done in our world. Every jot and tittle of capability and tact and ingenuity is needed. Messages of reproof and warnings will come to the people of God, to mothers, to fathers, to the children of Israel, that they may not move blindly. If those to whom these messages shall come will hear, if they will take heed with patience, with a generous, teachable spirit, then the blessing of the Lord will come to them. (11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, 7)

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. “As an earring of gold, an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.” “As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him, for he refresheth the soul of his master.” Proverbs 25:10-13. (11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, 8)

Our communications to one another should never savor of flattery, or deception, but should always be in truth and righteousness. Then and then only can one fulfill the work God has given him to do. When divine instruction is given to an obedient ear, God’s purposes are fulfilled, and his name glorified. I tell you, the Lord has a work for all to do, earnest work for their own souls, that they may abide in the light, and be a precious light unto others. A disposition to choose flattery and praise in a wrong course of action, to refuse counsel and advice, reveals that the heart is opposed to God, opposed to His instruction, opposed to the ways of God. (11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, 9)

When one rejects advice and reproof, when he will not accept it, or cannot accept it, because the pride of the human heart will not admit it, and those ignorant of the warnings of the Spirit of God cannot realize what they are doing, irritation arises. They are provoked at any words of reproof, and the headstrong obstinacy will not yield, although they are fully convicted. All this spirit must be overcome. The grace of Christ must take possession of the will, and bring it into submission, and conform it to God’s mind and will, else they cannot become members of God’s family above. (11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, 10)

The deficiency of perception which leads men to indignantly refuse advice or counsel is the result of unsubdued attributes, ignorance of self, ignorance of divine truth, ignorance of God, ignorance of pure and undefiled religion. There are many who keep their souls away from light and the grace of Christ, because they will never admit that they are wrong. They ever have a supply of excuses at hand. They have in store any amount of reasons to justify and vindicate themselves, which is all vain and foolish. (11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, 11)

They who will vindicate themselves as always right are in a deception and delusion of the enemy, for they become hopelessly, helplessly wrong; helplessly because they will not be convinced. They reject all advice that would set the mind right. Hopelessly because there is a denial of the necessity of every reproof or counsel. This was the sin of the Jews. They would not receive advice or counsel, not even the instructions of Jesus Christ. They were whole, and felt no need of a physician. Christ said of them, “I came not to call the righteous (self-righteous), but sinners to repentance. They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” [Luke 5:31, 32.] (11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, 12)

The Laodicean message is applicable to the church. Revelation 3:14-22. We have no time to cavil or gossip over the cases of one another, but we should seek earnestly for the precious gold of character. “I counsel thee to buy of me gold (character) tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich: and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock: If any man will hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” [Verses 18-20.] Here is the work the Holy Spirit that is striving to [have] recognized. When the mind is willing to admit Jesus, there will be a reflection of His image in the soul, and an intensity of love will be created. (11LtMs, Lt 65, 1896, 13)

Lt 66, 1896

McCullagh, Brother and Sister
“Sunnyside,” Avondale, Cooranbong, Australia
March 25, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 4Bio 278. +
Dear Brother and Sister McCullagh:

Fannie tells me that you do not think it advisable to come to our place. I should not have asked you had I not wished you to be differently situated from what you have been, for unless there is an entirely different atmosphere in your home life, you will not obtain that spiritual efficiency that will enable you to do the work you have been doing. There is too much haphazard work in your home. With regard to your visiting South Australia and then returning to New South Wales, I cannot speak advisedly, but this I know, there has been in your family a great want of management and a great lack of proper cooking. (11LtMs, Lt 66, 1896, 1)

A thorough transformation is essential for every member of the family if you are fitting for the companionship of the saints in light. As a family, you are a long way from meeting the similitude of God. There is great need of genuine, daily conversion with us all, that we may learn the very things we need to know to understand spiritual things. Sister McCullagh needs so much the transforming influence of the Spirit of God. (11LtMs, Lt 66, 1896, 2)

I asked both of you to come here because you need help, you need change, you need the very lessons you will hear at this meeting. You need to place yourselves in the channel of light, you need so much to drink of the waters of Lebanon. Instead of this, you have little religion in your home. Little things of inferior character are sufficient to crowd Christ out. How can you expect the blessing of God, how can you expect the light of the Sun of Righteousness to shine upon you with its clear, bright, healing rays, when you will not seek God, but let this thing and that thing crowd Jesus out? This is no time for any of us to have a circumstantial religion. Faith and hope and courage we will have if we seek for it, if we have soul-hunger, for religion. (11LtMs, Lt 66, 1896, 3)

Your wife needs rest; she needs change. You need change. It would be better if, for a time, your wife could be relieved of the burden, if some one else could take it and care for you; but I cannot see how to arrange this matter. (11LtMs, Lt 66, 1896, 4)

I will board Brother Semmens and Brother McCullagh if they will come, because if Brother Semmens would come to the meeting, I would feel sure that Brother McCullagh would be in good hands. I would give him that diet I should think best for him, the very best we could get up. Meat I do not consider the best thing for him, neither do I think tea or Java coffee would be best for him, but I will do my best to provide simple food. (11LtMs, Lt 66, 1896, 5)

From the light given me of the Lord, you do not really understand what health reform is, and it may cost you some breaking up of bad habits to understand how to live. I am now sixty-eight years of age, and my life is spared because I have practiced health reform. If both you and your wife come up, you are welcome to our fare; if Brother McCullagh comes alone, we will do the best we can for him, and expect him to improve and become stronger; but this will not be through the ministration in diet of Sister McCullagh. Her child is permitted to live by impulse, and is fitful in her eating. (11LtMs, Lt 66, 1896, 6)

Eating suppers creates a feverish state of the system and indigestion. This destroys her appetite for breakfast. All things are turned out of their natural order. The child should arise in the morning with sweet breath and a good appetite for breakfast; but the meal of the night before has done its work in debilitating and unfitting the stomach for food. Then at the noon meal there is over eating, when the digestive organs would do much better work if nothing passed the lips until the next morning. (11LtMs, Lt 66, 1896, 7)

I have gone over this program with my children and myself, and I testify to the fact that the third meal of the day, if taken at all, should be strictly confined to simple crackers and homemade coffee. To dispense with the third meal entirely would be better for your family. You have not treated your stomachs wisely. As I reason with mothers about this, they say, I was just as my child; I could not take breakfast. No; for there lay in the stomach the food eaten just before retiring, and it was not digested. Of course, there was no appetite for breakfast. Too much was taken for the noon meal, and supper was eaten before the food previously placed in the stomach had been disposed of. Thus we go on, if we will, in a blind, heedless state, not studying from cause to effect; and the effect is miserable health. Tea is doing the work for the stomach and also for the head. (11LtMs, Lt 66, 1896, 8)

These things I would not agree to give either of you. I have disciplined myself strictly, because I greatly desired my mind, my memory, my stomach [to be] in the best possible condition to preserve, to receive the molding of the Holy Spirit of God, that I might co-operate with Him, and not work contrary to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We may follow impulse and the imagination of our own human wisdom independently of the light which God has seen fit to give us, and we will reap the consequence in disordered digestive organs, clogged liver, and disturbed bowels. (11LtMs, Lt 66, 1896, 9)

I did not ask you to come here to hurt you in any way, but to change the order of things, which your wife will not properly do unless the Holy Spirit of God shall mold and fashion her character. When this is done she can be a much greater help to her husband, spiritually and physically, than she ever has been; and you will have order and system in your family management. The lessons in home education now being given to your daughter by your own precept and example are not after the similitude of heaven, and there will be results which you will not care to meet. (11LtMs, Lt 66, 1896, 10)

I do not ask you to come here to wound or bruise you in any way. I ask you to come that you may learn all you possibly can in every line where improvement is so much needed. I write you this because I want to do you good. The sickness of Brother McCullagh has alarmed me, and I have no hope of his recovery if a decided change is not made. If he could go away from his home for six months, and not see his family for that time, it would be a blessing to him. The many little home worries as well as the church worries, should not touch him. If he could be perfectly free in mind and have an entire change away from the cities, taking exercise in horseback riding, it would be a blessing. But I do not want to force him to do this, although I know it to be the right thing to do. (11LtMs, Lt 66, 1896, 11)

I am writing you this to let you know that you are bringing suffering upon yourselves by a wrong course of eating and wrong practices. I wanted both of you to come here, hoping to see favorable change in you, spiritually and physically. You need have no fear that I shall express to others what I have written to you. I am working for your present and eternal good. If you decide to come, my offer remains as I made it. Your child I prefer not to have, for I have no place for her, and I would not want her influence in educating the children with whom she would associate in my family. I must be plain with you, for I know that neither of you know the character of your own child. (11LtMs, Lt 66, 1896, 12)

I do not write you what any one has told me, but what I know from a higher source. Unless a change shall take place in your home management, she will control you both in a little while. Her way, her will, her wishes, will be the ruling principle in your home. The Lord is not at all pleased with the character-building of your daughter. I have this warning to give, and I have all tenderness of heart to you both. If you could place your child under the firm, even discipline of some person who has tact in managing children, you might even now see a change for the better; but I have little hope of any under the training she now has. I cannot now say all that I may have to say to you, but I write you this because I have a great desire to help you and your child, whose faults her mother is largely responsible for. (11LtMs, Lt 66, 1896, 13)

Lt 67, 1896

McCullagh, Brother and Sister
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, Australia
March 30, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 18MR 42-53. +
Dear Brother and Sister McCullagh:

I have been glad to receive encouraging letters from you. I am anxious that in every respect both of you shall meet the approval of God. Bear in mind that in every place which you may visit, your influence needs to be strictly guarded. From the light which God has given me, I see that you need to feel a pure, unselfish interest in your work. Unknown to yourselves, you have exerted an influence which has had a tendency to your fellow laborers. Your words have created disaffection in the churches which you have visited, and you have given the impression that your ability was not appreciated. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 1)

By mentioning little things which others have done or said, by talking of that which was born of your own imaginings, you have cast suspicion upon others and gathered sympathy to yourselves. Your course of action should have been different from this, for seeds of this kind soon render your labor useless, and deprive the churches of the help they should receive from the one who is appointed by the Lord to work among them. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 2)

The Lord has given you talents for His service, and He longs to see you reveal Him to others. You have an influence with people; your speaking is acceptable to them. But you need to give more time and more earnest study to the Bible. I have been shown that you have done too much preaching and have given too little time to the study of the Word of God, which alone can make you an able and efficient workman. In your speaking, you too often wander from the subject, not giving necessary clearness to a few vital points. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 3)

When you thus rapidly advance, touching here and there, every thought does not stand out clearly and distinctly. Before your hearers can see the thought which is of essential importance, you pass on to something else. Because of this, sufficient force is not given to each point. The power that would rivet the thoughts in the mind is wanting, and your hearers cannot carry away with them all that they might were the subject presented differently. They do not realize that they have heard the Word of God, not the word of man. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 4)

You need to gather every ray of light that you can find upon the essential points of truth, and then when you are speaking, make the most of these points. Give them all the force you can by presenting them in a clear, concise manner, fastening down the evidence on these points like a nail in a sure place. Make a straight, clear application, and then call for a decision. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 5)

It is upon this point that Brother Starr makes a decided mistake. You have noticed this error in him, and remarked upon it, but you yourself have needed to reform. I hoped that you would improve the opportunity given the workers in Sydney to learn of these things, that you might present the evidence of our faith in a clear, connected manner, and also teach others to do this. You could have learned many valuable lessons from Elder Corliss on this point. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 6)

Elder Corliss is a man of power. He has a clear conception of vital truth, and has an influence over others. He was grieved that you did not receive the help in the study of the Bible that he thought you needed. He erred in feeling hurt that you did not manifest a deeper interest in the study of the Word of God that was conducted in Sydney; but you erred also in withdrawing yourself from needed help. The Lord has not given you, or any other brother or sister, liberty to withdraw from the help and knowledge which Elder Corliss’s long experience would have given you. You cannot be his judge; for you are finite, and cannot read the hearts of men. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 7)

I am sorry that Elder Corliss, by his impetuous spirit, has weakened his influence with you and others. But this has not weakened his influence with me. I know that this hastiness of temper in his infirmity. He will always have to guard against this failing. But rejoice to think that he has made such good use of the time and ability which God has given him. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 8)

Had Elder Corliss made a tirade against me, whom he calls mother, I should have felt sorry, because of the injury done to himself and to the cause of God. But I would not have turned away from him. He loves the truth, and the Lord loves him. After these outbursts, he feels sorry enough, and at such times he needs the grace of the Lord and the help of his brethren, that he may make decided efforts to overcome. “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; behold the judge standeth before the door.” “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.” [James 5:9, 17.] (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 9)

There is danger that much will be made of the supposed mistakes of Elder Corliss during the progress of the work in Sydney, and that this will be given as a reason for the failure of this effort. But if this is done, it will be doing Elder Corliss great injustice, for it is not true. The hearts and minds of all the workers in Sydney needed to be purified; for the spirit evidence by them grieved the Holy Spirit of God. Some were covetous; they desired promotion; they sought to be first; they were too ready to accuse their brethren of making mistakes, attributing the failure of the work to these mistakes. But God would have his workers lay down the burden of upholding and sustaining themselves lest they be not properly esteemed. Let them put their trust in the Lord God of Israel, He will keep them by His power, enabling them to do their appointed work acceptably. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 10)

All who are laborers together with God should regard the salvation of souls as their highest interest. Self must be hid in Christ. The conversation should not take a pitying, self-righteous turn, for when this is done, Christ is eclipsed and self is made prominent. We interpose ourselves between Christ and those whose Christian experience is weak and who need help in many lines. Under this influence, those whom we try to help will in their turn exert a wrong influence, and will hinder the spiritual advancement of other souls. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 11)

My brother, the Lord loves you, and I am aroused at two o’clock in the morning to write you these things which force themselves upon my mind. By your own choice you may place yourself under influences which will help you to form a character for the kingdom of God and make your work acceptable, or you may receive into your life that which will make your life a failure. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 12)

It is of the greatest importance that ministers and workers set a right example. If they hold and practice lax, loose principles, their example is quoted by those who love to talk rather than to practice, as a full vindication of their course of action. Every mistake that is made grieves the heart of Jesus and does injury to the influence of the truth, which is the power of God for the salvation of souls. The whole synagogue of Satan watches for mistakes in the lives of those who are seeking to represent Christ, and the most is made of every defection. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 13)

Take head lest by your example you place other souls in peril. It is a terrible thing to lose our own souls, but to pursue a course which will cause the loss of other souls, is still more terrible. That our influence should result in being a savor of death unto death is a terrible thought, and yet it is possible. With what holy jealousy, then, should we keep guard over our thoughts, our words, our habits, our dispositions, and our characters. God requires more deep personal holiness on our part. Only by revealing His character can we co-operate with Him in the work of saving souls. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 14)

The Lord’s workers cannot be too careful that their actions do not contradict their words, for a consistent life alone can command respect. If our practice harmonizes with our teaching, our words will have effect; but a piety which is not based upon conscientious principles is as salt without a savor. To speak, and do not is as a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. It is of no use for us to strive to inculcate principles which we do not conscientiously practice. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 15)

Watch unto prayer. In this way alone can you put your whole being into the Lord’s work. Self must be put in the back-ground. Those who make self prominent gain an education that soon becomes second nature to them, and they will soon fail to realize that instead of uplifting Jesus, they uplift themselves; instead of being channels through which the living water can flow to refresh others, they absorb the sympathies and affections of those around them. This is not loyalty to our crucified Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 16)

We are ambassadors for Christ, and we are to live, not to save our reputation, but to save perishing souls from perdition. Our daily endeavor should be to show them how they may gain truth and righteousness. Instead of trying to elicit sympathy for ourselves, by giving others the impression that we are not appreciated, we are to forget self entirely; and if we fail to do this, through want of spiritual discernment and vital piety, God will require at our hands the souls of those for whom we should have labored. He has made provision that every worker in His service may have grace and wisdom, that they may become living epistles, known and read of all men. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 17)

By watchfulness and prayer we may accomplish just what the Lord designs that we shall. Be faithful, painstaking discharge of our duty, by watching for souls as they that must give account, we may remove every stumbling block out of the way of others. By earnest warnings and entreaties, with our own souls drawn out in tender solicitude for those that are ready to perish, we may win souls to Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 18)

I would that all my brethren and sisters would remember that it is a serious thing to grieve the Holy Spirit; and it is grieved when the human agent seeks to work himself, and refuses to enter the service of the Lord because the cross is too heavy or the self-denial too great. The Holy Spirit seeks to abide in each soul. If it is welcomed as an honored guest, those who receive it will be made complete in Christ. The good work begun will be finished; and holy thoughts, heavenly affections, and Christlike actions will take the place of impure thoughts, perverse sentiments, and rebellious acts. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 19)

The Holy Spirit is a divine Teacher. If we will heed its lessons, we shall become wise unto salvation. But we need to guard well our hearts, for too often we forget the heavenly instructions we have received, and seek to act out the natural inclinations of our unconsecrated minds. Each one must fight his own battle against self. Heed the teachings of the Holy Spirit. If this is done, they will be repeated again and again, until the impressions are, as it were, lead on the rock forever. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 20)

God has bought us, and He claims a throne in each heart. Our minds and bodies must be subordinated to Him; and the natural habits and appetites must be made subservient to the higher wants of the soul. But we can place no dependence upon ourselves in this work. we cannot with safety follow our own guidance. The Holy Spirit must renew and sanctify us. And in God’s service there must be no halfway work. Those who profess to serve God and yet indulge their natural impulses will mislead other souls. Said Christ, “Thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” [Mark 12:30.] “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:28.] (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 21)

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we are incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means, ... I myself should be a castaway.” [1 Corinthians 9:24-27.] (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 22)

The Lord has given His people a message in regard to health reform. This light has been shining upon their pathway for thirty years, and the Lord cannot sustain His servants in a course which will counteract it. He is displeased when His servants act in opposition to the message upon this point, which He has given them to give to others. Can He be pleased when half the workers laboring in a place teach that the principles of health reform are as closely allied with the third angel’s message as the arm is to the body, while their co-workers, by their practice, teach principles that are entirely opposite? This is regarded as a sin in the sight of God, and is one reason why He could not give greater success to the work in Sydney. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 23)

My brother, you must no longer the messengers and the message God has sent you in regard to the principles of healthful living. Testimony after testimony has been given which should have brought about great reforms; but at home and abroad your life has been a decided witness against the warnings which the Lord has sent. And nothing brings such discouragement upon the Lord’s watchmen as to be connected with those who have mental capacity, and who understand the reasons of our faith, but by precept and example manifest indifference to moral obligations. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 24)

The light which God has given upon health reform cannot be trifled with without injury to those who attempt it; and no man can hope to succeed in the work of God while by precept and example he acts in opposition to the light which God has sent. The voice of duty is the voice of God, an inborn, heaven-sent guide; and the Lord will not be trifled with upon these subjects. He who disregards the light which God has given in regard to the preservation of health revolts against his own good, and refuses to obey the One who is working for his best good. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 25)

It is the duty of every Christian to follow that course of action which the Lord has designated as right for His servants. He is ever to remember that God and eternity are before him, and he should not disregard his spiritual and physical health even though tempted by wife, children, or relatives to do so. “If the Lord be God, follow him; if Baal, follow him.” [1 Kings 18:21.] (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 26)

The principles of health reform, right or wrong, which are adopted by those who give the Word of God to others, will have a molding influence upon his work, and upon those with whom he labors. If his principles are wrong, he can and will misrepresent the truth to others. If he accepts the truth which appeals to reason rather than to perverted appetite, his influence for the right will be decided. The truth will be in his heart as a well of water, springing up into everlasting life. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 27)

God’s instruction is not “Yea and Nay,” but “Yea and Amen” in Christ Jesus [2 Corinthians 1:18-20], and His workers are called upon to remember that they cannot drift alone with unsettled principles, which are warped and distorted by impulse, without misrepresenting the truth which they profess, and doing a lasting injury to their own souls. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 28)

My brother and sister, if you would be a savor of life unto life, it is essential that a change be made in your experience, and in the experience of your child. Sister McCullagh’s management in the home has not pleased the Lord; your daughter has not had proper training; she has not been brought up with the careful restraint that God requires. In the home and in the world the [love] of God must occupy the first place. God must be enthroned in each heart. Every rival influence, be it husband, wife, or child, which would take the homage which rightly belongs to him, must be given up. There must be no mismanagement on the part of the mother in the training of the child for this example will do injury to other mothers and children. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 29)

Every true servant of God will guard closely the citadel of the soul, lest the things of earth steal his affections from God. God lays no burden upon His servants that they are not able to bear. “He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” [Psalm 103:14.] “In the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength” [Isaiah 26:4], and this strength He waits to bestow upon every asking soul. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 30)

It is a very easy thing to talk of the truth with the lips; but if the heart is not true and loyal to God and His requirements, our preaching does no good. This is Sister McCullagh’s danger. She draws nigh to God with her lips, but her heart is far from Him. While professing the truth, she does not practice it. And her influence has done more to darken the mind and experience of Brother McCullagh than all other influences combined. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 31)

My brother, set your own home in order. If this is not done, you will be more trammeled by the wrong influence felt there than by any other power that can be brought against you. Day by day you are both determining what your soul shall live upon. Will you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, which is His Word, or will you allow your future to be piloted by influences which are opposed to the truth of God, because the wishes of your natural heart are contrary to the principles given by God to His people? (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 32)

From the light which was given me while in New Zealand, I must advise you to find a home for your wife and child where they may stay while you go out and labor among the people. It is not best that they accompany you where God may call you, for they do not add to your influence, but rather detract from it. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 33)

As soon as you decide where you wish to go, I will renew the offer which I made to you when you were in Cooranbong. I will help you to get a little home of your own, where your wife and child can be pleasantly located. They can have a cow, some chickens, and a garden. This would not only be a blessing to them, but to you, for you would have a place to which you could go when tired, where you could obtain rest and physical exercise. If this is done, your life may be long spared to do the work of the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 34)

I have written many things to you, but have withheld them knowing that you were not in a condition to hear them. But I fear that you will never be where the Holy Spirit desires you should be unless you receive the testimony which the Lord has given you. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 35)

God would have you pure and free and happy. Put self out of sight, and keep the glory of God in view. Depend on God for enlightenment in regard to your spiritual growth. Do not neglect to look to Jesus, who is seeking to mould and fashion you after His image. If you will consent, He will lead you on till at length you reach perfection. He will renew you more and more till you are complete in Him. Never depart from your Leader. He alone can lead you in safe paths. He alone can heal all your wounds. In every time of need He will give you comfort and consolation. Will you trust in Him? (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 36)

But if the Lord gives you success in winning souls to Him, never entertain the idea that your own hand has gotten you the victory. Give the praise and honor and glory to Him. And while you may speak the Word of God with all fervor to the people, laboring for Christ’s sake to save perishing souls, do not forget that you are to take care of yourself. Do not injure your vocal organs by rapid speaking. Educate yourself to speak slowly, using the abdominal muscles. Do not pitch your voice in a high key, for this strains the throat, and the Lord desires that you shall preserve your vocal organs. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 37)

I know, Brother McCullagh, that you have a very sensitive spirit. These plainly spoken words may displease you, but I offer no apology, for I have only done my duty in laying the truth before you. I write them in the fear of the Lord because I love you both. I have a deep interest in you, not because I think you are perfect, but because the Lord loves you, and longs to see you revealing Him to the world. Think me not your enemy because I tell you the truth; let not the words I have written discourage you, but let them restore, strengthen, and uphold you. I respect and love you both, and, for this reason I entreat you heed the message God has given me for you. Do not lightly esteem the voice of the Holy Spirit. God wants you to have liberty in Him, and by placing yourself in His hands, you may abound in every good work, and represent Him to the world. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 38)

In much love. (11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, 39)

Lt 68, 1896

McCullagh, S.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
July 12, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 2MR 27-28; 5MR 342-343.
My Dear Brother:

In the past I have been in great perplexity in regard to the work in Sydney. I saw that the only hope for the success of that effort was for the workers to labor together in unity and love, and make a consecrated, self-denying, self-sacrificing endeavor to spread the truth as it is in Jesus. This I presented before you and the other brethren at different times. But I have been shown that much good could not be accomplished because of the disagreements existing between the workers. (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 1)

Jesus bade His disciples eat His flesh and drink His blood, saying, “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me and I in him.” “It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:56, 63.] God’s servants are to feed constantly upon His Word; its principles are to circulate through the entire life-practice. The Word of God had been taught by the workers in Sydney, but it has been disobeyed in their practice. They have not continuously eaten the flesh or drank the blood of the Son of man. (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 2)

A spirit has been cherished by them that is an offense to God, a spirit that kept the workers from blending one with another for fear that their own poor, feeble efforts would not be seen. The universe of heaven beheld the spirit that was manifested. God could not honor such self-exaltation, for His Word declares, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” [Matthew 5:3.] (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 3)

Elder McCullagh, you and Elder Corliss were appointed to work as fellow laborers in the same field, but harmony did not exist between you. Elder Corliss was not perfect, but neither were you. Elder Corliss was a diligent student of the word of God, and from him you might have learned much that would have been a help to you in your ministry. He had a large fund of knowledge, and had you drawn close to him in brotherly love, you might have helped him in many ways, and at the same time you could have learned many valuable lessons and increased your treasure of truth. It would not have detracted from your usefulness in the least had you thought, God blesses Elder Corliss, and enables him to bring the most precious lessons from His Word. I will appropriate the light, receiving every fresh idea that God may send, let it come through whom it may. (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 4)

But though you needed the knowledge Elder Corliss could have given you, you did not realize this fact. You did not like Brother Corliss, and showed this by being busy here and there, occupied in different places, instead of trying to improve your opportunities by receiving the help he could have given you. Was it necessary that your time should be so fully occupied that you could not allow yourself the privilege of obtaining a more thorough knowledge of the truth? If you had felt the need of obtaining this knowledge, you would now be better qualified to present the Word of God to others. (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 5)

The most has been made of the defections and mistakes of Brother Corliss. Dislike of him has been cherished; his faults have been magnified. This Elder Corliss knew, and he was hurt by it. Brother McCullagh, your attitude in this matter was disapproved by God. He did not sanction the harsh feelings that were cherished. At times his light shone upon the workers in Sydney, but how could His blessing be given while such a spirit existed? (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 6)

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness,” craving for a knowledge of the Word of God, as children hunger for bread. [Verse 6.] This hungering and thirsting for righteousness means praying, believing, receiving Christ as an indwelling Saviour. This is continual sanctification. But self interposed, and hindered you in this work. By drawing apart from Elder Corliss you have wounded his soul, and have lost much yourself that you could have gained, for his knowledge of the Word of God was greater than yours. Even though he tried you in some ways, you should not have held aloof from him. Do you not often do things that displease God, my brother? But does God leave you to yourself because you are so weak and erring? No, indeed; He continues to look upon you in mercy and love and pity. (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 7)

Unless we have a sense of our own soul poverty, we are not fitted to do the work of God. Unless we can feel brotherly love for those around us, the Holy Spirit cannot work upon our hearts and minds. Brother Corliss has not always worked in the right way. At times he loses control of himself. You could have been a help, a blessing, and an encouragement to him had you taken the right attitude; but with the other workers who were employed by the conference at no small cost to me, you stood ready to catch at any mistakes he might make, and [you] made these mistakes the occasion of drawing away from him. In short, unity and brotherly kindness did not exist between the workers: Brethren Pallant, Collins, Corliss, and yourself. (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 8)

It is impossible with pen and ink to present this matter so that the same impression will be made on your mind as was made on mine. The Lord opened before me the evils existing among the workers in Sydney, showing me that He could not give them His Spirit as He longed to do; for they had not yet learned to hide in Jesus. Humility was lacking; each one was afraid that the next one would make a better showing than himself. But when God gives men a work to do, they are to do that work, irrespective of what others may think or do, looking not at the mistakes of their brethren. And in humility and meekness, they are to strive to preserve unity and harmony. (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 9)

From the root of humility, meekness, and lowliness springs the most precious greatness of mind—greatness which leads men to conform to the image of Jesus. Those who possess this greatness gain an experience that is of the highest value to them. They have patience and trust in God, and a faith that is invincible. Their true heart-consecration and devotion keeps self out of sight. Having a sense of their own weakness, they appreciate the help which the Lord gives them. They crave the grace of God, that they may do that which is right and pure and true. (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 10)

“A new commandment I give unto you,” said Christ, “that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples.” [John 13:34, 35.] “This is my commandment, That ye love one another as I have loved you.” [John 15:12.] “Beloved,” writes John, “let us love one another; for love is of God, and he that loveth is born of God.” [1 John 4:7.] (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 11)

It has been revealed to me by the Lord, my brother and sister, that your influence has not been altogether that which God can approve. You are employed by the conference to preach the truth, that souls may become rooted and grounded in the faith; but you have fallen into the habit of seeking to gather sympathy to yourself. In your conversation you have left the impression upon the minds of others that your great devotion to the cause of God has not been appreciated. God is not pleased with this, for it is not true. The influence you have exerted in Sydney and its suburbs has not been of the right kind, and will not cause others to have confidence in the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 12)

God cannot be glorified until you surround your souls with a different atmosphere. He cannot give you success in his work until your spirit is changed. Sister McCullagh, if you were truly converted, you could be a great help to your husband in his labors; but if you continue to manifest the same spirit that you have in the past, you will, unconsciously to yourself, do harm instead of good. If your experience is not entirely changed, you will cast a wrong influence wherever you go. Why? Because self will be made prominent, and in God’s work self must not appear. (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 13)

If Christ were formed within, “the hope of glory,” we would seek with all our power to bring solid timbers into our character-building. [Colossians 1:27.] If we were clad in the garments of Christ’s righteousness, clad in meekness and lowliness, we would find our highest joy in talking about Christ. And daily we would enjoy the sense of His converting power upon our souls. No time would be devoted to talking of the defects of others, no inclination would be felt to stir up strife. Instead, we would dwell upon the best characteristics of those for whom Christ has died. (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 14)

It is not only the wise, the great, the beneficent, the teachers of Bible doctrines, that will gain a passport into the heavenly courts; not only the busy workers, full of zeal and restless activity. No; the pure in heart, in whose lips there is found no guile; the peacemaker, who is actuated by the Spirit of an abiding Christ; the humble worker, whose highest ambition it is to do God’s service—these will gain an abundant entrance. (11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, 15)

Lt 69, 1896

McCullagh, S.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
July 11, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in AH 241, 310; CD 425; CG 261, 390; 1MCP 169; 2MCP 407, 579-580; 3SM 290; Te 149-150; VSS 123; 4Bio 276-277.
To Brother McCullagh:

The foregoing [Lt 40, 1893] was written in Hastings. I intended to give it to you while at Ormondville, but did not do so, because I gave a discourse there in which I took up very plainly the principles stated in this letter. You both heard my words, spoken under the power of the Holy Spirit, and Sister McCullagh told me that she received this message as given to herself, for she needed it. She said that she had never seen the case presented in that light before, and that she would make a decided change in her course of action in regard to her child. But this work has been strangely neglected. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 1)

It is my first duty to present Bible principles. Then, unless there is a decided, conscientious reform made by those whose cases have been presented before me, I must appeal to them personally. I have often spoken in the presence of you both on these important subjects, but have never felt that the time had come for me to address you personally; for I could not be sure that you would understand the warning, and work diligently to reform, and I feared that you would both make a wrong use of the matter sent you. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 2)

All through my acquaintance with her, I have had a tender, heartfelt solicitude for Sister McCullagh. I have felt anxious to help her out of the rut in which she has been traveling, but this I have not been able to do. She has misrepresented and misinterpreted my words, and for her own sake, I cannot keep silent. I feel that the time has come for me to speak. When I heard of Brother McCullagh’s recent illness, I felt that I had a special work to do for Sister McCullagh, that I must open things before her. But I did not wish to bring any additional burden upon Brother McCullagh, for I knew that he could not bear it. He sees some errors in his wife’s methods, but he does not see that he is in danger himself because of her influence over him. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 3)

I shall come right to the point, for what I have to say must be said. Neither of you have walked in the light which has been given in regard to health reform. Sister McCullagh, you have evidenced that you were not susceptible to truth by disregarding these principles. You have not put yourself in the channel of light by placing yourself on the right side of the question, but by your course of action, you have tempted your husband to digress. His influence has not been sufficient to correct your wrong habits, but your influence has led him to disregard the principles of healthful living. It was your duty to walk in the light given you on this subject, but you have neglected to do so, and an improper, unhealthful preparation of food has been the result. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 4)

The principles of health reform should be brought into the life of every Christian. Men and women who disregard these principles cannot offer to God a pure, vigorous devotion, for a dyspeptic stomach or a torpid liver make the religious life an uncertainty. Eating the flesh of dead animals has an injurious effect upon spirituality. When meat is made the staple article of food, the higher faculties are overborne by the lower passions. There things are an offense to God and are the cause of a decline in spiritual life. Keep out of the stomach everything that will disturb the digestive organs; discard all food that affords no nourishment for the system. I hope Sister McCullagh will feel her responsibility in this matter, and will do all she can to help her husband prolong his life by learning how to cook. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 5)

In no way, as a wife or a mother, could you have been more useful, my sister, than by preparing the food to be eaten in a healthful manner. But before your husband had time to learn what constituted health reform, you cast reproach upon its principles. By painstaking efforts you might have gained an education which would enable you to cook wholesome, nourishing food in a palatable manner, for health reform does not mean a poverty-stricken diet. But the articles of food which Brother McCullagh has been obliged to eat if he subsisted at all have been improperly prepared. You have put temptation in his way, and to this he owes a diseased and inflamed stomach which is always hankering for something which will remove the debility caused by indigestion. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 6)

The health is in no way improved by the use of those things which stimulate for a time, but afterwards cause a reaction which leaves the system lower than before. Tea and coffee whip up the flagging energies for the time being, but when their immediate influence has gone, a depression is the result. These beverages have no nourishment whatever in themselves. The milk and sugar it contains constitutes all the nourishment afforded by a cup of tea or coffee. Often tea that has been damaged is preserved by coloring it with that which contains poison, and in this way it is offered for sale. Can Sister McCullagh think that while she takes her case in her own hands, and continues to eat and drink as she pleases, putting temptation in her husband’s way by offering him tea as a refreshing beverage, that God will work a miracle to counteract the evil effects of this course of action? (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 7)

After drinking a cup of tea, which she may call weak, Sister McCullagh feels stimulated, and in this frame of mind she says that which is unwise. Her conversation is not pure, for only those lips are without guile, only those words pure, that fulfill the requirements of the Lord, and He has told us to speak evil of no man. The voice and the tongue are designed by God to be a blessing to man, but when these precious, heaven-sent instruments are put to a wrong use, they do much harm. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 8)

For the Sabbath we should not prepare a more liberal supply or a greater variety of food. Instead of this, the food provided for that day should be more simple, and less should be eaten, in order that the head may be clear and the mind vigorous to comprehend spiritual things. Highly seasoned dishes hinder the entrance of truth, and overeating befogs the mind. The most precious words may be heard and not appreciated because the mind is confused and embarrassed by an improper diet. By overeating on the Sabbath, God’s people have done more to dishonor Him than they think. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 9)

The true follower of God is temperate in all things. The principles of temperance are far-reaching, and there is danger that those who have received great light on this subject will fail to appreciate this light. God requires that his people living in these last days, overcome every hurtful practice, presenting their bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto him, that they may win a seat at his right hand. It is our duty to take ourselves in hand, and strive to bring our minds, our wills, and our tastes into conformity with the requirements of our Creator. The grace of God alone can enable us to do this; by its power our lives may be brought into harmony with right principles. We shall reap that which we sow, and only those who bring themselves into subjection to the will of God are truly wise. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 10)

Whatever we do in the line of eating and drinking should be done with the special purpose of nourishing the body, that we may serve God to His name’s glory. The whole body is the property of God, and we must give strict attention to our physical well-being, for the religious life is closely related to physical habits and practices. All we have and are belongs to God; all is His property, and should be used in His service. You must learn this lesson, my sister, before you can merit a place among the undefiled. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 11)

You have cherished wrong sentiments in your heart; you have thought, May I not do what I please with myself? Is not my body my own property? No; “ye are not your own.” [1 Corinthians 6:19.] You have been bought with a price, and you have obligations which you owe to God, to your family, and to those with whom you associate. Your course of action influences others, and for this reason your habits and practices must be carefully guarded. God claims your time; for it belongs to him. He demands that the words you speak shall honor and glorify him. He requires that your influence tell on the side of right. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 12)

The great Master-Artist alone is the rightful owner of the works of His hands. By creation and by redemption we are His. The very dust out of which we were formed is His production; and “hath not the potter power over the clay?” [Romans 9:21.] Rightfully, He claims our entire service. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 13)

O the great tenderness and mercy of God! I would, my sister, that you had a deeper sense of your accountability to Him. If you do not reach a higher standard in the Christian life, you will do much harm as the wife of a minister of God. Naturally you are inclined to criticize, accuse, and pick at flaws. How much harm you have done in this respect, you cannot know; you have influenced your husband in such a way that he has taken wrong views of persons and their work, and has been disqualified for doing the work of the Lord as acceptably as he might have done. By precept and example you have planted seeds of bitterness which have sprung up and borne fruit after their own kind. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 14)

You cannot be too careful of what you say, for the words you utter show what power is controlling your mind and heart. If Christ rules in your heart, your words will reveal the purity, beauty, and fragrance of a character molded and fashioned by His will. But since his fall Satan has been an accuser of the brethren, and you must be on guard, lest you reveal the same spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 15)

The Lord demands that our words be of the very best quality; that our tongues be truthful at all times. Any vestige of prevarication is an offense to Him. Every word we speak needs the most careful consideration, lest it mislead those who are weak in the faith. From the light which God has given me, I know that by your unadvised words you have left wrong impressions on the minds of some in Sydney and suburbs, and much time will be needed to counteract the effects of these impressions. What you have thus expressed in words has not been true, but has been the result of your own imagination. No longer rely on a spurious spirituality. Consecrate yourself daily to God, and then you will believe the truth, and conscientiously talk and practice it. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 16)

Sister McCullagh, your management in the home is not good. The education you might have obtained in your youth you did not, which has been a great loss to you. I was led into your inner life from a child, and shown your past experience. In your childhood you were unwilling to receive a training in useful lines. You resisted the attempts made to teach you to study, sew, or do domestic work. Impatient of discipline and restraint, you resorted to any subterfuge that would free you from application. You misled your mother by statements that were not true, and thus gained your own way. The education that would have enabled you to stand at the head of a family you did not obtain, because you disliked to apply yourself to useful duties and avoided them all you could. Solid timbers were not brought into your character-building. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 17)

The spirit you revealed when a child was brought into your girlhood experience, and has been woven into your married life. The exertion disagreeable to you then is disagreeable to you now; and this has been a drawback to your spiritual advancement. The want of the education you should have obtained, has been keenly felt by yourself, your husband, and your child. You could have improved very much, by redeeming the past, had Bible truths been received into your heart and mind, and revealed in your daily practice; but this has not been the case; and your home duties have been hard for you. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 18)

It is all-important that a mother patiently instruct her child, that she may grow up with systematic habits and a knowledge of how to perform the daily duties which will always have to be done. The example set by the mother in this respect is powerful; be it right or wrong, it will be followed by the child. Had you submitted to discipline in your youth, had you obtained an education in economy and dispatch, you would find it much easier to train your daughter. She must be given the right kind of an education if you desire her to grow up into usefulness. Do not forget to give her a training in domestic work. Instruct her in the different lines of this work, in order that she may be a help to you and to those around her. It will be necessary to set apart some time for recreation; and this recreation should also be of that character which will educate her for usefulness. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 19)

Your child has a nervous temperament, and her diet should be carefully guarded. She should not be allowed to choose that food which will gratify the taste without affording proper nourishment. Children are easily persuaded to indulge, and they should never be urged to eat a variety of food. Everything placed before them should tend to strengthen brain, bone, and muscle. Your daughter’s appetite must be regulated, for she has not been educated to eat only at the regular times. Hearty suppers should not be given her, then she will have an appetite for breakfast. Never let her go from home to school without her breakfast. Do not venture to give full scope to your inclinations in this matter. Place yourself entirely under the control of God, and He will help you to bring all your desires into harmony with His requirements. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 20)

My sister, you have a work to do which is not pleasant and agreeable if you would regain your lost influence over your child. You have not advanced with the developments of her mind. Be careful lest the mistakes of your childhood be repeated in her training. You have not always been truthful before her. Untrue statements have been made in her hearing, and being sharp and quick, she has seen this, and has followed in a similar course. You have prevaricated to her, and she has little respect for you or for your discernment. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 21)

You little know how many falsehoods your child has uttered, while looking directly in your face. To others you have said, “Christabel never told me a lie.” But this statement was a falsehood, and those who heard it know it to be so. At different times others have told you the truth concerning your child. But you looked in her face, saying, “Christabel never told me a falsehood. I will take her words before the statements of those who have told me different.” (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 22)

My sister, can you be surprised that your daughter has little confidence in her mother’s word? You have educated her to be untruthful; and the Lord is grieved to see one of His little ones led in the wrong path by her mother. You child is not your own; you cannot do with her as you like, for she is the property of the Lord. Exercise a steady, persevering control over her; teach her that she belongs to God. With such a training, she will grow up to be a blessing to those around her. But clear, sharp discernment will be necessary, in order that you may repress her inclination to rule you both, to have her own will and way, and to do as she pleases. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 23)

Remember that in your child you have a pupil whose influence is far-reaching. And the influence she exerts upon those around her will either be elevating, purifying, and ennobling, or like a poisonous malaria. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 24)

Sister McCullagh, you need to be converted. Your religious experience must be of an entirely different character from what it has been in the past. It is time for you to gird up the loins of your mind and strive earnestly and sensibly, by the grace of God, to lead your child heavenward. Press forward against the powers of darkness. Carry forward your home government faithfully and conscientiously. Speak always in a calm, earnest voice, in which no trace of passion is expressed. Passion is not necessary to secure prompt obedience. A fitful government—at one time holding the lines firmly, and at another allowing that which has been condemned—is ruination to a child. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 25)

You have taken little interest in the light given in reference to the training of children; but it is not right for you to thus demerit your responsibilities. You cannot be too careful how you train your child; for the instruction you give will influence her whole life. If in after years she gives her heart to the Lord, her religious experience will bear the mould of her home training. If this training has been defective, her spiritual life will be likewise marred and imperfect. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 26)

My sister, you have a duty to perform toward your daughter. Her character must be molded and fashioned for the kingdom of God, and in this work you need the grace of Jesus Christ. A Christian mother will ever be wide awake to discern the dangers that surround her children. She will keep her own soul in a pure, holy atmosphere; she will regulate her temper and principles by the Word of God, and will faithfully do her duty, living above the petty temptations which will always assail her. Look well to the education you are giving your child, lest Satan take her out of your hands, and use her as an instrument with which to do his work. Maintain a faithful guard over her as one who rightly estimates the temptations which she must encounter. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 27)

You must awake if your child is spared to you. When you are really transformed in character, as you must be, you will see things in an entirely different light. Your mind will be purified, elevated, and cheered by a sense of the solemn, sacred responsibilities resting upon you; and you will earnestly strive to guide the footsteps of your daughter in the heavenly way. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 28)

Brother McCullagh, you have labored far beyond your strength. You treat yourself as though you were a horse, recklessly imperilling the life which God has given you by straining yourself to the utmost. You work till you are all tired out, and then you pity yourself, and reach out for sympathy. Brooding over this has done you no good. God does not require you to work till you have no strength to think rationally. You have injured your vital organs by using your voice improperly, by pitching it in too high a key. Less preaching and more Bible lessons would do much to preserve your health. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 29)

You have placed too high an estimate on your labors. Remember that your labors are of value with God only as you work the works of God. You have at times thought that no one could help the people but yourself, but for some time you have been sowing other than pure wheat. Seed has been sown which will bring forth tares. Suspicions have been aroused which have no true foundation. Your words and actions need to be closely guarded. Take more time to study the Word of God, that you may have food for the people that will nourish their souls. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 30)

When I am assured that the truth has been brought into your lives, my brother and sister, I shall take courage, and believe that God will work in your behalf by giving both of you mental, moral, and spiritual efficiency. Sister McCullagh will then have a greater desire for her own family to be true, and pure, and holy, and conscientious in all its practice. She will not shun the cross of temperance. She will cease sowing the seeds of doubt and distrust, and will work in harmony with the truth of God for this time. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 31)

For Christ’s sake, my brother and sister, heed the words which I have written, for it has cost me a great effort to write them. You have your destiny in your own hands; by your actions you can make or mar it. I tremble for you both, for you are subject to misconceptions. Never give others the impression that you think your brethren do not appreciate you. All such impressions are as the seeds of tares. Be careful never to drop the tiniest seed of doubt or distrust, for this will bring upon you the displeasure of God. (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 32)

In simple, humble faith cast your care upon Jesus, and you will have rest and peace. Abide under the shadow of the cross of the crucified Redeemer. Banish ingratitude, for, if cherished, it will kill the love of God in your heart. Rest in the assurance that you are in the hands of God. He will take care of you. Can you not trust your life, your character, your all, in the hands of the faithful, loving Jehovah? It is His desire that you should both perfect a Christian character, and by yielding yourself into His keeping, you may be “complete in Him.” [Colossians 2:10.] (11LtMs, Lt 69, 1896, 33)

Lt 69a, 1896

Maxson, Brother and Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
November 5, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother and Sister Maxson:

I have written you largely, although it is but a small portion of that which I have been waiting and working upon. The Lord will work with you if you will open your heart and mind to be worked. But in some respects you are certainly keeping yourselves in the mist and in the fog. The Lord calls for you. “Go forward” and upward. You have a work to do for your own individual selves. Neglect it not. (11LtMs, Lt 69a, 1896, 1)

My brother, if you had not tried to do the things you are not qualified to do, if you had felt the necessity of having a sound, level, all-sided man as superintendent, had you fallen into the line where you ought to have been, there would now be an entirely different showing. I have [had] but one testimony to bear to you from the first; you are not a man who can manage large interests as a superintendent. You have felt yourself to be everything that the sanitarium required, but you have never estimated yourself correctly. When you have far more humble views of yourself, you will, through the grace given you of God, have restfulness in Him. May the Lord help you to understand, is my prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 69a, 1896, 2)

The managing and controlling of the Health Retreat is not your work. When you see this, you will have gained a rich experience, and the Lord God will be glorified. (11LtMs, Lt 69a, 1896, 3)

Do not set this on one side. Do not, I entreat of you, say that this is Sister White’s opinion. The Lord is in earnest with us. Both of you can do a good work if you will co-operate with God as a part of His great firm, working under His management as Chief. You are to follow God’s ways, and not your own ways. O, that you could both see this as it is. (11LtMs, Lt 69a, 1896, 4)

The Lord has been dishonored by His servants who have seen the dangers, and who should have taken decided measures to set things in order. The Lord will not hold them guiltless for allowing you to have so large control as you have had. The position that Dr. Burke claimed was that he should be chief manager. It was a mistake to give him this position. The position that Dr. Kellogg has occupied has been of an order that neither you nor Dr. Burke were capable of filling. Yet Dr. Kellogg has submitted his plans to the board, and has carried them with him in mind and judgment. Some things that he, in his keen perception, could see, the board could not understand. But although he knew himself to be right, he deferred a renewal of his propositions until they could come to unity of decision. (11LtMs, Lt 69a, 1896, 5)

But you have tried to run the institution at St. Helena when you were disqualified to do this, and you have tried also to run the board. But one man’s mind and judgment cannot do that which you have supposed you could do. (11LtMs, Lt 69a, 1896, 6)

I now leave this matter with you. May you have a more humble opinion of yourself, is my prayer; and may the Lord guide you into all truth. (11LtMs, Lt 69a, 1896, 7)

(11LtMs, Lt 69a, 1896, 8)

Lt 70, 1896

Maxson, Br-Sr.
Refiled as Lt 72, 1896.

Lt 71, 1896

Maxson, Brother and Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
August 12, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 1MR 286-287. +
Dear Brother and Sister Maxson:

There are things of special importance that I wish to write you. I must tell you the truth. I have told you the truth, but you have not taken the words of the Lord to yourself and believed them. The testimonies that have pointed out your defects of character that you might make decided reforms, were misconstrued and perverted. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 1)

Cain chose not to bring an offering of the appointed kind to God. He decided to follow his own will. The whole of God’s requirements upon us are just this—that we shall become as little children. God requires of you, my brother and sister, that you should lay aside your own will and follow implicitly the dictates of the will of God. He knows, and would teach you; you are not to work the Holy Spirit. He knows; you do not. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 2)

Enough has been told you to serve all purposes; and had you consecrated yourselves, soul, body, and spirit, to God, the past showing of the sanitarium would be entirely different than is the present revealing. Should the Lord enter into more explicit specifications, they would be meaningless to you. That which God required of you was to believe, to accept by faith that which he has set before you. You have allowed your ideas and opinions to eclipse the light shining from heaven, and your influence has led others to disregard the light. You have said, as many are saying today, Why, they do not believe and practice the truth. This I do not understand; it does not commend itself to my mind and judgment. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 3)

You may believe that God lives and reigns, and that all we have comes from Him. But you yourselves have been held in abeyance to self. Your ways, and not God’s ways, have led to sure results. You have worked yourselves. Cain refused to do what the Lord told him to do. He refused to shed the blood of a lamb for an offering because he could not understandingly accept the requirement. He brought a very nice offering to God; not an exception could be taken to it; but he left out the only thing that made it of any value. It was the specific requirement of God: Bring a lamb for a burnt offering. The slain lamb was to represent the Lamb of God, whose blood, shed to save a lost world, was to be prefigured in every offering made to God. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 4)

Cain followed the direction of his own understanding. He would not receive counsel and slay the lamb. The sure result followed of men leaning to their own understanding. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 5)

The Lord looked upon the sacrifice of Abel with pleasure, and accepted his offering. With fire from heaven God consumed Abel’s offering, but in Cain’s offering, Adam’s transgression, which made the offering of God’s only begotten Son for the sins of the world a necessity, was perpetuated. Cain’s beautiful offering would likewise been acknowledged by God had he followed the directions of God, and presented the offering typifying the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 6)

When the fire was not kindled under the offering of Cain, he was exceedingly wroth, not with himself, but with Abel and the Lord. The hot fire of passion burned in his heart. Condescending to come down to his level, the Lord met Cain, and said, “Why are thou wroth? and why is they countenance fallen? If thou doest well, (obey the word of the Lord) shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.” [Genesis 4:6, 7.] (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 7)

Cain had many things to say against Abel, and against the Lord, but nothing against himself. He justified his course of action. He talked with Abel, his brother, and slew him. He refused to mingle the blood of the Lamb, according to the Lord’s specification, with his offering. This neglect led to the death of his brother. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 8)

I do not present this to give the idea that you are like Cain; but to show you the danger of taking the first step in disobedience to God, and following your own ideas, and your own reason. In this early history of the human family, God has given lessons which we do well, as students to God’s Word, to pay heed to. The Lord’s words to Cain were to be repeated to the close of this earth’s history. If they refuse to obey my requirements, if they will place their own judgment against mine, and choose their own way, and their own will, and honor their own imaginations, the tempter will take possession of the mind and lead whiter they did not contemplate going. Thy own will followed will blend with the will of Satan, and he will master and control the mind and judgment. Do my words, saith God, and give no place to the devil, and he shall not rule over thee. The second curse was pronounced upon the earth because Cain disobeyed God, and killed his brother. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 9)

I have been permitted to have something to do and say in regard to your case for years back. But that which the Lord has bid me say to you has not been received into your heart. I have been reined up to tell you the truth. You have qualifications of character which disqualify you to be a manager. While you have persistently denied this by your words, you have been just as persistently determined to manifest that which the Lord has presented before you of your capabilities—how you could make a success in certain lines, and how you could make a failure by seeking to be a superintendent of a health institution. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 10)

Should I present all the reasons before you, they would not be reasons to you; you would not see them as such; and you would have that confidence in yourself of being an all-round man, that you would enter into managing; and difficulties would surely be the result; because you are a superficial thinker and work largely upon the surface. You have not the qualities of mind or character to go deep and thorough in any line connected with managing. It has been your constant desire to show that you were efficient in qualifications you did not possess. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 11)

The one lesson that you have not yet learned is to be straight-forward in words and in practice. You say, and do not. You change your ideas after you have expressed them. You take things upon yourself that belong to the Board of Managers. They have felt compelled to let you have your own way; but it has been wrong for them to do so, for if ever a man [has] needed a Board of Directors, you have. They have needed a deeper thinker, a better executor than yourself. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 12)

You have supposed that your plans and management were superior, but you are inclined to leave matters at loose ends, and to take upon yourself responsibilities, which, if any one meddled with, you become thoroughly dissatisfied, and are not at all delicate about letting them understand this. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 13)

When you attend to your work as a physician, and do not grasp the managing part, which you cannot carry, there will be far less money expended. Many leakages will be stopped; the debts will begin to wear away. The Lord has presented this matter before me more than once. After I have laid these things out clearly before my brethren, and they have allowed you to have your own way, and have suffered things to go according to your planning, when it is not your place to be director, I have laid down the burden, and have had nothing to say. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 14)

I have felt greatly concerned for Dr. Maxson and his wife, for both are of one mind in cherishing their own ideas as faultless. Dr. Maxson needs to keep himself out of the managing. When the institution is placed under a wise, deep-thinking, discerning man who is given authority to manage and say what principles shall govern a health institution, a sanitarium, then the Lord will bless those who co-operate with him. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 15)

God sees that much thought and great carefulness must be exercised to ensure success in managing a large responsibility as a health institution. The powers of evil and good are in constant activity in such a place. Jesus is looking upon it all. He sees the characters of men and women plainly revealed. There are strong points and weak points in every human being. To every man God has given his work. You are not alone in the world. Your thoughts, put into action, mean good or evil to those with whom you associate; therefore you are not to think unwisely, or in a rambling manner, for the thoughts are carried out in action. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 16)

I must tell you that your thoughts expressed, your planning and devising, is not always wise. Therefore you should not be left to your own judgment. That which may appear to you as the right thing to do after you have taken a hasty, superficial view of the matter, when acted out, and the result is seen, you shrink from acknowledging that you were the father of the matter. You do not think and act deep enough to convince yourself of your unwise plans and suggestions. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 17)

Of all places, health institutions should not depend chiefly upon the physicians as directors. They need all-sided men, of impartial judgment, to plan and execute. The board is not to let things go in a haphazard way, for something results from all our movements. There must be a manager at the Health Retreat, or it will become demoralized. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 18)

All-round persons are so much needed for the Lord’s work, persons who will not exalt or honor self, but glorify God, our Redeemer. No person is strong on all points. Some are not strong on any point, only to magnify their own ideas. All are to strive to enter in at the straight gate. Whether they bear pain or humiliation, they must give up all for Christ, in order to be workmen of whom He is not ashamed, who look unto Jesus, not to selfish indulgences, who make most earnest efforts to be approved of God. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 19)

Brother and Sister Maxson, you need a decided reformation in the texture of your character. But just as long as you feel it to be your prerogative to work your individual selves, according to your own impulses and ideas, you will not meet the approval of God. You are not what God would have you to be in the Health Retreat. In some things you walk contrary to God, counter-working His will and His way. Your eyes are blinded; you cannot discern your own defects. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 20)

God will have His work kept clean from the unsanctified devising of men. The work God would have you do in the Health Retreat has not been done at all times. Whatever defects others may have, you must see your own in a more distinct light, and you must elevate the standard after the divine similitude. Never have so much care as to what others are, or what they may do. Do your duty; make straight path for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 21)

My brother, you have ofttimes given wrong counsel, and made prescriptions after your own habits, appetites, and tastes, when you should have been following the light God has given by living up to the correct principles of health reform. You might, by precept and example, have corrected habits of eating and drinking which are corrupting brain, bone, and muscle; but by your prescriptions, made according to your own mind, you have sent persons away with their wrong appetites confirmed, appetites which lie at the foundation of the disease from which they were suffering. What excuse will you make to God in the judgment for thus counteracting His work of temperance? Have you not had abundant light? Has it not shone upon you and been disregarded? (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 22)

The Holy Spirit will guide into truth. If men are willing to be molded by it, they will be guided by our great Leader. There will be a sanctification of the whole being, soul, body, and spirit. You both need the spirit of understanding; then you will have the Holy Spirit, and you will discern it as it is—your Counsellor. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 23)

O how much burden was lifted from Moses when the spirit of counsel was given to the seventy elders, making them safe counsellors to help Moses in his responsible work. What work was done under the Holy Spirit’s guidance! The spirit of knowledge was also given in regard to building the tabernacle. Thus God was their great Teacher. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 24)

All skill is God’s gift. The spirit of wisdom is from God. The spirit of obedience is from God. All power of body or soul comes from God, and is to be used aright. Every worker who co-operates with God will be successful. He will reveal fruit in daily actions. He will have the grace and peace of Christ. “If any man hath not the Spirit of God, he is none of his.” [Romans 8:9.] Moral perception and living principles abide together. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 25)

O there is so much anxiety lest self shall not have full recognition! All this fear is needless. The value of mind, of solidity of thought, and wisdom of action, will make for itself a place and name. There is nothing to be afraid of except that we shall not strive to enter in at the strait gate, and that we shall not have the approval of God. Faithfully living for Christ takes in much more than you suppose. Much more can be done in saving the souls of those who come to the sanitarium. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 26)

In the preparation of the food, the golden rays of light are to be kept shining, teaching those who sit at the table how to live. This education is also to be given to those who visit the Health Retreat that they may carry from it reformatory principles. Physicians are not employed to prescribe a flesh diet for the patients, for it is this kind of diet that has made them sick. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 27)

Brother and Sister Maxson, seek the Lord. When you find Him, you will be meek and lowly of heart. Individually, you will not subsist on the flesh of dead animals, neither will you put one morsel into the mouths of your children. You will not prescribe flesh, tea, or coffee, for your patients; but you will give talks in the parlor, showing the necessity of a simple diet. You will put away injurious things from your bill of fare. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 28)

To have the physicians of our institutions educating, by precept and example, those under their care to use a meat diet, after years of instruction from the Lord, disqualifies them to be superintendents of our health institutions. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 29)

Did Christ claim too much for His own teaching when He said, “I am the light of the world”? [John 8:12.] Christ is dealing with our individual hearts. We must be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The Lord has a higher standard for you to reach. He wants you to think deeper; to contemplate His requirements more earnestly, and have a scrupulous regard for righteous principles. Every principle which the Lord has given in His Word is to be respected, sustained, and carried out. The Lord requires a loyalty so supreme and undivided that the most sacred relationship is to be subordinate to it. He claimed of all men’s service, absolute devotion, not for the wages that they should receive, but for mere love to Him, personal reverence evidenced by keeping all His Words, with no prospects of reward except that which He would give them in His heavenly kingdom. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 30)

“We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [Verse 9.] I tell you, in the name of the Lord, that if you had possessed sanctified ability, and had kept your place as a physician, leaving the managing for others capable of deeper penetration, and more fitted to plan, devise, and counsel, everything would present a different showing. But you wanted to magnify yourself, honestly believing yourself capable of managing. But you have not the qualifications necessary for a manager. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 31)

There are things you can do in a religious line, but you may neutralize the influence of truth by your self-indulgent practices, and by counter-working the principles of health reform so that they have little power for good. Self-indulgence in appetite, in one in your position, is most inconsistent. You know that the principles of health reform have the highest authority and a wider sphere than has yet been given them by many who profess present truth. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 32)

Dear Brother and Sister Maxson, I am so sorry that the light which the Lord has given me for the last years has not been received by you as superior to your own ideas and opinions. Had you believed and acted upon the light given, what changes would have taken place in you. But the strong idolatry you have manifested for your own opinions, your own customs and practices, has effectually closed the door of your heart to the entrance of light, and the reproofs and warnings of God. You have largely pursued your own course, as if determined to make the messages from the Lord untrue. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 33)

Had you believed the light given in regard to your inability, and your lack of qualifications to bear the responsibilities as superintendent or manager, and had kept to your duties as physician, the showing of the institution would be far different from that which now presents itself. The Lord does not give light on health reform that it may be disregarded by those who are in positions of influence and authority. The Lord means just what He says, and He is to be honored in what He says. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 34)

One week should not have passed at the Health Retreat without a competent superintendent to arrange prices for the patients and guests, and to regulate the diet. Those who have always lived on meat should be restricted in this line. But if the leading physician and his family are not reformers in this line, they cannot educate others to give up the practice of meat eating. Light is to be given in this line upon all these subjects. It is the diet question that needs close investigations, and prescriptions should be made in accordance with health principles. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 35)

For the last twenty-five years I have borne testimonies on this subject. My heart is pained because you will cling to your established habits and practices, refusing to reform. How long can you have clear, sound perceptions in regard to the requirements essential in health reform? You do not look deep enough into this subject, or think enough of it. It is your refusing the counsel and light on these things, when the Lord would have you make decided reforms, that makes you unwilling to accept the self-denial. Your influence in these things is not praiseworthy. (11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, 36)

Lt 72, 1896

Maxson, Brother and Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
November 5, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in CD 113, 232-233, 259, 319, 386-387, 396, 437; MM 276-278; PC 45-48; 1MR 66; SpM 45-48. +
Dear Brother and Sister Maxson:

I have had the letter of August 12 written to you for some time, but I decided to first sent that which I have already sent you, withholding that which I now send. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 1)

You cannot understand how much more effectual your services in the religious interest would be, and how much more satisfactory to yourself, if you would follow the light which has been given you. But it is a phase of your character to strenuously hold to your own ideas, and, if possible, carry them. Every soul of us is in danger, and if we refuse light, darkness will come upon all. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 2)

We never proposed to establish sanitariums to have them run in nearly the same grooves as other institutions. If we do not have a sanitarium which is, in many things, decidedly contrary to other institutions, we can see nothing gained. Shall your appetites, habits, and practices be of that order that you will educate those who are connected with you to make excuses similar to those that you have made for the indulgence of eating the flesh of dead animals? (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 3)

The Lord intends to bring His people back to live upon simple fruits, vegetables, and grains. He led the children of Israel into the wilderness, where they could not get a flesh diet; and He gave them the bread of heaven. “Man did eat angels’ food.” [Psalm 78:25.] But they craved the fleshpots of Egypt, and mourned and cried for flesh, notwithstanding that the Lord had promised them that if they would submit to His will, He would carry them into the land of Canaan, and establish them there, a pure, holy, happy people, and there should not be a feeble one in all their tribes, for He would take away all sickness from among them. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 4)

But although they had a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” they mourned, and wept, and murmured and complained, until the Lord was wroth with them. Because they were so determined to have the flesh of dead animals, He gave them the very diet He had withheld from them. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 5)

“And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp, and the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire was quenched. And he called the name of the place Taberah; because the fire of the Lord burnt among them. And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting; and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat. We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic. But now our soul is dried away; there is nothing at all, besides this manna, before our eyes.” [Numbers 11:1-6.] (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 6)

The Lord would have given them flesh had it been essential for their health, but He who created and redeemed them, led them the long journey in the wilderness to educate, discipline, and train them in correct habits. The Lord understood what the influence of flesh eating has upon the human system. He would have a people that would, in their physical appearance, bear the divine credentials, notwithstanding their long journey. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 7)

When I read your letter, I was forcibly reminded of the complaining of the children of Israel because they were not favored with a meat diet. The diet of the animals is vegetables and grains. Must the vegetables be animalized, must they be incorporated into the system of animals before we get them? Must we obtain our vegetable diet by eating the flesh of dead creatures? God provided fruit in its natural state for our first parents. He gave to Adam charge of the garden, to dress it, and to care for it, saying, To you it shall be for meat. One animal was not to destroy another animal for food. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 8)

After the fall, the eating of flesh was suffered, in order to shorten the period of existence of the long-lived race. It was allowed because of the hardness of the hearts of men. One of the great errors that many insist upon is that muscular strength is dependent upon animal food. But the simple grains, fruits of the trees, and vegetables have all the nutritive properties necessary to make good blood. This a flesh diet cannot do. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 9)

A striking case came to my notice in Colorado. A party of eight passed over the range, and pitched their tents in Middle Park, close by Sulphur Springs. We cut down the wild oats to make our beds. One day, while cutting the oats, we were startled by seeing four enormous bear’s feet. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 10)

On the encampment grounds near our tent were miners. The men devoted their spare time to fishing and hunting. Our time was spent in writing and horseback riding in search of raspberries. We found an abundance of fruit. We secured a block of wood, which we used as a table, and found a bottle, which we used for a rolling pin. Mrs. Hall prepared and baked in our camp stove oven some very nice raspberry pies. These we divided with the campers, and in return, they brought us mountain trout. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 11)

One morning we saw a fine, tall, athletic young man, about thirty years old, starting out on his hunting excursion. We remarked upon his appearance. That day he was taken with a chill. My husband and myself were called into the hotel cabin to see if we knew what was the matter with him. A merchant from Denver seemed perplexed. He said there was a black spot upon the bottom of his foot. It flashed upon my mind at once that this man was mortifying. Himself and comrade had killed a grizzly bear, and had eaten its flesh. But before it was all consumed, the flesh became corrupt; and he was dying from the poison. The next day he vomited green matter, which confirmed our impressions. He died at about eleven o’clock in the morning. This death was caused by the abundant eating of meat which at the last was tainted. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 12)

My husband was selected to make some remarks at the funeral. This he did. There was quite a congregation of miners. We sang appropriate hymns. The miners showed the tenderest sympathy for their comrade. They wrapped him in his blanket, and placing him in a lumber wagon, took him to the spot selected for burial. We were surprised to see the grave made of stones closely packed on the bottom, and about one foot and a half up the sides. It was a very neat job. Slabs were taken from the trunks of pine trees, and after placing the body in the grave prepared for it, and covering the face with the blanket, these slabs were closely packed over it, and the earth was shoveled upon the grave. All this was done with the greatest manifestation of sympathy, and with decorum and solemnity. We left the grave of the first white man’s funeral that was ever known to have been held in Middle Park, Colorado. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 13)

We have had other cases brought to our notice of a similar character. Mortification of the palm of the hand has set in, but immediate attention was given to it; the mortified parts were sloughed off, and the hand was restored. No cause could be assigned for it, save meat-eating corrupting the blood. We decided that little meat would be consumed by us. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 14)

When a limb is broken, physicians recommend their patients not to eat meat, as there would be danger of inflammation setting in. Condiments and spices used in the preparation of food for the table aid in the digestion in the same way that tea, coffee, and liquor are supposed to help a laboring man to perform his tasks. After the immediate effects are gone, they drop as correspondingly below par as they were elevated above par by these stimulating substances. The system is weakened, the blood contaminated, and inflammation is the sure result. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 15)

The less that condiments and desserts are placed upon our table, the better it will be for all who partake of the food. All mixed and complicated foods are injurious to the health of human beings. Dumb animals would never eat such a mixture as is often placed in the human stomach. Hot bread and biscuit, fresh from the oven, is not healthful. The heated gases need to evaporate. Hot soda biscuits are often spread with butter, and eaten as a choice diet. But the enfeebled digestive organs cannot but feel the abuse placed upon them. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 16)

Unhealthful habits of eating are killing their thousands and tens of thousands. Food should be thoroughly cooked, nicely prepared, and appetizing. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 17)

My brother, after all the light that has been given on the diet question, your lamentations because you cannot exercise freedom in meat-eating is apparently similar to the complaining, lamentation, and weeping of the children of Israel in the ears of the Lord. I tell you that from the light the Lord has been pleased to give me there is a continual taxing of the human stomach with a wrong quality of food, also with too large a quantity. The stomach is overloaded and worn out, when it should be capable of performing good work. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 18)

The large amount of cooking done is not at all necessary. Neither should there by any poverty-stricken diet, either in quality or quantity. But the richness of food, and complicated mixtures [of food] are health destroying. Highly seasoned meats, followed by rich pastry, is wearing out the vital organs of the digestion of children. Were they accustomed to plain, wholesome food, their appetites would not crave unnatural luxuries and mixed preparations. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 19)

Education, habits, and customs make it difficult to reconstruct the family arrangements. Meat given to children is not the best things to ensure success. Make fruit the article of diet to be placed on your table, which shall constitute the bill of fare. The juices of fruit, mingled with bread, will be highly enjoyed. Good, ripe, undecayed fruit is a thing we should thank the Lord for, because it is beneficial to health. Try it. To educate your children to subsist on a meat diet would be harmful to them. It is much easier to create an unnatural appetite than to correct and reform the taste after it has become second nature. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 20)

Our sanitariums should never be conducted after the fashion of a hotel. I am sorry that it is such a difficult matter for you to deny your appetite, and reform your habits of eating and drinking. A meat diet changes the disposition, and strengthens animalism. We are composed of what we eat, and eating much flesh will diminish intellectual activity. Students would accomplish much more in their studies if they never tasted meat. When the animal part of the human agent is strengthened by meat-eating, the intellectual powers diminish proportionately. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 21)

A religious life can be more successfully gained and maintained if meat is discarded; for this diet stimulates into intense activity, lustful propensities, and enfeebles the moral and spiritual nature. The flesh warreth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 22)

We greatly need to encourage and cultivate pure, chaste thoughts, and to strengthen the moral powers, rather than the lower and carnal powers. God help us to awake from our self-indulgent appetites. The idea of eating dead flesh is abhorrent to me. One living animal eating the flesh of another dead animal is shocking. There is no call for it. All your excuses made in regard to faintness is an argument why you should eat no more meat. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 23)

Cancers, tumors, and all inflammatory diseases are largely caused by meat-eating. From the light which God has given me, the prevalence of cancers and tumors is largely due to gross living on dead flesh. I sincerely and prayerfully hope that as a physician you will not forever be blind on this subject, for blindness is mingled with a want of moral courage to deny your appetite, to lift the cross, which means to take up the very duties that cut across the natural appetites and passions. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 24)

Feeding on flesh, the juices and fluids of what we eat passes into the circulation of our blood, and as we are composed of what we eat, we become animalized. Thus a feverish condition is created, because the animals are diseased, and by partaking of their flesh, we plant the seeds of disease in our own tissue and blood. Then, when exposed to the changes in a malarious atmosphere, these are more sensibly felt. Also when we are exposed to contagious epidemics and contagious diseases, the system is not in a condition to resist the disease. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 25)

I have [had] the subject presented to me in different aspects. The mortality caused by meat-eating is not discerned. If it were, we would hear no more arguments and excuses in favor of the indulgence of the appetite for dead flesh. We have plenty of good things to satisfy hunger without bringing corpses upon our table to compose our bill of fare. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 26)

I might go to any length upon this subject, but I forbear. I do hope that you, as a physician, will come to your senses, and will not, by precept and example, counter-work that which the Lord has given me to enlighten minds and bring in thorough reforms. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 27)

I am working earnestly on these lines, and shall never cease to work against the practice of meat eating. I have had opened before me the stumbling block which this diet question has been to your own spiritual advancement, and what a stumbling block you have placed in the pathway of others; and all because your own sensibilities were blunted through selfish gratification of appetite. For Christ’s sake, look deeper; study deeper, and act in accordance with the light God has been pleased to give you and others on this subject. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 28)

I forbear writing more. I love your souls, and I want you both to accept every ray of light that the Lord has been pleased to give; and then co-operate with the great Teacher by giving that light to others. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 29)

In love. (11LtMs, Lt 72, 1896, 30)

Lt 73, 1896

Maxson, Brother and Sister
Adelaide, Australia
October 12, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 20MR 104-118. +
Dear Brother and Sister Maxson:

Your letter is not that which I wish it was. When you went to the Health Retreat, your appetite was fully educated to demand a meat diet, and therefore you seem to think no blame should be ascribed to you, because you have made no change in this respect. But this is an error. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 1)

Because you have not changed, do not entertain the idea that you have no changes to make, that your practices were entirely as they should be. If your habits and opinions are stereotyped, then the Lord cannot lead you to advanced, purifying reforms. You, my brother and sister, have a serious question to ask daily, “What must I do to be saved?” [Acts 16:30.] The Lord Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” [John 10:27.] We are to follow on step by step to know the Lord, that we may know His goings forth are prepared as the morning. “Follow thou me.” [John 21:22.] “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” [Luke 9:23.] (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 2)

What constitutes the cross? The requirements of Jesus that cut directly across human devisings, human indulgence of appetite, human calculations, human practices and habits. The child of God is to come into perfect relationship with Jesus Christ. We are to be in constant communion, not with our own minds, but with the mind and will of Jesus. To be a practical Christian accepting duties that involve self-denial, cuts across human inclinations and human habits. Instead of seeking to hold our own position upon a subject on which the Lord has spoken decidedly, we are to follow His counsel. But you vindicate your own position. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 3)

The Lord Jesus connected Judas with Himself, not because Judas was correct in all his principles, for he cherished selfishness, which is an attribute of the devil; but notwithstanding this, the Lord Jesus consented to Judas with the other disciples, and give him opportunity to improve in character building through the education and training He would give all His followers. But Judas did not correct his course of action. The painstaking efforts, the many lessons, of the divine Teacher were lost upon him. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 4)

The grace of Christ, if received into his heart, would have converted him from his selfishness, working wonderful changes in him, as in John and Peter. I mention Judas, because this was an extreme case. But as he did not receive the words of Christ and improve; there arose in his heart an opposition to the light. He treasured his defects, and held them as if he considered them a precious treasure. The defects poisoned the whole man, in principle, in spirit, in life, in character, until he sold his Lord for a trifling sum of money. This history has a warning for us. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 5)

There are many things that need to be refined, changed, overcome in you, my dear friends. Indulgence only feeds the appetite and strengthens the passions. I have no hesitancy in speaking on this question. You have the light in the testimonies; are these testimonies of God or are they from beneath? You do not choose to receive the light. The Lord has spoken plainly in regard to the deleterious effects of a meat diet and its influence upon children. Whenever I have seen children feeding upon flesh meats, since the light was given me from heaven, I have felt that if the parents only knew what they were doing, they would fast and pray for moral courage, and God-given wisdom and grace to do right. All who feel their need of His Spirit to educate and discipline self, and to properly train their children, will deny self, and take up the cross and follow Jesus. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 6)

For certain things, fasting and prayer are recommended and appropriate. In the hand of God they are a means of cleansing the heart and promoting a receptive frame of mind. We obtain answers to our prayers because we humble our souls before God. If our appetites clamor for the flesh of dead animals, it is a necessity to fast and pray for the Lord to give His grace to deny fleshly lusts which war against the soul. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 7)

The should be far less anxiety as to what we shall eat and what we shall drink to gratify our fleshly appetites; but we may well encourage the appetite of the soul, and pray for especial enlightenment upon the Word of God, and eat and drink that Word. Jesus says, “I am that bread of life.” [John 6:48.] “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give him is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 8)

“Then said Jesus unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hat eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” Our Saviour explains His lesson, “It is the spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verses 51-57, 63.] (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 9)

We must be constantly meditating upon the Word, eating it, digesting it, and by practice, assimilating it, so that it is taken into the life current. He who feeds on Christ daily will by his example teach others to think less of that which they eat, and to feel much greater anxiety for the food they give to the soul. The true fasting which should be recommended to all is abstinence from every kind of stimulating food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food, which God has provided in abundance. Men need to think less about what they shall eat and drink, of temporal food, and much more in regard to the food from heaven that will give tone and vitality to the whole religious experience. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 10)

A person may be addicted to the use of alcohol or stimulating drinks in some shape, and he has confused his reason. He does not sense his responsibility. What cure would you advise for a person who thus indulges a habit that is rebuked even by the beasts of the field? The Word of God has denounced it. No drunkards shall enter into the kingdom of God. What would you recommend to sure such an appetite? You would not say, “You may use strong drink moderately. Continue within bounds, but never indulge to excess.” (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 11)

You would say, “There is no such thing as helping you, unless you co-operate fully with my efforts, and sign the pledge of total abstinence. Your habit is a bad one. You have by indulgence made it second nature, and it cannot be controlled unless the moral powers shall be aroused, and you shall look unto Jesus, trusting in the grace He shall give you to overcome this unnatural craving.” You would say, “You have lost your self-control. Your self-indulgence is not only a moral sin, but it is a physical disease. You are not your own. You are God’s property. He has purchased you with an infinite price, and every faculty is to be employed in His service. Keep your body in a healthful condition to do His will; keep your intellect clear and active to think candidly and critically, and to control all your powers.” (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 12)

Let us hear the words of Paul, “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” [Romans 12:1-3.] “But let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” [2 Corinthians 10:17, 18.] This lesson means you; will you heed it? (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 13)

I would call your attention to the following Scriptures. Study them; practice them. 1 Peter 2:2-4; 1:22-25; 2:7-12; Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 6:19, 20; 3:16-23; 1 Corinthians 2. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 14)

Now my dear brother, I have had matters opened to me in regard to many things that have occurred at the institution at Crystal Springs. Think you that your brother by relationship would have disregarded all the cautions and admonitions the Lord has been pleased to give if you had shown that you respected the testimonies God has given, to be a help and blessing to you? Would he have taken the independent course he has, disregarding the counsel of the Board, and following his own mind, as he has done, and making the debt larger, if your ideas had not been so thoroughly made known, so that they had a leavening influence upon him? There has been a lack of wisdom in centering in one institution so many members of one family, and the result of this has left its impression upon the institution already loaded down with debt. If its management is left with you, or with your brother, debts will increase, and the institution will certainly suffer. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 15)

It is not the work of either of you to follow your own ideas as superintendent or manager. Your disrespect to the board, your chafing under the proper restraint of appointed counsellors, is borne of the temperament of the man, not of sound, sensible reason. I have withheld these things from you, waiting for a favorable time when may be, you would come to consider that your judgment and opinions were not infallible. I am so very sorry that connected with you as a physician should venture to expend even one dollar without the approval of those who should be counsellors. But this is the result of your precept and example. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 16)

You should take more humble views of your capabilities, and be willing that not one mind, or two or three, but several minds shall carefully consider the wisdom of investing means This is especially important from the fact that in making terms with your guests and patients, you seldom manage to secure returns sufficient to meet the outgoes. The Lord is not glorified by this management. He is not pleased with your desire to pattern your buildings after those at Battle Creek. Your desire to make an appearance, your restive spirit, your unwillingness to be counselled, your course in allowing debts to pile up in that institution is all wrong, decidedly wrong. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 17)

When you shall take time to consider, you must see that your great desire to possess every convenience and facility, without regard to the fact that the institution is overwhelmed with debt is not wise. I must speak to you plainly, As a faithful physician your work for the sick is all the responsibility you can carry. Certainly those who consented to make you superintendent did this because you would not consent to go into the Health Retreat on any other conditions. If I had been one of the board, I should have said, “Dr. Maxson, if this is your decision, the matter is settled. We cannot consent to have you, either as manager or superintendent. This is too weighty a responsibility for you to carry,” and you are well aware, that the Lord has thus presented the matter before you. The brethren who composed the board did not have all the light on this point that you have had. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 18)

I speak understandingly when I tell you that a great mistake has been made. Your brother should not have been connected with you in any line. There is danger in too much of a family power. But when your brother was linked up with you as vice president and manager, it was a move made in great blindness. The Lord did not sanction this movement. It was not wise, whatever might be the motive. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 19)

Let your calculations be in a different line. Study to bind about the supposed necessities. Plan to interest persons in doing something for the institution. Let the managers and the helpers and all combined feel that they belong to the firm. Let them manifest a conscientious interest in it as God’s instrumentality. Let them seek its prosperity, even at the cost of self-denial and self-sacrifice to themselves individually. Then the people would recognize this spirit, which Christ has revealed in His great mission to save the souls of a perishing world. But that Spirit is not exercised. The workers do not co-operate to build up the institution and lessen expenses. They do not have the wisdom and tact to undertake this work. You are not seeking to retrench, but to expand. All this is a reproach to the institution. It is eating up means that might be saved to lessen the debt. Thus the matter has been presented to me as I have been brought where I could look into the inward workings. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 20)

Brother Maxson, you have felt at liberty to choose your own men for the board of directors. If there were those whom you thought would stand in your way and oppose your plans and suggestions, you would try to secure a board without them. The very ones who would move discretely, cautiously, who would consider your prepositions, and if they saw the result of your plans meant more money out, would oppose your ideas, you have managed to prevent from acting a part. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 21)

I counsel you, both, husband and wife, to give up the financial management of the institution. Let this burden rest upon a carefully selected board, not chosen through your influence, but by the judgment of those upon whom the responsibility rests. Let these Directors wrestle with the problem of bringing the expenditure of the institution within the income, and their will be a binding about of the business transactions. The business will not be run wildly in accordance with your mind and your wife’s mind and your brother’s mind. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 22)

I may not express this is the way that you shall understand, but I will try to make it plain. You should have been employed with the full understanding that the institution was to be under a faithful superintendent, be other than yourself. From the first you have exercised too much control in all the business matters, and you have not the capabilities to be a wise manager. Our responsible brethren have allowed you to do very much as you pleased. The Lord has given them light in regard to many things. They did not regard the light. Why? Because you were so determined to carry things as you pleased that they let you have your own way. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 23)

I could have repeated over and over the light given in regard to this matter, but it would do you no good. Your strong, determined spirit would lead you to disconnect from the Retreat, as you did once before, irrespective of the injury done to the institution. The directors had a forlorn hope that you might understand that you were not qualified to assume the duties of the board of directors, the superintendent, and the physician, but they made a mistake. The Lord’s work is not to be left to haphazard ventures. Too much is involved in this matter. I am instructed that such movements must in no case be made. We are not to gratify any man’s ambitious presumption by giving responsibilities into his hands, when we have reason to know that he will not manage them wisely. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 24)

It is not at the option of the physicians to hold the of sole manager. A mistake was made here in the case of Dr. Burke, and also in your case. The directors were influenced by considerations that you created, and they allowed you to move independently and leave Providence to right up matters. But such movements bear not the approval of God. The work of that institution is not to be left to the judgment of one man, or his family connections. Watchmen must be all that the name signifies; they are to watch on the right hand and on the left. On the one hand Dr. Maxson is at liberty to choose his friends to co-operate with him, if there is evidence that they possess qualities that will be a help and not a burden. On the other hand the responsible men chosen of God as sentinels are to make close investigation to see that this choice of the physician is working for the best interest of the institution, making it stand forth as a praise, giving a character to our work as Seventh-day Adventists. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 25)

If the managers are swaying the institution away from the principles which it was created to maintain, then a change must be made. To let things go on as they have been going is decidedly wrong. The very first thing to be done is to secure harmony of action, to clear away the difficulties and mark out a sphere of action. Christian principles in accordance with our faith must be maintained at any cost. Let us not be met with the statement that the adoption of Christian health reform principles in such an institution is simply impossible. These principles must be adopted and maintained. When this cannot be done, then let the institution be closed. The doctrines of Seventh-day Adventists are not to be sounded in the ears of guests and patients, but the principles which have made Seventh-day Adventists what they are should be lived out, and show a people in everything obedient to our great Leader Jesus Christ. The institution has not been conducted after God’s order. It must return to the principles given in the lessons of Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 26)

A health institution is not established to conform to the selfish, intemperate customs of the world in eating or dressing, furnishing tables or rooms in an expensive style. It is to educate after the manner of Christ; so far as possible, it is to convert to correct principles all who shall patronize it. Those who are in responsible positions are not be become converted to the self-indulgent, extravagant principles of the world, for they cannot afford it; and if they could, Christlike principles would not allow it. Manifold teaching needs to be given. “Whom shall he teach knowledge, and whom shall he make to understand the doctrine?” [Isaiah 28:9.] (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 27)

The first work specified begins with the child in its mother’s arms, and continues through babyhood, childhood, youth, and manhood. “Whom shall he make to understand doctrine, them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little and there a little.” [Verses 9, 10.] Thus the word of the Lord is patiently to be brought before the children, and kept before them by parents who believe the Word of God. “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing; yet they would not hear. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little and there a little; that they might go and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.” [Verses 11-13.] Why? Because they did not heed the Word of the Lord that came unto them. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 28)

This means those who have not received instruction, but have cherished their own wisdom, have chosen to work themselves according to their own ideas. The Lord gives these the test, that they shall either take their position to follow His counsel, or refuse and do according to their own ideas, and then the Lord will leave them to the sure result. In all our ways, in all our service to God, He speaks to us, “Give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] It is the submissive, teachable spirit that God wants. That which gives to prayer its excellence is the fact that it is breathed from a loving, obedient heart. God requires certain things of His people. If they say, I will not give up my heart to do this thing, the Lord lets them go on in their supposed wise judgment without heavenly wisdom until this Scripture is fulfilled. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 29)

You are not to say, “I will follow the Lord’s guidance up to a certain point that is in harmony with my own judgment,” and then hold fast to your ideas, refusing to be molded after the Lord’s similitude. Let the question be asked, Is this the will of the Lord? no! Is this the opinion or judgment of Dr. Maxson and his wife? Everything must be viewed in the light of the example of Christ. He is the truth. He is the true light that lighteth every man who cometh into the world. Listen to his words, copy his example in self-denial and self-sacrifice, and look to the merits of Christ for the glory in character which he possessed to be bestowed on you. Those who follow Christ live not to please themselves. Human standards are like feeble reeds. The Lord’s standard is perfection of character. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 30)

“For the Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perazim; he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work: and bring to pass his act, his strange act. Now, therefore, be ye not workers, lest your bands be made strong; for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts a consumption even determined upon the whole earth.” [Isaiah 28:21, 22.] Read Deuteronomy 7:6. Read the whole chapter, also chapters 1 and 8. These were presented to me as the words of the Lord. These things are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 31)

We are to have only those connected with our institutions who will the Word of the Lord and appreciate and obey His voice. When a man will plead and urge to have his mind and his judgment to be supreme in any one of our institutions, you can have no greater evidence that that man does not know himself, and is not qualified to manage. He will make mistakes, and injure rather than restore. He does not know what responsibilities are involved in his relation to God or to his fellow men. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 32)

“Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be?” [2 Peter 3:11.] Those who walk humbly with God will not be striving to obtain greater responsibilities, but will consider that they have a special work to do, and will be faithful to their duty. In our institutions great good can be done in educating by precept and example in economy in all lines. If you, my brother, had learned in the school of Christ to be meek and lowly in heart, you would always stand on vantage ground. You have not an evenly balanced character. You cannot safely put confidence in your own judgment in all things. Man’s way is to devise and scheme; God implants a principle. Man is striving to make duty soft and accommodating to his own natural character; but life is a battlefield; life is a race which he has to run if he is victor. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 33)

Those who would work in God’s service must not be seeking worldly gratification and selfish indulgence. The physicians in our institutions must be imbued with the living principles of health reform. Men will never be truly temperate until the grace of Christ is an abiding principle is the heart. All the pledges in the world will not make you or your wife health reformers. No mere restriction of your diet will cure your diseased appetite. Brother and Sister Maxson will not practice temperance in all things until their hearts are transformed by the grace of God (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 34)

Circumstances cannot work reforms. Christianity proposes a reformation in the heart. What Christ works within will be worked out under the dictation of a converted intellect. The plan of beginning outside and trying to work inward has always failed, and always will fail. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 35)

Standing as you do, my brother and sister, God’s plan with you is to begin at the very seat of all difficulties, the heart, and then from out of the heart will issue the principles of righteousness; the reformation will be outward as well as inward. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 36)

God’s way is to give man something he has not. But you have said, I want it not. God’s way is to make man something he is not. Man’s way is to get an easy place, and indulge appetite and selfish ambition. God’s plan is to set man to work in reformatory lines, then he will learn by experiences how long he has pampered fleshly appetites, and ministered to his own temperament, bringing weakness upon himself. God’s way is to work in power. He gives the grace if the sick man realizes that he needs it. Man is too often satisfied to treat himself according to the methods of quackery, and he vindicates his manner of working as right. God proposes to purify and refine the defiled soul; then He will implant in the heart His own righteousness and peace and health, and man becomes complete in Him. Then the issues of life, proceeding from the heart, are represented as a well of water, springing up into everlasting life. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 37)

This is the kingdom of God within you. Day by day men are revealing whether the kingdom of God is within them. If Christ rules in their hearts, they are gaining strength of principle, power, ability to stand as faithful sentinels, true reformers, for there can be no reform unless there is a thorough co-operation with Jesus Christ. Through the grace of Christ men are to use their God-given faculties to reform themselves; by this self-denying action, which the Lord of heaven looks upon with approval, they gain victories over their own hereditary and cultivated tendencies. Then like Daniel they make impressions upon other hearts that will never be effaced. The influence will be carried to all parts of the world. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 38)

Men are taking sides, according to their choice. These that are feeding on the Word of God will show this by their practice; they are on the Lord’s side, seeking by precept and example to reform the world. All that have refused to be taught of God hold the traditions of men. They at last pass over on the side of the enemy, against God, and are written, Antichrist. The people of God, who understand our position in this world’s history, are with ears open and hearts softened and subdued, pressing together in unity, one with Jesus Christ. Those who will not practice the lessons of Christ, but keep themselves in hand, to mold themselves, find in Antichrist the center of their union. While the two parties stand in collision, the Lord will appear, and shine before His ancients gloriously. He will set up a kingdom that shall stand forever. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 39)

The question for us to consider is, Have we the attributes of Christ? Excuses are valueless. All circumstances, all appetites and passions, are to be servants to the God-fearing man, not rulers over him. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 40)

The Christian is not to be enslaved by any hereditary or cultivated habits or tendencies. He is to rule the animal passions, rather than to be held in the bondage of habit. We are not to be the servants of circumstances, but to control circumstances by an inwrought principle learned of the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. The solemn position in which we stand today toward the world, the solemn responsibilities and duties enjoined upon us by our Lord, are not to be ignored until our will and our circumstances are adjusted. The principle of self-denial and self-sacrifice, as revealed in the example of Christ, of John the Baptist, of Daniel and the three worthies, is to pass like a plowshare through hereditary and cultivated habits, through all circumstances and surroundings. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 41)

I ask you, Is the kingdom of God within you? God’s people are to be minutemen, always ready, always composed in Jesus Christ. The time is come now when one moment we may be on solid earth, the next the earth may be heaving beneath our feet. Earthquakes will take place when least expected. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 42)

Christianity has a much broader meaning than many have hitherto given it. It is not a creed. It is the word of Him who liveth and abideth forever. It is a living, animating principle that takes possession of mind, heart, motives, and the entire man. Christianity—O that all might experience its operations! It is a vital, personal experience that elevates, purifies, ennobles the whole man. Every man is responsible to God, who has made provision for all to receive this blessing. But many do not receive it, although Christ has purchased it for them at infinite cost. They have not grasped the blessing with in reach, and therefore they have retained their objectionable traits of character, and sin lieth at the door. While they profess piety, Satan had made them his agents to pull down and confuse where he thought best. They exert an influence deleterious to the souls of many who need an example that would help them heavenward. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 43)

Who are the subjects of the kingdom of God? All these who do His will. They have righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. The members of Christ’s kingdom are the sons of God, partners in His great firm. The elect of god are a chosen generation, a peculiar people, a holy nation, to show forth the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. They are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. They are living stones, a royal priesthood. They are in co-partnership with Jesus Christ. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 44)

How shall we follow Him to learn of Him who is our teacher? We can search His Word, and become acquainted with His life and His works. His words we are to receive as bread for our souls. In every sphere where man shall be placed, the Lord Jesus has left us His footprints. We do well to follow Him. The Spirit by which He spake we must cherish; we are to present the truth as it is in Jesus. We are to follow Him especially in heart-purity, in love. Self must be hid with Christ in God; then when Christ who is our life shall appear, we also shall appear with Him in glory. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 45)

What can I say more than I have said? The Old Testament should be studied most diligently. The New Testament does not present a lower standard than the Old. In His sermon on the mount Jesus set forth the very principles that same from His lips to Moses, to be given to the children of Israel. Christ delineated the duties of man to God and to his fellow men is much stronger lines, because through disobedient men had been confused in regard to God’s claims. Read carefully the sermon on the mount. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 46)

By the inspiration of the Spirit of God, Paul the apostle wrote that “Whatsoever ye do,” even the natural set of eating or drinking, should be done, not to gratify a perverted appetite, but under a sense of responsibility. “Do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31.] Every part of the man is to be guarded; we are to beware lest that which is taken into the stomach shall banish from the mind high and holy thoughts. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 47)

“May I not do as I please with myself?” ask some, as if we were seeking to deprive them of a great good when we present before them the necessity of eating intelligently and conforming all their habits to the laws God has established. There are rights which belong to every individual. We have an individuality and an identity that is our own. He one can submerge his identity in that of any other. All must act for themselves, according to the dictates of their own conscience. As regards our responsibility and influence, we are amenable to God as deriving our life from Him. This we do not obtain from humanity, but from God only. We are His by creation and by redemption. Our very bodies are not our own, to treat as we please, to cripple by habits that lead to decay, making it impossible to render to God perfect services. Our lives and all our faculties belong to Him. He is caring for us every moment; He keeps the living machinery in action; if we were left to run it for one moment, we should die. We are absolutely dependent upon God. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 48)

A great lesson is learned when we understand our relation to God, and His relation to us. The words, “Ye are not your own; ye are bought with a price,” should be hung in memory’s hall, that we may ever recognize God’s right to our talents, our property, our influence, our individual selves. [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] We are to learn how to treat this gift of God, in mind, in soul, in body, that as Christ’s purchased possession, we may do Him healthful, savory service. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 49)

Why did Daniel and his companions refuse to eat at the king’s table? Why did they refuse his meats and wines? Because they had been taught that this class of food would keep the mind or the physical structure in the very best condition of health to do God’s service. These youth urged most earnestly that the one who had charge of their food should not compel them to partake the king’s luxuries set before [them]. They begged him to try them ten days only, and then examine them, and decide by their physical appearance whether their abstemious diet would be to their disadvantage. When they came in for examination, the result was decidedly in their favor. It was otherwise with the youth who had eaten of the luxuries of the king’s table, and drank of his wine. The clear sparkle of the eye was gone, the ruddy healthful glow had disappeared from the countenance. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 50)

The four Hebrew captives were thereafter permitted to have the diet they had chosen. What effect did it have upon mind and character? They had conscientiously refused the stimulus of flesh and of wine. They obeyed God’s will in self-denial, and He showed His approval. He desired His servants to honor Him by their adherence to steadfast principle in all their habits of life. Their countenances would be a certificate of physical soundness and moral purity. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 51)

“And as for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all earning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” [Daniel 1:17.] These youth had the Lord as their educator. The golden links of the chain of heaven connected the finite with the infinite. They were partakers of the divine nature. They were very careful to keep themselves in touch with God. They prayed and studied and brought into their practical life strictly conscientious, humble minds. They walked with God as did Enoch. The Word of the Lord was their meat and their drink. “And in all matters of wisdom and understanding that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better then all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.” [Verse 20.] (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 52)

In the light of this scripture history, all the testimony of man as to the advantages of a meat diet, or of a great variety of food, should not have the least weight with any human being. When the children of faith shall with earnest prayer dedicate themselves to God without reserve, the Lord will honor their faith, and will bless them with a clear mind. These who at every step are murmuring and complaining, ambitious for more power and greater responsibility, show that they cannot carry responsibilities; and the Lord has been pleased to tell them this. They have thought it all a mistake, and have been determined to show the Lord that they could be managers of the first class. But God’s Word never returns to Him void, and when He reveals the deep and secret things, He makes no mistake. He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. The Lord has said, Those that honor Me, I will honor. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 53)

The very flesh in which the soul tabernacles, and through which it works is the Lord’s. We have no right to neglect any art of the living machinery. Every portion of the living organism is the Lord’s. The knowledge of our own physical organism should teach us that every member is to do God’s services, as an instrument of righteousness. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 54)

None but God can subdue the pride of man’s heart. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot regenerate ourselves. In the heavenly courts there will be no song sung, “To me that loved myself, and washed myself, and redeemed myself, unto me by glory and honor, blessing and praise.” But this is the keynote of the song that is sung by many here in this world. They do not know what it means to be meek and lowly in heart, and they do not mean to know this if they can avoid it. The whole Gospel is comprised in learning of Christ His meekness and lowliness. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 55)

What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself. When men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ. When they begin to praise and exalt God all the day long, then by beholding, they are becoming changed into the same image. What is regeneration? It is revealing to man what is his own real nature, that in himself he is worthless. These lessons you have never learned. O, that you could realize the value of the human soul. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 56)

When you understand physiology in its truest sense, your drug bills will be very much smaller, and finally you will cease to deal out drugs at all. The physician who depends upon drug medication in his practice, shows that he does not understand the delicate machinery of the human organism. He is introducing into the system a seed that will never lose its destroying properties throughout the lifetime. I tell you this because I dare not withheld it. Christ paid too much for man’s redemption to have his body so ruthlessly treated as it has been by drug medication. Years ago the Lord revealed to me that institutions should be established for treating the sick without drugs. Man is God’s property, and the ruin that has been made of the living habitation, the suffering caused by the seeds of death sown in the human system are an offense is God. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 57)

Men may understand this if they will study deeply. Pray for the Holy Spirit to melt and subdue the proud, self-sufficient heart. If you ever shed tears, weep now, for Christ’s sake weep over your self-sufficient estimate of your own capabilities. When you come to God in lowliness of mind, with heart renewed and cleansed, you will bless and glorify Him that you have learned of Jesus His mercy, the truth, which so many have had to learn through His judgments. These who walk in pride and self-sufficiency God is able to abase. Man will learn that the heavens do rule, and how mighty is our wonderworking God. He will surely control matters after His order and will, if you will only place yourselves under His rule. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 58)

I might say much more, but I forbear. You are not prepared to receive even this. The Lord will indite plans and methods for all who will seek Him with the whole heart. I ask you to pray to God with humble hearts, seek Him without delay, make a business of seeking Him, and do not let go until you know yourselves much better than you new do, and have a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 59)

The counsels given me of God for the Health Retreat have never been followed. There has been a departure from the ways of God, as you will see by the copy of letters which I send. If I had time I could copy much more of like character. I am in deep earnest that you should come where you can in all things do the will and work of God. (11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, 60)

Lt 73a, 1896

Maxson, Brother and Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
August 30, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in SpM 38-45.
Dear Brother and Sister:

I must apologize for not answering your letter before. I have had work so piled up before me that I could not give time to the subject. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 1)

You have the light which the Lord has given our people and kept before them for many years. The Lord does not say Yea and Nay to His people, but Yea and Amen. I will send you testimonies given to others upon the subject of health reform. This is a large subject. I am now revising the book entitled Christian Temperance. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 2)

I was somewhat surprised at your argument as to why a meat diet kept you in strength, for if you put self out of the question, your own reason will teach you that a meat diet is not of such advantage to you as you suppose. You know how you would answer the tobacco devotee if he urged as a plea for the use of tobacco the arguments you have advanced as a reason why you should continue to use the flesh of dead animals as food. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 3)

In California there is an abundance for the table, in the shape of fresh fruit, vegetables, and grains, and there is no necessity that meat be sued. The weakness you experience without the use of meat is one of the strongest arguments I could present to you as a reason why you should discontinue its use. Those who eat meat feel stimulated after eating this food, and they suppose that they are made stronger. After [one] discontinues the use of meat, he may for a time feel a weakness, but when his system is cleansed from the effects of this diet, he no longer feels the weakness, and will cease to wish for that which he have pleaded as essential to strengthen him. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 4)

I have a large family, which often numbers sixteen. In it there are men who work at the plough, and who fell trees. These have most vigorous exercise, but not a particle of the flesh of animals is placed on our table. Meat has not been used by us since the Brighton camp meeting. It was not my purpose to have it on my table at any time, but urgent pleas were made that such a one was unable to eat this or that, and that his stomach could take care of meat better than it could anything else. Thus I was enticed to place it on my table. The use of cheese also began to creep in, because some liked cheese; but I soon controlled that. But when the selfishness of taking the lives of animals to gratify a perverted taste was presented to me by a Catholic woman, kneeling at my feet, I felt ashamed and distressed. I saw it in a new light, and I said, I will no longer patronize the butchers. I will not have the flesh of corpses on my table. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 5)

You have told me what advantage a meat diet is to you. I must tell you what a non-flesh diet has done for me. Ever since the stone was thrown in my face, when I was nine years old, I have had difficulty. At that time I nearly lost my life through loss of blood. Dropsy set in, and since then I have suffered much from kidney affliction. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 6)

After a long siege of eleven months of malarial fever and rheumatism, I was not able to ride without the most easy spring seat. Even when this was made as easy as possible with spring cushions, it was torture to my hips and the lower part of the spine to ride. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 7)

I prayed much over this matter. I sought the Lord during the night hours, and He heard me. Some months ago a new spring seat was made for me. One day I said, Take that spring seat out, and put it in the store room; I shall not need it any more. This was done by faith, and never since have I needed it. The difficulty which made it agony for me to sit in meeting or in a carriage was taken away. After I had suffered for years, the Lord healed me. My hip continues to trouble me, but I think it is better than it has been all through my lifetime. I prayed much in regard to the affliction of the kidneys, and I am healed of that trouble, also. Some for years I was dependent on the use of a syringe in order to have a movement of the bowels, but after the lower part of my spine was healed, I had no need to resort to artificial means. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 8)

I eat only two meals, and cannot eat vegetables or grains. I do not use meat. I cannot go back to this. When tomatoes, raised on my own land, were placed on the table, I tried using them, uncooked and seasoned with a little salt or sugar. These I found agree with me very well, and from last February until June, they formed the greater part of my diet. With them I ate crackers, here called biscuits. I eat no dessert but plain pumpkin pie. At my meals I often eat nothing but a few crackers and a piece of pumpkin pie. I use a little boiled milk in my simple home-made coffee, but discard cream and butter, and strictly adhere to a limited amount of food. I am scarcely ever hungry, and never know what it is to have a feverish, disagreeable feeling in my stomach. I have no bad taste in my mouth. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 9)

All who come to my table are welcome, but I place before them no meat. Grains, vegetables, and fresh and canned fruit constitute our table fare. At present we have plenty of the best oranges, and plenty of lemons. This is the only fresh fruit we can get at this season of the year. We ride about five miles into the country to get this fruit, for which we pay three pence per dozen, six cents in American money. We enjoy picking the large golden fruit from the trees. Lemons are two pence per dozen. If I could obtain some of the apples you have in California, I should enjoy them far more than I do the oranges. I manage to keep a box of apples for my own use, but they are inferior to the apples we get in America. I pay one dollar and seventy-five cents at this time of the year for a box of apples holding less than a bushel. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 10)

I have written this to give you some idea of how we live. I never enjoyed better health than I do at the present time, and never did more writing. I rise at three in the morning, and do not sleep during the day. I am often up at one o’clock, and when my mind is especially burdened, I rise at twelve o’clock to write out matter that has been urged upon my mind. I praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice for His great mercy toward me. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 11)

I have felt urged by the Spirit of God to set before several the fact that their sufferings are caused by a disregard of the light given them upon health reform. I have shown them that their meat diet, which was supposed to be essential, was not essential, but that as they were composed of what they ate, brain, bone, and muscle was in an unhealthy condition because they live on the flesh of dead animals. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 12)

Their blood was being corrupted by this improper diet, and their perception was clouded. The flesh which they ate was diseased, and their entire system was becoming gross and corrupted. More than this, I set before them the fact that by placing several kinds of food in the stomach at one meal, they were causing disease which was not attributed to the food eaten. I told them that they would realize much benefit if they would eat only two meals a day. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 13)

There is an alarming lethargy shown on the subject of unconscious sensualism. It is customary to eat the flesh of dead animals. This stimulates the lower passions of the human organism. The human family is under the despotism of custom and false education, of hereditary and cultivated habits. Appetite reigns as a king over the mind and reason. The animal propensities are allowed to become a controlling power, and proportionately as Nature’s laws are transgressed, mind and will become enfeebled. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 14)

If appetite, which should be strictly guarded and controlled, is indulged to the injury of the body, the penalty of transgression will surely be the result. When Nature’s laws are transgressed, physical suffering and disease of every stripe and type is seen, for every transgression of the laws of physical life is a transgression of the laws of God. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 15)

Christians should regard a transgression of these laws as a sin against God, to be accounted for in the day of judgment, when every case shall come in review before God. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 16)

The world today is full of pain and suffering and agony. Is it the will of God that such a condition should exist? No; God, the Creator of our bodies, has arranged every fiber and nerve and sinew and muscle, and has pledged Himself to keep the machinery in order if the human agent will co-operate with Him, and refuse to work contrary to the laws which govern the physical system. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 17)

God’s law is written by His own finger upon every nerve, every muscle, every faculty, which has been entrusted to man. These gifts were bestowed upon Him, not to be abused, corrupted, and abased, but to be used to His honor and glory. Every misuse of any part of our organism is a violation of the law which God designs shall govern in these matters, and by violating this law, human beings corrupt themselves. Sickness, disease of every kind, ruined constitutions, premature decay, untimely deaths—these are the results of a violation of nature’s laws. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 18)

The living organism is God’s property. It belongs to Him by creation and by redemption; and by a misuse of any of our powers, we rob God of the honor due to Him. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 19)

The need of healthful habits is a part of the gospel which must be presented to the people by those who hold forth the Word of life. The importance of the health of the body is to be taught as a Bible requirement. “I beseech you, therefore, brethren,” writes Paul, “that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” [Romans 12:1-5.] (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 20)

This is a sermon which needs to be presented to the people. The question of health reform is not agitated as it must and will be. A simple diet, and the entire absence of drugs, leaving nature free to recuperate the wasted energies of the body, would make our sanitariums more effectual in restoring the sick to health. The intellectual and moral energies of Christians need to be awakened. Far less money and time should be given to the table, and more to the advancement of missionary work in our land. Cooks should be thought of, and their strength saved as much as possible, for they have souls to save. The may dishes usually prepared for desert should be dispensed with. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 21)

Every minister who preaches the gospel to the people should study the laws of physical health. He should carefully consider what effect eating and drinking have upon the health of the soul. By precept and example, by a life of obedience to nature’s laws, he can present the truth upon this subject in a forcible manner. The teachers and workers in our sanitariums should not only preach, but practice abstinence from food which stimulates the fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 22)

“Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] Nearly all the members of the human family eat more than the system requires. This excess decays, and becomes a putrid mass. Catarrhal difficulties, kidney diseases, headache, and heart troubles, are the result of immoderate eating. Even so-called health reform needs reforming on this point. When men and women cease to indulge their appetites by eating too largely of food of a questionable character, when they treat the stomach as respectfully as it deserves to be treated, when they relieve it of one-half or two-thirds of the laborious task they now require it to perform, when nature is more respected than perverted appetite, there will be a change for the better in health and morals. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 23)

If more food, even of a simple quality, is placed in the stomach, than the living machinery requires, this surplus becomes a burden. The system makes desperate efforts to dispose of it, and this extra work causes a tired, weary feeling. Some who are continually eating call this all-gone feeling hunger, but it is caused by the overworked condition of the digestive organs. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 24)

At too many tables, when the stomach has received all it requires to properly carry on its work of nourishing the system, another course, consisting of pies, puddings, and highly flavored sauces, is placed upon the table. Society has sought out many inventions, and she has decreed that the food be placed on the table in different courses. Not knowing what is coming next, one may partake of a sufficiency of food which perhaps is not the best suited to him. Then the last course is brought on. This may be composed of articles of food, which, if they had been placed on the table at the first, would have added much to his enjoyment of the food. Many, though they have already eaten enough, will overstep the bounds and eat the tempting dessert, which, however, proves anything but good to them. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 25)

The custom of placing different courses of food upon the table better never have been invented. Let that which is provided for the meal be placed upon the table at the beginning, and then let each one eat that which will be the most healthful for him. Let each have an opportunity to choose what shall compose his meal. If the extras which are provided for dessert were dispensed with altogether, it would be a blessing. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 26)

Another custom, which has been instituted, is that which requires all to keep their places at the table till the last one has finished. But this makes eating a burden to those who eat no more than they feel that their stomachs can properly care for. Health reformers need not observe these inventions of fashion. If you are where those who eat to excess continue to pass tempting dishes, it is well to break human rules, and pass quietly from the table. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 27)

Eating merely to please the appetite is a transgression of nature’s laws. Often this intemperance is felt at once in the form of headache, indigestion, and colic. A load has been placed upon the stomach that it cannot care for, and a feeling of oppression comes. The head is confused, the stomach is in rebellion. But these results do not always follow over-eating. In some cases the stomach is paralyzed. No sensation of pain is felt, but the digestive organs lose their vital force. The foundation of the human machinery is gradually undermined, and life is rendered very unpleasant. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 28)

By indulging in a wrong course of action in eating and drinking, thousands upon thousands are ruining their health. And not only is their health ruined, but their morals are corrupted, because diseased blood flows through their veins. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 29)

I have a suggestion to make to those who [have] moral courage and self-control enough to try it. If your work is sedentary, take exercise every day, and at each meal eat only two or three kinds of simple food, taking no more of these than will satisfy the demands of hunger. Make up your mind that this is all the food you will give your stomach. For a few days perseveringly carry out your determination to eat less than you have in the past. See how this will work. Strong, healthy men, who are engaged in active physical labor, can eat food which those of sedentary habits cannot eat without injury to their health. Those engaged in physical labor are not compelled to be so careful as to the quantity or quality of their food. But even these persons would have better health by practicing self-control in eating and drinking. But one stomach cannot be made the rule for measuring the diet for every one else. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 30)

It is the positive duty of physicians to educate, educate, educate, by pen and voice, all who have the responsibility of preparing food for the table. Teach them to bind about their ambitious desires to place before their family and before visitors a variety of tempting dishes. It would be much better to eat only two or three different kinds of food at a meal than to load the stomach with many varieties. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 31)

There are many kinds of intemperance in this world. Overeating is intemperance just as surely as is liquor drinking. Intemperate eating wears on the system, producing a morbid appetite which enslaves men and women. The stomach must have careful attention. It must not be kept in continual operation. Give this misused and much abused organ some peace and quiet and rest. After it has done its work for one meal, do not crowd more work upon it before it has had a chance to rest, and before a sufficient supply of gastric juice is provided by nature to care for more food. Five hours at least should elapse between each meal, and always bear in mind that if you would give it a trial, you would find that two meals are better than three. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 32)

“As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.] “Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot: they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:28-30.] (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 33)

The sin of the Noachic world was intemperance, and today the sin exhibited by intemperance in eating and drinking is so marked that God will not always tolerate it. By eating and drinking we sustain life, and in themselves, if kept within the bounds of temperance, eating and drinking are of no harm, but a blessing. But when they carried to excess, they come under the head of intemperance. Man carries to excess that which is lawful, and his whole being suffers the result of the violation of the laws which the Lord has established. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 34)

Intemperance in eating and drinking is on the increase. Tables are spread with all kinds of food with which to satisfy the epicurean appetite. Suffering must follow this course of action. The vital force of the system cannot bear up under the tax placed on it, and it finally breaks down. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 35)

God is greatly dishonored by the way in which man treats his organism, and He will not work a miracle to counteract a perverse violation of the laws of health and life. The Lord Jesus purchased man, paying for him the infinite price of His own life. Man should estimate himself by the price which has been paid for him. When he places this value upon himself, he will not knowingly abuse one of his physical or mental faculties. It is an insult to the God of heaven for men to abuse his precious powers by placing himself under the control of satanic agencies, and besetting himself by indulging in that which is ruinous to health, to piety, and to spirituality. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him will God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” [1 Corinthians 3:16, 17.] (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 36)

When man educates the appetite to desire the flesh of dead animals, and to love wine and strong drink, he becomes a body of corruption. Oh, how little God is honored by him; how little he is brought into the thoughts. Gluttony and strong drink degrade the beings who are God’s property by creation, His property because He gave His only begotten Son for their redemption. Look at that party of judges, lawyers, and ministers, who claim to be servants of God and co-workers with Jesus Christ, united at the festive board. Through the indulgence of perverted appetite, they have made of themselves a set of drivelling fools, bereft of reason. And these are men for whom Christ died to make it possible for them to live a life of usefulness, to wear Christ’s yoke, and show their loyalty to God. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 37)

Satan is the destroyer; God is the Restorer. He calls upon us to co-operate with Him by doing our utmost by precept and example to restore the moral image of God in man. It is our duty to engage in the work of helping our fellow men to stand in their God-given freedom, men of self-control, vessels unto honor. We can show ourselves of much value as co-laborers with God by elevating the standard of temperance, by trying to raise our brethren from their degradation, so that Christ shall not have died in vain. Thus we show our nobility as sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ, and manifest our fitness for the immortal inheritance, which Christ has gone to prepare for us. All this we may be and do if we will submit to the control of God. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 38)

But, oh, how fast the world is rushing on in its madness, hastening to the day of retribution. “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37.] Each day man is forming his own destiny. Each day his account is recorded by the heavenly Watcher in the books of heaven. The time will come when each one will meet the history of his life. But how much of the money which God has given man, the money which should be used to restore the obliterated image of Jesus, is used to gratify appetite and ambition, to prepare extravagant festivals, and to build and furnish grand houses. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 39)

One soul saved for Jesus is of more value than the whole world. Then how God would be honored if He could see that the physical, mental, and moral powers of men and women were kept free from every unnatural appetite, every wrong practice, every species of intemperance, tobacco using, liquor drinking, and gluttony. Let man and women obey the Word of God, and they will bring heaven very near to earth. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 40)

I feel deeply over the existing state of things. It is today “as it was in the days of Noe.” [Luke 17:26.] Then they ate and drink, and planted and builded, stirred with an enthusiasm from beneath. This made them intensely active to follow the evil imagination of their own hearts, and that continually. There was violence in the land. What do we see now, in 1896? Men working in the same manner as in Noah’s day, forgetful of God, education themselves in habit and practice to corrupt soul and body. We see terrible calamities coming upon this world because of iniquity. Thousands are being killed by floods, by terrible tornadoes, by earthquakes. Ships that are upon the great deep perish in the angry billows. Yet in spite of this, men continue to act in opposition to God. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 41)

My brother, there is need that economy be practiced in every line of our work. There is need of prayer, earnest, heartfelt, sincere prayer. There is need that temperance in eating, drinking, and building be practiced. There is need to educate the people in right habits of living. Put no confidence in drug medicine. If every particle of it were buried in the great ocean, I would say, Amen, for physicians are not working on a right plan. A reform is needed which will go deeper, and be more thorough. Meat-eating is doing its work, for the meat is diseased. We may not long be able to use even milk. The very earth is groaning under the corrupted inhabitants. We need to consider closely our habits and practices, and banish our sinful, darling self-indulgences. I have had light from God on this subject, and I have been endeavoring to give the light to our people in this country. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 42)

I could write you pages upon pages upon this, but I feel so deeply over these things that I scarcely dare take my pen in my hand. I tell you, my brother and sister, we are living in the Laodicean state of the church. If ever a people needed to fall upon the Rock and be broken, it is the people in California, and all through our churches in America. We need to arouse and act as one man. We need to be earnest and alive. Horrors upon horrors are following in the destruction of human life, yet those things receive only a few remarks. The world will not be warned. But the day of the Lord is coming, unawares, as a thief in the night. (11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, 43)

Lt 74, 1896

To the Managers and Workers in our Institutions
NP
[January 1893] [Copied June 9, 1896]
Draws from Lt 6a, 1890. This letter is published in entirety in PH088 3-24. +
To the Managers and Workers in our Institutions:

In the providence of God we have institutions established among us to advance the promulgation of the truth, but they do not reach the efficiency that they might if the workers were wholly consecrated to God. The Lord has made every provision that these institutions may reach a high standard, that they may attain to a larger growth and wider usefulness, and that those employed in them may possess Christian virtues and graces. But those connected with these instrumentalities are not all devout and spiritual. They do not represent the spirit and character of Christ. They are not ensamples to those connected with them, because they do not live in communion with God, earnestly seeking by faith and fervent prayer to know His will that they may do it. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 1)

These instrumentalities are missionary institutions. The Lord designed that they should be a power for good; and if all who are connected with them are consecrated, if they are meek and lowly in heart, Christ will give them most precious lessons in His school. In our health institutions, our publishing houses, our schools, all should work harmoniously to carry out the purpose of God, and everything connected with the institutions should tend toward reform. The managers and helpers should have the true missionary spirit as a daily, abiding principle, for they are in a field that requires the highest kind of missionary work. Our institutions, properly conducted, will exert a far-reaching influence, and if the managers and the workers are Christians, they will be as shining lights. They will educate those connected with them in the principles of truth. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 2)

A responsibility to spread the knowledge of right principles rests upon all who have received the light. This responsibility should be felt by every man and woman who claims to be a Seventh-day Adventist, and much more by those who are connected with our institutions. All should realize that these institutions are an important part of the Lord’s great work for the salvation of souls. Let it be the aim of all to be laborers together with God for the uplifting of humanity. All should be educators by precept and example. They should feel a personal responsibility to send forth men and women as fully instructed as possible, prepared to exert a direct and saving influence in the homes, the communities, and the churches to which they may go. This would be the very best recommendation that any of our institutions could have. Wisdom is needed in the selection of managers in the various departments. It is impossible for one to control others until he learns to control himself. The superintendent should be a man who loves and fears God. He should sacredly guard his reputation, giving no occasion for any one to reproach the cause of God. He should not be narrow-minded, a man of one idea. One who is changeable, now indulgent, then cold and unapproachable, or critical, exacting, and domineering, is not fitted for this position, nor is he who will cherish suspicion, jealousy, passion, or stubbornness. These traits are not pleasing to God, and will not be manifested by any who take Jesus for their Pattern and Counselor. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 3)

The superintendent must manifest the spirit of Christ, yet he should be firm to restrain evil. A neglect of this duty shows him to be unfit for his position. God requires of a steward that he be found faithful. A manager must be a growing man in order to meet the difficulties as well as the opportunities that are constantly arising. He should be quick to discern what needs to be done, and take active measures to accomplish the work at the right time. There are many rules made, many resolutions passed, that fall dead because they are not carried into effect. Time is spent in board meetings, councils, and business meetings; matters are discussed and resolutions made; and then, if these resolutions die a natural death, things are left in a worse state than if no action had been taken. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 4)

If those who hold positions of trust are persons who love and fear God, they will realize that a sacred responsibility is theirs because of the measure of authority and the consequent influence which their position gives them. They are dealing with varied minds, and they should move discreetly, they are representatives of the institution. They should be kind and courteous, manifesting Christian politeness toward all with whom they are brought in contact, both believers and unbelievers. Brethren, you are to represent the family of the heavenly King. You are to watch for souls as they that must give an account. We should never forget that Jesus, in the infinite sacrifice that He has made, has proved His love for every man, woman, and child; He has shown what value He places upon every soul. All have been purchased by the price of His own blood. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 5)

Let your influence be persuasive, binding people to your hearts because you love Jesus and these souls are His purchased possession. This is a great work. If by your Christlike words and actions you make impressions that will create in their hearts a hungering and thirsting after righteousness and truth, you are a co-laborer with Christ. Those who have a leading influence in the institutions should be men and women who possess devotion and piety, who are not narrow and selfish in any matter, but conscientious, self-denying, and self-sacrificing, ever dealing with the workers as they would wish to be dealt with, having an eye single to the glory of God. Men of such a character will keep the way of the Lord. The workers should seek to make it as easy as possible for those who bear the burden of responsibility, and have many cares and perplexities to engage their attention. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 6)

All need to have right principles placed before them in a judicious manner. Men of investigating minds will thus receive the key of knowledge, and will bring out treasures of thought for the enriching of other minds—thought that will result in the saving of souls. Circumstances will call forth words and decisions in favor of the right, and any will thus be swayed to the right direction. Words and works flowing from the heart imbued with the love and fear of God become a wide-spread blessing—a blessing that is carried into the highways and byways of life. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 7)

There are words spoken that are not Christlike, bitter, harsh, wicked words. This should not be. Men who like Enoch are walking in the light of Christ, will exercise self-control, even under temptation and provocation. Although sorely tried by the perversity and obstinacy of others who are associated with them, they dare not let impulse bear sway. All who are walking in the light will give evidence of divine power combined with human effort; they will make it manifest that they are led and taught of God. They will feel that the holy Watcher is by their side, taking knowledge of their words. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 8)

Leaders in our institutions have many and weighty responsibilities. Their only safety is in keeping their thoughts and impulses under the control of the great Teacher. They have golden opportunities for doing good; they can speak words in season that will guide and mold the many and varied minds with which they are brought in contact. Daily they should take their stand for God as though it were the last day they should serve in his capacity. Show men and women connected with the institutions how pure and noble they may become. Let them see that you have firm confidence in God, and that He is your source of strength, that you are resting wholly upon His promises. Fulfill your duty with promptness, while claiming your heavenly’s Father help in overcoming all weakness of character. With the hand of faith grasping the arm of Infinite Power, put your whole being into your work. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 9)

Ever keep a winning, courteous, kind spirit, and every room may be transformed into a Bethel. Angels of God will work with your efforts. If our publishing houses, our health institutions, our colleges and missions are conducted on right principles the unbelievers who visit them will be favorably impressed, and will be more inclined to accept the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 10)

O for faithful Calebs in this age of the world! We want men and women who have self-control, who have moral worth, who love and fear God; men and women who possess personal piety and firm religious principle. God is dishonored by the lack of moral stamina in many who profess to be Christians. They seem to be only half converted. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 11)

God demands of us more than we are willing to give Him. None are to be forward or obtrusive, but we are quietly to live out our religion, with an eye single to the glory of God. “Learn of me,” says Christ; “for I am meek and lowly of heart.” [Matthew 11:29.] Then we shall shine as lights in the world, without noise or friction. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 12)

None need fail, for One is with them who is wise in counsel, excellent in working, and mighty to accomplish His designs. He works through His agents, seen and unseen, human and divine. This work is a grand work, and will be carried forward to the glory of God, if all who are connected with it will make their works correspond to their profession of faith. Purity of thought must be cherished as indispensable to the work of influencing others. The soul must be surrounded by a pure, holy atmosphere—an atmosphere that will tend to quicken the spiritual life of all who inhale it. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 13)

Jesus is honored or dishonored by the words and deportment of His professed followers. The heart must be kept pure and holy, for out of it are the issues of life. If the heart is purified through obedience to the truth, there will be no selfish preferences, no corrupt motives. There will be no partiality, no hypocrisy, lovesick sentimentalism will not be developed. Strict guard must be kept, that this curse shall not poison or corrupt our institutions. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 14)

In the present state of society, with the lax morals of not only youth but those of age and experience, there is great danger of becoming careless, and giving especial attention to favorites, and thus creating, envy, jealousy, and evil surmisings. But few realize that they drive away the Spirit of God with their selfish thoughts and feelings, their foolish, trifling talk. When admonished, they say, “I meant no harm.” What do these frivolous ones mean? Do they forget that that which they sow, they shall also reap? This silly, nonsensical conversation reveals a weak character, and is an offense to God. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 15)

If the grace of Christ were planted in their hearts and striking its roots down deep into good soil, they would bear fruit of an altogether different character. They would be acquiring moral stamina, that strength of purpose and solidity of character which is essential for the great and good work that ought to be done. Others would feel their influence, and would take knowledge of them that they were led and taught by Jesus. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 16)

Many of these trifling, frivolous ones make a profession of religion, and this hollow form of godliness has been so long tolerated that it has pervaded our institutions and extends to our churches. The standard of piety is lowered into the dust. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 17)

Careful attention should be given to the moral standing and influence of every one employed in our institutions. If the workers are in any way impure in heart or life, it will be revealed in their words and their actions, notwithstanding their efforts to conceal the truth. If they are not strictly moral, there is danger in employing them, for they will be in a position where they can mislead those who desire to reform, and can confirm them in unholy, defiling practices. Such men and women, unless converted, will be not only a curse to themselves, but a curse wherever they go. The converting power of God is alone sufficient to establish pure principles in the heart, so that the wicked one may find nothing to assail. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 18)

Our probation is short at best we have no time to spend in erratic movements. The familiarity of married men with married women, and with young girls, is disgusting in the sight of God and holy angels. The forwardness of young girls in placing themselves in the company of young men, hanging around where they are at work, entering into conversation with them, talking common, idle talk, is belittling to womanhood. It lowers them, even in the estimation of those who indulge in such things. There is a positive necessity for reform. All frivolity, all undue attention of men to women, or women to men, must be condemned and discontinued. These things have produced great evil in the world. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 19)

The first appearance of irregularity in conduct should receive attention; the young should be taught to be frank yet modest in all their associations. They should be taught to respect just rules and authority. If they refuse to do this, after the right kind of labor has been bestowed upon them let them be dismissed, whatever position the occupy, for they will demoralize others. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 20)

Those who labor in our institutions are there for the purpose of promoting the intellectual and spiritual welfare of those under their care. They must make their work a matter of earnest prayer and study, that they may know how to deal with human minds and accomplish the object before them. Their first work is to carefully scrutinize their own habits, for there are those who have not put away childish things. They are in need of transforming grace, or they will not meet the Bible standard of Christianity. Then when they are compelled to deal with those who are meeting a low standard, they will know what words to speak to them, and will not be harsh, domineering, or arbitrary toward them. They must be chaste, and so free from the taint of defilement, that they can correct these evils and bring these poor souls up to the Bible standard of purity. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 21)

Those who believe unpopular truth have much prejudice to meet everywhere in the world, and if Bible truth is to control our institutions, those employed in them must exemplify it in their own life. If they wish that the physical, intellectual, and moral standing of the institution shall be of the highest order, their own deportment must give evidence of this fact. They must plan and work constantly, and in the strength of Jesus seek so to elevate the character of the institution that it may receive the approval of heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 22)

Every Christian home should have rules; and parents should, in their words and in their deportment toward each other, give to the children a precious living example of what they desire them to be. Purity in speech, and true Christian courtesy should be constantly practiced. Let there be no encouragement of sin, no evil surmising or evil speaking. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 23)

Teach the children and youth to respect themselves, to be true to God, true to principle; teach them to respect and obey the law of God. Then these principles will control their lives, and will be carried out in their association with others. They will love their neighbor as themselves. They will create a pure atmosphere, one that will have an influence to encourage weak souls in the path that leads to holiness and heaven. Let every lesson be of an elevating, ennobling character, and the records made in the books of heaven will such as you will not be ashamed to meet in the judgment. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 24)

Children who receive this kind of instruction will not be a burden, a cause of anxiety, in our institutions; but they will be a strength, a support, to those who bear responsibility. They will be prepared to fill places of trust, and by precept and example will be constantly aiding others to do right. Those whose moral sensibilities have not been blunted will appreciate right principles, and will practice them. They will put a right estimate upon their endowments, and will make the best use of their physical, mental, and moral powers. Such souls are constantly fortified against temptation; they are surrounded by a wall not easily broken down. All such characters are, with the blessing of God, light-bearers; their influence tends to elevate others for a practical Christian life. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 25)

The mind may be so elevated that divine thoughts and contemplations come to be as natural as the breath. All the faculties of the soul are to be trained. We must do God’s work intelligently. We must know the truth; and to know this is to know God. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 26)

The evils of fashionable society have a tendency to corrupt, but every true follower of Christ, every one who has “This hope” in Him, will purify himself even as He is pure, so that not a taint of defilement will be found in his thoughts or upon his lips, in his heart or in his character. [1 John 3:3.] There must be a coming up to a higher, holier standard. A decided warfare should be waged against the evils, not only in the world, but also among those who claim to believe the truth for this time. These evils, if not put away, will result in spiritual death. The Lord bids us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] There must be a waking up. Concentrated effort must be put forth, that will tell powerfully against every form of evil. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 27)

Let the leaders in our institutions labor to show that their work is wrought in God, that they are workmen who need not to be ashamed, that their words and works are untainted with earthliness and sensualism. They should feel their solemn responsibility to give the youth a worthy example, one corresponding to their position of trust and their holy profession of faith. They are sowing seed which will blossom and bear fruit. All coarseness and trifling should be put away; it is the fruit borne upon a corrupt tree. Brethren and sisters you are educators. The lessons you give to believers and unbelievers by your words and your example will be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 28)

Men should be chosen to stand at the head of our institutions who have not only good, sound judgment, but a high moral tone; who will be circumspect in their deportment, pure in speech, remembering their high and holy calling, and that there is a Watcher, a true Witness to every word and act. Those who give evidence that their thoughts run in a low channel, whose conversation tends to corrupt rather than to elevate, should be removed at once from any connection with the institution, for they will surely demoralize others. Ever bear in mind that our institutions are missionary fields. God’s eye is upon them day and night. No one should feel at liberty to allow even the appearance of evil. Let all be circumspect, for the Lord will certainly judge you for any wrong influence exerted in any one of His instrumentalities. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 29)

Managers and workers, are your souls united to Christ as the branch is united to the living vine? If you have not been renewed in the spirit of your mind, for your souls’ sake make no delay to have your life hid with Christ in God. This is the first business of your life. When Christ is abiding in the heart, you will not be light, trifling, and immodest, but circumspect and reliable in every place, sending forth pure words, like streams from a pure fountain, refreshing all with whom you come in contact. If you decide to continue your idle talk and frivolous conduct, go to some other place, where your influence and example will not be so widely felt in contaminating others souls. What you all need is such a sense of the purity and holiness of Christ as will lead you to despise this pretense of religion, which blesses no one, gives no peace of conscience, no repose of faith. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 30)

Let all connected with these instrumentalities that God has ordained for the saving of souls seek divine wisdom, heavenly grace, that they may have an elevating influence upon others. Unless they are constantly receiving strength from Jesus, looking to Him, trusting in Him, by faith drawing from Him divine grace, they will become an easy prey to temptation. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 31)

It is time that we as Christians reach a much higher standard. God forbid that any institution that He has planted shall become a means of decoying souls, a place where iniquity is taught. Let all learn in the school of Christ, meekness, purity, [and] lowliness of heart. Let them hang their helpless souls on Jesus. Live in the light shining from the oracles of God. Educate mind and heart to pure, elevated, holy thoughts. “Be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” [1 Peter 1:15.] Whatever influence you have, direct it to exalting Jesus, and not self. Unless you do this, you are a false guide, leading souls away from the Truth, the Life, the Light of the world; and the more pleasing and attractive your manners, the greater the harm you do. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 32)

I tell you that every soul needs a genuine conversion. All your faculties need to be consecrated to God, that you may not encourage the evils prevailing in society, but may counteract them. Many have been cultivating habits that lead directly to earthly and sensual actions; and unless the power of God shall break the snare, souls will be lost in consequence. God has claims upon you that you do not realize, for you have not brought Christ into your lives. Great decision of character will now be necessary on your part to change this order of things. No weak efforts will accomplish the work. You cannot do it or yourselves; you must have the grace of Christ or you can never overcome. All your plans will prove a failure unless you are actuated by higher motives, and upheld by greater strength, than you can have in and of yourselves. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 33)

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] There will be no relish for trifling conversation on the part of those who are looking to Jesus for strength, depending upon His righteousness for salvation. By faith they accept Christ as their personal Saviour, and become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 34)

There should be no giving of special favors, or attentions, to a few, no preferring of one above another. This is displeasing to God. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 35)

Let all bear in mind the words of inspiration; “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” [James 3:17.] When you pass by one who is in need of your sympathy and kindly acts, and bestow your favors upon others simply because they are more pleasing to you, remember that Jesus is insulted in the person of His afflicted ones. He says, “I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink; I was a stranger and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.” [Matthew 25:42, 43.] (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 36)

To the surprised inquiry, “Lord, when saw we [Thee] thus?” The answer is given, “In as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these (who were afflicted and needed your sympathy) ye did it not to me.” [Verses 44, 45.] “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” [Matthew 9:12.] The bruised and wounded, the lame of the flock, are among us, and these test the character of those who claim to be children of God. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 37)

The Lord will not excuse the wrong doer. He will never sanction partiality to the wealthy or oppression to the weak. He requires exact and impartial justice; more than this, He requires that His followers shall always have compassion for the suffering, pity and love for the erring. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 38)

Angels of God are watching the development of character, and are weighing moral worth. If you bestow your attention upon those who have no need, you are doing harm to the recipients, and you will yourself receive condemnation rather than reward. Remember that when by your trifling conversation, you descend to the level of frivolous characters, you are encouraging them in the path that leads to perdition. Your unwise attentions may prove the ruin of their souls. You degrade their conceptions of what constitutes Christian life and character. You confuse their ideas and make impressions that may never be effaced. They cannot harmonize your curse with the position you occupy, and they come to look upon even the officers of the church and the ministers, as no better than themselves. Then where is their example? The harm thus done to souls that need to be strengthened, refined, and ennobled is often a sin unto death. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 39)

God calls upon all who claim to be Christians to elevate the standard of righteousness, and to purify themselves even as Christ is pure. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things that are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on the things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” [Colossians 3:1-6.] (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 40)

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ: as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance;” for you are to walk in the light while you have the light; “but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” [1 Peter 1:13-16.] (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 41)

The question is, Shall we be Bible Christians? Will we disregard the plainest instruction given us in the word of life, and erect a false standard whereby to measure our characters? Is this a safe thing for us to do? (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 42)

Christ has given us the signs by which we may distinguish the genuine Christian; no one need to be deceived by the pretentious claims of the hypocrite. “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth forth not good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their (profession? no, by their) fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:16-20.] (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 43)

Let those who claim to be Bible believers act out their faith by obedience to all the requirements of God. Christ has invited you, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.] (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 44)

Let all who profess godliness heed the apostle’s admonition. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [1 Peter 2:11, 12.] (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 45)

The apostle Paul under the influence of inspiration has spoken to us: “Ye are all the children of the light and of the day: we are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for an helmet the hope of salvation.” [1 Thessalonians 5:5-8.] (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 46)

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” [Titus 2:1-8.] (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 47)

There will be seasons of severe trial for those connected with our institutions, but of you know the source of you strength, you need not be overcome. Whatever influence God has given you, He requires you to throw on the side of truth, of godliness. In making men, women, and children better by pointing them to the cross of Calvary, you are doing the work He has given you to do. True Bible Christians will have an influence that will lead other minds. You, as Christians, have a weight of responsibility which no one can take from you. Said Christ, “To whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.” [Luke 12:48.] (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 48)

The converting power of God is needed every day. We must abide in Christ. “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” [John 15:4.] None of us can afford to sin; it is expensive business. Sin so blinds the eyes that men do not discern evil, and by their indiscreet practices they become instruments of unrighteousness, to scatter from Christ. The exhortation to Christians is, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without” [Colossians 4:5]; for wise, discreet words and actions will be a power to draw others to Christ, where they will have fellowship with the saints. Are professed Christians walking in wisdom when they are vain and frivolous, and live so at variance with their profession of faith that those without cannot see in them the evidences of purity, of heavenly nobility? (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 49)

We have the history of the antediluvians, and of the cities of the plain, whose course of conduct degenerated from lightness and frivolity to debasing sins that called down the wrath of God in a most dreadful destruction, in order to rid the earth of the curse of their contaminating influence. Inclination and passion bore sway over reason. Self was their god, and the knowledge of the Most High was nearly obliterated through the selfish indulgence of corrupt passions. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 50)

The words of Christ should ever be borne in mind: “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of Man. They did eat, they drank.” [Luke 17:26, 27.] Appetite bears away over mind and conscience in this age. Gluttony, winebibbing, liquor-drinking, tobacco using prevail, but Christ’s followers will be temperate in eating and drinking. They will not indulge appetite at the expense of health and spiritual growth. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 51)

“They married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.” [Verse 27.] We see the same manifestation now in regard to marriage. Youth, and even men and women who ought to be wise and discerning, act as if bewitched upon this question. A satanic power seems to take possession of them. The most indiscreet marriages are formed. God is not consulted. Human feelings, desires, and passions, bear down everything before them, until the die is cast. Untold misery is the result of this state of things, and God is dishonored. The marriage vow covers every kind of lustful abomination. Shall there not be a decided change in reference to this matter? (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 52)

“Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded. But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.” [Verses 28, 29.] There is need that we eat and drink; but when men allow the gratification of appetite to occupy their thoughts and time to the neglect of their eternal interests, it is a sin for which God will punish them; for they abuse their bodies, destroy health, unbalance the mind, and strengthen the animal propensities. Then they are led by Satan to do the very things that awaken the sword of justice against them. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 53)

Christians are to seek those things that are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. All the warnings given, all the appeals made, do not seem to alarm those who indulge perverted appetite. They go on in sinful indulgence, and their conscience is seared as with a hot iron. They will put their own interpretation on their sinful course, saying, “I have done no moral wrong.” Clear discernment is needed—the spiritual eyesalve, which we can obtain only by becoming partakers of the divine nature. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 54)

Do those who claim to believe the Testimonies read and practice their teachings? All the light given in the living oracles and in the Testimonies, which all may read and apply, will condemn them in the day of God if they do not heed the instruction given. The new life from Christ must be implanted in the heart. God calls for the highest development of the principles of godliness. Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, will be the rich clusters of fruit borne by the branches that are grafted into Christ, the parent stem. Wherever this fruit is manifest, the truth will possess power; its progress and growth will be extended. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 55)

Brethren, the days of our probation are nearly ended. It is time to awake out of sleep. You are in a position of great responsibility. You need to watch unto prayer. Watch against habits of sin. Keep a watch over the tongue. Watch for opportunities to do good and bless others, ever looking to Jesus, growing in grace and a knowledge of the truth. If you want the higher life, you must live the higher life in the lower life of this world. We are working for time and for eternity. A well-built life is formed by living upon the plan of addition, laying up one grace after another in good works, in faith, patience, temperance, benevolence, courage, [and] self-denial. “Ye are God’s husbandry. Ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Learning of Christ, you will not be a jumble of opposites and inconsistencies, today sober and devout, tomorrow careless and frivolous. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 56)

Christ has made every provision that your character may be harmonious through the grace given you. Then build it harmoniously. Let the structure rise stone on stone. Catch the rays of divine light from Jesus, and let them shine upon the pathway of others who are in darkness. All the universe of God is looking upon us with intense interest. (11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 57)

(11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, 58)

Lt 75, 1896

Nobbs, Alfred
Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia
November 24, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in Ev 489; 9MR 351-352.
Dear Brother:

I have not heard from Brother and Sister Belden for some time. I have some fears that they may not be able to write to me. If anything is the matter with them, I would be pleased to have you write me. The last I heard, they were both crippled in their hands from accident. It may be that no boat has lately come into Sydney from Norfolk Island. We learn from the papers that a boat will leave for the island today. (11LtMs, Lt 75, 1896, 1)

I received your letter, and thank you for writing. We are here in Ashfield, where we came to attend our second conference in New South Wales. The meetings have been well attended, and have been interesting, because the Lord’s presence has been with us in deed and in truth. We were much encouraged to see so good an attendance. Delegates came in from the different churches, and they remained until the close of the meeting. Brethren Farnsworth and Haskell attended this meeting, and there labors were blessed of the Lord. These brethren left us last Wednesday, on their passage to New Zealand. (11LtMs, Lt 75, 1896, 2)

Our camp meeting at Adelaide, South Australia, was a success. There was a much larger interest than we had at Armadale, a year ago. You know we had an excellent interest in that place. Sabbath and Sunday the crowd was much larger at Adelaide than at Armadale. The opposition was much stronger, chiefly from two persons, one who professed to be a converted Jew, and the other a Disciple minister named Green. These men stormed and fumed and raved like two madmen. They challenged our ministers to enter into controversy with them, but our answer to them was, “We are doing a great work, and we cannot come down.” [Nehemiah 6:3.] The fact that we would not turn aside to enter into controversy with them, made them almost frantic. They showed what manner of spirit they were of, and the people had an opportunity of seeing the contrast between those who keep the commandments of God, and those who disregard them. (11LtMs, Lt 75, 1896, 3)

Additions have been made to the number of believers. Some of the very firstclass in the community have taken their position firmly. They will have trials, for trial is the portion of all who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. If we follow Jesus, we need not expect a better portion in this world than had our Master. He our Redeemer was reproached and hated by the world, and He has told us that all who follow Him will suffer persecution for His sake. “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” [Matthew 5:10-12.] (11LtMs, Lt 75, 1896, 4)

How does God estimate His true followers? He says, “Ye are the salt of the earth; but and if the salt have lost his savor, where with shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men.” [Verse 13.] Here we see [that] the value of the profession of any Christian is seen in his character and life. A good man draws all his virtue from the life of Christ. If Christ is abiding in him, he has life in Christ, and will be of value in saving the souls of others from corruption. (11LtMs, Lt 75, 1896, 5)

A believer in the truth is ever bound to manifest his principles in full view of the world; and with intense solicitude he should keep the principles of the Word of God boldly and vividly before his own mind, that he may never be guilty of misrepresenting Him whose disciple he claims to be. He should respect himself because Christ has given him an evidence of the value God has placed upon him in the costly sacrifice made to redeem him. Therefore his influence should always be as represented by the words of Christ when He compared His principles to salt because of its preserving quality. Those who profess to be Christians, yet in their words and works are not Christlike, reveal that they have no vital connection with Christ. They have no power to save the world from its moral corruption. They are like the salt that has lost its savor. “Without me,” said Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] All our profession of godliness is worthless. (11LtMs, Lt 75, 1896, 6)

“Ye are the light of the world. A city set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house.” [Matthew 5:14, 15.] An indwelling Saviour will be manifest to all with whom the human agent is brought in contact. There is the necessity of planting the truth in the heart of man; then it will control his life. For this purpose the Spirit of God is to take the things of God, the truth from the sacred Word, and stamp it on the soul. Then it will be revealed in words, in actions, in every business transaction. (11LtMs, Lt 75, 1896, 7)

Our work is to represent Christ in character, then when we co-operate with God, we shall work out that which the Holy Spirit works within. A power will attend every soul who derives his spiritual life from Jesus Christ. All, then, have a work to do for the Master, earnest, solemn work in spreading the truth. The truth is first to be planted in his own soul, and then he plants the seeds of truth in other souls. Thus we become lights to shine amid the moral darkness of the world. The influence is constantly going forth to repress sin. The Christian will be consistent in his persevering efforts to restore the souls who are sin-sick and perishing. We must manifest more zeal. (11LtMs, Lt 75, 1896, 8)

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Verse 16.] This is our work, but Satan does not want that heaven’s light shall appear and shine amid the moral darkness. He will seek to intercept every ray of light from heaven, that it shall not irradiate the soul, and reflect back glory to God. We must walk by faith, and have an increasing, growing faith, that shall resist the powers of darkness. Both the understanding and the heart need daily to maintain the most intimate and conscious connection with the pure sacred springs, the Fountain of Life, from which they derive their inspiration. There is far more blessing for the human agent, even for every one who will yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 75, 1896, 9)

We are living in a time when iniquity abounds. The oil of grace must be in our vessels with our lamps. Our only safety is to live in hourly contact and conscious communion with the principles [of] truth, righteousness, and mercy, which reveal the attributes of God within the soul. God is the deep Source of all moral and intellectual power. We are to bind ourselves up with God, and co-operate with Him. Behold the cross of Calvary. It is the guarantee that through Jesus Christ we may have, not only spiritual efficiency but skill and understanding in the Scriptures, but may represent the truth in its attractive, powerful principles, by precept and example. (11LtMs, Lt 75, 1896, 10)

There will constantly be a struggle in order to gain access to the hearts of the ignorant and wicked. But do we individually try as earnestly and faithfully by personal effort as we should? Do we not hold ourselves too much aloof from the poor souls dead in trespasses and sins? Can we not, every one of us, arm ourselves with the intense earnestness of Christ, and do more? I fear that there is not that faith that is essential. Shall we not brace ourselves against disappointments and temptations to be discouraged? God is merciful, and with the truth, rejoicing, purifying, ennobling the life, we can do a sound and solid work for God. Prayer and faith will do wonderful things. The Word must be our weapon of warfare. Miracles can be wrought through the Word, for it is profitable for all things. (11LtMs, Lt 75, 1896, 11)

Light, precious light, is shining forth from the cross of Calvary. This is our illumination. This is our central light. Look at the cross and accept Jesus Christ by living faith as our righteousness, and power will be with you, for you will prevail with God as did Jacob. Work for the salvation of souls as though you knew by sight that you were in full view of the whole universe of heaven. Every angel in glory is interested in the work being done for the salvation of souls. We are not awake as we should be. All the angelic host are our helpers. “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee, (think of that!) is mighty: he will save: he will rejoice over thee with joy. He will rest in his love: he will joy over thee with singing.” O cannot we then work with courage and faith? “In that day it will be said to Jerusalem, Fear thee not: and lo Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.” [Zephaniah 3:17, 16.] Only have faith. Pray and believe, and ye shall see the salvation of God. (11LtMs, Lt 75, 1896, 12)

Lt 76, 1896

Gilbert, Lillie
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
August 1, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in TSB 47-49; AH 350.
Dear Niece Lillie Gilbert:

I was grieved to learn from the letter which you wrote to Sarah, of your illness, and especially to know that it was that phase of illness. In such cases, a change of climate, if possible, should be made at once. If you could now go to the Sanitarium in Battle Creek, it might prove highly beneficial to you. If it is possible for you to make the change, do so. Your life is worth saving, for your children need a mother. (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 1)

It is essential for you to put your trust in God. I am sorry that in the place where you live, you have so little encouragement in religious lines. There are many who will give you words of sympathy, but they do not bring comfort to the longing, hungry soul which is bruised and wounded, and which needs the healing balm. Never forget that your Saviour lives and reigns. Your grasp on the divine promises must be strong. Human teachers in Christian faith are few. (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 2)

You may have felt almost discouraged, and may have yielded to the temptation to neglect your religious duties, to shun the cross-bearing life of a Christian; you may have consented to be governed by worldly principles and sentiments, you may have neglected prayer, neglected to confess Christ. If you have done this, do so no more. Remember the words of Christ, “Ye are my witnesses.” [Isaiah 43:10.] Your light may have been flickering, but thank God, it is not too late, even now, to acknowledge the claims the Lord has upon you. (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 3)

You are the property of Jesus Christ. He has purchased you at an infinite cost to himself. His you are by creation and by redemption. Although to you your hope of heaven may be at times uncertain, yet you know in whom to trust. Your hope of heaven is found alone in the merits of Jesus Christ. You may now gain a living experience in the things of God. Looking unto Jesus by faith, trusting in His merits, doubts of His love will vanish as dew before the morning sun. (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 4)

Let your surrender to God be full and complete: wait not one day or hour. Make the most now of your probationary time, be it longer or shorter. Just as soon as you cast yourself unreservedly upon Jesus Christ, He accepts you. Do not in any way conceal the fact that you have chosen truth, and all the inconveniences that this choice will involve. (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 5)

I have just been reading a paragraph in history, which enforced the necessity of the religious training of children and youth. Of all the names which embellish the history of England, that of Alfred the Great stands among the foremost. Equally remarkable for his genius, his wisdom, his godliness, and his trials, we might find in his single case enough to encourage parental painstaking or to rebuke parent neglect. Hear how this monarch speaks: “To Thee, O God, I call and speak. Hear, O hear me, Lord, for Thou art my God and my Lord, my Father, my Creator, my Ruler, and my Hope, my wealth, and my honor, my house, my country, my salvation, and my life! Hear me, O Lord; Few of Thy servants comprehend Thee; but Thee alone I love indeed, above all other things; Thee I seek; Thee I will follow. Thee I am ready to serve. Under Thy power I desire to abide; for Thou alone art the Sovereign of all. I pray Thee to command me as Thou wilt.” (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 6)

By what process was this king enabled to gain such acquirements, and so improve His God-given talents? It was by the influence of a God-fearing mother, whose wisdom and clearness of discernment influenced him to choose paths that would be safe, where he would be a channel of light and righteousness, where he would learn the truth which in after life he so carefully practiced. (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 7)

Listen to the dying charge given by this king to his son Edward: “We must now part. I go to another world; and thou shalt be left alone with all my wealth. I pray thee (for thou art my dear child), strive to be a father and a lord to thy people. Be thou the children’s father, and the widow’s friend. Comfort thou the poor, and shelter the weak; and with all thy might right what is wrong. And, my son, govern thyself by law. Then shalt the Lord love thee, and God above all things shall be thy reward. Call thou upon Him to advise thee in all thy need, and so shall He help thee the better to compass what thou needest.” (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 8)

This is the instruction the world needs today. All need to give heed to it. Every family needs to have the highest sense of their God-given responsibilities. Their faith in God must rise above every obstacle. What cannot a Christian mother do by faithful and persevering efforts to mold and fashion the children God has given her after the character of Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 9)

My dear niece, never, under any circumstances, even in appearance, consent to leave the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. Be steadfast, immovable to Christian obligations and to your God. “Ye are not your own; ye are bought with a price.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] O that every home might be that which God designed it should be—a symbol of the family in heaven. “Him that honoreth me,” saith God, “I will honor; but he that despiseth me shall be lightly esteemed.” [1 Samuel 2:30.] (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 10)

My dear niece, may the Lord spare your life that you may take up His work heartily, and through the grace the Lord shall give, carry it forward and upward, even though you stand alone. You must set your children a right example by representing in your life the principles of righteousness. You must strive for the victory, putting your trust by faith in God. (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 11)

The household where God is not worshipped is like a ship in the midst of the sea, without a pilot or a helm. The tempest beats and breaks upon it, and there is danger that all on board may perish. Regard your life and the life of your children as precious for Christ’s sake, for you must meet them and your husband before the throne of God. Your steadfast Christian principles must not become weak, but stronger and stronger. However much your husband may be annoyed, however strongly he may oppose you, you must show a consistent, faithful, Christian steadfastness. And then whatever he may say, in heart and judgment he can but respect you if he has a heart of flesh. (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 12)

I urge upon you to fulfil your Christian obligations to God. If there is no one within a hundred miles of you who observes the Sabbath, the whole universe of heaven is in sympathy with you. Christ your Saviour and the heavenly angels are round about you. If you will call upon God in every time of need, He will be your helper. Practice the truth in your home. “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord.” [Isaiah 43:10.] (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 13)

But I am not able to write you more. If you love the father of your children, live the life of a Christian at all times, and under all circumstances. If you had done this, God would have worked in your behalf. But when you please yourself, and displease your heavenly Father, how can the Lord work in your behalf? (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 14)

May the Lord help you, my poor, dear tempted one, to choose the right way just now. May He help you to give your husband and children a testimony that you are a Christian in practice, that you love God, that you love Jesus, who gave His life for you. “And as your day is, so shall your strength be.” [Deuteronomy 33:25.] (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 15)

In much love. (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 16)

Your Aunt. (11LtMs, Lt 76, 1896, 17)

Lt 77, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
July 5, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in TM 374-386. +
Elder O. A. Olsen
Battle Creek, Michigan, U. S. A
My Dear Brother:

Yesterday I read a letter from Dr. Maxson, telling of the difficulties which have arisen at the Health Retreat in St. Helena. He presented the financial standing of the institution, stating that suddenly the patronage had fallen off. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 1)

I am sincerely sorry that you should consent to the General Conference Association taking over this institution. I cannot see any wisdom in this step. Neither should Dr. Kellogg add this additional responsibility to the rest of his many enterprises. I am afraid and much concerned for him; and if the institution at Crystal Springs survive or perish, no more should be added to his burdens. O, how much we need wise, God-fearing, humble men, who in their work will keep the honor of God ever before them. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 2)

In the face of all the light which God has been pleased to give me, I have no courage to hope for our institutions. Men who have given evidence that they have no inward piety have been looked to for advice, given influence, and upheld as wise counsellors. They have been taken from place to place; their judgment has been honored as being that of wise men; they have been looked upon as able to help in any emergency. O my brother, my brother, watchman upon the walls of Zion, how could you move in such uncertain paths? It seems more than I can explain. How could you consent to propositions which came to you through the same fallen angel that tempted our first parents? (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 3)

As the matter has been opened before me, I have been surprised to see the want of foresight and the failure to reason from cause to effect. Even if the men who are transported from Battle Creek to distant places, often to the other side of the continent, to give counsel and advice have wisdom to impart, let those who seek their counsel take care lest they place man’s wisdom before the wisdom of God. Care should be given to teach every man his dependence upon God; for He is the source of all wisdom and power and efficiency. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 4)

I have been shown that it is a mistake to suppose that the men in positions of special responsibility at Battle Creek have wisdom which is far superior to that of ordinary men. Those who think that they have, supposing them to have divine enlightenment, rely upon the human judgment of these men, taking their counsel as the voice of God. But this is not safe, for unless men are wholly consecrated to God, Satan will work through them to impart that knowledge, which will not be for the present and eternal good of those who hear. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 5)

Many have educated themselves to write or ask for counsel and advice when brought into difficult places. But it is a mistake for those who are placed in responsible positions in our different institutions to depend upon the men who have all too many burdens and responsibilities to bear. A weak, sickly experience will be the lot of those who are educated to depend wholly upon others. Those upon whom they depend may have less of the fear of God than they themselves have, and not more mental power and talent than it is their privilege to possess, if they will but realize that they are not to be children, but firm, brave men, seeking to gain more ability by exercising that which they already have, by trading upon the talents God has lent them. We are individually responsible for the use of the talents God has given us. Our intellect must be cultivated. Close, hard thinking must be given to the solution of difficulties. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 6)

The Lord has given to every man his appointed work, and if He places men in positions of responsibility, He will communicate His Holy Spirit to them, giving them efficiency for their work. But the men who are called upon to take long and expensive journeys, in order to help others to devise and plan, are not themselves in close connection with the God of all wisdom if they put confidence in their own strength and wisdom. If they have not been willing to bear the yoke of Christ, or to learn in His school to be meek and lowly in heart as He was; if they have not learned to lift the burdens God has given them, and to follow wherever He may lead them, what will their expensive trips amount to? What is their wisdom worth? Is it not accounted foolishness with God? (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 7)

State conferences may depend upon the General Conference for light and knowledge and wisdom, but is it safe for them to do this? Battle Creek is not to be the center of God’s work. God alone can fill this place. When our people in the different places have their special convocations, teach them, for Christ’s sake and for their own soul’s sake, not to make flesh their arm. There is no power in men to read the hearts of their fellow men. The Lord is the only one upon whom we can with safety depend, and He is accessible in every place and to every church in the Union. To place men where God should be placed does not honor or glorify God. Is the President of the General Conference to be the god of the people? Are the men at Battle Creek to be regarded as infinite in wisdom? When the Lord shall work upon human hearts and human intellects, precepts and practices different from this will be set before the people. “Cease ye from man.” [Isaiah 2:22.] You know how far those upon whom you lean have, through a wrong course of action, separated themselves from God. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 8)

The Lord has a controversy with His people over this matter. Why have they left the Lord their God, who so loved them “that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him might not perish, but have everlasting life”? [John 3:16.] His love is not uncertain and fluctuating, but is as far above all other love as the heavens are above the earth. Ever He watches over His children with a love that is measureless and everlasting. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and love of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” [Romans 11:33.] (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 9)

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.” [James 1:5.] Mercy and love and wisdom are to be found in God, but many who profess to know Him, have turned from the One in whom our hope of eternal life is centered, and have educated themselves to depend upon their erring and fallible fellow men. They are crippled spiritually when they do this, for no man is infallible, and his influence may be misleading. He who trusts in man not only leans upon a broken reed and gives Satan an opportunity to introduce himself, but he hurts the one in whom the trust is placed; he becomes lifted up in his estimation of himself, and loses the sense of his dependence upon God. Just as soon as man is placed where God should be, he loses his purity, his vigor, his confidence in God’s power. Moral confusion results, because his powers become unsanctified and perverted. He feels competent to judge his fellow men, and strives unlawfully to be a god over them. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 10)

But there must be no self-exaltation in the work of God. However much we may know, however great our mental endowments, none of us can boast, for what we possess is but an entrusted gift, lent us on trial. The faithful improvement of these endowments decides our destiny for eternity; but we have nothing whereby to exalt self or lift us up, for that which we have is not our own. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 11)

We are to be courteous toward all men, tender-hearted and sympathetic, for this was the character Christ manifested when on the earth. The more closely we are united with Jesus Christ, the more tender and affectionate will be our conduct toward one another. The redemption of the human race was planned that man, fallen though he was, might be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. If by His grace we become partakers of the divine nature, our influence upon those around us is not dangerous but beneficial. Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we can be a blessing to all with whom we associate, for the Holy Spirit’s power upon the human heart can make and keep it pure. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 12)

Those who do not receive Christ as their personal Saviour, who do not feel the need of His grace upon heart and character, cannot influence those around them for good. Whatever their station in life, they will carry with them an influence that Satan will use in his service. Such lose all hope of eternal life themselves, and by their wrong example lead others astray. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 13)

The cross of Calvary means everything to perishing souls. Through the suffering and death of the Son of man, the salvation of men was made possible. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit God designs that His image shall be restored in humanity, that a new and living principle of life shall be introduced into the minds that have become defiled by sin. The love of God is fully able to restore, upbuild, encourage, and strengthen every believing soul who will accept the truth as it is in Jesus. But in order that this may be accomplished, men must yoke up with Christ. The cross of Christ must be studied. It must rivet the attention and hold the affections. The blood which there was shed for sins will purify and cleanse mind and heart from every species of selfishness. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 14)

God is the Author of all truth, and truth practiced prepares the way for more advanced truth. When God’s delegated servants proclaim fresh truth, the Holy Spirit moves upon a mind which has been prepared by walking in the light, quickening the perceptive faculties to discern the beauty and majesty of truth. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 15)

But the truth is no truth to the one who does not reveal, by his elevated spiritual character, a power beyond that which the world can give, an influence corresponding in its sacred, peculiar character to the truth itself. He who is sanctified by the truth will exert a saving, vital influence upon all with whom he comes in contact. This is Bible religion. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 16)

Men, saved only by the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus, have no right to seek to exalt themselves above their fellow men. Let them sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him, striving not to make themselves shine. If the love of Jesus Christ abides in them, they will shine unconsciously, diffusing the light of the glory of Christ through the world. “I, if I be lifted up,” Christ said, “will draw all men unto me.” [John 12:32.] If a minister makes Christ his hope, his trust, his dependence, he is one with Christ, a laborer together with God; and by his ministry, souls are converted to Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 17)

There are those who are not learned, and who have not a large endowment of gifts, but they need not become discouraged because of this. Let them use what they have, faithfully guarding every weak point in their characters, seeking by divine grace to make it strong. There is no man living that has any power or ability which he has not received from God, and the source from whence [it] came is open to the weakest human being. If he will draw near to God, the unfailing Source of strength, he will realize that God fulfills His promise. But in this work, we need not call men thousands of miles to give us aid, for Christ has promised, “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find.” [Luke 11:9.] (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 18)

God has not given talents to men capriciously, but according to their God-given ability to use them. The greater the talents lent to man, the greater the returns required. God requires every human agent to consult the living oracle and become thoroughly acquainted with His expressed will in all matters, that by diligently using the talents lent Him, he may gain others. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 19)

God would have us learn the solemn lesson that we are working out our own destiny. The character we form in this life decides whether or not we are fitted to live through the eternal ages. No man can with safety remain idle. He may not have many talents, but let him trade on those which he has; and in proportion as he exhibits integrity toward God and his fellow men, so God will bless him. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 20)

The Holy Spirit waits to give aid to every believing soul, and Jesus declares, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] Let those who believe in Jesus, be strong, prayerful, and full of trust in Christ’s power to save. “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” [Psalm 50:15.] (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 21)

Let me entreat our state conferences and our churches to cease putting their dependence upon man and making flesh their arm. Look not to other men to see how they conduct themselves under the conviction of the truth, or to ask them for aid. Look not to men in high positions of responsibility for strength, for they are the very men who are in danger of considering a position of responsibility as evidence of God’s special power. Our churches are weak because the members are educated to look to and depend upon human resources, and thousands of dollars are needlessly expended in transporting finite men from one place to another in order that they may settle little difficulties, when Jesus is ever near to help those who are needy and distressed. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 22)

The warnings given in the Word of God to the children of Israel were meant, not merely for them, but for all who should live upon the earth. He says to them, “Woe to the rebellious children, ... that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; that walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt.” [Isaiah 30:1, 2.] If the Lord reproved His people anciently because they neglected to seek counsel of Him when in difficulty, will He not be displeased today if His people, instead of depending on the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness to lighten their way, turn from Him in their test and trial for aid to human beings who are as erring and inefficient as themselves? Where is our strength? Is it in men who are as helpless, as dependent, as ourselves; who need guidance from God as we do? (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 23)

Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing” [John 15:5], and He has provided the Holy Spirit as a present help in every time of need. But many have a feeble religious experience because, instead of seeking the Lord for the efficiency of the Holy Spirit, they make flesh their arm. Let the people of God be educated to turn to God when in trouble, and gain strength from the promises that are yea and amen to every trusting soul. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 24)

The Word of the Lord to us is, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” [Luke 11:9-13.] (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 25)

The promises of God are full and abundant, and there is no need for any one to depend upon humanity for strength. To all that call upon Him, God is near to help and succor. And He is greatly dishonored when, after inviting our confidence, we turn from Him—the only One who will not misunderstand us, the only One who can give unerring counsel—to men who in their human weakness are liable to lead us astray. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 26)

“Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men, therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. Woe to them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us, and who knoweth us?” [Isaiah 29:13-15.] (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 27)

The Lord has shown us His way; shall we walk in it? or shall we, finite and erring as we are, walk in our own counsel, and practice the principles which He has warned us against? (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 28)

“Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord, which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophecy deceits; get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon; therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.” [Isaiah 30:8-13.] (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 29)

“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and who shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. For with stammering lips and another tongue will I speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing; yet they would not hear. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 30)

“Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us; for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves. Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” [Isaiah 28:9-17.] (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 31)

“Thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength; and ye would not.” [Isaiah 30:15.] “And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the terrible one is brought to naught, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off; that make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, to turn aside the just for a thing of naught. Therefore, thus saith the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale. But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.” [Isaiah 29:18-24.] (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 32)

Will these warnings be passed by as of no account? The Lord calls upon every teacher, every minister, every one who has received the light of His truth, to mark well their spiritual standing. They have had great light, and if they would secure eternal life, they must no longer make finite man their dependence, but build upon the sure foundation. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 33)

No counsel of men can with safety remove God’s principles and set up their own, for the word of God declares, “Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet, and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” “For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim; he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon that he may do his work, his strange work, and bring to pass his act, his strange act. Now therefore, be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong; for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.” [Isaiah 28:17, 21, 22.] (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 34)

We are living in times full of importance to each one. Light is shining in clear, steady rays around us. If this light is received and appreciated, it will be a blessing to us and to others; but if we trust in our own wisdom and strength, or in the wisdom and strength of our fellow men, it will be turned into a poison. In the struggle for eternal life, we cannot lean upon one another. The bread of life must be eaten by each one. Individually we must partake of it, that soul, body, and mind, may be revived and strengthened by its transforming power, thus becoming assimilated to the mind and character of Jesus Christ. God must be made first and last and best in everything. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 35)

Each one must hunger and thirst after righteousness for himself. Leaning upon men, and trusting in their wisdom, is dangerous to the spiritual life of any Christian. Those in whom confidence is placed may be honest and true, serving the Lord with all diligence. But if, individually, we are endeavoring to walk in the footsteps of Christ, we can follow Him as well as those whom [we] admire for their consistent, humble lives. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 36)

It is too often the case that those who are looked up to are not what they are supposed to be. Often sin lurks in the heart, and wrong habits and deceptive practices are woven into the character. How does our heavenly Father regard this? His counsel is always reliable, and He has evidenced His great love for the human race. He looks on with sadness when His children are encouraged to turn away from Him and place their dependence upon finite men whom they know not, and whose judgment and experience may not be reliable. But this has been done, and God has been made secondary. (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 37)

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I beseech the people of God to depend upon the Lord for strength. Beware how you place men where God should be. We are not safe in taking men as our authority or our guide, for they will surely disappoint us. Individually, we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, “for it is God that worketh in us, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:13.] We have a high calling in Christ Jesus; we are carrying forward a vast and holy work, and God calls upon each one to uplift His standard in the sight of this world and of the universe of heaven, by the power of the Lord Jehovah, in whom is “everlasting strength.” [Isaiah 26:4.] (11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, 38)

Lt 78, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
July 6, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in TM 279-297. +
Elder O. A. Olsen
Battle Creek, Michigan, U. S. A
My Dear Brother:

It has been revealed to me that the Lord proves and tries all who have named the name of Christ, but especially those who are stewards in any department of His cause. A connection with the special work of God for this time brings with it much responsibility, and the higher the position of trust, the greater the responsibility attached to it. How humble and sincere the one needs to be who is filling such a position! How fearful and mistrustful of himself! How careful to give all the praise and thanksgiving to God! (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 1)

There is a Watcher standing by the side of all those who are filling positions of trust, ready to reprove and convict of wrong doing or to answer prayers for help. He watches to see if the men privileged to bear responsibilities will look to God for wisdom, and avail themselves of every opportunity to perfect a character after the divine similitude. If they deviate from straightforward rectitude, God turns from them; if they do not earnestly strive to understand the will of God concerning them, He cannot bless or prosper or sustain them. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 2)

Those whom God has placed in positions of responsibility should never seek to exalt themselves, or to turn the attention of men to their work. They must give all the glory to God. They must not seek for power that they may lord it over God’s heritage, for only those who are under the rule of Satan will do this. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 3)

But the rule or ruin system is too often seen in our institutions. This spirit is cherished and revealed by some in responsible positions, and because of this God cannot do the work He desires to do through them. By their course of action, those who reveal this spirit make manifest what they would be in heaven if entrusted with responsibility. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 4)

Those who will look at human souls in the light of the cross of Calvary need not err regarding the estimate which should be placed upon them. The reason why God has permitted some of the human family to be so rich and some so poor will remain a mystery to men till eternity, unless they enter into right relations with God and carry out His plans instead of acting on their own selfish idea that because he is rich, a man is to be more highly respected than his poor neighbor. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 5)

God makes His sun to shine on the just and on the unjust, and this sun represents Christ the Sun of Righteousness, who shines as the light of the world, giving His blessings and mercies, seen and unseen, to rich and poor alike. This principle is to guide our conduct toward our fellow men. The Lord is the Teacher of the highest moral sentiments, the loftiest principles, and no man can deviate from these and be guiltless. It is the highest insult to God’s goodness to doubt whether He would be willing for us to impart to others the blessings, spiritual and temporal, which He has freely given us. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 6)

A pure religion, an upright holy life, constitutes a man a Christian. But ever since his defection in heaven, Satan’s course has been one of perpetual deception, and harshness; and there are professed Christians who are learning his methods and practices. While they claim to be serving the cause of God, they turn their fellow men from their rights in order to serve themselves. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 7)

Every human being has been bought with a price, and as God’s heritage, he has certain rights which no one should deprive him. The Lord will not accept service from those who practice double dealing. The least advantage gained in this way will dishonor God and the truth. Those who possess Bible religion will do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God. These are the lines drawn by the God of justice on this matter. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 8)

Again I would urge that living faith in God be cultivated. There are those who, though thought to be serving God, are fast becoming girded about with infidelity. To them crooked paths seem straight; they are living in continual violation of God’s truth; corrupt principles are interwoven into their life practice, and wherever they go they sow seeds of evil. In the place of leading others to Christ, their influence causes them to question and doubt. They unsettle minds in the truth by entering upon speculative theories, which draw them away from the truth. They help to forge the fetters of doubt and unbelief, fault-finding, and accusing; and souls stumble over them to perdition. The blood of souls will be upon those who, while they profess to be in the service of God, are doing the work of His enemy. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 9)

Knowing this, what manner of persons ought we to be? Shall we exalt human wisdom, and point to finite, changeable, erring men as a dependence in time of trouble; or shall we exemplify our faith by our trust in God’s power, revealing the net of false theories, religions, and philosophies which Satan has spread to catch unwary souls? By thus doing the Word of God, we shall we lights in the world, for if the Word of God is practiced, we show to all those who come within the sphere of our influence that we reverence and respect God, and that we are working under His administration. By a humble circumspect walk, by love, forbearance, long-suffering, and gentleness, God expects His servants to manifest Him to the world. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 10)

God requires those to whom He has given sacred trusts to rise to the full height of their responsibilities. Man is placed here on test and trial, and those who are given positions of trust must decide whether they will exalt self or their Maker; whether they will use their power to oppress their fellow men or to exalt and glorify God. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 11)

Increased responsibilities bring increased accountability. He who would be a faithful servant must give entire and willing service to the greatest teacher the world ever knew. His ideas and principles must be kept pure by the power of God. Every day he must learn to become worthy of the trust placed upon him. His mind must be quickened by the divine power. His character must be uncontaminated by the influence of his relatives, his friends or his neighbors. At times he must turn aside from active life to commune with God, and to hear his voice saying to him, “Be still, and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 12)

As the rich clusters of grapes grow in the living vine, so the fruits of the Spirit will be borne by the man who loves God and keeps the way of the Lord. Christ is his strong hold. Christ lived the law of God in humanity, and so may he do if he will by faith take hold on the Strong for strength. If he realizes that he cannot do anything without Christ by his side, God will give him wisdom. But he must cherish the love of Christ in his heart, and practice his lessons, for is he not to love Christ as Christ loved God? Is he not to demonstrate to all with whom he associates that he has the abiding presence of Jesus Christ more than he has ever had it before? Because of his increased responsibilities, he must have an increased knowledge of God, and must reveal that living faith that works by love, and purifies the soul. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 13)

But frequently, when placed in high positions of trust, men fail to take time to pray; they think they have no time to train their every faculty to respond to the convictions of the Holy Spirit. But if these men would sit at the feet of the meek and lowly Jesus, they would carry out sacred responsibilities confident, not in themselves, but in their God. They would render to God the sacrifice of a noble, self-denying, cross-bearing life. Jesus would be enthroned in their hearts, giving them physical, mental, and moral power to make Him known. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 14)

God longs to work through those to whom He has given capabilities for great things. He longs to see those who occupy responsible places representing Him to the world. He desires that Christ be acknowledged as the greatest Teacher the world has ever known, and that He shall through their minds as the light of the world. “To as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on his name.” [John 1:12.] But in order that this may be, God demands that every intellectual and physical capability be offered as a consecrated oblation to Him. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 15)

But some men, as soon as they are placed in sacred positions of trust, regard themselves as great men, and this thought, if entertained, ends the desire for divine enlightenment, which is the only possible thing that can make men great. Those who take this view, extinguish all chance of true greatness in them, because they will not become illuminated by the Sun of Righteousness. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 16)

But men cannot extinguish the light of life, even though they close their eyes tightly in order that they may not see it. The Sun of Righteousness shines none the less because the poor, foolish human agent surrounds himself with self-created darkness. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 17)

The men who close their eyes to the divine light are ignorant, deplorably ignorant, both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. The Holy Spirit’s working is not agreeable to them, and they attribute its manifestations to fanaticism. They rebel against the light, and do all they can to shut it out, calling darkness light, and light darkness. They complain that the teachings of Christ cause undue excitement and fanaticism, which spoils those who receive them for the proper duties of life. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 18)

Those who entertain this belief do not know what they are about. They are cherishing a love for darkness, and just as long as these Christless souls are retained in positions of responsibility, the cause of God is imperilled. They are in danger of fastening themselves so firmly with the dark leader of all rebellion, that they will never see light; and the longer they are retained, the more hopeless is their chance of receiving Christ, or of having a knowledge of the true God. How uncertain they make everything that is spiritual and progressive in the truth. Under the influence of their leader, they become more and more determined to work against Christ. But through good and bad report, through darkness, through all the antagonism of the agencies of Satan, the Sun of Righteousness calmly shines on, searching out evil, repressing sin, and reviving the spirit of the humble and contrite ones. “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” [John 6:68.] (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 19)

The evidence of true value and worth in men who are in responsible positions is the fact that they have a daily Christian experience in the things of God. They find music in the words spoken by Christ, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me; and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.” [John 15:26, 27.] If men will receive the ministration of His Holy Spirit—the richest gift God can bestow, they will impart blessings to all who are connected with them. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 20)

But God cannot reveal Himself through some who are entrusted with responsibilities. He cannot make them channels through which His grace and compassion and love can flow, for they insult His goodness by exhibiting a masterful spirit toward those whom they regard as being in error and needing reproof, eclipsing Christ’s love and mercy by their own unsanctified passions. The enemy of all good is allowed to rule in their hearts, and their lives will reveal his attributes. They claim that the Word of God directs them, but by their actions they say, “We want not thy way, but our way.” (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 21)

By their words, their works, and their spirit, those who pursue such a course are making a record in the books of heaven which they will not care to meet, for God does not value them as they value themselves. They are abusing their probationary opportunities and are grievously neglecting the high privileges conferred upon them. Though finding nothing in the Word of God to vindicate their actions, or countenance their opinions, yet they persist in their own way. In that day, when judgment is passed upon all, the sentence will be pronounced against them, “Thou art weighed in the balances of the heavenly sanctuary and found wanting.” [Daniel 5:27.] (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 22)

God may entrust men with money and possessions, but because of this, they are not to lift themselves up. All they have, they hold in trust; it is lent them by God, that they may develop a character like His. They are on trial. God waits to see whether they will prove themselves worthy of the eternal riches. If they use their Lord’s goods to set themselves above their fellow men, they prove unworthy of a place in the kingdom of God. In the great reckoning day, they will hear the words, “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” [Luke 16:11, 12.] (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 23)

But if those whom the Lord has made stewards regard their treasures as His gifts and seek to manifest compassion, sympathy, and love for their fellow men, they are in harmony with the character of God who gave His only begotten Son to die for their salvation. If they value the souls of the human race according to the price paid for their redemption, they will not work out their natural impulses, but will manifest the attributes of the mind and will of God, and will be channels through which God’s generous, loving sentiments may flow to humanity. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 24)

The Lord permits misfortunes to come to men, poverty to press upon them, adversity to try them, that He may thus test those whom He has placed in more favored circumstances; and if those to whom He has entrusted His goods are faithful, He declares them to be worthy to walk with Him in white, to become kings and priests unto God. “He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much, and he that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much.” [Verse 10.] (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 25)

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. If so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Unto whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable unto God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious; and ye that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious, but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:1-9.] (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 26)

Are acceptable spiritual sacrifices made to God when men who are placed in positions of great responsibility magnify themselves and dishonor God? This has been done, and God looks upon their course with displeasure. Instead of growing up into Christ, their living head in all things, manifesting His divine attributes to the world, they have grown earthward. Self has been regarded as of great importance, and selfishness has attached itself to their work. Devotion to God has not been seen; spiritual life in Jesus Christ has not been developed. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 27)

God cannot give His wisdom to men who look upon their position as sufficient excuse for turning from Bible principles to their own finite judgment, as if a position in the work of the Lord gave them liberty of speech, and power to pass resolutions and devise plans and methods that are not in accordance with God’s will. Such need to learn that elevated position has no power to sanctify the heart. God permits them to hold these positions that He may prove whether they will reveal the character of God or the character of weak, finite humanity, which has never been fully under God’s discipline; but positions have no power to develop a man’s character. It rests wholly with the man himself to prove whether he will work himself, which means that Satan will work him, or whether he will be worked by the Holy Spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 28)

“Unto you therefore which believe, he is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner.” [Verse 7.] Have we all made Christ our righteousness? Has He been placed as the honored memorial stone of the corner? Have His lessons of humility been cherished, and have they been acted upon? Have His lessons of mercy, justice, and the love of God been exemplified in our lives? (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 29)

O what weakness men manifest when they separate from the source of wisdom and power! Have not men been magnified? Have not human sentiments and imperfect traits of character been held up as if of great value, while Christ and His righteousness have been excluded? have not men woven selfishness into everything they have touched, revealing it persistently and determinedly in their work? Have they not treated the message of God will disdain? Have they not handled means which was not theirs as though they had a right to do with it as they pleased; and when this means was used to open new fields, have they not acted as though it came from their own individual capital, which they deserved great credit for thus appropriating? Has not the money offered as an obligation to God been used to pile up large buildings in Battle Creek, to give character to the work, it is said, but really to give opportunity for men to show the genius and tact they manifest in managing these large business houses? (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 30)

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the souls; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may, by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of salvation.” [Verses 9-12.] (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 31)

How do men regard the work of the Lord when they feel themselves at liberty to be disobedient, unthankful, unholy, condemnatory, and harsh, loving to serve themselves rather than the Lord? Those who hold sacred trusts are forming their own destiny by the spirit and character they reveal, and do they ever stop to think how their works will appear in the judgment? If the important truth for this time was an abiding principle in the souls of those who minister in the work of the Lord, how earnestly they would strive to obtain perfection of character, that they might surround the souls of those with whom they came in contact with a life giving holy atmosphere that would revive the hearts of the humble and contrite. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 32)

It is a law of God that whoever believes the truth as it is [in] Jesus will make it known. The ideas and convictions of the individual mind will seek for expression. Whoever cherishes unbelief and criticism, whoever feels capable of judging the work of the Holy Spirit, will diffuse the Spirit by which they are animated. It is the nature of unbelief and resistance of the grace of God and infidelity to make itself felt and heard. The mind actuated by these principles is always striving to make a place for itself and obtain adherents. All who walk beside the great apostate will be imbued by his spirit and will seek to share with others their thoughts and the result of their own inquiries and the feelings which prompted their action, for it is not an easy matter to repress the principles upon which we act. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 33)

Some who are supposed to be heart and soul devoted to God are acting disloyal to Him and to His work. Others have placed confidence in them, but deception covers them as with a garment. Their minds are controlled by a restless, irrepressible energy and eagerness to disclose their sentiments where they dare venture. Thus seeds are sown everywhere. By a partially expressed sentiment they cast doubt and unbelief of the truth. There are those who are not in harmony with the Testimonies because men in positions of trust are not in harmony with them, for the Testimonies do not coincide with their opinions, but rebuke every vestige of selfishness. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 34)

Everything that has been planned in regard to consolidation shows that men are seeking to grasp the scepter of power, and hold control over human minds. But God does not work with them in their devising, and the voice they now have in the cause of God is not the voice of God. They have proved themselves utterly unworthy of a place as wise managers, for their strength is used to turn men away from their rights to benefit themselves. There have been acts of apparent liberality, but God knows the motive which governed them, and He will not accept their offerings until they repent and become conscientious doers of His Word. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 35)

There is great necessity for unity in the work and cause of God, but for a long time influences have been at work seeking to create disaffection, and the men who feel that they have the power in their hands care little. They say, within themselves, “When this consolidation is perfected, we will show them who is master. We will then bring things into line.” But they will never have that work to do. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 36)

As individuals, and as members of the church of God, we need to realize the special work which has been committed to us. Paul writes to Timothy, “Take heed unto thyself, and to the doctrine. Continue in them for in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” [1 Timothy 4:16.] We have a very important work before us. “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints,” writes Paul, “is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places, might be known to the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose, which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Ephesians 3:8-11.] (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 37)

“So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shall hear the word of my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked men, thou shalt surely die; if thou doest not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way, to turn from it, if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul.” “When I shall say to the righteous that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousness shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.” [Ezekiel 33:7-9, 13.] (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 38)

“Again, when I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die, if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right, if the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him, he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal; but as for them, their way is not equal. When the righteous turneth from his righteousness and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby, but if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.” [Verses 14-20.] (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 39)

The saving of human souls is an interest infinitely above any other line of work in our world. Whoever is brought under the influence of the truth, and through faith is made a partaker of Christ’s love, is by that very fact appointed of God to save others. He has a mission in the world. He is to be a co-laborer with Christ, making known the truth as it is in Jesus, and when men, in any line of God’s work, seek to bring the minds and talent of the Lord’s human agents under their control, they have assumed a jurisdiction over their fellow men that they cannot maintain without injustice and iniquity. The Lord has placed no man as judge either of the pen or the voice of God’s workmen. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 40)

There are men whose character and life testify to the fact that they are false prophets and deceivers. These we are not to hear or tolerate. But those whom God is using are under His control, and He has not appointed men with human, shortsighted judgment to criticize and condemn, to pass judgment and reject their work, because every idea does not coincide with that which they suppose to be truth. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 41)

Men can become just as were the Pharisees—wide awake to condemn the greatest Teacher that the world ever knew. Christ gave unmistakable evidence that He was sent of God, yet the Jewish rulers took upon themselves the work the enemy prompted them to do, and charged Him who made the Sabbath, who was Lord of the Sabbath, with being a Sabbath breaker. O the foolishness of men! the weakness of men! (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 42)

There are those who are today doing the very same thing. In their councils they venture to pronounce judgment upon the work of God, for they have become trained in doing that which the Lord has never required them to do. They might better humble their own hearts before God, and keep their hands off the ark of God, lest the wrath of God shall break forth upon them, for if God has ever spoken by men, I testify that they have undertaken a work in criticizing and pronouncing unsound judgment, which I know is not right. They are but finite men, and being befogged themselves, suppose that other men are in error. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 43)

But these men who presume to judge others should take a little broader view, and say, Suppose the statements of others do not agree with our ideas; because of this shall we pronounce them heresy? Shall we, who are but uninspired men, take the responsibility of placing our stakes, and saying, This shall not appear in print? (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 44)

If they still persist in clinging to their own opinions, they will find that God will not sustain their action. Do they take the position that all that they advance is infallible, that there is not a shadow of an error or mistake in their productions? Cannot other men, who give just as much evidence that they are led and taught of God, catch at an expression in their work which they do not entertain as their views in every particular, and command them to cut it out? (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 45)

Has not our past experience in these things been sufficient? Will we ever learn the lessons which God designs we shall learn? Will we ever realize that the consciences of men are not given into our command. If you have appointed committees to do the work which has been going on for years in Battle Creek, dismiss them; and remember that God, the infinite God, has not placed men in any such positions as they occupied in Minneapolis, and since then. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 46)

I feel deeply over this matter of men being conscience for their fellow men. Stand out of the way, and let God work His own instrumentalities. Some have done work for which God will call them to account. He will inquire of them, Who hath required this at your hands. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 47)

I have not liberty to place my writing in the hands of men who feel that their work is to act the part of detectives over their brethren. My brethren in positions of trust, will you not discern your own deficiencies, and put on the whole armor of righteousness. Will you not be just as watchful and critical over your own spirits and temperaments and words as you are over those of others, lest God should be dishonored, and His truth misrepresented. Your discernment would be greatly improved if you would do this. The truth, the living Word, would be as a fire shut up in your bones, which would shine forth in clear, unmistakable distinctness, representing Christ to the world. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 48)

Could none of those who have made themselves detectives see the tendency of the position they have taken in endeavoring to become a controlling power? Where was their clear spiritual eyesight? Why could they discern a moat in the eye of a brother, while they failed to see that a beam was in their own eye? O, if ever a temple upon earth needed purifying, the institutions in Battle Creek need it now. Will you not seek God most humbly, that you may give the Laodicean message, with clear distinct utterance in Battle Creek? Where are God’s watchmen who will see the peril and give the warning? Be assured that there are messages to come from human lips under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “Cry aloud, spare not; show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, as a people that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God.” [Isaiah 58:1, 2.] (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 49)

We are the soldiers of Christ. He is the Captain of our salvation, and we are under His orders and rules. We are to war His armor; we are to be marshalled only under His banner. We are to subdue, not our brother soldiers, but our enemies, that we may build up Christ’s kingdom. We are laborers together with God. We are to keep on the whole armor of God, and work as in view of the universe of heaven. Let every man do his duty. (11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, 50)

Lt 79, 1896

Olsen, Br-Sr. [O.A.]
Refiled as Lt 64a, 1895.

Lt 80, 1896

Olsen, Brother and Sister [O. A.]
Ballarat, Australia
October, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 9MR 349-351.
Dear Brother and Sister Olsen:

Half past three a.m. Our camp meeting in Adelaide is closed, but the meetings continue still in the same North Side Park, over the third Sabbath and Sunday, then the time has expired for which the grounds were secured. Every effort has been made to drive us from the grounds by a Wesleyan Methodist minister by the name of Green. He has circulated Canright’s books, and advertised in the paper that Mrs. White was a second Ann Lee and a Southcott. He challenged to a discussion in regard to the work of Mrs. E. G. White, but no notice was taken of the matter. He went to the city authorities to give him permission to take a platform carriage and make that his pulpit, come on the grounds, and preach against us. The magistrate told him he would have no such permission from him, for they had hired the grounds and it was their right to have their meetings without disturbance, and he must stand the consequence of any such movement, for he would not be sustained. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 1)

Sabbath afternoons and evenings, and through the day Sunday, the tent was full; and Sunday afternoon and evening a large crowd was on the outside of the tent. We have not in any place had a more appreciative audience. Twenty-one were baptized last week, and several more are convinced of the truth, but are not fully decided. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 2)

Sister James’ two brothers’ families, living in Adelaide, have been very much opposed, the children, especially. Her sister kept the Sabbath alone in her family [for] twelve months. She was bitterly opposed by her eldest daughter, who took the liberty to cut off all communication to the mother from her friends by burning books and papers sent to her to strengthen her faith. But since the meeting in Adelaide commenced, there has been a change in their feelings. The son and the son’s wife embraced the truth as the result of the Brighton camp meeting. None of the James’ family could go to Adelaide but the daughter-in-law; and the meeting has been a great blessing to her. She has identified herself now decidedly, and received baptism. She has good mental powers, has taken notes of the discourses and used them in the families of sister and brothers of Sister James. She has influenced them to attend the meetings. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 3)

The children are now grown up young men and women, and these notes taken have been copied and the Scripture references made a matter of study. The daughters that opposed their mother so bitterly, burning her books and papers, have made a confession to [their] aunt, Sister James, where we now are making our home. Sister James is much rejoiced. We think the sister that was overcome with so great opposition will take the Sabbath again. She is a widow, but in good circumstances in life. The daughter-in-law from Ballarat and the aunt, the sister of Sister James, came to the cars to see us. We were much pleased with her appearance. We expect that the work of conviction may deepen, and precious souls be converted soundly to the truth. I shall send them letters and books, and they may be brought to acknowledge the truth. Certainly the truth has been proclaimed in clear lines during the camp meeting. Last Sabbath morning Elder Hawkins was ordained. Elder Haskell gave a discourse in the early morning meeting, and certainly it was most impressive and instructive. It is the only discourse I have listened to on the ground. The ordination was very impressive. Elder Haskell seems as efficient as he ever has been. Solid, good talk comes from his lips, revealing that he has been a deep student of the Word. The Lord is with him, and he brings forth from the storehouse things new and old. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 4)

Melbourne: Elder Haskell, Sarah McEnterfer, and I left Ballarat this morning. We left Brother James’ house [at a] quarter before seven. The atmosphere was quite cold; we thought cold enough to snow if we had been in America. The cars left the station forty minutes after seven. I laid down on the seat and slept soundly for about one hour. I have been wearied after the work was done, but feel better now. I am very thankful for the strength which the Lord has been pleased to give me. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 5)

I remember the encouraging words given about eight years ago: “Satan is the destroyer, but I am the Restorer. I will restore you, I will strengthen you. When brought into trying places, remember I am your Restorer.” This is the help which the Lord gives. Brother Salisbury and W. C. White met us at the station with the ponies and carriages. We learned that the attendance was still large at Adelaide. My heart ascends to God in earnest prayer that He shall be the strong Helper of His people in this their time of need; that God will set His seal to the truth by the deep moving of His Holy Spirit. We long for much more of the grace and power of God. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 6)

The Lord does not design that His people, who love and obey his commandments, shall be weak and powerless at this time when His law is made void in our world. Satan is stirred with an activity that is making his presence and power felt, in using every means to bar the way that the truth shall not come to the people; but the Lord has disappointed the enemy. The Lord’s power in earthen vessels has honored the truth. “The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” [1 Corinthians 1:25.] (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 7)

Success in presenting the truth, the Word, has honored and exalted the truth, revealing it in sharp contrast with error. The Word, it is written, is the weapon of our warfare. This is the practical argument against every phase of error which is brought forward by all who deny the truth. We preach Christ, and Him crucified. The determination of a very few who were revealing so strong enmity against the law of God, personated the great apostate, determined to eclipse the truth. But we decided that the way to meet the pretensions of the evil doers was, Preach on, but refuse to engage in controversy or debate with the opposing elements. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 8)

Paul charged Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine; for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from hearing the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” [2 Timothy 4:2-4.] We meet this class wherever we go. When such opposers will seek to draw the attention of the people, preach the Word, present Bible arguments. That is advocating truth. Let the light of the Word shine forth in undimmed luster. The truth made plain and clear in contrast with error. Light discovers darkness and exposes human fallacies, plans, and assumptions. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 9)

We thank God Adelaide has been especially visited with the light and the truth, and the question of vital importance has been asked by some precious souls, “What must I do to be saved?” [Acts 16:30.] Our work is to make the plan of salvation simple and forcible by pointing souls “to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Lift Him up “who hath loved us and died for us.” [See Revelation 1:5.] Let it be breathed in every prayer and sung in every anthem. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 10)

We have but a little time to trace a few lines. We are much interested in your work. We want it to advance, and this can only be done by constant self-denial and wise generalship. I pray the Lord that His Holy Spirit shall sweep away every bit of fuzz that has clouded your discernment. You need now to stand in God. Let nothing, nothing come in to make you weak. Do not embrace too much work. God is the one efficient power. You have need to cultivate a perfect, close connection with God. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 11)

When you have a realization of God’s actual presence and agency in all the work given you to do, you will not be misled by the philosophizing, hard theories—only human—that are waiting to bewilder your senses, to make you exacting after human ideas. [Do not be misled] to be very liberal where you should be cautious and watchful and guarded, least you shall rely upon propositions of men who have been for long years discarding from their minds and theories an in-dwelling, co-working Divinity. There must dwell in your heart the full sense of your dependence upon God, and then the aspiration of your soul will be felt by those for whom you labor, that their soul [will] cry out for the living God. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 12)

You should never be beclouded in regard to the spiritual atmosphere which surrounds the souls of those whom you associate with. If you cannot lift them up into a pure and holy atmosphere, they will drag you down. Those who do not acknowledge their own helpless human nature without the divine manifestation to stir the soul, and by perusing the Word find light and wisdom to justify its hopes, men who feel satisfied with their human inventions and plans, and can endure the climate where there is not bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, will create imaginings to great activities in doing some wonderful things to supply the want. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 13)

But, my brother, you have a greater responsibility than those men in whom you have trusted. You have had a knowledge in your religious experience that the men who have led you have never had. The ideas which they cherish in the absence of the transforming energies of the Holy Spirit to make men pure and true and holy is Satan’s snare to take the whole man captive. They defy man and reject God. I will say no more now on this point, for my time is short. Let your weary soul and deceived senses cry out for the Comforter. Put not confidence in men, and make not flesh your arm. The very experience you have had in Bible religion has made your course of action more blame-worthy, because it has bewildered other minds. The harm that has been done to these very men, who have led you when you should have rebuked them sharply for their principles which they were weaving into the work of God, cannot be lightly regarded. I have spoken plainly to you, and will speak plainly. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 14)

I entreat you to do less actual working. Gather the rays of light from glory, and diffuse light, establishing yourself upon the immovable foundation—that God is your sufficient helper—that spiritually blind men cannot lead you in safe paths. You may consider your efficiency is God, not in your position but in God, then your own duties will be understood more distinctly, and you [will] carry the minds of men along with you in strenuous co-operation with the Lord Jesus, who worketh in His faithful servants to do His pleasure. And [then] there will be no danger that we will ascribe the Creator’s honor to the creature. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 15)

We must be in partnership with the Divine resources if we [are to] labor healthfully and after God’s devising. Then there will be a wholesome, correct outlay of mortal energies with the immortal. There will be a careful study not to take in so large amount of activities that the most important, essential things shall have but a partial attention. When you understand these matters, which involve eternal interests, you need not depend upon your puny strength, but lay hold upon a power provided for you; and do not put in the place of God a human power that has no connection with God. “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Human minds must not work your mind; human suggestions must not become interwoven with God’s work. But I must say, my dear brother, Draw nigh to God. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 16)

I will stop here. God will help you. I must continue this subject further at another time. I am seeking to draw nigh to God. I am dissatisfied with myself. I want more and more of the love of God abounding in my heart. I have dedicated myself to God, soul, body and spirit, to do His service. We are praying for you. May the Lord bless you. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 17)

One circumstance I will mention. A Norwegian came to our Adelaide meeting six hundred miles in an open boat with his daughter. He was about three weeks in an open boat. That man, you may be assured, appreciated the meetings. He was happy, so happy, for the privilege of being in such a meeting. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 18)

Let not your courage flag. Be true to your trust. Never, as long as God shall give you sacred trusts, suppose you can in any sense take a neutral position and stand on both sides of any question. Never suppose you can, by being divided, help the party that is in error, be either cold or hot, one thing or another. God accepts not divided service. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 19)

God will help you if you will stand solidly against every evil work. Your experience needs to change decidedly in your sentiments which you have practiced [since] a few years back. May the Lord bless you and your family is my prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 20)

In much love to your family. (11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, 21)

Lt 80a, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
April 1, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in PM 153-154; 4MR 439-440.
Dear Brother Olsen:

During the past night I have been in conversation with you, and several of the responsible men were present. There were propositions made for the Conference to consolidate the Pacific Press with the publishing house at Battle Creek. Said Brother Olsen, “We want to hear from Sister White on this subject if she has any light from the Lord.” I then repeated that which I have written; in addition, I stated that the Pacific Press Publishing House was to stand independent as far as its workings are concerned. It must preserve its individuality and not become one with the institution at Battle Creek. Unfortunately, it has in some respects followed in its [Battle Creek’s] tread, feeling that it must do this, but as far as Brother C. H. Jones has done this, in adopting their methods of dealing, and in other lines which I cannot now enumerate, he has weakened his influence, and has not received the approval of God. (11LtMs, Lt 80a, 1896, 1)

Warnings have been given me that it is not wise to consolidate the Pacific Press with the Review and Herald publishing house. Time will convince all that this matter is too serious a thing to be trifled with. The Battle Creek publishing house is not to be the only power among Seventh-day Adventists. It must stand largely alone. The Pacific Press should not be made to fear the influence of the power invested in the publishing house at Battle Creek. The Lord has His own purpose to accomplish through these institutions. (11LtMs, Lt 80a, 1896, 2)

There should be no controversy on this point. There must be no more determined binding up with the interests in the publishing house at Battle Creek, so that it shall absorb the Pacific Press, making them one organ. The Pacific Press must stand by itself. The two institutions cannot better advance the work of God in consolidation, as has been contemplated. It is God’s will that they stand as independent bodies. (11LtMs, Lt 80a, 1896, 3)

The active agencies in connection with the work at Battle Creek have placed a wrong mold upon the work. Men have devised and planned in a manner that is not after the order of God, and the publishing house in California has altogether too largely followed and adopted the methods and inventions proceeding from Battle Creek. Strength and power will be in our institutions if they keep close to the Word of God in all their connection and dealing with their fellow men. (11LtMs, Lt 80a, 1896, 4)

Character is determined by what we love best and labor for most zealously. We judge of the internal, the unseen, by the manifest developments. A good man, out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth good things. God does not deal with actions so much as with the heart that prompts them. How vitally important it is that all who claim to believe the truth, make the truth fragrant by a life like that of Him who is truth. O, many make so little of the truth, and think so little of Jesus. (11LtMs, Lt 80a, 1896, 5)

The American mail was received last night. I cannot now respond, but will have matter to send by the San Francisco mail, which goes in two weeks. (11LtMs, Lt 80a, 1896, 6)

Lt 81, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 31, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 1888 1556-1573. +
Elder O. A. Olsen
Battle Creek, Michigan, U. S. A
My Dear Brother:

I have received your letter of April 24, and have just read it. I feel very deeply for you, my brother. I hardly know just what I ought to send to you. I have communications which have been written for one and two years, but I have thought that for your sake they ought to be withheld until some one could stand by your side who could clearly distinguish Bible principles from principles of human manufacture, who, with sharp discernment could separate the strangely perverted, human imaginations, which have been working for years, from things of divine origin. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 1)

I am sorry you have not regarded the warnings and instructions which have been given you as of sufficient value to be heeded, but by disregarding them before men who care naught for them have made them a common matter, not worthy to have weight in your practice. Your practice has been contrary to these warnings, and this has weakened them in the eyes of men who needed correction, who in their life practice have separated from God, and who have manifested a selfishness and harshness which should have separated them from the work long ago. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 2)

Brother Olsen, you have lost much from your experience that should have been brought into your character building by failing to stand firmly and faithfully for right, braving all the consequences. Had you done this, you might have had a very different showing from what you now have. The work of Christ is your work. He came not only as a consolation, but as a restorer and a reprover. Luke 4:16-27. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 3)

The Lord intends that a great work shall be done by the institutions which have been established by His direction: and He is dishonored when human principles which find no sanction in the Word of God, are allowed to rule, when self and pride of opinion press to the front, giving the enemy room to intrude. Thus the enemy tries to hinder the work, but God calls upon His people to co-operate with Him. “Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment and do justice; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it, that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. Neither let the son of the stranger that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 4)

“For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things the please me, and take hold of my covenant: even them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant: even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people. The Lord God, which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.” [Isaiah 56:1-8.] (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 5)

In order that the work of the Lord may go forward, our institutions need discreet, pure-minded, righteous managers. But some in positions of trust have been confirmed in a wrong course of action by being tolerated for years, by being allowed to make decisions, to advocate methods, to carry out plans, which are not of the Lord’s devising. The enemy has been given an opportunity to control men, and to manage the work which God has shown should be kept pure and sacred, that it may be looked upon with reverence by all who claim to believe the truth. When men entrusted with responsibilities neglect to cherish that which is sacred, and use common fire in God’s service, God will despise their offering to Him. This has been and is still being done. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 6)

For years a degree of Pharisaism has been springing up amongst us, which has separated some from the Bible standard. If the preconceived ideas of those actuated by this spirit are crossed, they immediately assume a controversial, combative attitude, as a man puts on armor when preparing for battle. Much pride and loftiness and a spirit which desires to rule has been manifested, but very little of the spirit which leads men to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him, has been shown. Human inventions and human plans are eclipsing sacred things, and excluding divine instruction. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 7)

Men are taking the place of God by seeking to assume authority over their fellow men. But they rule without a vestige of the authority of God, which alone can make their ruling a healthful element; and others are becoming leavened by this wrong influence. If the principles of truth had been enthroned in the hearts of these men, human passions and human affections would have been guided and controlled by the spirit of Christ. The atmosphere surrounding the soul would not be deleterious and poisonous, for self would be hid in Jesus. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 8)

Let those who desire to rule their fellow men read God’s declaration on this subject. He says, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; ... Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine one eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.] (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 9)

“Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But for as much as he had not to pay, his Lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the Lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 10)

“And his fellow-servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their Lord all that was done. Then his Lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desirest me: shouldest thou not also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his Lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormenters, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.” [Matthew 18:23-35.] (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 11)

On one occasion the disciple John came to Jesus, saying, “Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us; and we forbade him because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not; for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part.” [Mark 9:38-40.] (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 12)

The spirit that has been shown to others by some in positions of trust in our institutions does not harmonize with these words. The wrong spirit they have manifested has been caught by others, and if zeal and wisdom were shown in setting the heads of our institutions right, so many would not be turned out of the way. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees,” said Christ, guard against the influence which they exert. [Matthew 16:6.] (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 13)

Christ’s life of humiliation should be a lesson to all who desire to exalt themselves above their fellow men. Though He had no taint of sin upon His character, yet He condescended to connect our fallen human nature with his divinity. By thus taking humanity, He honored humanity. Having taken our fallen nature, He showed what it might become by accepting the ample provision He has made for it, and by becoming [a] partaker of the divine nature. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 14)

In humility Christ began His mighty work of lifting the fallen race from the degradation of sin, recovering them by His divine power, which He had linked with humanity. Passing by the grand cities, and the renowned places of learning and supposed wisdom, He made His home in the humble and obscure village of Nazareth. The greater part of His life was passed in this place, from which it was commonly believe that no good thing could come. In the path which the poor, the neglected, the suffering, and the sorrowing must tread, He walked while on earth, taking upon Him all the woes which the afflicted must bear. His home was among the poor. His family was not distinguished by learning, riches, or position. For many years He worked at His trade as a carpenter. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 15)

The Jews had proudly boasted that Christ was to come as a king, to conquer His enemies, and tread down the heathen in His wrath. But the humble submissive life our Saviour led, which should have enshrined Him in the hearts of His people, and given them confidence in His mission, offended and disappointed the Jews, and we all know of the treatment He received from them. If the angels of God had not been round about Him to protect Him, the people He came to save would have killed Him. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 16)

Christ did not exalt man by ministering to his pride. He humbled Himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross; and unless human pride is humbled and subdued, unless the stubborn heart is made tender by the Spirit of Christ, it is not possible for Him to impress His divine similitude upon us. He, the humble Nazarene, might have poured contempt upon the world’s pride, for He was Commander in the heavenly courts, but He came to our world in humility, in order to show that it is not riches, or position, or authority, or honorable titles, that the universe of heaven respects and honors, but those who will follow Christ, making any position of duty honorable by the virtue of their character, through the power of His grace. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 17)

No human being is warranted to lift himself up in pride. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 18)

Council Meetings

Scenes that were a shame to Christians have been presented to me as taking place in the council meetings held after the Minneapolis meeting. The loud voice of dispute, the hot spirit, the harsh words, resembled a political meeting more than a place where Christians were met for prayer and counsel. These meetings should have been dismissed as an insult to heaven. The Lord was not revered as an honored guest by those assembled in council, and how could they expect divine light to shine upon them; how could they feel that the presence of Jesus was molding and fashioning their plans. The place of meeting was not held as sacred, but was looked upon as a common business place. Then how could those assembled receive an inspiration which would lead them to enthrone truth in their hearts, to speak words in the tender, loving spirit of the Master? (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 19)

In your council meetings and committee meetings, decisions are made, plans devised and matured, which, when put into practice, will leave an impression on the work at large; and no vestige of spirit of harshness should appear. Loud, impatient words should never be heard. Remember that in all your council meetings there is a heavenly Watcher. Do not allow one word of vanity to be spoken, for you are legislating for God, and He says to you, “Be still, and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 20)

If your committee meetings and council meetings are not under the direct supervision of the Spirit of God, your conclusions will be earthborn, and worthy of no more consideration than are any man’s expressions. Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] If he is not honored in your assemblies as chief counsellor, your planning comes from no higher source than the human mind. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 21)

*****

Brother Olsen, you speak of my return to America. For three years I stood in Battle Creek as a witness for the truth. Those who then refused to receive the testimony given me by God for them, and rejected the evidences attending these testimonies, would not be benefitted should I return. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 22)

I shall write to you; but should I return to Battle Creek and bear my testimony to those who love not the truth, the ever ready words would rise from unbelieving hearts, “Some body has told her.” Even now unbelief is expressed by the words, “Who has written these things to Sister White.” But I know of no one who knows them as they are, and no one could write that which he does not suppose has an existence. Some one has told me—He who does not falsify, misjudge, or exaggerate any case. He bade me follow Him from room to room, that I might hear what was spoken in the bed chamber. The enemy had things very much his own way. I heard no word of prayer, but I heard my name mentioned in a slurring, criticizing way. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 23)

I shall never, I think, be called to stand under the direction of the Holy Spirit as I stood at Minneapolis. The presence of Jesus was with me. All assembled in that meeting had an opportunity to place themselves on the side of truth by receiving the Holy Spirit, which was sent by God in such a rich current of love and mercy. But in the rooms occupied by some of our people was heard ridicule, criticism, jeering, laughter. The manifestations of the Holy Spirit were attributed to fanaticism. Who searched the Holy Scriptures, as did the noble Bereans, to see if the things they heard were so? Who prayed for divine guidance? The scenes which took place at this meeting made the God of heaven ashamed to call those who took part in His brethren. All this the heavenly Watcher noticed, and it is written in the book of God’s remembrance. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 24)

The Lord will blot out the transgression of those who, since that time, have repented with a sincere repentance; but every time the same spirit wakens in the soul, the deeds done on that occasion are endorsed, and the doers of them are made responsible to God and must answer for them at His judgment throne. The same spirit that actuated the rejecters of Christ rankles in their hearts, and had they lived in the days of Christ, they would have acted toward Him in a manner similar to that of the godless and unbelieving Jews. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 25)

God’s servants have no tame testimony to bear at this time, whether men will hear or whether they will forbear. He who rejects the light and evidence God has been liberally bestowing upon us, rejects Christ; and for him there is no other Saviour. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 26)

The Work at Battle Creek

The Spirit of the Lord has outlined the condition of things at the Review and Herald Office. Speaking through Isaiah God says, “I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth; for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.” [Isaiah 57:16, 17.] (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 27)

This is precisely what has been done in the Office of publication at Battle Creek. Covetousness has been woven into nearly all the business transactions of the institution, and has been practiced by individuals. This influence has spread like the leprosy, until it has tainted and corrupted the whole. As the publishing house has become corrupted, the General Conference Association has stepped in and proposed to take the diseased child off its hands, and care for it. But it is a snare for the General Conference Association to take the publishing work on its shoulders. This puts no special sanctity upon the work, but upon the G.C.A. a burden which will weigh it down, cripple it, and weaken its efficiency, (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 28)

In this step there has been a change of responsibility, but the wrong principles remain unchanged. The same work that has been done in the past will be carried forward under the guise of the General Conference Association. The sacred character of this association is fast disappearing. What will then be respected as pure, holy, and undefiled? Will there be any voice that God’s people can regard as a voice they can respect? There certainly is nothing now that bears the divine credentials. Sacred things are mixed and mingled with earthly business that has no connection with God. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 29)

To a large degree the General Conference Association has lost its sacred character because some connected with it have not changed their sentiments in any particular since the conference held at Minneapolis. Some in responsible positions go on “frowardly” in the way of their own hearts. [Verse 17.] Some who came from South Africa and from other places to receive an education which would qualify them for the work have imbibed this spirit, carried it with them to their homes, and their work has not borne the right kind of fruit. The opinions of men, which were received by them, still cleave to them like the leprosy; and it is a very solemn question whether the souls who became imbued with the spiritual leprosy in Battle Creek will ever be able to distinguish the principles of heaven from the methods and plans of men. The influences and impressions received in Battle Creek have done much to retard the work in South Africa. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 30)

As things now exist in Battle Creek, the work of God cannot be carried forward on a correct basis. How long will these things be? When will the perceptions of men be made clear and sharp by the ministration of the Holy Spirit? Some there do not detect the injurious effects of the plans which for years have been working in an underhanded manner. Some of the managers at the present time are walking in the light that they have received, and are doing the best they can, but their fellow workers are making things so oppressive for them that they can do but little. The enslaving of the souls of men by their fellow men is deepening the darkness which already envelopes them. Who can now feel sure that they are safe in respecting the voice of the General Conference Association? (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 31)

If the people in our churches understood the management of the men who walk in the light of the sparks of their own kindling, would they respect their decisions? I answer, No, not for a moment. I have been shown that the people at large do not know that the heart of the work is being diseased and corrupted at Battle Creek. Many of the people are in a lethargic, listless, apathetic condition, and assent to plans which they do not understand. Where is the voice, from whence will it come, to whom the people may listen, knowing that it comes from the true shepherd? I am called upon by God to present these things before you, and they are correct to the life, according to the practice of the past few years. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 32)

“I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him that is afar off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord, and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” [Verses 18-21.] “Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.” “Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldst deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.” [Isaiah 48:1, 8.] “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people; for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.” [Exodus 19:5, 6.] (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 33)

I speak this afternoon at three, and I must now go to the mill on the school ground, where our meeting is to be held. I wish we had a place of worship. At the time of the institute, a tent was pitched, and we have kept this up as long as possible, but on account of wet weather, it was taken down. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 34)

Consolidation of the Publishing Work.

The Lord has presented matters before me that cause me to tremble for the institutions at Battle Creek. He has laid these things before me, and shall I be consistent if I do not seek to repress the spirit in Battle Creek which reaches out for more power, when for years there have not been sufficient men who were qualified to preside, with Christian faithfulness, over the charge they already have? (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 35)

The scheme for consolidation is detrimental to the cause of present truth. Battle Creek has all the power she should have. Some in that place have advanced selfish plans, and if any branch of the work promised a measure of success, they have not exercised the spirit which lets well enough alone, but have made an effort to attach these interests to the great whole. They have striven to embrace altogether too much, and yet they are eager to get more. When they can show that they have made these plans under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then confidence in them may be restored. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 36)

Twenty years ago, I was surprised at the cautions and warnings given me in reference to the publishing house on the Pacific Coast—that it was ever to remain independent of all other institutions; that it was to be controlled by no other institution, but was to do the Lord’s work under His guidance and protection. The Lord says, “All ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8], and the Pacific Press is not to be envied and looked upon with jealousy and suspicion by the stronger publishing house at Battle Creek. It must maintain its own individuality, and be strictly guarded from any corruption. It must not be merged into any other institution. The hand of power and control at Battle Creek must not reach across the continent to manage it. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 37)

At a later date, just prior to my husband’s death, the minds of some were agitated in regard to placing these institutions under one presiding power. Again the Holy Spirit brought to my mind what had been stated to me by the Lord. I told my husband to say, in answer to this proposition, that the Lord had not planned any such action. He who knows the end from the beginning understands these matters better than erring man. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 38)

At a still later date the situation of the publishing house at Oakland was again presented to me. I was shown that a work was to be done by this institution which would be to the glory of God if the workers should keep His honor ever in view; but that an error was being committed by taking in a class of work which had a tendency to corrupt the institution. I was also shown that it must stand on its own independence, working out God’s plan under the control of none other but God. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 39)

The Lord presented before me that branches of this work would be planted in other places, and carried on under the supervision of the Pacific Press, but that if this proved a success, jealousy, evil surmisings, and covetousness would arise. Efforts would be made to change the order of things and embrace the work among other interests at Battle Creek. Men are very zealous to change the order of things, but the Lord forbids such a Every branch should be allowed to live and do its own work. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 40)

Mistakes will occur in every institution, but if the managers will learn the lesson all must learn—to move guardedly—these errors will not be repeated, and God will preside over the work. Every worker in our institutions needs to make the Word of God His principle rule of action. Then the blessing of God will rest on him. He cannot with safety, dispense with the truth of God as his guide and monitor. If man can take one breath without being dependent upon God, then he may lay aside God’s pure, holy Word as guide book. The truth must take control of the conscience and the understanding in all the work that is done. The Holy Spirit must preside over thought and word and deed. It is to direct in all temporal and spiritual actions. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 41)

It is well pleasing to God that we have praise and prayer and religious services, but Bible religion must be brought into all we do, and give sanctity to each daily duty. The Lord’s will must become man’s will in everything. The Holy One of Israel has given rules of guidance to all, and these rules of guidance are to be strictly followed, for they form the standard of character. No one can swerve from the first principles of righteousness without sinning. But our religion is misinterpreted and despised by believers, because so many who profess to hold the truth do not practice its principles in dealing with their fellow men. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 42)

To my brethren at Battle Creek, I would say, You are not in any condition to consolidate. This means nothing less than placing upon the institutions at Battle Creek the management of all the work, far and near. God’s work cannot be carried forward successfully by men, who, by their resistance to light, have placed themselves where nothing will influence them to repent or change their course of action. There are men connected with the work in Battle Creek whose hearts are not sanctified and controlled by God. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 43)

If those connected with the work of God will not hear His voice and do His will, they should separate entirely from the work. God does not need the influence of such men. I speak plainly, for it is time that things were called by their right name. Those who love and fear God with all their hearts are the only men that God can trust. But those who have separated their souls from God should themselves be separated from the work of God, which is so solemn and so important. (11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, 44)

Lt 82, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, Australia
September 10, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in TM 305-308.
Dear Brother Olsen:

I cannot sleep after half past two o’clock a.m., so I rise and prepare to write. I am much impressed to write to you. Be assured that we feel very deeply over your case. We know that you have had many burdens to bear. Your only safety in lifting essential burdens, and doing justice to them, is in keeping yourself free from every burden that does not necessarily belong to you, to lift or carry. You are the Lord’s property; you are not your own. You have not right to accumulate so many burdens that matters of vital consequence are left half done. You have turned your attention to altogether large a variety of things and it has not been possible for you to accomplish the very work which your position requires you to do. (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 1)

It is not best for you to feel that you must be present at the many camp meetings that are held. You cannot do this, and preserve vital force to do the thinking, the planning, the praying, and keep your heart open to hear the voice of God to you. It is to be understood the president of the General Conference is a mortal man, subject to weariness and temptation. When weary, you should not place yourself where you will be compelled to act so much. You should have connected with you the very best talent, the most reliable men, men who make God their fear and trust. (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 2)

You have gathered burdens upon your own self that you were not required to bear. In consequence of this, presidents of conferences have allowed you to do the work which belonged to them, and which would have qualified them to be representative men. Your doing this work has been no blessing to them, but has taught them—men placed in responsible positions—to do their work negligently. It has been robbing them of the very experience they should have had. They do not feel their own weakness, their own inefficiency to manage the very work under their supervision. (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 3)

If any trouble comes, many do not carry their perplexities to The Great Counselor who is their efficiency at all times, and in all places, but they unload their burdens upon the president of the General Conference, as though he was God. You are trying to respond to all their calls and lift all their responsibilities yourself. This is the thing that is making men deficient in experience. (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 4)

If there are men in office who cannot fill their positions as presidents of state conferences, release them. Let all who serve understand that they are to do the work faithfully. If they do not know how to meet the demands that they should meet, but let everything go to loose ends, they are every year becoming less trustworthy, and a demoralized state of things will certainly come into the conference. (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 5)

Many presidents of state conferences do not attend to that which is their work—to see that the elders and deacons of the churches do their work in the churches by seeing that a faithful tithe is brought into the treasury. Malachi has specified that the condition of prosperity is in bringing to God’s treasury that which is His own. This principle needs to be often brought before the men who are lax in their duty to God, who are neglectful and careless in bringing in their tithes, gifts, and offerings to God. “Will a man rob God?” “Wherein have we robbed thee?” Is the question asked by the unfaithful stewards. The answer comes plain and positive, “In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the store house, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” [Malachi 3:8-10.] Please read this whole chapter and see if words could be spoken that would be more plain and positive than these are. They are that positive that no one who desires to understand his whole duty to God needs to make any mistake in the matter. If men offer any excuse as to why they do not perform this duty, It is because they are selfish, and have not the love and fear of God in their heart. (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 6)

The Lord has always required this response to His arrangements in carrying forward His work in our world. He has never changed His own devised plan. He lays claim to all as His own, but a portion of His entrusted talents He claims as His. “For I am the Lord. I change not. Therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Verses 6, 7.] (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 7)

Those who plead that they cannot understand this plain and decisive statement, which, if they are obedient, means as much to them, in blessings which will be received, when even the window of heaven will be opened, and blessings poured out to overflowing, are not honest before God. There will be no excuse made for them in the great day of judgment, that they did not know the will of God. (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 8)

Let the neglected tithes be now brought in. Let the new year open upon you as men honest in their deal with God. Let those that have withheld their tithes, send them in before the year 1896 shall close, that they may be right with God, and never, never again run any risk of being cursed of God. Presidents of our conferences, do your duty; speak not your own words, but a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Elders of the churches do your duty. Labor from home to home, that the flock of God shall not be remiss in this great matter, which involves such a blessing or such a curse. (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 9)

Let all who fear God come up to the help of the Lord, and show themselves faithful stewards. The truth must go to all parts of the world, and I have been shown that many in our churches are robbing God in tithes and offerings. God will execute upon them just that which He has declared. To the obedient He will give rich blessings; to the transgressor a curse. Every man who bears the message of truth to our churches must do his duty by warning, educating, rebuking. Any neglect of duty, which is a robbery toward God, means a curse upon the delinquent. (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 10)

The Lord will not hold those guiltless who are deficient in doing the work that He requires at their hands—in seeing that the church is kept wholesome and healthy spiritually, and doing all their duty; in allowing no neglect which will bring the threatened curse upon His people. A curse is pronounced upon all who withhold their tithe from God. He says, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house.” [Verses 8-10.] (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 11)

This is not a request of man; it is one of God’s ordinances, whereby His work may be sustained and carried on in the world. God help us to repent. “Return unto me,” He says, “and I will return unto you.” [Verse 7.] Men who have a desire to do their duty have it laid down in clear lines in this chapter. No one can excuse themselves from paying their tithes and offerings to the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 12)

The Lord bestows His gifts abundantly upon us. He “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Every blessing we have comes through Jesus Christ. Then shall we not arouse, and do our duty toward God, upon whom we are dependent for life and health for His blessing upon our crops and fields, our cattle, our herds, and our vineyards. We are assured if we give to the Lord’s treasury, we shall receive of Him again; but if we withhold our means, He will withhold His blessing from us, and send a curse upon the unfaithful. (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 13)

God has said, “Prove me now herewith, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” What a wonderful presentation in promised blessings is He giving us. Who can venture to rob God in tithes and offerings with such a promise as this? “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruit of your grounds, neither shall your vines cast her fruit, before her time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Malachi 3:10-12.] (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 14)

Another year has nearly passed into eternity with its burden of record. Let us look over the past year, and if we have not done our full duty, willingly, heartily unto the Lord, let us come up to the new year in making a faithful record to our God. (11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, 15)

Lt 82a, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
NP
[September 1896]
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother Olsen:

I have just placed in the hands of my type writer a message to you and to our people. I feel deeply over this matter. I have been shown that many are venturing to rob God, and the result is, His work cannot advance in this country or in any missionary field as it should. The work of God is hindered; the treasuries are empty; heavy debts lie upon the conferences, not because of extravagant expenditure of means in buildings, for I am sure the strictest economy is practiced by us all. But I have advanced and advanced in appropriation of means, until I am at loss to know how to meet the demands. (11LtMs, Lt 82a, 1896, 1)

I am keeping five men in employment on my grounds, at the lowest wages, one pound per week, and their dinner; but they had nothing for their families, to supply food and clothing. In the place of giving them money, I give them something to do. These all believe the truth but one, a carpenter, I employed [for] a few days. He has [had] no work all winter. Now I broke the spell by hiring him. He is deciding to keep the Sabbath. Several have embraced the truth since we came here. Well, we must do all we can to help the suffering [and] needy. They are all intelligent, good workmen. Mr. Matthews worked for me one week, and now he has found work from outside parties for two weeks to come, and perhaps a way may open before him for more work. He was a wealth man, but lost all in an investment and the breaking of the banks. Still another has told me his story. The banks have left him utterly poor, and no work to be had. But I cannot begin to write all. (11LtMs, Lt 82a, 1896, 2)

The school lands cannot be worked. No man can be hired, for there is no money to pay. The pressure is tremendous everywhere; it is growing worse in the place of growing better. What shall we do? We cannot tell. I must close this; but I say to you, Do not be discouraged, but hope thou in God. While I am compelled to tell you how things are as presented to me, I have nought but love in my heart, and deepest sympathy. Cling to God, cling firmly; hold fast, and do not shun to declare the whole counsel of God. I dare not smooth things over; you have occupied a middle ground long enough, and tied your own hands and crippled your own influence, in your middle-ground position. Now, for Christ’s sake, heed the testimony God has given you. Do not read them to others and then walk directly contrary to the counsels and warnings given, as you have done. Take your position on the right side. All there is of you, let it be on the Lord’s side. (11LtMs, Lt 82a, 1896, 3)

In love. (11LtMs, Lt 82a, 1896, 4)

Lt 83, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 22, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 1888 1520-1535. +
Dear Brother:

We feel deeply in regard to your case. We know that you have been placed in a very trying position, but we know also that you have signally failed in some things. You have, my brother, said much about the importance of prayer, and have felt desirous that our people should observe the customary week of prayer; this is well; and we should have seasons of earnest, persevering prayer, for God is the strength of His people, their front guard and their rearward. But it is possible to make these seasons of prayer a substitute for the decided action that is necessary to set things in order. There is a class of work which it is the duty of the human agent to do in the name of the Lord God of Israel. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 1)

After the defeat of the Israelites at Ai, Joshua was lying upon his face before the ark, praying, when the Lord said unto him, “Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them; for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have stolen, and dissembled, and they have put it even among their own stuff.... neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow; for thus saith the Lord God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel; thou canst not stand before thy enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.” [Joshua 7:10-13.] (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 2)

Even prayer is not to be placed where duty should be. God will not be dishonored among the people and keep silence. His watchmen are to be wide awake. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 3)

The very first neglect on your part to stand for right principles when matters were considered in council and committee meetings, brought a mist before your eyes. Your discernment was impaired by your failure to walk in the light. And surely your eyes must have been blinded, else you could not possibly have done as you have done. Your words and actions have encouraged men of a strong, determined purpose to carry things; you let them plan, and carried out their devisings, as did Aaron with the leaders of Israel. You have tried to make yourself believe that this was the only thing you could do. But you have not in all places taken up your God-given work, to be firm and decided for the right. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 4)

Aaron, yielding to the guidance of the people whom he knew to be in error, greatly dishonored God. He should have stood firm as a rock, with unwavering integrity, before the great men of that vast, undisciplined host of Israel. You should have known what the wisdom of God required of His people; but you were led to view things as men viewed them who had resisted the Holy Spirit, and who were not led and taught of God. The souls of these men are marred with wrong-doing. They have blinded their eyes, so that they cannot distinguish righteousness from unrighteousness. They call evil good, and good evil. Yet these are the men you have chosen to accompany you from place to place. This is the atmosphere with which you have surrounded your soul. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 5)

These men, whom you have made your companions in your visits to different points, have taken occasion to instill their own sentiments into the minds of the people. Being in connection with the Lord’s work, and in high positions of trust, of course they have been believed, and thus have been able to exert a strong influence. Having dropped a suggestion and seen it take root in the mind, they have adroitly drawn it from the individual as the expression of his own thought. The next time they make a tour over the ground, they carry the work a little farther; and thus in secret the seeds of unbelief have been sown, that in some cases have taken years of labor to uproot; in other cases they have flourished and brought forth their evil fruit. Those who have done this mischief—men who have had no connection with God—are supposed by our people to be your right-hand men, your staff. Could you not discern their character and the work they were doing? (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 6)

Your journeys in company with these men, whom the angels of God did not attend, could not be a strength to a work that is under the supervision of the Holy Spirit. It would have been better, far better, if many of these long journeys had never been taken, better that the workers at different points should have been deprived of your personal presence rather than to have these men accompany you, and diffuse their malarious influence far and wide. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 7)

The Lord has presented to me that there has been a manifest distrusting of God. Has the Lord no mental or moral power in the men who abide where large interests have been established? Shall God’s money be used in transporting from place to place those who show that they have no connection with Him? The Lord says, “Them that honor me I will honor.” [1 Samuel 2:30.] But in pleasing and glorifying the men whom God does not honor, you have dishonored God. Far better go single-handed, and trust in the arm of Jehovah, in the ministering angels whom He sends forth, than have those with you who have closed their hearts against the admonitions and warnings of the Spirit of God, and thus against the Spirit itself. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 8)

In every place where important interests have been established, there are men who love God, and have a measure of ability. These men need to be instructed Let them carry the responsibilities that they can bear. Teach them to put their trust in God, and to become workers who can be depended upon. Do not lead them to think that they must in every emergency depend on men at a great distance. Let them seek the Lord for themselves. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 9)

There is a great need for men of wisdom in every place; but it is an error to depend upon t hose who do not love the Lord, and seek unto Him for wisdom, sanctification, and righteousness. God has not given his work to be molded by those upon whom His mold has not been placed because they did not want the divine credentials. Through your connection with them, your own ideas become perverted, and they need purifying. You view things very much as these men view them. You see little necessity for the change which the Lord calls for. You have strengthened these men in their belief that they are right, and have deepened their deception. These things the Lord will not long tolerate, for you have had light; you have not been left in ignorance and darkness. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 10)

The Holy Spirit of God manifested among His people has by some been treated as an intruder. You, yourself, have not made the Holy Spirit your dependence as in your earlier experience. Had you been following the Spirit’s guidance, you would have known that you could not unite with these men, listen to their suggestions, and give them influence. This was not the work which God had given you to do. He has promised you efficiency through the power of the Holy Spirit, which will be with you in every act, if you will hold fast the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end. If you had depended less on the men who, as you had every reason to know, had not a vital connection with God, and had depended more on the presence and aid of the Holy Spirit in answer to prayer, the cause would today be in a far more healthful condition. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 11)

It has not been wise to take so many responsibilities in regard to the work at a distance, when there were such important interests demanding attention at Battle Creek. Very much needed to be done that the heart of the work might be kept pure. Much care was necessary to keep the machinery oiled so as to run without friction. God is grieved with some of your movements in matters involving principles which He Himself established in our publishing work. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 12)

Much that has been revealed to me crowds upon my mind, which I hardly know how to express. Yet I cannot hold my peace. The Lord is indignant at men who set themselves up to rule their fellow men, and to carry out plans which the Holy Spirit has condemned. I am more surprised than I can express at your failure to discern that God has not set up these men. The new order of things ought to alarm you, for it has not the sanction of heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 13)

The natural heart is not to bring its own tainted, corrupting principles into the work of God. There must be no concealing of the principles of our faith. The third angel’s message is to be sounded by God’s people. It is to swell to the loud cry. The Lord has a time appointed when He will bind off the work; but when is that time? When the truth to be proclaimed for these last days shall go forth as a witness to all nations, then shall the end come. If the power of Satan can come into the very temple of God, and manipulate things as he pleases, the time of preparation will be prolonged. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 14)

Here is the secret of the movements made to oppose the men whom God sent with a message of blessing for His people. These men hated message was despised, as verily as Christ Himself was despised at His first advent. Men in responsible positions have manifested the very attributes that Satan has revealed. They have sought to rule minds, to bring their reason and their talents under human jurisdiction. There has been an effort to bring God’s servants under the control of men who have not the knowledge and wisdom of God, or an experience under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 15)

Principles have been born that should never have seen the light of day. The illegitimate child should have been stifled as soon as it breathed the first breath of life. Finite men have been warring against God and the truth and the Lord’s chosen messengers, counterworking them by every means they dared to use. Please consider what virtue there can be in the wisdom and plans of those who have slighted God’s messages, and, like the scribes and Pharisees, have despised the very men whom God has used to present light and truth which His people needed. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 16)

It is an offense to God that His work should be restricted by human beings. The Word of the living God, appealing to sanctified reason, will never give the work such an impress as is now revealed. There has been deceit, falsehood, artifice, selfishness. Schemes have been set on foot to rob God and to rob man, in order to make up to the work for what selfish devices have The very position you have taken with these men in concocting plans to relieve the financial embarrassment has made you, in some respects, a weak man. It has warped your judgment. You have been led to survey justice, to depart from honesty in business dealing with your brethren. A wrong against the weakest or most erring of his flock is even more offensive to God than if it were against the strongest one among you. Souls are the Lord’s purchased possession, and every injustice done “unto the least of these my brethren” said Jesus, is done “unto me.” [Matthew 25:40.] The Lord will not suffer injustice or oppression to go unreproved. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 17)

Every system controlled by the principles of the gospel of Christ is pure, open, clear as the day, and is sound and healthful in all its operations. Everything entered into for the sake of ministering to pride or unsanctified ambition is to be cleared away, before the Lord’s institutions shall stand securely upon the eternal Rock. We need no crafty inventions to sustain the cause of God. We need no unjust dealing. Let the Lord breathe upon His work the spirit of heavenly principles, and it will live. Nothing that man can manufacture can take the place of God’s Holy Spirit! Nothing that man’s own wisdom can invent will justify the violation of truth, or a disregard of the rights of humanity. Truth is too pure to set her delicate feet off from the elevated platform of love to God and love to our fellow man. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 18)

If it were possible, the enemy would clog the wheels of progress, and prevent the truths of the gospel from being circulated everywhere. With this object he leads men to feel that it is their privilege to control the consciences of their fellow men according to their own perverted ideas. They dismiss the Holy Spirit from their councils, and then, under the power and name of the General Conference, they invent regulations through which they compel men to be ruled by their own ideas and not by the Holy Spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 19)

The plans to obtain control of human minds and ability are as strange fire, which is an offense to God. And who are those who dare engage in this work? Men who have revealed that they do not have self-control, that they are not divested of selfishness. Unless these men shall themselves turn unto the Lord, they will die in their sins. There is scarcely a vestige of genuine truth remaining in them. The effort to manage others, which is made by those who cannot manage themselves, is one of the greatest fallacies that could exist. Let those who love to rule begin the work where it should have begun years ago; let them rule themselves and show that they are in subordination to God’s rule, that they have been converted at heart. Then they will at least not make their fellow men groan under the galling yoke of their restrictive policy. Then there will be fewer prayers sent up to heaven in anguish of heart because of their selfish oppression. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 20)

There is need of an education in regard to the rights and duties of men in authority who have lorded it over God’s heritage. When a man is placed in a position of trust, who knows not what kind of spirit he should exercise in dealing with human minds, he needs to learn the very first principles as to his authority over his fellow men. Right principles must be brought into the heart, and wrought into the warp and woof of character. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 21)

Men are wanted who feel their need of wisdom from above, men who are converted at heart, who understand that they are but sinful mortals, and must learn their lessons in the school of Christ before they are prepared to mold other minds. When men have learned to depend on God, when they have faith that works by love, and purifies their own souls, then they will not lay on other men’s shoulders burdens that are grievous to be borne. The Lord has been greatly dishonored by those who have exalted themselves and have favored men who were not worthy, not being careful to treat all justly, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 22)

Until the day of trial comes, how little men know of their own weakness. They think themselves wise, and make themselves fools. There is nothing that men may pride themselves in. Even those in most responsible positions do fall into sin, while apparently surrounded by the best religious privileges. Gehazi’s case is one that we may consider with profit. This man dwelt in the household of the holy prophet Elisha, saw his godly life, heart his fervent prayers, and his inculcation of correct principles. Yet he was not made better. He deceived Naaman in order to receive a reward. His punishment came from the Lord. The leprosy of Naaman clave unto him. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 23)

Judas was numbered among the twelve apostles. He heard the precious lessons that fell from the lips of Christ. He had a perfect example ever before him, and yet his heart was not right. He was ruined by the sin of covetousness. “They that will be rich fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lists, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” [1 Timothy 6:9.] (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 24)

Elisha was true to principle, true to his God. His work bore the divine credentials. And in difficulty and trial God revealed Himself to him as an ever-present Helper. When the sons of the prophets were enlarging their abode, a miracle was wrought to save one of them from distress. When the king of Syria was preparing an ambush against Israel, his design was revealed by the prophet. The king, learning that it was Elisha that had defeated his armies, sent an armed host to apprehend him, but God delivered his servant. All these lessons are for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 25)

Brother Olsen, I have the tenderest feelings toward you; but I must lay before you plainly the danger of losing your spiritual eyesight. I speak decidedly because I must tell you the truth. I dare not forbear, for there is no longer safety in delay. I have no confidence in your book committee. I have written to you before in regard to their manner of dealing with the author of books. They should treat them impartially, candidly, as a brother would treat a brother; but they have not done this. The principles and motives of the business dealing in this department are not such as God can sanction. They are not in accordance with strict integrity. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 26)

Your example has influenced Brother C. H. Jones in his dealing with authors. In both houses a course has been pursued that is not fair and noble. Such work should be corrected as soon as possible, if you and he desire the Lord to write in regard to your transactions, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:23.] You will be ashamed to meet your present record in the books that shall be opened when the judgment shall sit, and every man shall be judged according to his works, whether they be good or whether they be evil. Better, far better that the work be done with love and justice blended. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 27)

God reads the motives that underlie the work of which I have spoken. These motives have been revealed to me, and I feel a depth of sorrow that is beyond expression. I cannot vindicate motives or methods, because they are an offense to God. I must take my stand fully. But what need for me to say more? I have written over and over again, but what has been the effect of the testimonies? What reformations have they wrought? What restitutions have been made? Men who have not the love of God in their hearts will prove to be only fallible erring mortals. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Every soul connected with the work needs to be daily converted. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 28)

You, my brother, are to put on the whole armor of God. The Lord Jesus, just before His crucifixion, prayed to His Father, “Keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one as we are.” [John 17:11.] Christ offered this prayer in behalf of His disciples, but when He asks that we may be kept, He does not mean that we are not to co-operate with God in keeping ourselves from evil practices. We must every one of us heed the words of Christ, “Watch unto prayer;” “watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” [Matthew 26:41.] (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 29)

Enter not, take not the first step in a wrong course. Let the Lord be our strength and helper. What is there in the world that can change the heart in which Christ abides? The earth may shake, the pillars of the world may tremble under us; but if we put our trust in God, we shall not be afraid. What could change the faith of Daniel and his fellow captives in Babylon? Who could corrupt their principles? or separate their affections from God? Ask yourselves the question, Have we an intelligent faith? (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 30)

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or failure, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ... I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Romans 8:35, 38, 39.] (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 31)

Plans are constantly made to gather more and more responsibilities into Battle Creek. I ask you seriously to consider the situation there. Is there a school of the prophets in Battle Creek? Are there men through whom the Lord can work and has worked to carry the weighty responsibilities that are to be borne? Are there regenerated men, whose whole hearts are given to God, men whom the mighty cleaver of truth has separated from the corruptions of the world, and whose faith and devotion reveal that the Holy Spirit is fashioning their experience after the divine similitude? (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 32)

The Bible, and the Bible alone, is the rule of faith and practice. Justification by faith in Christ will be made manifest in transformation of character. This is the sign to the world of the truth of the doctrines we profess. The daily evidence that we are a living church is seen in the fact that we are practicing the word. A living testimony goes forth to the world in consistent Christian action. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 33)

It declares to a world apostatized that there is a people who believe that our safety is in clinging to the Bible. This testimony is in unmistakable distinction from that of the great apostate church, which adopts human wisdom and authority in place of the wisdom and authority of God. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 34)

The Lord commands us, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversideth thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, we shall receive a crown of glory which fadeth not away.” “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder; yea all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” [1 Peter 5:2-8.] (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 35)

There is perfect harmony between the instruction of the Old Testament and that of the New. The Lord Jesus Himself gave to Moses the principles that were to be given to Israel. Lessons of mercy, goodness, generosity, and strict honesty were given by Christ in the Old Testament, and were repeated by Him when He came in human flesh to our world. Shall we not earnestly and prayerfully study these lessons and practice the principles which our Lord has given? Shall we not deal with our fellow men as becomes those who have been instructed by the Holy Spirit, taught by the wisdom of God, moved by the same influence that inspired the Scriptures? (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 36)

When our brethren do this, their councils will be honored by the presence of Christ. Their missionary spirit will not be confined to a few places, but will reach out to diffuse the light everywhere. There is a world to be warned. Our great defense against the principles and practices of paganism or the papacy is to be living epistles of Bible religion. Shall we not represent Christ in all things? (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 37)

My Brother Olsen, can you still be so blinded as to unite in the least degree with those who undertake to rule other minds as has been done in Battle Creek? Will you consent to have as your co-laborers those who know not the voice of God in the messages He has sent to His people, men who would manage the work so as either to gain full control of it or to crush it? This has been done in a most decided manner. Should the plans originated by such minds be carried into effect, evangelical religion, the Christianity of the Bible, would, so far as their influence goes, become extinct. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 38)

The Lord Jesus is needed to cleanse the institution at Battle Creek as verily as He was needed to cleanse the temple when He was on earth. O that our institutions might be purified from the buyers and the sellers, and the merchandise, and the principles brought into turn men from their rights! (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 39)

Men have come to Battle Creek who have been accompanied by the Holy Spirit; but unless they fought every inch of ground over and over again in seeking to maintain correct methods, they were at last over-borne. Right at the point where our work centers, they have seen corruption, and some have gone away with less confidence in their brethren and in their Protestant principles, and with the divine light in their souls well nigh extinguished. God would have His temple no longer a den of thieves and moneychangers. He desires His servants to be men of piety and holy endeavors. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 40)

In our publishing institutions Christianity is sick, and needs a physician. Who shall heal her? There must be a reformation. Sentiments and practices that have been gaining a hold and strengthening must be put away forever. Righteous principles must be revived. Again and again the Holy Spirit has wrought among you, but by many it was dismissed as an unwelcomed guest. Christ’s work of purification is to begin at the heart for the improvement of the whole character of the human agent. Amid the moral darkness, there must be a regenerative, reformative influence at work, in order that sacred things may be kept sacred. The Lord will not be trifled with. He will test and try His people; He will thoroughly purge His floor, and will gather His wheat into His garner. (11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, 41)

Lt 84, 1896

Olsen, O.A.
Refiled as Lt 65, 1895.

Lt 84a, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
Avondale, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
January 14, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother Olsen:

I feel very sad indeed when I read the report of the financial condition of the conference. I see in this report the fulfilling of the words spoken to me, that the Lord would hear the cries of his blood bought heritage, and would answer their prayers. The course of binding and oppression that has been entered into by those who were in positions of trust bears the disapproval of God. You have not had sure men for counsel. The course of Chadwick was no more grievous in the sight of God than that of the men who had been connected with him. (11LtMs, Lt 84a, 1896, 1)

The council meetings were not as they should have been, as has been oft repeated. Strife for supremacy, loud talk, and menacing expressions [were there]. O, had they known [that] the whole universe of God was ashamed of them, beholding their spirit and writing in a book their resolutions, which all in that great day appear as when framed in the mind. [There have been] dishonesty, fraud, the turning away a man from his rights, and disregarding the principles of the commandments of God. You have [had] men, schemes, and devising of plans, with the idea that you could, as a board, have power to do anything that would serve the conference and bring in a revenue. But it was more grievous in the sight of God because you were covering dishonest practices, saying, “The temple of the Lord! The temple of the Lord are we!” [Jeremiah 7:4.] (11LtMs, Lt 84a, 1896, 2)

Yes, but that temple was just as much in need of cleansing as the temple courts in the days when Christ was upon the earth. The Lord hates the mixture there was in the earthly temple. Unholy bartering in the temple courts brought forth [the] righteous indignation of an insulted God. “And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.” Luke 19:41, 42. (11LtMs, Lt 84a, 1896, 3)

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:12, 13. It was here divinity flashed through humanity, and the priests and rulers fled from before Him, for there appeared as it were a flashing sword turning every way, like the sword to guard the tree of life. (11LtMs, Lt 84a, 1896, 4)

I send you these things with a trembling of soul; for I scarcely can gather faith to believe that they will receive credence, or work reforms; but I dare not hold my peace. This must go to the mail. (11LtMs, Lt 84a, 1896, 5)

Now, my dear Brother Olsen, I cannot, dare not, hold my peace. I shall cry aloud, and spare not. But I beg of you to hold fast the hand of God, and to see and act in the light of God. We are living in the solemn scenes of this earth’s history. If ever there was a time when things should be called by their right name, it is now. This is no time to call sin righteousness, and to call righteousness sin. We must lay hold by faith now. It is time for every one to be wide awake. I may have to write still more plainly, if God calls me to do it. I shall speak, I shall not hold my peace. (11LtMs, Lt 84a, 1896, 6)

I am sorry, so sorry that you have not heeded the cautions God has given you, and I fear for you that the outcome of matters will kill you. But God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. He will not have His Word return unto Him void, for it shall perform the thing whereto it was sent. But I beg of you to rather let things go by default than to set men to help matters in any line who are not with the work, with God, soul, body, and spirit. Who can be found to take things as they are now and set them in order? I cannot see, but the Lord has men prepared for emergencies who will, under God, work out reforms; but it can now be only at a terrible cost, and against terrible odds. (11LtMs, Lt 84a, 1896, 7)

I suppose you do not see the need of my writing this, but I think you will in time. I carry a heavy load, and I call on you in the name of the Lord to do your duty. (11LtMs, Lt 84a, 1896, 8)

I call on you at least not to encourage men to think you stand with them and sustain them, and thus give them influence. (11LtMs, Lt 84a, 1896, 9)

In haste. (11LtMs, Lt 84a, 1896, 10)

Lt 85, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, Australia
March 16, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in UL 89; WM 202.
Elder O. A. Olsen
Battle Creek, Michigan
Dear Brother:

In this place thousands of acres of land lie uncultivated. Very few orchards are planted, and only little patches of land are worked here and there. The complaint has been made that it was of no use to sow the land because it would not produce. All we have done is to experiment. We have ploughed the land for orchard and garden. We were late in commencing. The bullock team, sixteen in number, drag the heavy plough in breaking up the land. (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 1)

If we want fruit we have to send to Sydney, Parramatta, or some other place to get it. When it reaches us, boxes for which we pay four or five shillings each, are worthless. Vegetables have had to be sent in the same way, and are spoiled before reaching us. But we have found just as good land in this place on which to raise produce, as we could wish. On the school ground they have raised tomatoes, squashes, cucumbers, melons, beans, peas, turnips, and such things, between the rows of trees. These have had a luxuriant growth, and the trees are doing excellently well. All the planting that is done in season, and is well cultivated, will produce earth’s treasures. (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 2)

All who have had suspicion about this place in regard to the location for the school are well pleased after seeing it, and are the more convinced that the city is not the place for our school. Temptations from Satan will come from every source, but there should be most earnest seeking from the Lord for the guidance of His wisdom. We cannot plan much without God to plan with us. We can only walk safely when we keep all His commandments. The Lord Jesus will be to us individually a present help and sufficiency in every emergency. We must not walk in our own finite wisdom. The Lord will lead us in sure, safe paths if we will follow Him. The influence of truths upon the human heart, if they are acted out in the life, will be a savor of life unto life. (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 3)

The neglect of all those in responsible places to do His commandments by dealing justly will meet its reward. It is no excuse for any to say, You must submit to this or that plan because it will help that “Cause,” which means injustice or oppression in turning a man from his rights. The Lord does not need the working out of corrupt nature in the human agent to serve His cause in any line. Even in little things human nature, unsanctified, will lay plans which will do great harm. The whole life will be a thing which God cannot approve, because it misrepresents Him. The inconsistencies practiced and sanctioned by men in high places do not make a wrong right, neither do they give it the superscription of heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 4)

The Holy Spirit will bless only where it can mold and influence. When any man or any class of men exclude from themselves the rich blessing of God because it does not, as they suppose, sustain their plans and honor their judgment, they cut off the life of God from their souls, and when they do this they walk in darkness. (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 5)

I am watching and waiting for the coming of my Lord. I have not only to wait and watch and pray, but must work most diligently as well. Every action of our lives, in our business transactions with our fellow men, is to be regulated by the law of God, and we cannot then swerve from right and justice toward our fellow men under any circumstance, for the Lord will not serve with any man’s sins that would injure his neighbor. With our faces heavenward, breathing out our petitions to God, developing an unselfish love for our fellow men, because we have supreme love for Jesus Christ who has bought them with His own blood, we rise superior to the most grievous, subtle temptations. Humble dependence upon God is our surety and our power. “My soul, wait thou upon God, who is the light of my countenance and my God.” [Psalm 42:5.] (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 6)

Difficulties in the work will arise, and things will occur to humble our supposed wisdom and talent in the dust because we will have to be corrected. Moving carefully and righteously in the supposed little things that will be abundant in our life experience, is our school. The ordinary, common things of life enter largely into the mode of thought, which thought produces action. In every instance those with whom we associate are to be treated, if in humble circumstances, with great deference and respect, because they have so little to make life happy, and because they need help. Souls are too precious to be trifled with. They are God’s purchased possession. Those who are passed by as inferior, the Lord will see set in high places if they trust in Him. (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 7)

The grace of God takes men as they are and works as an educator, using every principle on which an all-sided education depends. The steady influence of the grace of God trains the soul after Christ’s methods, and every fierce passion, every defective trait of character is worked upon by the molding influence of the Spirit of Christ, until new motive power becomes filled with the Holy Spirit of God, after the likeness of the divine similitude. (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 8)

Never forget that thoughts work out actions. Repeated actions form habits, and habits form character. Then in giving attention to the little things, there is no fear but that the larger things will become stained and corrupted. The Bible is to be the rule of life. It is marvelous in the eyes of the universe of heaven that men who teach the Word do not always practice the truth. Few realize what it means to be complete in Christ Jesus, the revealed will of God. His Word is not dishonored by being brought into practical life to form habits which will develop character. God calls for attention from every man. Reformations must be made, or souls will be lost, and by precept and example these souls will cause the loss of many more souls. One insubordinate element of character, allowed to live, produces fruit of its kind, and sad is the harvest. (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 9)

God often raises up some one who will shield the poor from being placed in positions that will be loss to them, even if it be given to their disadvantage. This is the duty of man toward his fellow man. To take advantage of a man’s ignorance because he cannot discern the outcome of a course of action is not right. It is the duty of his brother to personally set the matter plainly and faithfully before him in all its bearings, lest he shall act blindly, and cripple the resources justly his. When men observe the golden rule, Do unto others as ye would they should do unto you, many difficulties now existing would be quickly adjusted. (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 10)

Strict fidelity in little things becomes natural by repetition, and he is becoming qualified to pass into a higher position, where his sphere of action will be enlarged, who does this. The principles that should control the life and character become his rule of action. (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 11)

Those who have acted contrary to the holy principles of light and righteousness will find their natural inclinations contradicted by the high and holy purposes of Christian consistency. The deficiency in their corrupt nature will be made prominent in the larger responsibilities. Self-wisdom disdains restraint, and the whole life becomes a contradiction of the life of Christ. Christian meekness will lead a man to be kind and thoughtful of another’s interest. (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 12)

The power of principle is not neutralized by the force of habit acquired to rule down everything that does not please the mind and administer to pride and self-exaltation. Self becomes a terrible tyrant, and thinks that everything will be a success that is carried by storm. That will of man, finite, erring, becomes the will of his fellow men, who think it their prerogative to rule. “All ye are brethren” [Matthew 23:8] is put out of his practice, and hearts are hardened that Christ has died to save. The rule-or-ruin principle might better quickly find a natural death. It becomes a man who holds any responsibility to consider that he is not the Lord, and for his own soul’s sake, for the sake of Christ who has bought souls by his most precious blood, these souls are to be treated as God’s property and not as the property of any man. (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 13)

Until the power of the Spirit of God shall take possession of a man’s soul, to lead him to plan and work in Christ’s lines, that man who loves rule will not be a co-laborer with Jesus Christ, because this great evil is permitted to exist, and is a stumbling block to his own soul, and to every other soul that comes within the sphere of his influence. Christian meekness will work its way everywhere, and precious souls will be saved unto eternal life. We have no time now to confer with flesh and blood, we must lay hold of the spiritual power of God, and make reforms before it shall be everlastingly too late. (11LtMs, Lt 85, 1896, 14)

Lt 86, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 26, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in PH080 1-8. +
Elder O. A. Olsen
Review and Herald
Battle Creek, Michigan
My Dear Brother Olsen:

I received the American mail on Monday, the 25th. I had written the letter to you, and today, Tuesday, Sister McEnterfer read me a letter of which I send you a copy. Whether this particular case is correct or incorrect, just such scenes have been presented before me. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 1)

I have written to Brother Henry Kellogg, in reference to himself and his responsibilities. He has answered me in a good, humble spirit; and I pray the Lord to strengthen him to resist temptation. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 2)

Now, my brother, I want you to make it your first business to investigate, in company with some others of a different spiritual experience than that of A. R. Henry and every one of like influence, every man in that office, and that you will make it your special business to inquire of the youth who are employed there in regard to their work. Open your eyes wide to see what needs adjustment and correction. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 3)

Less long, sweeping journeys across the continent, and more close investigation of the true inward working of the heart, is essential. The rooms in the office need inspection, that the things you know not, you may discern and search out. The temple of God must be cleansed, that His name shall not be dishonored by men who are not connected with Him. My heart is pained as, in my dreams I am visited and appealed to by different ones, placing the corruptions in the office of publication before me. I awaken to find it a dream, but know it to be the truth. My dear brother, the spirit of severity, or lording it over the ignorant and helpless, is being opened before me. In the place of the office being an educating school to prepare the youth to give their hearts to the Lord, the teachers and overseers, by their course of action, drive them on to Satan’s battleground. It is not a place where the Lord Jesus is entertained as a Heavenly Guest. Some of the overseers, and the workers under their supervision, give little time to thoughts of a high and holy order; the Lord is not glorified. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 4)

I wrote, some time since, in reference to the Oakland office, and then my guide revealed to me that the same spirit, in a more decided manner, leavened the office at Battle Creek; and there were souls lost, eternally lost, through the influence of words of severity and harshness. Things will transpire in our institutions that will need adjustment, and at once; but let the reformation be made with a spirit to restore, not to destroy. We are fearfully behind in the work of Christ for the saving of souls. We have not that sharp conception of duty required by the truth which we profess to live and to honor. We allow a freezing atmosphere to surround our souls; we withhold words that ought to be spoken from the Scriptures. In order to fulfil our duty as God’s faithful watchmen, we should give words of correction in humility of mind, “considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” [Galatians 6:1.] (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 5)

Neglect not to bind up, with your reproof, words of encouragement. Be cheerful, but not light and trifling; be faithful; pray for discernment, for a wholesome, Christlike spirit. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, said, “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that you may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the praise and glory of God.” [Philippians 1:9-11.] (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 6)

Sincerity means much more than many are inclined to suppose. It means being true to your brother; never allowing yourself to do him wrong, or suffer him to be unfaithful in the discharge of his duty. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 7)

Those who are set to keep the rooms in a healthful condition, that the angel of God passing through may approve, must be sincere. There must be no haphazard work; carry the spirit of Christ in all your dealings. I would not, under any consideration, send a child of mine to learn the printer’s trade under the present discipline and management in the several rooms. All are not managed in exactly the same objectionable manner; but all are much in need of the sanctifying grace of Christ Jesus. Are the men set over others wise counsellors of youth? Are they sincere Christians, or make-believes? Is their submission to divine authority as perfect as that they require of the youth who are being educated under them? (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 8)

Overbearing, harsh words are unprofitable in professors of religion. A harsh, tyrannical spirit has come in, resulting in great and various evils. The temptations to sin come to every youth; and the overseers in every room need to be thoroughly converted men. What are the attributes most prized, and which bring greatest joy to the Saviour who died to save sinners? It is to have men and women co-operating with Him to seek and to save the lost. Every one who is self-denying, self-sacrificing, for the sake of helping poor souls that need help, will have his reward. If we are children of God, we should be, and will be, living channels of light. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 9)

Those who have not received Christ as their personal Saviour should never be placed as directors of the youth. If they cannot submit themselves to the control of God, they are not qualified to manage and teach order and law to those brought under them. Those who claim to be Christ’s disciples, if themselves under discipline to God, will make tender, loving, wise guides and instructors of the youth; for Christ says, “I will manifest myself unto them.” [John 14:21.] (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 10)

If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us; and that love cannot be restrained. God is love, and He that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in Him. Only by becoming a partaker of the divine nature can the law of God be fulfilled by man. Only he who loves God with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and his neighbor as himself, can give glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will to men. This was the work of Christ; and when His work is appreciated and represented by His followers, the great result will be achieved in the “joy that was set before him,” in the saving of the souls for whom He gave His life. [Hebrews 12:2.] (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 11)

The Lord has been laboring constantly from age to age to awaken in the souls of men a sense of their divine brotherhood, and thus to establish an order and divine harmony proportionate to the great and eternal deliverance He has wrought out for every one who will receive Him. The Lord calls upon all who profess to believe in Him to be co-workers with Him, to use every God-given ability, opportunity, and privilege to lead perishing souls within the sphere of their influence to Jesus Christ. Here is the only hope for transformation of character; this will give peace and joy in believing, and fit them for the society of the heavenly angels in the kingdom of God. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 12)

O how earnest, persevering, and untiring should be the efforts of every sin pardoned soul to seek to bring other souls to Jesus Christ, that their neighbors shall become joint heirs with Jesus. Whoever is your neighbor is to be sought for, labored for. Is he ignorant? Let your communication, your association, make him more intelligent. The outcast, the youth full of defects in character, are the very ones God enjoins upon us to help. “I came not to call the righteous,” said Christ, “but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 13)

See what sinners the colored people were, the downtrodden, the poor. These Christ died to save, and they can, through painstaking and judicious management, become trophies of His grace, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Through faith in Jesus Christ they become purified, sanctified, for the religion of Jesus Christ never degrades the receiver, but works with transforming power, refining the taste, sanctifying the judgment, fitting the soul for the entrance of the Word that giveth light, that giveth understanding even to the simple. Those who will be humble enough to learn, the very nobility of the world will consider it an honor to go to heaven in their company, and angels of God will co-operate with such as are workers together with God. We need to hunger and thirst after righteousness, that we may have Christ in us as a well of water, springing up into everlasting life. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 14)

Right at the head of the work there must be deeper piety, more faithful taking heed to the Word of God, a watching for souls as they [that] must give an account. Each worker should be moved by a living, abiding, converting principle. It is not large establishments where much money is invested to make them more convenient that will obtain influence and win hearts. The school and the office should be an asylum for the sorely tempted youth. They are God’s property. They have hearts to be won; they have souls to save. Instead of spending money in bicycles, in picture making, in little and great idols to place upon your tables and on your walls, let the means be used to gather in the youth; teach them, and patiently watch over them, in wisdom dealing with their follies. Pray with them alone. Converse with them, with hearts filled with pity and that love which Christ has shown for you. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 15)

Angels of God will give every true worker a rich experience in doing this work. We are to labor in earnest to break down every barrier that has been built up to kept Christ from entering the citadel of the heart. There is more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth than over ninety and nine persons that (think they) need no repentance. Let instructors do their duty patiently, and although they may be often tried, be assured they will not fail nor be discouraged. Be not weary in well doing; the heavenly intelligences will work with your every effort. A word of love and encouragement will do more to subdue the nasty temper and wilful disposition than all the faultfinding and severe censure that you can heap upon the erring ones. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 16)

It is those who are in positions of trust, those who have great light, large opportunities, who are not forming characters and carrying into their life practice principles that will stand the test of trial. These need to be rebuked sharply for their influence over the young. The impetuous temper must be eradicated. When provoked, do not pour out a torrent of words and commit sin; but talk with your Lord about it. Say to your soul, “Be still, and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] If the God-given responsibilities of saving souls ready to perish were understood, old habits, traditionary sentiments that clog and hinder reformatory action would be cut away from the heart and life, and a transformation would take place in character. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 17)

Advice, reproof, and counsel should be given patiently, taking the bitterness of the self-mingling spirit out of it. The language should not be exaggerated, but should be gentle and humble. The stern, harsh spirit that humiliates and crushes the wrongdoer will seldom work a reformation. “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.] It sets before the wrongdoer his sins, and helps him to recover himself from the snares of Satan. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 18)

God has not set any man on the judgment seat. “Judge not” He said, “that ye be not judged.” [Matthew 7:1.] The grace of humility should be cherished in the heart. It will modify and mold the words that fall from our lips into expressions of Christlike tenderness and care. The Master’s work is not to be neglected; but it must be done in love, declaring the Master’s message in the Master’s spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 19)

Wrongs are often in need of being met; and though firmness and decision may be required, it should not be done in an arbitrary, overbearing, crushing manner. Not until the heart is cleansed and purified through obedience to the truth can we be laborers together with God, and work with the mind of Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, 20)

Lt 87, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
August 25, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in ChL 58; Ev 20-21, 195-196; SD 68.
Elder O. A. Olsen
Battle Creek, Michigan, U. S. A.
My Dear Brother:

Earnest work must be done if a people is prepared to stand in the day of the Lord. Those in America who have been given so many privileges and opportunities of hearing the truth are accountable to God for all the light that they have received. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 1)

All who are preparing to meet the Lord at His coming should make the book of Revelation the subject of their earnest study and prayer. This book is just what its name signifies—a revelation of the important events that are to take place in the last days of this earth’s history. John because of his faithful trust in the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, was banished to the isle of Patmos. But his banishment did not separate him from Jesus Christ. The Lord knows all about His faithful servants, who for His sake are lying in prisons and dungeons, or who are banished to lonely islands; and He comforts them in their affliction. Christ visited John in his exile and opened to him the closing scenes of this world’s history. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 2)

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day.” writes John, “and heard behind me a great voice as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.” The Lord of the Sabbath had important messages for John, for He said to him, “What thou seest, write in a book and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.” [Revelation 1:10, 11.] (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 3)

“And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true; and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly come to pass. Behold I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” “Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand.” “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out if the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” [Revelation 22:6, 7, 10, 18, 19.] (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 4)

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven,” writes John, “having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven and earth and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 5)

“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb; and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, whosoever receiveth the number of his name. Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:6-12.] (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 6)

These things which were presented to John are of the greatest importance to us, for we are living in the very last days; soon we shall enter upon the fulfillment of those events which Christ opened to John on the isle of Patmos. As the messengers of God present these solemn truths, they must realize that they are handling subjects of eternal interest, they should seek for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, that they may speak, not their own words, but words given them by God. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 7)

The book of Revelation must be opened to the people. Many have been taught that it is a sealed book; but it is sealed only to those who reject light and truth. The truth it contains must be proclaimed, that people may have an opportunity to prepare for the events which are so soon to transpire. The third angel’s message must be presented as the only hope for the salvation of a perishing world. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 8)

We read still further in this book: “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” [Revelation 12:17.] The commandment-keeping people of God are here contrasted with the world at large. They are persecuted because of their faithful adherence to the Sabbath of the Lord. This is God’s test, and we bear a testing message to the world. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 9)

There are only two classes of people on this earth when Christ comes—those who worship the power represented by John as the dragon, and those who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus. The Lord has defined these two classes that they may be known by the messages they bear, and by the words inscribed on their banners. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 10)

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” [Revelation 22:16.] God would have the messages of Revelation presented before all. Let the students in our schools hear them. Teach them of the things which are shortly to come to pass. Do not let the teaching be done in a dry, abstract way, which has been the manner of teaching in too many cases, but present the truths of God’s Word in a fresh, impressive way. And in all the instruction that is given, let Christ be uplifted as the “bright and morning star.” (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 11)

We have a most solemn, testing message to give to the world. But too much time has been given to those who already know the truth. In the place of spending time on those who have been given many opportunities to learning the truth, go to the people who have never heard your message. Hold your camp meetings in cities where the truth has not been proclaimed. Some will attend the meetings and receive the message. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 12)

The perils of the last days are upon us, and in our work we are to warn people of the danger they are in. Let not the solemn scenes which prophecy has revealed, be left untouched. If our people were half awake, if they realized the nearness of the events portrayed by John, such a reformation would be made in our churches, that many more would believe our message. We are God’s messengers, and we have not time to lose, for He calls upon us to watch for souls as they that must give account. Advance new principles, and crowd in the clear-cut truth. It will be as a sword working both ways. But do not be too ready to take a controversial attitude. There will be times when we must stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Present the truth as it is in Jesus. Let Daniel speak, let Revelation speak, and tell what is truth. But whatever phase of the subject is presented, uplift Jesus as the center of all hope, “the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” [Revelation 22:16.] (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 13)

The words God has given His servants to proclaim are words of solemn import. We hear the voice of the angel of God as we listen to the message proclaimed by the servants of God, who are sounding the trumpet note of warning and giving the last message of mercy to a perishing world. God’s angels may not be visible, but the messengers through whom God works are visible; and those who reject their words, who strive to counteract the messages God sends, place themselves in a position similar to that of the Jews who rejected Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 14)

In past ages there have been those who have exercised their capabilities and powers in doing a work, by the help of the Holy Spirit, which constituted them laborers together with God. But there have also been those who have criticized their work, and rejected the messages which they bore. So it is today. There are those in responsible positions who, by their words and actions, sow seeds of doubt and unbelief. This seed is called tares by our Lord; and those who sow it are under the guidance of evil angels. They are at work both openly and secretly, seeking to counteract the work which God has appointed His divine agencies to perform through human agencies. All who do this work see with defective and perverted eyesight. Their imagination is inspired by satanic agencies, and they see many things in a false light. Unless they repent, they will soon, like Esau, find no place for repentance, though they seek it carefully with tears. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 15)

I would say to all those who by their attitude have stood for years in the way of the work of God, endeavoring to counteract it by hidden methods, God has seen your work. He sees every secret thing, and reads the thoughts of the heart as an open book. Could your eyes be opened, you would not triumph in your work of hindering the message which God has sent. You would be afraid, and terribly ashamed of the work you have been doing. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 16)

Could those who have for so long stood in opposition to the work of God, take a retrospective view, could they see the spirit that prompts them to action as God sees it, could they see the effect which their resistance to the Holy Spirit of God has had upon their religious life, they would tremble before the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 17)

Those who reject God’s messengers reject Christ. They turn from the truth to a dish of fables, deception, and delusion. Some partake largely of infidelity, and instead of following Christ, the Lamb of God, they follow the great deceiver; and this works their eternal ruin. By their stubbornness, their unwillingness to change wrong for right, they sow seed which they will not care to harvest. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 18)

In the history of the children of Israel we see how often their march through the wilderness was hindered by their murmurings and disputings. God had appointed Moses to lead them through the promised land, but often he was discouraged and disheartened by the envy and jealousy which they manifested. God Himself often displayed His glory in the tabernacle, but still the people murmured. Yet Moses did not lose his faith in the Lord, or his love for the people. Mark how earnestly he pleads for them. “And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people; and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 19)

“Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. Now therefore, I pray thee If I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight; and consider that this nation is thy people.” “And the Lord spake with Moses, face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” “And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” [Exodus 33:12, 13, 11, 14.] (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 20)

Even so will the Lord honor His people in 1896 if they will honor Him as did Moses, and serve Him with a perfect heart. God does not require His servants to carry their burdens in their own strength. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 21)

Encouraged by the assurance of God’s presence, Moses draws still nearer to him, and saith unto the Lord, “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goeth with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also thou hast spoken; for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.” [Verses 15-17.] (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 22)

Moses asked for an assurance that the Lord would go with him, saying, “So shall we be separated, I and thy people, (in practice) from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.” [Verse 16.] Today this earth is as corrupt as it was in the days of Noah, and those who are faithful sentinels, will guard their charge as a shepherd guards his flock. As they earnestly seek the Lord with all their heart, they will find Him, and instead of leading those with whom they are connected into close connection with the world, encouraging them to seek selfish gratification by practicing the customs of the world, they will educate them to render undivided service to God. No sacred trusts will be betrayed by them. The greatest care to practice right principles will be observed. No effort will be made to bring earthly and selfish principles into the work of God. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 23)

Encouraged by God’s willingness to take him into favor, and to grant the requests he urges upon His notice, Moses draws still nearer to God, and ventures to ask for further blessings. “He said, I beseech thee, show me thy glory.” [Verse 18.] Think you that God reproved His servant for his presumption? If so, you are mistaken. Moses did not make this request from idle curiosity. He had an object in view. His whole soul was drawn out after God; he longed to know more of Him, that he might commune with Him, and feel His presence near in every emergency. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 24)

He saw that ambition for worldly distinction could not be brought into the service of God; and he knew that if he could obtain a clear view of the glory of God, he could carry it with him on his important mission, which at times appeared so discouraging to him. It was not selfishness that led Moses to ask to be shown the glory of God. If God revealed His glory to him, he purposed to communicate this blessing to all with whom he came in contact. In this earnest supplication, his whole object was to honor and glorify God, and He who understands the intents of the heart knew the thoughts and motives of His faithful servant. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 25)

God answered Moses, saying, “I will make all my glory pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy to whom I will show mercy.” “And he said, Thou canst not see my face; for there shall no man see me, and live. And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock; and it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by; and I will take away my hand, and thou shalt see my back parts; but my face shall not be seen.” [Verses 19-23.] “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” [Exodus 34:6.] (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 26)

By showing Moses special honor, by giving him a sight of His glory, the Lord designed to give him such views of God, that though elevated, he would still be humble, and though trustful, yet childlike in his faith. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 27)

“And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” [Exodus 33:11.] What a lesson is given us in this experience! Is it not one of the most valuable and important lessons that we can study? It reveals a treasure of light and knowledge to every soul who values the favor of God. Let those who desire an education of the highest kind learn from this experience that God is nigh unto all who seek Him with the whole heart. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 28)

The more one sees of the character of God, the more humble he becomes, and the lower his estimation is of himself. This indeed is the evidence that he beholds God, that he is in union with Jesus Christ. Unless we are meek and lowly, we cannot in truth claim that we have any conception of the character of God. Men may think that they possess superior qualifications. Their splendid talents, great learning, eloquence, activity, and zeal, may dazzle the eye, delight the fancy, and awaken the admiration of those who cannot read beneath the surface; but unless humility and modesty is linked with these other gifts, self-glorification and self-exaltation will be seen. Unless each qualification is consecrated to the Lord, unless those to whom the Lord has entrusted gifts seek that grace which alone can make their qualifications acceptable to God, they are looked upon by the Lord as unprofitable servants. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 29)

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O Lord, thou wilt not despise.” “Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it; thou delightest not in burnt offering.” [Psalm 51:17, 16.] “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] “To this man will I look,” declares the Lord, “even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.” [Isaiah 66:2.] (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 30)

Those whose hearts are melted and subdued, who have seen the glorious manifestation of God’s character, will show no heedless presumption. They will not exalt themselves, or mingle common fire with the fire of God’s own kindling. Self will be lost in the consciousness they have of God’s wonderful glory, and their own utter unworthiness. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 31)

All who value a happy and holy walk with God, and prize the comfort and the blessing that a knowledge of Him brings, will leave nothing undone if only they may gain a glimpse of His glory. In every place, and under every circumstance, they will pray to God that they may be allowed to see Him. They will cherish that meek and contrite spirit that trembles at the Word of God. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 32)

There is much spurious, fitful humility in this world. Some place themselves very low, determined to conquer self. But they try in their own strength, and the next wave carries them almost out of sight. Moses had genuine humility, and all who truly desire to see the manifestation of God’s glory, will cherish this grace. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 33)

Christ came to this world for no other purpose than to display the glory of God, that man might be uplifted by its restoring power. His whole life was one of pure, disinterested benevolence. His purposes were full of love and sympathy, and He rejoiced that He could do more for His chosen ones than they could ask or think. Yet He came in great humility, and when He was here upon the earth He pleased not Himself. And to those who reveal His meekness and lowliness, living lives of self-denial and self-sacrifice, and submitting themselves in humble obedience to His will, he will manifest the glory of God. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 34)

All power and grace was given unto Christ. His heart was a well-spring of living water, a never-failing fountain of love and compassion, ever ready to flow in a rich, clear stream. His constant prayer for His followers was that they might be sanctified through the truth, and He prayed with assurance, knowing that an Almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that the gospel of the kingdom would be preached in all nations for a witness. He knew that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil. He knew that the bloodstained banner would one day wave triumphantly over His followers. With His prophetic eye, He saw the company of which John writes. (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 35)

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia; for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints.” “Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” [Revelation 19:6-9.] (11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, 36)

Lt 87a, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
May 25, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in FBS 72; 12MR 57; 4Bio 254-255.
Dear Brother Olsen:

Last October I wrote to you a long letter, which, with several other articles, was very hastily prepared for the mail, but which, on this ground, we finally thought best not to send at that time. My mind had been so wrought upon by the Spirit of God that the burden upon me was very great in regard to yourself and the work in Battle Creek. I felt that you were being bound hand and foot, and were tamely submitting to it. I was so troubled that in conversation with Brother Prescott I told him of my feelings. Both he and W. C. White tried to dissipate my fears; they presented everything in as favorable a light as possible. But instead of encouraging, their words alarmed me. If these men cannot see the outcome of affairs, I thought, how hopeless the task of making them see at Battle Creek. The thought struck to my heart like a knife. I said, I will not send the communication written to Elder Olsen. (11LtMs, Lt 87a, 1896, 1)

Soon after this I became unconscious. I had gleams of recollection, but thought that death was upon me. The family became alarmed. As I slowly revived, they decided that a long sickness was before me, and W. C. White telegraphed for Sara McEnterfer to come to me on the next boat. For about two weeks I remained in utter feebleness. I was like a broken reed. I could not leave my room, could not converse with Brother and Sister Prescott. I did not expect to recover, and seemed unable to exercise faith for myself. But I was not left to myself. I had thought that I could not attend the camp meeting in Victoria, but I ventured out, and my strength gradually returned to me. (11LtMs, Lt 87a, 1896, 2)

At Armadale the enemy came upon me like a lion from a source I did not expect. Again I was stricken and afflicted, but the Lord raised me up, and I bore my testimony to the people. The particulars of my trial in Armadale I have not opened to our people in America. I hope never to be compelled to do this. Had I dared to do so, I would have declined to attend the Tasmanian meeting, but I went, and the Lord sustained me. On my return to Sydney I could say, I am faint, but pursuing. (11LtMs, Lt 87a, 1896, 3)

Fannie Bolton has now left us. Sister Burnham and Marian are with me, also Sister Maggie Hare, whom we are entrusting with articles to prepare for the paper, and who gives promise of becoming a good worker. I have just engaged Minnie Hawkins, who has been long in the Echo office, who understands the typewriter, has some little knowledge of shorthand, and we hope may be able to assist in preparing copy. Like Maggie Hare she is young and healthy. They have not the nervous temperament like Fannie Bolton, but will bring a healthful current into the work. If sanctified to God, they will do good work. The atmosphere in my home is now good, better than it has been since coming to this country. If the Lord graciously spares to me my memory, and grant me His Holy Spirit, I can now do my duty better here than elsewhere in preparing articles for papers and issuing books. (11LtMs, Lt 87a, 1896, 4)

I do not propose to go to Battle Creek. The memory of the terrible siege I had there for two years, with so few to help me, remains with me as a warning. I prefer to remain in this far-off country. I have a large work yet to do in writing if I can possibly get the time. But one thing after another has crowded in, labor in speaking, and writing that had to be done for Battle Creek, and for churches in this country. But I hope now to accomplish a good work in book-making. (11LtMs, Lt 87a, 1896, 5)

In our home at Cooranbong, we are retired from the city. We shall not here be afflicted with holidays or with the amusements of city life. And we shall not keep a hotel. And indeed we could not, since our house is so small and our family is so large. We have twelve permanent members in the family, while Brethren Pocock and Parcels, who have been painting the house, have swelled the number to fourteen. You can see that it would be a great loss to me to move, and then it would necessitate the scattering of the ones whom I hope to make useful to me in preparing matter for papers and books. (11LtMs, Lt 87a, 1896, 6)

Willie has hired the convent building which has been left vacant, and has his family there. His May is the mother of twin boys, fine little fellows. Her sister Nora is staying with her. Her brother Herbert and his wife are with them at present, Father Tucker boards with them, and these, with Ella and Mabel, make up the family—ten in all. Brother Lacey Senior has purchased a place, a small house, and forty acres of land, paying for the same by installments. [Letter ends here.] (11LtMs, Lt 87a, 1896, 7)

Lt 88, 1896

Prescott, Brother and Sister [W. W.]
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
September 1, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 1888 1616-1620.
Dear Brother and Sister Prescott:

Today I was informed that the paper states that the steamer for Africa leaves tomorrow. I shall send you some enclosures, but I am sorry that I did not learn sooner that the boat was to leave tomorrow. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 1)

We have received two letters from you, and two from Elder Haskell. Before receiving these, I had begun a letter to you, expressing my surprise that we did not hear from you. I thought that if you were so busy that you could not write, Sister Prescott might communicate with us. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 2)

Yesterday we sent off a large American mail. I did not think it prudent to write today, and will respond to your questions by sending you copies of letters which I have written upon the subject which you mention—the question of the inconsistency of sending to Battle Creek for counsel, leaving them to decide questions which concern far off parts of the world. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 3)

The matter in regard to centralizing all the power in one body in Battle Creek has become serious. From the light given me, I see that this administration is embracing altogether too much, and is trying to carry burdens and interests which it has not strength or wisdom from heaven to bear, or to conduct successfully. The Lord is just as willing to impart wisdom and ability to men in distant fields as He is to impart wisdom and ability to the men in Battle Creek. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 4)

There are general matters about which it will be necessary to consult the business men in Battle Creek, but a few men in that place should not be depended upon to pass resolutions with reference to local affairs They are not on the ground, and they cannot take in the situation. The Lord is willing to lead the ministers and missionaries in distant countries. He is willing to guide them in the superintendence of their work. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 5)

If, after being tried, men prove to be failures, let them be relieved, and others chosen in their place, not ministers only, but men who can give counsel, and devise plans and methods which will be for the advancement of the work of God. Distant conferences should not be compelled to depend upon Battle Creek to manage for them. In every country men should be appointed to assist the presidents of the different conferences. The carrying forward of the message should be entrusted to willing men, men who, in the fear of God, will minister in His service. As these men do their best, according to their ability, working with a deep, earnest love for the souls for whom Christ has died, God will help them. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 6)

Separate councils of administration should be appointed. These councils should exercise supervision over the work where sanitariums and schools are being established, and wherever important interests are located. Those who are accepted as members of these councils, as being men capable of taking an active interest in the instrumentalities for the advancement of the work and cause of God, should be allowed to work. It is not in the order of God that men, supposed to be men of mind and judgment, should lay aside their privilege of acting for themselves to depend on the decisions of the councils at Battle Creek. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 7)

If the Lord has located His sanctuary at Battle Creek, and in no other place, it is right and sensible to refer all questions to that place. But we know that He presides over every portion of His moral vineyard. To every man, according to his ability, He has given work, and this work is to be done. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 8)

In order that the Lord’s work be done, councils in different localities must decide important matters without waiting for the decisions of the councils at Battle Creek. The men at Battle Creek are no more inspired to give unerring advice than are the men in other places, to whom the Lord has entrusted the work in their locality. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 9)

Let men seek the Lord for wisdom. Let Him be inquired of and depended on. Finite men must not be depended on to decide what shall be done and what shall not be done in far distant fields. All should remember that if the Lord has a special work in any vicinity, all heaven is interested in that work. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 10)

Those whom is entrusted the privilege of being laborers together with God must accept the invitation of Christ, “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.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] Why then do we carry our burdens to our fellow men, asking them to bear them for us? If the Lord has placed us in positions of responsibility, why do we, instead of asking Him for wisdom, go to our fellow men? In yoking up with Christ, we link ourselves with One who is mighty in counsel, One who never makes a mistake. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 11)

When power is exercised by men they must give evidence that their power and their wisdom comes from the source of all power and wisdom. If men use their power to do strange deeds, and link themselves with men whose influence is not Christlike, it is dangerous to put confidence in them. “Learn of me,” said Christ, “for I am meek and lowly in heart.” [Verse 29.] (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 12)

This self-sufficient, over-bearing spirit, which desires to rule others, is an element which men have received from beneath. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20.] (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 13)

The church of Christ must depend on the source of all power for its efficiency. Christ is all and in all. The great sin which has been entering the ranks of Seventh-day Adventists is the sin of exalting man and placing him where God should be. This was demonstrated at Minneapolis. There are few who will be pleased to meet the record of the transactions of that conference—how long and hard the battle was, before men could be led to see that they were only men, finite, erring men, and that God was dishonored by men making flesh their arm. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 14)

When Satan has found that men at the very heart of the work refuse to admit the truth for this time, he has worked upon these men, leading them to bring in principles and methods and plans which have clothed acting power with robes of darkness and uncertainty. Conscience violated becomes a tyrant over other consciences. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 15)

It is not right that minds should be directed to look to Battle Creek for advice upon everything. In every place there are special interests which must be managed according to the circumstances which present themselves. At times there is necessity that action be taken at once. But if the people are educated to think that nothing can be done by local councils, unless the matter is referred to Battle Creek, the conferences are made weak, dependent, and one-sided. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 16)

God is the ruler of His people; and He will teach those who give their minds to Him how to use their brains. As they employ their executive ability, they will grow in efficiency. The Lord’s heritage is made up of vessels large and small, but each one has his individual work. The mind of one man, or the minds of two or three men, are not to be depended on as certain to be safe for all to follow. Let all look to God, trust in Him, and believe fully in His power. Yoke up with Christ, and not with men, for men have no power to keep you from falling. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 17)

I want to say something in regard to the work here. Souls are coming into the truth. Last Sabbath several were present at the meeting who have been attending Bible readings Two young men by the name of Symons have taken their position for the truth. Others are interested. But I must write no more now. It is about seven o’clock, and Maggie must copy this tonight, ready for tomorrow morning’s mail. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 18)

Love to your family and to your niece. (11LtMs, Lt 88, 1896, 19)

Lt 89, 1896

Prescott, W. W.
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, Australia
September 24, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 9MR 165.
Dear Brother Prescott:

I have risen early to add a few more words to a letter already written. You inquired in regard to whether you should accept responsibilities if they were urged upon you. You may have clear light for yourself upon this point when the time of action shall come. Times of necessity are God’s opportunities. I know not what you will meet; I know not how the Lord will move upon His people. You must go forward in faith. (11LtMs, Lt 89, 1896, 1)

I am more than ever convinced that the same men should not be presidents of the same conferences year after year. They are to do their work after the divine similitude. And the same men should not be held year after year as advisors in committees or boards. Changes must be made, for these men come to think themselves a necessity; that the work will not prosper without their wisdom. There is great danger that their wisdom will become foolishness because they trust in themselves in the place of making God their trust. Rather than to hide in Jesus Christ and be worked by the Holy Spirit, they plan and devise methods to carry out the projects of their own minds, in order to make a show. Then the artful, deceptive working of Satan comes in, and men handling sacred responsibilities move in strange ways, and handle strange fire. They do not feel the sacredness of the work, and the importance of working in humility and contrition before God. Full of self-confidence, they devise and plan, but how little earnest desire they cherish that God shall lead and inspire their hearts, and give them His wisdom lest they shall voice resolutions that have never been thought of in the councils of heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 89, 1896, 2)

If these men would but consider that there is one Proprietor of the universe, that man, with all his talents which God has given him to use for His name’s glory, and all his resources, powers, and capability, belongs to God. His gifts are only lent him to be kept pure, clean, and holy, for the great end of magnifying his Creator. Man should inquire at every step, Is this the way of the Lord? All of God’s gifts are lent on trial. If misused, if appropriated to selfish ends, as is so often done, or if used to place the brethren in hard places, or to lead any soul on to Satan’s battleground to be tempted, Satan triumphs, because he can use the human agent to give him the very help he needs, to bring discouragement and confusion, and to cause many to stumble. (11LtMs, Lt 89, 1896, 3)

The truth that is to be promulgated is to fill the whole earth with its glory. Every thing done should magnify and exalt the God of truth. Let this fact be well considered by those who serve in any position of responsibility, that as Christ is magnified by the human agent, self, “I,” decreases. God has given to every man his work. He has a righteous claim upon every human worker to devise and plan with him, to yoke up with him, and to co-operate with him. (11LtMs, Lt 89, 1896, 4)

The work and cause of God is to be handled as a sacred thing. It should engross every thought and energy, power and passion, of the human agent who wears Christ’s yoke and lifts Christ’s burdens. The heart which is consecrated to God will not be in haste to become rich, and will not sacrifice on the altar of mammon the powers lent him of God. The capabilities entrusted to him are sacred, and should be held sacred to God. Soul, body, and spirit are the Lord’s. God has a claim upon the affections. All is His, for every human soul has been bought with a price, and should be consecrated to the service of Him whose we are by creation and redemption. God’s will, not our pleasure, should be the controlling, governing power. Every blood-bought soul is to recognize divine authority. (11LtMs, Lt 89, 1896, 5)

The world is watching, and is criticizing us as professed Christians. “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” “Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them.” [Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 7:12.] This is the fruit that grows on the Christian tree. The world will take knowledge of all who bear this kind of fruit, that they have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Their experience will be genuine. (11LtMs, Lt 89, 1896, 6)

I add these words. Now, my brother and sister, give yourselves unreservedly to God, and He will be with you in power. God bless you, is my prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 89, 1896, 7)

Lt 90, 1896

Palmer, W. O.
Avondale, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
January 24, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in PM 217-218; 3SM 118; 8MR 349; 9MR 268-269.
Mr. W. O. Palmer
Battle Creek, Michigan, U. S. A.
Dear Brother:

I received your letter, and thank you for writing in reference to Edson White. I have written to him, setting forth my great need of help in the book making line. I have solicited Dr. Kellogg to write to me if there was anyone he could recommend to help me in this work. I must have help. Fannie Bolton has failed me after causing me the most intense suffering of mind by her tragic attitudes and her exalted opinion of her superior qualifications. She no longer has any connection with me, and she never will have again. Marian Davis is the only one now left. Nothing can now take her attention from The Life of Christ, the first volume of which we are now reading for the press. (11LtMs, Lt 90, 1896, 1)

When you and Edson were companions in labor, I felt that it was in the order of God; but as you have been placed in another position, I think it might be the Lord’s will for Edson to come to me. Dr. Kellogg writes that he knows of no one who could help me as much as Edson. If anyone can give me help, I should have it without delay. I have but little time to work. I want to prepare several books at once. Several persons have spoken to me of Edson White, who, they say, is better able to assist me than any other person I know of, yet I do not wish to withdraw him from the field where he is unless someone shall take his place. If my children can help me, they are the ones I should have. If the Lord wills it thus, it will be brought around. (11LtMs, Lt 90, 1896, 2)

I think no one has really taken in the difficulties under which I have labored, the peculiar elements with which I have been connected. Edson could be a great help to me. Elder Olsen and Willie have not felt it best to take him from the field where he seems to be doing so much good, but I think the Lord would have him with me unless some other one be provided. But how appropriate for my own son and daughter to be my helpers. Edson understands my reasons for desiring his help, for I have written to him. I cannot accept men as my co-workers, and I do not find women who can work as editors. I need help now, but I shall force nothing. Willie cannot possibly assist me, for the burdens he has to carry are more than enough for two men. He has not suitable help for himself. (11LtMs, Lt 90, 1896, 3)

The dummy of Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, with the illustrations, I received. The illustrations I could not possibly accept under any consideration. Some of them look as if prepared for a comic almanac. That any one connected with the work in Battle Creek should think it possible for me to accept these cuts is most astonishing. I dare not trust the book Life of Christ for them to illustrate, for I think their wisdom has departed from them. God commanded Moses, “Make everything according to the pattern shown thee in the mount.” [Hebrews 8:5.] Everything connected with the sanctuary was of the most perfect workmanship. (11LtMs, Lt 90, 1896, 4)

If I wanted to belittle the work of God, I might accept such illustrations as those sent me. I must tell you I am thoroughly disgusted, and think the workers have lost sight of the elevated and noble in Bible characters and history. Pictures to represent Bible scenes must be no cheap designs. True science of all kinds is distinction and power. He who by painstaking effort ascends step by step the ladder of human progress must fix his eyes on the One above the ladder. The knowledge which God imparts is not of a character to belittle our ideas of sacred things. The glory of God must be kept before the mind’s eye, not the cheap, earthly representations that imprint in the memory scenes which give a false conception of Christ and heavenly things. A proper illustration of Bible scenes requires talent of a superior quality. With these cheap, common productions, the sacred lessons of the Bible disdain comparison. (11LtMs, Lt 90, 1896, 5)

That which is holy and elevated in heavenly things, I scarcely dare represent. Often I lay down my pen and say, Impossible, impossible for finite minds to grasp eternal truths and deep holy principles, and to express their living import. I stand ignorant and helpless. The rich current of thought takes possession of my whole being, and I lay down my pen, and say, O Lord, I am finite, I am weak and simple and ignorant; thy grand and holy revelations I can never find language to express. (11LtMs, Lt 90, 1896, 6)

My words seem inadequate, and I despair of clothing the truth God has made known concerning his great redemption, which engrossed to itself His undivided attention in the only begotten Son of the Infinite One. The truths that are to last through time and through eternity, the great plan of redemption, which cost so much for the salvation of the human race, presenting before them a life that measures with the life of God—these truths are too full, deep, and holy for human words, or human pen, to adequately express. (11LtMs, Lt 90, 1896, 7)

Knowledge concerning common, earthly things may be acquired by ordinary means, but the truths that fell from the hallowed lips of the only begotten Son of God, with the deep science of eternity in His mind, require wisdom from God to express. There is danger of degrading the high and pure and holy by representing it by common, cheap, earthly things. It is using the common fire in place of the sacred, bringing down eternal things to the level of that which is cheap and base. To substitute cheap, human conceptions for the true and elevated is not acceptable to God. Let the illustrations sent me to put by, never to be accepted as worthy to have the slightest connection with sacred themes. The talent that produces such illustrations might better be dispensed with altogether in this line of work. (11LtMs, Lt 90, 1896, 8)

The work before us is great, and cannot be done in any cheap style. I am at a loss to know just what to do with the books I am urged to write. May the Lord help me, is my prayer. God forbid that we should please the devil by lowering the standard of eternal truth by using illustrations that men, women, and children will make sport of. The Lord would have our ideas more heavenly. We are not our own, but absolutely God’s; our identity is connected with God. Our influence and all our capacity for usefulness are His. Our intellectual and moral powers, with all their capabilities for knowledge, belong to God. We are to behold in Jesus the chiefest among ten thousand, the One altogether lovely. We are His by creation, His by redemption. (11LtMs, Lt 90, 1896, 9)

We have endowments entrusted to us as free moral agents, with liberty to abuse or to improve. But God will call us to account for our use of His entrusted talents. No man or set of men is to take that responsibility out of our hands. The Lord has measured the extent of each man’s obligation by the amount of the gift loaned. He who is on the Lord’s side, constantly gaining higher, clearer views of heaven and eternal realities, will reveal the same. Our talents, few or many, are wholly the Lord’s, to be devoted to His service. No man will be clear if he makes no improvement upon the gifts given. May the Lord help every soul to work for Him and for eternity. (11LtMs, Lt 90, 1896, 10)

With much love to yourself and family, (11LtMs, Lt 90, 1896, 11)

Your sister. (11LtMs, Lt 90, 1896, 12)

Lt 91, 1896

Brethren and Sisters on Pitcairn Island
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 12, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in RH 08/04/1896.
Dear Brethren and Sisters on Pitcairn Island:

I send you greeting. I have received from you letters and tokens of remembrance, which I value highly, because they speak to me of your love to one whom you have never seen. I have much love for you, and my heart goes out in prayer that you may grow in spiritual knowledge and understanding. Nothing would please me better than to spend some time with you on your island home, but we each have our corner in the Master’s vineyard in which to work for Him. God has given to each man his work. Our part is to do this work faithfully and well. (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 1)

How glad I am that you may have with you the presence of the One who is all-sufficient and all-powerful. Although you are cut off from the world by the broad ocean, yet you are not alone. The apostle John, banished to the Isle of Patmos by men inspired of Satan to persecute those who bore faithful witness to God, was visited by the heavenly messenger. (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 2)

Writing of his experience, John says, “I John, who also am your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia, and I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 3)

“His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire: and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars; and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword; and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” [Revelation 1:9-19.] (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 4)

On this lonely island John received “the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John; who bare record of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.” [Verses 1-3.] (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 5)

That same Jesus who appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos will visit each one of you on your island home. He will be found of all who call upon Him, and will manifest unto them His love and the love of His Father. Light from the Son of God shone on the barren Isle of Patmos, making it a heaven to the lonely exile; and if you keep close to Jesus, your Elder Brother, your home will be honored by the divine presence. Keep your eyes uplifted to Jesus; feel that it is your privilege to come to him with all your griefs and troubles, be they large or small. Trust Him as implicitly as a child trusts its parents. (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 6)

But though you are largely shut away from the temptations which assail those living in cities and villages, yet you are not out of the reach of the enemy. Satan is constantly plotting the ruin of men and women; he watches untiringly to see where he can introduce himself; and he will seek to turn you from your allegiance to God. But in God there is strength to overcome all temptations. When you are tempted, let your heart go out to God in prayer for strength to resist the enemy. Learn to believe in Jesus, and to take Him at His word. (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 7)

Fasten the mind on His precious promises, that you may give help to those with whom you associate. The young, as well as the old, are to be workers together with God in the battle against evil. By faith in the blood of Christ they can keep their own souls in the love of God. Each morning let them say, I must live for Jesus today; I must love Him, and think of Him, and refuse to be led by the tempter to do a wrong action. Then they will be victors in the battle, and a victory gained today fortifies the soul against tomorrow’s temptations. Ask God to show you what you should avoid, and what you should encourage. Parents and children, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 8)

God has given man a guide book, which shows him the way to heaven. The Bible is the voice of God to man, telling him what he must do to gain eternal life. “Search the Scriptures,” said Christ, “for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” [John 5:39.] If you would be successful students of this Word, ask God for the aid of His Holy Spirit, who will teach us all things. Carefully study the Bible verse by verse, praying that God will give you wisdom to understand His Word. Take one verse, and concentrate your mind on it, trying to ascertain the thought God has put in that verse for you. Dwell upon the thought until it becomes your own, and you know “what saith the Lord.” (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 9)

It will not do merely to read God’s Word, for the truth it contains is like treasure hid in a field; it does not lie upon the surface, and only the earnest, persevering searcher is rewarded by finding the jewels of priceless worth—the inexhaustible riches of Christ Jesus. Never, till I made a business of searching the Bible, did I know what treasures it contains. (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 10)

Few realize what they lose by not searching the Scriptures. All who search the inspired Word for themselves will gain a knowledge of a personal, abiding Saviour; and their Christian experience will not depend upon feeling, but upon the Word of the living God. “The words I speak unto you,” said Jesus, “they are Spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] And the more one studies the Word of God, the more that Word takes possession of his mind, and he sees deeper and deeper into the divine purpose. (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 11)

Said the psalmist, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple,”—to all who, with the simplicity of a child, will search that Word. [Psalm 119:130.] “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” [Proverbs 2:1-6.] (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 12)

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” [2 Timothy 3:16, 17.] The experience you gain by a study of God’s Word will enable you to be a help to others. As you appropriate the precious promises it contains, you will find help and assurance. Your light will shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day, for you will know Him whose going forth is prepared as the morning. (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 13)

The precious Saviour watches over each one of His little flock on your island. He gave His own precious life that you might not perish; and each one should bear in mind that his life is given him, not to be lightly esteemed, but to be used in God’s service. A life of faithful service to God is the only happy life. Living for Him, we may enjoy a sweet sense of peace and assurance. (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 14)

Well may our hearts turn to our Redeemer with the most perfect trust when we think of what He has done for us, even when we were sinners. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Through faith we may rest in His love. “Whosoever cometh unto me,” He says, “I will in no wise cast out.” [John 6:37.] It would be a terrible thing to stand before God clothed in sinful garments, with His eye reading every secret of our lives. But through the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice we may stand before God pure and spotless, with our sins pardoned and atoned for. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 15)

The redeemed sinner, clothed in the white robes of Christ’s righteousness, may stand in the presence of a sin-hating God, made perfect by the virtue and merits of his Saviour. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] Keep your eye fixed upon Jesus. Think of Him as your friend. Through His rich grace He can save to the uttermost all who come to Him. He tells us in His Word that He is the “living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever.” [John 6:51.] (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 16)

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him; rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.” [Colossians 2:6-10.] “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” [Colossians 3:15-17.] (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 17)

I am sending you a few things by Brother Young. I am so situated that I cannot get to a store, and so must send what I have. Please accept these. Brother Young will make such disposition of them as he sees fit. I assure you of my interest and my love. (11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, 18)

Lt 92, 1896

Robinson, A. T.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Australia
September 2, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in TSA 66-68.
Dear Brother Robinson:

I address these letters to you, because I do not know that Professor Prescott will be in South Africa when this arrives. I am not sending anything to Elder Haskell in this mail, because I have reason to believe that he is on his way to Australia. If either of these brethren are there, please give them the letters addressed to Prescott. You may read them, and copy them if you wish. My time is so limited that I cannot write as I would. (11LtMs, Lt 92, 1896, 1)

I would be pleased to see you and your family, but do not expect that I shall enjoy this privilege. May the Lord give you increased faith and courage in Him. Do not depend on any man to be brains for you. Think and put every God-given ability to the tax. Expect that the Lord will work in and by and through you. Do not lose your zeal. Do not submerge your identity in any human being. You may be safely one with God. You may hide your entire self in Him. Be no man’s shadow. “Our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost.” [1 Thessalonians 1:5.] The Word and the Spirit agree. The instrument and the agent co-operate together. The truth is represented as the sword of the Spirit. No tame message must come from our lips. “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.” [Hebrews 4:12.] This makes the Word a power. (11LtMs, Lt 92, 1896, 2)

Do not, I beg of you, sink down into a faithless position. Arise and shine, for the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. Believe, believe without a doubt that God hears your prayers. If you feel weak and unworthy, He is your strength. The Word is abundant in promises from God to us, and the Spirit helps our infirmities to plead these promises. The Word shows the way, the Spirit helps us to walk in it. You need to cling to the Lord with all your might. The Word is the seed of the Spirit, and the Spirit is the quickening power. Be firm, and full of faith and trust in God. (11LtMs, Lt 92, 1896, 3)

I feel deeply in regard to the missionary work in South Africa. I do hope you will not look to men, nor trust in men, but look to God and trust in God. We may expect large things, even the deep movings of the Spirit of God, if we have faith in His promises. Our greatest sin is unbelief in God. Has He not shown us how precious we are in His sight, and with what value He regards our souls, by giving us Jesus? We are required to unite our souls with Jesus Christ, that we may have no tame, commonplace experience. (11LtMs, Lt 92, 1896, 4)

Stand in God, work with full confidence in God. Daily a genuine conversion is needed. Unite your heart with God by clinging faith. He is the friend of sinners. You are invited to join your weakness to His strength, your ignorance to His wisdom, your nothingness to His merits, your frailty to His enduring might. Will you do this? (11LtMs, Lt 92, 1896, 5)

I beseech of you by the mercies of God that you lean wholly upon Jesus Christ. In the place of turning your eyes to Battle Creek, turn your eyes to heaven, and call upon God. It is a terrible education that our people have been receiving, to ask counsel of man instead of going to God, the Source of all wisdom, grace, and efficiency. His church is married to Him, and is to become a sharer in His kingdom, a joint heir with Jesus Christ. The joint heir has the assurance that he shall be loved as God loves His Son. (11LtMs, Lt 92, 1896, 6)

Seek for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You must stand in your God-given personality before heaven. Your heart must be united with Christ’s heart, your life knit with hidden links to His life. Because He lives, you shall live also. Your interests must be bound up with the interests of Jesus Christ. Then you will be kept by faith in the power of God. (11LtMs, Lt 92, 1896, 7)

Talk faith. Sow the seeds of faith. Reach up your hands heavenward for help. Arm yourself with the mind that was in Christ Jesus. You can place far more confidence in God, who gave His only begotten Son to die for your sin, if you will only pray to God, and not pray so much to Battle Creek, to human beings who are erring. Join yourself to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that will not be forgotten. The Lord is willing and anxious to teach you. Will you be taught by Him, or must your teaching come by the way of Battle Creek? You have the privilege of becoming strong in God, or you may choose to depend upon the powers in Battle Creek, and grow weak and uncertain. (11LtMs, Lt 92, 1896, 8)

Look to God, and expect Him to guide you, bless you, and help you. He has a heaven full of rich blessings for all who seek them in faith. (11LtMs, Lt 92, 1896, 9)

When you find yourself depressed, and you have a sinking time, pray. Hold on by prayer to that arm that was stretched out to hold up a sinking Peter. It will give you courage, vital energy, and pure, unadulterated wisdom. Our people generally are to understand from whence their strength comes. Our reinforcements come from God. In your weakness, lay hold of infinite strength, and the people will see that you have the solid rock of God’s promises beneath your feet. Your heart must turn away from human supports. If your heart goes out to Jesus in loving trust, you will be strong. You will say, Brethren, have courage in the Lord. But if the people see that you have a hesitance to venture out and take responsibilities, they will think, Well, he is weak, and cannot advise and counsel us. (11LtMs, Lt 92, 1896, 10)

Be strong, and talk hope. Press your way through obstacles. You are in spiritual wedlock with Jesus Christ. The Word is your assurance. Approach your Saviour with the full assurance of faith, joining your hands with His. Follow God where He leads the way. Whatsoever He says to you, do it. He will teach, you must as willingly as He will teach somebody else (11LtMs, Lt 92, 1896, 11)

My brother, your Christian experience has been too hesitating, too undecided. Change this attitude. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Talk as one who knows whereof he speaks, and you will have a testimony like Caleb’s. We are well able to go up and possess the goodly land. Hold fast to Jesus, and offer your prayers to Him, and not to Battle Creek. (11LtMs, Lt 92, 1896, 12)

In love. (11LtMs, Lt 92, 1896, 13)

Lt 93, 1896

Robinson, A. T.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
September 30, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in TSA 69-71.
Dear Brother:

By this mail I send letters to Brother Prescott, not knowing as he will receive them. He may have left Africa before they reach him. I will therefore direct them to your care. If he is there, you may deliver them to him. Also read them yourself, and to those who are carrying the responsibilities in Cape Town. But let them not come before those who do not have judgment, and who will make a wrong use of them. If Elder Prescott has left, keep the communications yourself. (11LtMs, Lt 93, 1896, 1)

I sent you a letter by the last mail, and I have now a few words to say to you. From the light the Lord has given me, you greatly need the deep movings of the Spirit of God. Your testimony lacks the quickening power that would give it efficiency. Those who claim to believe the truth in Africa need to have decided, earnest efforts made in their behalf. The struggling little flock need a firm, decided testimony. Christ is the Way, the Truth, the Life. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that is needed. There is with you and with the flock of God a self-satisfied feeling that must be broken up. The Spirit of God is a convincing power. When this is breathed upon the church, there will be a decided change in their spiritual efficiency. The Lord God is ready to give, but many do not realize their necessity of receiving. They are weak, when they might be strong; powerless, where they might be powerful through receiving the efficiency of the Holy Spirit. Their light is dim. Arouse them from their self-satisfied, self-righteous condition. (11LtMs, Lt 93, 1896, 2)

From those who see the light and truth the message must go forth with a power that they do not have, and do not feel it essential that they should have. When they do take hold upon the mighty One by living faith, when the truth is to them a living reality, then they will see a work done that at the present they do not dream of. There is a sleepy indifference upon the people who are right upon the borders of the eternal world. They have missionary work to do, decided testimonies to bear. The trumpet is to give a certain sound in warnings, in reproofs, in entreaties. All should put forth earnest labor in seeking to save perishing souls. (11LtMs, Lt 93, 1896, 3)

What means this deadness? What means this spirit of being self-centered? Time is passing! The end is near! Whom are you trying to save from the pit of destruction? O that God would breathe in these worldly-minded souls, O that they might feel to the very depths of their being that they must watch unto prayer, that they have entrusted talents to be used now, just now, whenever God calls for their gifts to advance his work in our world. Do they hear the voice of God saying, “Ye are the light of the world”? [Matthew 5:14.] Imaginations and dreams and a knowledge of the truth are not enough. Every believer is to kindle his taper from the divine altar. All are to shine, because the light of the truth has come upon them, and they cannot help shining amid the moral darkness of the world. (11LtMs, Lt 93, 1896, 4)

“Ye are the salt of the earth. But what if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted?” [Verse 13.] Read Revelation; read from the beginning to the close. Not only read, but study most earnestly, determined to understand. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” [Revelation 1:3.] Read chapter 2:1-6. There is to be a doing of the first work, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent.” [Verses 4, 5.] See also chapter 3:1-8. (11LtMs, Lt 93, 1896, 5)

I can write but little now. I have written so much for the last mail that I am too weary to write. In the night season I was speaking to you in the visions of my head upon my bed. I said that the company of believers were neglecting their God-given work. They have been in the condition which Christ represents by the salt without the savor. They need the Holy Spirit, and they will not have it unless they arouse themselves and sdo the works of Christ. They are to give to the world the light the Lord has given them. Unless they shall practice the truth, the truth will not sanctify their own souls nor the souls of others. With hearts full of earnestness and light they are to communicate to others the light given them. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:16, 17.] (11LtMs, Lt 93, 1896, 6)

Here is your work—leading souls to the fountain of the water of life. All who have the truth in their own hearts as a living principle, an all-pervading influence, will have a living testimony to bear to those who are in the darkness of error. There is, thank God, an ever living Spirit to guide us into all truth. But it is to be communicated, not shut up to our own individual selves. This Spirit, who will guide us into all truth, must be made known to others, and will guide them. The Word, the precious Word, is to be eaten as the flesh of the Son of God. Let there be no listless, sleepy testimonies. (11LtMs, Lt 93, 1896, 7)

Instead of stimulating doubt, strengthen faith by every word, attitude, and practice. Make known that we have a living Saviour, a real, spiritual life, to receive and to impart. Guide others to plant their feet on solid Rock, who are now on sliding sand. There are souls to be revived, many to receive the joy of salvation into their own souls. They have erred, they have not been building a right character; but God has joy to restore to them, even the joy of His anointed. This will give efficiency and happiness and sanctified assurance, a living testimony. Tell the poor desponding ones who have gone astray from straight paths, tell them that they need not despair. There is healing, cleansing, for every soul who will come to Christ. There is a balm in Gilead, there is a Physician there. (11LtMs, Lt 93, 1896, 8)

In hours when clouds encompass the soul, Christ is not far from every one of us. To whom shall we go if not to the Sin-bearer, the great Healer of human woe? “Thou hast the words of eternal life.” [John 6:68.] There is joy for all who put their trust in him, and exercise the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Jesus says, “My joy shall be in you, and your joy shall be full.” [John 15:11.] “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] A paralysis has stolen upon the spiritual nerve and muscle of the children of God. Arouse now, just now, without delay. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” [Isaiah 55:6.] (11LtMs, Lt 93, 1896, 9)

In love. (11LtMs, Lt 93, 1896, 10)

Lt 94, 1896

Starr, Brother and Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
June 14, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in TM 309-318. +
Dear Brother and Sister Starr:

I have been passing through a severe time lately, with my head, and especially with my eyes. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 1)

Last Friday night I was conversing with you, telling you something with reference to your methods of labor. The heavenly Watcher stood beside us, and I wish I could write every word he uttered; but I fear that I cannot. You said, “I wish I knew in regard to my duty. In some ways I do not feel satisfied with the results of my labor.” The voice of the One beside us was then heard saying, “Have faith in God; learn of Jesus Christ. When you handle the sacred truths of God’s Word, keep Christ uplifted. Your great need is to learn Christ’s manner of teaching. When you are teaching the people, present only a few vital points, and keep your mind concentrated on these points. You bring unimportant ideas into your discourses. These are not always a savor of life unto life, and have no real connection with your text. By wandering from straight lines, and bringing in that which calls the mind off the subject, you weaken all that you have previously said. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 2)

God would not have you think that you are impressed by His Spirit when you fly from your subject, bringing in foreign matters, which are designed as a reproof, and which should not be named in connection with the words of solemn and sacred truth. By doing this, you lose your bearings and weaken the affect of that which is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. You have made of none effect many precious ideas by mixing them with other thoughts which have come to your mind, but which had no bearing upon the subject. That which is far from the subject under consideration should find no place in your discourses. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 3)

There are in this world hearts that are crying aloud for the living God. But helpless human nature has been fed with distasteful food; discourses dissatisfying to hungry, starving souls have been given in the churches. In these discourses there is not that divine manifestation that touches the mind and creates a glow in the soul. The hearers cannot say, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us by the way, and opened to us the Scriptures?” [Luke 24:32.] An abundance of chaff is given to the people, but this will not awaken the transgressor, or convict souls of sin. The souls who come to hear need a plain, straightforward presentation of truth. Those who have tasted of the Word of God have dwelt long in an atmosphere where there is no God, and they long for the divine presence. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 4)

Gird up the loins of your mind that you may present the truth of God acceptably. Preach the truth in its simplicity, but let your discourses be short. Dwell decidedly on a few important points. Realize every moment that you must have the presence of the Holy Spirit, for it can do a work that you cannot do of yourself. If you have any burden of a disagreeable character on your mind, get rid of it by personal labor or earnest prayer before you come before the people. Plead earnestly with God to remove that burden from your mind. Keep decidedly to a few points. Give the people pure wheat, thoroughly winnowed from all chaff. Do not let your discourses embrace so much that weakness shall be seen in the place of solid argument. Present the truth as it is in Jesus, that those who hear may receive the very best impression. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 5)

Speak short. Your discourses are generally double the length they should be. It is possible to handle a good thing in such a manner that it loses its flavor. When a discourse is too long, the last part of the teaching detracts from the force and interest of that which has preceded it. Do not wander, but come right to the point. Give the people manna from heaven, and the Spirit will bear witness with your spirit that it is not you that speaks, but that the Holy Spirit speaks through you. The teacher of the Word of God must first talk with God, and then he can stand before the people with the Holy Spirit working upon his mind. If he faithfully co-operates with Christ, the promise will be fulfilled, “Lo, I am with you always.” [Matthew 28:20.] (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 6)

Be careful never to lose a sense of the presence of the Divine Watcher. Remember that you are speaking, not only to an unenlightened assembly, but to One whom you should ever recognize [as present]. Speak as though the whole universe of heaven were before you, as well as the hungry, starving company of God’s sheep and lambs, which must be fed. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 7)

Those who claim to preach the Word should preach the Word, ever remembering that they are laborers together with God. He is their efficiency, and if He is given opportunity, He will work for them. If they are humble, if they do not rely upon their own supposed wisdom and ability, God will place arguments in their minds, and speak through their lips. He will also impress the minds of the hearers, preparing their hearts to receive the seed which is sown. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 8)

My brother, a daily work must be done for you by the power of God, or else, in stead of the Holy Spirit, the enemy of God and man will stand by your side. Under his influence weaknesses will appear in your work. The most precious points of faith relative to the salvation of the soul will be marred and mutilated in your hands. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 9)

Unless you change your manner of labor, you will give a faulty education to those who connect with you in the work. Let your heart struggle and break for the longing it has for God, the living God. Let nothing divert your mind from the work of God to unimportant matters. With all your God-given energies, work earnestly and prayerfully, calling upon the church to co-operate with you. Put no trust in yourself, but rest in the assurance that God is the Chief Worker. You are only His servant; and your work is to voice His words, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 10)

Take no glory whatever to yourself. Do not work with a divided mind, trying to serve self and God at the same time. Keep self out of sight. Let your words lead the weary and heavy-laden to carry their burdens to Jesus. Work as seeing Him who is at your right hand, ready to give you His efficiency and omnipotent power in any emergency. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 11)

The Lord God is your Counselor, your Guide, the Captain of your salvation. He goes before your face, conquering and to conquer. Dedicate yourself, soul and body, to Him, banishing all self-indulgence. Deny self; take up your cross, and work earnestly for the Master. Do not needlessly expend your strength by giving long discourses. This uses up the vitality, so that insufficient strength is left to devote to the most important part of the work—house to house ministry. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 12)

Teaching the Scriptures, praying in families—this is the work of an evangelist, and this work is to be mingled with your preaching. If it is omitted, preaching will be, to a great extent, a failure. You need to be jealous of yourself. You and your wife need to come close to the people by personal effort. Teach them that the love of God must come into the inner sanctuary of the home life. If you so desire, you may have the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to help you in your work. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 13)

We are carrying the last message of mercy to a perishing world, and God calls upon us to bring freshness and power into our work. We can do this only by the aid of the Holy Spirit. Hereditary tendencies and wrong habits must be disciplined and oft crucified. Humble yourselves under the hand of God, for your ways are not God’s ways, and you both have much to learn in the school of Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 14)

I am hurrying to get this and other matters ready, that Willie may take them to you. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 15)

Last night these words of instruction were spoken to you: Counsel with your brethren. Your plans need the careful consideration of other minds. Warnings have been given in regard to depending upon men and trusting in their wisdom. The tempter aims to lead men astray by persuading them to cease looking to Jesus for strength and efficiency, and make strength their arm. This has been done in many cases. Satan has laid his trap to catch men and win them to his side by trying to prevail upon them to depend upon their finite, erring fellow men. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 16)

But when a reproof is given on this point, the enemy takes the counsel given, and presents it in such a perverted light, that those who desire to follow their own judgment feel at liberty to plan and devise important measures without counselling with their brethren. Thus another error strives for recognition. Men go to an extreme in one direction, and if corrected, go to an extreme in the opposite direction. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 17)

You will be in danger of making mistakes if you move out in your own supposed wisdom. You need counsel. You have not the efficiency for all classes of labor, and you should not commence work in important places if there is danger that you will lay a foundation which you cannot complete. Light must be expressly given by God, and duty must be clear and unmistakable before one man or two men enter new and important fields. You need to counsel with your brethren, for there is danger that your mind will run too fast in devising plans and methods. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 18)

Words which never should have been uttered have been spoken to you with reference to your brethren. The misconceptions existing in other minds have been communicated to you, and your mind has been led in a train of speculative thought that is not safe or correct. Keep watch over your thoughts. Guard closely the impulses of your mind and heart. Words have been spoken that have led you to place more confidence in your own plans and methods than is right. Words slip from your lips unbidden and unsanctioned by God. Take heed lest, when the time come that you can prove yourself a friend and fill a friend’s place by giving sound counsel, you are unprepared. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 19)

You must not walk independently of all counsel. It is your duty to counsel with your brethren. This may touch your pride, but the humility of a mind taught by the Holy Spirit will listen to counsel, and will banish all self-confidence. When counsel is given that conflicts with your personal wishes, you are not to think that your own wisdom is sufficient for you to give counsel to others, or that you can afford to neglect the counsel given. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 20)

Wherever you may labor, there is need that you blend your efforts with those of other efficient laborers. You are not a complete whole; you cannot successfully complete a series of meetings by yourself, but you can do your part with other laborers. This may be humiliating to you; but it should not be, for God has given a variety of gifts, and He desires that these gifts blend in perfect harmony. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 21)

You need to realize the danger of viewing matters from your own standpoint and with your own eyes of discernment. It would be well for you to frankly state your plans to your brethren, that you may know how they appear to them when seen from their standpoint; for circumstances may be so vividly impressed upon your mind that it is impossible for you to give an all-sided judgment. Let your plans be closely investigated, and with earnest prayer commit your case to Him who knoweth all things. Counsel together. Let not the whisperings of your own mind or of other minds close the door of your heart against the counsel of the Lord’s servants. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 22)

August 9, 1896

I have written this to you because it is a serious matter, involving serious consequences, which will affect future work in other localities. (Private. Brother Pallant needs no flattering words from you, for he has full estimation of his own abilities, and makes them appear by demeriting others. He does not realize that he is seeking to be first. He is not prepared to take upon him the responsibilities of a minister of the gospel, for he needs a humble heart and a contrite spirit. He needs to continue to give Bible readings, and when his brethren see that he is fitted to become a preacher of the gospel, this will be made manifest. You need caution.) (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 23)

I cannot see why the canvassing work is not as good and successful a work as can be done for the Lord. Canvassers can become acquainted with the people, they can pray with them, and can understand their true necessities. I have an article which was written some time ago in regard to canvassers, and if I can find it, I shall send it to you. From the light which God has given me, there is much responsibility resting upon the canvassers. They should go to their work prepared to explain the Scriptures, and nothing should be said or done to bind their hands. If they put their trust in the Lord as they travel from place to place, the angels of God will be round about them, giving them words to speak which will bring light and hope and courage to many souls. Were it not for the work of the canvasser, many would never hear the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 24)

The canvasser should carry with him books and pamphlets and tracts to give away to those who cannot buy books from him. In this way the truth can be introduced into many homes. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 25)

Of all the gifts which God has given to man, none is more noble or a greater blessing than the gift of speech, if it is sanctified by the Holy Spirit. It is with the tongue we convince and persuade; with it we offer prayer and praise to God; and with it we convey rich thoughts of the Redeemer’s love. By this work the canvasser can scatter the seeds of truth, causing the light from the Word of God to shine into many minds. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 26)

I sincerely hope that no mind will receive the impression that it belittles a minister of the gospel to canvass. Hear the apostle Paul’s testimony: “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews; and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Acts 20:18-21.] The eloquent Paul, to whom God manifested Himself in a wonderful manner, went from house to house, with all humility of mind, and with many tears and temptations. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 27)

I have been shown that the most precious ministry can be done by canvassing, and that by ministers. By doing this work, they will obtain a varied experience, and will be doing the very work that the apostle Paul did. (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 28)

I copy an extract from an appeal made to our brethren in regard to canvassing for our periodicals and books: “The canvassing work is an important field for labor, and the intelligent, God-fearing, truth-loving canvasser occupies a position equal to that of the gospel minister. Then should the canvasser feel at liberty, and more than the ordained minister, to act from selfish motives? Should he be unfaithful to all the principles of missionary work, and sell only those books that are cheapest and easiest to handle, neglecting to place before the people the books which will give [the] most light, because by so doing, he can earn more money for himself? The canvassing work is a missionary work, and the field must be worked from a missionary standpoint. Selfish principles, love of dignity and position, should not be once named among us. The thought of seeking to become greatest should never come into our minds.” (11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, 29)

Lt 95, 1896

Starr, G. B.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
August 11, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in Ev 158-159, 445, 457-458, 463-464; 4MR 36; 6MR 194-195; 8MR 196-197.
Elder G. B. Starr
Queensland, Australia
My Dear Brother:

I have some things to say to you. Do not exhaust your strength by giving long discourses. Search the Scriptures. Seek God in earnest prayer, that when you stand before the people, you may realize the solemn weight of the message which you are about to bear. Talk to the people in simplicity. Let your discourses be short. Handle only a few points, saving your vitality for the house to house work. Ministers too often stand before the people and deliver lengthy discourses, which in order to do good, need to be divided into three parts. The minds of the people are wearied by such discourses, and the truth loses its effect upon them. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 1)

Keep humble. In your ministry plead for the presence of the Holy Spirit, for nothing can be done without its aid. Never forget that you are a steward of the grace of God and a servant of the church for Christ’s sake. Mingle no selfishness with your work; pray that self may be covered with the garment of Christ’s righteousness. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 2)

Come close to the people in your work. If you can become better acquainted with them by canvassing, do that work. If you can bring the riches of the grace of Christ into their family circles; if, by simple, earnest prayer you can grasp the throne of the Infinite, and then flash the light you have received into the homes you enter, you are doing missionary work of the highest order. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 3)

I tell you in the name of the Lord that with your present force of workers, you are not prepared to engage in work in a hard place, where the prejudice is strong. If one half of the time usually spent in making a public effort were devoted to house to house teaching, till the people had become acquainted with the religious sincerity of the workers and with the reasons of their faith, it would be much better. After this work has been done, it could be decided whether a more expensive effort would be advisable. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 4)

Public efforts have been made which have accomplished good. Some have responded and received the truth, but oh, how few these have been. The Lord desires that the truth shall come close to the people, and this work can only be accomplished by personal labor. Much is comprehended in the command, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” [Luke 14:23.] There is a work to be done in this line that has not yet been done. Let God’s workers labor for a time in the highways and hedges; let them teach the truth in families, drawing close to those for whom they labor. If they thus co-operate with God, He will clothe them with spiritual power. Christ will guide them in their work, entering the houses of the people with them, and giving them words to speak that will sink deep into the hearts of the listeners. The Holy Spirit will open hearts and minds to receive the rays coming from the Source of all light. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 5)

In God’s service difficulties must be met and obstacles encountered. Events belong to God. His servants must meet with difficulties and opposition, for they are His chosen methods of discipline, and His appointed conditions of sure progress, advancement, and success. But I entreat the servants of the Lord Jesus to remember that here is a work which may be done quickly, without arousing that strong opposition which closes hearts to the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 6)

If half the time now spent in preaching were given to house to house labor, favorable results would be seen. Much good would be accomplished, for the workers could come close to the people. The time spent in quietly visiting families, and when there speaking to God in prayer, singing His praise, and explaining His Word, will often do more good than a public effort. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 7)

Many times minds are impressed with tenfold [more] force by personal appeals than by any other kind of labor. The family that is visited in this way is spoken to personally. The members are not in a promiscuous assembly, where they can apply to their neighbors the truths they hear. They themselves are spoken to, earnestly, and with a kind-hearted solicitude. They are allowed to express their objections freely, and thus objections can be met with a “Thus saith the Lord.” If this work is done in humility by those whose hearts are imbued with the love of God the words are fulfilled, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple.” [Psalm 119:130.] (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 8)

There are numbers of families who will never be reached by the truth of God’s Word unless the stewards of the manifold grace of Christ enter their homes and by earnest ministry, sanctified by the endorsement of the Holy Spirit, break down the barriers and enter the hearts of the people. As the people see that these workers are messengers of mercy, the ministers of grace, they are ready to listen to the words spoken by them. But the hearts of those who this work, must throb in unison with the heart of Christ. They must be wholly consecrated to the service of God, ready to do His bidding; ready to go wheresoever His providence leads them, and to speak the words He gives them. If they are what God desires, they shall be, if they are imbued with the Holy Spirit, they co-operate with heavenly agencies, and are indeed “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 9)

When such a worker offers a prayer to God in the family where he is visiting, the hearts of the members are touched as they would not be by any prayer offered in a public assembly. Angels of God enter the family circle with him; and the minds of the hearers are prepared to receive the Word of God, for if the messenger is humble and contrite, if he has a living connection with God, the Holy Spirit takes the Word and shows it to those for whom he is laboring. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 10)

This work is just what is needed to soften and subdue hearts, but I have been shown that it is too sparingly done. I tell you in the fear of God that there is more sermonizing than ministering. The field is a large one, but the servants of God, by straining themselves beyond their strength by their efforts to do much preaching, neglect the corners of the Lord’s vineyard, and overlook the hundred weekly opportunities for doing good. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 11)

Light, light from the Word of God—this is what the people need. If the teachers of hHs word are willing, the Lord will lead them into close relation with the people. He will guide them into the homes of those who need and desire the truth, bringing them into the situations best suited to, their talents. And as the servants of God in the work of seeking the lost sheep, their spiritual faculties are awakened and energized. Knowing that they are in harmony with God, they feel joyous and happy. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they obtain an experience that is invaluable to them. Their intellectual and moral powers attain their highest development, for grace is given to answer to the demand, grace for grace. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 12)

I was once shown a place in which a tent effort had been made. Great preparations had been made, and the expense entailed was large. Enough was done to awaken the whole community, and in one sense it was awakened; but it was to warn of the dangerous errors held by those preaching the truth. An alarm was sounded, and falsehoods were repeated again and again. The stay-away argument was used with much effect. The laborers were much disappointed with their efforts; for only a few came to hear, and very few decided to obey the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 13)

I was shown this same place at another time. I saw two Bible workers seated in a family, with the open Bible before them, they presented the Lord Jesus Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour. Their words were spoken with freshness and power. Earnest prayer was offered to God, and hearts were softened and subdued by the softening influence of the Spirit of God. As the word of God was explained, I saw that a soft radiant light illuminated the Scriptures, and I said softly, “Go ye out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” [Luke 14:23.] (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 14)

These workers were not boastful, but humble and contrite in heart, realizing always that the Holy Spirit was their efficiency. Under its divine influence, indifference was dispelled, and an earnest interest was manifested. The precious light was communicated from neighbor to neighbor. Family altars which had been broken down were again erected, and many were converted to the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 15)

I saw that those who accepted the truth were represented as a little army, standing under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel. On this banner was inscribed, “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.] Their faces shone with a light expressive of inward joy, and in tones of gratitude they said, “Redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.” The words were then spoken by the heavenly messenger, “Search the Scriptures. Look as you have never looked before into the perfect law of liberty. It condemns every sin, and requires every virtue.” (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 16)

God measures men by the light He has given them, by the opportunities which have been theirs. If those who have had great light do not consult their Guidebook at every step, inquiring, Is this the way of the Lord? Can I with safety walk in this path? their words and actions will be tainted with selfishness. They will forget God and walk in paths that God has not chosen for them. They will forget Christ; and they who do not receive Him as their personal Saviour will reveal hereditary and cultivated defects in their characters. Their conduct will be influenced by their own inclinations; their natural appetites will not be brought into subjection to the law of God. Selfishness will bind them hand and foot. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 17)

The Word of God declares, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” [Luke 10:27; Matthew 22:40.] The Lord has a controversy with his people, Many of them do not keep His commandments. As a people, we are far from being doers of the Word of God. Self, highly estimated, strives for recognition. We are told to love our neighbors as ourselves, but too often we disregard this command, walking far apart from those we should help, and cherishing self, calling for praise and recognition. But unless we change this course, and diligently study and faithfully practice the word of God, we shall not be able to endure the perils of the last day. (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 18)

“Wherefore lay aside all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a glass; for he beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” [James 1:21-25.] (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 19)

“But 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).” “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. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us.” “Now thanks be to God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place.” [2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:6, 7; 2:14.] (11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, 20)

Lt 96, 1896

Smith, Uriah
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
June 6, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 1SM 234-235.
Dear Brother:

The enclosed pages present a few points which were opened to Sister White last night, and which she wished sent to you. She has for some days been suffering from the effects of cold and overwork, and is today unable to read or write. The matter was written out as she presented it. We sent some copies of articles and letters by the S. F. mail, which Sister White desired you to read; but as we were not certain that you were in Battle Creek, they were addressed to Elder Tenney, with directions that he read and forward to you. (11LtMs, Lt 96, 1896, 1)

Yours in the work, [(signed) M. Davis] (11LtMs, Lt 96, 1896, 2)

*****

“The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” [Galatians 3:24.] In this scripture, the Holy Spirit through the apostle is speaking especially of the moral law. The law reveals sin to us, and causes us to feel our need of Christ, and to flee unto Him for pardon and peace by exercising repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 96, 1896, 3)

An unwillingness to yield up preconceived opinions, and to accept this truth, lay at the foundation of a large share of the opposition manifested at Minneapolis against the Lord’s message through Brethren Waggoner and Jones. By exciting that opposition, Satan succeeded in shutting away from our people, in a great measure, the special power of the Holy Spirit that God longed to impart to them. The enemy prevented them from obtaining that efficiency which might have been theirs in carrying the truth to the world, as the apostles proclaimed it after the day of Pentecost. The light that is to lighten the whole earth with its glory was resisted, and by the action of our own brethren has been in a great degree kept away from the world. (11LtMs, Lt 96, 1896, 4)

*****

The law of Ten Commandments is not to be looked upon as much from the prohibitory side, as from the mercy side. Its prohibitions are the sure guarantee of happiness in obedience. As received in Christ, it works in us the purity of character that will bring joy to us through eternal ages. To the obedient it is a wall of protection. We behold in it the goodness of God, who by revealing to men the immutable principles of righteousness, seeks to shield them from the evils that result from transgression. (11LtMs, Lt 96, 1896, 5)

We are not to regard God as waiting to punish the sinner for his sin. The sinner brings the punishment upon himself. His own actions start a train of circumstances that bring the sure result. Every act of transgression reacts upon the sinner, works in him a change of character, and makes it more easy for him to transgress again. By choosing to sin, men separate themselves from God, cut themselves off from the channel of blessing, and the sure result is ruin and death. (11LtMs, Lt 96, 1896, 6)

The law is an expression of God’s idea. When we receive it in Christ, it becomes our idea. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. “Great peace have they that love thy law; and nothing shall offend them,”—cause them to stumble. [Psalm 119:165.] (11LtMs, Lt 96, 1896, 7)

There is no peace in unrighteousness; the wicked are at war with God. But he who receives the righteousness of the law in Christ is in harmony with heaven. “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” [Psalm 85:10.] (11LtMs, Lt 96, 1896, 8)

Lt 97, 1896

Shannan, Brother
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
December 26, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in Ev 685. +
Brother Shannan:

I am surprised and disappointed in you. I thought you to be a Christian, but I am compelled to ask, What does it mean when a man of your age and experience is led to pursue the course that you have followed? My brother, why should you and your wife express such bitterness against those whom I know to be conscientiously serving the Lord. During the little time that you were in Melbourne, how was it that you were drawn to those who were disaffected and in darkness? Your course has been laid out before me. Your course while you were in Melbourne was not right. You thought yourself able to discern aright, and you gave your opinions upon persons and things with all confidence and assurance, as if you knew that the statements you made were the decisions of a wise man who knew what he was talking about. But you were strengthening that which the Lord was condemning. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 1)

You thought that the course of Brother Miller in separating from the office was all right, and pronounced it thus. But the Lord passed an altogether different decision. You did not look beneath the surface. You did not strengthen the things which God approves. You passed your human judgment, and thus sowed seeds which will produce a harvest of wrong. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 2)

You heard something of the work of Brother John Bell. But you did not consider what you heard. You did not look into it closely. You did not pray most earnestly to God to enable you to understand that whether this was His Word or merely the words of a human agent. With several others you gave your opinion that it was a good thing. But the Lord said not thus. Brother Bell used much Scripture, but it was misapplied and put in the wrong frame work. His theories would undermine the pillars of our faith, by destroying the proper order of the first, second, and third angel’s messages. Your self-confidence led you to sanction that which you did not understand and had not investigated. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 3)

Brother Smith was in trial because he was not retained at the office. All respected this brother; but the expenses of the office were more than it could carry, and they must be limited. Temptation came to Brother Smith to misjudge and misconstrue the action of his brethren, and he has opened his heart to this temptation and misjudged his brethren. By thinking and speaking evil of his brethren, who moved according to the best light that they had, he has yielded to the enemy. Feelings have been created which should never have been strengthened by words. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 4)

Brother Muckersy also has opened his heart to temptation. Satan is vigilant and awake, ready to seize every opportunity. He has created thoughts and feelings which should never have been entertained, and has tempted Brother Muckersy to withdraw from his brethren. A very busy devil has been at work on this point, creating disaffection and disunion. Brother Shannan, you have acted on the enemy’s side. You have strengthened his work. You did it ignorantly, but such ignorance is lamentable when it is acted out as wisdom. All the busy interested work you have done might better have been left undone. When your eyes are opened, you will wish that you had died rather than have been found working out and maturing the plans of the great adversary. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 5)

You came back to Cooranbong all prepared to look with suspicion upon the work, ready to misjudge and to take sides. You passed judgment which has led you to make the move of going to Africa. In this you did not seek wisdom of God, but of yourself. The Lord did not bid you go to Africa. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 6)

Under the temptations of the enemy, how could you unite with the family of Brother Hughes and do them harm by complaining to them of your brethren and sisters, whose hearts you cannot read, and who you are liable to misjudge? By this means you instilled evil surmisings into their hearts. If your heart had been right with God, would you, in their state of spiritual weakness, have planted seeds in their hearts that will bear such a harvest? We have been hoping and praying for this family. God loves, and I love, every soul of them; but unless they are converted, they will lose heaven. Will you, then, place stumbling blocks before their feet? (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 7)

What harm you are doing your brethren. The Lord has opened this matter to me. If you knew what strangely crooked paths you are making for your feet, how many lame you are turning out of the way, you would be distressed and ashamed of your course. Have you thought this the way to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed? (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 8)

Have you thought of how far you are departing from the plain “Thus saith the Lord” in placing the Hughes family where no one can reach them? You discourage my soul. I have spoken to them in the name of the Lord. I bore a message to them from the Lord, which I have written out. I have been waiting for an opportunity to lay before them the light given me by the Lord. But by your indiscreet conduct you have closed the door of access to them. Did you not see a poor tempted soul, without moral courage to pray in the family, and without moral courage to give up the pipe? What have you done to help him? What have you done to encourage his family to consecrate themselves to God and to find solid foundation for their feet? You must give an account of your work to God. Will you wish to meet these souls in the judgment? Will you wish to hear them charge upon you the wrongs you have done them by fastening them in unbelief, by helping them to think and speak evil of their brethren? (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 9)

Why should you feel such bitterness? Why should you labor with all your entrusted capability to advocate that which the Lord has told you not to do? Have you thought that this was the way to secure the salvation of your soul? What have your brethren done to you that you should lose all love for them? Why should you hate them in your heart? You have conversed with those who have not a vital connection with God, and have accepted their version of matters, as if they were walking in the light. You have united with disaffected elements, and have done your best to plant in their hearts the seeds of hatred for the men who are seeking to stand in their positions as stewards for the Master. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 10)

Your words have not been right words. You have done a work which is not a savor of life unto life, but of death unto death. It may be that this work has placed the Hughes family where we cannot reach them, where no human help can arrest their downward course. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 11)

How will you answer to God for this cruel work? The brethren toward whom you feel so bitterly are God’s children. Their Master has said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” [Matthew 25:40.] These brethren feel that they have a duty to do by standing in their positions as faithful stewards. They are not working in their own interests. Had they stepped on one side, and given everything into your hands, these wicked, unchristian sentiments would not have come. But because your track has been crossed, you have acted in a way which shows that if your will and opinion is crossed in any way, you will depart from Bible principles, and your heart [will] be filled with hatred against those who have given no real cause for such feelings. You have not revealed a heart subdued and softened by the grace of Christ. With such a spirit as you have manifested, would it be safe for you to enter the family of God? Not as you are could you enter there. Unless you are converted, soul, body, and spirit, you will not compose part of the family of God. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 12)

“Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord; looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; lest there by any fornicator or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterwards, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” [Hebrews 12:12-17.] (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 13)

Consider these words, my brother and sister. Satan is an accuser of the brethren; Jesus Christ is a Restorer. Your influence, which has been so freely used against your brethren, is condemned by the Word of God. The Lord has shown pitying tenderness toward Brother Hughes. If he had obeyed the plain, simple Word of God, he would now have ranked under the bloodstained banner of Christ. His God-entrusted capabilities could have been exercised in behalf of the truth. Brother Hughes does not keep the commandments of God, and yet you have given him to understand that because he was willing to help and accommodate any one, he was nearer the kingdom than those brethren who were seeking to obey God. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 14)

Brother and Sister Shannan, you have been the human instrumentalities that Satan has effectually used to instill into the minds of this family sentiments which have confirmed them in their sinful course of action. You have been earnest co-workers with the adversary of God and the truth. Your words have stirred up the very worst feelings of the soul. This course of action does not reveal true love for these precious souls. Are they any happier since your connection with them? What have you done to restore in them the moral image of God? What have you done to draw them to Christ? What have you done to reveal in them the Christlikeness? (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 15)

While you can appear to see and recognize all that is praise-worthy in those who will not obey God instead of their inclinations, so some one must reprove and exhort these erring ones, who greatly dishonor God by their unchristian example. “I charge thee therefore,” wrote Paul to Timothy, “before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom, Preach the word.” You are not to follow your own impulse. To every soul that lives and is in danger of losing eternal life by not giving his heart in obedience to Jesus Christ, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” [2 Timothy 4:1, 2.] (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 16)

Have you faithfully done your duty in this line, or have you failed to speak plainly of the errors and faults of those whom you pretended to respect? Apparently your course of action shows that you have more confidence in him than in your brethren; but do you tell him his faults, his dangers? Have you warned him that unless he changes his course, he cannot, will not, have the favor of God? Let me tell you, you have been, and are still, a deceived, deluded man in regard to a genuine Christian experience, and in regard to the performance of your duty without partiality and without hypocrisy. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 17)

You are prepared to yoke up with any one who will unite with you in your disaffection, to wound those who have not pleased you. What have your brethren done? They have tried to do their duty, and this is their offense. If you think that the course you have pursued is the course of a sincere Christian, if you think that you have loved God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and your neighbor as your self, you think wrongly. You have not demonstrated this love. You must yourself be converted and learn from Christ His meekness, His forbearance, His patience, and His love. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 18)

The Lord’s people have always had trouble with different individuals. Many have brought with them into the church their own strong traits of character. They have not seen the necessity of subduing self, of overcoming their own strong passions. These persons cause much difficulty. Their own spirit wrestles for the preeminence. The enemy comes in and uses these elements to make trouble in the church and in the hearts of the people of God. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 19)

At the very time, Brother Shannan, when you should have stood shoulder to shoulder with your brethren, you and Brother Lawrence cherished your grievances and talked them over, meditating upon them and pouring over them. This is the very attitude you have placed yourselves in, tempting the devil to tempt you, that in your turn you might tempt others by thinking and speaking evil of their brethren. And while Brother Lawrence has been cherishing the root of bitterness, whereby many have been defiled, he has been losing the love of God out of his heart. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 20)

“Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.” [Hebrews 12:12.] Have you been doing this in the family of Brother Hughes? Have you given courage to these souls? Your principal missionary work has been to sympathize most unrighteously with yourself against those who were trying to do their duty in their position of trust. God does not accept such missionaries. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 21)

“And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” [Verses 13-15.] Wherein were you diligent? Wherein were you watching unto prayer? You were full of fury because you thought you were not preferred before your brethren. This selfishness is abhorrent to God. You have made it hard as possible for those who were trying to do their work as well as they know how. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 22)

Brother Lawrence well knows, and Brother Shannan is not at all ignorant, of my mission and work in this country, my mission and work in Cooranbong, my efforts to help wherever I could. Both of you should have known that I was carrying a heavy load and was weighted down as a cart beneath sheaves. But in the place of trying to stand shoulder to shoulder as men of long experience in years and profession of godliness, bringing every entrusted talent to help in the work, self was your main center. You thought that you must be the ones specially favored. How does the Lord look upon you, who by your spirit and actions are scattering away from Christ instead of gathering with Him? (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 23)

“Let your conversation be without covetousness,” the Word of God exhorts, “and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee; so that we may boldly say, The Lord is our helper. I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” [Hebrews 13:5, 6.] “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify his people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing the reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good, and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifice God is well pleased.” [Verses 12-16.] “Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight.” [Verses 20, 21.] (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 24)

We had no surplus of means for the work here. Again and again I have been brought into strait places, where I could not pay my workers. For three months at a time we could not pay our store bills. Debts were accumulating. I hired a £1,000 at 5% interest that the work on the school ground might be kept moving. The workers received low wages, for all had to help to reduce expenses. May the Lord have compassion on those who at such a time, instead of doing what they could do, instead of looking unto Jesus, faithfully employing their time in the service of God, did nothing but talk over their supposed grievances, salting them down for food which could be given to others who should be tempted to think themselves hardly used. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 25)

If these men had looked away from self, and stopped thinking of self, if they had gone to work like men, putting heart and soul into the work, their temptations would have been scattered to the four winds. But when human beings set themselves as the judgment seat and pronounce sentence against their brethren, speaking evil of them, and working counter to them, thus laying stumbling blocks in the way of others whose hands hang down and whose knees are feeble, they do not the work of restoring, but of killing. They destroy in those who are feeble the only chance for their recovery from the snare of the enemy, and the blood of these souls will be upon their garments. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 26)

Brother Lawrence, you know not what manner of spirit ye are of. You have spoken of your grievances to each other. Your words have been full of bitterness, and the Lord has written these words in His book, with all their results, the suspicion they will create, the distrust they will strengthen, the bitter, fibrous roots they will plant in the hearts of others, which will poison the faith and defile the souls of many. This is the way the matter in regard to your course of action has been presented to me. You have strengthened a spirit of evil speaking, of watching for evil, of creating unjust suspicion, of setting the thoughts and tongue on fire over trifling matters that will occur in any place where people are associated together. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 27)

The Lord designed to test and prove you. He designed to see whether you would make manifest that your hearts were drawing sap and nourishment from the True Vine, Jesus Christ, whether you would bear the genuine fruit of the parent stock, or the fruit of the natural, selfish heart. He watched to see whether you could be entrusted with the precious responsibilities which require men of sound, true, faith, men who can help those weak in the faith and strengthen those that are tempted, by making straight paths for their feet. The Lord will unite with His work only those who are willing to be crucified with Christ, who will make straight paths for their feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. He would not entrust you with a position in His sacred work unless you were a daily converted man, under His special guidance. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 28)

You have been without charity. You have not tried to turn the thoughts of those with whom you talked into channels where they would feed upon the Word of God, which is Spirit and life, and which will cleanse their souls from all unjust suspicions. Have you entertained the idea that your course of action was perfect? As you caught at a supposed evil, talked it over, and fed upon it, rolling it, as a sweet morsel, under the tongue, presenting every act of your brethren in a distorted, perverted light, you were the enemy’s very best agents. He is an accuser of the brethren. He accuses them day and night, and he has found allies in those who suppose themselves to be aggrieved. If these had been missionaries for God instead of being missionaries for Satan, creating differences and alienation, they would have done a work for God. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 29)

The One who was presenting these things before me, said to you, Read the seventh chapter of Matthew. Read the entire chapter solemnly. “Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, and considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.] (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 30)

This is the work that some who claim to be Christians have been doing. They have been helping Satan in his work of alienating brother from brother. In their hearts they have [been] cherishing roots of bitterness, whereby many have been defiled. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 31)

He who was presenting these things spoke with great solemnity: You have hindered the work which God desires to have accomplished in this locality. Your minds and hearts have been enlisted only so as to bring profit to your own individual selves. The Lord accepts no such service. Watch unto prayer. The Master has given you work in His service. He desires you to build up His kingdom by seeking to save perishing souls. But you have taken upon yourself a work which retards, which places God’s own servants in the worst possible light. You have placed yourselves where you have advanced the work of the enemy. For this work, with all its consequences and results, God will bring you into judgment. God judges you, not by what you once were, but by what you are now. Had you heeded the Word of God, how different would have been your record. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 32)

Read carefully the first chapter of James. Do not turn away, saying, This has no reference to me, for it has special reference to you. Read (verses 1-16) slowly and prayerfully. Then read verses 16-19. Then spend a few minutes in silent prayer, asking the Lord to search your hearts as with a lighted candle, and reveal to you yourselves, for your words and actions testify against you before the whole heavenly universe. Read the verses one by one to the close of the chapter, and then pray earnestly for the spiritual eye salve, that the heavenly anointing may cleanse you from the perverted ideas which are born of selfishness. Read the third chapter of James. This entire chapter should be read and studied. God help you to see. Let the words of chapter four be eaten. By practicing these words, create a different atmosphere about your souls. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” [James 1:19.] (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 33)

I have a message for Brother Shannan and Brother Lawrence. You have both revealed a spirit that God will not approve. The Lord will not bless you while you work counter to His Holy Spirit. Men of grey hairs should walk circumspectly and should give the young men, who are seeking to grow, every opportunity to come to the front. The older men should not feel it any dishonor to them for younger men, who must use their capabilities and who must fill their individual places and become men to be relied on, to come to the front. Those who are older should encourage the young to develop their talents. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 34)

We need men who will take hold of the work as if they meant it. The younger men must be given opportunities to develop. This settlement has been made in Cooranbong that talent may be recognized and developed. We have labored and prayed that the Lord would give us means that we might carry out His revealed plans; but because of unbelief we are behind. We feel keenly the necessity of workers who can be relied upon. But we have not means enough to pay workers unless they are willing to sacrifice. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 35)

I ventured to send to Africa for £1,000 that a start might be made on our buildings. If all are willing to engage in the work in faith, and will try to do their best with little means, saving every jot and tittle, in order that the money may go as far as possible to advance the work which God has said should be done, if the older men will work in harmony with the younger men, who need to have men of experience connected with them, all will move forward as the Lord would have the work move. The Lord knows every stroke that is made to advance His work. He is true, and will never disappoint those who put their trust in Him, and who are willing to be led and guided by Him. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 36)

It is the duty of God’s servants to work constantly with an eye single to His honor and glory. No man’s person is to be respected or looked upon with admiration if his heart and soul is not enlisted in the work of God, unless he seeks to carry forward that work with self-sacrificing efforts. There are those who think more highly of themselves than they ought to think. They speak evil of their brethren because after a thing is done, they can look back and tell how differently they would have done it. But their forethought would not have been any better than that of their brethren had they been in their place. God sees that faults and imperfections have characterized the lives of the very ones who speak evil of their brethren. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 37)

Keep yourselves off the judgment seat. All judgment is committed unto the Son of God. Your words and your works will not be judged according to the light in which you view them, but according to God’s unerring standard. By uniting and talking with those who have grievances, by emptying your heart of all the hard feelings and wounds and bruises you have sustained, you have made great blunders. God will hold you accountable for every seed of that kind which you have sown in human hearts. Satan will water the seed, and will inspire you with all bitterness and evil speaking and wrath and malice. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 38)

O, how could you suppose that you could be in harmony with Christ and do as you have done? You are departing from the Word of God, disregarding that Word, failing to act out the lessons of Jesus Christ. Talking with a solemn earnestness, the Counselor said, There are many who, when their own ideas and wills are crossed reveal a bitterness of spirit. They cherish the same feelings as an unconverted man. They watch for an opportunity to complain, and thus set a wrong example for others. “In that day,” declares the Word of God, “shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the terrible one that is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off: that make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.” [Isaiah 29:18-21.] (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 39)

Here is one man professing to be a Bible Christian. But if everything does not harmonize with his ideas, he looks upon himself as abused. He feels justified in making a great fire out of a spark. Another brother in connection with the work of God thinks that he has been treated unjustly. What if they have? Does not the Lord know all about that? It would not be surprising if the human agent did not know himself, for the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it? (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 40)

A condition of things has been coming into existence that is not after the order of Christ. Those who look for evil, who are ready to charge with evil those who do not meet all their expectations by accommodating them and carrying out their ideas, who feel at liberty to judge their brethren and misconstrue their motives, are not Christians. Those who encourage and sustain persons who are not walking in the ways of the Lord are aiding Satan by doing his work. They are not feeding on Christ, the bread from heaven. They have ever lived for self. Self has been their center. As long as they can be first, all goes well. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 41)

I wish my brethren who shall read the words I am placing on paper to carefully consider that which I present before them. No man liveth to himself. Whatever course of action the human agent may pursue, others are influenced. God alone knows the extent of this individual responsibility. Apparent influence may be deceiving; real influence requires all that there is of a man. Whatever the position of surroundings of old or young, they carry with them an influence. Their responsibility is great. No one can be lax, self-indulgent, self-serving, and be counted worthy of eternal life. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 42)

God has given to each man his work, according to his several ability. All are to work to the same end. All have the same account to render to God. The general commander is over others. This position does not make him trustworthy, able to be depended on. His principles testify to the value of his services. If he is united by a vital connection with God, then he can be trusted, because he knows how to obey God in all things, and therefore will feel the necessity of giving discreet and Christlike orders. The general is in a position where his influence is of the highest consequence; but the private soldier may be and should be just as careful as the commander of armies. The responsibility of each is great. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 43)

God requires that each one shall do his best, trading diligently and carefully on the talents given him. Because one is not in the highest place, it is not for him to say, My responsibility is small. I may be lax and self-indulgent. Some act in this way. They never increase in knowledge, but plod alone in an inferior line all their days, not because the Lord willed it thus; the Lord has not willed it thus, for He has said, “Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] The defection of individual workers may be overcome if they have a will to grow out of childhood into youth and manhood. The mind is to be taxed and strengthened by a determination to know how to use all capabilities to the best advantage. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 44)

Never let your tongue and voice be employed in discovering and dilating upon the defects of your brethren, for the record of heaven identifies Christ’s interests with those whom He has purchased with His own blood. “Inasmuch much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,” he says, “ye have done it unto me.” [Matthew 25:40.] We are to learn to be loyal to one another, to be true as steel in the defense of our brethren. Look to your own defects. You had better discover one of your own faults then ten of your brother’s. Remember that Christ has prayed, for these, His brethren, that they all might be one as He is one with the Father. Seek to the uttermost of your capabilities to be in harmony with your brethren to the extent of Christ’s measurement—as He is one with the Father. Then your evil thinking and evil speaking will cease. You will not become bitter and hard against them because they do not make enough of your merits and show special partiality to you. Those who are missionaries for the Master will have the spirit of truth and righteousness. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 45)

“Love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.” [1 Peter 3:8.] True moral worth does not seek to make a place for itself by evil thinking and evil speaking, by demeriting others. All envy, all jealousy, all evil speaking, with all unbelief, must be put away from God’s children. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 46)

Satan works zealously to cause men to offend on this point. Those whose tongues are so free to utter words of criticism, the adroit questioner, who draws out expressions and opinions, which have been put into the minds by sowing seeds of alienation, are his missionaries. They may repeat the expressions they draw from others as originating with the ones they so slyly led on to forbidden ground. These persons seem always to see something to criticize and to condemn. They treasure up everything of a disagreeable nature, and then leaven others. Their tongues are ready to exaggerate everything evil. What a great matter a little fire kindleth! They scatter their fire brands, putting doubts and mistrust into other minds, falsifying because they view everything in a false light. Thus neighborhoods and churches are leavened. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 47)

Jesus said to His disciples, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” [Matthew 16:6.] His voice comes sounding down the lines to our time, “Beware of that misrepresenting tongue, which is not content unless leagued with the disaffected, with those who are tempted to think that they have been misused.” Self, self, self, is their theme. They have become envious and jealous, and Satan has helped them, putting his magnifying glass before their eyes, until a mote looks to them like a mountain, and they think themselves the most abused persons in the world. With a beam in their own eye, they are very much interested in pulling the mote out of their brother’s eye. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 48)

It is satanic to be an accuser of the brethren, to delight to tell of the imperfections and wrongs of others. Those who suppose themselves to be God’s missionaries, and yet work upon the minds of those who are weak and inexperienced in the faith, may see the time, if they are converted, when they will wish to counteract their past work. But it is not an easy matter to do this. Eternity alone will reveal on whose side everyone has been working, and the good or ill they have wrought. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 49)

Shall the attributes of the enemy be revealed in the life-practice of professed Christians? Shall men who put on the armor, and stand as faithful sentinels for God, refusing to favor any man, and seeking to do the work God has given them to do with humble faith and sincerity, be despised by men who know not that they have given themselves to do the work of Satan? O, how much better it would be if those who thus judge others would themselves feed on the flesh and blood of the Son of God, studying and practicing the Word of God. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 50)

God works through those who see and understand the scarcity of means, and who seek to bind about every unnecessary expenditure by practicing the strictest economy, in order that the means shall go as far as possible. But there are those who seek their own advantage, who keep themselves foremost, who serve themselves always. These cannot understand the earnest efforts made by others to economize and advance the work. But the work done here on the school ground must be done by those who can do the work faithfully and with the least money, be they believers or unbelievers. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 51)

If those who claim to be believers in the truth for this time will not open or shut the doors for nought, if they have not the spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice, if they regard self as their center, looking upon themselves as of such value that every little of their entrusted ability must command the highest wages or they will do nothing, not caring whether the work shall advance and strengthen or languish, God cannot be with them. They will do nothing unless they can say how it shall be done. If they are not accepted on their own terms, they make it as hard as possible for those who are trying to do their best. They take their talents and bury them in the world. They should give all their capabilities to the Lord, even though they may not receive the highest honor and remuneration, knowing that the reward for fidelity is not received in this life, but in the future immortal life. Then every man will be rewarded according to his work. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 52)

Men who have a large opinion of themselves are frequently in error, but they will not confess this. Envy and jealousy are diseases which disorder all the faculties of the being. They originated with Satan in Paradise. After he had started on the track of apostasy, he could see many things that were objectionable. After he fell, he envied Adam and Eve in their innocency. He tempted them to sin and to become like himself, disloyal to God. Those who accept of his attributes will demerit others, misrepresent and falsify in order to build up themselves. These persons generally are incurable, and as nothing that defileth can enter into heaven, they will not be there. They would criticize the angels. They would covet another’s crown. They would not know what to do, or what subjects to converse upon, unless they could be finding some errors, some imperfections, in others. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 53)

O that such ones would become changed by following Christ! O that they would become meek and lowly of heart by learning in the school of Christ! Then they would go forth, not as missionaries for Satan, to cause disunion or alienation, but as missionaries for Christ, to be peacemakers, to work with Christ in restoring, not to bruise and wound and mangle character. Let the Holy Spirit of God come in and expel this unholy passion, which cannot in the slightest degree survive in heaven. Let it die. Let it be crucified. Open the heart to the attributes of Christ, who was pure, holy, undefiled, without guilt. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 54)

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” [Proverbs 4:23.] The Word of God tells us that the heart is to be kept as a temple holy unto God. The unconverted heart is represented as a habitation for the evil one, who brings in a whole brood of unholy thoughts, and stirs up the natural passions. But the Spirit of God must cleanse the soul from its defilement. Every room must be purified. The conscience must be quickened by the Holy Spirit. Truth must take hold of the thoughts and the actions. Holy vigilance must keep guard, to spy out the approach of the enemy. Woe unto that man who falls asleep and lets the enemy take possession of his house. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 55)

Genuine conversion is needed, not once in years, but daily. This conversion brings a man into new relation to God. Old things, his natural temper, natural passions, and hereditary traits of character pass away, and the man is renewed, converted, sanctified. But this work needs to be continued, or else the heart will become estranged from God, for just as long as Satan lives, he will make an effort to carry out his will. The human agent will constantly encounter a strong undercurrent. His heart needs to be barricaded by faithful watchfulness and unceasing prayer, else the embankment will give way, and like a mill stream, the undercurrent of natural and cultivated tendencies will sweep away the safeguard. Then the old objectionable traits of character will assert their sway. No renewed heart can keep in a condition of sweetness and grace without the application of the salt of the Word. Divine grace must be applied daily, else no man will stay converted. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 56)

It is the sufferings of our Redeemer in His life and death that makes it possible for fallen man [to] become refined and elevated. As the divine Substitute and Surety, He elevates the fallen race in character, and brings their minds into healthful sympathy with the divine mind. Those who are partakers of the divine nature see that true greatness means continual humiliation, self-denial, self-sacrifice. Those who have spiritual eyesight will discern that God does not honor those who are honored by the world, but those who are true to principle. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 57)

Ability and talents are God’s entrusted gifts. They are to be given back to Him. They are to be improved to such a degree that they will not only bless the one who possesses these qualifications, but all within the reach of his influence. This position of responsibility it is not in his power to control. His influence is of value with God just according as he exercises his heaven-entrusted capabilities in the service of God, doing good at every turn, as if the whole heavenly universe were looking with interested eyes upon him, and deciding the quality of his course. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 58)

Well-doing is the only title to office. It is the living principles of the character of God revealed in the life that make men of value in God’s sight. Those only should be retained in office, in places of authority, whose characters and influence show them to have an adaptation to the whole interests of the work. The person is nothing to be accounted of if he is not true as steel to maintaining in his own life the principles of the character of God. That experience which builds man up, and glorifies him as sufficient to shine the highest, places him in the decisions of the heavenly councils as the lowest in the ranks. Self intercepts between the true education man must receive from the Great Teacher. We must learn Christ’s lowliness and meekness in order to understand the requirements of God, in order to know what loyalty to God means, in order to represent God in character. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 59)

A man that has not a high and elevated idea of the sacred claims of God upon the human agent will always be in danger. If convenient, he will serve himself, betraying sacred trusts to do this. By education and practice, he will do this without compunction. His feet have stepped away from the straightforward path of principle and loyalty to God. That which is done once to serve self will be easier to do again. All the time, the one who serves self will become less and less susceptible to the Holy influence of the Spirit of God. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 60)

The principles of righteousness need to be cherished and cultivated. The redeemed are called, “The Order of the King of Righteousness.” What is righteousness? The doing of the commandments of God, under all circumstances. Principles are everything in God’s sight. Christ redeemed the fallen race, which was under forfeiture. He paid the ransom for men, and they are granted a probation, a test, to see if they will become loyal. Christ has purchased all the race. If they will not represent the character of God, if they choose to follow the impulse of their natural hearts, they will be treated the same as was Satan, because they have practiced his attributes. They have linked themselves with their own defective natures, and have followed the dictates of their unconverted hearts. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 61)

Through faith, that faith that works by love (to Jesus Christ,) and purifies the soul of its moral defilement, all have the privilege of being overcomers over every sinful trait of [character]. Through the provision that has been made for them, they may represent the character of Christ. All who are converted in mind and heart can do this through Christ Jesus. They are identified with the divine Son of God, one with Him as He is one with the Father. God would have all understand that persons are nothing without principle. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 62)

Principles after the divine similitude are everything, all and in all. Individually we are deciding our eternal destiny, whether we shall enjoy the highest honor, even an eternal weight of glory, or be ranked with Satan by possessing his character and dishonoring God by professing to be Christians when we are misrepresenting Christ. Those who choose to reveal the character of the arch deceiver identify themselves with the prince of darkness beyond the possibility of a change, because they choose not to see themselves as being wrong. This is the course Satan pursued. (11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, 63)

Lt 98, 1896

Shannan, Brother and Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
December 26, 1896
Previously unpublished. +
Brother and Sister Shannan:

Wherein did you practice the Word of God when you made your home with Brother Prismall? Poor man, he has turned his face from Jesus Christ. The Lord has sent reproofs, warning him not to pursue the course he has followed. His only hope is to come off the devil’s ground, and cease to be an accuser of the brethren. He thinks he has something to question and find fault with in everything, and in every man’s teaching. In his eyes, no one is perfect. But he could give no greater evidence of his own imperfection of character. Read carefully the third chapter of James, and criticize yourself severely. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 1)

“Do you think that the Scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgeth another?” [James 4:5-12.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 2)

“Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” [2 Timothy 2:14-16.] “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves in obedience to the former lusts in your ignorance; but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation, because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” [1 Peter 1:13-16.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 3)

Brother Prismall was given the privilege of building for time and for eternity upon the right foundation, the one sure foundation. Had he built upon this foundation laying stone upon stone in its proper place, the structure would have risen every day, growing in symmetry and beauty until the purposes of God were fully accomplished, and the top stone brought forth with shoutings of grace. “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Thus it is said of all who build on Christ Jesus. Let all who have been given the opportunity and privilege of being living stones in the spiritual house, depart from all evil, and let them reveal to the world that perfection of character which they expect others to reveal. Let them show that they are living stones, emitting light to all with whom they come in contact. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 4)

God has invited Brother Prismall to look upon Christ’s perfection of character, and by beholding become changed into His divine similitude, as all will be who are built upon Him. Being built upon Christ implies actual, personal contact with the Lord Jesus. This makes the human agent a living stone, and imparts to it a lustre which has the power of emitting light and attracting others to the great center. “Ye also, as lively (living) stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood.” [1 Peter 2:5.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 5)

The Lord has pointed out the perils in the life of Brother Prismall, and his defective character. But Brother and Sister Shannan poured out to him their grievances, and stated falsely that matters were all wrong on the school ground. They said that those who had been at work were doing everything wrong, and that they had no confidence in them. Thus the seeds of bitterness were planted, because Brother and Sister Shannan did not practice the Word of God. “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail from the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” [Hebrews 12:12-15.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 6)

Brother Shannan, in Brother Prismall you saw a man who had not accepted the light, who did not heed the warnings given. As a faithful agent, he has been working out the will of the enemy. He has not a vital connection with God, and he has refused everything that in his estimation was not perfect. By his actions he has showed that were he in the place of God, he would have blotted from the universe all men as imperfect as himself, all men defective in doing that work for which they were appointed—to love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 7)

A lawyer came to Christ, asking, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The scribes and Pharisees were listening as spies and criticizers, seeking to catch some word from the lips of Him whose appointed work was to bring life and immortality to light. Christ reads every heart as an open book, and knows every thought lurking therein. He gave the lawyer the privilege of answering his own question. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” He said. The scribes and Pharisees who were laying a trap for Christ were great sticklers for the letter of the law, although they did not keep it, either in spirit or letter. The lawyer answering said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” These words were spoken by one who had been put forward by the scribes and Pharisees to tempt Christ to speak words which they could use against Him. The greatest Teacher the world ever knew said in response, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 8)

The lawyer, willing to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus then related an incident which had recently taken place. A certain man, going from Jerusalem to Jericho had fallen among thieves, who had stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, “and departed, leaving him half dead.” A priest passing by saw this man in distressing need of a friend, but he did not desire the trouble of caring for him. A Levite also came and looked on him, but the care of the sick man was too much trouble for him to undertake, and he “passed by on the other side.” [Verses 29-32.] But a Samaritan found the wounded man, and he had compassion on him. He did not pass by, and leave him in his helpless misery. He did the work which the others were unwilling to undertake. Yet the Samaritans were excommunicated by the Jews, and were made a byword; yet one of this class did the work which the priest and Levite refused to do. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 9)

The lawyer had asked, “And who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.] Again Jesus arranged matters so that the decision should come from the lips of the lawyer. “Which of these three thinkest thou was neighbor to him that fell among thieves?” He asked. And the answer came from the lawyer, “He that showed mercy on him.” By this answer the lawyer condemned, not only the course of the scribes and Pharisees, but his own practice. In order to be truthful, he condemned himself. He would not say, “The Samaritan,” but “He that showed mercy on him.” Christ said, “Go thou and do likewise.” [Verses 36, 37.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 10)

O what principles are here laid down! What matchless teaching is given. What lessons are here given and immortalized. These words have opened rivers in the wilderness and streams in the desert. This is the work we are appointed to do. These words acted upon have laid the foundation for hospitals, for sanitariums. This teaching defines the true spirit that magnifies the law and fulfills it by perfect obedience. It shows that the law of God is a law of love. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 11)

The selfish priest and Levite represent a class who disobey the law of God, who do not love God supremely, or their neighbors as themselves. “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought again, that which was lost; but with force and cruelty have ye ruled them.” [Ezekiel 34:4.] This answers to the work that some in their blindness and selfishness have been doing. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 12)

The lesson that the Lord would have His people learn is that they must do the work appointed them of God. They must keep His commandments. The Lord gave Brother Shannan an opportunity to do the work appointed him, to overcome his own hereditary and cultivated tendencies; but he exalted himself as superior, as did the scribes and Pharisees. He demerited others, who were doing the work, not always, it may be, perfectly, but whose desire and aim it was to do service for God. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 13)

Brother Shannan could have done the work appointed him, as an intelligent Christian gentleman. He could have shown himself interested in the Lord’s work. He could have put himself on an equality with his brethren, counselling with them, exercising all his God-given wisdom and ability, speaking wise words, in season and out of season, to those that needed them. The Lord gave Brother Shannan this chance, but he did not do the work to which he was appointed. He let jealousy and suspicious thoughts come in. Thus he showed that he did not love God with all his heart and strength and mind, and therefore did not love his neighbor as himself. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 14)

No human being on the school ground in Cooranbong is faultless and incapable of making mistakes. No one is unerring in judgment. For this reason each one needs to talk less and pray a great deal more. Any who come here to locate or to engage in the work essential to be done, who will be so unkind and unchristian as to allow their self-esteem and self-sufficiency to lead them to criticize their brethren, and the work that others have been appointed to do, when, had they been in their place, they would not have done the work that has been done any more perfectly, might better go away. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 15)

It is much easier to tear the work of others to pieces than to show that had you occupied their place, you would have done any better, or even as well. The men working on the school ground have had to move under straitened circumstances. They have been almost destitute of means which they so much needed. They have tried to save money. Had they had the means, they could have taken advantage of circumstances, and saved something. Then they would have had more to show than they now have. But it is impossible for critics to tell justly what might have been done, and how much better it would have been had certain things been left undone. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 16)

Aftersight will sometime reveal the mistakes of foresight. This has frequently been the case in the experience of those considered to be men of wise judgment. But the aftersight has the advantage of an experience which the foresight cannot have; and who shall be censured? Who shall tear to pieces another man’s work? Since the workmen have finished the building on my place, I have not allowed myself to complain to this one and the other one, notwithstanding my aftersight has given me an experience which I would repeat should I have another building put up. Old as I am, I have learned lessons that I would not again repeat. Do you think, Brother Shannan, that no criticism could be made of the work appointed you to do? Do you think that all your management was without a flaw? But shall we spend our time and strength trying to hunt up every little thing that we think might be improved, and expatiate upon them? No; were I to do this I should not improve the matter, but would hurt my own soul. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 17)

Brother Shannan, you have done a work in Cooranbong and Melbourne which, when your eyes shall be anointed with the heavenly eyesalve, you will wish you had never done. You have felt at liberty to carry to Melbourne salted down grievances, your evil thinking and evil speaking; and because you have not been favored as you thought you should be, you have criticized your brethren unmercifully, and in a most unchristian, unbrotherly manner. Read Hebrews 12:12-15. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 18)

You have been counterworking the work of God. I am sorry that while on this ground you were not the right kind of a brother or neighbor. The same unkind work of criticizing and accusing that you set in active operation in Hobart, and which the Lord revealed to me had done great injury to His work there, has been repeated here. You have made sharp criticisms and overbearing denunciations, so that the lame have been turned out of the way, and souls that can never be recovered have been driven onto the enemy’s battleground. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 19)

I had so hoped that the rich opportunities of light and knowledge which were granted you here in Cooranbong would have helped you to do the work appointed you of God. But the condition of some souls in Melbourne at the present time is most lamentable. There are scavengers in the church who gather up little things, talking of them, and feeding on them. The leaven of criticism has been introduced by you, and unrighteous denunciations have been pronounced against God’s people because you were not favored as you thought you ought to be. Your representations have been received by prejudiced minds. What a work will have to be done to correct this work of unrighteousness, to destroy the leaven of evil which you have put into the minds and hearts of others. In doing this work, you have hurt yourself, and have hurt poor, weak, spiritually crippled souls. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 20)

The Lord did not inspire you to do the work which you did in Melbourne. You worked directly contrary to the Word of God. You counteracted the work the Lord has given me to do—to set things in order. The influence of your misrepresentation of men and things in Cooranbong has been positively working in an opposite direction to the work which we have been called upon to do. Why did you do this? Because your natural feelings obtained the supremacy, irrespective of a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” O how sorry I am for you, and for Jesus Christ, who has purchased at an infinite cost the human agents he has appointed to do the work in Cooranbong. How sorry I am for those into whose minds you have introduced the leaven of evil. This leaven has worked, absorbing to itself the sentiments upheld by you, and these sentiments have been passed on to others. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 21)

No man, high or low, experienced or inexperienced, can steadily maintain before his fellow men a pure, forceful life unless his life is hid with Christ in God. The fruit borne by a tree testifies to the character of the tree. The greater the activity among men, closer should be the communion intercourse of the heart with God. When men fall into sin, it is commonly because of unsuspected weakness. When they stand in humility, in constant distrust of grace and strength is given them by God. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 22)

Brother and Sister Shannan, the Lord is grieved with you. You could have done good missionary work in Melbourne had you gone from Cooranbong with the right spirit. But your words of evil, your expressions of distrust, your sweeping assertions against Cooranbong, were unjust and false. How much hard labor will be required to counteract the evil you have done. Should others criticize your course and magnify and talk over your actions, they would have fully as much justice on their side as you have had on yours when you have accused them. God alone reads the intents and the purpose of the heart. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 23)

In locating the school buildings in Cooranbong, we have moved under the leading of God. Had those who have come here had more earnest love for Jesus, they would have shown love one for another, that the world might have had the infallible evidence that God had sent His Son into the world. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,” Christ says. “If ye have love one to another.” [John 13:35.] Until Christ’s representatives are imbued with the Spirit of the Great Teacher, there will be an abundance of that inner, secret skepticism, which shuts the human heart against truth and against God. This is the leaven hidden in the meal, which permeates the whole mass. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 24)

My brother, your inconsistent course of action in Cooranbong and Melbourne, which has counteracted the work that has been done with painful, self-sacrificing effort, will bear its testimony in the judgment. God will never honor the church with complete success until its members shall come into conformity to His will. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 25)

Brother Prismall has virtually said, I am prevented from being a Christian by seeing so many faults in the church members with whom I come in contact. My standard of Christian character is high, very high, and I cannot see any one who reaches it. My brother, who has given you the right to measure the characters of your fellow men? Judgment has been given only to Christ. He has lived humanity, and He alone can understand human weakness, and human striving to attain to Christian perfection. We must admit that there are counterfeit Christians in every church. But the tares and the wheat must grow together until the harvest. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 26)

“The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.” [Matthew 13:24-30.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 27)

“His disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered, and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that do offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” [Verses 36-43.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 28)

Here we see that the church of Christ militant is not the church triumphant. The church today is composed of wheat and tares. Not all who claim to be sons and daughters of God are this in truth. But the work of judgment has not been committed into our hands. Read carefully Romans 2:1-11. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 29)

The Lord has presented the spiritual condition of certain individuals before me. He has presented general principles, that all the church might be benefited. But to some He has come personally, seeking to bring them into a vital connection with Himself. He has given them reproofs and warnings, mercifully presenting before them their individual defects of character, telling them what they must do, and what they must be in order to be saved. Some have taken heed. They have made every effort to obey, and the Lord has blessed and honored them. But the spirit of criticism has been the meat and drink of some souls. The defective members of the church has been their theme of conversation. It has become habitual for them to see evil and to talk of evil. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 30)

It is a lamentable truth that there are tares, counterfeit Christians, in the church. But because of this will you look at them, and feed on their defective character? If you do, you too will be ranked among the tares. Christ is the only perfect pattern of Christianity. Let us hear what He says. “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.” [John 6:35, 51, 53-55.] The same principles are found in John 15. The explanation of this is given, “It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 31)

It is the privilege of all to feed on Christ. They need not feed on the real or supposed faults of their brethren. If they do, they will have a false Christian experience themselves, because they will be contentious, and will not obey the truth, but will obey unrighteousness. Jesus Christ is to be your theme of conversation. He is the Sin-bearer. The Lord has not made Brother or Sister Shannan, or Brother Muckersy, or Brother Smith, or any of the brothers or sisters in the North Fitzroy church, sin-bearers. Christ, the Sin-bearer, must take away their sins, or they will perish miserably. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 32)

Christ never ordained that man should look to man, and make the defective characters of man a cause of stumbling or an excuse for imperfection. God commands every soul to repent of his own sins, confess his own sins, and be contrite in heart because of his own weakness of character. Christianity is a divine system of religion. The Bible is the code of conduct for every one. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 33)

No one can come to God through any other man. God commands men to repent of their sins, and come to Him just as they are, all covered with sin and pollution. They are to receive His crucified, only begotten Son into their hearts, and be one with Him as He is one with the Father. It is the privilege of all that are weary and heavy laden to come to Christ. “Take my yoke upon you,” He says, “and learn of me; ... for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 34)

When Brother Prismall shall fall upon the Rock Christ Jesus, and be broken, then the Lord can restore the moral image of God in him. But, my brother, you have an unsubdued heart. You have practically said, I will not perform my duty to God and to my fellow men until the weeds are rooted out of the church. Because of counterfeit professors, you refuse allegiance to God and to His commandments. But will another man’s disloyalty to God help your soul, if you refuse to be loyal to God? The defections of professed Christians are no excuse for you to sin, and they will be no protection to you. O how foolish are men’s subterfuges to screen themselves. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 35)

Christ’s invitation is made to you personally. You must take Him as your personal Saviour, or you are lost, eternally lost. God has claims upon you, and these claims are made without consideration of any other person’s perfections or imperfections. Brother Prismall, you have a soul to save, or a soul to lose, just as though you were the only person in existence. The question of the salvation of your soul is a matter between you and your God. Turn away from the shortcomings of your brethren and sisters. You have an individual case pending in the courts of heaven. Have you secured the Advocate to plead for you? (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 36)

The arch adversary is cheating your soul out of peace and hope and faith and joy in Jesus Christ. If you lose heaven it will be because you have been determined to have your own way at all hazards. If you would look at yourself with one half the keenness that you look at the motives and mistakes of others, you would be filled with terror, and would cry out, “What must I do to be saved?” [Acts 16:30.] Cast your helpless soul on Christ, and become, as it were, a little child. When tempted to criticize, seal your lips. Utter not a word before you ask God to help you and strengthen you by His grace. O, it is such a terrible thing to use the tongue and voice wrongly. These talents are given us by God to be used only to His glory. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 37)

In your family you need to cultivate patience. Put yourself under the control of God; submit your will to the will of God, and then you will live to do God’s service. Commence now. Fall on the rock, and be broken. Let Jesus put His signature upon you. Then you will rejoice in the Lord always. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing, but in everything, with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God.” [Philippians 4:5, 6.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 38)

Tell all your troubles to the One who best understands how to help you. Rest your case in His hands, and believe that He hears your simple, heartfelt prayers. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.” [Verse 7.] You need this peace, for you are very easily disturbed. You are educating yourself in this direction. But the peace of God, which comes through entire service to Him, will give you strength of nerve and brain. You will no longer be as you have been represented to me—taking no genuine comfort in yourself, and giving no comfort to those around you. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 39)

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be in you.” [Verses 8, 9.] Take heed to these words. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 40)

I do not want you to put this aside. I will again send you the communication which I sent you more than a year ago, and will ask if you received it. I dreamed that I asked you if you had received this letter, and you were very positive that you had not. This leads me to send it to you again, hoping that you will receive it. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 41)

I have been commissioned to write to you, since it has been shown me that you have Brother Shannan’s united in the work which you have been doing for a long time; yes, during the whole of your life time. My brother, the humanity shown in Christ’s life must be shown in your life. Yield up your will to God, and He will deliver you from the thralldom of sin. He will arouse the spiritual nature, which you have neglected to keep alive. He will quicken your conscience, and bring you under the control of Christ. Living by faith and hope in Christ will satisfy the demands of a genuine humanity. Human nature can only be perfected by education, and this education can be obtained in the school of Christ. He is the greatest Teacher the world has ever known. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 42)

You have lost time, you have lost moral power, because the food you have given your mind has been the criticism of others. Be more concerned about your own personal relation to the kingdom of God than about expressing your disgust at other persons. Many are just as much disgusted with you as you are with those who criticize, accuse, condemn. Have you not served the enemy long enough in this line? Christ calls to you, Follow Me, and you shall not walk in darkness. [John 8:12.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 43)

Christ not only uttered precepts, but He illuminated these precepts by His life. He has been in humanity that which He enjoins every individual to be. This they can and will be if they join themselves to Christ. We are not to demand that we be ministered unto, but we are to minister. See what you can do to make others happy. Lighten the sorrows and relieve the distress of others. We are under obligation to do this. God demands it, and you cannot be loyal to Christ unless you discharge your duties by ministering to others. Let not your eager, watchful eye be ever looking for something to charge against others. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 44)

Our love toward men is to be like the Lord’s. You can carry the needs and sorrows of men in your minds. When you have the mind of Christ, you will not feed upon the garbage of their faults and mistakes, but you will seek to help them. God would awaken in you a desire to think of others without despising their ways and manners. You are very far from perfect, but does God despise you? No; He is grieved with your course of action, yet He invites you as a sinner to come to Him and let Him take away your sins, your harshness, your exaggerated expressions, your accusing power. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 45)

Satan has used you a long time as his agent in this line, and will you not now step close to the bleeding side of Jesus? I tell you that you have no time to lose. Christ sets before you a perfect example. Will you consider this? Will you behold this? Will you talk of the perfection of Jesus Christ? On our behalf He surrendered ease, supremacy, honor, riches. For our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. He submitted to suffering, even after He had accepted humanity; He bore insult, mockery, and the most cruel death [to] save you and me. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 2:5.] Use your voice and tongue for the rest of your life to talk of the matchless depths of a Saviour’s love. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 46)

Let not one word of evil speaking be expressed toward your brethren. God has not given you this work to do. You may feel all the disgust you please at the way you have employed your tongue in the past, for you have dishonored God and the truth. Give expression to the love you have for the perfect character of Christ. All His teachings are invested with a beauty that charms the mind. His words breathe the inspiration of truth, and are weighted with eternal wisdom. Talk of the perfection of Christ until you become inspired with His loveliness of character. To see Christ is to see the Father. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 47)

The more you dwell upon Christ, and the less you exalt self, the more you will see to love and admire in Christ. He took our infirmities and carried our sicknesses. He was the Majesty of heaven, the high and exalted One; but He came to earth in human disguise. He never shrank from actual contact with man, nor required others to do the work from which His taste revolted. He never made the ignorance of human beings a subject of conversation. He went about doing good. His life was spent in purposes of holiness. His refinement never shut Him away from the lowly or the ignorant. He was not the one to tear to pieces and destroy, but He sought to restore the moral image of God in man. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 48)

This is your work. Do, I beseech of you, change square about. In view of the love of Christ for humanity, take up the cross, deny self, live the life of a Christian. Then you will strive for a pure and holy heaven. Let it be your highest aim to become Christlike. When any one comes to you with their burden of criticism, refuse to take up a reproach against your neighbor. Tell them that your eyes are fixed upon the Author and Finisher of your faith. If you love pure and perfect things, seek for them where they can be found. Manifest refinement in words, in spirit, and in character. Love all men as brethren. Christ’s character formed within you will incline you to aim for sanctified humanity. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 49)

Our education is incomplete, whatever ideas we may have of grace and refinement, unless we are learning to be complete in Christ. God has not given us any sinful human being as our model. He has given His only begotten Son as our sample of character. And when we have the perfect Pattern to follow, if we do not represent Christ, we do our heavenly Father great dishonor. By devoting our thoughts and our tongue to the defects of professed Christians, we manifest the attributes of Satan. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 50)

Christ has specified what kind of fruit will always grow on the Christian tree. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (They surmise evil; they tear character in pieces.) Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:15-20.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 51)

What kind of fruit is brought forth from the mind and heart that takes the supposed evil deeds on his neighbors for the subject of his meditation and his conversation? Evil speaking is condemned by the Lord Jesus. To unsettle the confidence of brother in brother is a most contemptible work, and should not be tolerated in those who claim to be Christians any more than taking the Lord’s name in vain, for every word of accusing is as the sin of swearing, (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 52)

“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridle not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” [James 1:26, 27.] “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” [Ephesians 4:29-32.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 53)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” [Galatians 5:22-26.] “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them that are of the household of faith.” [Galatians 6:7-10.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 54)

Here is a specification traced by the pen of inspiration of the character which every follower of Christ will reveal. It denotes not simply a character which centers and terminates in ourselves, but a loving, unselfish, generous regard for others. There are those who live and breathe and act for self. Such will never perfect a character after the divine similitude. Grace and refinement after Christ’s order will never be revealed in the character as long as self is considered as the supreme object. Humanity after the divine Pattern will renew the spirit which renders us human in all our life practice. The man that studies Jesus and aims to reach His faultless character, will not ignore his relationship to humanity, for humanity, in the full acceptation of the term, will regard all men as brethren, with similar God-given abilities, aspirations, capacities, and similar need of help. Minister to one another, for happiness brought into the lives of others brings happiness to every soul that does this loving, unselfish work. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 55)

Inhumanity is the opposite of this. Man may have grand notions and wonderful ideas. He may have knowledge, but without love to his fellow man, he is as a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. Any harshness, injustice, or cruelty manifested in spirit or in words; any commands or injunctions savoring of an overbearing and dictatorial spirit, is sinful man’s inhumanity. All who are imbued with the Spirit of Christ will build on Christ, the only true foundation of righteous humanity. And a righteous humanity will communicate with humanity, having a true sense of human brotherhood, a true love for man. God has paid an infinite price for man, in that while he was dead in trespasses and sins, He gave His life a ransom for his redemption, without distinction of rank, relationship, race, or knowledge. And man must show respect, not merely for his fellow man, but for the One who has shown His estimate of man. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 56)

The Lord God made man capable, giving him all the qualifications, that through the merits of Jesus Christ, he could obtain victories which would exalt him as a child of God, to win the immortal crown that fadeth not away. Any man that shall demerit his fellow man, and place himself as a hindrance to his winning the immortal crown, will receive according to his work. The outward appearance may be forbidding, but if with one hand he reaches forth to grasp his fellow brother’s hand, while by faith he lays hold of Christ, what may he not accomplish? (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 57)

The one who sees the value of Christ’s character is to reveal that character. Husband and wife each have a personality, as far as the salvation of their souls is concerned. The individuality of the husband cannot be submerged in the wife, or the individuality of the wife in the husband. Each individual life is God’s personal property, and while they labor to do their utmost to help one another heavenward, not one principle in the lessons and teachings of Christ should be ignored. We are Christ’s purchased possession, to do His work on the earth. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 58)

Christ was the greatest Teacher the world has ever known. Was there ever a man that could find any defect, in speech or in character, in Him? And if not, it is safe to practice that humanity which you know to be perfect. Then you will sympathize with the One who desires to make you a partaker of His divine nature, to clothe you with His power. No man is to be permitted to interpose between Christ and our souls. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 59)

The spell of a stronger and a perfect mind will be over us if we have a living connection with the Source of all-enduring strength. And gratitude must need be expressed for these continued mercies. In our divine life we shall be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. We no longer live the common life of selfishness, but Christ lives in us. His character is reproduced in our human nature. Then the bitter, poisonous root of selfishness will be uprooted. Tender feelings, full of sympathy for the erring, take possession of the man or woman who has fallen on the Rock and been broken. It becomes a delight to do all His commandments. The tree must be made good in order that the fruit may be good. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 60)

Man is of more value in the sight of heaven than he realizes. A sense of his responsibility as a possessor of humanity after the perfection of the similitude of Christ in human nature will make man understand as he has not before done, “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God (not yourself) in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] “I will make a man (if he will use the talents entrusted to him by God) more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.” [Isaiah 13:12.] (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 61)

Here, my brother, you can see your accountability and responsibility. You cannot be a Christian and despise one of those with whom Christ associated. Your fellow man may be weak in knowledge, he may be sinful, but by association with Christ, even though poor and degraded, he may be uplifted. Christ was divinity in human form. He assumed humanity that He might uplift man. Did He not love man in that He gave Himself to ransom him? Then shall man speak of his fellow man with scorn? Shall he lift up his soul unto vanity? (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 62)

You could have been a real blessing, my brother, in the church, if you had placed yourself under the control of God. The cross of Calvary reveals Christ’s redeeming work, and this has invested humanity with great possibilities, even eternal life in the kingdom of God, if they will eat of the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. The infinite sacrifice made for you and for me should call us to our duty. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 63)

The incarnation of Christ, His death, and His resurrection, are subjects upon which you should converse. They will close your lips, so that you will not help Satan in his work as an accuser of the brethren. The Lord’s estimate of man, shown by the price He has paid for him, warns every one off the accuser’s ground. Christ was not ashamed to assume our nature, and to submit to its liabilities. Then let each appreciate himself. I call upon you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth to come out from the world and be separate. Now is the time for you to make your calling and your election sure. May the Lord bless you, and incline your heart to honor Him by true service, is my prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, 64)

Lt 98a, 1896

Semmens, Brother
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
December 29, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother Semmens:

I received your letter yesterday, and this morning we are sending you £10 that we happen to have on hand. Please let me know the amount that you wish to use at once, and I will try to get it for you. I wish you had stated the sum in your letter of yesterday, for we might have provided you with it. (11LtMs, Lt 98a, 1896, 1)

Enclosed you will find a letter that I have written to Sister Blombery. If you see no objections to it going, you may send it along. I am sure your wife will need help as she is not in a condition to give treatment at present. Your wife’s sister is inexperienced, and it would not be safe to trust to her judgment. You need a woman that will do honor to the character of the work, one who feels that she is willing to work in any line, for we must have helpers who will be able to stand in any place that the situation demands. The cooking must not be left entirely with the matron. (11LtMs, Lt 98a, 1896, 2)

Sister Semmens will have her hands full, and should not be expected, with the care of her children, to give treatment for quite a while, if you expect her to preserve her health and to do a mother’s duty to her children. I am sure she does need to understand that the babe in her arms needs to understand who is to rule. Your little boy needs altogether a different kind of training from what he has had. If children are brought into the world, they must be given the right kind of education from their babyhood. (11LtMs, Lt 98a, 1896, 3)

They must be taught to be in subjection to their parents. The first few months is the most important period, and to let the little one hold the lines in his tiny hands is giving up the control to Satan. He understands the situation perfectly. He knows that he can work his will and take possession of the temper and disposition of the child. You must not allow your child to make you bend to its freaks and whims. You must bring it under the control of the will and mind of both father and mother. Take heed how you treat the little ones, Christ’s own inheritance. Require obedience always, but more of this again. (11LtMs, Lt 98a, 1896, 4)

This Sister Blombery I wrote to some time ago, inquiring if she were prepared to help us when we needed help. She wrote me that she was ready to come, but must have £1 per week. At that time you were all broken up, so I did not answer. The next letter I got from her stated that she was waiting to hear what my decision was, also saying that she would work for 18/-. But I did not answer at once. Now something must be said, so I have written the enclosed letter. Is it not sufficiently guarded? I know that you must have someone besides your wife’s sister, some woman of experience, and Sister Blombery is the only one I could think of. May the Lord direct. Willie and I have talked this matter over and decided that it would be well to correspond with this sister. I should like to hear from you right away. (11LtMs, Lt 98a, 1896, 5)

Lt 98b, 1896

Sister [Israel?]
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 21, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in SD 53; ML 100; HP 116; 2MR 98.
My Very Dear Sister:

I am much pained to hear of your affliction. The Lord has given me a message for you. His word to you is, “Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flames kindle upon thee.... Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honorable: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.... I will say to the North, Give up; and to the South, Keep not back: bring My sons from far, and My daughters from the ends of the earth; even every one that is called by My name: for I have created him for My glory, I have formed, yea, I have made him.” [Isaiah 43:1, 2, 4, 6, 7.] (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 1)

My sister, you desire to please the Lord Jesus, and you can do this by believing that He has forgiven your sins. Will you not look to the Lord, and commit the keeping of your soul to Him as unto a faithful Creator? He loves you, and He does not want you to spend your days in mourning over your sins. Everything that God could do, He has done to manifest His great love and mercy to you. He “so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Then rest in the assurance of the love of God. Open the door of your heart, and let the sunbeams of Christ’s righteousness drive away the shadow of sadness and grief. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 2)

Not because we first loved Him did God love us; but “while we were yet sinners,” Christ died for us, making full and abundant provision for our redemption. [Romans 5:8.] Although by our disobedience we have merited God’s displeasure and condemnation, yet He has not forsaken us, leaving us to grapple with the power of the enemy in our own finite strength. Heavenly angels fight our battles for us, and co-operating with them, we may be victorious over the powers of evil. Trusting in Christ as our personal Saviour, we may be more than conquerors. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 3)

“Thus saith God the Lord, He that created the heavens, and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; He that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles, to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” [Isaiah 42:5-7.] This precious assurance of God to His Son, His anointed, embraces all who receive Jesus Christ, for John says, “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:12.] To every one the Lord presents terms of mercy. As we draw nigh to Him by faith, He draws nigh to us, adopting us into His family, and making us His sons and daughters. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 4)

By disobeying the commands of God, man fell under the condemnation of the law. This fall called for the grace of God to appear in behalf of sinners. We would never have learned the meaning of this word “grace” had we not fallen. God loves the sinless angels who do His service and are obedient to all His commands; but He does not give them grace. These heavenly beings know naught of grace; they have never needed it, for they have never sinned. Grace is an attribute of God shown to undeserving human beings. We did not seek after it, but it was sent in search of us. God rejoices to bestow this grace on everyone who hungers for it, not because we are worthy, but because we are so utterly unworthy. Our need is the qualification which gives us the assurance that we will receive this gift. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 5)

But God does not use this grace to make His law of none effect, or to take the place of His law. “The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will magnify the law, and make it honorable.” His law is truth. “He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth; and the isles will wait for His law.” [Isaiah 42:21, 4.] God gave to man a perfect law. An imperfect law would have perpetuated sin, made God the author of sin. Jesus came to condemn sin in the flesh, to bear the curse of sin for us; and He took the law from beneath the feet of those that were trampling upon it, and made it honorable. He kept His Father’s commandments, and only by being a partaker of the divine nature can man keep them. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 6)

God’s grace and the law of His kingdom are in perfect harmony; they walk hand in hand. His grace makes it possible for us to draw nigh to Him by faith. By receiving it, and letting it work in our lives, we testify to the validity of the law; we exalt the law and make it honorable by carrying out its living principles. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 7)

“Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, and My servants whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and beside Me there is no Saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and have showed that there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.” [Isaiah 43:10-12.] How may we witness for God? By continuing in disobedience and transgression? No; by rendering pure, whole-hearted obedience to God’s law. If we will let Him, He will manifest Himself in us, and we shall be witnesses, before the universe of heaven and before an apostate world who are making void the law of God, to the power of redemption. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 8)

My sister, do not try to carry your own sins, because they have been borne by the great Sin-bearer. The only begotten Son of God voluntarily met the claims of God’s violated law. Being one with the Father, He was able to bear the penalty of our disobedience. His divinity, connected with humanity, bore the sins of the whole world. By taking humanity, Christ has exalted the human family. His divinity grasps the throne of the Infinite in behalf of man. As our substitute, He took our sins upon Himself, and now intercedes before the Father in our behalf. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 9)

“Not by works of righteousness, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.” [Titus 3:5, 6.] Christ was stricken of God and afflicted on our behalf. “In all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of His people.” “For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.” [Hebrews 2:17, 18.] Poor, tried, suffering soul, Jesus loves you. “A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench.” [Matthew 12:20.] He died on Calvary’s cross for you. His sacrifice is all-sufficient and you may be complete in Him. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 10)

But you cannot possibly save your own soul. Only by the efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ can you be saved. Why keep your eyes fastened on yourself when your Saviour stands beside you, saying, “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.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] “Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” [Isaiah 41:10.] Lay your sins on Me. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 11)

Jesus has sent us a letter from heaven, which gives us an account of the love He has bestowed upon us. If studied, this letter will bring comfort to the distressed and hope to the perishing. My sister, will you not read this letter from God, and try to comprehend the love He has for you? Cease thinking and talking of yourself, let your mind dwell on Jesus and His love, and let that love abide in your soul. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 12)

Satan will come to you saying, You are a sinner. But do not let him fill your mind with the thought that because you are sinful, God has cast you off. Say to him, Yes; I am a sinner, and for that reason I need a Saviour. I need forgiveness and pardon, and Christ says that if I come to Him I shall not perish. In His letter to me I read, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] I will believe the word He has left for me. I will obey His commands. When Satan tell you that you are lost, answer, Yes; but Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. The greater my sin, the greater my need of a Saviour. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 13)

The moment you grasp God’s promises by faith, and say, I am the lost sheep that Jesus came to save, a new life will take possession of you, and you will receive strength to resist the tempter. But faith to grasp the promises does not come by feeling. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” [Romans 10:17.] You must not look for some great change to take place; you must not expect to feel some wonderful emotion. The Spirit of God must make an impression on your mind. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 14)

My sister, will you not take God’s word on trust, saying, He loves me; He gave His life for me; and He will save me. O that the Lord would work in your behalf! Look away from yourself to Jesus. Embrace Him as your Saviour. Cease to bemoan your helpless condition. Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith, you will be inspired with hope, and will see the salvation of God. When you feel tempted to mourn, force your lips to utter the praises of God. “Rejoice in the Lord alway.” [Philippians 4:4.] Is He not worthy of praise? Then educate your lips to talk of His glory and to magnify His name. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 15)

Christ longs to see you resist the adversary of souls. Lift your heart to the Lord, for He is waiting to comfort and strengthen you. Repeat over and over again, Christ will do all for me. When accused by the ruler of the synagogue for healing a woman on the Sabbath day, Jesus answered, “Ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, to be loosed from this bond?” [Luke 13:16.] And today, my sister, the Lord says to you, Be not discouraged, but cast your burdens upon Me. You cannot carry your own sins. I will take them all, and will bring to pass that which is good for My people and My servants, and good for thine own soul. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 16)

Your loved ones may be buried in the grave, but I am the resurrection and the life. I was dead, but I am alive forevermore. Your friends may be estranged from you, and you may obtain from them no encouragement or solace. They may speak words to you which do not heal the bruises of sin and bereavement. But if you will trust in Me, you will not want any good thing. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.” “Trust ye in the Lord forever; for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” [Isaiah 26:3, 4.] (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 17)

Never has a soul that trust in Jesus been left to perish. “I, even I, am He;” the Lord declares, “that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put me in remembrance; let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.” [Isaiah 43:25, 26.] “I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth. I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye Me in vain: I the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.” “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am the Lord, and there is none else.” [Isaiah 45:19, 22.] Respond to the calls of God’s mercy, my sister, and say, I will trust in the Lord and be comforted; for Thou hast loved me. I will praise the Lord; for His anger is turned away. (11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, 18)

Lt 98c, 1896

Sister [Israel?]
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
May 20, 1896
Previously unpublished.
My Dear Sister:

I have a word for you this morning. “Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life my lips shall praise Thee.” [Psalm 63:3.] “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing had happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” [1 Peter 4:12, 13.] Let us be thankful and praise the Lord. Let your heart receive the rich current of His love. As Jesus prayed for His disciples on the earth that they might be kept from evil, be sanctified through the truth, and be with Him where He is in the Father’s house, so He prays for us. He lives to make intercession for us. He alone can give us [a] supply of His Spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 98c, 1896, 1)

The Spirit was given at first to set us right, and the supply of the Spirit is constant to keep us right. Then let your heart be at peace in Jesus Christ. Do not worry, do not be continually fearful that you will lose His grace. Just quietly trust yourself in the hands of Jesus, who loves you and will bless you. The immutability of His divine nature prevents any change in His love. Day after day show your trust in Jesus. You have a perfect right to let your heart be free in His love, and without one fear or questioning doubt praise Him, for it is your privilege. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth God. He has united you to Himself in a love firm and strong and sure. (11LtMs, Lt 98c, 1896, 2)

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” [Romans 8:35.] Thus writes the beloved apostle Paul. Do not worry. “Be still and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] This is a great and very precious privilege. You love Jesus, and Jesus loves you. Your love to Jesus may oft appear feeble and fluctuating, yet is never failing, being supplied with His fulness, which is never failing. No one can separate a believer from Christ, or Christ from a believer. The apostle refers not to our love to Jesus, but the love of Jesus to us. You are beloved of Jesus. He died for you, and ever liveth to make intercession for us. Sweet and precious truth. He loves us in truth! He loves us as His sheep. (11LtMs, Lt 98c, 1896, 3)

Christ is represented as the shepherd, and highly values His sheep. He loves every sheep of His flock, and He loves every lamb, and calls each one by name. He loves to care for them, and show them the uttermost kindness. You are His sheep, under His tender watchcare. No amount of tribulation shall separate you from Christ. However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Because they are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, He loves them. Not only for His Father’s sake, but for their own sake He loves them. He loves them as His children. He loves you. Therefore trust. (11LtMs, Lt 98c, 1896, 4)

Lt 98d, 1896

Sister [Israel?]
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
May 12, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister:

Will you not bring all your troubles to Jesus? I have these words for you this morning, “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” [Matthew 6:34.] (11LtMs, Lt 98d, 1896, 1)

“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.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] He lays no galling yoke upon your shoulders. Whatever care we may have, the Lord Jesus says if we bring that to Him, He will give us rest. He says, Lay your burdens upon Me. (11LtMs, Lt 98d, 1896, 2)

We shall never know until we are face to face with God, when we shall see as we are seen, and know as we are known, how many burdens He has borne for us, and how many burdens He would have been glad to have borne if His children would only bring them to Him, and let Him take them and carry them for them. He is our burden-bearer. He hath carried our griefs, and sympathized with our sorrows. If we will only let Him, He will take away our sins. He came to call sinners to repentance. He wants to remove every sin from our souls and bury them in the depths of the sea. He is your sin-pardoner. He loves you. (11LtMs, Lt 98d, 1896, 3)

He, our precious Saviour, is called our everlasting Father, and each believing child is loved by Him with a peculiar love. We have no certain abiding place here, for we are pilgrims and strangers, seeking for that better country, whose builder and maker is God. We are to travel on by faith, believing in Him at every step, for He carries our burdens as we journey along; and it is God’s will we should trust in His love who has given us His only begotten Son, that all who believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The Lord Jehovah has given us Jesus to make an atonement for our sins, then do not let us bind the harrowing remembrance of all the evils and sins of which we have been guilty in our past life. (11LtMs, Lt 98d, 1896, 4)

The Lord Jesus assures us by asking, “Who can bring a charge against God’s elect?” [Romans 8:33.] It is Christ that died to atone for our sins, to become our surety. No one of the host of Satan can pass condemnation upon a child of God who believes in Him as his personal Saviour, because God justifies him. (11LtMs, Lt 98d, 1896, 5)

No power of evil angels can separate you from Christ if you believe and trust in Him as your Sin-bearer, for He identifies His interest with you. He will carry your individual sorrows. He says, Bring them all to Me, I will carry them for you. He holds out to you the strongest consolation. He challenges the whole force of Satan’s accusing power, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” [Verse 35.] He loves His children as Himself, and the Father loves all who believe in Jesus as He loves His Son. They are as Himself, for their life is hid with Christ in God. (11LtMs, Lt 98d, 1896, 6)

Lt 98e, 1896

Sister [Israel?]
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
May 7, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister:

We have a precious Saviour. Before Christ left His disciples He made them the promise, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it. If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” [John 14:13-15.] Here is a test for your love. You are to express to the world that love by obedience. “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another comforter, that He may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” “I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.” [Verses 16-18.] (11LtMs, Lt 98e, 1896, 1)

How can you or I doubt these words so full of assurance, so big with promise? “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” [Hebrews 11:6.] Then cherish faith. You please the Lord Jesus when you show your love for Him by believing His words. If you doubt the words of Jesus Christ in His promises given you, it is impossible for you to live a useful life, blessing others with your cheerfulness and hopefulness. Unbelief acts like a paralysis upon the spiritual energies. It causes mourning and weeping and sadness. Your own soul cannot reflect the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and you will become as the shadow of death. But this need not be. (11LtMs, Lt 98e, 1896, 2)

The Lord wants you, my sister, to have the joy of faith. Cheerfulness is to be cherished, encouraged, and it will grow by expressing hope and talking faith. Bring cheerfulness and hope into the home. Delight your soul in the Lord by communing with Him. How high and pure and satisfying is the healing joy that abides in the soul after the dark brooding of despairing hope has been eclipsed. Then comes the presence of the sunbeams of the righteousness of Christ, an experimental knowledge of the love of Jesus dwelling in the soul. (11LtMs, Lt 98e, 1896, 3)

Let your own words stimulate your faith. “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” [John 15:10, 11.] Think and constantly dwell on the precious love of God. Jesus is the wellspring of life. He ever liveth to make intercession for us. He can and will guide us into all truth. He Himself has announced that He came to heal the broken-hearted, to set the captive free. Then receive for your individual self all that Christ is willing to do and longs to do for you. He will bring gladness to your heart, that has been so long depressed. Be of good cheer, because Jesus Christ is your Healer. Say over and over, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. (11LtMs, Lt 98e, 1896, 4)

Lt 99, 1896

n.a. [Sister]
Duplicate of Lt 49, 1896.

Lt 100, 1896

Tait, A. O.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
August 27, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 1888 1607-1615.
Elder A. O. Tait
Battle Creek, Michigan
Dear Brother:

I have not written you much because I knew that that which I should write you would only increase your burden and intensify the painful feelings you must have, while there is no hope that you can in any way relieve the situation. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 1)

I feel very sorry for Brother Olsen. I have written him much in regard to the situation. He has written back to me, thanking me for the timely letters, but he has not acted upon the light given. The case is a mysterious one. While traveling from place to place he has linked with him as companions men whose spirit and influence should not be sanctioned, and the people who repose confidence in them will be misled. But notwithstanding the light which has been placed before him for years in regard to this matter, he has ventured on, directly contrary to the light which the Lord has been giving him. All this confuses his spiritual discernment, and places him in a relation to the general interest, and wholesome, healthy advancement of the work, as an unfaithful watchman. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 2)

He is pursuing a course which is detrimental to his spiritual discernment, and he is leading other minds to view matters in a perverted light. He has given unmistakable evidence that he does not regard the testimonies which the Lord has seen fit to give His people as worthy of respect or as of sufficient weight to influence his course of action. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 3)

I am distressed beyond any words my pen can trace. Unmistakably, Elder Olsen has acted, as did Aaron, in regard to these men who have been opposed to the work of God ever since the Minneapolis meeting. They have not repented of their course of action in resisting light and evidence. Long ago I wrote to A. R. Henry, but not a word of response has come from him to me. I have recently written to Harmon Lindsay and his wife, but I suppose he will not respect the matter sufficiently to reply. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 4)

From the light God has been pleased to give me, until the home field shows more healthful heart beats, the fewer long journeys Elder Olsen shall make with his selected helpers, A. R. Henry and Harmon Lindsay, the better it will be for the cause of God. The far away fields will be just as well off without these visits. The disease at the heart of the work poisons the blood, and thus the disease is communicated to the bodies they visit. Yet, notwithstanding the sickly, diseased state of things at home, some have felt a great burden to take the whole of believing bodies under their parental wings. But if the institutions which God has established have spiritual discernment, they will not concede to these paternal propositions. It is not in the order of God that a few men shall manage the great interests throughout the field. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 5)

Many of the men who have acted as counsellors in board and council meetings need to be weeded out. Other men should take their places, for their voice is not the voice of God. Their plans and devisings are not after the order of God. The same men have been kept in office as directors of boards until, under their own management and their own opinions, common fire is used in the place of sacred fire of God’s own kindling. These men are no more called Israel, but supplanters. They have worked themselves so long, instead of being worked by the Holy Spirit, that they know not what spirit impels them to action. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 6)

The college at Battle Creek would be better if it had been only one half as large, and if the other half had been located far from Battle Creek. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 7)

The spiritual blindness which rests upon human minds seems to be deepening. There are men handling sacred things who are unconverted. All such should be replaced by men who not only have a knowledge of the truth, but who practice the truth, and have respect enough for the Bible to obey a “Thus saith the Lord.” Many of the men who have long been connected with the Office and with other important lines of work are really ignorant of the influence of the decisions they make. If they had a sense of the importance of these decisions, and comprehended what they mean with reference to the work, they would be far more modest in advancing ideas and voicing by their vote the propositions others make. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 8)

Piety is needed. Less self-confidence and far more humility must be seen. The work of God has come to be looked upon a common thing. It would have been much better to have changed the men on boards and committees than to have retained the very same men for years, until they supposed that their propositions were to be adopted without a question; and generally no voice has been lifted in an opposite direction. There are men who sit in counsel who have not the discernment that they should have. Their comprehension is narrow and egotistical. A change is needed. It will not be wise to carry out one half or one quarter of the enterprises which have been planned. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 9)

Let all who sit in council and in committee meetings write in his heart the words, I am working for time and for eternity. I must give an account to God for all the motives which prompt me to action. Let this be his motto. Let the prayer of the psalmist go up to God, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the doors of my lips. Incline not my hand to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity, and let me not eat of their dainties.” [Psalm 141:3, 4.] (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 10)

I have been led to see that too much confidence is placed in the men in Battle Creek who are in positions of trust. Those living in distant countries will not do that which their judgment tells them is right unless they first send for permission to Battle Creek. Before they will advance, they await yes or no, from that place. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 11)

This condition of things is brought about by the finite wisdom of man. God did not inspire any such dependence upon a few finite minds. God is to be inquired of; God is to be sought in humble prayer by men living in Australia, in Africa, in any distant land. Who alone can give mind and judgment to the men in Battle Creek? If they possess judgment of any value, that judgment is found in God. Is He any nearer to the men in Battle Creek than to the workers who are laboring in His service in far off lands? Has the Lord to go to Battle Creek, and tell men there what the men working in distant countries must do? (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 12)

Those working in places far off from Battle Creek have made a mistake by depending on a few minds in that place. These men do not know the situation of the cause and work in different localities. Let those who are on the ground in these countries remember that God has given them brains and intelligence to use their talents. If they err in some things as they work in their own borders, they are not to be blamed. Those who would blame them have perhaps committed greater errors. Let these men put their trust in God, asking of Him who has promised to give to all who ask Him, and upbraid not. God is a God at hand, not afar off. “Come unto me,” said Christ, “all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:28, 29.] O, how differently from this have the men in Battle Creek felt and acted when consulted. They did not show the meekness and lowliness of heart manifested by the great Teacher and Saviour of men, but have shown instead a selfish superiority, an over-bearing spirit. By this they showed that Jesus did not abide in their hearts. Thank the Lord, all are not of this spirit; but the conferences are fast being leavened with this self-righteous sense of superiority. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 13)

Let those in different countries walk by faith. Let them inquire, Am I serving the men at Battle Creek, or am I serving the Lord? They are to feel their individual accountability to God, not to men who give evidence that they themselves need to seek the Lord for wisdom. As the Lord’s delegated servants seek Him for wisdom, He will answer their prayers. Those in distant countries who are on the ground should consult together, pray together, opening the Word of God for counsel. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 14)

“Where two or three are agreed together,” this Word declares, “as touching anything they shall ask in the name of Jesus, it shall be done for them.” [Matthew 18:19, 20.] “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] Bow down before God. With reverential awe approach the throne of grace. Present the Word of God which is not Yea and Nay, but Yea and Amen in Christ Jesus. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 15)

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” “Do not err, my beloved brethren, Every good gift and every perfect gift lies from above, and cometh down from the Father of light, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” [James 1:5-8, 16, 17.] “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your minds and hearts through Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 4:5-7.] (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 16)

Brethren, shall we educate ourselves to depend upon men rather than to make God our trust and dependence in every emergency? Whatever work is attempted with reference to the cause and work of God, we are under Christian obligations to God. Let Him be consulted. A few men, whatever their position, whatever office they may hold, should not be mind and judgment for the wide-spreading work all over the large vineyard, which is the world. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 17)

Let those in every far off country work unselfishly in the fear and love of God to advance the work. As missionaries for God, they can do much for if they are connected with Him. They should draw nigh to God with full assurance of faith, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or doubting. God will make known unto them His pleasure; but all who do not work with a eye single to the glory of God, making Him their dependence and trust, who lean rather upon human wisdom, will make blunders. It is in doing the work of God that the richest experience is to be gained. Here is where you get wisdom and find the promises of God verified. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 18)

It is a mistake to encourage the separate conferences to place everything before the finite minds of those at Battle Creek, asking them what they shall do. Men will never develop wisdom in management, either in business matters or in spiritual things, if they are educated to depend upon other men’s brains to think and plan for them. If they make mistakes, these very mistakes may be permitted by the Lord, to be turned into victory if they will learn to improve in these things. Do men want always to remain shadows of other men’s minds? God has made no exception in His promise. “If any one lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” [James 1:5.] (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 19)

O how little men, even presidents of conferences, know of the power and helpful strength that God gives to the earnest, humble seeker who puts His trust in God and does not place men as counsellors, in this place where God alone should be. There are thousands upon thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand angels that minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation. God is waiting to help all who look unto Him. But what opinion can the angels, who wait to do the will and command of God to come to the help of His work in every place, have when they see that the faces that should be uplifted to God, and the voices that should be heard in supplication with thanksgiving to God, are turned away from God, and sending their petitions to Battle Creek, asking counsel of human, erring men? Shall we not have a change in these things? Verily, there must be a decided change. God’s servants are amenable to Him. No man is to be conscience for them. The Lord wants men who know how to do the work of God to labor in His vineyard. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 20)

When the president of the General Conference is standing overloaded with work, let some young men, or some men of age and experience, come close to the weary man and lift the burdens, sustaining him with encouraging words, standing in his place, and doing the work he would have done, even though he fell under the burden which was disproportionate to his strength. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 21)

In time of pressure there are spiritual forces to be called in which should always share the burdens; but more than this, the field should be apportioned off in sections to men who will stand as burden-bearers. There must be a number of forces which may be relied upon, but men must not be held in one position of responsibility year after year. The field is too large for this. Men have learned to send every petty request to Battle Creek, until the elevated, sacred work has passed through so many human elements that it has become contaminated. The tainted influence of unsanctified human nature has been brought in, so that nothing is sure, sacred, and holy. But it is little use to make appeals to the men who have held their superior position until in their mind the sacred is blended with the common. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 22)

I have just touched upon these important matters. More yet to come. (11LtMs, Lt 100, 1896, 23)

Lt 101, 1896

Tait, A. O.
Avondale, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
February 17, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Elder A. O. Tait
Battle Creek, Michigan
Dear Brother:

Your letter was received in due time. I thank you very much for the interest you have taken in Edson White. Nothing is so injurious to him as to know his brethren have no confidence in him. If he is treated with kindness, no one in the world would appreciate the blessing more. I know the whole history of his life, for I am his mother. He is full of ardor. When he was misjudged in Battle Creek, and treated as not one of the purchase of the blood of Christ ought to be have been treated, he became desperate, feeling himself condemned by all without a candid, kindly interested investigation. It would have had no special weight, I knew, upon the minds of those with whom he had been connected, for me to tell them that which after a time in my great bodily suffering, the Lord had presented before me. He was wrong, but those who should have helped him and so tried to save a soul from death drove him to pursue a course which he would not have done had they not driven him upon Satan’s battleground, and then left him to die. (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 1)

But the Lord gave me light in regard to this case. His own arms were open to receive the one who had lost all confidence in men, and had no hope in God. The word to me was, My loving kindness shall be toward him; I will seek and I will bring back the lost sheep. I, his Redeemer, will take him into favor and comfort him; for he has been driven away from the fold. I will lay open before him the treasures of My grace. (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 2)

Those who have manifested unkindness, who have been unmerciful, ready to destroy and not restore, have lost their own love for God, lost the attributes of the character of Jesus Christ, and are in no sense merciful, compassionate shepherds, seeking to save that which was lost. (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 3)

The terrible denunciations against the Jewish priesthood and the rabbis was on account of their disregard of the sufferings of humanity. Suffering souls were all about them, but they denounced as sinners those who did not please them, and the very ones who needed their help as priests of the Most High God, because they were sinners, they turned from them, gathering their Pharisaical garments about them, and leaving the sinners in their great need. (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 4)

No man or woman can grieve the heart of God more deeply than to help Satan in his work by making souls unhappy and wretched and hopeless, and then leave them to perish. Christ was accused of eating with publicans and sinners. He turned toward them, while divinity flashed through humanity, and with a voice of authority, said, “I came not to call the righteous” (those who feel whole), “but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] As one who has a right, He encircles the erring and lost with His human arm, while with His divine arm He firmly lays hold of the throne of the Infinite. The radiant glory above the mercy seat is approachable unto Him whose attributes and mercy in behalf of man placed it there. It will never dim; it will shine as long as there is a soul to look and live. (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 5)

Christ came in human form, the express image of the Father’s character, to restore the moral image of God in man; and yet poor, fallen humanity exhibits the spirit of the fallen order to oppress and to destroy. Christ came to work as a restorer. He is the Desire of all nations, the Wonderful, Counsellor, the Prince of Peace, the glory of the world, yet He speaks, and let every finite man listen to His voice. Isaiah 55:6-9; 57:15. (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 6)

I feel every day of my life so thankful that we can have the Word of God to encourage us. Isaiah 50:10, 11; 51:7-16. Christ is the desire of all nations, but men do not look to Him and trust in Him, but look to the human for help. Christ is the star that should arise out of Jacob, and the one in whom all the nations of the earth should be blessed, as the first born of heaven, and the only begotten of the Father, filled with all the treasures of eternity. He assumed humanity, and impressed upon it the glorious image of the everlasting God. Then how dare men, who are brotherhood with humanity, act with so little tenderness toward the purchase of the blood of Christ? How dare they do what many have done—be unkind, unfeeling, cold, harsh, criticizing, accusing, revealing themselves to be imbued with altogether another spirit than that which dwelt in our Redeemer? (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 7)

The life of Jesus, from its commencement to its close, was a glorious track of light for all humanity. That light shines for all benighted souls in order that they shall not be led into dark paths by their fellow men, whom Satan works through as his agents to darken and discourage. Oh, my heart burns within me as I think how many souls have been left to die that might have lived if men would be as they profess to be—Christians, pointing every tempest-tossed soul to the Lamb of God, who is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. Jesus is our example. If men would but follow Him, no one would walk in darkness because they carry no light. (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 8)

The great end of Christ’s mission was to be a sin offering for the world, that by the shedding of His blood an atonement might be made for the whole race of man. With a heart ever touched with the feelings of our infirmities, an ear ever open to the cry of suffering humanity, a hand ever ready to save the discouraged, despairing soul, Jesus is our Saviour. He was their Saviour. He went about doing good. His words ever inspired hope, His precepts awakened men to faith, and caused them to put their trust in Him, and never to give up in despair. (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 9)

Who are co-workers with God? Who are imbued with His Spirit? Who are working out in their lives the mission of Jesus Christ? All such will sit with Christ on His throne as overcomers. But all who exalt themselves, all who oppress their fellow men in any wise, do this to Jesus Christ, for every soul has been purchased with an infinite price, and through faith in Jesus Christ is capable of receiving immortality, to live through eternal ages. How long will God bear with heartless indifference in the treatment of men toward their fellow men? We cannot determine; but that which every man sows, he will reap a harvest of the same kind. But if men sow deeds of love and compassion, words of comfort, hope, and encouragement, he will reap that which he has sown. Every deed is passing in review before God, every action is being weighed in the balances of the sanctuary. (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 10)

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the book, according to their works.” [Revelation 20:12.] “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” [Daniel 7:9, 10.] (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 11)

These things are soon to come to pass. When? When? “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still, and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” [Revelation 22:11.] This decision is passed in heaven before Christ shall come. “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” [Verses 12-14.] (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 12)

P.S. Brother Tait, I have written as I had no idea of writing when I began, but the Spirit of the Lord has been moving me to write. I send to Edson in this mail a large package of matter. I shall write to him to read it and send you a copy if he pleases. I cannot send off so much matter in the mails without large postage bills. We must save every penny we can. Times are hard and money scarce, and we seem to be tied up for want of means. (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 13)

In love. (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 14)

P.S. I [am] not sending this letter to Edson. You may send it to him; it may be a help to him. (11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, 15)

Lt 102, 1896

Tait, A. O.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
March 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 7MR 420-424; CD 462.
Dear Brother:

There is much that can be said on the question of health reform, and some persons are always ready to catch up the most objectionable features, and urge them upon the attention of those who are not properly enlightened in regard to the subject. But this course is not wise. At our camp meetings, all classes of people are represented, and we need to guard every expression that bears upon any question of reform, else someone will catch at our words, and use them unwisely. The temperance question should be handled carefully. (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 1)

The large gatherings of our people afford us an excellent opportunity to illustrate our principles, to educate the people, not only by our words, but by our practice. Some years ago at these gatherings there was much said upon health reform, and the benefits of a vegetarian diet, but at the same time meat was furnished upon the tables at the dining tent. Faith without works is dead; and the instruction upon health reform, denied by the practice, did not make the deepest impression. (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 2)

At the camp meetings in Victoria and New South Wales, those in charge, educated by practice as well as by precept. Although it has been but a few years since they received the truth, they took a noble stand for health principles. No meat was furnished at the dining tent, but fruits, grains, and vegetables, were supplied in abundance. I could not but be pleased, for precept and practice combined have a telling influence. Both believers and unbelievers asked questions in reference to the absence of meat, and then the reason was plainly stated, that meat is not the most healthful food. (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 3)

In this country there is an organized vegetarian society, but its numbers are comparatively few. Among the people in general, meat is largely used by all classes. It is the cheapest article of food, and even where poverty abounds, meat is usually found upon the table. Therefore there is the more need of handling wisely the question of meat-eating. In regard to this matter there should be no rash movements. We should consider the situation of the people, and the power of life-long habits and practices, and should be careful not to urge our ideas upon others, as if this question were a test, and those who eat largely of meat were the greatest of sinners. (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 4)

All should have the light on this question, but let it be carefully presented. Habits that have been thought right for a lifetime are not to be changed by harsh or hasty measures. We should dedicate the people at our camp meetings and other large gatherings. While the principles of health reform should be presented, let the teaching be backed by example. Let no meat be found at our restaurants or dining tents, but let its place be supplied with fruits, grains, and vegetables. We must practice what we teach. When sitting at a table where meat is provided, we are not to make a raid upon those who use it, but we should let it alone ourselves, and when asked our reasons for doing this, we should in a kindly manner explain why we do not use it. (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 5)

A very serious objection to the practice of meat-eating is found in the fact that disease is becoming more and more widespread among the animal creation. The curse because of sin causes the earth to groan under the inhabitants thereof, and every living thing is subject to disease and death. Cancers, tumors, diseases of the lungs, the liver, the kidneys, all exist among the animals that are used for food. Until late years we have never heard of anything approaching to the variety of diseases now apparent in the animal creation. It is stated that out of a herd of twenty cattle, the inspectors accepted only two; from another herd of one hundred, only twenty five were accepted as having no apparent disease. The only way to avoid contracting disease from the use of flesh meats is to discard them altogether. Persons will do this much more readily if they have an intelligent knowledge of the dangers that attend the eating of the flesh of dead animals. (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 6)

While living in Granville, New South Wales, we were obliged to pass large stockyards on our way to Sydney. To these yards thousands and thousands of sheep and cattle were driven, to be purchased and killed by the butchers for consumption in the cities and towns. The sights I have witnessed in passing to and from Sydney have been heart-sickening. I read in our daily paper that in one locality three thousand sheep were killed daily, and as many as six thousand have been killed in a day. Large canneries are erected, in which the meat is canned to be sent to Europe. Meat is frozen also, and sent to distant markets. (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 7)

As Brother Belden, my secretary, and myself were returning from Ashfield camp-ground to our home in Granville, we saw a large herd of cattle in the road ahead of us. One animal, an enormous ox, was standing, sullen and defiant, in the middle of the street in advance of the herd. A man on horseback, having in his hand a danger signal, halted near this animal’s head, and called out to Brother Belden, “Keep to the right, and drive as quickly as possible, and he may not make a charge.” We followed directions, and went on our way safely. This poor beast had travelled, oppressed with heat and thirst, until his nature was wrought up to a determined resistance to the will of men, and he had become unmanageable. So it was necessary for a signal flag of danger to be constantly exhibited, as a warning to the people, lest the beast should make a charge upon travellers. (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 8)

In the same herd some animals had been wounded; some were limping along. One poor suffering creature had both horns broken off close to his head, and the blood was flowing from the wound. Some were very lame, and were pictures of brute misery. Taken from the green paddocks, and traveling for weary miles over the hot, dusty road, these poor creatures are driven to their death, that human beings may feast on the miserable dead carcasses. (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 9)

I have seen large flocks of sheep, hundreds and even thousands in a flock. Some of these flocks followed the shepherd, and seemed to understand where he desired them to go. He had no whip, no dog, as we generally see, but whenever a sheep strayed, he made a peculiar noise with his mouth. Every sheep seemed to understand it, and all pressed close together, following the shepherd. This reminded us of the sheep following the true Shepherd. The affection of animals for man seems to approach so closely to human intelligence that it is a mystery. We need to consider these things. The animals were created by God. They see, they hear, they use their organs as faithfully as human beings use theirs. They are the Lord’s creatures. And His Word declares, “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.” [Proverbs 12:10.] (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 10)

I might fill pages with descriptions of the sights I have seen, the suffering among the animals that are to be used for food. When a sheep in a flock lies down and cannot rise, the others leap over or upon it as they proceed. A large box wagon follows the flock, and I have seen the drivers take up the heavy sheep, when unable to travel farther, and bounce them into the wagon, right upon their backs. And, during one ride, I have counted no less than eight sheep, some already dead, and others in the agonies of death, lying by the roadside, after the flock had passed. But I will not go on to describe these sickening sights. If I had not, prior to this time, discarded the use of the flesh of dead animals, I should now take the pledge to eat no more meat as long as fruits and vegetables can be obtained. (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 11)

We are living in critical times. Disease of every stripe and type is afflicting the human family, and it is largely the result of subsisting upon the diseased flesh of dead animals. Some who have had the consequences of a meat diet set before them do not change. Why? Because they have educated their tastes to enjoy the flesh of dead animals, and that taste must be indulged at any cost. And instead of preparing the meat in the least objectionable way, many choose the way that is most objectionable. The meat is served, reeking with fat, because it suits the perverted taste. Both the blood and the fat of animals are consumed as a luxury. But the Lord gave special directions that these should not be eaten. Why? Because their use would make a diseased current of blood in the human system. The disregard of the Lord’s special directions has brought a variety of difficulties and diseases upon human beings. (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 12)

Jesus, speaking from the cloudy pillar, gave special directions to the children of Israel, saying, “It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations, throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.” [Leviticus 3:17.] “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, of sheep, or of goat.” “For whosoever eateth the fat of the beasts, of which men offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, even the soul that eateth it shall be cut off from his people. Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings. Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.” [Leviticus 3:17; 7:22, 23, 25-27.] (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 13)

Many Bible readers and professed Bible believers do the very thing that the Lord has told them not to do, and then they suffer the result of their disobedience. God does not work a miracle to prevent the consequences of their folly. If they introduce into their systems that which cannot make good flesh and blood, they must endure the result of their disregard of God’s Word. All who claim to love and serve the Lord Jesus should feel it their solemn duty to search the Scriptures, to see how they can be doers of His Word. Christ gave His own life for a perishing world. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] God is good to His children, and they do not begin to understand His mercy, and His gracious care for them. (11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 14)

(11LtMs, Lt 102, 1896, 15)

Lt 102a, 1896

Tait, A. O.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
March 9, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in PM 218; UL 82. +
Dear Brother:

We have received the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, and are much disappointed in its general appearance. The cover and chapter headings, except the first, are passably good. The reading we know to be good. But most of the full page illustrations I cannot accept. Had they been printed on separate pages, we would have disposed of them in short order, and would have given you directions to dispose of them by pulling them out of the book. But as they are part and parcel of the book, we cannot do this. Would it not be best to submit anything so important as illustrations to the writer before publishing? (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 1)

It seems unexplainable to me that not one of you on the spot where these things are transacted, could see any defect, or if you did, that you let the matter pass. As members of the book committee, should you not have spoken and acted? It would be better not to have illustrations than to have such figures. Two are much better than the rest—“The Mount of Blessing” and “The Sea of Galilee.” Some of the illustrations in the book, Christ Our Saviour, are certainly much better than those in Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing. Yet in the former book “The Birth of Jesus” might be improved, and several others do not present the scene as it is. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 2)

In the cut, “Before Pilate,” the representation of Pilate is not in any wise such as we should expect. “Art thou the King of the Jews?” “Christ or Barabbas,” is good. Although the illustrations in this book are not just as we wish, we will not criticize and demerit the book. I am pleased with it, it is of a character to do good. But the contrast between the two books, as far as the illustrations go, is far from pleasing. Thoughts has been many months before you in Battle Creek; certainly in that time better illustrations might have been made or purchased. I do not feel clear in regard to withholding the book from the people so long; it might better have been published without illustrations. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 3)

I have much written upon education, true and false, that I wish I could send to you in this mail. Sunday night, March 8, I was awakened to write matters that were presented to me in regard to individual cases. My usual hour of rising is 3 a.m., but sometimes I awake at 12 or 1, and write as fast as my pen can trace upon paper. But it is difficult to get any one who can edit these articles as fast as I need them. Work goes slowly at times. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 4)

You spoke of the matter I mentioned as written before my husband’s death. I have one article, “The Two Orders of Things,” representing the state of things in the office during my husband’s illness. The condition then was similar to that which exists now. But there are a large number of pages written before his death that I cannot find. I think the matter must be in Healdsburg or Battle Creek. I am at a loss to know just where. I expected to be absent only two years, but it has now been more than double that time. We know not when we shall return. I will try to have some things copied; but again I question, What is the use? That which I now speak to our people has no special influence with some, and I might resurrect all the manuscript yet unpublished, but it would not increase faith one whit. The royalty question has been fully set before you in Battle Creek. I have no more to say on that matter, but shall in every instance follow the light given me of God. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 5)

Edson has been charged with writing to me and complaining of Brother Henry. This is a mistake. Edson has not done this. The light which has been given me has been sent to Edson, only when I felt his danger, and presented to him that he was not to let his feelings control him. The thought that he was dealt with unkindly by any one in the office should not lead him to commit sin against his precious Saviour, or to let his mind be soured in any way. I assured him that the Lord was looking upon every unjust act; every hard-hearted and unjust decision is known to Him. I wrote this to him, not because Edson had written to me of these things, for he had not; but because matters had been presented before me, and I could not rest until I sent my warnings over the broad Pacific to save him from another utter discouragement. I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. I have spoken to hard, unthankful, unsubdued hearts, because I was commissioned to set the warnings before them whether they would hear or whether they would forbear. See Ezekiel 3:4-7, 16-21; 9; 18. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 6)

I will not now hold my peace. I will not say to those who are going contrary to the light God has given, who follow the imagination of their own hearts, It shall be well with thee. If I should hold my peace, the blood of souls would be on my garments. I must speak the words of the Lord. The Lord cannot justify those who have been and are still following a course of oppression. They are not doing His will. In their speech and their dealing they are not following the example of Christ; they do not bear in mind, “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] I had hoped that the old harsh, unchristian manner of dealing with the workmen would never be practiced again, but my heart trembles today for the workers in high and low position. These things are an offence to God, and He will not pass them by. He will surely judge for these things; for men are made to err from the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 7)

Every one will be tested through temptation. One thing I am sure I cannot do, and that is to expel unbelief, to make those believe who have had evidence piled upon evidence. They are now less inclined to believe; there are reasons, they think, for the position they take. Their minds are given to unbelief and doubt; none can change the impressions made upon them by the sowing of the seeds of unbelief, if they want the thing to be so. If they lay their plans, work to them, suppose them all right, and then their imaginings are reproved as unwise, Satan steps in, and says, even to those who have met the same things in others, “Somebody has told her.” All that these leading men have to do to place themselves in the channel of unbelief is to say, “Somebody has told her.” Little did we suppose that individuals who have seemed to be firmly established would go over the ground which others have travelled to their own backsliding and ruin. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 8)

When even the strongest men link up with counsellors who have no living connection with God, and they have evidence of the fact, the Lord will not work a miracle daily to keep them from being contaminated with the same spirit, for they are breathing the same atmosphere. Those who are in position as office bearers, should drink of the pure streams of the waters of Lebanon. I have no call to refute every surmising of evil; I must speak the truth. I have no call to ask men, whoever they may be, what testimony would suit their ambitious devising. When the word of the Lord comes to me, I shall speak decidedly, firmly, with the authority that God gives. Let men walk softly before God. Let them walk humbly, and not lean upon men who do not lean upon God and do not make Him their trust. In the name of the Lord I lift the danger signal. Beware of men, put not your trust in princes, make not flesh your arm. This I have repeated to Edson White over and over. Cause will be followed by sure results. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 9)

Whatever men or women may say, I shall work on just the same, speaking the words the Lord has given me to speak. If called to point out a wrong course of action toward my own children, toward my brethren, or toward my nephew, I shall not hold my peace. Those who are connected with me by relationship are as dear to me as those who have no connection with me. I shall not withhold one jot or tittle because of their connection with me. If wrong has been done them, and it was necessary to mention their names, I shall not forbear. If persons appeal to me for counsel that I can give them, I always try to help them. If my own son asks counsel of his mother, he will receive it just the same as do those who have no relationship with me, for I am glad to give a word in season. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 10)

I am the Lord’s servant, to speak the words which He gives me. I have at times been inclined to say nothing because Edson is my son, but I have given him cautions, warnings, reproof as the Lord has given me. I have also given him words of encouragement which the Lord has given me for him, which others would have done had they been doers of the Word. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 11)

Because men who ought to know their duty have not done it toward him; because men who ought to deal justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God have followed their imagination and their uncontrollable will and passion that have worked harm, I have been instructed to work in an opposite direction; my son is the purchase of the blood of Christ, and I have told him that he must not trust in men, nor allow their words, their spirit, or their business transactions to confuse his senses, to discourage him, or to cause him to do evil. He should consider that by the Lord actions are weighed. We are to leave matters with Him, He knows, and patiently wait for Him. The words and cautions of God may not appear to have any immediate influence to correct the evil, but we are to leave everything in His hands. Every transaction which I know that God condemns I hope and pray that He will give me strength to refuse to participate in or to sustain, whether it is against the weak, the poor and needy, or against my own relatives. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 12)

If, because of this, doubts and unbelief are entertained by my professed brethren who have had all the evidence God will ever give them in regard to the character of the work committed to His humble servant to do in His name, I cannot stop my work because of this. I have no words to speak to those who will open their minds and hearts to evil surmisings because I am trying, by the words given me of God, to counsel and warn my own son, and save him from ruin. The spirit that has taken possession of human minds, and has led to some of their conclusions, is contemptible in the sight of God. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 13)

Our heavenly Father is presented to us in the character of Christ; in Him the veil is drawn aside which conceals the glory of God from our eyes. The Bible shows us God in His high and holy place, not in a state of inactivity, not in silence and solitude, but surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousands, and thousands of thousands of holy intelligences, every one waiting to do His bidding, and taking cognizance of every wrong action against those who are the property of God. He stands, not in indifference, but in active communication with every part of His dominion. Through channels which men cannot see or appreciate, He is actually speaking from His throne, bending earthward, listening to every sound coming from the lips of the oppressed, observing the movements of every human being the world contains, approving or condemning every action toward His own majesty or toward His heritage, raising up the afflicted and unfortunate ones whom Satan is seeking to humiliate and destroy. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 14)

Let those who manifest so little unselfish interest in the purchase of the blood of Christ remember that the Lord will treat them as indifferently as they have treated their fellow men in their trouble. Every act of injustice and robbery and oppression is written in the books. Every one who takes advantage of human beings formed in God’s image is co-operating with the great enemy of God and man, and he shall receive at the hand of God double for all these works. The work of Satan is continually driven on with terrible vindictiveness, and men participate with evil angels in wounding and bruising the souls of God’s people. The Lord sees, the Lord hears the cries of His children. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 15)

The Lord has not concealed from His followers the plan of the battle. He has presented before His people the great conflict, and He has given them words of encouragement. He charges them not to enter into the battle without counting the cost, while He assures them that they do not fight alone, but that supernatural agencies will enable the weak, if they trust in Him, to become strong against the vast confederacy of evil arrayed against them. He points them to the universe of heaven, and assures them that holy beings are wrestling against principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 16)

The children of God are co-operating with the invisible host of light. And more than angels are in their ranks; the Holy Spirit, the representative of the Captain of the Lord’s Host, comes down to direct the battle. Our infirmities may be many, our mistakes and sins numerous, but forgiveness is for all who, with contrition of heart, will confess and forsake their sins. Angels of light are sent to render them all the help that is required. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 17)

I have a message for the people of God: Look to God for your individual selves in every movement you make. Trust not in any man’s wisdom. Jesus raises His voice with clear and distinct instruction: “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.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me.” “Him that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out.” [John 7:37; 6:37.] Coming to Christ you are not repulsed, you are not humiliated with censures, or met with distrust, suspicions, and heartless denunciations. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 18)

The people need to realize the spirituality of the law of God and its eternal obligation resting upon men. They need to realize the worthlessness of formal, ceremonial obedience. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as thyself.” To the lawyer who gave this interpretation of the law, Christ said, “Thou hast answered right, this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] In all our institutions, in all our churches, in all our homes, there is need of a decided awakening in regard to the paternal character of God, His holiness and benevolence, and the relation which the human agents sustain to God and to one another. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 19)

The infinite love of God is expressed by the cross of Calvary. Will the Lord pass over any wrong committed in dealing with the human agents for whom He has given His life? By His own divine appointment, God is the Saviour of men; He is not the destroyer, but the restorer, to renew His own image in men, to encourage, to enlighten, to sanctify, to elevate, to ennoble. Those who do not, with all their powers, cooperate with Christ in this work, will never see the kingdom of heaven. Christ is the Judge of the world. (11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, 20)

Lt 103, 1896

To the Workers in Sydney
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
July 17, 1896
See also Ms 47, 1896. Portions of this letter are published in CD 310; 4MR 385; 5MR 220.
To the Workers in Sydney:

Why has the money expended and the labor put forth in Sydney brought such limited results? There is a solution to this problem. The Lord has been pleased to reveal to me that the same efforts put forth in a different place, by the same people and in the same spirit, would have brought the same results. The Lord could not give victory while those who brought the truth to unbelievers did not themselves practice that Word. The Spirit of God was not cherished, and that union which should exist among God’s workmen was not seen. Disaffection existed, and criticism was heard. The workers got in each other’s way. Some earnestly desired to tell what “I did,” and how “I labored,” but said nothing which would show what their fellow workmen had done. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 1)

By standing apart and yielding to suspicions of evil, by cherishing feelings of envy and jealousy, the workers have opened a door through which Satan entered. God’s holy name has been greatly dishonored, and the work that needed to be done for the people could not go forward because of the spirit which was manifested. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 2)

Those who are engaged in the sacred work of opening the Word of God to others, must be sure that they themselves are eating and digesting that Word. They must keep watch over themselves, weeding from heart and character the fungus growth which causes deformity and weakness. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” [1 Peter 2:1, 2.] Have you done this, or have you thought that you had no battles to fight with self, and so allowed your unsanctified impulses to control mind and judgment? (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 3)

All that is enumerated in this verse—the products of the carnal mind and unsanctified heart—have influenced the workers more or less, and the work which cost so much money, so much weary anxiety, so much hard work, has been made of little effect because the workers did not eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man. Self was mingled with nearly everything, and the wrong influence of this has been far-reaching. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 4)

We are fellow pilgrims, seeking a better country, even an heavenly. Will God say to us “Well done, good and faithful servant,” at the end of our journey, if we now cherish a spirit which craves to crowd out and supplant others? [Matthew 25:23.] Malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking are things which God abhors, and no one who reveals these fruits in their lives will enter the kingdom of heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 5)

In the hearts of all those who desire to follow Christ, there is natural depravity which must be uprooted lest the representation of Christ be marred. Even at our camp meetings and special gatherings, selfishness is manifested by those in attendance. Covetousness, vanity, hastiness of temper, is cherished. An inclination to pick at straws, to think and speak evil of others, is too plainly manifested. This is a work which is in direct opposition to the work of God. Sister M., you know not the harm you have done by following this course of action. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 6)

Those who make faultfinding their first work may appear to be constantly anxious and interested in regard to the welfare of others. They may seem to be actively engaged in good work. But their work does harm, and by the Lord it is not regarded as of any value. “They say,” is whispered here and there; other minds are filled with suspicion and distrust; uneasiness is created. Those who have listened to the “They say,” call to mind something they have observed in their brethren which might have been wrong, and much is made of that which is worthy of but little notice. These apparently innocent words strike long, fibrous roots into the minds of those that hear them, and untold harm is done. Seeds of bitterness are planted—seeds which rankle in human breasts, and spring up to bear an abundant harvest. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 7)

The enemy of all righteousness sets in operation missionary work of this kind. One who is professedly working for Christ is tempted by him to probe the minds of others, and ask their opinion of words which have been spoken. In this way suspicion and envy are planted in many breasts. If those who carry on this missionary work could see it as it is regarded by the Lord of heaven, if for one day they could trace the course of their work, and see its baleful results, they would repent of their actions. To do good to all, to faithfully perform our home duties, to devote our time to comparing our lives with the life of Christ, praying for an humble, sanctified mind—this is the missionary work which the Lord requires us to do. Angels of heaven cannot work with the human agent who loves to sow the seeds of dissension and strife, but evil angels attend him wherever he goes. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 8)

“I say unto you, through the grace given unto me,” writes Paul, “to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” [Romans 12:3.] “Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.” There is need for all to learn lessons of humility and thoughtfulness in the school of Christ. If this is neglected, a harshness and roughness, which misrepresent Christ, will be revealed. “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Romans 12:9, 10. This whole chapter should be an eye opener to all who accept the statement, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 9)

Had the ministers and workers in Sydney heeded this Word, and brought these principles into their daily life experience, had they given evidence by their unity that God had sent His Son into the world, God would have given them special victories. But did you in honor prefer one another? Was your love without dissimulation? These injunctions have been disobeyed, and had God blessed you while you were manifestly disregarding His Word, it would have been to His own name’s dishonor, and it would have ruined the workers. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 10)

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance; but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” [1 Peter 1:13-19.] (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 11)

The forms of unbelief are varied; for Satan watches every opportunity to crowd in some of his attributes. There is in the natural heart a tendency to be exalted or puffed up if success attends the efforts put forth. But self-exaltation can find no place in the work of God. Whatever your intelligence, however earnestly and zealously you may labor, unless you put away your own tendencies to pride, and submit to be guided by the Spirit of God, you will be on losing ground. Spiritual death in the soul is evidenced by spiritual pride and a crippled experience, which seldom makes straight paths for its feet. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 12)

If pride is nourished, the very qualities of the mind which grace, if received, would make a blessing, become contaminated. The very victories which would have been a savor of life unto life, if the glory had been given to God, become tarnished by self-glory. These may seem to be little things, unworthy of notice, but the seed thus scattered brings forth a sure harvest. It is these little sins, so common that they are often unnoticed, that Satan uses in his service. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 13)

Men will never be prepared to do the work of God acceptably unless they take themselves in hand, and endeavor, firmly and constantly, to correct their own errors. No one is to take the position that his own way is perfect, that he has no need to reach a higher standard. “Seeing that ye have purified your hearts in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” [Verse 22.] This work is too often left undone. Many are working in an entirely different manner from that which is given to them as a standard of perfect service. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 14)

If you would engage in the work of saving souls, that knowledge of God and of His Word must circulate in your heart, as the vital current of life circulates through your body. Jesus Christ must be studied; His Spirit must pervade your work. Self must die. Otherwise you might better choose some other work, for your service will not honor God. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 15)

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” For “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:11, 12, 9.] (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 16)

*****

Every Christian should understand that there is a decided warfare going on between the chosen people of God and the powers of darkness. Before the truth of heavenly origin is accepted by man, there is no conflict between good and evil. The inclination of the heart unites with the suggestions of the enemy, and his bidding is done. But when men leave the black banner of the power of darkness, and range themselves under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel, the struggle begins, and the warfare is carried on in sight of the universe of heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 17)

Every one who fights on the side of right, must fight hand to hand with the enemy. He must put on the whole armor of God, that he may be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 18)

Our foes are within and without. We are assailed by temptations which are numerous and deceiving, the more perilous because not always clearly discerned. Often Satan conquers us by our natural inclinations and appetites. These were divinely appointed, and when given to man, were pure and holy. It was God’s design that reason should rule the appetites, and that they should minister to our happiness. And when they are regulated and controlled by a sanctified reason, they are holiness unto the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 19)

But men’s natural appetites have been perverted by indulgence. Through unholy gratification they have become “fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” [Verse 11.] Unless the Christian watches unto prayer, he gives loose reign to habits which should be overcome. Unless he feels the need of constant watching and ceaseless vigilance, his inclinations, abused and misguided, will be the means of his backsliding from God. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 20)

Jesus Christ gave His life in order to save us, soul and body. He desires to restore the moral image of God in man. In order that this [might] be accomplished, we must co-operate with Him. The very flesh of our bodies must be consecrated to His service. But can this be done while we place in our stomachs that food which will strengthen feelings which war against holiness and purity? (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 21)

A healthy experience demands growth, and growth demands that careful attention be paid to the laws of nature, that the organs of the body may be kept in a sound state, untrammelled in their action. There is great need that temperance in all things be both taught and practiced. Liquors of all kinds and tobacco becloud man’s reason and place him below the brute creation. These things must be strictly avoided. And only food of the most wholesome quality should be taken into the system, for we are composed of the food we eat. That which we place in the stomach becomes flesh and blood, and we can make our blood impure by eating meat and other injurious articles. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 22)

God has given great light in regard to the subject of health reform, and important changes have been made by many. Wrong habits have been conscientiously corrected; injurious practices and customs have been given up. Light which God has given has been received and acted upon, and lessons which are right to the point have been given. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 23)

The Word of God is very clear in regard to these things. It tells us that our appetites must be closely guarded, and that by eating the flesh, and drinking the blood of the Son of man, our minds are to be kept pure and free to do His will. Among the workers in Sydney there were some who saw the importance of these things, who were God-fearing, temperate, and economical. As these men saw the disposition to gratify appetite, and the selfishness which was revealed, they felt fearful for the progress of the work. Their faith was dampened. Brother S. labored to bring in health reform, but the example of Brother M. and Brother C. was in harmony with those who have just embraced the truth, and who had not received the light in regard to healthful living. Thus the work of Brother S. was made hard by those who ought to have been converted by the light which God has given on this point. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 24)

Brother C. has made meat his staple article of diet. He loves meat, and has established himself in the practice of eating it, discarding all the light which God has caused to shine for the benefit of himself and his family. He opens the Word of God to others, but he himself does not carry out its principles. He may be strong enough to stand a meat diet, but it is not so with his wife and family, who are not strong and well. His wife suffers, and cannot explain why, but gratification of appetite is the greatest cause of her ill-health. Brother C. knows what the Word of God teaches in this matter, but he does not practice it. This is not pleasing to God. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 25)

“Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do,” the Word of God declares, “do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31.] Those who neglect to walk in the light, in order that they may gratify their appetites, bring mischief to themselves, and to others. The Lord cannot manifest His glory through men who disregard His Word. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 26)

You know not the danger of eating meat merely because your appetite craves it. By partaking of this diet man places in his mouth that which stimulates unholy passions. Unhallowed emotions fill the mind, and the spiritual eyesight is beclouded, for the tendency of self-gratification is to corrupt the taste and the judgment. By furnishing your table with this class of food, you go counter to the will of God. A condition of things is brought about which will lead to a disregard for the precepts of God’s law. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 27)

A plain, simple, but liberal supply of fruit is the best food that can be placed before those who are preparing for the work of God. The lower nature with all its inclinations, must be subdued and crucified, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. It is absolutely necessary for Christians to keep the body under, bringing it into subjection, and uprooting every affection and impulse which is contrary to the will of God. The food which we eat will help or hinder us to do this. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 28)

But it is not an easy matter to overcome hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong. Self is masterful, and strives for the victory. But to “him that overcometh” the promises are given. [Revelation 2:7.] The Lord presents the right way, but further than this He compels no one to obey. He forces His way upon no man. He leaves those to whom He has given the light to receive or despise it, but their course of action is followed by sure results. Cause must produce effect. Thus the Lord dealt with the children of Israel. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 29)

“God brought the Israelites from Egypt that he might establish them in the land of Canaan, a pure, holy, and happy people. In the accomplishment of this object He subjected them to a course of discipline, both for their own good and for the good of their posterity. Had they been willing to deny appetite, in obedience to His wise restrictions, feebleness and disease would have been unknown among them. Their descendants would have possessed both physical and mental strength. They would have had clear perceptions of truth and duty, keen discrimination, and sound judgment. But their unwillingness to submit to the restrictions and requirements of God, prevented them, to a great extent, from reaching the high standard which He desired them to attain, and from receiving the blessings which He was ready to bestow upon them. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 30)

“Says the psalmist: ‘They tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust. Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? Behold; He smote the rock that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can He give bread also? can He provide flesh for His people? Therefore the Lord heard this and was wroth.’ [Psalm 78:18-21.] Murmuring and tumults had been frequent during the journey from the Red Sea to Sinai; but in pity for their ignorance and blindness God had not visited the sin with judgments. But since that time, He had revealed Himself to them at Horeb. They had received great light as they had been witnesses to the majesty, the power, and the mercy of God; and their unbelief and discontent incurred the greater guilt. Furthermore, they had covenanted to accept Jehovah as their king, and to obey His authority. Their murmuring was now rebellion, and as such it must receive prompt and signal punishment, if Israel was to be preserved from anarchy and ruin. ‘The fire of Jehovah burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.’ [Numbers 11:1.] The most guilty of the complainers were slain by lighting from the cloud. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 31)

“The people in their terror besought Moses to entreat the Lord for them. He did so, and the fire was quenched. In memory of this judgment, he called the name of the place Taberah, ‘a burning.’ (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 32)

“But the evil was soon worse than before. Instead of leading the survivors to humiliation and repentance, this fearful judgment seemed only to increase their murmurings. In all directions the people were gathered at the doors of their tents, weeping and lamenting. ‘The mixed multitude that was among them felt a lusting; and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic; but now our soul is dried away; there is nothing at all, besides this manna, before our eyes.’ [Verses 4-6.] Thus they manifested their discontent with the food provided for them by their Creator. They had constant evidence that it was adapted to their wants; for notwithstanding the hardships they endured, there was not a feeble one in all their tribes. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 33)

“The heart of Moses sank. He had pleaded that Israel should not be destroyed, even though his own posterity might then become a great nation. In his love for them he had prayed that his name might be blotted out from the book of life rather than that they should be left to perish. He had imperilled all for them, and this was their response. All their hardships, even their imaginary sufferings, they charged upon him; and their wicked murmurings made doubly heavy the burden of care and responsibility under which he staggered. In this distress he was tempted even to distrust God. His prayer was almost a complaint. ‘Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favor in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? ... Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.’ [Verses 11, 13.] ... (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 34)

“Moses was directed to prepare the people, for what God was about to do for them. ‘Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow, and ye shall eat flesh; for ye have wept in the ears of the Lord, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt; therefore the Lord will give you flesh, and ye shall eat. Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days; but even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you; because ye have despised the word of the Lord, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?’ [Verses 18-20.] (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 35)

“‘The people among whom I am,’ exclaimed Moses, ‘are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month. Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them?’ [Verses 21, 22.] (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 36)

“He was reproved for his distrust: ‘Is the Lord’s hand waxed short? Thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass to thee or not.’ [Verse 23.] ... (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 37)

“A strong wind blowing from the sea now brought flocks of quails, ‘about a day’s journey on this side, a day’s journey on the other side, round about the camp, and about two cubits above the face of the earth.’ All that day and night and the following day, the people labored in gathering the food miraculously provided. Immense quantities were secured. ‘He that gathered least gather ten omers.’ [Verses 31, 32.] All that was not needed for present use was preserved by drying, so that the supply, as promised, was sufficient for a whole month. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 38)

“God gave the people that which was not for their highest good, because they persisted in desiring it; they would not be satisfied with those things that would prove a benefit to them. Their rebellious desires were gratified, but they were left to suffer the result. They feasted without restraint, and their excesses were speedily punished. ‘The Lord smote the people with a very great plague.’ [Verse 33.] Large numbers were cut down by burning fevers, while the most guilty among them were smitten as soon as they had tasted the food for which they had lusted.”—Patriarchs and Prophets. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 39)

Eating the flesh of dead animals was permitted by God because men were determined to break down every rule or regulation in order to gratify perverted taste. But if an appetite for this diet is cultivated, serious diseases will be the result. The evidences of the curse that came upon the earth because of sin abound everywhere. The whole creation was involved, and today animals languish under this curse. Disease prevails among them to an alarming extent. Cancers and tumors are very often seen. The tissues of the swine are peopled with living creatures, and yet this living mass is eaten and relished by men and women. Tubercular consumption is communicated by the practice of meat eating, and thus disease is extended. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 40)

Will the Lord work a miracle to counteract the evils of a meat diet? He cannot do this, for in so doing, He would dishonor His name. But He lifts the danger signal in His word, showing plainly the evils from which He would save us, and if people prefer to risk the consequences, their course will produce a sure result. Too soon they will learn that they have brought suffering upon themselves by persisting in their own way. Their appetites craved meat, and the Lord would not force them into the right way. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 41)

In the warfare between good and evil the Lord requires each one to remain faithfully at his post of duty. If this is in the home, take hold earnestly and willingly to make home a pleasant place. If your duty lies in the kitchen, seek to be a perfect cook. Prepare food which will be healthful, nourishing, and appetizing, so that the members of the family need not resort to stimulus of any kind. This is the best missionary work that can be done in the home. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 42)

Parents should give strict heed to every ray of light which God has given on the subject of health reform, for we are living in a degenerate age, when there is danger that passion will drive the youth into corrupting and revolting sins, into self-pollution, which ruins the mind, destroys the memory, and enfeebles every other faculty. If their consciences are aroused to see this subject in its true bearing, parents can do much to guard their children from temptation. But if they place upon their tables the flesh of dead animals, if they encourage their little ones to eat this food, they sow seeds which will bring forth a harvest of corruption. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 43)

Parents have a most solemn obligation resting upon them to conform to right habits of eating and drinking. Set before your children simple, wholesome food, avoiding everything of a stimulating nature. The effect which a meat diet has upon nervous children is not to make them sweet tempered and patient, but peevish, irritable, passionate, and impatient of restraint. Virtuous practices are lost, and corruption destroys mind, soul, and body. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 44)

Much injury is done to health by the variety of food which is seen on so many tables. Take the different dishes which are placed on the table for one meal, and put them all together in one vessel. Stir this up together. Does it not make the stomach turn to look at it? Leave it for a few hours, and it will ferment. Yet thousands compel their stomachs to receive just such a mess as this every day. Half masticated meat, condiments, spices, pies, and sweet puddings, are washed down with tea or coffee. The abused stomach is obliged to take them, and do the best it can with them. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 45)

Is there not sin in placing upon the table such a variety at one meal? Often the desire for a return of moral integrity is expressed. But this will never be until we return to simple, healthful foods, until we eat and drink to glorify God, not to gratify our perverted appetites. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 46)

Died because of bad cooking; died because of sour bread; died of medication, died of an abused stomach—this might be written over the graves of many. This suicidal process is gradual. Nature bears the abuse as long as possible, but in the end she must succumb. The oil in the lamp of life is mixed with a variety of injurious substances, and the lamp refuses to burn longer. It is extinguished, not because God willed it, but because of the manifest disregard of nature’s laws. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 47)

What we eat and drink has an important bearing upon our lives, and Christians should bring their habits of eating and drinking into conformity with the laws of nature. We must sense our obligations toward God in these matters. Obedience to the laws of health should be made a matter of earnest study, for willing ignorance on this subject is sin. Each one should feel a personal obligation to carry out the laws of healthful living. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 48)

Many turn away from the light, provoked because a word of caution is given, and ask, “May we not do as we please with ourselves?” Did you create yourselves? Did you pay the redemption price for your souls and bodies? If so, you belong to yourselves. But the Word of God declares, “Ye are bought with a price”—“the precious blood of Christ.” [1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:19.] The Word of God tells us plainly that our natural habits are to be strictly guarded and controlled. “Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” [1 Peter 2:11.] Shall we do this? The word of God is perfect, converting the soul. If we diligently heed its precepts, we shall be conformed, physically and spiritually, to the image of God. (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 49)

“I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” [Romans 12:1, 2.] “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 3:17; 6:19, 20.] (11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, 50)

Lt 104, 1896

Williams, I. N.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
April 12, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in TSB 214-216.
Elder I. N. Williams
Corydon, Pennsylvania
Dear Brother:

We have had great trouble of mind in regard to Brother W. F. Caldwell, who expects to return to America by this month’s boat. He has shown a fondness for the society of young girls, and has been full of gaiety, conducting himself like a boy. About a year ago, at the suggestion of my son, W. C. White, I employed him to run the typewriter for [Fannie Bolton], as she read the manuscript to him. But soon I became burdened; warnings were given to me again and again, I talked with him by himself in regard to his freedom and enjoyment in the society of young women and his frivolous conduct, but he said he had always been sociable with young ladies, and thought it no harm. We wanted to help him, for he had no money, and but very poor clothing. He has good ability, and might have developed into a competent helper for W. C. [White] or a worker for me; but I dared not have him remain a member of my family. (11LtMs, Lt 104, 1896, 1)

He became attached to [Fannie], and the matter was carried on under a deception before he learned that his wife had obtained a divorce. When he heard this, he seemed greatly relieved, for his heart was fully weaned from her, but the Lord gave me light in regard to the matter. (11LtMs, Lt 104, 1896, 2)

I consider that he is far more to blame than his wife in view of the fact that he claims to believe sacred truth, and she makes no such profession. He has not been a kind, tender husband; he has not been patient and forbearing, but very critical and overbearing if his wife displeased him in any way. I cannot see how his wife, in contact with his temperament and disposition, could feel drawn toward the truth. She has opposed him, and has made it hard for him, but not a whit harder than he has made it for her by his course of action. He has not taken opposition patiently, or as a Christian should. He did wrong when he left his home and his wife and children. A few months ago I learned that he had done nothing for their support. (11LtMs, Lt 104, 1896, 3)

As matters were unfolded to me, it was a most serious matter for him to allow his affections to center upon another woman when he had a wife living whom he had promised to love and cherish as long as they both should live. Why he should leave his home so long has been a mystery to us all, until recently I have had divine enlightenment. (11LtMs, Lt 104, 1896, 4)

He can appear very attractive, and win the confidence and favor of the girls, but when crossed, he has such a temper and disposition that, unless he is changed, no woman, believer or unbeliever, could live peaceably with him. He would pursue a course that would make any woman miserable. He is an intemperate eater, and this is why he has so little patience. I felt that the time had come when I should no longer employ him to transact my business, for warnings kept coming to me from the Lord concerning his course of action. (11LtMs, Lt 104, 1896, 5)

I will write further in regard to this if necessary. Please write to me, stating facts concerning the family there, as far as you know. Help Caldwell, if you can, to set things right, and remove this reproach from the cause of God. Even is his wife is already married, it may be there is something he can do for his children. (11LtMs, Lt 104, 1896, 6)

Lt 105, 1896

White, W. C.
Refiled as Ms 34, 1896.

Lt 106, 1896

Wessels, Peter
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
June 26, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 4BC 1148; 5BC 1123-1124; 9MR 109, 266.
Dear Brother [Peter Wessels]:

Since sending you a letter in response to the one which I received from you, I have found something in Testimony No. 33, in reference to confession. This I will ask you to read, as it is right to the point. You have reason to thank God that you have not been left to follow a wrong course of action. It is better to understand sin and its character now, than to wait until the judgment opens it before all assembled. The words then spoken will be low, but every ear will hear the decisions made. Thank God from your heart that it is not too late for wrongs to be righted. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 1)

David, the king of Israel, committed a grievous wrong in the sight of God. God sent the prophet Nathan to reprove him for his sin; and Nathan stated the case in a parable, telling him of a poor man who was robbed of his one ewe lamb by a rich man. The king’s pity was excited by the recital of injustice, and he ordered that judgment be speedily executed against the wrongdoer. Then Nathan said to David, “Thou art the man.” [2 Samuel 12:7.] He faithfully portrayed to the king the sin which he had committed against God and against his fellow men. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 2)

David learned wisdom from God’s dealing with him. He confessed his sin, accepted the counsel given him, and obeyed in humility before God. He made no tirade against the law which he had transgressed, but exclaimed, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” [Psalm 19:7.] (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 3)

After Adam and Eve had sinned, they became conscious that their garments of purity and brightness, the covering given them by God, had fallen away from them. They saw that they were naked, and, ashamed to respond to God’s call, they hid themselves among the trees of the garden. “And God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded that thou shouldest not eat?” [Genesis 3:9-11.] (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 4)

When human agents yield to temptation, and give themselves up to obey the will of Satan, they are indeed naked. Deprived of the divine covering of light and innocence, they are afraid to meet their God. God speaks to us in His Word, saying, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Revelation 3:18.] (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 5)

My brother, you need to put on the white robe of Christ’s righteousness. May God help you to obtain it by repentance toward Him and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. May He anoint your eyes with the heavenly eyesalve, that you may see your sinful propensities, and realize your need of God’s mercy and grace. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” [Verses 19-21.] (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 6)

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” [John 17:3.] God desires us to realize the inestimable value which an experimental knowledge of good will be to us. But this knowledge cannot be obtained by mingling with it an experimental knowledge of sin. If we have a practical knowledge of evil, if we cherish and nurture sin, making bad habits our companions, we can only think of God as one who despises our works, for the natural influence of a wrong action upon the soul is to separate it from communion with God. We can only think of God with a consciousness that we are unclean, and this makes us cowards. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 7)

This view Satan endeavors to keep before us, for he desires that we should ever be conscious of the absence of the covering of light and innocence which God gave to preserve humanity from a consciousness of nakedness. The minds of all who listen to the tempter are burdened with a sense of unworthiness; and they do not delight to associate God with their thoughts. But although Satan understands our situation so perfectly, we must not despair. If we look to, or trust in ourselves, we lean upon a broken reed, but it is our privilege to come to God just as we are, pleading His mercy as our only hope through the merits of Jesus Christ. In this light we must think of ourselves, and of God at the same time. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 8)

No sinner need to keep away from God. God is acquainted with the unworthiness of all; “neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” No sinner that comes to Christ, acknowledging his inefficiency, and pleading for divine grace, is ever turned away. “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmity; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Christ took human nature that He might become acquainted with all the temptations with which man is beset. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” [Hebrews 4:13-16.] (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 9)

Every provision has been made for our infirmities, every encouragement offered to prevent us from separating from Christ, in whom our hope of eternal life is centered. What excuse then can we offer to God as a reason for not taking hold of the rich promises so plainly set before us? It is Satan’s special device to lead man into sin, and then leave him naked and trembling, daring not to come to God boldly and ask pardon for transgression and sin. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 10)

But why should we heed the tempter, when God has promised, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that worketh in the children of disobedience.... But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together, with Christ, (by grace are ye saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Jesus Christ.” [Ephesians 2:1, 2, 4-7.] Not in our sins, but from our sins are we saved. Through Christ we have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Hope, faith, and peace are within our reach through His merits. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 11)

God requires that everyone who names the name of Christ shall avail himself of His proffered gifts and depart from iniquity. “In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” [2 Timothy 2:20-22.] “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” [Hebrews 4:1, 2.] I entreat of you for Christ’s sake to rise from your low earthly state through faith in Jesus Christ, and become a vessel unto honor, “meet for the master’s use.” (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 12)

The Lord has rules of righteousness which must be maintained, and in no case will He pass over the wrong done by man to his fellow man. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen, to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house, when thou seest the naked that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” [Isaiah 58:6, 7.] (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 13)

Please read the 58th chapter of Isaiah carefully. If there were no more light given us, this Scripture would be sufficient to lead us in straight paths. Read it with eternity in view, and may the Lord give you understanding. Each one has a work to do. My brother, consecrate yourself to God, that you may be accepted by Him as a true and faithful servant, having overcome every error, and every evil work. Do not stop where you are, but determine, by the grace of Christ, to reveal a true, noble, and Christlike character. Never give up. Hold fast to Jesus, and He will hold fast to you. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 14)

“Thus saith the high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth; for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him; I hid me, and was wrath, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways and will heal him; I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace, to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord, and I will heal him.” [Isaiah 57:15-19.] (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 15)

These words are addressed to those who, awake to their true situation and susceptible to the influence of the Spirit of God, humble themselves before God with contrite hearts. But to those who will not heed the reproof of God, who are determined and froward, and who set themselves to go on in their own way, God can not speak peace. He cannot heal them, for they will not acknowledge that they need healing. He declares their true condition, “The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.” [Verse 20.] (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 16)

Of Christ it is said, “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood, falling down to the ground.” [Luke 22:44.] We need to realize the truth of Christ’s manhood in order to appreciate the truth of the above words. It was not a make believe humanity that Christ took upon Himself. He took human nature and lived human nature. Christ worked no miracles in His own behalf. He was compassed with infirmities, but His divine nature knew what was in man. He needed not that any should testify to Him of this. The Spirit was given Him without measure, for His mission on earth demanded this. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 17)

Christ’s life represents a perfect manhood. Just that which you may be, He was in human nature. He took our infirmities. He was not only made flesh, but He was made in the likeness of sinful flesh. His divine attributes were withheld from relieving His soul anguish or His bodily pains. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 18)

We naturally long for sympathy and fellowship in suffering, and Christ felt this longing to the depths of His being. When in His trial in Gethsemane, He asked His disciples to watch with Him. But even they did not witness His greatest agony. He fought out His soul battle alone, for when He came to see His disciples, He found them sleeping. Sorrowfully He asked, “What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” [Matthew 26:40.] Christ poured out His soul to God in an agony that He was not ashamed for His disciples to witness. They would ever afterwards call to mind that scene in Gethsemane, when their Lord bent over them, His face all marred with the bloody sweat which was caused by the agony He was enduring. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 19)

Then Christ went back to pray, not now for Peter that his faith fail not, but for His own tempted, tried, agonized soul. His human nature longed to escape the final test. The mysterious cup trembled in His hand. Shall He drink it? “If it be possible,” was His agonizing prayer, “let this cup pass from me.” [Verse 39.] The sins of one human being would be sufficient to crush a finite man, but upon Christ were laid the sins of the whole world. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 20)

With all his power, Satan pressed his temptations upon Christ seeking to make Him turn aside from offering Himself as an obligation to God. But Christ looked upon a world of woe, and knew that if He failed it would be lost. Shall He turn aside? No, no. An angel from heaven strengthened Him to firmly put aside the temptation, the intense desire to avoid drinking the cup. And as the wail of a lost world came up before Him, He cried in a voice full of the deepest decision, “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.” [Luke 22:42.] (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 21)

Christ conquered by divine strength, and so must every tempted soul overcome. God was with Christ in the garden of Gethsemane, and by the experience of Christ we are to learn to trust our heavenly Father; at all times and in all places we are to believe that He is tender, true, and faithful, able to keep that which is committed to His care. In the agonizing struggle of Christ, our Substitute and Surety, the Father was beside His Son, and He is beside every soul that struggles with discouragement and difficulty. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 22)

My brother, gird up the loins of your mind in the stern conflict of life, for you are molding your own character for eternity. What shall it be? Day by day you may help to ruin or to save souls. Trials will come to every believer, but the record of the sufferings of Christ will help him to endure persecution for His name’s sake. Christ spoke to His disciples with reference to these things, “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] Please read carefully the twelfth chapter of Hebrews. As Moses endured the seeing of Him who is invisible, so also will those who by faith choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasure of sin for a season, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 23)

Those who appreciate truth will realize that we are living in solemn times. We should be deeply in earnest, for the purposes and results of our lives will last through eternal ages. I present to you the necessity of seeking a higher standard. Do not think that you have lost all chance of gaining eternal life, for you have not. There is a door opened before you which no man’s opinions or actions can close. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 24)

My brother, I tell you that which God has opened before me. Satan is seeking to lead you and your brothers to make shipwreck of the faith; he desires that you will place yourself where you will recklessly disregard the sanctifying truth which would perfect a Christian character in you. Do not surrender principles, and you will be safe. You have erred, but there is a remedy for you. If you repent of your sins, and forsake them, and believe in Jesus Christ as the sin pardoning Saviour, His blood will cleanse you from all sin. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 25)

Study the life of Jesus, and try to be like Him. A mere theory of truth will avail you nothing. You must be purified, and made a vessel unto honor. Whatever others may say or think of you, say, Lord Jesus, Thou knowest that I love Thee. He gave His life for you, and if you will serve Him faithfully, you will be purified from every stain of sin, because Christ will abide in your heart. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 26)

You may meet with those who sneer at you, because they do not know how much you love Jesus, or how much you hate any evil course. But do not be dismayed by their scorning. Is not heaven and eternal life worth living for? When you are called upon to bear humiliation, do not become discouraged. Would you not rather bear the sneers of men than risk the condemnation of God? When any one attempts to judge you, do not become angry, but remember that all judgment is committed to Jesus Christ. Keep your heart tender, sensitive, pure, clean, and holy. Do not stifle the convictions of the Holy Spirit in order to gratify a sinful, degrading lust. Do not be tempted to yield one jot or tittle of truth for worldly advantages. And always remember, my brother, that your case is not hopeless, but that in full view of the universe of heaven, you are striving for the crown of life. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 27)

Do not cherish romantic ideas of religion. Many Christians are working at cross purposes with God. They tell us that they are waiting for some great work to be brought to them. They fail to discharge faithfully the plain duties of life, which seem to them uninteresting, because they cannot find a place large enough to satisfy their ambition. Day by day, they lose opportunities for showing their faithfulness to God. While waiting for some great work in which they may exercise their Christian duties, their life passes away. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 28)

My brother, do not fail to discharge your daily duties with the strictest fidelity. There are no little things in moral obligations. There are really no nonessentials in the life of a Christian. God has lessons for you to learn in your daily experience. Be patient, and perform faithfully the little things of life. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 29)

The life of the Son of God when upon this earth presents a great mystery of godliness, yet He paid attention to the so-called little things of this life as verily as to the greater. While He employed His power in performing mighty deeds, His lessons were beautiful in their simplicity. He called attention to the smaller things of life as objects from which important lessons may be learned. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 30)

At one time Christ speaks to Martha of the common duties of life, telling her that she is not to be anxious or over troubled about the preparation of table fare, or about her household duties. Then turning to Mary, He tells her of the eternal life which should never be taken from her. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 31)

Again, the Saviour is seen sitting at Jacob’s well, telling the Samaritan woman of the living water. It might seem to be a small matter, even to His disciples, for the Saviour to spend His time upon a woman of Samaria. But He reasoned more earnestly and eloquently with her than He did with kings, counsellors, or high priests. The lessons He gave to that woman have been repeated to the earth’s remotest bounds. “If thou knewest the gift of God,” He said, “and who it is that saith unto thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked him, and he would have given thee living water.” “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life.” [John 4:10, 14.] O what words! how full of promise! (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 32)

After Jesus had given such a manifestation of His wonderful power by feeding five thousand men besides women and children, with a few loaves and fishes, He bade His disciples gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost. He laid down the principle that there must be no improvidence, no careless waste of any good and necessary article of food. It is God’s miracle-working power that provides food from the earth for our sustenance. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 33)

As Christ hung upon the cross with the tremendous weight of the sins of the world upon Him, and the words were forced from His pale and trembling lips, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” [Matthew 27:46.] He thought of His weeping mother, and commended her to John, saying, “Woman, behold thy son;” and to John He said, “Behold thy mother.” Thus He provided for her a tender heart, which would comfort her in her keen sorrow. “And from that hour, that disciple took her unto his own home.” [John 19:26, 27.] (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 34)

After the resurrection of Christ, the record is that the disciples, hearing of His resurrection, came to the sepulcher, “and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.” [John 20:6, 7.] (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 35)

Thus the little things and the great things are commingled. Attention to little things is of consequence to those who would act their part aright in this life. Bring these principles into your life and character. You may be accounted as singular by the world for doing this, but remember that God’s people are to be a peculiar people. “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:9.] (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 36)

I would say to you, be not discouraged, but trust in Christ, who is your sin pardoning Saviour. (11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, 37)

Lt 106a, 1896

Wessels, Peter
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
June 1, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in TSB 124-128.
Dear Brother:

I have just read your letter dated April 26. May the Lord help me to write you the very words that will be for your restoration and not for your destruction. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 1)

I feel sorry, very sorry, for you. Sin, my brother, is sin; it is the transgression of the Law, and should I try to lessen the sin before you, I would not be doing you any good. You as a Christian receive harm to your own soul. Your whole religious experience is cheapened, and you cannot have faith and trust in God while you have unclean thoughts and defiled hands. The work needs to begin at the soul, and then it will work out in the character. Your mind and heart are polluted else all such actions would be loathsome. It is a great sin, and especially for one who professes to be preaching the Gospel of Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 2)

I have had this class of sins presented to me as producing moral defilement. What can the impression be upon those youth whose bodies you degrade by your actions? How can you be a Shepherd of the sheep and lambs, while corrupting their minds, and tainting and polluting their moral sense? Would you consider this matter as lightly as you have done should a minister of the gospel, [such] as Elder Robinson, do such things to your sisters, or to children? This is a crime in the sight of God, and I cannot cover it over as a light matter. It is a Sodomitish sin. It is tainting and polluting in all its tendencies, and an abomination in the sight of a holy God. It is practicing iniquity. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 3)

Any youth who would submit her body to be handled by a man is in no way fit for the kingdom of heaven. All this vile practice and commonness is what is ruining our youth. Would you practice this upon the body of your own child? Would you not consider it incest, discovering her nakedness? All who do such things are leading young women into abominable practices. I know what these things lead to. To lewdness, lustful practices. Consider how you must dishonor and degrade the truth. Oh, God hates all such sins! How could you do this and at the same time be preaching the Word to sinners—yourself a sinner? (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 4)

I know how God regards these sins. A married man, a minister of the gospel, leading the lambs of the flock into Sodomitish practices. Now for Christ’s sake, do not again practice this wicked work and destroy your own soul and the souls of others. It is well that you have not been permitted to continue this awful polluting practice. It is no light sin. The effect upon the mind of the one who submits herself to your touch cannot be measured. Human beings are the Lord’s property, and to do any action to corrupt them is a terrible insult to Jesus Christ, who gave His life for these precious souls, that they should not perish in their sins, but have everlasting life, and such actions may ruin the souls for whom Christ has died. Will you continue this work to ruin souls? (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 5)

Looking unto Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of your faith, you will be of good courage in the Lord. We cannot but know that the end of all things is at hand. I come to you as a physician of souls; I tell you that it is not possible for you to act as a minister. What are you doing? Leading young women to the tree of knowledge of evil practices, and teaching them to pluck the fruit which is only evil. This is doing Satan’s work most effectually. It is poisoning minds and filling them with unholy imaginings. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 6)

These are the very sins which corrupted Sodom. Their evil practices did not come all at once. First one man and woman stupefied themselves by unholy, polluted habits. Then as inhabitants settled in Sodom, they did as you are doing, educated others in a line that is forbidden of God. And so as the inhabitants continued to multiply, these ministers of sin continued in educating them in their own defiling practices, until if any person came into their midst their first thoughts were to educate them in their evil work, until Sodom became renowned for its pollutions. Their sins reached unto heaven, and the Lord would bear with them no longer. He destroyed them and all that was beautiful, that made it as a second Eden, for the earth was defiled under the inhabitants thereof. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 7)

These bodies that you tamper with are the purchased property of Jesus Christ. I knew this was your sin, but I knew also that if the truth was enthroned in your heart, it would make this sin appear to you in its true enormity, for truth brought into the soul temple will expel lust and defilement from the heart. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 8)

Should I relate to you the heart-sickening confessions that have been made to me upon death beds of young men and young women, I could fill pages of letter paper. They have opened their hearts to me. They were pure, innocent, and without the knowledge of these evil practices, but men in whom they had confidence as religious teachers led them to this tree of knowledge and they ate of it, and the result was self-abuse. That body which was so fearfully and wonderfully made, to be preserved holy and maintained as a temple where the Holy Spirit could abide, was defiled, its purity gone. Who could be guilty of so great a crime? I asked. It was a professional shepherd of the flock, who should, as the Scriptures express it, “Feed my flock.” [John 21:16.] “Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” Jeremiah 13:20. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 9)

Twenty years ago I listened to a story from a wife and mother. She told me that her heart was breaking. Her husband was an intelligent, fine-looking man, but his sin was tampering with children and youth. He came to our camp meetings, he heard the most solemn truths, from the Word of God, and he would weep and pray and appear devout, “but,” said the poor, distressed wife, “if he even sees a child or youth he will instruct them handling their person. I dare not leave my children in his care a moment.” (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 10)

She finally obtained a divorce, and then she had untold anguish. She went away from him, but he stole her children, and after much painful search she found one in a school and caught it up and fled with it. She changed her place of abode, went across the continent to secure her a home with her child. But the pitiful part of the story is, the sins of the father became the inheritance of his son, who married a fine, capable woman, but the corruption of his father was practiced by him. Notwithstanding the father boasted that he did not commit adultery, he was by his practices doing those things which in the sight of God were in the very same line and will be punished with the same sentence, “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” [Matthew 7:23.] The son went to all lengths in defiling practices. He seemed to have no power to leave his evil course of adultery and sin. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 11)

You say you did not commit adultery. God charges adultery against everyone who doeth these things, and all who will communicate these vile practices to another are polluting that soul with vile imaginations. Can you not see, can you not understand by your own experience, that you are leading youth into this habit of self-abuse? You have given them the fruit of the tree of knowledge, and every evil communicated is causing them to partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge, which God has forbidden to be eaten. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 12)

You allow a girl to make her body common property for a man to handle, and you break down all reserve, and she will have lustful desires planted in her heart and will not hesitate to go to any lengths in any evil course. Adultery and shameful sin are perpetuated in her life. God will demand of you, “what have you done with my flock, my beautiful flock?” There is a fascination in sin, and Satan defiles the imagination. How cruel in you to break down in young women that modesty which is the safeguard of virtue. Once the veil is removed, she will ever be in her own sight as an impure thing. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 13)

Since you have entered upon this path of defilement of your own hands and soul, how difficult it has been for you to overcome this besetting sin. How you resolve and resolve again, and yet are overcome! Will you consider this, and then reflect upon the fact that you are placing every soul whom you contaminate in the very same position of temptation, placing them under the same fascination to commit lewd things to corrupt the soul. You cannot possibly give them power to restrain their unlawful desires. You have enticed the youth into a path that leads to the corrupting of every moral principle, and they are compelled to struggle against temptations which you have found too powerful to be resisted. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 14)

Jesus gave His life to restore the moral image of God in man. You give your soul up for Satan to work through to destroy the moral image of God in the youth, His own purchased possession—His flock, His beautiful flock. If you would consider this terrible work, with all its liabilities and consequences, you would not in a single instance overstep the barriers; for a sense of the train of evil doing you lead the youth to enter upon would horrify you. You have kindled the fires of sensuality in human minds, and Satan will manage to keep them burning until souls and bodies are alike destroyed—self-respect gone, the beautiful modesty, pure as the lily, defiled, corrupted; and you, a shepherd of the flock, responsible for this work. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 15)

How can I frame words to express the enormity of this awful sin? How can I present it in such a manner that you will no longer look upon it, as you have done, as no great wrong? I have grand-daughters, the children of my son W. C. White. If I were forced to choose whether these children should be exposed to these temptations, educated in these evil practices, or be cut down by death, I would say, Let them die in their innocency. Let them not be corrupted by eating the apples of Sodom. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 16)

You are giving to the youth the apples of Sodom. You are opposing the work of Christ, who is seeking to save sinners from their sins. Will you not consider? In the name of Jesus will you not receive His grace to impart to all, young and old? It is life, eternal life, for you to practice the virtues of His character, and it is eternal death to you to cling to these sins. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 17)

Only the pure in heart shall see God. You cannot practice these defiling sins and see Jesus and receive His favor. Will you cease these evil practices now and forever? Will you turn from all unrighteousness? Confess your sins to God, for against God have you sinned. Against God have you dishonored the members of His family. Against God have you corrupted their thoughts, and sowed the tares of corruption which will yield a harvest that you will not care to garner. I dare not withhold these things from you. The Lord has presented to me how He hates every taint of uncleanness. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 18)

Whose servant were you when you were leading the youth into unholy practices? You destroyed every vestige of influence over these poor, easily led souls, so that nothing you could ever do or say would avail to uplift them. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I appeal to you to repent of this great sin and be converted. Your Saviour, who gave His life for you, has not called you unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. I refer you to (Galatians 5:16, 17): “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other, so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” [Galatians 5:16.] (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 19)

In your letter you have stated your inability to put these evil things out of your mind. Will you then, by your sinful propensity, bring other minds into the slavery of sin? Will you give them the apples of Sodom? Will you arouse in them the demon of lust? Shall they be placed where temptation is too strong for them to overcome? Shall their souls be tainted, polluted by unholy practices? Will you fasten poor souls in habits that seem impossible for you to break? Would you place other souls where, when they would pray to God, unholy desires will strive for the victory, and where such desires will make it tenfold harder to overcome in the battle of life? Have you become so regardless of souls that you will implant in them corruptible seed that all their life long will bear its corruptible fruit? (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 20)

Christ has bought the souls, the minds, the bodies, of all His creatures. He is dishonored when one of these precious souls shall corrupt the mind or the body. “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the (condemnation of) the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in times past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love,” pure, unadulterated love, proceeding from the heart of Christ. [Verses 18-22.] It is not to be classed with love-sick sentimentalism, nor a beastly, defiling element, which tends to the destruction of all that is pure in mind or body, and is death to both soul and body. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 21)

“Joy.” This does not mean a cheap levity, enjoyment which is found in jesting, joking, laughing; but it means that joy which Christ speaks of in (John 15:10, 11): “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” [Verses 10-13.] (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 22)

What quality of love is that which would lead you to take the very flower of the flock of God to corrupt by your defiling practices? Will you consider these things? I write thus plainly, because the indulgence of sinful lust has become so common in your life that it does not appear to you as the vile thing it is. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 23)

I return to (Galatians 5:22), concerning the fruits of the Spirit. “Peace.” Those who abide in Christ shall have peace. “Longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no (condemnation of the) law.” “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain-glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” [Verses 22-26.] These are words of Inspiration. Will you obey them, and manifest the fruits of righteousness? (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 24)

“Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? Know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? For two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one Spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:15-20.] (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 25)

Will you consider that you have been educating these precious souls, for whom Christ has died, to dishonor their own bodies? Your violation of purity and modesty will result in the ruin of souls. You, professedly a minister of Christ, have much to answer for, and I greatly fear that you do not realize this as it is, as God regards it. If Brother Robinson were by your side, would you dare to do as you have done? No. If then you did this wicked work secretly, you knew it was too mean and degrading a thing for you to be guilty of doing. But that Watcher from Heaven who heard the proud boast of Nebuchadnezzar was beholding you. Had your eyes been open, you would have known that none of your unclean work was hid. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 26)

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Jesus, who knew no sin, was made sin for us. God “gave,” not permitted to be given, and what a gift to our world was His. Everyone is to help Jesus to save the youth; He saved those of all ages, that they may be numbered with the saints in light. Christ exchanged His royal crown for a crown of thorns. He exchanged His royal robe of majesty and glory for the old cast-off robe that was placed in mockery upon His divine form. Oh, why was all this? Why did Jesus submit to become a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief? He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 27)

“Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” [Romans 6:1, 2.] “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof, neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.... Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? ... For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” [Verses 11-13, 16, 23.] (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 28)

You are a free moral agent. If you will repent of your sins, and be converted, the Lord will blot out your transgressions and impute unto you His righteousness. So long have you educated yourself in this line of evil work, that your whole moral taste is defiled. Keep yourself from idols. In the country where you are, there is great indulgence in cheap talk, in hilarity, sports, and glee. God is not in all this. Jesus Christ has given you no such example. He gave His life for us, that we might be prepared to dwell among His redeemed. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 29)

“Therefore brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh, for if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if through the spirit ye do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God. And if children then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” [Romans 8:12-18.] (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 30)

You have your Bible, but while you are perverted in mind, while your thoughts are defiled, you have not an appetite for the Word of God. Your whole moral taste is perverted. Pure truth cannot abide in the heart or mind that is unclean in its imaginings. You ask what you shall do. Cease to sin. It would be for the health and saving of your soul to cultivate sobriety and keep yourself in the channel of light, where the divine current shall flow from Jesus to your soul. You have an earnest work before you to gather to your mind and soul that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. This purification should begin without a moment’s delay. The Lord Jesus loves your soul. He will receive your repentance if you sincerely come to Him, to co-operate with Him in the saving of your soul. He can do nothing for you while you continue to practice the evil, for when doing these things you are under the inspiration of Satan. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 31)

If you will take hold of Christ by living faith, and humble your soul before Him, He will undertake your case, and angels will guard you. But you must resist the devil. You must educate yourself to a different train of thought. Put no confidence in yourself. Never seek the companionship of women or girls. Keep away from them. Your moral taste is so perverted, that you will ruin yourself and ruin many souls if you do not turn square about. Educate your mind to study the Word of God. Study it with your whole heart, and pray much. Everlasting life is worth a life-long, persevering, untiring effort. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 32)

Educate that mind which you have misused and directed in wrong channels of thought. Educate it to dwell on the life, the character, and the lessons of Christ. Ascribe to His name the praise that is His due. Herein is love. Redemption through Christ is an exhibition of grace which God Himself cannot surpass. Through the eternal ages the exhibitions of His love and the development of its relations and glory will maintain for it a living freshness and increasing interest. Our conceptions will be eternally exceeded by the excellencies of fresh accessions. In giving Jesus to our world, God gave the whole treasure of heaven. Every power in grace, every efficiency that our redemption requires, was furnished amply, that we may be complete in Him. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 33)

Our Saviour came to our world in human form, that in taking humanity He might elevate humanity. He rolled back the thick moral darkness which had eclipsed the divine and benevolent character of God, and revealed Him to the world as light and love. Jesus is the representative of the Father. In the person of Jesus we behold the eternal God engaged in lifting up man, bidding him to look and live. Place yourself in the light. Let God be the theme you shall dwell upon. Let your mind grasp the truth as it is in Jesus. Commit Scripture to memory, that it may be as a wall of protection about your soul. When Satan comes with his temptations, draw forth the weapon, “It is written.” You need not yield to do one unholy action. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Shall the knowledge of God, which Jesus came from heaven to communicate to men, remain in our possession through a lifetime, a dead and useless thing? Shall we trifle with this precious gift? (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 34)

I am anxious that you should meet with a radical change, so that your whole moral appetite shall revolt at the things you have given it to feed upon. Licentiousness and the truth cannot occupy the same field. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Christ will take away your sin, but He will make no compromise to save you in your sins. Will you break off your sins entirely and forever? If you do not do this, you are lost. It is of no use to say, “I cannot.” I know you can. Satan exults to see you so willingly employed by him to destroy souls. “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] You have a will; put that will on the side of God’s will. Renounce the company of Satan now and forever. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 35)

Christ says, “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.” [Matthew 11:28, 29.] Will you put from off your neck the yoke of Satan, and put on the yoke of Christ? He declares to you, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Verse 30.] Through Christ you can recover yourself. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 36)

But do not feel that the worst thing for you is to lose your credentials. You are not worthy to be entrusted with the care of the flock. You must know this without my telling you. A little time of probation is still granted you; make the most of it in searching the Word. Every lost blessing is a great loss to you, but if you come into a right position before God, you may now receive forgiveness for the past, but do not let your future life have the dark blot of the past. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 37)

You enjoy associating with young people, and having a high time in lightness, cheap talk, jesting, and joking. This is to the detriment of the soul. It is a grief to your guardian angels to see the members of your mother’s family given to so much lightness and frivolity. During these hours of probation, you and they are deciding your own destiny. All lightness, all trifling phrases, all vanity and cheapness of deportment, dishonor God. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 38)

Your brothers, who know the truth, are responsible before God for that knowledge. Christ says to them, “What shall it profit a man if he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” [Mark 8:36, 37.] God demands of you more than you are disposed to give Him. He demands the whole heart, the undivided affections, the whole soul, the whole mind, the whole strength. All are to be His. Oh, that you might be a faithful Caleb! You and your brothers need so much to have a deep consecration to God, to give your entire selves to the Lord, to possess personal piety and firm religious principles. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 39)

God demands that you have moral strength to reveal the truth in your character. Unless you now awaken to a sense of your responsibility, I fear that it will soon be everlastingly too late. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 40)

None need to fail, for One mighty in counsel is with them, He who is excellent in working, and entirely able to accomplish His designs. He works through human instrumentalities, thus honoring the human agent, making him a laborer together with God. The seen and the unseen, the human and the divine, co-operate. This is a scared work, and in this way it can be carried forward to the glory of God. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 41)

Whenever we advance a step toward Jesus, He is ready to respond. We are sanctified through the truth, not through a mere assenting to theory, but through a heart-reception of the Word of God. The truth sanctifies the entire man. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] “Strive (agonize) to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” [Luke 13:24.] “Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” [Matthew 7:13, 14.] (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 42)

“Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” [Verses 15-20.] (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 43)

Will you not take heed? Will you not seek the Lord for special help to be an overcomer, that you may be found of Him in peace? Eternal life is worth everything. Your soul is diseased, but Jesus, the great Physician, has the balm of Gilead. The Lord wants you to show what grace can do. You have linked up with the enemy to do his works; not link up with Jesus Christ, and live a pure and holy life. If you come, all sin-sick and defiled as you are, to Jesus, He will give you a sound, healthy experience. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 44)

Look to Jesus, trust in Jesus, lean your whole weight on Jesus, believing that He can save you from sin and make you the possessor of justifying righteousness. This is what you need. Then your works will correspond to the greatness of the truth which you profess. There will be purity of thought, because Christ is pure. There will be choice, holy conversation, because Christ is holy. You will be sanctified through the truth, that through your influence others may be sanctified. Your souls will be surrounded with a pure, holy atmosphere, because you have the divine presence with you. A pure, heavenly current of light and peace will flow through the human channel, imparting to others a spiritual, refreshing influence. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 45)

Jesus is honored or dishonored by the words and deportment of those who claim to believe the truth. The heart must be kept pure and holy, for out of it are the issues of life. Foolish talking, jesting and joking, must be renounced. What you may call fun and nonsense is a positive denial of Christ. “I meant no harm,” is the excuse. Do these frivolous ones mean anything? Let them be circumspect, sound in the faith, sound in speech. That which you sow, you will also reap. Foolish conversation makes the angels of God ashamed. If the grace of Christ was in the heart as an abiding principle, as it will be in all who are fitted for heaven, then none of this chaff and giddiness, and cheapness of character would be revealed. It drives holy angels from the presence of all who indulge in it. You have none too much time in which to acquire a solidity of character, after Christ’s likeness, that you may receive the benediction from Jesus, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.] (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 46)

You ask me if you shall make a public confession. I say, no. Do not dishonor the Master by making public the fact that one ministering in the Word could be guilty of such sin as you have committed. It would be a disgrace to the ministry. Do not give publicity to this matter by any means. It would do injustice to the whole cause of God. It would create impure thoughts in the minds of many even to hear these things repeated. Defile not the lips even by communicating this to your wife, to make her ashamed and bow her head in sorrow. Go to God, and to the brethren who know this terrible chapter in your experience, and say what you have to say, then let prayer be offered to God in your behalf. Cultivate sobriety. Walk carefully and prayerfully before God. Acquire moral stamina by saying, “I will not dishonor my Redeemer.” (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 47)

May the Lord strengthen and bless you. Do not be content with a superficial work. There is great need of deep and thorough work. Repent, be converted, and walk humbly with God. You have reason for great gratitude to God that this sin has found you out, and that matters have been laid open, showing you that you were utterly unfit to preach the Word to others. You have been spoiling the flock of God. Thank God, it is not too late for wrongs to be righted. Take a decided stand that you would rather separate your right hand from your body, and go maimed into the kingdom of God, rather than, having two hands, to practice iniquity. I write these words to show you the importance of making no light matter of sin in any form. (11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, 48)

Lt 107, 1896

Wessels Brothers
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
April 29, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 21MR 5-7.
To the Brothers Wessels
Dear Friends:

I wish to write you a few lines, asking you to lend me £1,000. At the present time we are greatly in need of a building for school purposes. On account of the lack of means, we may not be able to carry out the plans designed by Brother Sisley, but if you will lend us the money I ask, we can commence at once to erect a plain, economical building. Without means, however, we can do nothing. We do not ask for this money, that we may erect an expensive building, but that we may put up a plain, substantial building, suitable for the country. The brick for this will be made on the ground, and much of the lumber that is used will be sawn on the ground also. (11LtMs, Lt 107, 1896, 1)

In Melbourne they are about to build their meeting house, so we cannot ask help from them, and it would be a great mistake [to stop] the work on the school building for a year. The students have been waiting for some time for the school to open, and we are anxious to get the building up, that they may attend. I know that the Lord would have the work of building the school commenced without delay. He has means for us somewhere, and I know He would have us arise and build. If you will help us, we will be grateful to Him who has made you stewards of His means. (11LtMs, Lt 107, 1896, 2)

Are you able to loan us £1,000, and can you send it direct to us? It need not pass through the Office at Battle Creek, for that would cause delay. If you can send the money, I will give you my note for the same, only asking you to make the interest as low as you can afford. The Lord will bless you if you will give us this help; for no work stands higher in the approbation of heaven than that so dear the heart of Christ—the work of bringing the youth into the channel of light, and winning them to the love of God. (11LtMs, Lt 107, 1896, 3)

We must build a school here, where students may be educated to form characters for eternal life, and where they may receive such an education in the Scriptures that they will go out from the school to educate others. This is the Lord’s work, and when we know that we are doing the very work He has specified, we must have faith to believe that He will open the way. I am nearly ready to publish The Life of Christ, and I have several other books to be printed, but we cannot wait for this. The King’s business requires haste. The youth in this country are expecting a school, and we do not want them to wait longer. (11LtMs, Lt 107, 1896, 4)

Would you know how you can best please your Saviour? It is by putting your money to the exchangers, to be used in the Lord’s service and to advance His work. By doing this, you make the very best outlay of the means God has entrusted to you. I have consecrated all I possess to the Lord, and have expended means in various lines, helping to sustain camp meetings, and building meeting houses in those places where people have accepted the truth. I find many openings where I can help to save perishing souls. (11LtMs, Lt 107, 1896, 5)

When on earth our Saviour went about doing good. He organized a church, which, though then small, has increased till it spreads over the world. He has sustained the church through all the ages of its history, and He calls upon us to co-operate with Him in His divine work, and to labor with our God-given abilities to save perishing souls. (11LtMs, Lt 107, 1896, 6)

We are glad to be able to report that we have made a trial of our land, and we can testify to the fact that false witness has been borne of it. Though it was very late last year when our vegetables were planted, and though we had no rain except a few showers, from March to October, yet the yield of squashes, melons, peas, beans, cucumbers, carrots, [and] tomatoes, has been excellent. Our orchards also are doing very well. The coming season we hope the crop will do much better. Quite a space of land has been cleared, and the vegetables will be planted earlier. Our second crop of peas is now up, and the potatoes we have planted are up and doing well. We are all convinced that this is the place where we should locate. (11LtMs, Lt 107, 1896, 7)

We have been favored in getting this land, but we have other interests here, beside which every thing of a temporal character sinks into insignificance. The Lord has precious souls in this place, scattered through the bush, by the lakeside, and in the little farms in the woods. The Lord loves these souls, and desires that they shall be saved. We have just closed an institute for Bible Workers, which lasted a month. The attendance from the outside has been good, and the people are charmed with the truths they hear. They are starving for the bread of life, and they must be instructed and guided. We have strong hopes that those who are interested will receive the Word of God, and be renewed by His Spirit. If they could be planted in the faith, if they could become rooted and grounded in the truth, they would be temples for the Holy Spirit of God. (11LtMs, Lt 107, 1896, 8)

It pays us to labor for those for whom Christ has died. Our strength and resources can be expended in no better way. If, by the help of the Spirit of God, we can build a structure which will last through the eternal ages, what a work we have done! Co-operating with God in this work, we can think of Christ’s words, so full of assurance, “But I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance.” [Luke 15:7.] God cares for the human souls to whom He gave His only begotten Son, and we must see all men through the eyes of divine compassion. (11LtMs, Lt 107, 1896, 9)

The institute closed last Thursday, but so great was the interest that we felt that the meetings could not be entirely discontinued. I spoke to the people Sabbath morning, and Elder Starr spoke in the afternoon. The tent was full, and several strangers were present. Meetings were held Sunday afternoon and evening, and so many strangers were present that those who had returned to their homes from the institute were scarcely missed. The Spirit of the Lord was in our meetings. Two young men who have a farm on the lakeside were present both on Sabbath and Sunday. They are modest and retiring young men. On Sunday afternoon we asked them home between the afternoon and evening services, and I gave them Patriarchs and Prophets, and Steps to Christ. They seem to be much interested. God cares for them, and if we are co-laborers with God, we will not neglect to care for His heritage. (11LtMs, Lt 107, 1896, 10)

Brother and Sister Starr are visiting the interested families. At one place where they had a praying season, the family broke down and cried like children. Brother and Sister Starr will remain in Cooranbong for a month, and then will return to Queensland. (11LtMs, Lt 107, 1896, 11)

Lt 108, 1896

Wessels, Philip
Adelaide, South Australia
October 14, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 19MR 385-392.
Brother Philip Wessels:

It is only one o’clock, but I cannot sleep. I feel a burden for you, for you have forsaken the Lord. But the Lord has not forsaken Philip Wessels. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 1)

For several mornings before I left Cooranbong I was passing through interesting scenes with you. Again and again had your case been urged upon my mind. The parable scene found in (Matthew 25:14-23) was presented before me. This is the last of the many parables in His public teachings given by our Lord Jesus Christ. Early in the morning He had crossed the Mount. He gave them the warning in regard to His second appearing in the clouds of heaven. Chapter 24:36. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, but the angels not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” “But this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to all the world for a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come.” [Verse 14.] (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 2)

Satan is working with untiring energy to bring in every conceivable error, and to engross the minds of men and women so that they shall not give heed to the warnings of God. “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” [Verses 37-41.] (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 3)

Why did the inhabitants of the Noachic world know not the day of their visitation? Because they did not have warnings? No, but because they did not heed the message God sent them through Noah (Genesis 6:5-7, 11-13). God gave directions to Noah to build an ark on dry land, and to warn the people. Noah gave the message of the Lord to the large population upon the earth—he gave it by voice, and then showed his faith by his works in building the ark. God gave him exact directions for building this ark. “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5. But the Lord gave men [a period of] probation of one hundred and twenty years. During this probation, Noah and his employed carpenters worked upon the ark, but the inhabitants regarded the message of Noah as an idle tale, and [their attitude toward] the building of the ark [was] as one that mocked. They would not believe the message. They charged Noah with being deluded, and they kept planting and building and marrying and giving in marriage, utterly regardless of the solemn message sent them of God. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 4)

Day by day they were stirred with an intensity of activity by the power of Satan to contradict by precept and example the solemn message proclaimed in their ears, as though their unbelief and settled rejection of the message would make it of no account. But time passed. They were more full of their idolatrous business transactions and vileness and crime than ever before; they forgot God, [and] put Him out of their thoughts to make of none effect His solemn warnings. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 5)

Noah’s faith and works were united. The building of the ark went on amid the jeers and the ridicule and the scoffing of old and young. When they saw the last sign given—the provisions for man and beast taken into the ark—then mirth and revelry and mocking increased. When they saw the beasts come from the forests to the door of the ark, and Noah take them in, they had so long resisted, so long denied the message that God had given them, that they had educated themselves to resist; reason was perverted by gratification of appetite and lo, carnal amusements; they denied the Lord God that bought them, and conscience had become unimpressible. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 6)

They saw the heavens darkened, and they had to wonder what it meant. The air was filled with birds of all kinds presenting themselves by sevens to be taken into the ark. The animal creation was obedient to the drawing of God, while man, possessing reasoning power, was closing every avenue of the soul so that the Spirit of God might not be entertained and break up their life or carnal pleasures—their eating and drinking, and their practicing of all kinds of iniquity in order to testify to their unbelief and to their determination to carry out their ambitious projects. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 7)

Then the Lord said to Noah, “Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.... And Noah did as the Lord commanded him ... And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.... And the Lord shut him in.” “In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month ... were all the great fountains of the deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.” [Genesis 7:1, 5, 7, 16, 11, 12.] (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 8)

The water prevailed upon the earth a hundred and fifty days, and the wicked inhabitants of the earth all perished in the flood. They “knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:39. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 9)

The warning message is to be given to the world in these last days, and because iniquity shall abound, the love of many waxeth cold. The question is asked, When the Lord cometh, will he find faith on the earth? The warning is given, “Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?” [Verses 42-45.] (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 10)

They must have truth, present truth, appropriate for the times in which they are living. The message of warning must be given to the world, as Noah gave the message of warning to the antediluvians. “Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing”—giving his household “meat in due season.” “Verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants (who is watching and giving meat in due season), and to eat and to drink with the drunken (to absorb his mind and time in this world’s enterprises and turn away from the service of God); the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and shall appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 24:46-51. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 11)

“Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded his porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:33-37. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 12)

“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.” Matthew 25:14. (Please read verses 15-36.) It is plainly revealed here that more is embraced than merely earthly, temporal employments. It is more than worldly goods which the Lord has committed to our keeping. Bear in mind eternity: do not cast this out of your reckoning. Make no mistakes here where eternal interests are involved. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 13)

To you and your brother Peter have been committed talents to be used to the glory of God, not to be buried up in worldly enterprises. Let not yourself, my brother, take satisfaction that you are possessed with talents to accumulate worldly goods, unless you turn these talents to account for him who bestowed them. Let not Satan longer fasten delusion upon you. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 14)

Christ has paid the wages of His own blood, of His own sufferings, to secure your servitude and entire obedience. Do you feel your responsibilities in these matters regarding the committed trust? Have you forgotten that you have a loan from the Master to invest in work for Him, to advance His glory? Do you not consider that He made you a steward of His grace, [and has] given you endowments for a sacred, higher trust? He can make the humblest service become a consecrated gift if exercised and employed in doing the Master’s bidding and promoting His glory. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 15)

Ye are called to be God’s workmen. You have had zeal for the Master, but things did not move in some directions as you thought they should, and you became fault-finding, censorious, impatient, passionate. You could never represent your Saviour in that way, and you finally became discouraged. The Lord knows all about it. You must not stand where you are, for you are in great peril of losing your soul. Satan will devise every way but cutting off your life to secure you to himself. Christ says, I have prayed for Philip Wessels; I am waiting for him to seek My face. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 16)

You loved your Bible, and you loved to study it; it was precious to you, better than a collection of syllables and words. The Spirit of God is drawing you, and He will pardon your transgressing His commandments, which is a terrible dishonor to God and terrible against yourself. Turn ye, turn ye for why will ye die? “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God for he will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6, 7.] (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 17)

“With long life will I satisfy” you, saith the Lord. [Psalm 91:16.] “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” [Hebrews 13:5.] God has been true to you, but it is you that has forsaken God. You cannot extinguish your lamp so that it shall not be a light to the world and yet walk in the light. He who shall choose to walk in the light of the fire of his own kindling shall lie down in sorrow. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 18)

I am deeply concerned about you and your prosperity. No man’s prosperity can be built up upon the ruins of truth. I entreat you for your soul’s sake, no longer to dishonor God. Your heart is not satisfied. He who loveth silver shall not be satisfied with it. He who says to the pure gold, Be thou my confident, may for a time appear to prosper, but he will sooner or later find that he has pierced himself through with many sorrows. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 19)

Whenever the will of God is violated by nations or by individuals, a day of retribution comes, as surely as rivers that burst their banks carry devastation before them. “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance, with increase.” [Ecclesiastes 5:10.] God has spoken. Will you hear His voice? “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” [Daniel 12:3.] (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 20)

It is a very sad thing for you to have departed from God’s commandments. The Lord loves your mother, and she needs the help which you could give her; she needs the help which Peter can give her. These elder brothers should stand firm as a rock to principle, and be counsellors to the younger members of the family. You are both needed, and you should do all in you power to relieve your mother of unnecessary burdens. Her life has been one of storm and wrestling, sorrow and keen anguish. You cannot appreciate this as I can, for I have seen it. Honor your mother and sustain her influence, for God is with her. Refuse not to be illuminated with the light which irradiates all who will walk in the light of the Sun of Righteousness. Grovel not amid material things, neglecting the spiritual and heavenly. Do not lose sight of eternity. The end is near, make no delay. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 21)

Jesus says, “Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] No longer grieve the heart of Christ. God calls for you to come! Take your position under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel. Enthrone the Bible in your heart, and live by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God. (11LtMs, Lt 108, 1896, 22)

Lt 109, 1896

Wessels, Philip
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
July 1896
Previously unpublished. +
Mr. Phillip Wessels
Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa
My Dear Brother:

I have a message for you from the Master: “Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.” [Isaiah 56:1, 2.] “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourself about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled.” [Isaiah 50:10, 11.] (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 1)

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth; for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him; I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him, and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace, to him that is afar off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord, and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” [Isaiah 57:15-21.] (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 2)

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money, and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. 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.” “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God; for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” [Isaiah 55:1-3, 6-9.] (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 3)

You have been estranged from God; yet He looks on you with pitying tenderness, and His declaration to you is, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 1:19, 20.] Your heart has not been right with God, and He is saying to you, as He said to Elijah, “What doest thou here, Philip?” [1 Kings 19:9.] You have wasted much time, and lost many opportunities, but you are still in that place where you can hear God speaking to you. “Take heed how ye hear.” [Luke 8:18.] (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 4)

It was in the providence of God that you went to Battle Creek. There were advantages to be gained in that place, but there were also disadvantages to be shunned. If you had kept hold of the hand of Jesus, you would have been safely led through. But at the time of your visit, a heavenly influence did not prevail there. Some who were standing in positions of responsibility were prepared to help you, but others, instead of helping you, only laid stumbling blocks in your path, and filled your mind with that which increased your inclination to criticize. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 5)

The selfishness and the desire to be first, which they brought into their work, spoiled their Christian character, and their theories, though delivered with much assurance, were in many respects the result of their own unsanctified imaginings. The instruction you received from them in regard to the royalties received on books [and] did not in any way benefit you. Had you laid to heart the instruction given you which you had a “Thus saith the Lord” for its authority, you would have been able to distinguish between the genuine and the spurious; you would not have been deceived by statements which were the invention of men who were unconsecrated, whose hearts and minds were not in harmony with God. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 6)

Brother and Sister Palmer were in no condition to help you; they were not in a position to help anyone; for their own eyes needed the heavenly anointing. They were self-centered, they were not consecrated to God; they needed to go up into the mount and talk with Him. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 7)

As you heard the criticisms of those around you, you caught the spiritual malaria. You became so engrossed in finding fault with things in Battle Creek, of which you had no understanding, that you neglected to gather up that which would help you. The precious, soul-saving truth became buried up, and nearly lost. You did not keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus, but looked at those things which you thought were wrong in your brethren. Had a commission been given you to fight for the ideas you received, you would have made a valiant soldier. Had you kept your hand in the hand of Christ, you would have been led safely; but you did not eat and drink of Christ the bread and water of life, and therefore your spiritual nourishment did not supply you with vital energy. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 8)

In this spirit you returned to South Africa. Self rose up. A masterly power took possession of your mind, and you greatly desired to see your own plans and ideas carried out. But God would not permit this, because you did not see things in a right light. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 9)

My brother, you can always find imperfections in those around you. But suppose that you cease to think of the imperfections which you saw while in Battle Creek. Do not try to disentangle them. We own that they existed; but the more you dwell upon things of this character, the more confused and criticizing you will become. It is natural for you to criticize; but stop, and look at yourself. Are your ways without a flaw? No, no, no. Your criticism of others has not brought one atom of relief to your own soul, or to any one who has come within the sphere of your influence. By indulging in it, you have scattered away from Christ, rather than gathered with Him. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 10)

Turn away from those who would tempt you to eat of the tree of knowledge forbidden by God, for the knowledge gained from that source will fill your mind with evil surmisings, and with sympathy for yourself. You will be led to regard yourself as a man. You have been misused, for men who were themselves outside of the light have tried to enlighten you with their shadow and though you did not realize that you were opening your heart to darkness and error, yet your mind has been darkened and poisoned with mischievous suspicions and false theories. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 11)

I have grieved over this matter, for I have a great interest in your case; but I have not been able to see how I could break the spell that was upon you. It is the adversary’s special device to use in his service every human agent he can control, in order that he may corrupt the minds of the people of God. But how long is he to keep you by his side? My brother, I entreat you to turn your face heavenward. Look to Jesus, and learn of Him. If you are yoked up with Him, your heart will not be filled with passion because your plans and methods are not made the plans and methods of your brethren. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 12)

You have backslidden from God. When you first accepted the truth, and felt the power of the love of God, you could talk of what Christ had done for you, because the candle of the Lord shone about you. But you no longer speak for Christ as you once did. If you are in worldly society, you talk of worldly things. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit by departing from your Leader. You have had precious opportunities to obtain a knowledge of the truth. Do not dishonor God by burying your talents in the earth. “What! know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 13)

I have a message for you this morning. Christ is waiting patiently for your return to Him. Make no delay to seek the Lord while He may be found; “call ye upon him while he is near.” [Isaiah 55:6.] No longer grieve the Holy Spirit by remaining in darkness. You need to feel the power of Bible Religion—a work wrought in the heart by the power of the Spirit of God. Satan is spreading a net for your feet, and your only safety is in keeping close to the side of Christ. You cannot build up a character fit for the kingdom of heaven on your past experience. You must come out of yourself, and receive the righteousness of Christ. Self must be crucified, and when self is dead, you will be alive unto God. Unless man looks away from himself to Christ, sin will give him no relief; but Christ is the divine physician, the soul-restorer. By yielding yourself to His control, you will have no desire to be harsh or over-bearing. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 14)

The Lord has not left you to yourself. He is looking upon you with tender compassion. His Spirit still strives for the mastery over the powers of darkness. If you will come to Christ, hungry and thirsty for the bread and water of life, the power of an abiding Christ will break down that harsh, cold, selfishness, which is the opposite of sympathy. Your hasty temper will be subdued, your pride will be expelled, and in the place of looking for injuries done to yourself, at which you may be provoked, you will look at the perfection of the Lord Jesus. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 15)

Christ is knocking at the door of your heart, asking for admittance. Shall He knock in vain? Will you refuse Him entrance, or will you welcome Him as an honored guest? Do not refuse to admit Him, for the love of Jesus is of more value than the whole world. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 16)

Its length, its depth, its height, its breadth cannot be estimated. It opens and expands the heart, giving it a new capacity for loving God. The calls and invitations made in the Bible mean all that the strongest language can express. The Lord is anxious for you to return to Him. He knows that you need Him, and He needs you, for He says, “Ye are my witnesses.” [Isaiah 43:10.] You do yourself a serious wrong when you turn your face from the living God. Fear not to make a full and decided consecration of yourself. Cast yourself without reserve on the grace of Jesus Christ; you will find that there is no compassion like that of infinite purity. Under His control, you will appreciate the goodness, longsuffering, and self-sacrificing love of God, and will reveal it to the world. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 17)

You may think that no one really understands your case, but there is One who is acquainted with every circumstance of it. He knows that you have no strength or wisdom of your own, that you do not even understand your own necessities; and He has promised to keep you from falling, and in this promise you may rely. At times you may feel like weeping because you have lost your joy and hope in the Lord; but Christ says to you, Open the door of your heart and let me in. He is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother, and to Him you may tell every trial, every sorrow, every need. He will teach you many things above price of gold or silver, and give you peace and joy. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 18)

Christ longs to strengthen and help you. He wants you to advance with the third angel’s message, and to triumph with it at last. God has given you much precious light, for your own benefit, and for the benefit of every member of your mother’s family. This light it is your duty to impart to all who may come within the sphere of your influence. If you faithfully perform this duty, whatever may come to you, life or death, prosperity or poverty, you may know that you have a treasure in the heavens, laid up by the throne of God. And if you hold the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end, this treasure will be given you in that day when all are rewarded according to their works. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 19)

God requires you to set before your mother’s family an example that will help them. You need to cultivate the love of the truth as precious treasure, valued above gold or silver or precious stones, that your influence may help to weed life of its vanities, its indulgence, its gratifications. O, if you could only arouse your world-loving brothers, that they might be united in bearing rich clusters of fruit for the heavenly garner! A masterly manner, love for supremacy, a desire to rule or dictate—these should never be seen in your life. By precept and example you should seek to teach others what it means to learn of Jesus and follow Him. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 20)

Christ calls upon you personally no longer to hide your talents in any business cares or transactions. Your brothers in the flesh need your example on this point. Take Christ as your partner; co-operate with Him by seeking to extend the knowledge of the truth; by earnest, personal efforts endeavor to save the souls of your fellow men. You must not separate yourself from Christ or from your brethren. The Lord desires you to be in unity with Him and with all who love Him and keep His commandments. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 21)

You have a work to do for the Master, and if you will come to Him as a learner, He will strengthen you for this work. When you see the necessity of engaging in this work, your reluctance to take it up will be overcome. Obey God; endeavor faithfully to do His will; He will give you knowledge and wisdom and a retentive memory, that you may do your work acceptably. But you must yield yourself entirely to Him. No longer delay to do this; for but a few more years at the longest will be yours to work for the Master, and then the voice which you cannot refuse to answer, will be heard, saying to you, “Give an account of thy stewardship.” [Luke 16:2.] (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 22)

Remember how brief is the period of life allotted to you. You know not how soon your probation may close. Say not presumptuously, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain.” God may have different calculations for you. You have no lease of life in which to carry out your plans. Life is but a vapor, “that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” [James 4:13, 14.] You know not how soon your hand may lose its cunning, your step its firmness. There is peril even in a moment’s delay. Cast your care upon the Lord, and on no account divorce religion from the business you engage in, whatever it may be. “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” [Philippians 4:6.] (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 23)

You cannot afford to have a controversy with God, for you must stand before His judgment seat, to answer for the deeds done in the body. What calculation are you making for your future? How will you stand in the day of judgment? How are you using the influence you exert over those with whom you come in contact? Are you doing the work the Lord requires of you? If not, you will be called upon to answer for the good you might have done had you heeded the warnings so graciously given, and the reproofs and encouragement so often bestowed. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 24)

I know, my brother, that you do not understand yourself. You might have been a great blessing to your brothers, but you have been a hindrance and a stumbling block. I am very sorry that you are not doing the work which the Lord has given you to do. Your time is used in serving yourself. All the excuses you now make for doing this will vanish away in that great day when the inquiry is made, “What profits have you brought me from the talents which I lent you?” The world’s Redeemer gave His precious life for you. What are you giving Him in return for this? Do not, I beseech you, grieve the heart of love by making a record that will not stand the test of the judgment. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 25)

Jesus calls upon you to behold that nobler world that has become almost hidden from your view; He brings it within the range of your vision, and lays open before you the momentous claims and duration of the eternity which you are approaching. He would have you subordinate every earthly consideration to your eternal interests, living every moment of life with reference to eternal results. “For what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” [Mark 8:36.] (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 26)

You need to put on the whole armor of God, and, as a valiant soldier, fight manfully the battles of the Lord. There is in the minds of men a fatal propensity to serve the world, subordinating eternal interests to business cares, as if earthly things were superior to those of heaven. Jesus understood the danger of the love of riches, for He said, “How hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God.” [Mark 10:24.] He looked with pity upon the enthusiasm that men were showing for the things that perish, and lifting the curtain that veiled eternity from their view, He declared, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.] (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 27)

God would have you come into close relation with Him. He rejoices more over one sinner that repenteth than over the ninety-and-nine that never went astray. The heart of infinite love rejoices when one lost sheep returns to the fold. Christ desires that you shall be a diligent learner in His school, and in a voice full of love and tenderness, He calls, “Come unto me, ... and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] Drop the yoke others have manufactured for you; break in pieces the yoke you have invented for yourself. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your soul.” [Verse 29.] (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 28)

Are you the man that has been found by the Lord, and have you no story to tell of your restoration and healing? Come, Brother Philip, come; open the door of your heart, and let the Saviour in. A new song will then be upon your lips; a divine mission will be entrusted to you; you will know how to tell others of the power of redeeming love. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 29)

I will leave you now with the words I have written. With much love to yourself and family, I remain, (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 30)

Your sister in Jesus Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, 31)

Lt 110, 1896

Wessels, John
Northcote, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
October 29, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 248; TMK 289; 1MCP 248. +
Dear Brother, John Wessels:

My mind is drawn to communicate to you this morning. We have been to Adelaide to attend the camp meeting. We have witnessed a greater interest there than we have seen in any of our large gatherings before. We remained in Adelaide over three Sabbaths and Sundays. There was most decided Bible truths presented in clear lines, and the whole community are stirred. They say they never heard such preaching before that they never saw the Bible presented in such clearness and power. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 1)

We left Adelaide October 19th. Brother Haskell and my secretary and myself tarried a couple of days at Ballarat, visited the sick and spoke to the little company who could not attend the camp meeting. I spoke once, Elder Haskell spoke three times. We then came to Melbourne and have been holding meetings in North Fitzroy. They have a very neat building, a chapel, new, sweet and nice in which to worship God. O how thankful we all are that we need not meet in the dirty, ill-ventilated halls surrounded with outhouses that defile the air with disgusting odor. Everything is new and nice about the premises, (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 2)

They are in debt for the chapel nine hundred pounds, but the Lord will open the way so that it shall be paid. I am urging all to strictly economize in their outlay of means, and in everything that they suppose they must have and leave the house dedicated to God free of debt. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 3)

I have been setting before our people that everyone should study and economize in their dress and furniture, and in all things consider when they spend a pound or even a shilling, could I not do without this? Is it necessary for me to spend this money? Could I not better glorify God by self-denial, and invest this means to lift the debt and stop the interest on the money invested in this house built for the worship of God? I advised them to look over their treasures that have accumulated in their parlors and see if these things could not be sold and the money put into the house of God, that it shall glorify Him by being free from debt. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 4)

Those who have bracelets, and wear gold and ornaments, had better take these idols from their persons and sell them, even if it should be for much less than they gave for them, and thus practice self-denial. Time is too short to adorn the body with gold or silver or costly apparel. I know a good work can be done in this line. Jesus, the Commander in the heavenly courts, laid aside His crown of royalty and His royal robe and stepped down from His royal throne, and clothed His divinity with the habiliments of humanity and for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might come into possession of eternal riches, and yet the very ones for whom Christ has done everything that was possible to do, to save perishing souls from eternal ruin, feel so little disposition to deny themselves anything that they have money to buy. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 5)

The Lord is soon to come, and His reward is with Him and His work before Him to give every man according to his work. I try to set before the people that we are handling the Lord’s money to accomplish the most important work that can be done. They can, individually, through denial of self, do much more if all do a little, and the many little rivulets will make quite a current sent flowing heavenward. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 6)

True, it is difficult for all to take in the situation. Self, self, self, must be served and glorified; and how hard [it is] for all to become laborers together with God. Oh, that a spirit of self-sacrifice might come to every church, and thus every soul nigh and afar off might learn the value of money, and use it while they can, and say, “Of Thine own, Lord, we give Thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.] (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 7)

In company with W. C. White and my secretary, I visited Williamstown. It was a pleasure to my soul to look upon the congregation that had been raised up as the result of the first camp meeting held in Victoria, at Brighton, three years ago. These are wholehearted, devoted souls who live in the fear of God. Not one Sabbathkeeper was there in this place when the camp meeting was in Brighton. Some of the very choicest have embraced the truth and are zealous workers, doing missionary labor to bring the light before others. The Lord has greatly blessed them; several of whom were introduced to me are now deciding to obey the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 8)

One lady invited me to her home to sit at her table. They have a nice, comfortable home, and while sitting around the family board she told me her experience. She said she had been a very worldly woman thinking only of dress and amusements. She did not have any interest in attending the tent meetings held at Williamstown. Her mother had received the truth and tried to have her daughter attend the meetings. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 9)

The daughter thought she would go once to please her mother. It was when I was to speak, and the Holy Spirit gave me the message and the strength to speak most earnestly in regard to our obligations to observe all the commandments of God. I stated that if Satan’s work had succeeded in heaven the law of God would have been changed, but this could not be, for His law was a transcript of His character and as unchangeable as His character. If any change was possible in the law of God it would have been made then and there and saved the rebellion in heaven. But as it was not altered to meet the request of Satan, he worked upon the minds of the heavenly angels by his false representations and crooked ways and brought them into such a position of apostasy that he with all his sympathizers were turned out of heaven, and [he] lost his high and holy position in the heavenly courts. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 10)

After his fall, he worked upon the minds of Adam and Eve and seduced them from their loyalty. This was done so cautiously that the sin was not detected, and then when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and fell, Satan’s work went on and has been going on in the same line ever since. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 11)

Now if the law of God could have been changed and altered to meet man in his fallen condition, then Adam would have been pardoned and retained his home in Eden, but the penalty of transgression was death, and Christ became man’s substitute and surety. Then was the time, could the law of God have been changed, to have made this change and retained Christ in the heavenly courts, that the immense sacrifice made to save a fallen race might have been avoided. But no, the law of God was changeless in its character and therefore Christ gave Himself a sacrifice in behalf of fallen man, and Adam lost Eden and was placed with all his posterity upon probation. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 12)

Had the law of God been changed in one precept since the expulsion of Satan from heaven, he would have gained on earth after his fall, that which he could not gain in Eden before his fall. He would have received all that he asked for. We know that he did not, therefore the law of God remains with all its binding force upon every human being upon the face of the earth. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 13)

Men may ignore the law; they may disregard every precept of it, but it still remains unalterable as the throne of God, and the salvation of every soul is determined by obedience or disobedience. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 14)

When the statement was made, obedience or disobedience is deciding our eternal destiny, she said she felt that her heart and her motives were being searched as by a lighted candle. She thought her limbs would not sustain her body to get her to her home. She was stricken to the very depth of her soul, and she took her position at once, and gave herself unreservedly to God. She said she found peace and pardon and salvation and she loves God more, and the truth more every day. O that this might be the expression of thousands! (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 15)

Now there is at Williamstown a living, growing, prosperous church. Then there is another church of about forty members that was raised up after the Brighton camp meeting at Hawthorn. And last year a church was raised up as the result of the camp meeting in Armadale. Thank the Lord for His goodness and mercy and love. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 16)

On Sunday afternoon I spoke to a full congregation in the new chapel at North Fitzroy. I had a most solemn message. The first, second, and third chapters of Revelation. The truth was felt and many hearts were deeply moved. Elder Haskell has preached every evening but one since Sabbath. Elder Hare spoke once before he left for Western Australia to commence work in the regions beyond. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 17)

Brother and Sister Farnsworth and Sisters Ingels and Graham came from the camp meeting Tuesday night. They bring excellent reports. The congregation continues to fill the tent, and last Sabbath and Sunday all could not get in the large tent. The work goes on just as firmly and with just as much animation as at first. Several have taken their stand for the truth and are very happy in their decision. The very first people in the city are convinced of the truth. Will they search the Scriptures as did the noble Bereans to see for themselves if these things are sustained by the Word of God? Oh, that they may plant their feet on the Eternal Rock. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 18)

Meetings will continue all summer, for the whole region round about is stirred, and there are many important localities about Adelaide that must be worked. The opposition has been treated just as it should be. No notice taken of it. There has been a challenge for discussion made by a man named Green, who has shown himself anything but a saint since the work commenced in Adelaide, but his challenges are unnoticed. We have gone right forward, advancing truth and the righteousness of the law irrespective of the devil’s ragings. This man has been answered. “We are doing a great work and cannot come down!” [See Nehemiah 6:3.] (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 19)

But I did not expect to write, as I have, such a long letter. I have something to lay before your consideration. We see the necessity of a sanitarium in Sydney. Brother Semmens has been working in this line on a limited scale with good success, and we need you to come and help us to establish a sanitarium in the city or suburbs of Sydney. They you can be employed, and your means and talent in doing good work for the Master. We are in suffering need of a health institution. Will you come over and help us? You and your wife would be a great blessing here to the cause of God, and it would be a blessing to yourselves. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 20)

We invite you to come, and can see no prospect of your making advancement spiritually as you are now situated. Your only hope is to break away from your present associations and give yourselves unreservedly to God to do His will, and you can find that work to do in this line that will help forward the work of God. In doing this, you will yourself be blessed as you exercise your God-given ability to do His service. Jesus, by the law of sympathetic love, bore our sins, took our punishment, and drank the cup of the wrath of God apportioned to the transgressor. What can we do better than to co-operate with God in His work? He bore the cross of self-denial and self-sacrifice for us that we might have life, eternal life, and will we bear the cross for Jesus and honor His name and glorify Him? (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 21)

My brother and sister, think of these things and may the Lord help and strengthen you to do His will and glorify His name. For the joy that was set before Him He endured the cross, despised the shame. Can you, my brother and sister, be wholly Christians and give to God an undivided heart? You have but a little time to work. O, redeem the past while you may. Make no delay. Lay up your treasure above, close beside the throne of God. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 22)

Will you respond to this letter and let me know what you will do? I hope you will read the letter I send to your mother and brothers Philip and Henry. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 23)

I highly respect your mother. May the Lord preserve her life and health to be a blessing to her daughters and her sons and their wives and children. You can safely honor your mother for the Lord loves and honors her. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 24)

In much love in Christ Jesus to my brother and sister. (11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, 25)

Lt 111, 1896

Wessels, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 3, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 4Bio 266.
Dear Sister Wessels:

I address Mother Wessels, whom I have seen and love in the Lord. Could I see you, I might talk with you face to face, and this would be much better, much more satisfactory than writing. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 1)

All of us who have come to Cooranbong are perfectly satisfied with the location chosen for our school. It was thought best for me to purchase forty acres of land and build a cottage, which in the first place we intended to use for an office. Our building proper was to be erected as soon as the office was enclosed. But demands came for money from other directions. We held two camp meetings, one in Melbourne, and one in Hobart, Tasmania. These meetings cost something, and I must help all I can, so I have made my cottage commodious, and have given up the other building until our school building is erected. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 2)

Willie and his family came with us from Granville, and we fitted up the washhouse, two small rooms each twelve by twelve, and my family tent, for them. Monday, April 6, May Lacey White presented her husband with a pair of boys, the first weighing six and a half pounds, the second five and a half. They have perfect forms. The heads of both are well developed. We were all much pleased, and Ella May and Mabel White were delighted. Mabel has given away her dolls, for she says she now has two living babies, and she has no time to play with dolls. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 3)

The mother and children are both doing well. The babies are very quiet. The mother has plenty of nourishment for them, and she appears very motherly with her two little boys. The father feels very much pleased over his little human treasures. The family now number six. We will have to begin to build a home for this family which will be more convenient and comfortable than the washhouse can be made, as the winter is coming; but we will do anything if the school buildings can go up. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 4)

It was thought advisable to clear the land and set out fruit trees before any building was done, for all our fruit and vegetables must come from Newcastle or Sydney, and much of it spoils in the transportation. We are pleased to report that our trees are doing well, and the words of the heavenly messenger are correct, “False witness has been borne against the land. Properly worked, the land will produce its treasures.” So it is doing. We planted our first crop very late, and yet the second crop is now up. We have had beautiful tomatoes, peas, beans of a superior quality, watermelons, squashes, cucumbers, carrots, and turnips. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 5)

We did not plant as extensively as we shall do the coming season. We were obliged to attend the camp meetings, and the men employed to clear the land and plant the crops, had no faith, for they had been influenced by false reports. On this account we had only a small portion of land cultivated. But the growth of that which was planted surprised us all. It was luxuriant. Thus we have learned that the land will produce fruit and vegetables, and have demonstrated the testimony given by heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 6)

The climate in this place is excellent. Ella May and Mabel White have grown fleshy and robust. Ella May has gained twenty-five pounds since leaving San Francisco. When they reached here they both looked so pale that it made me feel bad. At present Ella May weighs one hundred and seven pounds. She has outgrown all her clothes. Mabel is improving in every way; her cheeks are as red as a rose. They are real little workers. I have just come from their kitchen where Ella had six loaves of bread nicely baked, just from the oven. Ella cooks one week and Mabel the next. They find abundance to do without spending their time in mere play or diversion. I think the climate is good for animals also, for our old grey horse, which you rode after when here, seems to have gained a new lease of life. She is full of energy. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 7)

I have been interrupted in my writing by a visit from Brother and Sister Starr and Sister Rousseau. They will take dinner with us, but while they are visiting with May Lacey White, I will resume my writing. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 8)

You will remember that after coming to this country, I had a severe attack of rheumatism. After my recovery from my helpless, crippled state, the lower part of my spine was severely afflicted with pain. I had a spring seat which I was obliged to use when riding, and it was with difficulty that I could walk. I prayed much about this, and since coming to Cooranbong the Lord has removed this difficulty. I now use no spring seat when travelling. This relieves me from much suffering and embarrassment. I have every reason to praise the Lord for His precious, healing power. I begin my writing very early in the morning. Sometimes I am compelled to rise at twelve midnight, sometimes at one a.m., and sometimes at two, but my usual hour is three a.m. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 9)

Brother and Sister Prescott, Grace, and Lewis, left Cooranbong last Wednesday. I felt sorry to have them go. We have enjoyed their company and our association together very much. Brother Prescott has a message from the Lord, and we know that he will do much good in the churches in Africa. May the Lord prepare the way for the message He shall send. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 10)

Our meetings here were most excellent. The meeting was in session for one month. The outside interest was so great when the meeting closed that we decided to keep the tent up at least two weeks longer, and give an opportunity for all who desired the truth to come and hear. Elder Starr and myself are carrying on the meetings. We hold two meetings on Sabbath and two on Sunday. During the week Elder Starr and his wife visit the people. There are several who are convicted of the truth. They bear testimony that after hearing the minister at the tent discourse upon the Bible, they can get nothing that feeds them in the other churches. One old gentleman stated that when Mrs. White spoke he could hear every word that she said, she talked so plain; and he was much pleased. This is the greatest recommendation I can have. This same old gentleman said that once he thought he was a Christian, but he was persuaded to go into a saloon, and he took liquor and became drunk. I think he said he lost his property. At least, after this he quit using liquor, wine, and tobacco. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 11)

A few miles from here there is a neighborhood composed of three families. They are strictly temperate, using nothing in the line of narcotics. They are walking in the light so far as they have it, and they are eager to hear more. Brother Starr is visiting them; quite an excitement is created by opposition. The schoolmistress of Cooranbong wrote to one lady, asking her not to let her children go to the tent for Sabbath school, as it was not the right thing for them to do. But the one to whom the letter was written sent back word that she should do as she thought best in that matter, and straightway sent all her children to the tent. The sound has gone forth, and the truth has been spoken in a clear, distinct manner. The first and most responsible men in Cooranbong and the surrounding localities have been out to hear. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 12)

This is the second Sunday since the institute closed, and as yet all those who came from a distance to attend the institute and returned home at its close have not been missed in numbers. But we miss their faces and their labors. This afternoon I speak at three o’clock, and Brother Starr speaks this evening. Oh, my soul is burdened for these poor, scattered sheep, who might just as well be without a shepherd. The minister who comes every two weeks to preach to them, came today. This was not his Sunday to come, but he came to warn all to keep away from the tent. Thus you see that the enemy is alarmed. I think we will keep the tent up two weeks longer if we can, but there is danger that the heavy winds will tear it to pieces. At this time of the year the winds are apt to arise and blow quite severely for a time. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 13)

Two young men by the name of Whitehead attend our meetings. They live on the border of the lake. These brothers live together on a farm, and employ another young man. All three are bachelors. They have hired a farm and are raising grapes, persimmons, melons, peaches, apples, and sweet potatoes. They also keep bees. They came here from the island of St. Helena, to which Napoleon was exiled. They have no relatives in this country, but seem to be fine young men. They say that at times they are very lonely. I have given them Patriarchs and Prophets and Steps to Christ. We feel a deep interest in them, and desire that they shall see and believe the truth. They came to our meetings last Sabbath and Sunday, and were out yesterday. They will also be there today. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 14)

The Lord has jewels scattered all through the bush here. The farms are located in the woods at some distance from the road. We are much pleased to think that there is a possibility of some souls receiving the truth. Jewels are to be found here, and we shall labor for them; but we have a school and meeting house to build. We are expecting that the Lord has money for us to use in His work. We are waiting and watching and praying, and we know that the Lord will move on some souls to help us in this our time of need. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 15)

I am so glad I am here. I should like to go to Africa, but Not yet, not yet, seems to be the word. They are calling for us to come to America, but the same word comes, Not yet, not yet. I have important writing to do, and this must be done before I can leave this locality. The school must be started, a meeting house must be built before we can leave the work. I feel forbidden to go now. We must not leave, for the people here would be utterly discouraged if we did. Poverty binds them about in this country. They say, If you had not been able to help us, what would we have done? I tell them that all the gold and silver in the world belongs to the Lord. The cattle upon a thousand hills are His, and He will not let His work come to a standstill. It must go. “Go forward,” saith the Lord; and if we move the way will open. The work here must not stop. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 16)

The influence of our last camp meeting in Armadale, Melbourne, is still felt in the regions round about Melbourne. Souls are coming into the truth as the result of that effort. Some attended the Armadale meeting who were in attendance at the first camp meeting held in Australia. They were convicted then, but turned away. They came to the meeting at Armadale, received the truth, and are now laborers in the cause of God. We intend to hold several camp meetings this year. We cannot see our way clearly, and we know not from whence the means is coming, but we must do our part, use all the means we can possibly get hold of, and leave the rest with God. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 17)

Over and over again I say, Dear heavenly Father, the work is Thine, the cause is Thine: let not the heathen say, Where is now thy God? We will go forward; we will not yield to Satan’s discouraging presentations. The work must go, even though the conference is in debt. We cannot lay down the work now. We must go forward. We will not fail nor be discouraged. Jesus died to save poor perishing souls, and we must act our part in order to be co-laborers with God. I believe the Lord will work. I ask the Lord, and I expect to receive according to His promise. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 18)

We have just come home from the afternoon meeting. Brother Starr gave a very interesting Bible reading, and then I spoke for about an hour. Several not of our faith were present and seemed deeply interested. O, that the Lord will send the truth home to the hearts of the people is my prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 111, 1896, 19)

Lt 112, 1896

Wessels, Sister and Children
South Australia
October 16, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 9MR 118, 348-349.
Dear Sister Wessels and children:

We are now in the midst of our camp meeting, and we have the best of weather. There are about sixty tents on the ground. We had a large congregation on Sabbath, and the tent was full to overflowing on Sunday, a large congregation standing around the tent outside two or three feet deep. We have had various laborers. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 1)

Since the meetings began, a most bitter opponent who has always been full of the spirit of Satan working against our ministers who have labored in Australia, and who makes his home in Adelaide, living only a short distance from the camp, has tried to get us off the ground. His spirit is like gall. He interrupted the meeting, and the boys from the city crowded him out of the tent and pushed him until they got [out] of the gate into the road, and then got up three or four indignation meetings over him. But the meetings move along just the same, and the people who have long been in the truth testify that they thought they knew the truth, but they have heard and learned so much since these meetings commenced that it seems that they knew very little before. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 2)

Last night Elder Daniells talked upon the third angel’s message, and a man who is a Jew interrupted the meeting, and men and women united with him, but he was finally taken out of the meeting and the police took him off the ground. But little parties outside the ground kept up their noise until nearly midnight. This evidences that the enemy is stirred and fears that we shall gain a victory. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 3)

I spoke to the people Sabbath and Sunday, and have spoken every day this week and some days twice. There have been some conversions on the ground. One lady was talking with me today who is now fully convinced of the truth. She came from Broken Hill. Her son also has taken his position. His mother says he is a steady earnest Christian and they wish him to attend the school as soon as it is open. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 4)

Oh, I was so filled with gratitude to God when I laid the foundation corner stone for our first building two weeks ago last Thursday. A few assembled and we had singing and prayer, and some remarks were made, then they selected me to lay the first stone, and I never performed an act more willingly. Next morning we left home for Sydney on our way to the camp meeting in Adelaide. On Sabbath I went by carriage to the Newtown church, four miles from Ashfield, to speak to the people there, and W. C. White went to Parramatta to meet with the brethren there. He spoke in two places on Sabbath. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 5)

The Lord gave me His Holy Spirit and a most decided testimony, which I will try to have ready to send you by next mail. The Lord gave me much power to speak to the people. There were those there whom I afterwards learned had stated that they could not see the tithing system. The Lord set home the truth to the hearts of the hearers. I know that Jesus was in our midst and the power of darkness was apparently palsied. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 6)

After coming to this place we received a letter from one of the brethren who is an officer in the Ashfield church. He embraced the truth in a tent effort which was made after the Ashfield camp meeting. He says in his letter that he was one of those who had paid no tithe although he was better able to do this than any other member of the church, but he said he could not see it his duty. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 7)

We feel deeply the necessity of bearing a plain testimony. It must be. We cannot in these days of peril speak smooth things, but we must speak the truth in love and let the words cut its way to hearts. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 8)

Today I have had an interview with one who is just taking her stand for the truth, but she is much adorned with gold bracelets and rings. I think she is good material and will bear to hear kindly advice. The Word must be presented. “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel. But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” [1 Peter 3:3, 4.] I believe that this sister has received the truth and will practice the truth. If she loves the truth, she will obey the words of Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 9)

[Melbourne]
October 29
Dear Sister Wessels:

I have another letter written to you which I have not time to have copied this mail, but will try and send it in the next mail. I am thankful to you and to God for the money which you have loaned me, that I can make it possible for the people here in Cooranbong to “arise and build.” [Nehemiah 2:20.] The work is now advancing, and I believe the Lord will help us. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 10)

One of the brethren in Africa sent word by Elder Haskell that if I could borrow seven hundred pounds he would send me yearly the interest money on the same, that we could build us in Cooranbong a chapel. I do not know where to get the seven hundred pounds, but if the Lord means me to have it, I shall find some one who will loan me the money. We have but little time to work, and we must use to the best advantage the Lord’s earthly treasures. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 11)

We shall return to Cooranbong in a few days. The Melbourne atmosphere is not healthful for me, and I think the atmosphere [at Cooranbong] is the best and most healthful I have found in all my travels. I am very much pleased with the climate. W. C. White, myself, and secretary have all had attacks of rheumatism since coming here to Melbourne. I am very grateful to God for a home retired from the cities. I care not for luxuries or even many conveniences, but I am pleased with my cottage, pleased with my orchard, and everything seems blessed of the Lord. I praise His holy name. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 12)

How pleased I would be if the visit made to us in Granville could be repeated here in our home in the bush. We have the precious sunshine in every room. We have a few warm days which might be called hot, but these soon pass away, and there are now fogs here to chill the breeze. I am sure the Lord has selected this place for our school buildings. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 13)

Brother Haskell will attend the camp meetings in New Zealand, and on his way there will visit us at Cooranbong, and then he will report to you. Again I thank the Lord for the loan of the money which makes it possible for us to erect our buildings, and to be ready for school as soon as April, and it may be before this time. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 14)

May the Lord bless you and your children and give every one of them to you in loving service to Jesus Christ, who gave His precious life for them. God grant that you may approach the gates of the city of God and be able to say, “Here am I Lord, and the children thou hast given me.” [See Isaiah 8:18.] (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 15)

Much love to Brother and Sister Lindsey. I would be much pleased could I meet them in my own home, and they could see the school lands with their well cultivated orchards. Some of the fruit trees will yield fruit this year. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 16)

With much love. (11LtMs, Lt 112, 1896, 17)

Lt 113, 1896

Wessels, Sister
Victoria, Australia
October 20, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister Wessels:

I have a letter written to you, but in leaving Cooranbong, it has been mislaid. We reached Sydney October 2, 1896, on our way to the Adelaide camp meeting. We tarried in Sydney from Friday noon till four o’clock Monday afternoon. Then taking the cars, we reached Melbourne Tuesday noon. We took dinner at the house of Brother Bell, and then went to the station on our way to Adelaide. As I will send you copies from my diary, I will pass over the particulars of this meeting. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 1)

Monday, October 19, Elder Haskell, Sara McEnterfer, and I left Adelaide. On the morning of October 20, Sister James met us [at] Ballarat, where we were all made welcome. In the afternoon we had a meeting. I spoke to a small company of believers. Quite a number from Ballarat were at the camp meeting, and as meetings were held there over the third Sabbath and Sunday, they did not return to Ballarat. Brother Haskell spoke twice in Ballarat, and I spoke once. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 2)

Wednesday morning we left Brother James’ at a little before seven for the station. We reached Melbourne at half past ten o’clock, and went to the house occupied by Brother Daniells and his wife, and Sisters Ingels and Graham. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 3)

Sabbath Elder Haskell spoke in the new church in North Fitzroy. W. C. White, Sara McEnterfer, my secretary, accompanied me to Williamstown. I spoke to a goodly number of Sabbath keepers there. My heart rejoiced as I looked upon that intelligent company who since the Brighton camp meeting have taken their position among the number who keep the commandments of God. I had perfect freedom in speaking to these believers, and their hearts were receptive to the message given me of God. This is a healthy, living church. It has an increased and growing interest in the truth. The members do good missionary work, and are living as shining lights to the world. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 4)

Three years ago I spoke to the company at Williamstown. There was in attendance a lady full of worldly pride, who had not attended the meetings before. She consented to come this time to please her mother who was a most worthy Christian, and who had embraced the truth. I had a solemn and searching testimony to bear in reference to the infallibility of the law of God, which was established as firmly as his throne, also in reference to the coming of the Son of God the second time, to be admired in all them that believe and love His appearing. This worldly woman was convicted. The truth took so firm a hold upon her, and she felt such conviction, that she could scarcely stand upon her feet. She said that she thought her limbs would not sustain her body long enough for her to get to her home. She did not say to the Spirit of God, “Go thy way for this time; and when I have a more convenient season, I will call for thee.” [Acts 24:25.] She came out fully and decidedly. Now the mother in her widowhood has her daughter to help her. Both are in the faith, keeping the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 5)

The daughter, Mrs. Hanna, related these circumstances as we were sharing her hospitality at the noonday meal. Three years have passed into eternity since her conversion, and what rejoicing of soul I felt to meet these dear ones. We were all one in Christ Jesus. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 6)

Sister Hanna’s husband is not with her in the faith. He believes the truth, but has not the moral courage to decide to deny self, and obey it. He has not yet yielded his heart to God, but his wife and mother have faith to believe that he will yet be converted. We hope and pray that he will not much longer resist the Spirit of God. He is a successful businessman, but is a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God. Should he give up his whole soul in obedience to truth, he would indeed be a light that would shine amid the moral darkness that covers our world like a funeral pall. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 7)

O, how many would be used by the Spirit if they would only yield themselves to Him who gave His only precious life to ransom them from the slavery of sin. Could those of good impulses, and who at times are deeply moved, determine to be wholly on the Lord’s side, how their friends and relatives would rejoice. There is triumph and rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. The highest joy and gladness is expressed by the angels when one soul receives Jesus Christ. That one soul causes gladness in the heavenly universe. “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee,” writes Zephaniah, “is mighty; he will save. He will rejoice over thee with rejoicing. He will rest in his love. He will joy over thee with singing.” [Zephaniah 3:17.] (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 8)

What a representation this is. What then must we do to please the Lord Jesus Christ, whose we are by creation and by redemption? We are the purchased possession of Jesus Christ, and we please him most by having implicit trust in His Word. It will not do for anyone who is striving for eternal life to float away with the worldly current. The Lord Jesus will be best pleased to see those who claim to love Him relying individually upon divine influence, and striving, loving, working by faith. Then we are “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Every one striving after eternal life is to strenuously search out the truth for himself. He is to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. We are “laborers together with God.” (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 9)

Sunday, October 25, I spoke in the newly built chapel in North Fitzroy, from Revelation, chapters 1, 2, 3. The Lord gave me His Holy Spirit in appealing to the people. I showed them the solemn importance of their becoming, not only Bible readers, but doers of the Word. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are written therein; for the time is at hand.” “Behold, he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him; they also which pierced him and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.” [Revelation 1:3, 7.] (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 10)

The Lord spoke to the hearts of the people that day. God grant that they may hear and understand. I urged upon all present who had a knowledge of the truth to have a living connection with God; if they are sons and daughters of God, that they understand that the next thing they need to do is to show their gratitude for the mercy and grace freely given them of God by consecrating themselves, body, soul, and spirit, without any reserve, to Him who gave His life for them. This is the very least they can do. He has bought every soul with a price. “Ye are not your own.” [1 Corinthians 6:19.] Therefore do not rob God by withholding from Him your whole-hearted service. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 11)

No one can serve himself and follow his own natural will and desires, and yet enter the portals of bliss. You may ask the question, Cannot I serve God, and yet indulge my inclination, my taste, my will? Christ has answered this question, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mark 8:34.] It is the cross which means denial of inclination that must be borne. There is no excuse for self in this matter. “Ye are not your own.” [1 Corinthians 6:19.] It is not left for us to choose our own way or our own plans, or to follow our own imaginings in being saved. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 12)

The matter is laid before every human soul. Will you give to God all, or keep back part of the price, which all we owe to Him? God has a right to demand all that you have and all that you are. Those who refuse to accept all that is involved in such whole-hearted service should not only be heartily ashamed, but solemnly afraid. They should resist the devil, and flee for refuge to Jesus; seeking for the Holy Spirit to give grace to overcome the inclinations of the natural will. And then they should give to God His own as freely and as fully as He has given Himself a living sacrifice. All those who are listening to these words will see that this means discipline at every step. It is the will of God that you should be sanctified soul, body, and spirit. The Holy Spirit is not to be worked by any mortal, but it is to work the human agent, making him clean, pure, and holy, fitted to do the highest service for God. This sanctification of soul, body, and spirit, is the work of God, not of man. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 13)

Monday morning we met with the workers in the Echo Office. Brother Haskell and I conducted the meeting. We prayed most earnestly for all present. We had something to say. We urged upon them all to realize that individually they were handling sacred things. God has His centers where His work is to be established, and from which light is to go forth to all parts of the world. The Echo Office is to stand in the pure radiance of God’s light, to shine amid moral darkness. It is to stand in this part of God’s great moral vineyard to sow the world with truth. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 14)

To everyone connected with God’s instrumentalities is given the personal honor of being co-laborers with God. In this institution young men and young women are to be educated to become missionaries for God. Every year, by close application of all their powers to God’s work, they will become better qualified for the work. Each one engaged in the work is a part of the great firm which is composed of God and Jesus Christ and His servants, the heavenly intelligences, and the Lord takes into partnership with Himself every soul that will consecrate Himself to do His will. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 15)

As each one takes up cheerfully his own duties, and works with all his God-given ability, he will need communion and counsel from the Chief Worker, his partner Jesus Christ, that he may receive His grace, His consolation, and His inspiration, to carry out His plans and cherish His motives, and make them his own. Indolence, love of ease, being satisfied with cheap nothings in the line of pleasure that withdraws from the heaven-appointed responsibilities in the great firm, results in a loss, a terrible loss, both in this life and in the future life. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 16)

The work of those who are saved by grace is to bring to the foundation stone not hay, wood, and stubble, all of which must be consumed, but gold, silver, and precious stones. Now is an opportunity to bring into our character-building every qualification essential to fit men for the exalted partnership in God’s great, holy firm. “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 17)

These are the lines of work we are trying to present before our churches. Tuesday morning at eight o’clock we met a goodly little company in the new chapel, to pray and set before the church the great and exalted privilege of having a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ. The truth has come to us in clear lines. We see its beauty; we know its claims. The Word of God is our counsellor, and we want to put forth that zeal, that earnest, persevering effort, that is proportionate to the object we are seeking to gain—life, eternal life. God wants us to be happy in His love. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 18)

Elder Haskell made appropriate remarks at this meeting. May the Lord bless his words to the good of all who heard them. Elder Haskell speaks tonight in the new church. O how much more comfortable and appropriate this church is to worship God in than the dirty, ill-ventilated halls! We feel like thanking our heavenly Father for a church which we can dedicate to Him as a house of worship. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 19)

Dear Sister Wessels, I wish I could see you, that as mothers, we could converse together. I have much to thank you for in placing in my hands the £1,000 I asked you to loan me. In his letter Brother Lindsay said that the £1,000 was to be paid, if called for, in one year. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 20)

Now, I shall not be able to get the money to pay it in one year. It must be loaned to me longer than that. I am responsible for it, and I know it is just where it can be used for the Lord’s honor and glory. You must give me time to use this money in the Lord’s firm, that it may advance His business and build up His work. I know that your heart would willingly do this, and therefore I write for time. Had it been possible for us to obtain means from any other source, we should not have sent to you for this money. We shall hope to soon be in better circumstances for obtaining means. We trust wholly in God; He can, and will help us. He will work with our efforts, and He will open ways before us to honor His name in advancing His cause in our world. (11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, 21)

Lt 114, 1896

Wessels, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
July 16, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 119; 8MR 251; 4Bio 265-266.
Dear Sister Wessels:

I greet you heartily in the Lord. I have just been thinking how glad I would be to see you and every member of your family. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 1)

One year ago the first of this month I came to this place, and for three weeks lived in a little cottage which had been hired by Brother David Lacey. We were anxious to select a site where we could locate, and in our platform wagon, drawn by my two horses, Jessie and Maggie, Willie and I rode over the different allotments, driving through the thick brush and over the small logs. We selected forty acres, twenty for Willie and twenty for myself. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 2)

I was at this time so completely exhausted that I could do no writing, and supposed that I must rest. The pain in my forehead, in my eyes, and in the front part of my head, was severe. But every morning at five o’clock I roused Willie, and together we walked nearly half a mile to attend the morning meeting at the school. We crawled through fences and over logs. The ground was covered with frost, and the grass crackled under our feet. We met with a room full of students, and the Lord gave me a testimony to bear to the young men and women assembled. My heart was drawn out in earnest prayer, and all present felt that the Lord was in our midst. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 3)

I spoke to the students ten times, and they all bore testimony to the blessing of the Lord. Besides this, I spoke on two Sabbaths to the dining room full of believers. Some unbelievers also were present. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 4)

Soon after this Brother Lacey and part of his family came to Cooranbong, and with their goods moved into the house where I had been staying. I took a little room opening off the piazza. Friday afternoon I was sitting in the rocking chair, when the peace of God that passeth understanding came upon me. The whole room seemed to be filled with a presence, which though unseen, was felt. My heart and mind were filled with quiet and rest. It seemed as though a hand passed over my head, which had suffered so much pain, and at once the disagreeable, icy chilliness that I had felt, passed away. The next morning at three o’clock I was able to write in regard to the students, their duty, privilege, and opportunities. I knew that the Holy Spirit was leading and impressing me; I knew that the words were given me of God; and I rejoiced in spirit. O, how my heart was comforted and blessed. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 5)

The last morning before leaving I spoke to the students, and we had a precious season of refreshing. Testimonies right to the point were borne by the students. Previous to this time brethren Rousseau and Daniells had been much opposed to the location which had been selected for the school. But on this occasion Brother Rousseau’s testimony was frank, open, and clear. He stated that he was fully convinced that we were in the right place, that this was the location which the Lord in His providence had chosen for the school. This acknowledgement brought him much freedom, and greatly relieved those who had always felt satisfied in regard to the location of the school. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 6)

And when Elder Daniells passed through on his way from Queensland, he stopped over night at Cooranbong. He looked over the land, and saw what had been done. He sanctioned all the movements which had been made, and expressed himself as pleased with the location. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 7)

Not long after this, circumstances made it necessary for us to return to Granville. There we remained one week, and again visited Cooranbong. We pitched three tents on the site which we had chosen for our home, engaged a number of workmen, and commenced the work of felling the bush. A cottage intended for an office was begun, preparatory to erecting a dwelling house. But so many calls came for money to support the workers in the Sydney mission that I appropriated for this purpose, from the royalties on foreign books, about six pounds a week. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 8)

We saw that the building originally intended only for an office must be made to answer as a dwelling house. This was finished, and we are now living in it. It is a comfortable house, with the exception of some chambers up stairs. These were designed merely as storerooms for books and papers, etc., but were converted into bed rooms, and are now occupied by some of my workers. They are not all that I could desire, for on one side, the half-storey, shelving roof comes down very low, and though the roof is a reasonable height in the middle, the rooms are very hot in the summer. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 9)

This cottage must answer as my dwelling house until I can sell my property in Battle Creek. I shall then build a house with rooms more suitable for my workers, and Willie will take this house. But as long as I see our school building and meeting house waiting to be built, I shall thank the Lord for the conveniences I already have. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 10)

W. C. White is now living in a convent in Cooranbong, which he hires from the Roman Catholics for 10/-per week. It is a nice, roomy house, and the rent is very low. I suppose the Catholics think it cursed by being occupied by Protestants, for they want to sell house and land for twelve hundred dollars. But we shall not buy now, for money is very scarce. If we can obtain enough to supply our immediate necessities, and get food and the necessary clothes, we shall be thankful. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 11)

I praise the Lord that as yet we have known no want, but my heart aches when I see how the work on the school buildings is retarded for want of means. But the Lord means this work to go forward, and I know that He has money for us in the hands of His stewards. In His own good time He will send it to us. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 12)

Brother and Sister Lawrence live close by us in a small building that was intended for a washhouse and laundry. Up to this time we have done our washing under the open heavens. Willie’s twins were born in this building, and when Willie and his family moved to the convent, Brother and Sister Lawrence moved into the washhouse. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 13)

The manuscript for The Life of Christ is just about to be sent to America. This will be handled by the Pacific Press. I have employed workers to prepare this book, especially Sister Davis, and this has cost me three thousand dollars. Another three thousand will be needed to prepare it to be scattered broadcast through the world in two books. We hope that they will have a large sale. I have devoted little time to these books, for speaking, writing articles for the papers, and writing private testimonies to meet and repress the evils that are coming in, keeps me busy. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 14)

My time for writing usually commences at three o’clock in the morning, when all in the house are asleep. Often I am awakened at half past twelve, one, or two o’clock. Such striking scenes are presented before me, of the mistakes being made at the heart of the work, or of individuals who are imperilling their souls by a wrong course of action that I dress and begin my work at all hours of the night. This has been the case for many years. The carpenters employed to build my house always put aside their tools when they had worked for eight hours, but I cannot do this. The eight hour system could not be brought into my home, for oft times my work demands my time and the time of my workers from early morning till late at night. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 15)

My family now numbers thirteen. Besides this, poor men who have families to support, are employed. These sleep in a tent, and are supplied with food from our table. We have a great deal of this kind of work to do, so that the family really numbers sixteen or seventeen. At times we are unable to draw money from the Echo Office, and then we are obliged to retrench in every possible way. My workers go without their wages for months, because the money cannot be handed to them until it has been received by us. Thus it was in the winter of 1894; thus it has been this winter. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 16)

If the canvassers are successful in their work, the office at Melbourne is able to pay those who have deposited money there; but if few books are sold, and there is no money in the treasury, we have to do the best we can. Sometimes we are obliged to run up large accounts for groceries and living supplies. We are trying to help our poorer brethren to get through the winter, but we do not do half we would do if we could get money. But God is good. He knows all about our necessities. He will open the way before us. He will lead us in a plain path, and we shall see of His salvation. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 17)

We are glad to report that the excellence of the land exceeds our expectations. It was set down as being too poor to raise anything, but we find that it gives forth its treasures abundantly to reward the labor put upon it. False witness has been borne of the land, and the testimony given by God has been verified. The land has produced luxuriant crops. Everything that has been properly planted and cared for has been an object lesson, showing what the land can do. Few of the fruit trees which were planted are dead. We planted only a small number of trees, for it was so late in the season. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 18)

Last year we had no rain from February till October, and because of this, the land was hard to work. We ventured daintily in putting in crops. But thus far this year we have had plenty of rain, and for this we are very thankful. This month and next we must do our planting, trusting that the Lord will give the increase. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 19)

We began to clear our land late in August 1895. Our orchard was planted during September and October. Since then great changes have been made. I hoped by this time to have made this wilderness blossom as a rose, but we shall yet see matters progress. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 20)

I have just looked at my watch, and see that it is six o’clock. It is not yet light, but soon will be. It is now orange season in this country, and we can buy oranges for three pence a dozen, and lemons for two pence. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 21)

A few weeks ago a night school was started for those who are at work during the day. Brother Herbert Lacey and his wife teach this school four evenings in the week. Mrs. Lacey also has a class in the afternoon. The school is held in a room over the sawmill. This room has been roughly fitted up as a school room. We also hold our Sabbath services there. There are twenty or thirty attending this school, and these are given as many classes as they can carry with their other work. This mill loft is a very cold place, and we need a school building and a meeting house very much. If a school building could be erected, it might serve as a chapel, or if a chapel could be built, it might answer for a time for school purposes. Time will develop methods and plans. May the Lord give us wisdom. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 22)

We are not situated here as they are in America. Here everything is bound about because of lack of funds. The brethren are all poor. We do not know of a soul that could furnish us with money sufficient to help us much. But in America they are able to go on enlarging and still enlarging. As to hard times, they can know little about them, for they can put up buildings which they might do without, and use the money to advance the Lord’s work in regions beyond. Warnings have been given for years that so many buildings must not be erected in Battle Creek. The seeds of truth must be planted in other places. There is a great work to be done in Australia and New Zealand. New fields must be entered. Souls are constantly coming into the truth, and when a new company is raised up, a house of worship must be built for them, for buildings suitable for this purpose cannot be rented. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 23)

I had been looking at the prospect before us, which is not very flattering, when the word of the Lord came to me, “Send to Africa for help. I have entrusted my stewards there with means, and I will move upon their hearts to trade upon my entrusted talents.” In obedience to this word, I wrote to Africa for the loan of £1,000. I believe the Lord will work upon the hearts of His people living in South Africa to help us. We address you as stewards of the Lord’s means. Time is short, and we want the work to go forward as fast as possible. There are souls that must learn the truth. But how can they hear without a preacher, and how can the Lord’s servants preach except they be sent? (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 24)

We address you and your children, my dear sister, asking you to heed the word of the Lord. We know that the Lord moved upon your daughter’s heart to help us in our great need one year ago, and we praise the Lord for it. If you will accommodate me, I will pass the loan over to the school, and will pay you the interest on it that you may require. And if any one can make donations, we shall thank the Lord for your liberality, not to us, but to the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 25)

I send direct to you and the brethren in South Africa. Set the Lord’s means in circulation, and let it work for the saving of souls. You will receive a blessing in doing this. I have not forgotten your daughter’s donation, or your son Philip’s, or your own, my sister. You have earned for yourself the reputation of being indeed a mother to your family and to the saints. I ask you to loan us what you can, for I dare not wait longer before making every possible effort to start the school work here. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 26)

It is now light, and the time has come for morning worship. (11LtMs, Lt 114, 1896, 27)

Lt 115, 1896

Wessels, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
December 14, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 8MR 56, 251; 9MR 352.
Dear Sister Wessels:

I wish you could visit the school grounds and my place now, and see our beautiful orchards. Our trees were planted one year ago the last of September, and in their season were full of beautiful blossoms. The peach and nectarine trees were loaded with fruit, but it was thought advisable to pick it off, in order that the trees might do better next year. But we left enough fruit on them to test its quality. They are like those large, juicy peaches that you ate at my home in Granville before and after Christmas. This fruit comes when there are no other fruits or vegetables to be had. We have also some later peaches, which are larger. We left a few of these also on the trees that we might test the quality of them. I have enjoyed the little fruit we have had very much. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 1)

My orchard is thrifty. It seems almost incredible when I look back at the little, apparently inferior, whip sticks that were set out, that there should be such rapid growth. All the trees were trimmed very close, by measurement; but in five weeks the branches have grown five and eight feet. If the Lord prospers us next year, our family will have all the fruit they will wish to use. We have quite a variety: pomegranates, persimmons, plums, apricots, oranges, lemons, apples, and pears. We do not regret having planted these trees before we had a house, for it is most difficult to transport ripe fruit, and when it is picked green, we do not think it healthful to use. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 2)

Yesterday W. C. White and my chief worker, Miss Davis, rode over the school grounds, and I picked some fruit from the trees in the school orchard. The work done by the students there was the best thing that could have been done. We feel so thankful that we have made the experiment, and can testify that the land, when thoroughly cultivated, will yield its treasures in fruit and vegetables. This is a fact that we have felt it necessary to demonstrate. In all Cooranbong I have not found one orchard that is well worked. A few orange trees, some common lemons, and a few peach trees of an inferior class, constitute their orchards generally. Sara and I rode about five or six miles on Thursday, to see if we could get early peaches, but could not. They all said, “We do want early peaches so much.” “But” thought I, “why do they not plant the trees?” There are some beautiful orchards on the side of the lake, where grapes, apples, peaches, and other fruit are cultivated. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 3)

We are happily disappointed in the land here. We can now speak intelligently of what it can produce. On the school land and at “Sunnyside” White farm, we are giving object lessons of what can be done. I am so thankful to our heavenly Father that we can do this much. We are raising potatoes, corn, vegetables, and all are doing well. We are now enjoying some of the best string beans I have ever yet tasted. We raised these on our land. The seed, which was of a choice order, was planted last year, after supplying quite a large amount to our neighbors. I enjoy the retirement of my rural home. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 4)

About two months ago we made a trip to Melbourne and Adelaide, tarrying at Sydney, where I spoke twice. I spoke twelve times in Adelaide, once in Ballarat, once in Williamstown, and twelve times in the new church at North Fitzroy. Our meetings were a success in Adelaide. We worked hard, and had large congregations on weekdays and evenings as well as Sabbath and Sunday. Not only was the tent crowded, but a wall of people surrounded it on the outside. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 5)

We have never witnessed such remarkable demonstrations of fierce opposition as at this place. The wrath of the dragon was manifested. This opposition came from a Disciple minister and from a professedly converted Jew. They would break right in upon the speaker while he was preaching. Of all the unreasonable and ridiculous movements, this was the worst we ever met. But they overdid themselves, and now there is nothing left of the opposition; it is dead. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 6)

Meetings have been held in Adelaide since the camp meeting ended. There are quite a number of the very best class of people embracing the truth. The church in Adelaide will be strengthened by these additions. The tent will be moved into different localities where the greatest prospect for good presents itself. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 7)

A little later, we attended the second conference held in Sydney. Tents were pitched to accommodate those coming in from the country. The meetings were most excellent. The Spirit of the Lord was with us. After the meeting, I had just got off my American and African mails, when I was suddenly prostrated with what appeared to be malaria. I remember nothing of what took place after I was first taken ill. Sara McEnterfer worked over me all night, and the following morning they took me to the Strathfield station. Two men carried me over to railroad crossing steps, and I was put into a first-class compartment for Cooranbong. For two weeks I was very sick. I suffered intense pain. My head troubled me greatly, and I could not find a place where I could rest it. But for one week now I have been slowly gaining strength. The pain has left me, and I shall now, I think, improve. I cannot sleep past one or two o’clock in the morning, and, bolstered up with pillows, I have written all I could. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 8)

Sunday, December 13

Today we had the privilege of seeing our first school building well on the way. The roofing is on, the walls are up, and the building is enclosed. The primary school is to be commenced here as soon as the building is completed. I wish you could see it. We all take courage now, and all seem to work interestedly. The next building will soon be started. If we cannot command means to build a house of worship, we shall have to use the mill until we can see an opening. I do not want to worry. I want to bear in mind that this is the Lord’s work, a part of His moral vineyard. He has the supervision of this work. Everything is the Lord’s, and we are His instrumentalities, not to please, serve, or gratify ourselves, but to do the work the Lord has for us to do. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 9)

We have been trying to get all our buildings put up in neat, plain style, without any show. We are determined that not one pound shall be expended unnecessarily. We have written for Brother John Wessels to come and take hold with us in building our sanitarium. We have been trying for some time to hire a building, but none can be found that will suit. Three buildings which we were trying to procure for the purpose were refused us when the owners found that they were to be used as a sanitarium. They said it would spoil them for successful renting in the future. So here we are, waiting and praying. It may be that our way is blocked until John Wessels shall come. We hope that the next boat will bring Brother John Wessels and wife, Sister Peck, and Sister Herd to us. But we leave everything in the hands of the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 10)

Notwithstanding my sickness, I have had my pen in my hand every day. I am greatly burdened for many poor souls. I am trying to reach those who are nigh and afar off. I feel deeply interested in each member of your family. I entreat you, my sister, as the mother of a large family, that you preserve your health and strength. Cling close to Jesus, and He will lead you and guide you and make you a blessing to your children. We have need of Jesus every moment. He has told us, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] What does this mean? It means that we cannot do any work that will be of any profit to ourselves or our friends unless Jesus is interwoven with it all. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 11)

Oh, how my soul longs to see all who know the truth have corresponding works. We are working now, not only for time, but for eternity. This life time is our school. The Lord has granted us a period of probation, and our test is obedience to His moral standard of righteousness. Obedience or disobedience is deciding our destiny. God grant that you, my dear sister, and your family, may enter in through the gates into the city, and have right to the tree of life. Oh, may every member of your family inquire of themselves, “Am I a loyal subject of God’s kingdom, or am I a rebel to His government?” It makes every difference whether we are obedient or disobedient. Oh how I long to see the human agent placing the proper value upon his God-given capabilities! (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 12)

The talents entrusted to us are to be doubled. If the Lord has furnished us with powers of mind to improve and use, are we excusable if we do so little real service for the Master? But when we know that through Christ, the great Restorer, we may have life, eternal life, a glorious immortality, I am deeply distressed to see how little is being done to use and improve both time and money in doing a work which shall last in its influence through eternal ages. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 13)

Now, during probationary time, we are to meet the highest standard. Christ’s words to His followers are, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] We cannot sink down to any cheap level, and be guiltless. The Lord will help each, as He helped Daniel, if he will put to the stretch every muscle, every faculty of the mind, every power of the organism to fulfil God’s purpose for him. This wonderful human structure was designed by God for companionship with Himself, to be a part of His great firm. He desires that we shall become partakers of the divine nature, capable of loving God supremely, and our neighbor as ourselves. In this is summed up the commandments of God, the whole duty of man. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 14)

But the contrast which the human agent presents to the possibilities [of rising] to the highest elevation that Christ has opened before us is painful. Something is terribly out of order. The Lord did not create man to live a life of sensual pleasure in this life, and then perish as a worthless wreck on a foreign shore. No; He would have us rise to the possibilities He has prepared for us at an infinite cost. (11LtMs, Lt 115, 1896, 15)

Lt 116, 1896

Wilson, Brother and Sister
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
January 1, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in TMK 22, 275; 3SM 420-421; FBS 62.
Dear Brother and Sister Wilson:

We had hoped to receive a letter from you ere this, giving us some account of your labors in Hobart, but not a line has been received. I asked Sara to write to you, and she said she would, telling you that we thought it might be best to keep Edith with us. I suppose she has written you about our journey home, which was not the most pleasant. We had everything very convenient in our stateroom; it was large and airy, but we soon learned that it was in the noisiest part of the boat. The noise was continual, and the second night we slept hardly any; I, none. We came into Sydney Harbor twelve o’clock p.m. Thursday night. All that afternoon the noise had been beyond my description. It was inexplainable to me, and sounded as if they were tossing about plates of iron or steel, or rattling chains. Such an uproar I never heard before on any boat. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 1)

Brother Caldwell came on board to meet us at Sydney, and as he had brought my family carriage, Sara, Maggie Hare, and I chose the fourteen miles to Granville, rather than remain in the boat. We arrived at our home about quarter past three, and it was daylight before we retired. I slept but thirty minutes. I have been so completely exhausted, since, that I could not rally and have no ambition to do or think of anything. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 2)

Christmas day Willie, Sarah Belden, and I came up here. Sister Hamilton, her daughter, Maggie, and Edith came the day after. It was thought best to get me away, so that I should not have the confusion of moving. The weather has been very hot since coming here. We had a most wonderful thunder and lightning storm, with heavy rain, at the beginning of the Sabbath. The rain was a great blessing and continued till yesterday. Yesterday was a beautiful day. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 3)

W. C. White meant to take the train for Granville yesterday, but saw it pulling out just as he was coming up the hill to the station. I think it was just as well, for he was needed here. He left Monday morning. Today about eleven o’clock Brother and Sister Starr called in on their way from Queensland to Sydney. Brother Starr will leave for Granville tomorrow morning to see Willie. Friday, Marian Davis, Sara McEnterfer, and May Israel will come up. The carpenters are working all around us, and we hear continually the sound of the hammer and the saw, but these various noises do not trouble me, because they do not worry me. Three men are busily engaged in finishing the house, and it will take all this week to bind off the work. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 4)

I have sent Patriarchs and Prophets to Mrs. Cato, and Great Controversy to her son. The books were packed before I thought of my promise to send one to the lady whose house you occupied. If you have any to spare, please let her have the one you deem most appropriate. Write me what you have done, and I will send you the work to replace it. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 5)

Edith will remain with us. She is of real service, and is like a transformed girl, ready to do anything. Sister Belden and she get along very well. Fannie Bolton came up here last week, broken down with nervous prostration. Sara McEnterfer will give her treatment. She expected to take the boat this month for America, but I fear she will be unable to do this. Poor soul; she is having a most serious time in having her own way and following her own impulses. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 6)

We all need larger faith; we must cultivate faith. Faith is not feeling; faith is not sight. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” “Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” [Hebrews 11:1, 6, 24-27.] (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 7)

Shall we not, at the very commencement of the year 1896, begin to educate our souls to believe, to have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Moses was the prospective king of Egypt while he remained the acknowledged son-in-law of Pharaoh, but while he was sitting under the very shadow of the throne, the Spirit of the Lord stirred his heart to lift the crushing weight that was pressing his brethren into the lowest degradation and slavery. His heart ached with sorrow, as if he himself were in slavery, laboring in the brick kiln, and sharing their degradation. They were slaves, suffering under the cruel lash. They were a reproach and a hissing to all the Egyptians, from Pharaoh down to the lowest serf. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 8)

But the Lord had singled out Moses as the one to deliver the oppressed race, and by forty years of exile, under the discipline of God, he was prepared for the work. Understanding the evil disposition of his own countrymen, knowing how many would be perverse and unreasonable, understanding that they might betray him, he was yet considering ways and means to accomplish their deliverance, though supposing that he himself had forfeited all right to be the instrument. But God, in the bush which, though burning, was yet unconsumed by the fire, presented Himself and selected Moses as His agent. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 9)

Moses was accepted as a co-worker with God. He knew that scorn, hatred, persecution, and maybe death would be his portion if he should act any part in espousing the cause of the Hebrew captives, but he chose “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” [Verse 25.] Moses knew that he would meet derision and scorn. He had stood in great popularity, as the general of Pharaoh’s armies, and he knew that now his name would be banded round and falsified, but he esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. He laid down the prospect of a kingly crown, and took up the burdens of his oppressed and afflicted people. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 10)

Temptations came to Moses to dissemble in this great interest and enterprise of delivering his brethren from slavery, and to think that when he should be exalted to the throne, he would have power to do as he would. As far as outward reasoning was correct, appearance would have said, “Wait; be reasonable.” But Moses did not receive such counsellors. How many today would enlist in the army of Christ provided they could take their own choice, and follow their own way? But “he that loveth his life shall lose it.” [John 12:25.] He who chooses his own course of action in order to avoid unpleasantness, reproach, or inconvenience, loses the shield of God, and, left to his own planning, will not receive the protection and favor of God in his selfish course of action. He will eventually lose the influence he was so anxious to retain, and the life he was so anxious to save will be lost. A traitor and an apostate, he will have gained nothing, and lost everything. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 11)

What if Moses had refused to link himself with the people who were slaves and bondsmen in Egypt, realizing the loss he would sustain in various ways, and had accepted the position of ruler. The ambition which would lead him to ascend the throne would have had a controlling influence over him when there. He would have feared the result of the jealousy of the supposed to be great men of Egypt, and his course would have created obstacles to the deliverance of his brethren; for these Hebrew slaves brought in a great revenue to the kingdom. But Moses “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,” in order that the Lord’s hand might work out the deliverance of His people. [Hebrews 11:24.] (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 12)

The deliverance of the Lord’s people was to come from no human source; the throne of Egypt was not able to give deliverance, even though Moses had accepted the position of ruler. Then he would have been obliged to work in the interests of his administration, and no work he could do in his councils would have delivered his brethren. The freedom obtained for the enslaved people was to be wrought out by God’s hand, that His power as Supreme Ruler might be demonstrated to all the nations and kingdoms of the world. Only by separating his interest from that of his brethren, could Moses occupy the position of ruler in Egypt, and this would have worked his own ruin. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 13)

A certain ruler came to Christ, saying, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these things have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things He said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing; sell all thou hast and distribute unto the poor and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me. And when he heard this he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.” [Luke 18:18-23.] (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 14)

He loved his name, his rich possessions of lands, better than the Lord or his brethren. It was altogether too much for him to impart of his abundance as God’s almoner, and thus be a co-laborer with Jesus Christ in the work of relieving the sufferings and necessities of humanity; and in the books of heaven was written against his name, “Unfaithful steward of his Lord’s goods.” He misappropriated the talents entrusted to him by God, and in doing so, he lost his life—that life purchased at an infinite cost—he lost earthly riches, he gave up the treasures of heaven; for Christ assured him that if he followed Him he should have treasure in heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 15)

Many come to the same point of conviction as did this young ruler; they earnestly desire to be Christians, to inherit eternal life; but when told that they must forsake all that they have to be His disciples, they are not prepared to make the sacrifice. They dare not trust God with the disposition of His own lent treasure. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 16)

Many see force and beauty in the truth; they greatly desire heaven and everlasting glory; but they are not willing to become the obedient agents of God, co-operating with Him in making a right use of the treasure lent them. They do not come to the point where they can give all they possess, as demanded of them by God, to bless humanity in their essential needs, as opportunity shall require. They think they cannot pay this price, and God, after a further test and trial, releases them from their stewardship. They cannot give back to the Lord His own gifts, in the various ways that He designs they shall do. They appropriate the Lord’s entrusted goods to their own use: they covet heaven, but are not willing to co-operate with God by being a faithful steward in blessing humanity. It is for this reason that we have so much want and distress in our world. God has given to man an abundance of goods to be imparted to others, but the temptation to embezzle the Lord’s goods to please and glorify themselves has not been resisted. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 17)

God has made to the world the most expensive gift of heaven—His only begotten Son. This was the provision made in order that all who believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. When the believer takes Christ as his personal Saviour, the world’s customs, maxims, and principles are no longer a controlling power. The truth as it is in Jesus rules the heart and the affections. If, when in a position that is favorable for this present life, the human agent sees that in obeying the truth, he will lose his position, and he turns from the truth, refusing obedience to God’s commandments as did the young ruler, he refuses to become an obedient child, he refuses to serve the Lord with full purpose of heart, irrespective of consequences. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 18)

Obedience God requires from every son and daughter of Adam, and the consequences belong to Him. Never yet did persecution drive the soul, who was indeed a lover of Jesus Christ, away from Him. The love of Jesus in the soul is all-absorbing, for that great love wherewith God hath loved us, revealed in giving Christ to us, is beyond a parallel. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] For our sake Christ became poor, “that we through his poverty might be rich.” [2 Corinthians 8:9.] (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 19)

What will the human agent do to have the privilege of co-operating with God? Will he forsake all that he has rather than forsake Christ? Will he suffer persecution for the truth’s sake? Reproach and persecution have separated many souls from heaven, but never a soul from the love of Christ. If we can bear persecution for His dear name’s sake, His love becomes a ruling power in our hearts, for we have the assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 20)

Never is the tempest-tried soul more dearly loved by his Saviour than when he is suffering reproach for the truth’s sake. When for the truth’s sake the believer stands at the bar of unrighteous tribunals, Christ stands by his side. All the reproaches that fall upon the human believer fall upon Christ in the person of His saints. “I will love him,” said Christ, “and manifest myself to him.” [John 14:21.] Christ is condemned over again in the person of His believing disciples. When for the truth’s sake the believer is incarcerated in prison walls, Christ manifests Himself to him, and ravishes his heart with His love. When he suffers death for the sake of Christ, Christ says to him, They may kill the body, but they cannot hurt the soul. “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] They crucified Me, and if they put you to death, they crucify Me afresh in the person of My saints. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 21)

Persecution cannot do more than cause death, but the life is preserved to eternal life and glory. The persecuting power may take its stand, and command the disciples of Christ to deny the faith, to give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, by making void the law of God. But the disciples may ask, Why should I do this? I love Jesus, and I will never deny His name. When the power says, I will call you a disturber of the peace, they may answer, Thus they called Jesus, who was truth, and grace, and peace. They rejected, insulted, and mocked my Saviour. Why? They were stirred with a power from beneath. Satan inspired men to make the work of Christ as hard and trying as possible. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 22)

Christ was, [to] the Jewish people, a rock of offense, while if they had received Him, He would have been the rock of their salvation. “Therefore also it is contained in the Scriptures, Behold, I lay in Zion, a chief corner stone, elect, precious; and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you, therefore, which believe he is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is become the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:6-9.] (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 23)

I have received your letter and read it with interest. I wish I could see you, and attend your meetings in Hobart. Remember that we are praying for you. We must hold fast the promises of God, which are yea and Amen in Christ Jesus. We are by faith to lay hold of Jesus, drinking of the water of life freely. We believe we have faith, and we must rest in a “Thus saith the Lord.” (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 24)

January 9

I am up this morning at an early hour, long before daylight, finishing this letter; for I want it to go this morning. It is a long, long time since I have written you a letter. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 25)

Some days ago Fannie Bolton came here to prepare her things, and then go to America; but she is in a condition of nervous prostration, and will board with Sister Shannan for a time. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 26)

Our building has dragged heavily, for want of material with which to finish. I have my room all finished, but not furnished. We hear the sawing and the hammering all around, but we know it to be a necessity, and therefore do not mind it. Our goods will leave Sydney Friday January 10. The heat has been for several days like the blast of a furnace. A change came Monday and we had a thunder and lightning storm, which has been very gratefully received by the things of nature, and we are all revived. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 27)

I hope the Lord will give you and Brother Hare sheaves of souls from Hobart. We hope you will keep of good courage. Brother and Sister Starr have come from Queensland. He will leave this morning for Sydney. I have been very weak, but am feeling a little stronger. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 28)

May the Lord bless you and Brother and Sister Hare is our earnest prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 29)

In love. (11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, 30)

Lt 117, 1896

Woods, Brother and Sister
Northcote, Victoria, Australia
November 3, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 2MCP 624, 676; HP 201. +
Dear Brother and Sister Woods:

I should have been relieved to have had an interview with you before leaving Melbourne; but by inquiry I learned that you lived a long distance from North Fitzroy. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 1)

I feel deeply over the situation of the church in North Fitzroy, and the churches located in the suburbs of Melbourne. I was very sorry that neither of you attended the camp meeting. The best thing that you can do is to improve every opportunity to place yourselves where you can hear what the Lord says to you through His servants. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 2)

The Lord Jesus commanded that three times each year His people should assemble at Jerusalem to observe His appointed ordinances. These gatherings were for their good, for their spiritual advantage. In them better knowledge was obtained in regard to their spiritual service. If they would, all might catch the bright beams of light, that with John they could say, “That which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the words of life, declare we unto you; that ye may have fellowship with us.” [1 John 1:1, 3.] (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 3)

The deprivation felt when people absent themselves from the gatherings of the people of God is not small. As children of God we are to place ourselves in every gathering of God, where His people are commissioned to be present and give the Word of life. All need light, and all the help that can be obtained, in order that when they have heard and received the precious messages from heaven through God’s appointed agents, they may be prepared to bestow upon others the light given. God met with His people at the Adelaide camp meeting. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 4)

True grace is to be received diffused. It is active, penetrative, aggressive. By the hearing of the Word new ideas flash into the receptive heart and mind of every soul, for God is giving His message to His needy people. Unless the heart is barricaded against light, the seed, the living seed, cast into the living soil will regenerate the heart, and produce fruit which will increase more and more. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 5)

It is man’s privilege to accept the providences and blessings placed within his reach, and then to find others and communicate to them the knowledge of the truth. When this important responsibility is fully appreciated, all will realize the necessity of obtaining all the knowledge of truth and grace in order hat they can diffuse it to those with whom they are brought in contact. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 6)

The mind should be kept free from every species of selfishness and that the grace of God may rule in the soul temple. Then they will be captivated with their exalted privileges of contemplating God, and will work the works of God. What privileges we may enjoy if we choose to accept and appreciate them. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 7)

In the meetings held at the new church, by the Lord’s delegated servants, a most precious banquet was presented—a feast of heavenly things. But there were but few who would come to partake of the heavenly feast. They felt no need of the rich blessings of heaven sometime they will understand that the Lord had light and knowledge for them which they did not want, although their eternal interests were involved. They refused to see light and knowledge. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 8)

I am pained at heart. How pained I was to hear Brother Miller’s assertion that he had not had so much as the thought enter into his mind to separate from the office. The Lord has opened this matter before me, and I know it to be otherwise. His heart was not in the work. He might have been a great blessing in the office had his abilities been used unselfishly in any position where he could do the best service. All connected with the work of God are highly privileged. If he had put on Christ as he entered the office, and had determined to do his best, even though difficulties did arise, and to be faithful to principle, yourself, Brother Woods, and Brother Miller, could have seen a way out of the difficulties. Had you considered prayerfully the result of this movement, you would have been alarmed. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 9)

A multitude of temptations have encompassed you, and leavened the church. Rivalries naturally spring into activity, which make it a most difficult matter to discharge the highest moral obligations. Many nameless evils will combine to test whatever integrity and strength of religious principles and habits that may have been cherished. A brief season of trial and test is a wonderful revealer of character. Individually, we have need in this time of trial to have firm reliance upon God. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 10)

Had you both, and all who claim to believe the truth, a keen perception of the importance of every man standing in his place in the publishing house, you would not have been so readily separated from this center, which is especially under the supervision of the Lord. Had every one delayed their decisions to seek the counsels of the Lord, anxiously watching and waiting for the Lord to give light, and praying in faith, the promise of God would have been verified. Wisdom would have been given. But the hurried movements to present the matter, as fast as possible, to a close need not have been. That was not the Lord’s way, but the way and will of the enemy. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 11)

I was that there is need of a decided change in the church. Earnest piety and vital godliness is scarce. Therefore there are many who will stumble over one misstep made, make shipwreck of their faith through the temptations of the enemy, for they have felt free to give expression to their doubts and evil surmisings. One word of doubt, one word of evil thinking and evil speaking makes room for more of the same kind. It is seed-sowing that will prepare for a harvest that few will care to garner. When once this spirit begins to leaven the church, the inclination of the natural heart manifests itself. If at first conscience interposes some obstacle in the way of this kind of missionary work, the heart, unless softened and purified, elevated and ennobled by feeding on the word of God, will accommodate itself to the low level of gossip and tale bearing, which makes the soul empty, hard, and unimpressible to the influences of the Holy Spirit. I have been feeling deeply over these things, and what can I say? I have passed through similar scenes so many times. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 12)

The Spirit of the Lord has presented to me the dangers that are threatening the church. There was great need of a revival effort in the church at North Fitzroy. At the present time tares and wheat are growing together. As never before, there is a necessity for personal, missionary house-to-house labor, and of that kind that will build up, restore, and strengthen the faith, and not weaken and confuse and destroy the souls for whom Christ has died. These souls have been ransomed at an infinite price. God wants every soul to appreciate every faculty, and to use every talent for the glory of God. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 13)

We do not want to strive for the highest place and position and name, but to seek the highest place in being vessels unto honor, cleansed, refined, purified. It is not enough to be apt in speech, ready talkers. Heart and soul must be worked by the Holy Spirit. Truth precious truth, is to be entertained It is to make its impression upon the mind and heart through the means of prayer and meditation, and watching unto prayer. The truth, daily making a deeper imprint on the heart, makes us, individually, blessings to all with whom we come in contact. It is our privilege to continually draw from the Fountainhead, and through the abundant grace of God, we become repositories of Bible truth. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 14)

Living the truth, it is natural to diffuse the truth; and thus we become living channels of light. Then there will be true ministering work done for those who need it. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 15)

We need a deeper knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. We are not to allow the activities of business to crowd the contemplation of the life, spirit, and love of Jesus out of our hearts. At all times and in all places we are to seek Christ. “Learn of me,” said the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, “for I am meek and lowly in heart.” [Matthew 11:29.] This is to be the lesson which we are to practice. We are to reveal the disinterestedness of His love, His pure benevolence, the unselfishness of the religion of Jesus Christ. “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 2:4, 5.] (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 16)

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves; ... for even Christ pleased not himself.” [Romans 15:1, 3.] “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” [1 John 3:18.] “Wherefore, lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees. Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord, seeking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” [Hebrews 12:12-15.] (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 17)

Let not the unruly tongue sow seeds of doubt, unsettling the little faith that many members of the church have, but let faith and piety be diffused. Evil speaking and evil devising will produce their harvest. Let every soul who will visit from house to house have words that will not encourage weakness, but encourage faith and hope. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 18)

Truth, precious truth as it is in Jesus, is food for the soul. If we are missionaries in the church, let us not be missionaries under the dictation of the enemy, but missionaries that are in vital connection with Jesus Christ. Christ came to the world to sow the earth with truth, pure, unadulterated truth. The Lord is soon to come. “Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make straight his paths.” [Matthew 3:3.] We are working in sight of the whole universe of heaven. Consider this. I beseech of you to walk in the light. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 19)

In His discourse with Nicodemus, Christ described Himself as having kindled a light in the world. He Himself is the great center of light. While all the children of the day delight to feed and strengthen their spiritual vision at its beams, the doers of evil prefer the darkness; they fear to come to the light, lest their deeds shall be reproved. They fear condemnation will be flashed in their faces. The sermon on the Mount is full of instruction. The material and texture of the whole fabric is like valuable cloth of gold, presenting to all the most serviceable and enduring principles of duty. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 20)

So perfect is the character represented which men must have in order to be Christ’s disciples that the infidel has said that it is not possible for any human being to attain unto it. But no less a standard must be presented by all who claim to be children of God. Infidels know not that celestial aid is provided for all who seek for it by faith. Every provision has been made in behalf of every soul who shall seek to be a partaker of the divine nature, and be complete in Jesus Christ. Every defect is to be discerned and cut away from the character with an unsparing decision. The people of God are to turn every action into devotion. They are to every meal as if they knew it was a token of the love of the infinite God expressed to them. The termination of one duty is to be the commencement of the next that presents itself. Then the Christian character will be manifest in a life of continuous obedience and service to Jesus Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 21)

Whatever business engagements men may yoke up with, if Christians, they must wear the yoke of duty to Jesus Christ. This is their allegiance. They are to consider themselves bound by superior obligations. The Master, Jesus Christ, has placed His yoke upon the neck of every disciple; their life-service is pledged to Him Anything that will mar or hinder their perfect service to God is to be broken, whatever its nature or character may be. We should not give to our God divided service. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 22)

The Lord has united His nature with humanity, expressly that He might become a more distinguishable and definite object for our contemplation and love. He invites us to draw near and contemplate the great light, the invisible God invested in robes of humanity, emitting a glory so softened and subdued that our eyes can endure the sight. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 23)

Christ is the light of heaven. In His face we shall see God. Bear in mind the prayer of Christ, that His people may be one with Him as He is one with the Father, that they may be with Him where He is, and behold His glory. Think how displeasing it is to God for His people to have a spirit of pride, self-sufficiency, and envy, of seeking to be first. We cannot afford to do this, for it is the work of Satan. Press together; press together; press together. (11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, 24)

Lt 118, 1896

Walling, Addie; Walling, May
Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia
November 17, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 9MR 99. +
Dear Children Addie and May:

I received your letter containing the news of your mother’s death. Notwithstanding you have had no special connection with her since your early childhood, she was your mother, and you could but be afflicted with her affliction. Her death was sudden, and the manner of it could but be a shock to you. Was it hemorrhage of the lungs? It looks that way. We can but leave her now in the hands of God, who is too wise to err, and too good to do us harm. The Lord is good, very merciful. He reads the secrets of every heart; He ever judgeth righteously. He is acquainted with all the sorrows and sufferings of the children of men. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 1)

Now I the only mother that you have, and since I have been a mother to you, acting a mother’s part until you were capable of caring for yourselves, I hope you will be free to act the part of children to me, and that our hearts shall blend as one. We may never be any closer connected in our lives that we are now in family relation, but we may cherish the tender kindness and affection which should exist. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 2)

I have acted my part faithfully toward you, and know not that I have been in any respect amiss in my duty. If you both with devote yourselves to the service of God, then honor Him by consecrating your soul, body, and spirit to God, and I shall be repaid for all the burden I have had in your behalf, without any returns on your part, which I might justly require. There is not a mother living that could have done more for you through your childhood years, and even up to womanhood, than I have done in your behalf, and I have felt at times very certain that neither of you would sometime awake, and then your impressions would be of a different nature than they have been toward me. I know they will be when you shall be worked by the Holy Spirit of God. It cannot be otherwise than that things will come to your remembrance, and your obligations be sensed, in a way that you have never manifested hitherto. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 3)

I would be pleased if May would give me some account of her work, her wages, and what she is doing. I have not had any account of this. I have an interest in this matter, such as a mother would have for children that she has cared for and educated, fed and clothed, until they were able to earn their own way in the world. I do hope you will not lose heaven at last through neglect to appreciate the Lord’s goodness, and His love and care for you. I hope your obligations to God has given you Jesus, a living sacrifice, that through faith in Him you should not perish, but have everlasting life. I hope you will respond by heart-devotion and service to God, that He will not be hungry and seek fruit upon the tree, representing your life and character, and find nothing but leaves. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 4)

Busy activity in business matters is not religion. Is your heart temple a place cleansed, refined, and purified by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? Mistake not leaves of profession for fruit. Examine your own hearts carefully. Make thorough investigation. Cultivate principles which are true and pure. Ever consider that your principles in every phase of character are deciding your future destiny. Keep these principles with intense solicitude boldly and vividly exposed to your own mind, and be sure that you can look upon them critically, with respect, in the light of the Word of God. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 5)

Addie, there is in you danger of a Phariseeism to think you are religiously right and meeting a correct standard; but the deep and abiding love of God is not brought into your inner life. You suppose yourself to be a Christian, but, my dear child, are you a Christian? Do you love the Lord God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and your neighbor as yourself? Are you seeking to be a blessing in life actions, in good works, for which you are not paid in wages? You may pray, and you may perform a little touch of religious duties, and have an abundance of leaves; but where is the fruit? (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 6)

Children, you could have helped your brother Fred. He would have been converted to the truth if you had lived the truth in all respects before him, and had revealed in your life and character what the truth has done through the transforming grace of Christ in your own hearts. God’s claims upon you both have never been presented to your mind and character as sacred You both need to accustom your individual selves to gaze upon the principles which are cherished, with great earnestness, and upon the Lord’s claims, with sacred awe. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 7)

“Ye are not your own; ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirits, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] Will you consider how much it cost the Lord Jesus to ransom you? Your souls should be pervaded with a deep sense that every faculty of mind, soul, and body, is to be employed to honor and glorify Him. Both understand the heart’s need to maintain the most intimate, conscious connection with the pure, sacred springs from which it derives its vital force. Your supposed, most virtuous habits, your conclusions, need to be closely examined. Your life-experience as children of God must penetrate deeper than habit or opinion or authority. Those with whom you associate may discern nothing lacking, which they can put into words, and yet the atmosphere which surrounds your soul may not be instinct with the peace and grace of the principles of truth and righteousness and the tender pitying love which dwells in Jesus Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 8)

You may both have the form of godliness, but still may not show that life which means growth to the full stature in Christ Jesus. In Him is found intellect, power, and that true and earnest sympathy which is required by those who cooperate with Jesus Christ, as partakers of the divine nature, that they may diffuse the same. Your religious experience, is dwarfed. The deep and holy principles, and watchful, prayerful, strenuous efforts, under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, do not characterize your lives. It is not made a part of your nature to receive light, to diffuse light, and to minister spiritual light and life to others. There is an inexhaustible source from which you can draw, if you will, and then impart, consciously and unconsciously. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 9)

A few words more. How long have you calculated it is safe for you to be lukewarm Christians, neither cold nor not? Days and months and years have been added to your life, supplying you opportunities and advantages. The entire probationary period of your lives belongs unreservedly to God. He puts His claim on all the endowments and powers entrusted to us. Christ has a right to the entire consecration to our service. Every talent is to be improved and multiplied by being put into exercise. The capabilities given of God are to be improved and increased to His name’s glory, and in accordance with His divine will. We are to co-operate with God in promoting the well-being of all around us, and by making manifest the glory of God. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 10)

As those who have the life of Christ, we are to grow, for all life will grow; it cannot help growing. If there is no growth in the religious character, there is no life. Our physical and intellectual resources are to be increased by active effort. Spiritual attainment and grace are to grow in the same order, by constant exercise. O, then there will be the pouring forth unto God of thanksgiving and praise, as newborn souls in the fervor of their first love. They are clothed with His beautiful garments, and become potent, living agencies. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 11)

The church needs the fresh live experiences of members who have habitual communion with God. Old, dry, stale testimonies and prayers, without the manifestation that Christ is in them, as a well of water springing up unto everlasting life, are no help to to the church. But continually feeding on the Word of God will create in the soul a fresh supply of living water, refreshing to all who associate with them. Try it, children. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 12)

The Lord Jesus supplies all that is necessary for our salvation. In the cross of Calvary there is a guarantee for intellectual excellence and positive success. There is an ever-living, quickening motive found in that perfect trust, a living active, growing faith made stronger by the long, hard struggles with life, gathering opportunities, and improving every privilege which God provides to become complete in Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 13)

The natural and cultivated traits of character need to be greatly improved; selfishness needs to be cut away, and sympathy, pure and uncorrupted, which is the sure fruit of all righteousness, needs to be constantly growing. Then, with the heart brought into captivity to Christ, there is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, the precious fruit the boughs will bear that are grafted into the True Vine. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 14)

They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with [its] affections and lusts. Their character expresses the similitude of Christ’s character. Study the Word of God; make it the rule of your life. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 15)

There must be decided changes in your sentiments as to what constitutes true devotion and piety, else you will miss heaven. You must now commence with earnestness to make your calling and election sure. Receive your illumination, not from what others may think of your religious standing, but by looking unto Jesus. Be only content to receive your illuminating from the great central light of the universe. Secure from Him the very highest attainments, and then bring to Him in thank offerings all your cultivated abilities, and consecrate them to His service. Exalt the cross of Christ above all honor and praise. (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 16)

In love, (11LtMs, Lt 118, 1896, 17)

Mother.

Lt 119, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
July 31, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in TMK 170; 2MR 48; 4MR 265; 4Bio 265. +
Dear Children:

We were much pleased and greatly relieved to receive letters from you in the last mail. The American mail leaves here next Monday, August 2, and I shall try to send you this by it. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 1)

I am in my usual health; but have had serious fears with regard to my eyesight. My left eye gives me considerable trouble. It has been painfully weak, and the pain in my cheek bone has caused me much anxiety. I think I told you that about a year ago I had a fall. I was filling a tin milk pan with oranges for Brother McCann, and when I rose from my stooping position, and attempted to walk, I saw that I was falling face downward, into a pile of small, sharp stumps, which had been brought their for fuel. I darted a prayer to heaven, and fell heavily forward. The milk pan struck the stumps with great force, and when I fell, it struck me just beneath the eye. The pan was bent almost double. Brother McCann came and lifted me up. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 2)

After this I had a very painful time with my whole head. My cheek was large and hard. Ella White was with me at the time, and she pounded up charcoal for me. With this pulverized charcoal and hot water I treated my face for hours, till the soreness and pain was killed. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 3)

Now, nearly a year afterwards, this eye and cheekbone have pained me so that I have been alarmed. For two weeks in June I suffered much. But I prayed most earnestly to the One who has said, “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find.” [Matthew 7:7.] The Lord has heard my prayer ascending to Him day and night, especially in the night season, and His restoring power has been realized by me. My eye is much improved; the pain has left the cheekbone: and I am very thankful to the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 4)

We must all exercise faith. I am praying to the Lord to give me strength and health and clearness of mind, and I believe He hears my prayers. We are exhorted to be sober, and watch unto prayer, but this does not mean that we are to mourn and repine, like orphaned children. True, the struggle for continual advancement in the Christian life must be life-long, but our advancement in the heavenly path may be hopeful. If we manifest an intense energy, proportionate to the object for which we are striving, even eternal life, we are made partakers of Christ and of all the rich graces He is willing and ready to give to those who by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory and honor and immortality. If we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end, we shall see the King in His glory. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 5)

I do not ask for smooth paths, but I do supplicate my heavenly Father for an increase of faith, that I may surmount every apparent difficulty. He is able and willing to give us the Comforter: but we must have firmness and decision, maintaining under all circumstances a pure, Christian integrity and confidence in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The exhortation comes to us, “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.” [2 Peter 3:17.] (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 6)

Eternal interests are to be gained, even the salvation of our souls; and every day we are to watch and be sober. Yet we are to be cheerful, thanking the Lord for His blessing. We must have faith, living faith. God is our efficiency, the source of all power. His resources cannot be exhausted. We can have a daily, abundant supply. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 7)

About two weeks ago Sara McEnterfer, Maggie Hare, and myself rode out about six miles into the country to get oranges. We have a pleasant time gathering the yellow fruit. We paid three pence per dozen for them; this is six cents in American money. The oranges were large, deep yellow, thin skinned, and delicious to the taste. We purchased twenty dozen for table use. Sara and Maggie purchased five dozen each for their own use. They also bought five dozen for May Israel, and five dozen for Brother Connell. We had a large sack full. We also got ten dozen lemons. These were twopence per dozen. Their skins are lumpy, uneven, and as yellow as that of the oranges. They are very juicy. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 8)

I did wish you could have been with us. It is a treat to have all the oranges we want. I use lemon juice freely. It is the best thing you could use for rheumatism, and for your head, and for malaria. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 9)

We have oranges brought to the door [by] a lad who lives away up in the bush. The only way to reach this family is on horseback. Most of our family furnish themselves with oranges at twopence per dozen. If they prefer it, I am willing for them to do this. They have a sufficiency, and can use them at all times, and I have less to buy for table use. We have oranges on the table once a day now. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 10)

Willie’s family are all well. The twins are doing nicely. They are developing intelligence now. They seldom every cry, but May has her hands full, first one and then the other. They are hearty eaters. They have excellent shaped heads, and pretty faces. These children are a blessing to the older children. Ella and Mabel are so delighted with their little brothers. They do not lose their joy in them as they grow older. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 11)

I should be pleased to have you see these babies. At one time it appeared that the White family, if time lasted much longer, would become extinct, but when these two boys came into the family, the prospect seemed more encouraging. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 12)

Lately we have had very close times in money matters, equaled only by 1894. Then everything seemed to be collapsing, but it is not quite so bad now. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 13)

I am much pleased with the information you give us about the work. Yesterday I spoke to the people here in the sawmill loft. About eighty were present. I read them some of your letters in regard to the manner in which you were doing the work. All seemed to be interested. I think it is good to show them what is going on in the Southern field. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 14)

A very interesting case has recently come to our notice. A Wesleyan minister of first rate education has become convinced of the truth. He was by himself when he was convicted. He wrote to Elder Daniells. He then came to the office, and had several interviews with him. He has now united with the Seventh-day Adventist church, and is prepared to take right hold of the work. It is evident that he has been convicted and converted to the truth, without any effort being made for him by our people. The Lord can and will work by the Holy Spirit’s power upon hearts that are susceptible to its influence. We think this man will bring many from his own church into the truth: for many were searching the Scriptures with him for light and knowledge. They saw the Sabbath, believed that there is no immortality except through Christ Jesus, and were convinced on nearly every vital point of truth that we hold. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 15)

This man’s conversion has made such a stir that ministers have been sent for to put down this so-called heresy. The bishop labored with him, and his arguments seemed very conclusive, outside of the Bible. But when the Bible was consulted, the Word said altogether differently. The minister chose the Word just as it reads, and was thereby cut off from his church. He sent in his resignation, but was not permitted to have the use of his church in which to preach his farewell discourse. This minister and his wife are now in Melbourne, studying the truth, preparatory to their work—to enlighten others. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 16)

We see by letters received from Melbourne that a good work has been in progress since the Armadale camp meeting. After that meeting many continued to be interested. Through the reports of the camp meeting, those who did not attend it at all were drawn to the meetings that were held afterwards. Quite a number of precious souls are now united with us. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 17)

After the Armadale camp meeting closed, the question was brought up in regard to the continuance of the tent-meetings there. I told them of a dream I had had. I dreamed that I saw a partly completed building. The workmen were gathering up their tools, preparing to leave it unfinished; but I entreated of them to consider the matter. The building is not finished, I said, Come back, and keep at work until it is roofed. They came back, and went to work. The brethren heeded my entreaties to remain and continue the work in Armadale while we went to Tasmania to attend the camp meeting there. Elder Daniells, Herbert Lacey, and several Bible workers remained. As the result, quite a number embraced the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 18)

For every one whose hands seem to be weakening and losing their hold, I have the word, Grasp the standard more firmly. Faith says, Go forward. You must not fail, nor be discouraged. There is no weakness of faith in him who is constantly advancing. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 19)

There are men and women whose talents are rusting on account of inaction. I have more joy than I can express to see you, Edson and Emma, unitedly engaged in the work of God. How long the Lord may permit me to wear the armor I know not, neither am I anxious in regard to this matter. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 20)

Work may be seen by all who go into the vineyard of the Lord. This vineyard has no limits. If self is hid in Jesus Christ, the love of teaching the truth will grow. Let Him appear as the One altogether lovely, the chiefest among ten thousand, and the advancement onward and upward will be continual. Some have a natural aptitude to teach, and they reveal this gift by training others, educating and lifting up those for whom Christ has died. Edson and Emma, win all you can, and when you need one hundred dollars more to invest in the work you have been doing, you may draw on my account at the Review and Herald office. There are those in the world who are poor, yet who make many rich. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 21)

I am glad Brother Kynett and his daughter have united with you in this work. God bless you and them is our daily prayer. Oh, we cannot wait for some costly apparatus for doing good. However humble our sphere may be, let us do our best. The Lord will work by few as well as by many. The work may be started in many places in a humble way, even when means is very limited. But so many want to do a great thing, and must make such great preparations, that they lose sight of the object which was once prominent. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 22)

The rich grace of God in the heart and love for souls are the highest qualifications that any human agent can possess for bringing many souls to Jesus Christ. No weariness of will or spirit is felt by him who works for Jesus Christ to save souls. His physical strength may not be sufficient to bear the taxation placed upon it, because of his willingness to spend and be spent, but as he goes to the work, he does not regard it as sullen drudgery. It is a cheerful work, done with a glad heart. Joy is expressed in God through Jesus Christ. This joy is the joy set before Christ. It sweetens all toil; it braces the will; it nerves the spirit for all that shall come. The worker is in co-partnership with the Lord of life and glory. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 23)

All who are in earnest to answer to the claims of the world to come will hold fast to their Partner in the work. “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Never forget this. The Lord is our helper, and if He is at our right hand, we shall not be moved. Just as the body needs the vital air at all times, so the soul at all times needs the guidance of truth. When the soul is not constantly fed or constantly stimulated with the world, but is feeding upon the bread of life, then the work testifies to the fact. We must have a living connection with Him in whom we live and move and have our being. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 24)

Under the deep conviction of the Holy Spirit’s working upon the mind we may each show by precept and example that the truth, which is the Word of God, is inwrought in all we do. We cannot disconnect from it for a moment; for it is the vital truth of life to the soul, and is a living principle, abiding with us in all our difficulties, a witness in all our business transactions, a guide to us in all the relations of life, controlling us in every place, where no eyes sees, no one but God hears. He finds us faithful servants, ever accompanied by truth which directs our thoughts, our words and our deeds, according to the will of God. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 25)

Ever be true to the principles of the Word, and God will put His holy signature upon your work. While there will be wars and pestilences, while there will be mercantile failures, thefts, robberies, millionaire bankruptcies, we may know that our treasure is laid up in heaven. As faithful sentinels we must lift the standard higher, holding it with a firm grasp. Those who hold fast their integrity under all circumstances, amid disappointment and trial, possess that Bible religion, according to the highest standard that earth can ever know. (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 26)

There is no religion in the enthronement of self. We are to be true in heart and soul, serving the Lord with all purity and holiness and diligence, trading upon the talents He has given us with all activity and earnestness. His will is to be our will; His ways our way. Our religion requires us to be instant in season and out of season, faithfully and promptly doing our duty, for God supplies the power, the skill, the quick reason. These must never be perverted into instruments of iniquity. We are not to make the Holy One serve with our sins. Our departure from the straightest noble integrity inflicts degradation on our moral nature. Even if the result is that self is lifted up, that we are enriched, and seated among princes, in the eyes of God we are unclean and unholy. We have sold our birthright for selfish interest and gain; and at any moment we may be called upon, “Give an account of thy stewardship.” [Luke 16:2.] (11LtMs, Lt 119, 1896, 27)

Lt 120, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Refiled as Lt 141a, 1896.

Lt 121, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
April 11, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 4MR 265; 8MR 251; 4Bio 265.
Dear Children:

I could not sleep this morning, after half past twelve o’clock. I have had personal testimonies to write, which have tried my soul. They have been a severe draft on me. I have spoken six times in the meetings. Friday and Sabbath, I had very close testimonies to bear, in public, to two families who were not walking circumspectly before God. Both days the burden was very severe upon me. There was a breaking down in the meeting, and quite a number came forward for prayers. We hope that this meeting will be a great blessing to all those who attend. I was so anxious for some persons to come to the meeting that I agreed to give them work in painting so that they could pay their board. We have to keep working to save souls to the truth who are ready to die. The hard times threw many souls into the deepest financial perplexity, and these persons are men of good intellect, who are trying to learn the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 1)

I have much work in writing to do. That which you say, in regard to my work, is very good reasoning. I am satisfied to have you remain and do whatever the Lord lays out for you to do. I was glad to receive your letters. They were encouraging. And if you shall get into a strait place for money to help the poor to help themselves, you may draw upon me for one hundred more from the Review and Herald. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 2)

I am thankful to say that I am, in many respects, better healthwise than I have been since I came to Australia. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 3)

Willie and May are very happy, and they are highly pleased with their twin boys. The babies are quite well, and sleep nearly all the time. Sara McEnterfer is their nurse, and she is a most efficient nurse. May is remarkably well. She went through her ordeal well. The foreheads of the boys are very fully developed. They are hearty, hungry little fellows, and take a large amount of mother’s milk, so that there will be no trouble in that respect. May is as cheerful and happy as need be. She has not lost her red cheeks [at] any time. We are all perfectly relieved to see such well-formed heads and nice faces. I think that they will look very much alike, when the least and last born shall have a few months’ growth. They are six days old today. Brother Lacey, May’s father, is just as pleased and happy as a man can be. He says, “Now I am veritably a grandfather.” (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 4)

Today we have had a very interesting meeting. There were quite a large number of outsiders present. The postmaster and his wife and his two children came today. He comes often. He is a very intelligent-looking man. I wish that he would receive the truth. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 5)

Brother Prescott talked upon loyalty to God. His clear and pointed remarks were excellent; and the Holy Spirit did give him utterance. Our numbers are increasing in attendance. Our meetings here will close in about ten days; then after a few days’ meeting at Sydney, Professor Prescott and family sail for South Africa. We shall miss them very much. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 6)

My writings are piled up around me. Books are to be completed, and I have private testimonies to write. I long to have them finished, but when will this be? My mind is led out on these subjects that are of intense interest to me—the Bible as a book above all books for education. This is the theme of my speaking and writing. I shall have quite an addition to make the book Christian Education. The Lord help me, is my prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 7)

I do so much desire to see the precious light of truth shining in clear and steady rays. I must have more grace, and the power of God. I must be strong in His strength. I must know day by day the power of His grace. I have had for the last months, yes, for one year, the most decided testimonies to bear for individuals in this country, and this has required a large amount of writing. There are evils in workers, in speakers, and in those who are lax and loose in principle, that must be corrected. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 8)

Monday, April 13, 1896

I arose at four o’clock this morning. My soul has been exceedingly troubled in regard to the lax principles of mortality that I have been made to see and feel because the Lord has laid the burden upon me. These poor souls stand directly in the path of sinners, and hinder their conversion. O what shall be done to change their moral taste? We see more and still more of the natural, hereditary tendencies kept and preserved as choice treasures in the heart of professed Christians who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 9)

I see and sense more than I ever have, the parable of the ten virgins. “And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.” [Matthew 25:2.] Yes, foolish indeed. Their God-given capabilities—the rich treasures of character which should be gaining influence and power on the side of truth and righteousness—are mingled with the scent of selfishness and self-indulgence. The strange fire is mixed with the sacred fire, and its purity, holiness, and divine origin eclipsed. There is plenty of animal machinery at work; Christ in truth is advocated, but is not represented; for this reason the truth is dishonored by the very ones who advocate it. Many of those who have their Bibles to which they can turn at any time, and distinguish the true from the false influence, are carried away with the corrupting, deceiving, false characters, who present a very nice appearance, as if wise in Bible lore, but do not the words of Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 10)

I am compelled to see these defects and reprove them. This brings on me great distress of soul. But I must bear the reproof to those men and women walking in darkness, although professedly zealous for the truth as far as words are concerned. Rotten timber has been brought into the character, and corrupted the whole man. It is this slip-shod Christianity that hedges up our way, dishonors our God, and brings the truth into disrepute. We can only reprove the wrong, and amid the perils of these last days lift up Jesus, the Pattern character, and keep Him before the mind’s eye. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 11)

Those who are in earnest, those who desire to do the will of God, will heed the words, “Follow me.” They that “follow me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.] They are the ones who have the more earnest, determined desire to walk in the light emanating from Christ. We can all cleave close to Jesus. Jesus is our only Pattern. Every ungodly professor is a foolish virgin, an object of pity, a gainsayer, and no one need be deceived, deluded, or charmed with his strange fire. But the work of the true believer is to be all the more zealous to keep the sacred fire ever burning upon the censer, and then he will be a lightbearer to the world. The more pointed testimonies must be presented to condemn sin in the flesh. Blasphemers and infidels are in our very midst, under a garb of righteousness. Here at this very time we need to speak truth as it is in Jesus. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 12)

There are men who have accepted the truth, and who talk the truth fluently, but have grafted the truth into the natural vine; they are a wild vine, and will bear fruit unto death. The natural temperament will be developed because they have not that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The passions of the unrenewed heart gain the supremacy, reason becomes dethroned; the God-like humility they would have through Christ Jesus is exchanged for a coarse unchristian character. Self and hereditary tendencies are revealed if at any time their way is crossed. So long have they practiced self-indulgence and self-deceiving that deception and falsehood mark their course. What can arouse the conscience of these professed Christians, who are dead, while they seem to be alive? Constantly they need to have done for them all that it is possible to do, for they are objects of compassion and labor. They are constantly kindling strange fire, and cannot discern the human sparks of their own kindling from the sacred fire from heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 13)

While this class is steadily increasing, the development of their spiritual blindness should be like another and still another voice to arouse those who are laborers together with God, to see what they themselves should be to bear the truth, to live and practice every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, and to show by their individual life what a Christian is. If we prize the Bible, we will prize the truths it contains, and will so fashion our characters that we shall meet the requirements it demands. Bringing the truth into practical life will be like using the sacred fire of God’s own kindling upon our censers. We shall then have a living connection with God. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 14)

There are those with whom we shall be called to labor who need constantly the pure, holy example of the true followers of Christ represented ever before them. There can be no letting down of the standard. Because there is a cheapness of character all around them, there is the more need of their words, their attitude and deportment, representing Jesus Christ, without guile, without spot or stain of corruption. There is a positive necessity of keeping close to Jesus, cleaving to Him who is our only strength and efficiency and power. We can not depend on self a moment. The Lord our righteousness is our strength and power. We need clear discernment to see the evil tendencies, and shun them. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 15)

“Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:7-13, 31.] (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 16)

Last night (Sunday) there was a large number of outsiders out. Elder Daniells talked upon the change of the Sabbath. In Cooranbong and out in the country places there are settled many Catholics. We hope the light of truth will shed its bright beams into all the homes of the people. Our meeting closes here in about ten days, and then there is a meeting in Sydney. There are excellent families located in the country all about here. The Lord has some jewels to be rescued from the rubbish of error. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 17)

I long to see an interest created in this locality where our school is to be established. We have had no proper place for meetings. I shall petition that the meeting tent be left standing, that the opportunity for meetings shall be open for all who will come. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 18)

I hope, my son Edson, that you will cleave to Jesus Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 19)

We are educating the people here, who are not inclined to put brain, bone, and muscle into their work, that it must become a fixed conviction in their own souls, that religion merely handed down to our fathers will not withstand the temptations of Satan. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 20)

We are trying to demonstrate to them that, while there is no panoply but truth for us in order to be saved, diligence in business is essential to guard us against temptation. Indolence and idleness, games and parties and holiday picnics, are opening many avenues to temptation. Doing away with these abundant pleasure gatherings, and making precious time tell in doing something useful in the service of Christ, will be a greater educating force to make all-sided students than loading down the mind with the studies of authors usually studied in our schools. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 21)

It is not toil in trades, or in cultivation of the soil, that degrades any man; it is not hard, taxing labor that weakens the brain power and creates sickness and disease; it is the little use made of the living machinery that enfeebles, and causes disease and premature death. Disuse of the organs that God has given to the living human agent is the cause of disease and feebleness of all the powers, the intellect included. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 22)

Adam was created in innocency; yet God gave him employment, to tend the garden. This did not degrade him. Here was his book of study—God in nature. He was to study God and obey Him. Paul had to work, laboring with his hands, and felt no dishonor in it. All who would resist temptations that assail them from without and within must make sure that they are on the Lord’s side; that His truth is in their hearts; that it keeps sentinel watch in their souls, ready to sound an alarm and summon them to action in warring against every evil. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 23)

All knowledge that deserves the name of science is found in the higher education in the Word of God, and should be acquired by all human agents. True education strengthens the moral powers, expands the mind, and should be cultivated. But the grand educating book, found in nature, which hears and sees God, has been greatly neglected. God help us to teach correctly what constitutes an all-sided education. (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 24)

Love to all, (11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, 25)

Mother.

Lt 122, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
August 21, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children:

I have been writing to you on the resurrection of Lazarus. I feel anxious to complete this second book as soon as possible. My heart is drawn out in earnest prayer to God. I feel a burden to lift up my voice in testimony, in appeals, in warnings, that all who are disciples of Christ shall walk in the light of God’s holy Word. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 1)

Time is short, and we cannot afford to walk for one hour in darkness. We need light, precious light. The Word of God is our sufficient rule of life. It teaches the whole will of God concerning us, His human agents. Therefore in it we have a sure guide for our faith and practice. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 2)

The Scriptures need not be read by the dim light of tradition in order to be comprehended. As well might we try to give light to the sun with a torch as to explain the Scriptures by human intellect or tradition. God’s holy Word needs not the torch light glimmer of earth to make its glories distinguishable. It is light in itself—the glory of God revealed; and beside it every other light is dim. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 3)

Those who suppose that they understand philosophy think that their explanations are necessary to unlock the treasure of knowledge, and to prevent heresies from coming into the church. But it is these explanations that have brought in false theories and heresies, causing men to teach for doctrine the commandments of men. Men have made desperate efforts to explain the meaning of what they thought to be intricate Scriptures, but their efforts have only darkened what they thought to make clear. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 4)

The priests and Pharisees thought that they were doing great things as teachers, by putting their own interpretations upon the Word of God, but Christ said of them, “Ye are both ignorant of the Scriptures, and of the power of God.” [Matthew 22:29.] He charged them with the guilt of teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Though they were the teachers of the oracles of God, though they were supposed to understand the Word of God, they were not doers of this Word. Satan had blinded their eyes that they should not see the true import of it. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 5)

This is the work of the teachers in our day. The churches are guilty of this sin. There is danger, great danger, that the supposed wise men of today will repeat the experience of the Jewish teachers. They falsely interpret the divine oracles; and souls are brought into perplexity and enshrouded in darkness because of their misconception of divine truth. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 6)

In some instances human learning and human interpretation may be a help to a right understanding of the Word of God. But the ignorant, who are without this help, need not despair. When they search the living oracles, the Holy Spirit is beside them as a divine teacher, ready to suggest to the honest, inquiring mind the true meaning of the Word. And this meaning is more easily understood than the interpretation placed upon it by wise men, who are thus designated because of their learning. But they are not truly wise, for they bring in their own ideas and opinions. These make destructive blundering with the plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Often they cover up and make intricate that which is plain. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 7)

Let the student of the Word search the Scriptures, not with the lighted torch of tradition, but with an anxious, inquiring heart filled with a hunger for righteousness. God will help him. His heart will be made tender and susceptible to the influence of the Holy Spirit. Even the wayfaring man, though a novice, need not err when he searches the Scriptures with an open mind, and with a heart made tender by the Holy Spirit. If he is taught of God, he will be enabled, through searching the Scriptures, to find the pathway of eternal life. And if he will follow on to know the Lord, he will know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. He is to make his supplications to the Lord—the fountain of all wisdom, the storehouse of all knowledge. As he follows on step by step cherishing every ray of light that shines from the Word of God upon his pathway, he will discern every necessary duty. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 8)

The living principles of salvation are clearly stated in Luke 10:25-28. “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” The natural condition of man is sinfulness, but a great sacrifice has been offered in his behalf, making it possible for him to keep the first four commandments, which define his duty to his God, and the last six, which define his duty to his fellow men. Obedience to these commandments is required from all who would enter into life. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 9)

It is the work of the Holy Spirit to bring men to repentance, to reveal God in Jesus Christ, and to present to the mind and urge upon the conscience the requirements of God. “He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you;” said Christ, “he shall bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [John 16:14, 26.] (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 10)

It is through the Word of God that we receive a knowledge of His requirements, and of the provision made in our behalf. We must understand this Word in order to understand what is comprehended in obedience. O, how thankful we should be for the Word of God—the voice of God speaking to the soul. How important that we feel it to be not only a duty, but a privilege, to study the inspired Oracles. By the Word of God we are “born again;” and made fit for the kingdom of heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 11)

We cannot be safe unless the Word of God is to us a treasure, found and appreciated, more precious than gold or silver. Stored up in the mind and heart, it becomes a well of water, springing up into everlasting life. No matter how much we draw from this living fountain, we cannot diminish the supply. By studying the Word of God, we gain a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, whom to know aright is life eternal. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 12)

We need to become acquainted with the Scriptures, that we may draw from this treasure house things new and old to enrich other minds. But those who have had great advantages and many opportunities are beset by the enemy, and may be surprised into indulgence and sin. During the whole period of our probation, we shall be tempted. And where we have once failed, the enemy will try us again. Over and over again we shall be confronted by his temptations, but because of this we need not fail nor be discouraged. From the divine storehouse we may draw refreshing promises. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 13)

In God’s precious Word we shall find a standard lifted up for us against the enemy. “Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scripture might have hope.” [Romans 15:4.] When the enemy allures souls by some glowing prospect or bright expectation, then there is danger. He throws out an alluring bait, and many souls are spiritually weak because they yield to his temptations. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [James 4:7.] Unseen agencies draw near to help every one who feels his need of help; but many are overcome because they do not soon enough draw the sword of the Spirit—“It is written.” (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 14)

All who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth will have light, and light chases away darkness. All who cherish this light will have increased light, and will be able to say, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” [Psalm 119:11.] Many souls are perishing for the knowledge which the Word of God gives. This Word assures us that there is strength for us. When we are severely tempted by the adversary of souls, if we place the shield of faith before us, we shall not sink in helpless despondency, but our hearts will be encouraged. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] “For God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape.” [1 Corinthians 10:13.] (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 15)

Let all, and the youth especially, become earnest students of the Word. They may become familiar with the promises of God’s Word, and they will find them most encouraging, adapted to every part of their experience. Encourage all to feed on the Word, that they may obtain a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ. Meditate upon the Word, and your mind will not be filled with chaff and unprofitable imaginations. Ambition, eager for recognition and distinction, will not be cherished. The elevated standard of purity and holiness, which the righteousness of Christ imparts, will be a source of help, and will kindle in the heart a yearning desire for higher attainments in the divine life. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 16)

Converse with God through the study of His Word, and your whole nature will be ennobled. Every soul that is striving for the eternal inheritance must be taught by this Word. “As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby.” [1 Peter 2:2.] We must not read the Word of God with a stupid indifference, but we must strive to understand, verse by verse, every passage we read. Put the mental powers to the tax; will to comprehend. Seek wisdom from God. Many passages of the Scripture are easily understood; others demand patient digging, as for hidden treasure, close study and painstaking effort. Put to the stretch every spiritual sinew and muscle in the search for the treasure. Seek for it as the miner seeks for the veins of precious ore, concealed beneath the surface of the earth. As you search for truth in this way, the Holy Spirit flashes the gracious heavenly truth into mind and heart. Rich, and apparently hidden passages are discovered only by those who are determined to dig into this mine of celestial gold and sink their shafts deep. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 17)

You cannot receive the impressions of the Holy Spirit of God unless you search with a humble, meek, and lowly heart. Search in faith, asking wisdom of God. The Scriptures are given for your “instruction in righteousness,” therefore the Great Teacher means that you shall understand them, and that your mind shall see and grasp light in His light. [2 Timothy 3:16.] O, the light, the precious rays of light, gathered into one great whole, presents truths that have been obscured and hidden beneath a mass of rubbish. Truth will be rescued from the companionship of error, and stand in its native purity as light, precious light, making the heart to glow, and yielding abundant consolation. The golden grains are scattered all over the field of revelation. The Word, appreciated and obeyed, will be as glad springs of heavenly comfort, constantly springing up in our souls by faith in the Word of Inspiration. We may pray for the light of the Holy Spirit to shine upon the sacred page and enable the mind to comprehend it in its true meaning. (11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, 18)

Lt 123, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
August 30, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 12MR 218.
Dear Children:

I could not sleep past one o’clock this morning, so I dressed, and am writing to you. I was pleased to receive your letters and am anxious to receive all the news you can give me in regard to your missionary work. I feel sorry that means has been diverted so abundantly in some places, and so sparingly in others where the field is large, and where they are so much more in need of help. (11LtMs, Lt 123, 1896, 1)

The love for souls for whom Christ has died will lead those who love God supremely, and their neighbor as themselves, to work the works of Christ. I am grateful to our heavenly Father that you have so much to encourage you in the results of your labors. We are to be thankful for every token of good. It is a matter for rejoicing that so many have cast off the works of darkness and have put on the armor of light. They have the precious light of the Word; but the proving is to come. Will they remain steadfast, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ? We are still in the enemy’s country; and nothing but that wisdom and strength and courage which the Holy Spirit imparts to the soul will enable any one of us to maintain our position in the elevated path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in—the highway of holiness. There are downward steps, and there are upward steps; the command comes to us, “Go Forward.” (11LtMs, Lt 123, 1896, 2)

The repentance toward God that brings the sinful human agent to Christ is a repentance that needeth not to be repented of. It manifests itself in an entire change of character, a turning from idols unto the living and true God. (11LtMs, Lt 123, 1896, 3)

I am greatly in hope that our people who profess to believe the truth will “Come up to the help of the Lord” as self-denying, self-sacrificing missionaries. [See Judges 5:23.] (11LtMs, Lt 123, 1896, 4)

You speak of your methods of teaching, or shall I more properly call it “no methods”? I can see wisdom in the “no methods.” I am sure if there were less forms and ceremonies in our churches, and a greater manifestation of that genuine simplicity, that true love and sympathy that reaches out for souls and bears other’s burdens, much more would be accomplished. All who have the work of Christ to do must have the mind of Christ. The great burden is to educate these souls by the Word of God, and adapt its teachings to all classes. It alone can purify the soul from all moral and spiritual impurity. (11LtMs, Lt 123, 1896, 5)

The Southern field needs workers who will adapt themselves to the situation. But we cannot hope to have true, earnest workers unless they are aroused from their torpor of indifference and idolatry of every degree, sin is seen in its truly wicked character, and there is a turning to the Lord with full purpose of heart. The blessing of the Lord cannot rest upon them unless they shall turn from their selfishness and co-operate with Jesus Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 123, 1896, 6)

The work that should have had its beginning in the Southern field years ago has just commenced. Means have been absorbed in building up large establishments that were not really necessary. One half of the money expended on the Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska was all that was really beneficial; the other half should have been appropriated to other more needy fields. This is not my judgment or decision. It is the decision of One infinite in counsel. This large expenditure of money in one locality is not showing wise generalship. There should have been more done in the south and other destitute fields long ago; but help is needed just now. May the Lord impress His people is my prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 123, 1896, 7)

Lt 124, 1896

White, J. E.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
August 9, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 1888 1816-1821.
Dear Son Edson:

We have received a letter from Captain Eldridge. He claims that you owe him one hundred dollars. (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 1)

When light was given me in reference to Captain Eldridge’s relation to the work in the Office, I saw that his ability and talents were overrated. He did not give an equivalent for the high wages he received, even from a business standpoint. In regard to the religious side of the question, he was not to be depended on. He did not conscientiously maintain principle. He worked in a way that could not receive God’s endorsement. (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 2)

In regard to the canvassing business, he and _____ knew very well that they could swing things as they pleased: for they had the inside track. But they had no more respect for the testimonies than for any other literary production, and left them far behind, unnoticed and neglected. They put Bible Readings in the place of Great Controversy. I was treated by them with an indifference savoring of contempt. They had the power which position, but not the Lord, gave them, and the wages allotted them were contrary to the principles which the Lord had revealed as those that should ever be strenuously maintained. (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 3)

It was this that made me willing to leave my home in Battle Creek. It was as though I was drawn away by the shape matters assumed. The Lord was willing for it to be so; but I had not one ray of light that He would have me come to this country. I came in submission to the office of the General Conference, which I have ever maintained to be authority. I have no wish to return to America. I feel a holy indignation striving within my soul as I review the past eight years. Testimony after testimony has been sent from God to those in our publishing houses and to the managers of the work who stand at the very head; but they have turned away from the God-given light, to listen to the voice of men. (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 4)

However skillful Captain Eldridge may have been in guiding vessels upon the high seas, he was incapable of managing the responsibilities at the heart of the work. Had he been converted and sanctified, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, his qualifications would have presented a far different showing. But he was connected with men who were not connected with God. There was not that harmony and love in the hearts of the workers, high or low, which could have made them strong and efficient, a complete whole. Those who were connected to the most sacred work ever given to men in these last days—the work of preparing a people to stand in moral integrity as representatives of the character and work of Christ—dishonored God by mingling selfishness with the work. Man-made methods and practices that the Word of God has positively refused to acknowledge were brought in. The wisdom of finite men was placed in opposition to the wisdom of God. (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 5)

The sophistries used by selfish, avaricious men, to bring in self-serving, were wrong from the very first. Their wisdom was earth-born, and the Lord declared He would blow upon all that was acquired in this way. All their ability, all their talents, were lent them by God; they did not create them. Had they been eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God, what would have been their experience? “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, ... even so he shall live by me.” [John 6:56, 57.] (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 6)

Not one of these men who were so very masterly in their efforts to uplift self, not one of those who put so high an appreciation upon their wisdom and their ability to manage, was first managed by the Holy Spirit. These men failed to remember the words spoken by lips that will not lie, “Without me ye can do nothing” (aright, as it should be done). [John 15:5.] (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 7)

Unless men study God’s Word and practice His teachings to the letter, rendering willing obedience to Him, they will have no more moral wisdom to discern the spiritual import of the words of Christ than had the disciples who were offended, and left Him. Messages may be brought to them from the Lord, but these messages will be just as incomprehensible as the words spoken by our Saviour to His disciples. Like the disciples, the will see some ideas that offend them. They will think that some fundamental doctrines are in peril. (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 8)

Poor, weak, foolish, finite men! They think they understand what they are talking about, yet they are acting like blind men. In some of their sayings they are no more under the divine enlightenment than were the disciples who were offended at the words of Christ, and walked no more with Him. Whom did these disciples follow? Another leader. (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 9)

In this way men at the heart of the work have been acting. But to whom are they responsible for their reason and ability. “As I live by the Father, so he that eateth me shall live by me.” [John 6:57.] Unless those who are connected with the work of God bring the words of Christ into their every day practice, they will see something at which to be offended, as did the disciples, and will turn away from Christ. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.] (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 10)

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” They never recovered from the offense they had received because of His words. “Then said Jesus to the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” [Verses 66-69.] (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 11)

As all divine wisdom comes from God, to whom are men, whether of high or low degree, responsible for every capability and reasoning power, but to God? If left to themselves, they will soon reveal their natural temperaments; unsanctified selfishness will be exhibited; human wisdom will occupy the throne of the heart. Men supposed to be sensible men, having discerning minds, will follow their own light, light which heaven has not originated. They will use strange fire in their service, but the Lord will not accept them. When these men see their own inefficiency, and discern how small all their human calculations are, they will realize that without a living connection with God, their influence will be misleading. They will see that the advancement and healthy growth of God’s work is not dependent upon unsanctified men. (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 12)

God chooses men of a humble and contrite spirit through whom He can work, and imparts to them His wisdom. They are little in their own eyes, and will not interpret success as the result of their own smartness, but will glorify God. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.” [Zechariah 4:6.] If men are entrusted with great responsibilities, this is no assurance of their fitness for their position. The assurance comes after test and trial. If they evidence that they sense their own weakness, if they make God their trust, the Lord will supply them with His wisdom. If they ask in faith, they will increase in knowledge and ability. If they depend upon God day by day, the stages of development will show a symmetrical growth heavenward. If they walk day by day in humility and contrition and wholeheartedness, in the strictest integrity doing justice to their fellow men, showing reverence and honor to God by being obedient and true to Him, keeping the living principles of righteousness, God will honor them. (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 13)

The path of sincerity and integrity is not a path free from all obstruction. In the place of becoming faint-hearted and discouraged, those to whom God has entrusted responsibilities are to see in every difficulty a call to prayer. They are to consult, not finite men, who are boastful and show a masterly independence, but the great Teacher who has given to every man his work in His vineyard. They are to be faithful workers, always in co-partnership with the great Worker. Then they will not call slackly done work faithful and thorough service. They will stand fast against wrong, discerning the right from the wrong, the evil from the good. They will appreciate that which God estimates. There is no favoritism with God; and no partiality, no hypocrisy should be introduced or maintained in our households, churches, or institutions. (11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, 14)

Lt 125, 1896

Young Friend
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
May 27, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Young Friend:

I have received a letter from your mother, in which she speaks of your having a hard time in the office. I feel a deep earnest sympathy for all the youth. Satan presents to them peculiar temptations. But in Christ, the Source of all strength, they can find a refuge from his power. The Saviour says to them, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] I ask you, young man, Why have you not given your heart to Jesus? Why do you not heed this invitation? He says to you, “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.” [Verse 29.] Bear in mind that you are the purchased possession of Jesus Christ. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Jesus gave His life for you. He desires that you shall take to Him all your perplexities and trials. You do yourself great injustice in refusing the blessings He so freely offers you. (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 1)

It is for your happiness and peace to give your heart to the Lord. Will you not take the Word of God and study it? And as you do so, pray for the light of God’s Spirit to shine upon its sacred pages. Will you not humbly and prayerfully, believing that your heavenly Father hears your prayers, seek for the influence of His Holy Spirit to illuminate your darkened understanding, that you may comprehend the teachings of Christ? While living contrary to the Word of God, you will have no rest, no peace. You will always be thirsting for something that can give you satisfaction. (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 2)

In your unwillingness to give your heart to the Lord, whose are you? Whom are you serving? Some one has control of your mind; and if you have not submitted your will to the Lord, who has the control? Have you, my dear young friend, decided not to become a Christian? Have you concluded that you wanted not the care of God, that you could keep yourself? You cannot do this. We are kept by the power of God through faith. (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 3)

You complain of being hardly used, of being exceedingly tried; you say that you have been severely treated. Poor youth; I am sorry for you; Jesus is sorry for you, and wants to save you. He has given you the right to come to him with your burdens and trials. Tell the Lord that they are too heavy for you; put away your sins; repent, and believe that Jesus pardons you. (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 4)

If you refuse to come to Christ, you cause Satan to triumph; you follow in the road of transgressors. At every point your adversary will assail, will tempt you to do wrong, and this will bring trouble upon yourself. If you choose to remain in your sins, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience will work in you. Will you be satisfied to remain a channel through whom Satan can work to your own ruin and to the unhappiness of others? If you think it safe to have your own way and will, and guide your own barque, you are making a great mistake. (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 5)

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for the great love wherewith he hath loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved); and hath raised us up together, and hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” [Ephesians 2:4-6.] What a wonderful work the Lord is willing to do for you if you will give up your own will to the will of Him who has paid the price of redemption. All you have to do is to seek the Lord while He may be found, to call upon Him while He is near. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6, 7.] (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 6)

How can you resist such an appeal as this? Utterly destitute of spiritual life, how can you of your own self resist the spirit that worketh in the children of disobedience. You need Jesus to help you; He will take away your sins if you will let Him, and He will speak peace and pardon to your soul. Again I urge you to come to the Saviour just as you are, and ask Him to pardon your transgressions. Make an entire surrender to God; then live by faith on the Son of God. Find out the weak points in your character, and be earnest in the work of overcoming them. (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 7)

You are connected with the Review Office; and it is essential that every youth employed there shall do his best. Bear in mind that you are favored in having a work to do. Give your whole mind to the business. Learn all that you can. Spend your time wisely. Progress in knowledge. Strive to become a perfect master of whatever class of work you may be entrusted with, and expect to serve faithfully, putting your heart into the work. (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 8)

New responsibilities bring upon you the necessity of concentrating your mind upon the work. Pray that the Lord will give you wisdom. You need to become efficient, that you may be able to help your mother and father. Success! how precious this will be to you in any department of labor. Your duty must be determined by the standing regulations of the institution that employs you. Its system of instruction, its requirements and its administration of counsel, you must accept as a part of your education. Every species of immorality should be strictly forbidden. No amusements which will disqualify you for doing faithful service should be indulged. In submission to God you will be under the restraint of moral and divine power which will bring to you strength and grace. You will love to do right, because it is right. (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 9)

If you have been negligent and disorderly, unthorough, unsatisfactory in your work, it would do you no good to pass over these things, and let you grow up undisciplined, uncorrected. If this were allowed, there would be a general insubordination in the office. O, if the youth would but consider what is for their own present and eternal good! If we refuse to come into line here, and obey orders pleasantly, using all our God-given abilities to make peace and harmony, we shall not be fitted for the future, eternal life. (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 10)

I address you, young man: Keep faithful, regular hours; put your heart into the work, and imitate none who are slothful and who give divided service. Angels of God are walking through every business and literary room in the office, and God himself is watching over all the work. The Lord has said, He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much. Little things supply the actual discipline of life. If all the little things are faithfully cared for, the larger ones will come in and receive their due attention! (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 11)

The training of the character means everything to the human agent. The sanctification of the body, soul, and spirit will be essential for every soul who shall enter into the kingdom of God. I entreat of you, dear youth, to seek for a new heart. Make an entire surrender of your affections to God. (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 12)

Your actions oft repeated make habits; habits from character. Your character building will be full of peril while you undervalue and forget the little things. Every part of the work is important in the eyes of Omnipotence. (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 13)

Do you want to see Jesus, and dwell in the mansions He has gone to prepare for all who love and serve Him? Will you, without delay, become a Christian? Answer this to God. (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 14)

In much love, (11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, 15)

A mother of boys.

Lt 125a, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Duplicate of Lt 141a, 1896.

Lt 126, 1896

Nobbs, Alfred
Duplicate of Lt 75, 1896.

Lt 127, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
December 1, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 1888 1621-1627.
Dear Brother Olsen:

It is your privilege to draw nigh to God, and put your entire trust in Him. He understands all about the mistakes of the past, and He will help you. But wherever you may be, never, never tread over the same ground. You have done a sad work, but do not repeat it. Be decided, be firm. When you have a clear perception of the work the Lord would have done, take no divided or neutral course, but do that work in the fullest sense, irrespective of imaginary consequences. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 1)

Christ says to you: “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.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] These words mean a great deal more than many suppose. If you had placed yourself under the yoke of Christ, you would not have been in the position you have been in for years. Your readiness to hear and to accept the propositions of unsanctified men, and yoke up with them, has revealed a great lack of moral perception. The very first step in the direction of withdrawing your neck from Christ’s yoke was revealed in your divided position. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 2)

When the burden was pressing so heavily upon me in Battle Creek, I can truly say there was not one who understood the position in which I was placed. God’s people must stand shoulder to shoulder, their hearts one, their purposes one, uniting to follow in the light God has given in clear lines. But there has been so much haggling over matters. I have had to bear the burdens which others ought to have shared with me, and it nearly cost me my life. A round of circumstances, which I have understood for years, has been the result. This has been at tremendous cost to me financially and in many other respects. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 3)

I have not, I think, revealed the entire workings that led me here to Australia. Perhaps you may never fully understand the matter. The Lord was not in our leaving America. He did not reveal that it was His will that I should leave Battle Creek. The Lord did not plan this, but He let you all move after your own imaginings. The Lord would have had W. C. White, his mother, and her workers remain in America, we were needed at the heart of the work, and had your spiritual perception discerned the true situation, you would never have consented to the movements made. But the Lord read the hearts of all. There was so great a willingness to have us leave that the Lord permitted this thing to take place. Those who were weary of the testimonies borne were left without the persons who bore them. Our separation from Battle Creek was to let men have their own will and way, which they thought superior to the way of the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 4)

The result is before you. Had you stood in the right position, the move would not have been made at that time. The Lord would have worked for Australia by other means, and a strong influence would have been held at Battle Creek, the great heart of the work. There we should have stood shoulder to shoulder, creating a healthful atmosphere to be felt in all our conferences. It was not the Lord who devised this matter. I could not get one ray of light to leave America. But when the Lord presented this matter to me as it really was, I opened my lips to no one, because I knew that no one would discern the matter in all its bearings. When we left, relief was felt by many, but not so much by yourself, and the Lord was displeased, for He had set us to stand at the wheels of the moving machinery at Battle Creek. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 5)

This is the reason I have written you. Elder Olsen had not the perception, the courage, the force, to carry the responsibilities; nor was there any other man prepared to do the work the Lord had purposed we should do. I wrote to you, Elder Olsen, telling you that it was God’s design that we should stand side by side with you, to counsel you, to advise you, to move with you. If even then you had discerned the matter, and said, I must have you, or I dare not stand in this position, we would have answered the call. Had you said, I cannot bear these responsibilities alone, we would have responded, and returned. But the Lord saw the inward workings of matters, and He permitted you to discern that your own strength was not sufficient. You were not discerning; you were willing to have the strong experience and knowledge that comes from no human source removed from you, and thus you revealed that the Lord’s ways were miscalculated and overlooked. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 6)

This is now in the past, but I wrote you in explanation of the letter written to you while we were in Granville, 1894. Such great responsibilities call for the continual counsel of God, that they may be carried forward in a right way. But this counsel was not considered a necessity. That the people of Battle Creek should feel that they could have us leave at the time we did, was the result of man’s devising, and not the Lord’s. The sum of the matter is proved, and its figures are before you. We are here. The Battle Creek matters have been laid before me at this great distance, and the load I have carried has been very heavy to bear. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 7)

I do not suppose I shall ever revisit America. I shall be seventy years old next November. The Lord designed that we should be near the publishing houses, that we should have easy access to these institutions that we might counsel together. Because of the moves that have been made, many publications that should have been issued before this have been retarded; the great amount of writing that has been necessary in order to communicate with America has hindered this work. I never expect to visit Africa; I desire quietude. And yet I am here in Australia with funds low, and straining every nerve and muscle to establish the work here. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 8)

What will be our future destiny no man can know. There is a power that is moving from beneath taking hold of minds. Our assailants are not few; they are legion. It is not an easy thing now to be steadfast and immovable, and those who heretofore have had a cheap and uncertain experience have very little prospect of holding fast the faith and enduring unto the end. Those only who abide in Christ will prove true and faithful. There is only One whose power can render us steadfast and immovable unto the end. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 9)

Formality and hypocrisy and selfishness are weaving themselves in with sacred and holy interest, with the duties connected with the various branches of the work. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 10)

There are such frequent manifestations of the carnal, worldly, selfish, unbelieving spirit; so much difficulty in obtaining a perfect mastery over the sin which so easily besets us, that my spirit groans within me, being burdened. False repentance produces only an external reformation. True repentance will bring a change of heart, a universal turning away from every besetting sin to God. Not one step can we take in spiritual progress without fresh supplies from the fountain of all grace, all strength and sufficiency, and yet how little are our opportunities and privileges appreciated! How often is the Lord dishonored by selfish methods and plans. Many, very many, provoke Him to withdraw His influence. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 11)

False repentance for a wrong course is a base yielding to persuasion or fear. True repentance toward God reveals a humble mind that is full of sanctified boldness and courage to sustain the right. These will listen to hear the voice of God. They will obey the calls and warnings they receive. There are many who seemingly make a beginning to repent, and vindicate truth and holiness, but they fail. Why? Because they love the praise of men more than the approval of God. They turn away from light, and do exactly contrary, supposing their human devising to be wisdom. A godly jealousy is essential for us all. If the Word of God were eaten as the food for the soul; if it were treated with deference and respect, there would be no necessity for the many and repeated testimonies that are borne. The simple declarations of Scripture would be received and acted upon. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 12)

O how terrible it is to treat the Lord with dissimulation and neglect, to scorn His counsel with pride because man’s wisdom seems so much superior. Just as the blood must be in the veins of the body, and circulate there with its vitalizing power, so Christ must dwell in the heart. Then souls will be rooted and grounded in the truth. The truth with all its sanctifying power must dwell in the heart by faith. Then it becomes our own property, and Christ our personal Saviour. The pardon of all our transgression will be a living experience to us. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 13)

We must have a better and deeper teaching than man can give us. There must be a deep conviction in our own souls that forms and ceremonies are as nothing without Christ. He is the Alpha and Omega. Truth is the only panoply for the covering of any soul. Our convictions need daily to be reinforced by humble, sincere prayer and reading of the Word. While we each have an individuality, while we each should hold our convictions firmly, we must hold them as God’s truth and in the strength which God imparts. If we do not, they will be wrung from our grasp. We need to be self-reliant; it is the duty of all to respect self; but we are to remember that we are God’s property, that we are bought with a price, body, soul, and spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 14)

We must guard the living machinery, and keep it in the very best condition, that we may glorify God. It is to be daily oiled by His grace, to run at His touch, without friction. To trust in ourselves, to become boastful as if we had created and redeemed ourselves, is to dishonor God. Human wisdom, aside from God, will prove itself to be foolishness, and will bring confusion and perplexity. We need to have on the whole armor of God. The holy influence of a Saviour’s loving protection is our sure defense. There is but One who can prove a safeguard against the schemes of Satan. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 15)

The truth as it is in Jesus, planted in the heart, is nourished by the holy oil represented in Zechariah 4:12-14. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 16)

All are to work harmoniously to advance the spread of the truth. If those engaged in the same lines of work shall begin to build up barriers to restrict those engaged in the same work, in the same portion of the Lord’s moral vineyard, they reveal that the enemy has his hand in the management. For years the tract and missionary branch of the work has been presented before as being conducted, in some respects, in a way rather to retard than to advance the work. Circuitous forms have been instituted which has been a hindrance to the work. These forms and methods have consumed time and money and kept back the work that should have been advanced through the tract and missionary work. (11LtMs, Lt 127, 1896, 17)

Lt 128, 1896

Watson, Mary
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
July 9, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 14MR 327-334.
Dear Niece:

I had hoped to write you something definite ere this, but the uncertainty is by no means removed. The situation of the work in America may call us from here at any time; I may have to attend the next General Conference. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 1)

We are not situated as we were when my husband was living and you were with us. We are now living in Cooranbong, twenty miles from any city. The climate of New South Wales is as good as any I have knowledge of, and you know I have traveled nearly round the inhabited world. We came here to get the benefit of this climate. Our school interest demanded that we have land which could be cultivated, and fifteen hundred acres were purchased for that purpose. I have bought about sixty acres of this land and have had a plain and comfortable cottage built. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 2)

When we came to this place, about one year ago the first of this month, it was a forest of trees and under brush, such as seen in Colorado. We had a large number or workmen, and they pitched five tents and went to work. I could not be in two places at the same time, so I came up here with my family. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 3)

Before coming here I occupied a house in Granville, a suburb of Sydney, near Parramatta. This house was a large and beautiful mansion, situated in a healthy locality. It was advertised to let for two pounds per week, but hard times came, and we were able to get it for five dollars and seventy-six cents per week. I think we lived in this house about two years. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 4)

My health has improved very much lately. During the last two years I have done more writing than I have ever done before in the same period of time. I am now writing largely. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 5)

At present, my dear niece, we have thirteen in the family. Let me name them. Sara McEnterfer is my nurse, and takes charge as matron of my home. She was with me for nine years before I left America and traveled with me wherever I went. But she was taken down with malarial fever, and May Walling and Emily Campbell came with me to this country. About a year ago I was taken very sick, and it was thought that I might die or else have a long siege of sickness, and Sara was cabled to come to me. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 6)

Sarah Belden is with me and does the cooking for the family. Byron Belden, her husband, died a few months ago. Marian Davis and Eliza Burnham are my chief workers in the editorial line. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 7)

Maggie Hare is editing my articles for the papers. She has not been long in this class of work. She is a young woman of good health, and is highly promising, and appreciated by me. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 8)

Minnie Hawkins, who has served at the type-setting and proof-reading in the Echo Office at Melbourne for several years is now being educated to edit my articles for the press. She is a young girl full of health and vigor. The two last mentioned are typewriters [typists]. Maggie Hare takes dictation in shorthand, so she reports all my discourses and writes them out. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 9)

May Israel is my bookkeeper. She is a young woman of good health. She also writes shorthand. She has reported sermons at our camp meetings, but has had so much of this work placed upon her, that it was feared that she had injured her nervous system. But she has since learned better what she can bear. She is also a typewriter, so that we have three machines in operation. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 10)

Miss Lucas, a young woman whom I should suppose to be about 26 years old, is my seamstress. Edith Ward, I took out of pity. She was twelve years old when she came to live with me, and is now fourteen. She is Sarah Belden’s maid, and helps her in the kitchen. Edgar, a boy of about fifteen, does the chores about the place such as cutting wood, attending to the fires, etc. Mr. Connell is my outdoor manager, caring for the horses and farm work. Harry Hawkins, a brother of Minnie, is a member of my family at present. He is a carpenter, and is very handy. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 11)

I have four horses and three cows. Willie has two cows. Sara has a saddle horse. May Israel and Minnie Hawkins also have horses. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 12)

Willie has brought his family from America, and has given them a mother. May Lacey, the young lady he married, is a daughter of Mr. Lacey, who married the mother of Harry and Minnie Hawkins. May is a woman whom I love and respect. She is about as tall [as], or perhaps a little taller than, our beloved Mary White. Her health is robust, her eyes are blue, her skin is fair, her cheeks are as red as roses. She has an excellent disposition. About three months ago she presented Willie with a pair of twin boys. Thus their family has speedily enlarged. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 13)

Willie lives in a house which was built for a convent, but the Catholics could not keep it up, and they rent it to W. C. White. It is a very pleasant house, and has two wide verandas, one above and one below, running around three sides of the house. Willie has six in his family, counting the baby boys. His wife’s sister and Ella White manage the cooking. Ella has gained twenty-five pounds since coming to Cooranbong, Mabel has gained proportionately. She was not weighed before leaving America. Nora Lacey, her brother Herbert Lacey and his wife, [and] Mr. Tucker, an old gentleman, board with them. With these the family numbers ten. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 14)

Two years ago I came to the conclusion that there was danger in using the flesh of dead animals, and since then I have not used meat at all. It is never placed on my table. I use fish when I can get it. We can get beautiful fish from the saltwater lake near here. I use neither tea nor coffee. As I labor against these things, I cannot but practice that which I know to be best for health, and my family are all in perfect harmony with me. You see, my dear niece, that I am telling you matters just as they are. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 15)

The lawsuit with Mr. Walling has cost me three thousand dollars. I could have decided to go into court, but this would have brought the children where they would have been obliged to testify on oath against their father, and would have led to endless trouble. The mother would have been brought into court, and you would probably [have] had to act a part. There is no knowing what lies might have been sworn to, or how much disgrace might have been brought upon us all. I have paid out about two thousand dollars for depositions and attorney fees, and fifteen hundred for settlement. This has cut away quite a slice. I have been unable to sell any of my property in America, and the expense of taking myself and family from place to place is not small. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 16)

The conference furnishes me with two laborers. The rest I pay myself. The hard times have made it very hard for us all. I have two books in the hands of the printers—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, and a large and revised edition of The Life of Christ. The manuscript for this has just been sent. It will cost me two thousand dollars for my share of cuts for this book. Hard times have come, and we cannot sell our books as fast as we desire, therefore we shall feel the pressure till times change. At present I am in debt in America several thousand dollars. If the book I now have ready for the press has a successful sale, I hope we shall realize enough to pay our debts. I am paying interest on this money. I want to do more for this field before I leave it, and I may end my life here. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 17)

I am fearful that your life, since we were united in labor, has not been calculated to prepare you to connect with me. I have a very harmonious family, and I am educating and training workers, giving them every advantage, that they may be helpful to me in my work. I have fears that you would be disappointed in the economy we have to exercise. We shall continually be obliged to exercise this economy, for we must render help in building meetinghouses and school buildings. This economizing would be rather a painful experience for you. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 18)

My table is furnish with fruit in its season. For several months now we will have oranges, which we can get fresh from the trees. A few days ago Sara, Maggie, and your Aunt Ellen took the horse and carriage, and drove out about six miles, and helped to gather the beautiful yellow fruit. We purchased twenty-eight dozen oranges. Several of our workers purchased some for themselves, besides what I got for the table. I also bought ten dozen lemons. Oranges and lemons are the only fresh fruit that we can get at this season of the year. By the time these are gone, early peaches will make their appearance. We will get them about Christmas time. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 19)

Peas can be planted in this country so as to be yielding nearly all the year round. I have been using tomatoes since New Year’s until about two weeks ago. Squashes or pumpkins we have in abundance. Vegetables grow well on this land, but we have not raised many because the land was not prepared for them. Vegetables, fruit, and bread form our table fare. As we are educating colonials in health principles, we do not, under any circumstances, place meat on the table. Some of our present company are as pupils in a school, and therefore, precept and example must be harmonious. Each year we put up not less than six or eight hundred quarts of canned fruit. We have peaches, apricots, nectarines, grapes, plums, and tomatoes canned. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 20)

I have given you these particulars so that you may know all about our ways and practices, which may differ from your present style of living. We are all in good health with the exception of Sister Eliza Burnham, who occasionally has nervous headaches. Sister Burnham is a superior editor. Marian Davis also is authority on the class of books we send to the world. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 21)

Now, if after these particulars, you should feel like uniting with us should we remain here, we can find enough for you to do. Please tell me what wages you would work for. We could not pay you the same wages we did when my husband was living, but should you harmonize with us, I will pay you the same wages that I pay my other workers who are fully qualified to do the work. The highest I pay is nine dollars, and they pay me three dollars of that for their board, room, and washing. I could not very well send for you, because of the want of money with which to pay your fare. After this pressure is lifted, I expect to have some money. I have drafts on the Echo Office, but at present they have overdrawn at the bank, and I cannot press them. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 22)

Brother and Sister Rousseau we returned to America last Monday; [they] obtained money by selling what house hold goods they had. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 23)

Now, please let me know just what you want, as soon as possible. You see I hold out no inducement to you. Nothing would rejoice me more than to see you and your husband converted to the truth, which you know is truth. It will cost you a greater effort now than it would have done years ago, for no one can choose the path of disobedience rather than obedience and become better prepared to accept the truth which involves a cross. I think every objection was removed from your mind but one, and that is the cross. That objection no power in heaven or earth can remove. We have a great and yearning desire for every soul to receive and practice the truth, not from compulsion but because of the love of it. Heaven is worth everything to me, and your soul and the soul of your husband is of value with God. “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” [Psalm 25:10.] (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 24)

Obedience must come from the heart. It was always heart work with Christ. If you love Jesus, you will not think that it is a hard task to obey; you will obey as members of the royal family. Whether you are with me or apart from me, whether you see your way clearly or not, go forward in obedience, for this is clear. All issues and results are to be left with God, who has given us His holy law, the transcript of His character. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 25)

The Son of God lived a perfect life of obedience in this world. We need always to keep in view the truthfulness of the humanity of Christ Jesus. When Christ became our substitute and surety, it was as a human being. He came as a man, and rendered the obedience of human nature to the only true God. He came not to show us what God could do, but what God did do, and what man, a partaker of the divine nature can do. It was the human nature of Christ that endured the temptations in the wilderness, not His divine nature. In His human nature He endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself. He lived a perfect human life. Jesus is everything to us, and He says to us, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 26)

We know that the Lord Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are, and He knows how to succor all who shall be tempted. In His humanity, He suffered physical weariness and weakness, hunger, thirst, and sadness. As He saw how obdurate were the hearts of men, He was filled with sorrow. He remained whole nights in prayer for those who would not pray for themselves, and who would not come unto Him that they might have life. Shall we, for whom He suffered so much, choose our own way and will and selfish gratification? Jesus speaks to us, “Learn of me.” [Matthew 11:29.] “Be like me.” He was human, as you are. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 27)

I wish, Mary, that you had always employed your God-given talents in serving the Lord. O, that you might now surrender all to God. Write me again. (11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, 28)

Lt 129, 1896

Miller, Sister
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia
September 10, 1896 [Copied May 9, 1898]
Previously unpublished. +
Dear Sister Miller:

I have been awakened at one o’clock. I am unable to lay off the burden that is upon my soul. Your case has been presented before me. I speak to you especially as one who, as a mother of boys, is in a responsible position. When I was lying sick in Melbourne, the subject of Brother Miller’s going to America to learn more perfectly the methods of the publishing work was presented to me. He was to enter the Pacific Press Publishing House, and was then to return to Australia and use in the Echo Office the knowledge he had gained. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 1)

My son, W. C. White, asked me whether I thought it advisable for this expense to be incurred in order to qualify Brother Miller for work in the Echo Office. Another obstacle was presented. Brother Miller wanted his family to go with him. W. C. White asked, Would I appropriate means sufficient to pay her passage, that she might accompany her husband. He assured me that Brother and Sister Miller would both receive much good by this move. I understood that this outlay of means was to help Brother Miller to become better qualified for work in the office, and I consented, for I knew that in America he would have opportunities and privileges that he would not have if he remained in the office at North Fitzroy. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 2)

At first I thought that I could not advance the money. We were contemplating starting a school, and every dollar would be needed there. But I could see the situation of the office and its great need, and I knew from the light given me that Brother Miller needed the advantages of an experience in America. If I could remove the hindrances, I would. I talked with the Lord about it, and that night light came to me that Brother Miller should have every opportunity to obtain knowledge that would qualify him to do the work needed in the office. The work of the Lord must not be done in a bungling manner. Brother Miller’s brothers were also in a position to be helped, and if they would fear the Lord, He would increase their understanding and ability; if they would walk circumspectly before Him, He would give them wisdom. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 3)

This investment of means, made by myself and the Australian Conference, was not for the purpose of qualifying Brother Miller to better serve his own private interests. It was made that he might better serve the cause of God. Wholly for this reason did I engage to act a part in sending Brother and Sister Miller to America. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 4)

When Brother Miller returned to disconnect from the office, my heart was grieved within me, and I asked myself, Have we invested means for the purpose of placing Brother and Sister Miller where they could be a greater blessing to the cause of the work of God in Melbourne, only for them to follow their own inclinations by making arrangements to carry on business for themselves? (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 5)

We are laborers together with God. Had the Lord been at Brother Miller’s right hand, had Brother Miller taken counsel of God, he would have returned from America to labor for God’s cause with increased knowledge, in hope and faith and courage. The Lord would have delighted in them both, and blessed them because they feared and honored Him. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 6)

Brother Miller has had the advantages we were desirous that he could receive, but since his return from America, he has not been a help to the Echo Office. He has been planning largely for his own selfish interests. He has waited for an opportunity to sever his connection with the office. While at the Pacific Press, he laid plans to carry on business for himself, meaning to disconnect from the Echo Office if he were not placed at its head as manager. He cherished ambitious projects for his own interests. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 7)

In the providence of God, who sees the end from the beginning, Brother Miller was not placed as manager in the Echo Office. God knew the thoughts of his mind. He knew that his heart was not right with God, and He permitted events to come about which revealed his thoughts. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 8)

When Brother Miller returned from America, the Echo Office was laboring under a heavy pressure because of a dearth of means. Brother Miller took a discouraging view of matters at the office. He enlarged upon the objectionable features, and misrepresented matters, weakening the faith of others in its standing and prosperity. He made wrong statements. Although working at the time in the office, he was divorced in heart from true service. He refused to help when he might have helped if he had chosen. I was shown that he was prompted by the same spirit as was the one who began the work of disaffection in the heavenly courts. He took advantage of the financial embarrassment of the Echo Office to instill ideas into the minds of others. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 9)

As our brethren, especially Brethren Daniells and Salisbury, investigated the financial standing, they found themselves in an embarrassing situation. Satan took advantage of this, and tempted them. An effort was made to curtail expenses, and Brother Miller proposed that he and Brother Woods should disconnect from the office and unite in business for themselves, thus relieving the office as far as their expenses were concerned. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 10)

We are sorry to trace that this proposition was favorably received, and partially consented to, but a request was made for time to consult with Brother and Sister White before any advance moves were made. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 11)

This matter was a test and trial from the Lord. But much unbelief was manifested, and many doubts were expressed. Had Brethren Daniells, Salisbury and Colcord looked in faith to God, they would have shown confidence in Him at this time. But Brother Salisbury, and especially Brother Daniells, saw the darkest side of the situation, and this gave Brother Miller a chance to carry out his plans. He had fully made up his mind to leave the office, and he now presented its financial standing in the worst light, making some think that it would not be long before the office was broken up, and the workers left to shift for themselves. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 12)

The matter was laid before me, and I was asked if I had any advice to give. That night things that the Lord had shown me before I left America were revived in my mind. I was shown that there were in the office those that were not in a condition to resist temptation when hints were thrown out that the office would become involved, and collapse. Among the rest, Brother Miller’s case needed to be improved. There was danger of his planning, not openly and frankly, but in an underhanded way. If the capabilities entrusted to him were placed under the control of the Holy Spirit, he would be of great service to God, but if he followed the leading of his own mind, he would not appreciate the publishing institution in Melbourne as one of God’s instrumentalities, but as a common business firm. His battle is to be as true as steel to principle. His ideas are not wholesome or pure, but are marred by selfishness. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 13)

Brother Miller is not inclined to receive the counsel, advice, or admonition from his brethren, for he looks upon his judgment as superior to theirs. His only hope of being an overcomer is to learn constantly in the school of Christ, rendering obedience to God at all times and in all places. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 14)

From the very first of the work, the Lord has been giving His people light through His testimonies. But Brother Miller did not have that connection with God that would have enabled him to discern and appreciate these messages. The light given in counsel, in reproof, in instruction, he would not accept; for seeds of doubt had been dropped into his mind. His selfishness was strengthening. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 15)

Brother Miller has not a faith or experience adapted to the soul’s pressing necessity or to the demands of a perishing world. Unless his ideas and principles are thoroughly changed, he will counterwork the work of God. As he now is, he cannot act as a faithful steward of the grace of God. God calls for men who are as true to steel to act a heroic part in the holy warfare against sin. But Brother Miller has not been learning in the school of Christ to be meek and lowly in heart; therefore the Holy Spirit cannot mold or fashion him to bear responsibilities in the church or in the office. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 16)

I was shown that the Lord permits His instrumentalities to pass through seasons of trial and embarrassment, in order that hearts may be revealed, in order that the faith and true metal of the workers in His institutions may be tested and tried, [and] that they may be led in times of trouble to go to their heavenly Father in humility of heart, as children when in trouble go to their parents. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 17)

The minds and hearts of the workers in the Echo Office needed cleansing from moral imperfection. The Lord has permitted trial to come to reveal unbelief, both in the hearts of those employed in the office and those in the church. They have been entrusted with the care of God’s instrumentality, that they might guard and sustain it as a sacred blessing and treasure, which will give character to the work of God. But by very many, this precious trust has never yet been seen in its true character. The Lord is displeased by the lack of faith and sanctified zeal shown by the workers and the church members in this His center. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 18)

What do the larger number of members of the North Fitzroy church understand in regard to the Echo Office? Some do not understand its character at all. They regard it as they would any other worldly enterprise. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 19)

Sister Miller, you have been doing a work that is according to the suggestions of the enemy, although you do not see that it is contrary to Christ. Imperceptibly, step by step, you have been led into false paths. In harmony with your son, you have insinuated your unbelief in the testimonies of the Spirit of God, whenever they have crossed your ideas. Those who link up in sympathy with you, discard the light that for the last fifty years, God has been giving to His people. Would you feel safe in continuing to follow the path you have been travelling? You are educating your children to regard lightly the Holy Spirit’s teaching. Your sons are also in danger of doing the same work. In time, in a short time only, the seeds of doubt and unbelief you are now sowing will produce a harvest that you will not care to reap. Into minds that have had temptation and trouble, you have insinuated doubt. You have used, not the sacred fire, but the sparks of the fire of your own kindling. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 20)

Instead of being a help and blessing to the church, your words and spirit have created alienation, distrust, unbelief. Have you power to ransom the souls you have perplexed and led into temptation? Are you able to help these doubting ones to have confidence in the message the Lord may give me for them? What will you answer to the Lord in that great day when all are judged by their words and their works? You are hurting souls by your cruel, suspicious surmisings and evil-speaking. I am so sorry for your children. You have confused their faith, and when will it be pure, earnest, and sincere again? You have perverted their power to discriminate between sacred and common principles. For all these a sword shall pierce your own heart. You are imposing upon yourself burdens which, if you continue on in the way that you have been going, will lead to dire defeat. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 21)

The interests of both worlds are equally concerned in the choice you are now making. Will you heed the words of admonition, and step back into safe paths, leaving your conscience free to approve a course of action that is righteous? God will then be free to strengthen, guide, and bless you. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 22)

I would speak to those who have been shaken by words and sentiments that have their origin in self-seeking and selfish ambition. Whatever justification those who have spoken these words may claim for themselves, they cannot be trusted unless a transformation of character shall take place. All who are connected with the Echo Office are to remember that it is due to the institution for them to see where they have erred. When difficulties are to be encountered, do not receive the words of those who magnify difficulties, but stand saying, I will keep at my post of duty, and help the institution that has helped me. When true, staunch, loyal service is needed, I will be on hand. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 23)

At this time no one can be neutral. An enemy has been among us; an important crisis has arrived. The interests of the cause of God demand action. Those connected with the Echo Office are to be its representatives, its sentinels, living witnesses of truth and righteousness. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 24)

In the experience through which we have been passing, we may read a chapter of a betrayal of sacred trusts. From henceforth more effectual methods for the formation and vigorous maintenance of sound, uncorrupted sentiments, must be introduced. Let no one hereafter sin against God by seeking to weaken His institutions. Let no one be more solicitous for promotion than for principle. Every one should feel bound to manifest his principles to the world, and should strive with an intense interest to keep these principles plainly exposed to his own view. We are called upon to respect the principles that are sustained by the Word of God. The soul should be pervaded by a deep, abiding sense of the sanctity and power of Christ. The understanding, the heart, the conscience should work together to maintain pure, uplifting principles, strengthened by a conscious connection with the Spirit from which all light and inspiration is derived. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 25)

God permits trials to come, that true, steadfast principles may be revealed in contrast with selfish, ambitious sentiments, which have been and are still entertained by some in the office. This trying process is our Rephidim. This will reveal gold of character, and show the faith cherished by some in the Lord’s instrumentalities. But the spirit that has been developed by others has shown that there are some who could never glorify God by occupying a leading position in His institution, unless they are convicted by the Holy Spirit, and experience a thorough conversion of heart, mind, and strength. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 26)

This Rephidim will prove a blessing to the office and a blessing to the church, for it will lead to self-examination. The faith of many will be established on better principles. They will strive for higher moral perception and a better preparation for their various lines of work. Sincere, honest, God-fearing souls will see all things in a clearer light, and will walk in the light. Some minds now biased in a wrong direction will be set right, and will learn a lesson they will never forget. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 27)

Trials are permitted to try the hearts of all who have any connection with the church and the Echo Office. They reveal how easily some souls are deceived and misled by temptation. When adversity comes, those who are inclined to view things in the worst light express their sentiments. By the experience through which the office has passed, it has been shown how much faith some of the professed believers of the truth have in God, and how much confidence they have in themselves. In some families the conversation carried on has left a wrong impression. Doubt and unbelief in regard to the mission God has given Sister White has been expressed. Was this seed you have sown in your conversation of a character to make your children wise unto salvation? Have not the remarks you have made in regard to those in the office, been such as will unsettle the simple trust and confidence of all, from children to those older in years? (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 28)

Humanity has little enough respect and reverence for sacred things, and Satan has united most zealously with parents in the work of cherishing the spirit of unbelief, envy, jealousy, and disrespect. By this, injury which time alone will reveal has been wrought. One heart open to the suggestions of the enemy will sow many seeds of disaffection. Thus it has been at North Fitzroy, and the influence of this work has extended to the churches in the suburbs. (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 29)

The Lord requires every one to co-operate with Him in keeping the standard uplifted. “Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” [Hebrews 12:13-15.] (11LtMs, Lt 129, 1896, 30)

Lt 129a, 1896

Workers in the Publishing House; Tests of Loyalty
NP
September 10, 1896 [Copied May 16, 1898]
Extracted from Lt 129, 1896. Previously unpublished.
To the Workers in the Publishing House:

The Lord permits His instrumentalities to pass through seasons of trial and embarrassment, in order that hearts may be revealed, in order that the faith and integrity of the workers in His institutions may be tested and tried, and that they may be led in times of trouble to go to their heavenly Father in humility of heart, as children when in trouble go to their parents. (11LtMs, Lt 129a, 1896, 1)

The hearts and minds of the workers in the Echo Office need a cleansing from moral imperfection; and the Lord has permitted trials to come to reveal the unbelief both in the hearts of those employed in the office and in the hearts of the members of the church. These have been entrusted with the care of this institution, which is God’s instrumentality for the advancement of His work, that they might guard and sustain it as a sacred blessing and treasure. But by very many this precious trust has never yet been understood in its true character, and the Lord is displeased by the lack of faith and sanctified zeal shown by the workers and the church members in this institution established as a center which may give strength and character to the work of the message. Very many of the church members have regarded the publishing house as they would regard any worldly enterprise. (11LtMs, Lt 129a, 1896, 2)

I speak to those who have been shaken by the words and sentiments that have had their origin in self-seeking and selfish ambition. All who are connected with the Echo Office should remember that it is due to the institution that those who have erred should see where they have departed from the right path, and make acknowledgements. When difficulties are to be encountered, do not receive the words of those who magnify difficulties, but stand firm, saying, I will keep at my post of duty and help the institution that has helped me. When true, staunch, loyal service is needed, I will be on hand. Whatever justification they may make for themselves, those who have spoken words of unbelief and discouragement must have a transformation of character before they can be trusted with large responsibilities. (11LtMs, Lt 129a, 1896, 3)

In the experience through which we have passed, we may learn important lessons regarding faithfulness to sacred trusts. From henceforth more effectual methods must be adopted for the inculcation and maintenance of sound principles and uncorrupted sentiments regarding the sacredness of the institutions established for the carrying forward of God’s work on the earth. Those connected with the office of publication are to be its representatives, its sentinels, its living witnesses for truth and righteousness. (11LtMs, Lt 129a, 1896, 4)

Let no one hereafter sin against God by seeking to weaken one of His institutions. Let no one be more solicitous for promotion than for principle. Everyone should feel it his duty to manifest his principles to the world, and should strive earnestly to keep these principles plainly exposed to his own view, that he may know whether he is walking in the way of the Lord. The Lord calls upon us to respect the principles that are sustained by His holy Word. The souls should be pervaded by a deep, abiding sense of the sanctity and power of Christ. The understanding, the heart, the conscience, should work together to maintain pure, uplifting principles, strengthened by a conscious connection with the Spirit from which all light is derived. (11LtMs, Lt 129a, 1896, 5)

God permits trials to come upon us, that true steadfast principles may be revealed in contrast with selfish, ambitious sentiments. This reveals the gold of our characters, and shows the faith which we cherish in the Lord’s instrumentalities. But the spirit which has been manifested by some has shown that they could never glorify God by occupying leading positions in His institutions until they have been convicted by the Holy Spirit, and experience a thorough conversion of heart and mind. (11LtMs, Lt 129a, 1896, 6)

This experience has been a Rephidim to the workers in the office and to the church, and it will be a blessing to them as it leads to self-examination. The faith of many will be established on better principles. They will strive for higher moral perceptions and a better preparation for their various lines of work. Sincere, earnest, God-fearing souls will see all things in a clearer light, and will be blessed as they walk in that light. Some minds formerly biased in wrong directions will be set right, and will learn lessons of lasting benefit. (11LtMs, Lt 129a, 1896, 7)

Trials are permitted to come to try the hearts of all who have any connection with the Lord’s work, in the church or in any of His institutions. These trials reveal how easily some soul are deceived and misled by temptation. By the experience through which the Echo Office has passed, it is seen how little faith some of the professed believers have in God, and how much confidence they have in themselves. (11LtMs, Lt 129a, 1896, 8)

In some families the conversation has been full of doubt and unbelief regarding the work of God, and regarding the mission which God has given to Sister White. This has sown the seed in the hearts of your children which will not tend to make them wise unto salvation. Remarks have been made regarding those in the office, tending to unsettle the trust and confidence of both old and young. One heart opened to the suggestions of the enemy will sow many seeds of disaffection. Today humanity has but little respect or reverence for sacred things, and Satan has worked most zealously in fostering among parents the spirit of unbelief, envy, jealousy, and disrespect. Time alone will reveal the injury that has thus been wrought. The influence of this work has extended to many churches. (11LtMs, Lt 129a, 1896, 9)

The Lord calls upon everyone to repent of his backslidings, and to cooperate with Him in keeping the standard of truth uplifted. “Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fall of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” [Hebrews 12:13-15.] (11LtMs, Lt 129a, 1896, 10)

Lt 130, 1896

Bolton, Fannie
Refiled as Lt 9, 1895.

Lt 131, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Croydon, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
March 21, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in FBS 124-125.
Dear Children, Edson and Emma:

I cannot sleep past two o’clock a.m. I think of you away across the broad waters of the Pacific, and must visit with you by the pen words. If it were the will of our heavenly Father, I would much prefer to talk with you face to face. (11LtMs, Lt 131, 1896, 1)

Sarah McEnterfer and I left Cooranbong Station last Wednesday morning and came to Sydney. We called on Brother Israel, and took dinner with them. Then we went to North Shore by cars and ferry boat; we took cars again, and then we walked to the home occupied by Brother and Sister Starr. It is built up on the side of a high rise of land, as in Black Hawk and Centerville. I remained with them until Friday. (11LtMs, Lt 131, 1896, 2)

Friday morning I awoke at half past three. I had been sitting writing when a sweet peace beyond explanation or understanding came to me. I felt that I was in the presence of Jesus. A sacred, holy atmosphere surrounded me, and there was presented to me a line of action that I should pursue. All the previous feelings and the matter that I was writing upon seemed to be removed from me, and another matter was presented. I must take heed. I heard no voice, but the points presented were clearly laid out before me. (11LtMs, Lt 131, 1896, 3)

I seemed to be taken away from myself, and to be in the presence of God. The question was, “What have you done with the request of Fannie Bolton? You have been sorely tried, but your Saviour has been wounded and bruised and put to open shame by this deceived, deluded child. It is My will that you bear with her, forgive her, and help her. If she goes from you, Satan’s net is spread for her feet. You alone can help her. She sympathizes with herself and will have those who do not walk in the light to view her case in a perverted light, to sympathize with her. And her own soul will be lost, and through her influence other souls will be deceived and lost. It is My will that you accede to her request. You are not to wait for an assurance of transformation of character. She does not have power to discern her own heart and the wily workings of the enemy. If she says she repents, if she reaches up her voice to you for help, My Spirit shall be with you. (11LtMs, Lt 131, 1896, 4)

“Left to her own will and devising, she will walk into the snares set by the enemy and will perish. True, discerning hearts would but feel righteous and indignant anger, while another class, who are also deceived in their own impressions of what constitutes Christian character, will look at this matter in a perverted light and will give sympathy when it is the worst thing they could do to fast this soul in the darkness of eternal night. This poor, erring, blood-bought soul has been deceived and has practiced deception and falsehood. Satan has had the control, but I will give her another chance. It may be that the spell of the enemy may be effectually broken, and that she may form a righteous character, and perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. These deceived souls, if left to their own thoughts and devising will not obey God’s law.” (11LtMs, Lt 131, 1896, 5)

I know this will sound very strange to you, but it is not strange to me now. I have had no liberty to do this before, but now I dare not move otherwise. I would not in my course of action in this case give to others the appearance that I was unforgiving, that I was driving from me anyone who was repenting and soliciting for the position she has held. Christ is to me my example in all things, and I greatly desire to represent Christ. Jesus is to me like a great Rock in a weary land. I want to be like Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 131, 1896, 6)

Here is the Lord Jesus, looking with pity upon sinful, erring humanity in Fannie. Here is an opportunity to let her take hold of hope and faith and not become desperate. Here is a case I cannot reason out. In this case my wisdom becomes ignorance. Here my understanding is completely at fault, but I am sure what is my duty. And if Mary Clough Watson wants to unite with me and would solicit a place with me, shall I not give her one more chance? Yes, yes, yes. I will, and may the Lord help me that no soul shall say, “I called upon her saying, ‘I repent’ and she would not hear.” (11LtMs, Lt 131, 1896, 7)

I had a few words with Brother and Sister Starr while eating my breakfast. He says Brother McCullagh is at home and has been here two or three days, so I will see his outfit today. Elder Israel and Sarah McEnterfer went to the city yesterday to get my glasses and watch fixed and [to] do other business. Sarah is at Brother Israel’s. She went there last night. I shall see her this morning, I expect. (11LtMs, Lt 131, 1896, 8)

Be assured I shall buy no dry goods, or anything of any kind, aside from the things presented before me by yourself. Brother Starr has a set of furniture purchased in Queensland to sell. It is just like that leather covered chair. There is a lounge, two large chairs, and four other chairs, for which he paid nine pounds. Shall I get these if he will sell them for just what he gave? What think you? I have been strongly inclined to take this easy set. You and I could be benefited with it. You will have to have furniture. We can divide up and both be accommodated. They will be so easy and durable. Still, the money question is a problem. I should not be required to pay now, but wait a more convenient season. He says he shall be traveling and has no place to store his goods. (11LtMs, Lt 131, 1896, 9)

Brother Rousseau purchased a horse from the herd and rides it to Cooranbong. He went to Parramatta last night. I think he will remain over Sabbath now. I shall see McCullagh today, if possible. He is now home. I have not seen Fannie yet. Brother Starr leaves next Tuesday for Cooranbong. Sarah and I expect to leave next Sunday if we can get away. It rained all day yesterday, very softly, and all last night. It is lightening up some today and I hope it will be pleasant so that I can get out. (11LtMs, Lt 131, 1896, 10)

Last Wednesday was very hot, and with all the confusion of changing cars, getting on and off the boat, then on the cars again, and then walking to find Brother Starr’s, I thought I should drop down in the street before we found the place. I could just barely move one foot before the other. But I am getting rested amid the confusion of moving and boxing up goods, which does not confuse me. I have shut myself to myself and nothing disturbs me. I have had a precious experience this morn, worth a mine of gold to me. It is the Holy Spirit speaking. (11LtMs, Lt 131, 1896, 11)

Mother.

Lt 132, 1896

Caro, Sister
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
August 30, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Sister Caro:

Sunnyside is an appropriate name for this location. We have sunshine nearly all the time. We have a few showers of rain in this season, which are a great blessing. We did not have these blessed showers for the time of nearly one year. But this season is entirely different. We have rain and then sweet, blessed sunshine. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 1)

I have commenced several letters to you, but something would come in so urgent that I could not turn it off, and no sooner was one thing done than I had still another. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 2)

I have designed to write you in reference to _____ but will write you now. W. C. White placed the matter before me, but I had not means in my favor in the Publishing Institution at Battle Creek or on the Pacific Coast. I learned that their finances were very limited. I dared not overdraw and cause them embarrassment. I had some means in the office of Pacific Press but had to draw it all, also from Battle Creek. My expense for my workers in preparing manuscript for papers and books, and my expenses for workmen, are not less than twelve pounds per week, including room and board. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 3)

My revised Life of Christ, the first book, has just gone to Pacific Press for them to handle, which means two thousand dollars American money. And the outgoes in donations for buildings, chapels, and the help I feel it my duty to give for the advancement of the work upon the school grounds have been a constant draw upon me. I could not advance means for _____. I did not have it in my power to appropriate in his behalf. For months we could not obtain money from the Echo office to sustain my large family, numbering from fourteen to sixteen. We had bills running up at the grocery and dry goods stores. I could not settle with my workers for months. I was compelled to realize that there was a limit to my resources. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 4)

There are many of our brethren around us who are very poor. These I am trying to help. I employ them to clear land, to do gardening, and take care of my cows and horses. Many things that I should delay doing are being done to advance the work on my place, but these people are brought to a point of need, of actual necessity for bread and clothing. They must not be left to actual suffering. I place my hired man to work with two large horses, breaking up and plowing in different localities where our brethren have settled to make homes and livings for their families. We know that they cannot do work on their land to put in crops unless we help them. This we are now doing. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 5)

Two families left Parramatta and came to Cooranbong, hired unworked farms, and live in little shanties. We cannot let them starve. I furnished one family a cow, an excellent animal. The brethren paid me the value of one pound. They did what they could. This was a help. We plowed their land. They sent word to me that they could not possibly raise three pounds to pay their quarterly rent. It was last April. I had not the money and was making efforts to borrow it of Professor Prescott. He himself, his wife, and his niece each gave one pound, and made him a present of the money. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 6)

And now there is no way for them to raise the three pounds for next quarter’s rent unless we shall among us raise the means for them. They have hired a little fruit farm, but there is nothing they can sell from the place until the fruit shall be ready for market. My hired man, Brother Connell, visited them yesterday and tells me Brother Parcel’s family have been living for days upon nothing but squash, and the man is about discouraged. He has a wife, a good dressmaker, but no one has money to pay for doing such work. I must find him work. He will work for one pound per week and board himself. A strong man came to W. C. White and offered to do his gardening for ten shillings per week and board. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 7)

Thus the matter stands with us here. I have a strong man working for me for four shillings per week and board himself. Brother Vincent, his wife, and children are living in Parramatta, and he could find nothing to do. We helped this family much when we were in Parramatta, and they must be helped still. Poverty and want are everywhere we look. It should not be thus in this locality, but for some reason the idea prevails that the land will not pay for the working. All vegetables come to them from Sydney or Newcastle. They plant no orchards but pick up a little money hauling logs and working at whatever they can get. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 8)

We are trying to clear and work our land to show them in object lessons that if this land is worked properly it will yield its treasures. We worked our place just a little, for we came into the bush in August. We felled trees and made a clearing for an orchard, and planted oranges, lemons, peaches, apples, and apricots. We planted tomatoes, peas, beans, squash, cucumbers, melons, and carrots, and all these things grew and yielded abundantly. But we had only a little ground which we could work, and had no rain with the exception of light showers—two, I think, from Christmas until Christmas again. The impression has been made that nothing could be done with the land. We know better, and are proving the same. We hope the object lessons will be sufficient to set the people at work upon their own land. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 9)

We have made some earnest efforts this year to show what can be done. We have our strong horses and plow, and we break up the land for our poor brethren, that they may put in crops. All these experiments mean money out, but if we can help them to help themselves we will be doing a good work that the Lord will approve. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 10)

I write you this matter that you may know what we are trying to do. We are studying economy in every line. We have a simple diet. You are correct in principle on the diet question. We eat no meat or butter. We may be compelled not to use the milk of cows, for they are diseased; but we have young and healthy cows and scald the milk thoroughly before using it. We are raising chickens—no credit to us, though. Three hens stole their nests and brought us out thirty-four chickens. A wild cat destroyed seven of our nice hens. We have a large henyard and hen house, just made, inclosed with wire netting. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 11)

I did not feel very anxious for the brother to go to Battle Creek at the present time. I would not encourage any of our young people to go. There must be a change, in Battle Creek, in our institutions. They must be conducted upon different principles. As things now are represented, I could not advance means, if I had it, to sustain anyone in Battle Creek at our college. Changes must be made. There are advantages and disadvantages. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 12)

Those who are of a settled and substantial mind, who have set their standard high and will make decided efforts in faith and through the grace freely given of God to all who really seek for it, will pass through the difficulties, holding fast to correct principles, whatever may be the practice or example of those around them. Their aim is to choose the good and refuse the evil, employing all their powers of brain, bone, and muscle—every physical power and mental faculty—in the service of the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 13)

All who are determined to do service to God cheerfully, willingly, gladly, because they are God’s property by creation and by redemption, will not miscarry in their aims or in their efforts. A sense of their obligation to God, whose they are and whom they serve, will be a strong incentive to be obedient to His requirements. All their social virtues and all their religious aims are to glorify God. They know they have influence, either for good or for evil. Every one will gather with Christ or scatter away from Christ by his personal influence. “He that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” [Matthew 12:30.] The Christian knows that God seeth not as man seeth. God weigheth actions. (11LtMs, Lt 132, 1896, 14)

Lt 133, 1896

Wessels, Peter
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
June 21, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother Peter Wessels:

I wish I could see you and converse with you, because one is so much better understood in speaking with one face to face rather than writing. (11LtMs, Lt 133, 1896, 1)

I would say things that will encourage you, for I do not wish to discourage you. I want that you and your wife shall put your trust in God. We have a precious Saviour who gave His own most precious life for you; and you must give your life to your Saviour. Although He is high and lifted up He giveth encouragement to all who put their trust in Him. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15. (11LtMs, Lt 133, 1896, 2)

I have a deep interest in you, because you have been and will continue to be tempted. With your whole heart draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh unto you. You cannot take the first step to come to your heavenly Father but He hastens toward you to receive, to pardon, and to bless you. The Lord bears long with our waywardness. But we do not want the least grain of perversity in our character. (11LtMs, Lt 133, 1896, 3)

We are building for eternity. We are to grow in grace, in heavenly-mindedness, not to have a dwarfed experience. It is not doing honor to our Redeemer to walk crookedly. “Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way.” Hebrews 12:13. (11LtMs, Lt 133, 1896, 4)

Lt 134, 1896

Belden, Sarah
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
July 19, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Niece Sarah:

We received your letter and I thank you for writing to me. I felt relieved to know you had arrived safely, but I was sorry you had so much trouble to find Brother Patchens. Sorry to learn Sister Israel was no better. I pity her; I pity the family. May the Lord deliver them is my prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 134, 1896, 1)

We are getting along nicely. Sister Lucas seems to be acquainted with the business of cooking. I thought I might have to be breaking in a new hand, for you have left me in uncertainty as to what you meant to do—whether to remain with me, or go to America. (11LtMs, Lt 134, 1896, 2)

I would be pleased to have you perfectly frank with me in all these matters. Questions are asked me in reference to your leaving for America. I tell those who inquire that I am not able to answer them, as nothing has been communicated to me definitely in reference to the matter. I would not advise you to go to America, but I shall not make it disagreeable to you by holding you against your will and desires. I would not have your body here and your mind and heart in some other place. If the work here is not agreeable to you, and any other way seems to open that you shall choose, I will not oppose your accepting. If the work here is too much for your physical strength, I will not induce you to continue it. If you have decided to go to America, I will then work to that point understandingly. If you decide to make your home with me, you can do so and be relieved of all care of cooking. Your board shall be free, as if you were my own child. I shall give no other cook more than two dollars and a half per week, and Edith to help. (11LtMs, Lt 134, 1896, 3)

Would you be pleased to visit Norfolk Island? The change might do you good. I would not think it a bad idea. You would be pleased to see Brother and Sister Belden, and if you do leave for America, you could report to Lilly and Frank how they are situated. But you need not be so reticent, fearing I will oppose your wishes. Just say what you do want, and not let it come to me through others, for when they speak to me about the matter and find I am in ignorance, then they will receive the idea that there is not confidence between you and Aunt Ellen. (11LtMs, Lt 134, 1896, 4)

If you desire to visit in Sydney, to visit Brother Schowe at Pennant Hills, do this, and be perfectly free to go just where you would be pleased to go. We do not want to stand in the way of your happiness or pleasure. I would not want you to fill the position in my family you have done and you feel that the burden was too wearisome. You know yourself in regard to this, and what you can endure, and as I cannot know this, you are to be your own judge. While you are now away you may do just as you like about the period of your remaining, and when you return, if you have any different plans, please let me know. I am the one who should know. (11LtMs, Lt 134, 1896, 5)

I have now expressed my mind to you, and I repeat, I will not oppose your going to America if you think this is the best thing to do. I have thought we should have less family. I thought this before you came here, but I can see no way that it will be less; and if the work with Edith’s help is too much, I will release you and you need not feel compelled to be taxed any longer in this line. I want to work for your interest in everything. I do not want you to remain with me and be unhappy. I give you freedom in every way. We will welcome your return. (11LtMs, Lt 134, 1896, 6)

In love, (11LtMs, Lt 134, 1896, 7)

Aunt Ellen.

Lt 135, 1896

Colcord, Charlie
NP
1896
Previously unpublished.

The Lord is calling for Charlie Colcord. He wants you to leave the black banner of Satan and to take your position under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel. I am instructed to say to you, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6, 7. (11LtMs, Lt 135, 1896, 1)

You must know He is a kind God, a merciful God, else He would not have borne with your indifference and impenitence so long. The Lord knows the history of your life as it has been. Your parents do not understand you and you do not mean that they shall, if you can possibly keep up the deception you have practiced. Your father’s great love for you has led him to think little of the things that he does know, because you are his son. But the Lord does not want you to suffer the penalty of your transgressions. God is certainly dealing with your life and the lives of every one of us, and every one of the human family will receive his reward according to his own doings. (11LtMs, Lt 135, 1896, 2)

Your influence is not what it ought to be in the school. You know this is so. Every student has a soul to save or to lose, and the Lord wants every soul that He has given His life to redeem to have that future eternal life which He has purchased for him. If your influence is not fully on the Lord’s side, you are subject every day to Satan’s temptations and Satan will use you as his agent to lead the students with whom you associate to sin. It is not any mercy to you to pass over the influence you exert in various ways to imbue others with your spirit of careless indifference and let you feel that this kind of influence is brave and sharp and cunning. We should do you and other precious souls a great harm to suppose you are doing good to your associates when you are doing evil and working on the enemy’s side. You will always act out the spirit within you. (11LtMs, Lt 135, 1896, 3)

The Lord is dishonored by the course you are pursuing. The Lord does not let human beings come into the world inheriting weakness in moral power and then leave these souls alone with their inherited and cultivated tendencies to manage as they please. The Lord Jesus has had an interest in you every moment of your life, from your infancy to your present age. The Lord takes no pleasure in any human being’s sins. You are the Lord’s property. You are not your own; you are bought with a price. (11LtMs, Lt 135, 1896, 4)

I might trace back from cause to effect, and state some things, but these would have no weight with you. You have not had an appetite for the good, but a relish for the tricks and the deceptions that would hide your real influence. The Lord has spared your life. That is the Lord’s gift. This you have wasted as a common thing on nothingness. You must render an account for this misappropriation of the Lord’s entrusted capital of talents that are untrained, undisciplined, to do Him the service He requires. (11LtMs, Lt 135, 1896, 5)

You are under obligation to God who has created you and Christ who has redeemed you by giving His own life. God has waited for you to give back the goods He has lent you in service to Him. His hand will help you if you will grasp it and acknowledge it and hold it fast. You might now know that He is ready to pardon your transgressions and sins. He is waiting to guide you in the path of virtue and righteousness. “My son,” He says, “give Me thine heart.” Proverbs 23:26. Repent of your sins and surrender to God your mind, your heart. (11LtMs, Lt 135, 1896, 6)

You have lost years when you might have been learning of the Great Teacher if you had given your heart to God, turning to the Lord Jesus for counsel, supplicating the Lord for help and guidance. You could have saved the many heartaches your parents have had on your account and made their hearts glad in the Lord in the place of your standing as you have done representing their management of you as a mistake and thus injuring their influence. Nothing can be so great an honor to parents as a child who is seeking to do the will and ways of God. (11LtMs, Lt 135, 1896, 7)

There is not any excuse for your present course of action. If you only knew and understood that which the Lord holds out to you! If you will come to Him and seek His grace, you will receive the strength and wisdom which He alone can bestow on you. If you will yield up your will and your way to the Lord, you will find an uplifting, an increasing strength, by looking unto Jesus, and fleeing from Satan’s temptations, resisting the devil, and following after righteousness and truth. What a care and load you would remove from your parents! (11LtMs, Lt 135, 1896, 8)

Lt 136, 1896

Kellogg, Henry
Sunnyside, Avondale, New South Wales
February 27, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 2MR 170-176.
Dear Brother Henry Kellogg:

It is some time since I have written to you and I am anxious to hear from you direct. We are just getting settled in our cottage at Sunnyside, Avondale. It has been a long, tedious process and expensive as well. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 1)

Our house has been building by one of the best carpenters in Australia as master workman. We have had two hands to help him. The foundation was laid in August, and all is not completed yet, because Willie must have a place by himself. Our family numbered sixteen. The cook, Mrs. Byron Belden, could not do so much cooking. We had to separate the family. Willie and my family have been one since we have been in these colonies. It was thought best to compose two families. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 2)

The first building erected on the premises was a washroom, laundry, and woodshed all combined, to give the carpenters a shelter to work. We counseled together that this should be converted into a dwelling house for Willie and his family. Their sleeping room is twelve by twelve. This woodshed was floored, the rafters white-washed, a pantry was partitioned off, and they had a kitchen twelve by twelve. Shelves were put in this pantry, and just room left for a stove. A platform eight feet wide was made and iron roof put above it, and that leaves a roomy piazza with bags ripped up [and] nailed on as siding. From this platform is a raised walk even with the entrance to my family tent, which is 15 by 29. There is a curtain made to partition off a room in one end for the children, and the remaining room is for parlor and dining room. They make out. They are fixed quite cozy. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 3)

The putting up of houses costs, I think, as much as double as in America where there is lumber to be obtained far superior to the wood in these countries. There is not timber here to make carriages, coaches, wheels, poles to carriages. All have to come from America. The Australian gum trees are of no account to use even for firewood. It absorbs the water and drinks up the moisture in the ground and is not, even when dry, fit for fire wood. There is the mahogany wood which can be worked up into furniture, but the working of the wood is a laborious process. We are avoiding using the native wood as much as possible. We depend upon the oak as firewood for the stove. Anything will serve for our fireplaces. The roots of trees make the best wood to burn. We have four fireplaces in our house and we need not buy wood if time should last long, but this we cannot expect. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 4)

Every word that we have spoken in regard to this place has been vindicated by the very best results. “The land, properly worked, will give to you its treasures,” was repeated by my Guide again and again. It has done this and now, another year, we will see something in the fruit line. We hope the peach trees will yield some fruit. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 5)

I wish you could look upon Ella May White and Mabel White. They improved much in the climate of Granville, but since coming here there has been filling out and running up tall, so that the little clothing they had is outgrown and far too small for them. The skin is fair, so clear, and the two children are real little workers. Their mother thinks she has a treasure, and it is true. They are so sensible. They are her companions. Ella and Mabel are excellent girls. The Lord loves them and they love the Lord. They are both devoted to me, and I love them very much. But I must not write more now. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 6)

I resume my writing again. May Lacey White is a kind, affectionate mother, just what the children need. They love her very much. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 7)

Now we are taking down the trees nigh the house. Most of them run up about one hundred feet—eighty feet, most of them, without one branch. Then there is a branching out at the top and the top is quite heavy. When the wind blows they are often uprooted. We did not want to take out these trees altogether, so Brother Connell puts a rope around his body and after fastening a long ladder about the tree firmly, climbs the ladder, then climbs the straight, smooth trunk until he reaches a limb; then he ties a rope firmly about the tree above the first limb, goes down again to the top of the ladder, and commences to chip the tree with a hatchet he has fastened in the rope about his waist. When he supposes the tree is cut enough he goes down, and the rope is securely fastened low around a strong tree. Then several lay hold of the rope, and down comes the tall top, leaving a pole—the trunk—about thirty feet high. This will soon put out new branches, low, which will give shade without any danger from the high, heavy top. Seven trees went down yesterday, and several Wednesday, and several Tuesday, so we are making everything safe about the house and tents. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 8)

The orange gum is a very strange-looking tree—all knotted up, gnarled about in every contorted shape. These trees are hollowed by the ants and on a hot day down come large limbs, perhaps half the tree. Heat or wind break off the limbs and they are dangerous, so these must go, I suppose, but their foliage is very pretty. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 9)

We have one of the best men in the wide world to do the outside business. He can do almost everything. He seems to have intuition and is a caretaker of keen perception. I am much relieved, for everything in his hands will be perfectly safe. If he hears anything in the night, the first thing seen is his lantern, with him behind it, peering everywhere about our home to see if any prowling thief is around. He has attended school in Melbourne and has been a successful canvasser. He is not one of the holiday kind or eight-hour men. He is working early and late for one pound per week and his board. I feel so thankful for such a help as he is to us. He is a faithful man in all things. [There are] so few like him in this country. All who know him say he is just the one I need, and I find it to be so. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 10)

We have to watch and pray. I have had special help since coming to this place. I am writing much, not on The Life of Christ, but matter to be published as soon as Eliza Burnham shall get through with some matters she is writing. I appreciate Eliza very much. We tried hard to get her ever since we came to Australia. She is an efficient worker. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 11)

I am now sixty-eight years old. I supposed I was only sixty-seven, but our people have made me see my mistake. I have much writing I am anxious to do, and, if the Lord preserves to me my mental faculties I mean to do, relying wholly upon His power and free grace. But my writing does not diminish with age. I see no failing in my memory. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 12)

I have no information in regard to how things are moving at the office of publication. I was more than surprised to see the cuts furnished, supposed to go in the book Sermon on the Mount. I could not have such figures presented; they falsify and belittle the true. But I am trying not to let my peace of mind be disturbed by anything that shall come. I know this is the very best way—just to trust in the Lord and wait patiently for Him, for He is our Ruler, our Helper, our strong Tower. I hope yourself and wife find this is true in your experience. We need now to increase in wisdom, to have an increasing knowledge of God, to draw nigh unto God that He may draw nigh unto us. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 13)

I am very anxious to do all my duty for precious souls. We have but little time to work. I see much to be done right here in the school interest. We need a chapel so much, where we can meet together to worship God, but have not means to do this. We meet now with only a roofing overhead and gunny sacks spread on the ground. This must not be. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 14)

Will you tell me in answer to this how I stand in regard to debts in Michigan? Will you find out about this so I can know if I have any means I can feel authorized to give for the building of a house of worship on as cheap a scale as will be deemed advisable. I have used up borrowed money in different enterprises—sixteen hundred dollars from one man, loaned me without my asking for it; one thousand dollars I borrowed of Brother Walter Harper, which we have been using in our building here; five hundred dollars a brother in South Africa lent me, used in the school interests. So I am anxious to know how I stand before I pledge any more money from royalties on foreign books sold in America. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 15)

If I advance money that involves me in debt it is a great care on my mind, and when anything of this kind comes to my mind any hour of the night, there is no sleep for me. There is need for me to understand my liabilities. There are calls made upon me as if I were the only source from which to obtain means in this country. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 16)

Willie loaned one of my typewriting machines to Brother Semmens, secretary of Sydney Conference. I said I must now have my machine. They looked up—Elder Israel and Elder McCullagh—with surprise. “What will we do if we cannot have the use of that machine?” And sure enough. But I cannot feel it is my place to pay out near one hundred dollars for a machine and have it used up by the conference in New South Wales and I get a new machine. Such things are constantly arising. They seem to expect [that] I must supply all deficiencies. I want to know if you can ascertain my true standing, that I may know how far it is safe for me to go and not get in too deep. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 17)

The work is bound here in regard to the advancement of building upon the school land. It is true the buildings now need not cost as much as our buildings, for we had no sawmill and brick kiln in operation. All but the main buildings will be built of [materia] of a better quality than that obtained at Sydney, with far less cost. Oh well, the only way we must do is to go just as far and fast as we can and then stand still and see the salvation of God. I would like an answer to this as soon as possible. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 18)

Will you please send me three of the best pens for writing, fountain pens? I like, not the very large pens, for they cannot be held by my hands since I was so long rheumatic, but ordinary size. I would not like the pens when the case unscrews in the middle, for it empties too quickly. I want one fine pen for certain purposes; durable pens, and charge to me. I have only one pen now to rely upon. I tried to get my old ones fixed, but could not here in this country. Will you please send me pens, not any of them very coarse, but pens when the ink flows readily? (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 19)

This last batch of mail I cannot get copied. And my pen writes badly. Please send me these favors I ask and charge to my account. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 20)

The next box of books sent, will you please to send me at least 50 Gospel Primers and at least 50 of the last book out by Edson. There are families on Norfolk Island and Howe Island, and right around us here I wish to supply. They need something simple. Will you please inquire in regard to request made for the publication of last book out? I want to publish it here in Melbourne. If you will do this business for me, you will do me a favor. You can consult Brother Tait. I want an answer at once. We need these books to place in families. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 21)

Please let Sister Austin see this letter. Next letter let me know if you have difficulty in reading my letters written by my own hand. Much love to all the family. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 22)

[Written on margin:]

This is a mixed-up letter. I have written several letters in times past within a few months and could not get them calligraphed, and you did not get them. Thought I would send this at a venture, else you would get nothing. (11LtMs, Lt 136, 1896, 23)

Lt 137, 1896

Kellogg, Dr. and Mrs. [J. H.]
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
April 6, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in TMK 356; SpM 80; 4Bio 265.
Dear Brother and Sister:

We are now in the midst of an interesting institute, to consider the subject of higher education and what is comprised in a whole-sided education. I have reason to be grateful to my heavenly Father for His tender watchcare over me. After very taxing labor in the suburbs of Sydney, I returned home greatly exhausted. The institute meetings commenced one week ago last Thursday; but I could not take any part until last Friday. I kept in the open air much of the time. This, with the most simple food—crackers and uncooked tomatoes—were all the remedies that I used. And I repeated the Scripture, “Be still and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 1)

Friday, I ventured to speak to those assembled. Then the burden came upon me with such force that I was constrained to speak most pointedly in regard to the close examination of self, and, How is it with thy soul? I pointed out the evil of over-eating of even healthful food. There were cases before me, which needed to guard the appetite and not make a god of the stomach. If they over-eat then the brain power is taxed to take care of a large quantity of food that they do not demand, and the mind is beclouded and the perceptions enfeebled, making it impossible to take in the grand and sacred truth, and to have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 2)

After bearing a plain testimony, I called together several responsible brethren and presented before them a case that was most aggravating in character. I will not explain all the painful features; but the communications that I had given him, and one other connected with him, had made no change in their attitude, and they were separated from me. The man seemed to be unable to comprehend Bible requirements. By eating to excess, the stomach is made to do double work, and the mind is affected and unfitted to take in and comprehend eternal realities. Those who indulge the appetite to the expense of brain and nerve power will not and cannot take in the messages the Lord gives—the spiritual bread from heaven which is the Word of God. There are thousands upon thousands who are intemperate in eating, and the result is that the lust of the flesh is warring against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 3)

In the case I referred to, I was compelled to become interested in, and to review, the life practice during his religious life and before he claimed to be converted, and the life was filled with selfishness of which it is difficult to give a description. The whole life was perverted. Unrighteous, unchristian actions did not appear as objectionable. The daily load with which the stomach was taxed caused suffering, indigestion, and physical weakness. But although one to whom God had entrusted capabilities and talents, the fleshly lusts were so indulged that it spoiled the whole man, and every day he was becoming less and less susceptible to the influences of the Spirit of God. (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 4)

I see in these two persons with whom I have been laboring the deadness of sensibility, and that sin and transgression—stealing, deception, lying, adultery, etc.—have lost their offensive character. When these grievous sins are made to appear as the Lord regards them, they respond, “Oh, that is not much.” These are persons who have had great privileges and great light, and they have supposed that they would in time enter the ministry. I told them that we would just as soon send wolves among the sheep, for their consciences were seared as with a hot iron. The process that has made them thus has been a disregard in little things—a deviation in character from right principles in little things. (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 5)

The dealing with these two human agents has greatly alarmed me. They fail to hear and to retain the words I speak to them. And the words which they do not hear are the words which require a reformation in life practice—to do those things that they consider will humiliate self—and then they will deny that these words were spoken to them. I have been shown that all who love indulgence in sin are the ones who do not hear—do not perceive the words spoken. Why? Because evil angels have so long led them and controlled their powers that the words spoken to awaken conviction are changed by Satan to mean something else. This is evidencing the power of Satan over human ears to hear things all crooked and strange; and the very things the Lord would have them hear they do not understand. They say that you never spoke to them the words that you know you did speak. But Satan intercepted the words that they did not hear them. (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 6)

“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sin.” [Isaiah 58:1.] The straight testimony must be borne whether men will hear or whether they will forbear. Those reproved who will not be warned, counseled, or reformed, but who justify their own course of action will be left to their own ways, to be filled with their own doings. Like the inhabitants of the old world, they will follow with persistent zeal the imagination of their own hearts, and they will perish in their sins. When the earth is reeling to and fro like a drunkard, when the heavens are shaking, and the great day of the Lord has come, who shall be able to stand? One object they behold in trembling agony from which they will try in vain to escape. “Behold, he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him.” [Revelation 1:7.] The unsaved utter wild imprecations to dumb nature—their god: “Mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.’” [Revelation 6:16.] (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 7)

Creation is loyal to her God, and deaf to the frenzied call. That unrequited love is now turned to wrath. Sinners who would not let Jesus take away their sins are rushing from place to place in search of a hiding place, crying, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and our souls are not saved! (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 8)

Oh that they had seen the Rock of shelter and perfect safety—the Cleft of the Rock—whither they might flee until the indignation be overpast! “A man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest.” [Isaiah 32:2.] That Lamb whose wrath will be so terrible to the scorners of His grace, will be grace and righteousness and love and blessing to all who have received Him. (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 9)

The pillar of cloud that was dark with terror and avenging wrath to the Egyptians, was to the people of God a pillar of fire for brightness. So will it be to the Lord’s people in these last days. The light and glory of God to His commandment-keeping people are darkness to the unbelieving. They see that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. The arm, long stretched, strong to save all who come unto Him, is strong to execute His judgment upon all who would not come unto Him that they might have life. God grant that while mercy still lingers, while the voice of invitation is still heard, that there will be a turning unto the Lord. The sure provision has been made to shelter every soul and shield those who have kept His commandments until the indignation be overpast. “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:4.] Then we are to seek that light now, and here on this earth we are to learn the redemption song, that we may sing praises of God and the Lamb here, and in heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 10)

[Later:] I wrote this far, but transactions were going on in whose outcome we were deeply interested, and I could not write, but only pray. Last night about ten o’clock Sara came into my room full of excitement and glad surprise. Mrs. May Lacey White presented to her husband a pair of twin boys. The mother is doing well. She had a midwife—a good, intelligent, motherly woman—and Sara McEnterfer. The labor was protracted but not severe. Both mother and babies are doing well. May has a splendid constitution, and has had special care for herself. She has treated herself according to the directions in Ladies’ Guide. This occurrence has deprived me of preparing matter for the American mail. I could not write. (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 11)

Since last Friday, I have taken my turn in speaking upon true education in contrast with a perverted education. I have spoken four times. I shall take my position upon this subject decidedly. I will send you copies of that which I have written, but not edited. Our meetings are doing good. But we would see the work going deeper and still deeper. We see a few that will be aroused; and the many—those whom we cannot arouse—will have a superficial experience. But the warning must be given. The religious element is always the one that causes us the most trouble. Our heart aches as we see the truth perverted—the law of God made void. These have ears but they hear not; eyes have they, but they see not. (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 12)

There are those who are feeling deeply in regard to the fast approaching crisis. It will not be long before the gathering storm will burst upon the world that is so asleep in sin. The misapprehension and misinterpretation of the divine ways and counsels, the refusals of divine offers of mercy because of stern, determined unbelief and defiant pride, will not let them become tender of heart and convinced. Every true, loyal soldier of Jesus Christ will not study his own ease, his own convenience, his own pleasure, or his own selfish gratification. We have no time to lose. Our hearts must and will be stirred with emotion as we see the thousands perishing around us, and so few earnest God-fearing workers. And because the means is so limited, we are bound about, and we cannot extend the work as we could. The gospel trumpet must give its certain sound; that is the work of the Watchman, whether men will hear or whether they will forbear. (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 13)

I dreamed I was visiting those who believed the truth; and I saw in their houses trinkets and ornaments. And while I felt like weeping as a little child over the future prospects—on account of lack of means—in regard to advancing the cause of present truth, the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and I said, “In this house are many idols. If these things that can do your souls no good were sold, and the money put into the Lord’s treasury, there would not be the deprivation of any of their comforts, and the means would help advance the work of God.” I went from house to house, and pointed out the needless things that the Lord’s money, entrusted to His stewards, had bought. That very means could have been a great blessing to help build our school buildings on this land, and also our meeting houses that, as churches are raised up, we must have. There are many camp meetings to be held in new places, and how to obtain the means is a problem. (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 14)

The camp meeting is the great and marked instrumentality that God uses to influence the people. The Armadale camp meeting held last year in Melbourne, Australia, is yet doing its work. Souls are coming out still under the labors that have been continued since the camp meeting. Everything must be done that can be done. If household ornaments could be disposed of, and invested in the work and cause of God, they would be as rivulets to swell into a large stream to carry forward the work of God. There is, I assure you, hard work to meet the defiant, determined opposition in this country; but my heart aches to see the work advance so tardily—the little done and the great work to be done. The walls of unbelief are frowning down upon us in defiance, upon our work being carried forward through tears and prayers. Lord, how long shall this state continue? (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 15)

Oh, the grandeur of the truth! The surprising importance of the work in opening up the truth to those who are in the darkness of error—ready to die! Awful responsibilities rest upon those who know the truth—whom God has made the repository of sacred trust. The iniquity of men is reaching unto heaven. This makes devils triumphant, and angels weep, for if angels weep as they look upon the deterioration and widespread, deep corruptions of the world, [if they] are weeping over the perishing souls out of Christ, should not those who are indeed partakers of the frailties of humanity and their sins, call upon God’s witnesses to stand between the living and the dead? (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 16)

I implore all who have any ornaments or trinkets which they could exchange into money or even into useful articles to do so in order to help us here, and to help the needy cause in America as well as in foreign countries. Let all church members individually consider what each can do now while Mercy’s voice is pleading, now while the four winds are being held, now while heaven’s opened door is ready to receive every repentant soul. Work, work for Jesus Christ, giving first yourself, then all that you can to advance the work. Opportunities of doing good work are open before you. Souls are perishing, and the name of God is dishonored. Vice is deepening. Infidelity is increasing in all the churches in our land, and the end is near. (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 17)

[East Tawas, Michigan
May 12, 1896
Mr. and Mrs. J. E. White:

This letter was sent to my address at Battle Creek, but the forwarding of it to my home has caused some delay. However, I hope you will receive it in time to answer via May steamer from San Francisco. It came via Vancouver. I hope you are meeting with prosperity in your work. (11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, 18)

Respectfully,
(Signed) Emily C. Campbell]

Lt 138, 1896

White, W. C.
Refiled as Lt 166a, 1897.

Lt 139, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Avondale, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
January 16, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 18MR 274-275.
Dear Children:

I had written you a letter for you to seek the Lord most earnestly to know your duty in regard to connecting with me in my work in bookmaking. I cannot have help from Willie. That is not to be expected, now nor any future time. You could help me and we could counsel together. But I have little courage to attempt to do anything while I have only Marian to help me. Fannie will never handle anything of the writings I have to bring before the people. I regard her as a traitor of sacred trusts. If the Lord indicates my duty, I shall go forward. (11LtMs, Lt 139, 1896, 1)

I have no light to go to America. I have expected that Elder Olsen would feel the necessity of W. C. White to help him, and might signify the same in a positive manner, to come to his help; but if he does not signify this the time has not come. O. A. Olsen has linked himself and the cause up so fully with A. R. Henry and [Harmon] Lindsay, while at the same time he knows these men have not evidenced they have a connection with God, that he has made them think by his thus doing that he does not receive the warnings and the reproof God has given of their course. If Brother Olsen believed the light and truth God has given of these men, would they be kept in responsible positions year after year? I scarcely know what to think of these things. I know not what to make of these things. But there are perilous times before us. (11LtMs, Lt 139, 1896, 2)

I am very anxious to get out Testimony No. 34 now. I have secured Eliza’s help. I will undertake that work which ought to have been done years ago. I have things that should come to the people. Time is short. The end of all things is at hand. We are to give more diligent searching to Revelation. Here is a book opened for those who shall live in these last days of time. Daniel and Revelation are the books applicable to us and should be carefully studied and with much prayer. Read the first three verses: (11LtMs, Lt 139, 1896, 3)

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bear record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things which he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (11LtMs, Lt 139, 1896, 4)

There is not that attention given to Revelation there should be. Much more should be said in regard to the coming of our Lord. There should be most earnest attention given to the Word. (11LtMs, Lt 139, 1896, 5)

I have no persuasion, no urging. Let the Lord make the matter plain before your mind. You are in the service of God. Wherever you can serve Him best I will be reconciled, but I set the matter before you and leave the decision to yourself. (11LtMs, Lt 139, 1896, 6)

May the Lord abundantly bless you and commune with you and teach and guide you is the prayer of (11LtMs, Lt 139, 1896, 7)

Your Mother. (11LtMs, Lt 139, 1896, 8)

Lt 140, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Avondale, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
January 23, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children:

I had letters written to you but was a little too late to get them enclosed and into the mail. Another mail goes tomorrow. Well, we have had noise enough for the last weeks—since Christmas—but the adding of the kitchen has delayed us and brought about our ears so much pounding and sawing we are much disturbed in our thoughts. Today and tomorrow we hope will close up this business, and we shall get in our stove and be settled in our new house. W. C. White and May occupy the sofa bed in the parlor. The room opposite the hall opening on the piazza is the twin room to the room W. C. White now occupies. They will get into their own premises next week. Then our family will be reduced, but W. C. White must have his office in my house. We now number from twelve to sixteen at every meal. Our house is very plain, but the wood to be worked is like ironwood and therefore takes longer to handle it. (11LtMs, Lt 140, 1896, 1)

I send you the letter I have written and did not get in last mail. (11LtMs, Lt 140, 1896, 2)

I am giving the first volume of the Life of Christ the last reading. I am glad it is so good, but only wish I had the power to make it a great deal better. I hope the book will do much good, but I am very fearful to trust it in the hands of the publishers at Battle Creek. They have sent us a dummy of the Sermon on the Mount and such illustrations as are little short of contemptible. I would prefer the book have no illustrations. How they ever could send such disgusting pictures is beyond my comprehension. I am afraid to trust my writings with them. If this is their taste I should say wisdom and good sense had departed together from them. What sort of an artist have they employed? Is it for the purpose of saving money they keep a man to draw such pictures? I should think they would feel ashamed to have such representations go out from the Review and Herald Publishing House. They are only fitted for a comic almanac. (11LtMs, Lt 140, 1896, 3)

Two or three pictures are not so bad, but none are acceptable. One picture represents Joseph as a carpenter, which is very good. But the countenance of Mary is expressionless. She looks like the daughter rather than the dignified wife of Joseph, the mother of Christ. There are no features expressive of the Jewish extraction but more—I will not make comparisons. It is simply heart-aching that such pictures should be sent to us for even our inspection. There is a picture representing Christ in the boat, and the great draught of fishes, and the representation is largely [of] Peter, but the hand of Christ in the figure looks as if He was thrusting His fingers into the mouth of Peter. (11LtMs, Lt 140, 1896, 4)

I would consider the book fifty or one hundred fold better without such illustrations. What does it mean that such miserable work should be sent across the Pacific Ocean for our acceptance? We are all wondering what will come next. (11LtMs, Lt 140, 1896, 5)

We are waiting, watching, and praying, but I tell you we are oft put to our wits’ ends to know what to do in regard to bookmaking. How shall we manage my books and have them come out in good shape? I am sick at heart and troubled day and night over this matter. (11LtMs, Lt 140, 1896, 6)

We will have two volumes of The Life of Christ and a small book upon the parables, and may have to have one on the miracles of Christ, but the lives of the disciples and apostles is yet to be prepared. Then I ought to get out an important book—the second volume of Old Testament history. There should be another testimony forthcoming at once. But Marian is the only worker I have. Eliza said she would come but is taking her time to do this. When she will consider she can leave the Echo office we are unable to determine. (11LtMs, Lt 140, 1896, 7)

Lt 141, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Avondale, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
January 30, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in UL 44; 1MCP 358; 6MR 262-263.
Dear Children Edson and Emma White:

We have just come from looking over our orchard. Mr. Mosely, who lives twenty miles from here, a nurseryman and fruit raiser, came to show us how to set our trees last September. He gave us good instruction. We did what we could. We set out about three acres of land in peach, apricot, plum, apple, lemon, lime, and orange trees. We had but two or three slight showers from January until December, but we have a creek of fresh water near our orchard and we have hired a man to tend the trees—to keep off all bugs and [to] water them from the creek. We find peach trees doing finely, also apricots, plums, and apples, though not as stocky as we could wish. Orange trees doing well; some died out. Some lemons doing well; some died out. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 1)

We heard this morning [that] Mr. Mosely has come to Cooranbong to visit us and examine our trees. May White and I drove our horses, Kit and Nellie, before [the] platform wagon toward the school building to find Mr. Mosely, and when we had gone only one mile we met Brother Hughes coming with his wife and Mr. Mosely to our place to see the trees and garden. We have been listening to his instruction for one hour and a half—he instructing us how to plant and how to cultivate the trees. He says he will come to see our trees and crop any time I will let him know. We have something to do to make the wilderness blossom like the rose, but we mean to have fruit and vegetables and not be dependent on the markets. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 2)

I have eighty acres of land, and we are giving object lessons to those who have cultivated the soil. It can be done and God will spread a table for us in the wilderness. We have a very nice location. The school needed the money, and I thought as I had given them one thousand dollars that was my share. Then I would invest not over one thousand dollars in land so they could have the money which I had to loan them and could see no way to get principal or interest. But this is a missionary work. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 3)

If I could only see you and talk with you I should be glad. The Vancouver Mail had left Sydney last Wednesday. We sent the mail by Sara McEnterfer. The ship left the harbor but something was wrong with her and she had to put back to be repaired. I have an opportunity of dropping a few lines now and will take it. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 4)

I wrote in regard to your coming to me. My son, do not feel you must come, but take the matter to the Lord. You are His property, body, soul, and spirit, and since the Lord has taken you near to Himself as co-worker with Him, I am so grateful to my heavenly Father. I feel that I would not sway you one way or the other, but I would say, let the Lord direct. My dear son, there is need to be very particular in bookmaking. No slipshod work will do. We must take much pains and make haste slowly, but everything which is to represent things that are sacred should be carefully and thoroughly worked. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 5)

I wish you, my son, to seek the Lord most earnestly and then you will, in reading the Word, become more and more intelligent in the Scriptures. Oh Edson, what precious hidden jewels of truth we find by digging for them! The Lord has made me rejoice that He has accepted your labors. And we read that the Lord will rejoice with singing over the rescued souls tempted and sorely tried. Yes, there is rejoicing in the heavenly courts over the sinful souls returning unto God, and shall not we rejoice, who are the subjects of such gladness in heaven? (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 6)

Edson and Emma, I thank the Lord for a kind daughter. She is very tender of me. The children and grandmother, and Edith Ward—whom I have taken to care for—love each other. All these three children are so attentive to my wants. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 7)

Edson, temptations will come to me and to you. I have been struggling with the tempter for some time but I will not give the enemy the victory. It is my privilege to have perfect faith and confidence in God. Jesus of Nazareth was above all others the Son of man. Christ stands as the ideal of humanity. Christ is the pattern of what the Lord would have us become. We must be like Christ in character. If the human race will become like Jesus, then He will work most earnestly. We are privileged to become sons of God. I am so pleased that Jesus is leading you, and He will lead all of us who will be led. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 8)

I must stop. It is nearly dark and I have been up ever since half-past two o’clock. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 9)

I have been tempted, sorely tempted, as I see how little many who profess to love God are really loving Him. Our obedience to His commandments testifies whether we are indeed children of God. We are inclined to worry at the outlook of things transpiring in our world. All the forces of the powers of darkness are working against the human race to restrict religious liberty and to compel service and the worshiping of an idol sabbath. God knows all about the outcome. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 10)

I am so glad the Father understands every phase of the difficulties we shall have to meet. Believing Him and knowing Him to be God, we know that He sees with a larger vision than is possible for us. His ideals are higher than any of our conceptions. He can read every purpose of hearts that are leaguing against God and co-operating with the evil angels to overthrow the righteous. All the forces of evil angels combined with evil men will be in action to suppress truth, and liberty to believe truth. We will not fail now in our work; we will not be discouraged. Every question is open as the day to the Heart Searcher. He sees the effort made to influence a child in the wrong direction. The high and lofty One who inhabiteth eternity will not overlook the one who would work counter to His will in tainting and corrupting human minds. We must consider that God knows, God understands. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 11)

Keep in view the high standard. We are as God’s chosen, working out His plans, accomplishing His purposes. Self is under control to God. We must keep looking unto Jesus, trusting in Him, and not disappoint the hope and expectation of God. We must want to do and want to be just what God would have us to be. And the lesson we have to learn daily is to be meek and lowly of heart. Then can we raise the standard higher and still higher. My children, every day hide in the cleft of the Rock where you may not be seen but where you can see, and where you can hear the proclamation of God’s character. This is worth everything to us. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 12)

Children, I know you are in a hard field and many things will need to be done that financially appear impossible, but the Lord will not lay on you the great responsibility of moving yourself under a load which will crush you. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the hearts of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 13)

Children, do not limit the Holy One of Israel in your individual cases. You can be connected with God. Grow in faith and trust and unshaken confidence in God. The Lord hath done much for you, my children, and your own selves given to the Lord without reserve will make you channels of light. As you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all things else shall be added unto you. Godliness hath promise of the life that now is as well as that which is to come. As you receive the rich grace of God, you will diffuse it. The faithful discharge of today’s duties will be the best preparation for tomorrow’s trials. We will not gather together all tomorrow’s liabilities and cares to add unto the burdens of today. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof. God gives us strength for each day. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 14)

I am looking to and trusting in God, but I do not feel that I can go to Africa, although it will be a sore disappointment if I do not go. But God has a work for me to do in connection with the school that shall be established here and with the churches in the colonies. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 15)

I am pleased to know that the duty on goods coming into Sydney has been removed, and now there will be a much more pleasant state of things. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 16)

I am seeking to bring out many things on education in the schools. I may have to bear my testimony in America, but I leave myself wholly in the hands of God. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 17)

My great burden now is to discharge my duties here daily. I am seeking first to know God. I want to know more and still more of God and of my Redeemer, the Sent of God; and as I know more and still more of God, I shall communicate the same to others by pen and voice. I have liberty in writing, and I am in need of help; [but] the Lord knows all about it, and I will trust in Him. I will force nothing. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 18)

I see [that] a great sentiment [?] must be worked to, and out, under the divine direction in our schools. The one great lesson the students must first learn is to seek with all their heart, mind, and strength to know God and obey His Word implicitly. The science of the salvation of the human soul is the first business of life. No line of literature or education in book knowledge is to become supreme. But first to know God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent, this is life eternal. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 19)

Let the students take the love and fear of God with them into their school life. This is wisdom more precious than words can express. Connected with God it can be said of them as of Daniel, God gave him wisdom and knowledge in all mysteries. Learning is good, the wisdom of Solomon is desirable; but the wisdom of a greater than Solomon is far more desirable and essential. We cannot go to Christ through learning in our schools, but we can, through Christ reach the highest round of the ladder in science, for the Word of inspiration says, “Ye are complete in him.” [Colossians 2:10.] The very first business is to see and acknowledge God, and then He will direct your path. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 20)

We would not, with pen or voice, discourage the acquisition of knowledge in literature and in the trades and arts, but first secure the knowledge of God and His will concerning your own individual selves. Then there will be acquirements in perfection of character that will make every study an acquisition for the glory of God. There will be a constant enlarging of the mind, an expanding, a broadening in sentiment. The knowledge of God is everything. Connected with God, eternal and imperishable influences are going forth from the receiver to enrich others and glorify God. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 21)

Daniel understood that he himself was to be first attended to. His diet must be regulated by the knowledge God had given to his instructors for his benefit. He was temperate in eating. He governed his appetite, not following impulse but sound reasoning from the standpoint of Christian temperance. He had proffered to him wine and meat and luxuries from the king’s table. The explanation Daniel gave was, the mind must not be clogged with these articles, which would be difficult of digestion, and even in articles of healthful food there must be a restriction of the quantity. The food placed in the stomach he had under his own control. He could co-operate with God in keeping his stomach in a healthful condition by not surfeiting himself with overeating or the use of wine or flesh meats, which are not healthful or necessary for physical strength. Proper regard for the articles of food eaten would keep a healthful current of blood flowing through his veins. His mind and body would be in a condition for hard, stern labor, for mind and body were not oppressed with a variety of flesh meats, or meat of any kind. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 22)

As Daniel and his companions acted their part, the Lord co-operated with them and they were prepared in soul and body to stand in the courts of Babylon untainted by the moral corruption existing there. The laws of nature, if respected, will enable us to do good work. But there is something deeper and higher than even tracing the results of a course of action to regard physical, mental, and moral power under the will of the worker. Daniel and his fellows gave God all the glory for the physical, mental, and moral superiority that was revealed in them. The laws of nature are the laws of God, and consistency of action in refusing that which would weaken their physical and mental powers was working in harmony with God. The Lord can impress the mind because it is in a healthful condition and the human agent and God are in copartnership. The created human agent and the Creator are working to make man in every sense complete in Jesus Christ. There is no war instituted by the human agent by practices against the laws of his being. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 23)

Daniel prospered in his abstemious habits of non-use of wine and discarding flesh meats. The blessing of the Lord attended in a special manner the youth who would, through love and fear of God, discard everything they deemed detrimental to their advancement in physical, mental, and moral perfection. “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” [Daniel 1:17.] Daniel 1:19, 20. God will honor those who will honor Him. The very first duty we have to discharge individually is with our soul. We owe a debt of gratitude to God in giving us Jesus, His only begotten Son, to redeem us. (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 24)

Mother.

(Scratched off this in a big hurry.) (11LtMs, Lt 141, 1896, 25)

Lt 141a, 1896

White, J. E.
[Avondale, Cooranbong, N. S. W.]
January 30, 1896
Extract from Lt 141, 1896. Previously unpublished.
Edson:

Temptations will come to me and to you. I have been struggling with the tempter for some time, but I will not give the enemy the victory. It is my privilege to have perfect faith and confidence in God. Jesus Christ, above all others, was the Son of man. He stands as the ideal of humanity; the Pattern of what Christ would have us become. We must be like Christ in character. If the human agent will become like Christ, then He will work most earnestly. We are privileged to become sons of God. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 1)

I am so pleased that Jesus is leading you, and that He will lead all who will be led by Him. I must stop, as it is nearly dark, and I have been up ever since half past two a.m. and must rest. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 2)

Morning, January 31

I have been tempted, sorely tempted, as I see how little many who profess to love God are really loving Him. Our obedience to His commandments testifies whether we are indeed children of God. We are inclined to worry at the outlook of the things transpiring in our world. All the powers of darkness are working against the human agent to restrict religious liberty and to compel the worship of an idol sabbath. But the outcome the Lord knows all about. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 3)

I am so glad He understands every phase of the difficulties we shall have to meet. Believe in Him, and trust Him as your God, for He sees with a larger vision than we can possibly see. His ideals are higher than any of our conceptions. He can read every purpose of the hearts that are leaguing against good and co-operating with the evil angels to overthrow the righteous. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 4)

All the forces of evil angels combined with evil men will be in action to suppress truth, [and] liberty to believe truth. But we will not fail nor be discouraged in our work, for every question is open as the day to the Heart-searcher. The high and lofty One who inhabiteth eternity, will not overlook an effort to influence a child in the wrong direction. He will not pass over the one who would work counter to His will in tainting and corrupting human minds. God knows and understands. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 5)

Keep in view His high standard for us. We are as God’s chosen agents, working out His plans, accomplishing His purposes. Self must be under control to God. We must keep looking unto Jesus, trusting in Him, that we disappoint not the hope and expectation of God. We must want to do and want to be just what God would have us to be. And the lessons we have to learn daily are to be meek and lowly in heart. Then can we raise the standard higher and higher. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 6)

My children, every day hide in the cleft of the rock where you may not be seen but where you can see Him who is invisible, and where you can hear the proclamation of God’s character. This is worth everything to us. Children, I know that you are in a hard field, where many things will need to be done that financially appear impossible. But the Lord will not lay on you the great responsibility of placing yourself under a load which will crush you. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 7)

Children, do not limit the Holy One of Israel in your individual cases. Connected with God, you may grow in faith and trust and unshaken confidence in Him. The Lord hath done much for you, my children. By giving yourself without reserve to the Lord, you will be made elements of light. Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all things else shall be added unto you. Godliness hath promise of the life that now is, as well as that which is to come. As you receive the rich grace of God, you will diffuse it. The faithful discharge of duties today is the best preparation for tomorrow’s trials. Do not gather together all tomorrow’s liabilities and cares to add unto the burdens of today. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. God gives us strength for each day. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 8)

I am looking [to] and trusting in God, but I do not feel that I can go to Africa, although it will be a sore disappointment if I do not. But God has a work to do in connection with the school that shall be established here, and with the churches in the colonies. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 9)

I am pleased to know that the duties on goods coming into Sydney have been removed. Now there will be a much more pleasant state of things. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 10)

I am seeking to bring out many things on education in the schools. I may have to bear my testimony in America, but I leave myself wholly in the hands of God. My great burden now is to discharge my duties here daily. I am seeking first to know God. I want to know more and still more of God and of my Redeemer, the Sent of God; and as I know more and still more of God, I shall communicate the same to others with pen and voice. I have liberty in writing, and I am in need of help, but the Lord knows all about it, and I will trust in Him. I will force nothing. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 11)

I see that a great sentiment must be worked to, and out, under the divine direction in our schools. But the one great lesson that students must learn is to seek with all their heart, mind, and strength to know God and obey Him implicitly. The science of the salvation of the human soul is the first lesson of life. No line of literature or education in book knowledge is to become supreme. But to know God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent is life eternal. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 12)

Let the students take the love and fear of God with them into their school life. This is wisdom more precious than words can express. Connected with God, it can be said of them, as of Daniel, God gave him wisdom and knowledge in all mysteries. Learning is good. The wisdom of Solomon is desirable; but the wisdom of a greater than Solomon is far more desirable and essential. Through the learning in our schools we cannot reach Christ, but we can through Christ reach the highest end of the ladder in science, for the Word of inspiration says, “Ye are complete in him.” [Colossians 2:10.] Our first business is to see and acknowledge God, and then He will direct our path. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 13)

We would not, with pen or voice, discourage knowledge in literature, in trades, and in art, but first let the student secure the knowledge of God and His will concerning his own individual self, that he may adorn, exalt, and sanctify by sacred, holy influence, in all his studies. Then there will be requirements in perfection of character that will make every study an acquisition to glorify God. The mind will constantly enlarge, expand, and broaden in sentiment. The knowledge of God is everything. Connected with God, eternal and imperishable interests are going forth from the receiver to enrich and glorify God. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 14)

Daniel understood that he himself was to be first attended to. His diet must be regulated by the knowledge God had given to his instructors for his benefit. He was temperate in eating. He governed his appetite, not following impulse, but sound reasoning from the standpoint of Christian temperance. He had offered to him wine and meat and luxuries from the king’s table, but he refused this, and the explanation he gave was that the mind must not be clogged with these articles, which, if he should eat [them], would be difficult of digestion. Even in articles of healthful food there must be a restriction of the quantity taken. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 15)

The food placed in the stomach, Daniel had under his own control; therefore he could co-operate with God in keeping his stomach in a healthful condition by not benumbing his sensibilities by over eating or by the use of wine and flesh meats, which are not healthful or necessary for physical strength. A proper regard for the articles of food eaten would keep a healthful current of blood flowing through his veins, and his mind and body would be in a condition for hard, stern labor, for mind and body would not oppressed with a variety of flesh meats. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 16)

Daniel and his fellows acted their part, and God co-operated with them, and they were prepared in soul and body to stand in the courts of Babylon untainted by the moral corruption existing there. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 17)

If respected, the laws of nature will be able to do good work; but there is something deeper and higher than tracing the results of a course of action in regard to physical, mental, and moral power under the will of the worker. Daniel and his fellows gave God all the glory of the physical, mental, and moral superiority that was revealed in them. The laws of nature are the laws of God, and consist of regularity in action, in order to refuse that which would weaken the physical and mental powers in working in harmony with God. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 18)

The Lord can impress the mind if it is in a healthful condition. Then the human agent and God are in co-partnership. The created human agent and the Creator are working to make man in every sense complete in Jesus Christ. There is no war instituted by the human agent against the law of his being. Daniel purposed in his abstemious habits of nonuse of meat to glorify God. The blessing of the Lord attended the youth who would, through love and fear of God, discard everything they deemed detrimental to their advancement in their physical, mental, and moral perfection. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 19)

“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” [Daniel 1:17.] Daniel 1:19, 20. Those who will honor God, God will honor. The very first duty we have to discharge individually is with our soul. We owe a debt of gratitude to God in giving Jesus, His only begotten Son, to redeem us. (11LtMs, Lt 141a, 1896, 20)

Lt 142, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
February 14, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children:

I am well aware that there are serious difficulties to be met in the Southern field, but the workers, whoever they may be, must go forth not trusting in their own strength or supposed capabilities, for if they do the Lord will pass them by and take humble men who feel their own weakness and entire dependence upon God. Indolence, self-indulgence, and unbelief will repeat objections magnified to discourage the working of this field. But every objection that has been urged can be and will be urged by those whom the Lord has sent as an argument in behalf of the field, which should have had a hundredfold more labor than has been done in it. Every soul truly converted from the colored class will have travail of soul for his brethren. They have a sense of the depths from which they have been uplifted to the heights they may be permitted to climb. (11LtMs, Lt 142, 1896, 1)

Unless we can show that the great command of Christ to preach the gospel to every creature—which command has been frequently repeated and enforced in Scriptures as the work given to the Christian church—has been plainly stated [as] no longer obligatory on the church, then the responsibility, although ignored, is still binding upon them. As faithful stewards of the grace of Christ, they are to communicate to those who have not had the light. (11LtMs, Lt 142, 1896, 2)

I am sure we need the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit. We need to walk with God. Think of this, Edson, of what it means to have the glory of God in all your thoughts, your heart going out in converse with God, you molded by the Holy Spirit of God. The Lord knoweth our secret thoughts. Let your eye be fixed on Jesus, your soul drinking of the waters of life. (11LtMs, Lt 142, 1896, 3)

It is now that our influence is of value to our fellow man. It is now we are to shine as lights in the world. It is now we need to be a savor of life unto life. It is now Christ will give us to drink of the water of life which will be in us, if we drink, as a well of water springing up into everlasting life. There is but little time now for us to work. Work while the day lasts; the night cometh in which no man can work. Press, oh press, the battle to the gate! (11LtMs, Lt 142, 1896, 4)

Yet, with all there is to do, there must be a calm trust in Him who hath given us our work. We are co-laborers with God. We have not a moment to spend carelessly, not a dollar to spend for that which is not bread. I know if we yoke up with Christ what is the result-peace and rest in the Holy Spirit. If we walk alone, without Jesus, it is nothingness as far as the good we can do. Then, my dear son whom I bear on my heart, and daughter Emma, hide in Jesus. You may be one with Jesus. “And the glory [character] which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” [John 17:22, 23.] (11LtMs, Lt 142, 1896, 5)

You, my son, can help me very much by walking humbly with God. You can testify that all that I have said to lift you up and encourage you from the Lord is truth and appreciated as such. You may show that every word of encouragement from God to you is of weight and will not spoil you. You can show that it is all truth, that God’s arm is round about you. Hide in Jesus. Live moment by moment to His glory. (11LtMs, Lt 142, 1896, 6)

In love, (11LtMs, Lt 142, 1896, 7)

Mother.

Lt 143, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales
February 14, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children:

W. C. White, Sarah Belden, and I came to this place Christmas, because we could come at that time cheaper than at other times. We expected to have to occupy a crowded compartment but one of the officials [to whom] W. C. White pays a shilling, occasionally, for being so kind to wait on us when we have extra baggage, saw the situation and led us along, leaving the second-class carriages behind, and then said, Set down your baggage. He opened the door of a first-class compartment and Sarah and I could ride in it. Willie had a very crowded place, but this was for ladies only, so we were separated. I was so thoroughly worn out I lay down and slept nearly all the way. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 1)

We have been settling most the whole time we have been here. The rooms were not done, and I have moved from room [to room] three times; and having to put on an additional kitchen, bathroom, and storeroom has kept us from unpacking goods. Painting and carpentering in different lines has made us know what the sound of the axe, saw, and hammer means. Certainly if the material could come together as the stones of the temple, without the sound of axe and hammer, what a relief it would be to us! We have seven workmen at the present time. All board themselves but two. We pay them one pound per week and allow ten shillings—two and a half dollars—for their board. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 2)

Mr. Connell is my hired man to milk cows [and] attend to horses, and he is reliable. He can take a stove all to pieces and see what is the trouble that it will not work right, and then put it together again and it is cured of its defects. He is an intelligent worker of great value to us. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 3)

Mr. Leonard is a man in the fifties. He is intelligent but cannot read. A very pleasant looking man of pleasing address. He is not a professor of religion. He lost two children and his wife some years ago and has been a wanderer, a lonely man. He boarded in our family until W. C. White’s family came; then we had to let him and other workers take care of themselves. This man would teach all the working men good lessons. He has the habit of great neatness, and washes himself and his clothing often. He mends his pants and it is done neatly. He is a man of large general information, and we can learn many things of him. In conversation he looks so kindly that we love to do him little favors. His work has been clearing land, putting in posts for foundation of the house, putting on iron roofing. He seems handy at almost anything. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 4)

We decided to push the work vigorously. Brethren Shannon and Colson are our carpenters. They had much mending of furniture to do, for things were obliged to be handled several times before getting here and were more or less broken up. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 5)

Brother Whiteman of Castle Hill, eleven miles from Parramatta, was sent for by the school to do masonry. He built our chimneys for four rooms. We took advantage of his being here to build our cistern. It is about twelve feet deep, and is round and quite large. Mr. Leonard did the digging. We had a pile of white clay after they had gone six feet. Brother Whiteman is now laying the brick, two tiers. He builds it in a dome shape. He thinks this underground cistern, with our five enormous iron tanks, will provide us with water in abundance if there is a drought. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 6)

We have creeks. The center of one is all of twelve feet deep. This is beautiful, soft water. It could be used for drinking purposes if we had a filter. It is excellent tasting water. We shall bring it by force pump into a washhouse near the creek, and use it for common purposes—washing clothes and floors. We have a large fall of water from the iron roof, which is formed in grooves. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 7)

Brother McCann and his two sons have been making a road between our location and the school, so that one half or three quarters of a mile will bring us to the center of operations-to the mill which is now in operation sawing lumber for building purposes on our own premises. We have a brickmaker getting out our brick, which will make the cost much less than transportation from Castleville or from Sydney. We have the very finest sandbank on our grounds. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 8)

Call to dinner made us leave our work. Meanwhile a heavy thunder storm came up, and it has just poured down drops as large as hail. I fear this ends the cistern business for today. You may ask, Where is Willie? What is he doing? Dictating to Caldwell. He has been working yesterday and today to complete as best he could a place for May’s first child to be born in less than eight weeks. Sara McEnterfer has been the general to furnish the rooms, carpet them, and get settled. Willie has been having his humble rooms—designed for washhouse and laundry—[made ready], kitchen, dining room, and bedroom. Here is work to be done. His room is twelve by twelve, his kitchen a little larger. His stove is now up. My large family tent is a sitting room and children’s bedroom. He has had a frame built for a sort of piazza, eight feet wide and sixteen long. This, he will have, to serve for present necessities. Floor is mostly laid. He will have it boarded up about four feet, then get canvas curtains to complete the room. This will serve to set table in for meals in dry weather. The bare studding of the little kitchen is not very prepossessing in appearance, but they both seem well satisfied. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 9)

We are comfortably situated in the house. One room W. C. White occupies for his office. Here he does his writing. Sister Burnham occupies the only spare room in the house. Six rooms below, besides a large pantry well-furnished will shelves, a good-sized bathroom, and a storeroom. All our provisions must be purchased in quantity, so that we shall not be surprised with nothing to eat. Grains must be kept in store, and feed for horses and cows. We have been gathering cucumbers and tomatoes from our place. We have turnips, cucumbers, squashes, and melons coming on—not ripe for eating. W. C. White and I go out at five o’clock, whenever we can, and prepare, by planting, for a future harvest. I rise at half past three most of the time, sometimes at two o’clock and half past. This is my writing hour. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 10)

We have, besides rooms below, four very good sleeping rooms, one room for May Israel, one for Maggie Hare. There they do their typewriting. Sister Belden has another room, and one room is for storeroom. Ella May and Mabel slept in tent last night. W. C. White and May Lacey White slept in their small quarters. We may not be able to build for some time to come, for money matters are very close. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 11)

We positively could not have fourteen and fifteen in the family continually, although we have gotten along very pleasantly. The children love Grandma very much and Grandmother loves the children. I have a girl I am keeping of just about Ella May’s age. She loves me and all the children seem very dear to me. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 12)

It has not made me so nervous as I expected to have the thunder of workmen all about me. I am thankful I am so well as I am. I work very hard. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 13)

The rain seems to have ceased. It is Friday. I do not think workmen will resume their work. Willie has been papering the particular room—one end of it on cloth, the other part is ceiled up; a humble abode indeed, but with the peace of Christ in the heart there is quietude and rest. (11LtMs, Lt 143, 1896, 14)

Mother.

Lt 144, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Avondale, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
February 16, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 11MR 109; 4Bio 387.
Children:

I have been writing since half past one o’clock. It is Sunday morning. There was a heavy thunder storm that commenced Friday while the men were eating their dinner, at half-past twelve, and naught more could be done. It has rained nearly the whole of February. Our cistern has received water in the wrong time. But two feet of brick are laid. All must be bailed out this morning. Rain has fallen during the night. We fear much harm will come to the people in the colonies who are located on low land. Houses have been, and will be, swept away, causing distress and suffering in many locations. We are on a rise of land. Our creeks close by are rising, but they cannot harm us. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 1)

I shall not be able to send the matter written on education, all of it, until two weeks more. I was much pleased with your book sent to me. Many of the illustrations are excellent. Some of the pictures would be very well in The Life of Christ, but we have fears that the people will say, “Oh, I have seen that in another book.” This bookmaking is serious business for me. Unless the Lord had been my Helper then I should not have been alive this day. We are still surrounded with workers; nevertheless I have done a large amount of writing. I have many books to complete and hope after we are really settled to have peace and rest. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 2)

Willie will commence housekeeping after the mail goes tomorrow. That will make four less in my family. Would be pleased to have them all the time, but it is too much for Sarah Belden, who is not strong. She is so far ahead of the colonial cooks that I feel that I have a treasure in her. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 3)

I had a long talk with Professor Prescott last Thursday or Friday in regard to school education. This will come out soon. I have a great work to do and must have the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Professor Prescott drew me out as your father used to do, and many things I could say and did say that I otherwise might not have spoken. Then he said I must write it. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 4)

The Lord does want everyone to believe that the Lord Jesus is a sin-pardoning Saviour. My children, ever bear in mind your dependence is on God. He is the center and object of all our hopes. We may be called to share the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ. We must have an abiding Christ. It is no time to become discouraged. The work before us may look very complicated and impossibilities seem written on everything unless we rest it all in Jesus. He never requires of us impossibilities. The Holy Spirit is promised as a Comforter. The relation of the human soul to God determines the strength we will receive to do our work. Let us walk softly before the Lord. We do not trust the Lord as He has encouraged us to do. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 5)

I am thankful you are determined to bind about your desire to engage in financial matters. This is right. The Lord is abundant in goodness. We have only to ask in faith in order to receive. Heaven is not enriched by withholding. The Holy Spirit will be dispensed in large measure, and perpetually, if we will rest in the love of God. As the heedless and unappreciative pass by the living Fountain of the water of life, what satisfaction and joy would it be to Him if they would receive. He is hoarded with the heavenly treasure, which He longs to bestow. He longs to make the human heart at peace with Himself. “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” [John 4:10.] (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 6)

Why do we so readily let the enemy interpose himself between our soul and Jesus, our helper? In all your perplexities, learn to take them to the Lord in prayer. We must increase in faith, or decrease. We shall not look to God in faith but [that] all our situation is taken in. We may receive the influence of the Holy Spirit. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 7)

You will see by the letters in the Review how carefully we need to move in reference to the Southern field. You may have this which I now send, but I do not know. I send it [to] you again, [so] that no temptation may arise that it is because my son is laboring in the Southern field that my interest has been awakened. Of course your being a laborer in the field has not decreased my interest in matters in regard to working the field. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 8)

Oh, what privileges are ours to be colaborers with Jesus Christ! He comes to you as the Spirit of truth. Study the mind of the Spirit. Consult His dictates as your sure and unerring Counsellor. In following your own counsels your spirit has lost its hold on God, making it impossible for you to discriminate and determine moral power. The Lord has rescued you, reinforced your spiritual aspirations. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 9)

You can stand forth as a living monument of the grace of God. Walk softly. Let your words be refined, elevated, ennobling. Said Christ, “I will manifest myself unto you.” [John 14:21.] You can help me where you are by keeping your own soul in the love of God. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 10)

Oh, how precious is every human soul, and how careful should we be not to lay any cause of stumbling in the way of any soul. If the human heart will not resist the striving of the Spirit in the execution of its office work, the soul temple will be cleansed daily and sanctified for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will work you. Live in the Spirit; walk in the Spirit as in a hallowed atmosphere. Let your mind be attracted to heaven and heavenly things. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 11)

I send you with this matter, more chapters on the life of Christ. Marian is very jealous of them. Read them when and where you think best. Send copies where you choose, but do not make another book of them until The Life of Christ comes into market. This is Marian’s request. I shall hope that you may see, after, some things in regard to Life of Christ. We now have it about ready for the printer. I do not know as you are situated where you can do anything, but you could read it to see if there is anything in proof sheet not right. Perhaps they have a reliable proofreader there. You might make some suggestions in regard to plates. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 12)

I am waiting for their decision on royalty. I offered to take twelve and a half cents if they would stand all the cost of plates and publishing. If they refuse to do this, then we shall have to have royalty proportionate to the money I shall pay for printing the book. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 13)

If they do not suit me in terms, I shall give the job to the Pacific Press. I will not consent to have the book come from the press in a cheap sort of style. We shall have two books. I wish The Sermon on the Mount had been after the same style of the book you have just arranged and compiled. The Parables I want should come out in the best style possible. They will follow the first volume. Book on temperance will come in next. Dr. Kellogg has the oversight of that. You see, do you not, that by your living in America you can be a help to me in some lines. If it is not best for you to be here, help me where you are with your suggestions. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 14)

Children, I will not urge you to come to Australia. Your statement you make in regard to close application to writing or sedentary labor I understand, and should not expect you to do that kind of work demanding sedentary labor. It is a great task to Willie, and I wish he had it not to do. I am glad he is now so situated he can have work that will compel some exercise and change. He needs a good, judicious, conscientious worker with him. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 15)

In regard to your book, I think it is well done, yet I have not had time to examine it critically. I wish you to help us in the line of illustrations, but as you have used these illustrations in books before Life of Christ, how could we use them? We want the very best illustrations we can obtain. You can help me there in this matter. If you do not come here, Marian feels that it is a mistake to use some of the best jots and tittles in your selections. I have not decided just what is best. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 16)

There is now something like a strong desire expressed for your mother and Willie to come to Battle Creek for the next General Conference. I cannot express myself in reference to any matter so long in the future. I dare not say anything in reference to the matter. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 17)

I say to you, Edson, follow the light the Lord gives you. I have felt almost desperate in regard to the few helpers I have, but the Lord knows all about it. I will trust in Him to work in my behalf. If I should go to America, then of course I would rather you would be there than here. But, Edson, we know not what a day may bring forth. I commit the keeping of my soul to God as unto a faithful Creator. My life is not my own. I am bought with a price, and must render to God full and entire service. Edson, I do not expect to come to America. I have no thought or desire to come. I have had, it seems to me, my full conflict and carried my burden in Battle Creek. I greatly desire to be out of the turmoil. I want peace and quietude in God. I must have time to contemplate and pray and write and communicate to others that which the Lord has communicated to me. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 18)

A few days since, Marian brought to my notice a writing in reference to the colored people. You see the date is 1891, and it is a decided testimony. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 19)

I am very much relieved and pleased with your letters. Oh Edson, I am praying that the Lord would place His signature upon the work that you shall do in His service. What can you do away down in the South to help me in any way in regard to the publishing of the first volume of Life of Christ? Will you suggest? I dare not trust the book committee who have sent me such illustrations to go into the book on the parables. Edson, have you seen those pictures? To think they should suppose I would permit such things to go into a book to represent the lessons of Christ! I felt just sick at heart and discouraged at the future prospect. What do the book committee mean? The book that you have had issued, whether under your special directions or with others to help you, is a fine thing—very pretty. If sacred lessons and scenes in the Old and New Testament history are represented, let it be in fine, elevated style. I want you to look at the picture in Patriarchs and Prophets of Abraham waking up his son Isaac, when he was to go at the command of God to offer up his son as a burnt offering. What a picture of the face of Isaac! I do not want it in another book. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 20)

Mother.

I thought I had finished twice, but I must say a word in regard to the children, Ella May and Mabel. They are good-behaved children. They both try to please me in everything. Mabel is as thoughtful and caretaking as a little woman. Such keen perception! She anticipates the wants of all. She is so wonderfully accommodating to me, and to others as well. Ella and Mabel are both little workers. They have outgrown the clothes I have made for them, which when made and worn made them look like small women, but they have expanded and lengthened, especially since coming here to Cooranbong. They work about home helping Sarah. I have a girl about Ella May’s age. These two help Sarah nicely. Mabel is not confined to any steady work. She is helpful everywhere. I do not think she should be taxed with sedentary work. If she is, her nose bleeds. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 21)

Both girls are in excellent health. Their flesh is solid and they eat and sleep well. They are happy. Ella May White is a conscientious Christian. Mabel has a very tender conscience. I have not passed a disagreeable word with either of them. Their mother is always kind, cheerful, pleasant, and full of affection. The children love her as well as Mary Mortenson. They love Mary, too, and I want them to love her, but both are devoted to me. They are not a particle of annoyance, but a real blessed comfort. We are close neighbors, for our laundry and washhouse has been fitted up nicely for them. I am so glad that everything is so harmonious. Well, Sara has just come to see that I get to bed, for I have been up since half past one o’clock a.m. (11LtMs, Lt 144, 1896, 22)

Mother.

Lt 145, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Sunnyside, Avondale, New South Wales, Australia
February 25, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children, Edson and Emma:

I am not in a condition to write much, even to you. I am weak. It has rained nearly this entire month. There seems to be no vitality in the air. The work is going forward and we hope soon to be able to part with the workers. Our cistern is built large, round, bricked up and cemented, and the first water has been received into it. We have now five large iron tanks and a large cistern, built dome-shaped after the fashion of a jug, with an opening made large enough for a man to enter it as necessity may demand. These iron tanks soon fill with rainwater in the rainy season, and in the hot weather the water is very warm and unpalatable. There will be now thousands of gallons of water in an underground cistern. (11LtMs, Lt 145, 1896, 1)

The last rain of nearly one week has raised the creeks. Our dwelling is upon a rise of ground. There is a falling off toward the creek and waterhole. These are our blessings in a dry time, to water our orchard and garden. We now make a well near the waterhole, and when required pump up the water on the garden. It is not a common season. For nearly one year there were but few showers. Everything was dry; feed for cattle scarce. There has not been such a season for forty years, and yet the orchard of peach, apricot, apple, and pear trees is doing well; also our orange trees and lemon trees are doing well. (11LtMs, Lt 145, 1896, 2)

It costs to begin. We had only the ground broken by an immense plow last July, then the broken furrows were worked by shovel, spade, and hoe, and trees were set. The large space between we left without breaking, for it was so dry it cost to break the turf. But we have now, since the rain, broken this intervening space, so the whole orchard is now ready for cultivation. (11LtMs, Lt 145, 1896, 3)

We have also broken more land. Sixteen bullocks are attached to the plow, and two men work the plow—one at each handle. The third man, with mattock, keeps close to the plowpoint to relieve it of chunks of earth and roots of the trees, and the driver of the oxen—by word and cracking of the whip, which makes a report like a pistol—wheels this team around into perfect order. The leader has blinders like a horse. I asked why. The driver said he had to be mostly about the center of the string of oxen, and if that large ox did not see him, he would suppose him to be close by and would not shirk. If he thought his driver was not watching him he would take advantage and work lazily—eye servant. (11LtMs, Lt 145, 1896, 4)

The ground is now soft and can be so much more easily plowed. The deep furrows are now made. After this our own horses can plow. This is good land to bear vegetables of any kind. We have now plenty of beans and most excellent tomatoes. We—Willie and I—put in peas about one week ago. They are up now. We have more to plant. We put in our potatoes and beans and more cucumbers. We eat the enormous great cucumbers just as you would apples, cutting them up and setting on the table without vinegar. All like them and they are a dish enjoyed at every meal. (11LtMs, Lt 145, 1896, 5)

The gum trees grow very, very high, straight as an arrow. Near the top there are branches. We have now been cutting away the tops of trees and leaving twenty or thirty feet to branch out and produce foliage for shade. There is no safety in any of these trees being near the house only as the tops are cut off. The wind is liable to uproot them and crash them down on the house. One of our workmen, a sensible, all-round man, strong and faithful, climbs these trees, clinging to the smooth bark after going the length of a long ladder. There is not a branch to cling to. He climbs until he gets to a branch, then takes the cord fastened to his body and ties it about the top of the tree. Then he slides down to the ladder and commences to chop the tree—after someone has tied the rope to a tree. At the right time several hands pull upon the rope and crashing down comes most of the tree. All the trees that are anywhere near the house are to be treated in this way. (11LtMs, Lt 145, 1896, 6)

We have just experimented sufficiently to know that this land, thoroughly worked, will produce pumpkins, squash, melons of all kinds, cucumbers, beets, turnips, and all kinds of vegetables. We shall now plant onions, beets, and a variety of things. (11LtMs, Lt 145, 1896, 7)

You would be amused to see W. C. White’s dwelling place. He has the wash and laundry house converted into sleeping rooms and kitchen, pantry, and storeroom. He has a large piazza on the front, sixteen feet long and eight feet wide. A raised platform of boards communicates with the tent from the piazza which is covered with iron roofing. The tent is their dining room and parlor and good-sized bedroom for children. Here is their organ, bureaus, washstands. The tent is square, I think 18 by 18. (11LtMs, Lt 145, 1896, 8)

We are pleased with the atmosphere in New South Wales. Our family number twelve when we do not have visitors. W. C. White was with us until one week ago, which swelled the number to sixteen. The family in their rather novel quarters seem to do well and are satisfied. The children have made wonderful progress in growth since they came to Granville, but more especially since coming to Avondale. The children are doing excellently well. They are good children, very helpful. They have abundance to do without devoting time to play. (11LtMs, Lt 145, 1896, 9)

Connell is my man employed to do anything and everything—just the man I need to take the care and burdens. He knows how to do almost everything. (11LtMs, Lt 145, 1896, 10)

I wish we could see you, but I shall not write anything in regard to your coming to Australia. I may have said altogether more than I should. My desire is none the less to have you come, but I dare not, without the orders of the Lord, urge you. We will seek to do our duty here; you will seek to do your duty where you are. (11LtMs, Lt 145, 1896, 11)

We have the most precious Word of God and it is to be searched diligently. We are to hold forth the Word of life to others and impress upon the minds of all that it is not only their privilege but duty to read and understand the Word for themselves and bring that Word into their practical everyday life. Notwithstanding [that] so large a number wrest and pervert the Scriptures, yet there the faithful witness stands, speaking to all the truth. In searching the Scriptures we find the precious jewels of truth, and we are blessed in communicating to others the riches of the grace of Christ Jesus. We receive light to diffuse light. (11LtMs, Lt 145, 1896, 12)

I send you this copy. Last Tuesday I awakened about half past eleven o’clock and tried to sleep, but no, there was no sleep for me, so I dressed and at quarter past twelve o’clock commenced to write the enclosed. At seven o’clock, the hour of prayer, I had written ten pages of letter paper. The second enclosure for Norfolk Island I wrote Wednesday night, rising at three o’clock. (11LtMs, Lt 145, 1896, 13)

Mother.

Lt 146, 1896

White, J. E.
Sunnyside, Avondale, New South Wales, Australia
March 1, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Son Edson:

I have not been able to sleep since half past one o’clock. I have some things burdening my mind which I dare not withhold from you. I have had warnings given me which I must write you, for they are connected with you before and after we left America. (11LtMs, Lt 146, 1896, 1)

When you were departing from light which the Lord had given you, there were those who encouraged you in a certain course of actions on your part. They thought to help you. You were sanguine yourself, and the words that were given you encouraged you in making ventures which proved unsuccessful. One word of encouragement led you to feel that you were sustained. From the little encouragement that was given, you ventured much further in schemes of your own devising. Then when you began to borrow and venture to accumulate debts, those who should conscientiously have helped you, by their counsel, to get out of the difficulty, withdrew wholly from you and left you to sink or swim. (11LtMs, Lt 146, 1896, 2)

Had some of those with whom you were connected been walking carefully before God, preserving correct principles themselves, they could have helped you by precept and example, but everything was turned out of the course of correct, righteous principle. The fear of God was not before their eyes. Selfishly they went on in their own forward way, grasping the largest wages and ignoring the principles the Lord has plainly set before them. All His work in connection with His cause is sacred, and must be handled with clean hands and pure hearts, and carried forward upon Bible principles. All the light given was ignored. All the extra wages they received have been a curse to them and not a blessing. Are they not reaping the harvest they have sown? The rebuke of God is upon them. The Lord has given me messages of warning for them. Your name and the name of Frank Belden have been mentioned to them, that their manner of dealing in these cases testified that the principles of injustice were leavening the institutions at Battle Creek. One dishonest action God condemns. These things have been repeated over and over. (11LtMs, Lt 146, 1896, 3)

Where is Captain Eldridge, who received thirty dollars per week, and then received [means] from other things that he did, in addition to this sum for the work for which he was paid? He is not made rich by the large amount of money he received. He is poorer today than when he worked for twelve dollars per week. Himself and family would be no richer if they had fifty dollars per week. Money in any man’s hands is a temptation to misappropriate it. This means was not his own to spend as he chooses because he has it in his hands. It is God’s money. His wants are to be bound about, because he, as a professed servant of Jesus Christ, must give an account of his stewardship. Those who had much less wages, but who trusted in the Lord and used their means economically, are able to live comfortably—much more so than the Majesty of heaven, who was the example Man of the human family. (11LtMs, Lt 146, 1896, 4)

Lt 147, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Sunnyside, Avondale, New South Wales, Australia
March 13, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in TMK 212, 341; 4Bio 263.
Dear Children, Edson and Emma White:

I am thankful to report my health is much better since I came to this place. I am only too thankful to report that Professor Prescott’s testimony is that, of all the places where our schools have been located, none seem to be as favorable as this place. You must know that after I had taken so large responsibilities, and after the land was purchased, then Elder Daniells and Brother Rousseau decided it was not the place and held to that decision until we consented to visit other places. They had not better land than this, and no water privileges. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 1)

We could get two thousand acres for the sum of thirty thousand dollars, and it would require not less than ten thousand, and more, to put into buildings; still another place was twenty-five thousand dollars for about twelve hundred acres, and about fifteen hundred dollars must be expended in buildings. No water privilege, no well, no stream of water, only broken down tanks depending wholly upon the water coming from the heavens. It has been a very close rub to get in orchard and cultivate the land for crops, and pay five thousand five hundred dollars for the sixteen hundred acres of land here. We thought we would take that part that was considered not the best land. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 2)

My dear children, my heart goes out to you with great tenderness. I would be glad to see you, my children. Eight thousand miles of the waters of the Pacific Ocean lie between us but, thank God, we can send up our prayers to our heavenly Father. We are made near through Jesus Christ. He that is precious to your soul is also very precious to my soul. Oh Edson, I love you as my son, I love Emma as my daughter, but I have a stronger love than any natural ties can be. We are made one on Christ Jesus. We may never meet again, “but God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved,) and hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” [Ephesians 2:4-6.] Blessed hope! I am so thankful that the Lord will accept my children through the merits of Jesus Christ to be laborers together with God. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 3)

Oh, the miracle-working power of the gospel! It can accomplish great things. Let nothing divert you from this your work, for “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” [2 Timothy 3:16, 17.] Study your Bible. Practice its teachings. It is not enough to speak the truth, but teach the Word in love and the fruit will appear, good fruit in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. And they are endowed with whatsoever things are honest, and lovely, and of good report. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 4)

When things come from your brethren that you feel are very trying—for I am sorry to say they will come—they will not hurt you if your life is hid with Christ in God. They will hurt themselves. They will bruise and wound their own souls. Then speak not a word of impatience. Only live so as not to make their unkind sayings true. If you will leave all the disagreeable things upon the Sin Bearer, the Burden Bearer, and restrain the impulsive feelings, you will have peace and victory through Jesus Christ. I want you to consider that you must have no unkind feelings, but pity the men who have not an abiding Christ in the soul. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 5)

I point you to the cross of Calvary. I ask you to consider the infinite sacrifice made in your behalf that through faith in Jesus Christ you may not perish but have everlasting life. But do not be too confiding and trustful in men. I point you to Jesus. You are safe in committing to Him the innermost working of your mind. The Lord Jesus hath purchased you, dear children, with an infinite price. You may commit the keeping of your soul to Jesus. You may trust Him as your Counselor. Pray much, watch unto prayer. Speak no words unadvisedly. Make no hasty decisions but constantly draw nigh unto God. He will help you. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 6)

Oh, be sure you receive your illumination from the Source of all light. He is the great central Light of the universe of heaven and the great Light of the world. He will enlighten every man that cometh into the world. Reach no cheap, low standard. Cultivate the gentleness of Christ. Secure the highest attainments, and draw your inspiration from Jesus Christ. He is your Friend. You may always depend upon Him and find Him faithful and true. When you need His sympathy in your greatest perplexity, [when] wounded and bruised, He will not pass you by on the other side. To Him, my children, you may come in the simplicity of children. To Him you may come with joy and rejoicing. With everything that is flattering to your hopes, every success which attends your labors in the Lord, look up to Jesus and lay every honor at His feet. Everything depends upon your walking in all humility of mind. Write the name of Christ upon your banner and never dishonor your colors. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 7)

All heaven was given to us in Christ Jesus, and the Lord loves you notwithstanding you have dishonored Him. He has received you back again and given you His confidence and His love. Oh, honor Jesus by giving to Him the heart’s best and holiest services! He has given His life for you. Who is He that hath done this? The only begotten Son of God, He that was One with the Father before the world was. Lift up your banner, lift it up higher. Never, never let it trail in the dust of the earth. Exalt Jesus. Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary, higher and still higher. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 8)

There is but little time to work now. Therefore make daily a full and unreserved surrender of soul, body, and spirit to God. Devote your whole being, with all your energies, to His service. All your capabilities belong to God, through your entire probationary time. He claims all there is of you, all the services you can render as a mortal, judgment-bound human agent, partaker of the divine nature. You have nothing in talents or capabilities but that which you have received to be returned to Him, doubled by being used to His name’s glory. He must reign over you with unrivaled authority. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 9)

Give all respect to your brethren, counsel with them, but do not make them your trust, lest they prove as a broken reed. Ever be courteous, kind, and considerate, but never lean on any man. Man cannot carry you. Look to God for yourself. Everything is to be shaken that can be shaken, and only those who have received the light from Jesus and are doers of the Word will have everlasting life. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 10)

There is no safety anywhere. Satan has come down with great power and is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. Those who do not follow in Christ’s footsteps will find themselves following another leader. They have listened to strange voices until they cannot distinguish the voice of the True Shepherd. Little by little they ceased to heed the warnings, the reproofs, the instructions. Human wisdom came in, human imaginations were followed. Much reliance is placed upon human exertion and devices, and they imperceptibly go on until they are fully satisfied with their own wisdom, their own inventions, and are filled with their own doings. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 11)

Drink deep at the Fountain of truth, and be a close student of the Word, for the Lord will take the words of truth and through the Holy Spirit imprint them on your heart that you may present the precious Word with simplicity and fervor. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” that Jesus is glad to receive you with all your imperfections, with all your weakness, and acknowledge you as His child. Therefore, trust Him. Adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour by a well-ordered life and a godly conversation. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing” that is, be not over-anxious—“but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests by made known unto God.” What a privilege is this given to every one to trust in Jesus and tell Him everything! “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-7. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 12)

My dear children, have faith in God. However stormy may be the times, looking unto Jesus who is the Author and the Finisher of your faith, you will be complete in Him. Abide in the old paths, whoever may turn back. Be rooted and grounded and built up in the most holy faith, a living epistle known and read of all men. So long as your life is hid with Christ in God you will never lose your vitality. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 13)

Monday morning, March 16: I have been up writing since half past two o’clock. I cannot write you any more now but in two weeks will send you some chapters if I can. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 14)

Mother.

Willie’s family doing well. Willie is in Melbourne; has been absent about two weeks. (11LtMs, Lt 147, 1896, 15)

Lt 148, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
April 7, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children, Edson and Emma White:

I am very much pleased to receive your very encouraging letters. I am perfectly reconciled to your remaining where you are, and I believe and pray for you. The Lord will be with you, my son, if you will be with Him. I can write but a few words this time. I have been very sick for a few weeks. I am better now and our institute is in session. I have spoken four times upon an all-sided education. I meant to have sent you a letter to go on this boat, but cannot. (11LtMs, Lt 148, 1896, 1)

Last night at ten o’clock May Lacey White presented her husband with a pair of twin boys, perfect in every respect. One weighs six pounds and one half and the smaller five pounds and one half. They are as pretty babes as I have ever seen. Both babes seem to be perfectly healthy. May went through it all bravely. She is a treasure. She is doing finely. Her labor was long-three days and two nights—but not severe; very, very slow but this is best. She is as happy a mother as you would wish to see. Her cheeks are rosy yet. I must now do no more writing. (11LtMs, Lt 148, 1896, 2)

I send a letter to Emily for [her] to copy at once for Dr. Kellogg, and I will request her to send you a copy. I will write more when another mail goes. Write often. I see no further criticisms to be made on your book, Christ Our Saviour. (11LtMs, Lt 148, 1896, 3)

Mother.

Lt 149, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 1, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children:

I received the American mail last evening, and I cannot read my letters and answer. Sara says, “I will give you twenty minutes.” So I will say, we are all well. The mother, May, and twin boys are well. Willie left immediately after the Bible institute closed and is in Sydney; will not return before the first of next week. (11LtMs, Lt 149, 1896, 1)

You would be so surprised to see Ella May White and Mabel. They are growing fleshy and rosy. Ella weighs one hundred and seven pounds. She is quite a chunk. Mabel is improving just as much as Ella May. Excellent children. Mabel is giving away her dolls. Says she has living babies now. She will sit for hours with one of the new little ones in her arms, happy as a queen. The children are so delighted with their baby brothers they can scarcely find language to express themselves. (11LtMs, Lt 149, 1896, 2)

In regard to your coming here, I have not a word to say. I know I do not go to America unless the Lord signifies this is my duty, neither do I go to Africa. I am more than pleased with the climate. (11LtMs, Lt 149, 1896, 3)

I will have more mail to send you in two weeks. This is all for now. I am so thankful to my heavenly Father for the changes that have taken place with me. The lower part of the spine is almost recovered, thank the Lord. But I must stop now and ride down to the mail. We are having the most beautiful weather you ever saw. We enjoy it very much. It is never hot but a few days. It is an even climate. I would like to have you with us, but I believe you are in the line of your duty. (11LtMs, Lt 149, 1896, 4)

Be of good courage in the Lord. Trust wholly in Him and He will manifest Himself unto you. I have been up since half past two o’clock, and got my workers and had them copy these short epistles. Much love. (11LtMs, Lt 149, 1896, 5)

Mother.

I am putting myself into writing my books. (11LtMs, Lt 149, 1896, 6)

Mother.

Lt 150, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
May 6, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 4Bio 389.
Dear Children, Edson and Emma White:

I received no letter from you in the last mail from America. I think I have not failed once since coming to this country, but you will excuse me, my dear children. I have written early and late. I have commenced writing after a few hours sleep, as early as twelve p.m., often at one or two o’clock, but my left eye is now weak and painful. I have taken cold. I will not therefore write you much, but I have a large mail to send to America. I sent a large mail to Africa yesterday. I now send to London and Pacific Press. (11LtMs, Lt 150, 1896, 1)

I am writing with my left eye closed, so if my writing is not very good, excuse it. My health generally is quite good, yes, good. I am careful of my diet and am particular to keep my feet warm, for it is essential to keep the circulation equalized as much as possible. (11LtMs, Lt 150, 1896, 2)

I have felt it time to write to Battle Creek things I have been withholding for one year, and some two years. Elder Olsen is beginning, I think from his last letters to me, to see that his traveling long distances from place to place with his staff of men, who have no living connection with God, has been as a malicious atmosphere to his soul and to the souls of those with whom they come in contact. (11LtMs, Lt 150, 1896, 3)

Now, my children, is the time to hide yourselves in Jesus Christ. There will be peculiar, trying times to all in Battle Creek, especially those who are connected with the office. I have, as you will see, come out most decidedly against consolidation, for it conveys much more to those who are trying to carry it than those who accept the proposition realize. It means that every instrumentality engaged in the work would come under the control of the Battle Creek institution, and it become a ruling monarch. This cannot, shall not, be. C. H. Jones has been, through fear of consequences, following altogether too much in the tread of Battle Creek, accepting their methods, for Brother Olsen has said that all they desired was that the institution at Battle Creek should have a paternal relation to the institutions on the Pacific Coast. But now he sees that it would assume control of all the publishing interests. (11LtMs, Lt 150, 1896, 4)

I have decided to negotiate with Pacific Press to publish Life of Christ. We are now waiting for them to obtain cuts to go in the book. The first book is completed; the second is in process of completion. But every month I have to engage my workers wholly on the preparation of mail for America and different countries. This keeps us back, that we do not advance as we desire in bookmaking. But I am pleased to say Sister Burnham is working to advance the two I have brought into my family to fit them to prepare the articles for the papers. She thinks Maggie Hare will do good work. Minnie Hawkins is the daughter of Sister Hawkins who married Brother Lacey, father of May Lacey White. She has had years of experience in setting type in the office at Melbourne, and Sister Burnham says she is a quick worker and will make a good editor if she has some more teaching. I have great pleasure in writing you this, for they will save me the expense of transporting workers at a venture, who may do my work and may not. (11LtMs, Lt 150, 1896, 5)

Maggie Hare has been in my employ for one year. She has a very modest opinion of herself, but she is an intelligent girl and constantly progressing. I have, of course, to let matters move slowly, give these girls plenty of time, and let them advance solidly and healthfully. Marian and Sister Burnham are first. They are my dependence. I then have May Israel as bookkeeper and typist. This composes my corps of workers. (11LtMs, Lt 150, 1896, 6)

Sarah Belden is my cook. I have so feared she may leave me. Who then will take her place I am unable to say. I have had a sufficiency of colonial cooks. I do not wish to connect them with my family. I have Sister Lucas as a member of my family. She is a good seamstress. All the girls employ her to do their sewing, and she does the sewing for Willie’s family. She is a quiet, precious girl. I have taken a boy to board and pay him one shilling per week, and I find his clothing. He is thirteen years old. We number twelve, generally, but have numbered fourteen, for workers on my house have been boarding with us. I hire all washing done. Sarah Belden has nothing else to do but to cook, and has a strong girl, Edith Ward, fourteen years old, to help. I took her two years age from pity. She is a great help now. I could not do well without her. (11LtMs, Lt 150, 1896, 7)

Willie’s twin boys are growing finely. They are just three months old. May has to feed them, partially, for they are two hungry little fellows. They have fine heads. (11LtMs, Lt 150, 1896, 8)

Willie, I think, will help me as soon as he can get some one to take his place as general manager. I need him very much to help me now on book work, but I fear I cannot get him. If there was any man who could come in as manager, I should be so glad. (11LtMs, Lt 150, 1896, 9)

Do you know of anyone you could recommend to look after the financial responsibilities? Willie should give himself to preaching the Word and helping me. He has been for weeks, yes months, very much like a clock run down. He must have time to rest if it is possible for such a thing to be. He has had so little sleep for so long [that] I have had serious fears he would have apoplexy, but we shall trust in the Lord and wait patiently on Him. (11LtMs, Lt 150, 1896, 10)

Brother Olsen wants Willie and his mother to come to the next conference in Battle Creek, but Willie sees no light to go. Brother Olsen would have him take the presidency of the General Conference, but this plan is not to be entertained for a moment. Those hard-headed, hard-hearted men nearly killed him, when in Battle Creek, with their opposition and their jealousy and surmisings, and now how would it be improved when those same men have had full swing for years and been upheld and sustained in a good degree by Elder Olsen? No, I can accomplish tenfold more in Australia by my pen than I could accomplish by my presence in America. Is not this wise? The first thing would be, “Someone has told Sister White,” and in their committee meetings, Willie being present, it would be “He has informed his mother of everything done.” Things have now got into a fix, an entanglement. The conference has gone on and on until overwhelmed with debts, and an embargo is laid on everything that will promise to bring in anything, but this thing cannot go on. Edson, keep to your work. Let nothing divert you from it. (11LtMs, Lt 150, 1896, 11)

Mother.

Lt 151, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Sunnyside, Avondale, New South Wales, Australia
June 10, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children:

The American mail came. Nothing from you. We feel deeply interested in you, not only as my children but as laborers together with God. This is the greatest satisfaction to me I can possibly have—to know my children are engaged in the service of God. I sent a large mail to you one week ago, and now I send some things in this mail; but I have been very sick. I am wanting to write and tell you some things. I have used my eyes so constantly that they have been much afflicted, but the Lord is hearing prayer in my behalf. I can use them again moderately, but I am warned that I cannot endure the taxation I have endured. Next November 26 I shall be seventy years old. My mind is clear, my memory good. I am sorry no letters came from you, for I am left to conjecture this, that, and the other. I took a severe cold, speaking one week ago last Sunday in the new mill. It is the only place we can meet. Money matters are very close. We cannot advance. We need a house of worship badly. Will you ask Brother Kennett in regard to his looms? What is the price of the loom to weave carpet? (11LtMs, Lt 151, 1896, 1)

Edson, I have sent much matter to Battle Creek and to you. Please to use everything discreetly, for a crisis is now upon us. I know Brother Olsen has not done right to allow things to pass on as they have done, but, poor man, he has not got moral backbone to withstand those men. But pray. Watch every word; watch the thoughts, and keep close to the side of Jesus. (11LtMs, Lt 151, 1896, 2)

This must go now to reach the mail. (11LtMs, Lt 151, 1896, 3)

Mother.

Lt 152, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
July 5, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in TMK 328; 4Bio 255, 268.
Dear Children, Edson and Emma White:

Are you sick, children? What has been the reason that no mail has come to me for two months? Why not write me just a few words, if you cannot write more, to let me know that you are in the land of the living? (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 1)

I can only write you a few lines. W. C. White goes to Sydney tonight. Brother and Sister Rousseau leave on the Monday steamer for America. We all have been suffering with epidemic influenza. I spoke to eighty people assembled in the new mill four weeks since, took cold, and suffered considerably. We are now in midwinter. Have had several frosts, and two nights there has been ice a quarter of an inch thick. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 2)

One week ago yesterday I spoke in the upper room of the mill, partially enclosed, to eighty assembled, mostly our own people. Poor families come to the meeting who will, we think, embrace he truth. They keep Saturday and Sunday. We are so far away from where the people live it is difficult for them to come to the meeting, but they do come. It is rather a rustic place in which to meet, but when the sun shines in this country no other heating apparatus is needed. I spoke again yesterday. We had a good meeting. We shall be glad to get a meetinghouse and a school building. We are praying for means. We cannot advance until means shall come in from some source. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 3)

Our orchards are doing well—the school orchard and my own orchard. It is true; false witness has been borne in regard to this land. We can raise every kind of fruit and vegetable, but oranges, lemons, peaches, apricots, nectarines, quinces, plums, persimmons [do especially well]. We have blackberry rods just set out on our place, strawberries, ground prepared for grapes. We now have a few acres cleared. I have Harry Hawkins and Minnie Hawkins working for me. Harry and Brother Woodem [Woodhams] are making an outside chimney, for a stovepipe. I do not want a fireplace in the room, for I have no need of fire except between three o’clock and eight in the morning, and one hour before eight at night. The room gets the sun all day and is as warm as I need, even in midwinter. I have my door wide open from the time the sun shines until seven o’clock p.m. We have four fireplaces and we have fire in them only in early morning. I choose my room to have only [a] stove, just to take off the chilly feeling in midwinter, and keep doors and windows wide open. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 4)

I wish you could have had a look at us last night as May White entered my room with one of her twin boys, a sweet-faced little lad. She could not bring both. Tomorrow the twins will be three months old. They have not had a sick day; sleep much of the time. One, the last born and the least in size, Sister Lacey declares looks like their grandfather, Elder James White. The forehead is like his—full and high—but we cannot tell how they will develop. Both have nice, pretty faces and intellectual looking heads. All think a great deal of the twin boys. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 5)

We are now just sending off in this mail the first twenty chapters to Pacific Press. I cannot conscientiously have my book go through the press at Battle Creek. There has been so little dealing upon straight lines of principle, I can put but little reliance in anything they may say. If the devil tempts them to make it hard and trying for me, they will not see, they will not discern the evil. Judging from the past, therefore, I shall not place Life of Christ in their hands. I am sorry, so sorry. I wish you could, Edson, have the oversight of the book, but I will not make any call upon you. I am more than rejoiced to see you doing service to the Master, and I hope you will put your trust in God decidedly and surrender yourself to Him and make the Lord your dependence and your strong tower. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 6)

I learned after the mail had gone that there was not one copy sent to you, my son, of the writings I sent to Battle Creek. They had used all the copies before I had any knowledge of it. But I sent the same to Battle Creek and to Professor Prescott. He must have everything, as he will be at the General Conference. Willie cannot leave the work here, but he must be with me and help me some, which he has not had time to do. He has much responsibilities to carry now. I am sorry for him, but God can help him. We do hunger, we thirst, after righteousness. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 7)

I dare not think my own thoughts, for indignation comes upon me at times when I think how men in Battle Creek have supposed they could take the place of God and order and dictate and lord it over men’s minds and talents—an endowment given them in trust from God to improve every day, trade upon, and if these talents cannot be placed to the control of men, to be in service to do their will, then they make those men have a difficult path to travel. They act just as though they were in God’s place, to deal with their fellow men as if they were machines. I cannot respect their wisdom nor have faith in their Christianity, for the life is a misrepresentation of the life of Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 8)

You have felt all this, but now what must we do? Believe in God for your individual self, trust in Him in whom there is no variableness nor shadow of turning. You must exercise faith in God through evil report as well as good. You must cultivate the thought that you are not alone. All your steps are watched by the Lord. You are encompassed with vigilant angels. Then banish every depressing, gloomy feeling. Love God, fear His holy name, for He is high and exalted and the train of His glory fills the temple. Oh, trust Him, my dear children. Let not your faith fail, neither be discouraged. The Holy Spirit is at work to make your life trustful, pure, clean, and holy. The Lord is nigh, active in your behalf. Always believe that there are ministering angels by your side, directed to bear you up in their hands lest you fail and become discouraged. As the angels ministered unto Jacob, so certainly will they minister unto all of the Lord’s humble, contrite ones, for He will revive the heart of the humble; He will revive the contrite ones. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 9)

Reach up, my children, higher and still higher, taking hold of one line of faith after another. Walk and work in love to God and the poor oppressed ones, and the Lord will be your helper. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” [John 1:51.] Jesus the precious Saviour, the Son of the living God, is the ladder uniting the celestial world with the terrestrial. His divinity lays hold of the throne of God. His humanity touches the earth. His human arm encircles the entire human race. Through Jesus Christ the angelic ministrations in love, in comfort, in reproof, in light, reach us. Oh thank the Lord, for He is good, and His mercies endure forever. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 10)

The Lord has given you both talents to use, and in using these talents as He intended they should be used, you will have increased aptitude and wisdom and clear, spiritual eyesight to understand His work. Your mind and eyes must watch for His appearing, your ears [must be] open to hear the faintest whisperings of His voice. Your knees He has made; use them in kneeling in prayer. He is your strength. By faith take hold of the Unseen. Let your feet be shod with the preparation of the gospel for running obediently in the way of His commandments. Your tongue and voice are a talent given you of God to tell the story of His life, of His lessons, of His death, or His resurrection, of His ascension. Your bodily strength is to be devoted to the Master in fighting the good fight of faith on the battlefield, overcoming His enemies with “It is written.” Your sympathies and energies belong to God. Use them to glorify your Redeemer. God help you, my children. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 11)

We are now very much crippled for resources. Here we are without money. We have our drafts sent on [the] Echo office, and they have no money in the treasury; and we have a number of families of poor folk on our list. We had a cow we gave, with the exception of one pound [in payment], to a poor family who needed milk. Our family number from thirteen to sixteen. Thirteen is the standing number—poor workers, depending on their wages. We are educating Maggie Hare and Minnie Hawkins to do my editing. Shall not send for Mary Clough. Seems to me I have had enough of that kind of help. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 12)

Well, I expect Willie, every moment, to go take the mail down to Sydney. Next week another mail goes, and I will then send you additional copies. I shall send this to Battle Creek, for I expect you must be there, but I wish I could understand what this silence means. But I say to you, my son, let not a thought of how you have been treated enter your mind. I care only for my Lord Jesus Christ. I am ashamed for my Saviour to have His precious character misrepresented, but Edson, I have no directions to give you, only to have your heart a home for Jesus. Then you will have no envy, no revenge, but only His tenderness and His sympathy and His love, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. It is a blessed thing to “be still and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] Silence, when you are charged unjustly, is eloquent. To answer back will not avail anything. Let the peace of God rule in your heart, and be ye thankful. Oh, I am so glad that the Lord Jesus did reach down His arm to save you, to bless you, uphold you, because you put your entire trust in Him, and are obedient. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 13)

I must close this letter. I only thought it possible for me to write one page. I send no other letters than this to America, for my workers are copying matters for the mail for W. C. White. I am pleased to say we are all enjoying good health. I am surprised at the amount of work I have done in writing letters in answer to Wessels from South Africa, who is in some trouble, and letters to Professor Prescott and Elder Haskell, and letters to London to Elder Waggoner. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 14)

The carriage has come. It is nearly dark. God bless you, my dear children. You fill a large place in my heart and in my prayers. I seem to think you are in Battle Creek. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 15)

Mother.

I send you this copy. Please to copy and give a copy to Brother Tenney and Henry Kellogg. I think Brother Olsen has this; also Brother Henry. But you may need all these things to refer to. Not one syllable had come to me from J. E. White in complaint of A. R. Henry. Others have had something to say, but the Lord has presented to me his dangers. I expect nothing else but he will say, as he has always done, “Somebody has been telling Sister White.” This shows that he has no faith in my mission or testimony, and yet Brother Olsen has made him his right hand man. May God pity our poor, deluded, deceived people is my prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 152, 1896, 16)

Lt 153, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
July 9, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in FBS 72; 4Bio 255-257.
Dear Children:

I have not had a line from you for more than two months. It will be three months when next American mail is received. I try not to feel anxious, and keep saying, The Lord knows if I do not; I will trust everything in His hands. My last letter I sent to Battle Creek, thinking you might possibly be there, directing, “Please forward.” I hope you have received all the letters I have sent with their enclosures. (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 1)

Mary Clough Watson has offered her services to me. What think you? I have written to her an answer. Will send you a copy if I can get the matter copied for this mail. I feel deeply in earnest to do the will of God, but will she make me trouble or will she be converted? I must say, I have my fears. Will she know how to help me? We are now doing very well. Maggie Hare is an excellent girl and is taking the place Fannie occupied in furnishing the paper with articles. Maggie is the very opposite of Fannie, who would nearly make those who worked with her wild with her nervous movements. But I am now free and shall hope to keep eight thousand miles of water between her and me. She was always in a fidget and made others nervous. (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 2)

Monday last was July 6. Willie’s twin boys are doing well. The mother is very motherly, and if the children did not sleep so much she would have quite a trial of her steadfast perseverance to tend one, then attend to the other. They seem to be healthy babes. Willie has just returned from Sydney and Marian is in a great perplexity about cuts she wishes to go out in this mail, but it must be under his inspection, else she refuses they shall go. (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 3)

I hope to hear that you are not sick. I will be faithful to write you every mail. I am in perplexity to know what Elder Olsen is going to do with the consolidation business. It is a mistake to reach out for more power when they have so deficient a faculty to manage even what they now have. There should be no more reaching out for responsibility until the responsibilities which they now have are managed by men who love and fear God. Corruption will be carried into every conference until there is brought into the publishing office and the General Conference a refined, purified, ennobling principle. I feel sorry for Elder Olsen. He thought if he should manifest confidence in A. R. Henry and keep him traveling about from state to state he would be converted, but the conversion has been the other way. (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 4)

We are safe only as we make God our trust. He is our sufficiency in all things, at all times, and in all places. I wish I could see you but I must not wish impossible things. (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 5)

My health is very good now. I am very careful not to eat suppers—not to eat or to drink—and I feel much better. I have now, for years, refused a variety of dishes. I eat the square crackers. I put them in the oven until they are brittle, then eat a couple of baked apples, sometimes pumpkin pie and crackers. (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 6)

The less of a variety I indulge in, the better I am healthwise, and my head is clear. I thought I should always suffer with inaction of the bowels after my long eleven months’ sickness. For four years the difficulty seemed to be centered in the lower part of the spine. I have had to depend on spring seats and cushions wherever I have traveled, but, children, I have prayed. I asked of God in earnest prayer to help me, to heal me. It is since the new year came in, 1896, I sent to Sydney for springs to make a spring seat, but it did not prove restful. I laid it aside and said, Lord, I will have faith in Thee. I have had faith. I laid aside the spring seats, have only a cushion, and from that time the pain which has been a fixture for four years left me and my bowels act naturally. Thus it has been for several months. I am like a new creature, and my head is clear most of the time. I seldom know what headache is except I take cold, and that is not often. Do you not think I have reason to praise God with heart and soul and voice? This is a miracle, nothing less. I am so glad. (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 7)

Minnie Hawkins and Maggie Hare I now have being educated by Sister Eliza Burnham. They are girls that make me no trouble, and although my family now number thirteen I am getting along better than I have done for years. (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 8)

I send more matter to Battle Creek this month, and now I believe my duty is done. I am very anxious to hear from Battle Creek. I get no particulars from any source as to how my letters, which have reached them recently, are received. They are, as you well know, very close, but I dare not hold my peace. (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 9)

I hope, Edson, you will cling to God. We know not what the developments will be in Battle Creek. There will be a turning and overturning, but God is our Ruler; God is our Judge. The Lord is soon to come, and when the Lord cometh “shall he find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:8.] Unless the “days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved.” [Matthew 24:22.] (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 10)

It is very unbecoming now for any one of the ministers or the church members to become self-sufficient, masterful in spirit, manifesting ruling properties, lording it over God’s heritage. Let every mouth say with solemn, deep solemnity, “I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” [Galatians 2:20.] “Without me,” said Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 11)

The great enemy never slumbers nor sleeps. He has his important work to do to deceive and subvert souls. We must keep a spiritual wakefulness, never get into a groove. It was while men slept that the enemy stole into the field and sowed his tares. It is while the watchmen are not vigilant, not sounding the danger signal, that Satan gets in his false propositions and resolutions through unconsecrated men. God help us now to watch unto prayer, to pray without ceasing, and trust not in finite men nor depend on any fleshly power. (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 12)

God will give every man wisdom who comes to Him for power and grace and sufficiency. We are to bear in mind His Word, and be full of courage and faith and trust. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] I feel like praising the Lord every time I read these words. How good and gracious is our God to gave us such precious promises! (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 13)

And again the Lord speaks of His being misused, dishonored. “But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honored me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. Thou hast brought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices; but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” [Isaiah 43:22-25.] (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 14)

This is the true picture of the many who feel competent to order and to dictate and rule others as with a rod of iron. Isaiah 43:22-28. Again I say, let us hide self in Jesus. We must have a deep and living experience in the things of God. We must walk humbly with God. We must have an individuality ourselves in Jesus Christ, and the Lord will be our sun and our shield. Enoch walked with God. We may walk with God. We must keep the communication open between God and our own souls. The Lord God is our God. We will praise Him. (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 15)

Good night. (11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, 16)

Mother.

Lt 154, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
NP
August 2, 1896
Portions of this letter is published in FBS 72-73.
Dear Children:

I wish to express to you my gratitude to God that He has been furnishing me with talent right in our midst, Maggie Hare and Minnie Hawkins. Brother Lacey, the father of Willie’s wife, married Mrs. Hawkins, who had four girls and two sons. Minnie is the second girl in the family. She worked in the printing office in North Fitzroy for some years. She lamed her ankle in some way and it was a serious matter. There were fears she could never walk again without much suffering, but thanks be to God she is now, after one year of suffering, firm on her feet again and is hearty and strong. Sister Burnham has been disciplining her, and she is editing short articles and is doing well. She is a girl of promise. Her being a practical typesetter, much matter has been committed to her without anyone editing the matter, and she has become quite an excellent proofreader. I have employed her at two dollars per week. Sister Hare has two dollars and a half per week; so has May Israel, my bookkeeper. All these are excellent girls. (11LtMs, Lt 154, 1896, 1)

Maggie does all my editing now, and copying on typewriter. She takes discourses in shorthand and writes them out. She was just discouraged that she could not get work. Fannie failed me, and she has been a great tax to me since she came to Australia. She left me for America in April, and she told me she wished to come back again. I told her I had no light to say one word of encouragement in this line. She urged me to say she might come back if she would pay her own fare. I could not do this. And, Edson, I never want her connected with me again. She would talk to my workers, especially Marian, and get her stirred up so that I could hardly get along with Marian. She was like another person, infused with a spirit that was excitable and inexplainable. Now Fannie is gone, she is herself, just as peaceable as she used to be. The workers now are wholesome, healthy, and kind, and of value to me. I am so pleased. May Israel goes down to help Willie when the time comes for American mail. She is there today, August 2. Mail steamer leaves for America from Sydney tomorrow. (11LtMs, Lt 154, 1896, 2)

I shall attend Adelaide meeting, leaving Sydney the last of September. This will be the important meeting for Australia this year. Sister Sarah Belden and Sister Burnham leave for America the last of September—28th. Sister Lucas, my seamstress, takes her place as cook with my little maid, Edith Ward, fourteen years old. The work will go on just the same. (11LtMs, Lt 154, 1896, 3)

We have received letters from Lillian Gilbert that she has had three bleeding spells. I fear greatly for her, while Byron’s death is vividly before me. Byron Belden was a treasure. (11LtMs, Lt 154, 1896, 4)

I believe the Lord will open the way before me. Brother Olsen writes for Willie and his mother (if possible) to come to next General Conference, but we can neither of us leave the work here now. We have had no money to invest in school buildings or in meetinghouse. I have sent for the loan of one thousand pounds from South Africa. If I can get this, I can then loan it to the school to commence their work of building. We do not see our way clear to leave Australia. You see how things are at Battle Creek. (11LtMs, Lt 154, 1896, 5)

Mother.

Lt 155, 1896

White, J. E.
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
August 10, 1896
Previously unpublished.
[Edson White:]

Why am I so disturbed in mind in regard to you, my son? Why is it that a heavy burden lies on my heart, like a stone pressing it? I am in trouble, distressed. I ought not to be thus, for it means inability to sleep and such exhaustion that I can scarcely breathe. My dreams are not pleasant concerning you. Your spirit, your words, were complaining. Your pen was tracing words that were not dictated by the Spirit of God. You were complaining, and the root of bitterness has been springing up in your heart, whereby many would be defiled. You were writing, and a hand was laid upon your shoulder and words were spoken to you: (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 1)

“Bring not railing accusations against anyone. All will react upon you and discourage you and will harm you, and will uproot faith in the work God has given you to do. You are stepping out of the plain path the Lord has marked out for you.” (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 2)

The Lord has graciously warned you for your own soul’s peace, for the peace of those who are engaged in His work, not to enter into debt. There are to be great changes made in the Lord’s institutions. Your attitude must be of an entirely different character than that which you are now assuming. Make straight paths for your feet lest the lame be turned out of the way. Your spirit must change, not to bruise but to restore. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 3)

What a work is before you if you keep yoked up with Christ! Walk and work under Christ’s yoke. Learn of Christ, who is meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest to your soul. It is a snare to you to engage in financial enterprises. It is a snare to you to step so quickly and readily under the yoke of dependence and slavery to the tyrant debt. It is not wise for you to encourage flattering hope of monies to come from any source at any time, at present or in the future. It is a curse to you, and will prove the ruin of your influence. Move not one step in uncertainty. Here is your great weakness. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 4)

You are again passing over the ground where you have failed again and again. You bring burdens upon your fellow laborers that are all unnecessary. If you heed the warnings God has given you, you will have peace, but whenever you advance one step on this forbidden ground you are under Satan’s power of temptation. You are under a galling yoke and you then are blaming others of their neglect of duty to you, when it is your own devising and entering into the temptation of Satan that sets you in a track that brings discomfiture and unrest to you and leads you to accuse others unjustly. Things appear all wrong to you. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 5)

When you engage in any enterprise that absorbs means, have that means first in your own possession. “Owe no man anything.” [Romans 13:8.] Hath not God wrought in your behalf and in behalf of His cause in which He has made you His agent to work under His directions? Has He not warned you, for your good and for the good of others, to keep in the straight line of duty that God may be honored? Whatever shame and reproach may fall upon you for neglecting to follow to the exact letter the directions given, will cause you sorrow and inconvenience. But that is not all. You involve others; you bring upon other souls burdens on your account and then open the door to temptations that hurt their soul and your soul. You are not to be discouraged, but are to consider that the army of God is fully able to go up and possess the goodly land, unless that army is disqualified by moral inability, which is disregard of light in warnings and instruction given of God, which is their sin in His sight. His name is dishonored when individual influence diverts means [that] is greatly needed in the cause and work of God in these last days of peril. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 6)

Every human agent, if success shall attend his efforts, must not refer to the ample resources of the church for an excuse to invest means in any line that is not positively necessary, even if that means is in his own power to control. The church of God is to be constantly working for the ingathering of souls to strengthen the kingdom of God. They are themselves to walk in the self-denying, self-sacrificing footsteps of Jesus Christ our Leader. All should be binding about their individual wants and evidence to the world that the Lord’s treasury has a sufficiency to supply the necessity of the great missionary field because self-denial and self-sacrifice is woven all through their religious experience. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 7)

The Lord saith He will accomplish His part with resources if His servants will not hedge up the way by diverting His resources into wrong channels. His name is dishonored by the empty treasury, which is wholly due to the selfishness of the human agents who do not consecrate themselves and their whole mind and hearts to be controlled by the great Master Worker. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 8)

He knew what it was to hunger, to thirst, to be weary. He, the Majesty of heaven, declared, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20. For our sakes He became poor that we through His poverty might be made rich. Shame and reproaches fall on Jesus Christ when there is, through selfishness in our churches, a disregard of the missionary work to be zealously carried forward nigh and afar off. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 9)

The churches that claim to believe we have the last message of warning to be given to our world are called upon by the greatest, the most self-denying Missionary that ever trod the earthly soil. “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.” Matthew 11:29, 30. “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Mark 8:34. The Lord Jesus demands action and co-operation. This is His preordained order. There need not ever be a retrograde movement in this holy, aggressive work. This is the time when skepticism and disloyalty to Jesus Christ are prevalent and they are entering into churches. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 10)

The pure, clean, unadulterated Bible truth must be preached with power. No man whose heart is divided can do this. It is the whole heart, soul, mind, and strength which God requires—moving forward and upward, constantly advancing in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice. And the Lord will take care of the results. There are to be no backward steps taken. It is the Holy Spirit that removes the veil from the eyes that there will be a seeing of Him who is invisible. Then there will be the opening of the chambers of the mind to the Word of God and the opening of the soul temple to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. When the Lord is in the midst of His people there is strength, there is power, always. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 11)

August 15

My son, I have counsel to give you. Never incur a debt. Look upon the temptation to do this as from the devil. I have hoped you had learned from the things you have suffered to keep clear from approaching on this forbidden ground. I had hoped, I have prayed, that the Lord would lift up for you a standard against the enemy upon this point, and yet from the way things are presented to me I greatly fear that your weakness on this point has not been overcome. The word God has given to you is to become a Bible student. You are to preach the Word, to be instant in season, out of season. You may love Christ; you may, if wholly consecrated, do a good work. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 12)

You have had a rich experience in the trust and hope you have cherished in God. Why imperil your religious experience? Come close to the side of Jesus. Let every needless, cheap work be weeded out from your conversation. Let your endeavor be to maintain the general spiritual tone of Christian character, always aiming to reach the highest standard. Let nothing weaken your influence in your religious work. Do not venture into schemes that demand money and in this way become a bondman. Make every effort to keep working in God’s lines. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 13)

I wish I could make my voice heard across the broad Pacific Ocean to your brethren, Do not injure and imperil the soul of Edson White by loaning him money. This borrowing money has kept him under the yoke of a species of slavery. Those who grant you the favor of a loan do not understand it proves no favor but a positive curse. Time is short. You want to preserve a healthful, wholesome influence every day and every hour. In this way you can prove yourself a vessel unto honor. Through the grace given you of Christ, you are to keep the consciousness of your own freedom in Christ Jesus, and that you are a laborer together with God. The saving grace of God will give you a clear evidence that your life is one with Christ Jesus. You know not how long your life may last. While your life is spared, carry with you peace, happiness, and joy. Christ’s joy, if abiding in you, will make your joy full. Your only safety is in living in the light of the presence of God. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 14)

Cultivate the habit of earnest prayer. If you do this, you will be growing into the habit of unconsciously exerting a special, fragrant influence always on the Lord’s side. Is this too much for the Lord to require of His blood-bought heritage? Many believe truth in a general way, but they do not love the truth in all its principles. They have not that faith which works by love and sanctifies the soul. Assenting to the truth and not living the truth robs it of its practical force upon other minds. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 15)

Christian workers, so-called, will honor God or dishonor Him. All who are in any way connected with the work of God must sanctify themselves to the pure and sacred and holy work. The hands must be clean, the heart pure, the intellect sanctified with a determined purpose of exerting every possible God-given capability, that they can truly be called Christian workers. They may labor safely with the lower classes when they are humble, devoted, and sanctified wholly through the truth. They can, if the love of God be in the soul, speak words that are simple, yet clean and holy and uplifting. God would require of us individually to do our best. How would thorough consecration to the work, cooperating with God, exalt and ennoble the most humble life! Edson, fight the good fight of faith, resist temptation. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 16)

August 20, 1896

I was in a meeting in America last night. There were many assembled. I was moved by the Holy Spirit to bear a testimony to those assembled. I was speaking earnestly: (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 17)

God cannot do more for His heritage than He has done to secure their salvation. God has Himself provided the agencies in human beings that they shall co-operate with Him in the great missionary work. His work is not to be accomplished in any haphazard way, or in a magical way. God calls for co-partners in His great work. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 18)

The majority of professed Christian churches are not doing the very work dearest to the heart of Jesus Christ. They are not seeking most earnestly to bring man back to his loyalty to God in teaching obedience to His commandments. The light is shining in its full plenitude of resources in and through Jesus Christ, the great Master Worker. Human agents are to reach human agents through the most earnest sympathy and love. There is not one idler in the vineyard who, if he continues thus, will enter into the joy of our Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 19)

“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.” [Luke 10:2.] We need daily conversion to God to qualify us individually for the work to be done in our world. The line is being drawn more distinctly between the loyal and true children of God, obedient to all of His commandments, and those who are making void the law of God by precept and example. We need to strengthen and to intensify our own conceptions of individual duty by earnest prayer and entire consecration to God, that we may shine as lights in our world, illuminate the darkness of the world, increase the faith, and awaken zeal in hearts that are cold and languishing. First we ourselves need to be perfectly converted, that we may afterward strengthen our brethren. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 20)

Prayer—incessant, earnest, persevering prayer—is heard in heaven. We need our own souls disciplined for the honored position of being in co-partnership with Jesus Christ, in the work and companionship of heavenly angels. Truth that thrills the soul is to be presented—grand truths in simple language, short discourses right to the point. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 21)

Who cares less and less for self and self-pleasing and is constantly enthused with the great desire that his Redeemer shall be glorified? Who can and will take in the situation and leave their pleasant homes and conveniences and go out into new places, triumphing over selfishness, which has such a power over minds as to paralyze their love for God and for their fellow men? (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 22)

Cannot we discern the signs of the times? Cannot we see the end of all things is at hand? Cannot we see that, individually, self-pleasing must be overcome, that individually we must accept the yoke of Christ and learn His meekness, His lowliness, and find rest and pleasure in devoting our life to the service of God? Verily “the Lord hath need of them.” [Matthew 21:3.] (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 23)

Let every one dress plainly, neatly, with economy. Much can be saved to extend the truth that is now expended in dress. Have you love to God, supreme love? Then it will surely be evidenced in good works to our fellow men. Employ your God-given talents to His name’s glory. Communicate that which you have received. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 24)

September 8

I am so pained in my mind and heart I cannot sleep. It is now half past eleven o’clock, but the burden presses me heavily. I see you perplexed, and I see you excited. I see letters enclosed in envelopes and mailed. What is the matter? You were much excited. I was conversing with you and said, Edson, you are not to move rashly in anything. You are disappointed. If anyone has flattered you with hopes that you have not realized, it was not a wise thing for them to do; but have you not passed over the same ground with similar results? Why should you catch at a word and encourage yourself to expect that help from human beings which has led you into investing means again by borrowing? You need to hear what God saith unto you. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 25)

Please read again the cautions given you. It is these disappointments, it is these expectations not realized, that have made you exceedingly unhappy. Then you write words and criminations that should find place in the fire rather than to be mailed. If you had heeded the Word of God, if you had been resolute and firm to resist temptation, never to put the yoke of debt upon your neck, then you would save yourself and your brethren great sorrow and many perplexities that will try the soul. You want to devote time and money to help forward the work where you are laboring. You are required of God to employ all your influence in doing the very work the Lord has made so successful in your hands. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 26)

The judgments of God are in our world. We need to consider this is the beginning of the end. We are living in a most solemn period of this earth’s history. Do not spoil the work God would accomplish through you by any course of action that shall arouse the old prejudices in human minds, by giving them any evidence that you cannot be trusted in the use of means, that in handling means you will lose sight of everything but the projects you have created. Your work is to live the truth in character, to reveal the right spirit always, and give no place to the devil. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 27)

Some time ago—nearly one year ago—a letter came to me from one of your friends that you sometimes spoke in haste and did not realize the effect of your words. You were conversing with someone. He did not agree with you on some points, and you said something in regard to how a testimony would be after him and show him what was right. This was repeated to some others, and they did harm with your words. They said, “When a testimony comes to me, I shall consider Edson has been writing to his mother, and then it comes to us in the name of a testimony.” (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 28)

I entreat you to be very careful in regard to making any remarks of this character, because any such words would be placing a stumbling block in the way of souls tempted of the devil to have an excuse to discard the testimonies. What gentleness and courtesy, as well as a sanctified heart, is necessary at all times that we shall preserve a sweet, wholesome influence. And in and through Jesus you know by experience this can be done. (11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, 29)

Lt 156, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Ashfield, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
September 7, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 138.
Dear Children:

We left Cooranbong Friday. Sara accompanied me to this place for the purpose of meeting Elder Farnsworth and wife and speaking to the church in Ashfield. Brother and Sister Farnsworth and Elder Israel met with the Parramatta church Sabbath forenoon. Brother Farnsworth spoke to the church, and they said they had an excellent meeting. I spoke to those assembled in Ashfield. The house was well filled and the Lord gave me of His Holy Spirit, both forenoon and afternoon, and Sunday afternoon. Brother Farnsworth said a few words Sunday afternoon, and in the evening the church was well filled. On Sabbath afternoon there was a testimony meeting and the Lord Jesus was in our midst. (11LtMs, Lt 156, 1896, 1)

I had not been to Sydney and suburbs for months, and after the meetings closed the church people pressed around me and expressed their great pleasure in seeing me and hearing me once more. The Lord gave me a message for them of comfort, of hope, and of courage. We were introduced to quite a number who were not in the faith, but investigating. There are souls continually coming into the church, uniting with us, but who go from Sydney to locate in other places to get employment and to let their light shine forth in new places. (11LtMs, Lt 156, 1896, 2)

It requires moral courage to step out and accept the truth, for the Sabbath is a cross and cuts directly across their worldly prospects. But few business firms will consent to employ workmen who will not work on Saturday because they conscientiously observe that day sacredly unto the Lord. Yet there are families, entire families, embracing the truth, some by reading, others as the result of the camp meeting held in Ashfield, and others by tent meetings held since the Ashfield meetings. (11LtMs, Lt 156, 1896, 3)

Money matters are very close; it is not a little perplexing how to manage to make the shillings and pounds go the longest way and accomplish the most good. I dismissed my workers a couple of weeks ago, but took on another company of workers who were verily destitute of food to eat and clothing to wear. One, Brother Parcels by name, had taken a little fruit farm, to raise peas and vegetables also, but the frost cut off his peas. I gave him a cow. Until he has fruit for sale, he will not have anything coming in. I learned the family were reduced so that they had lived only on squash for several days. I told him to come and I would give him work in making garden, putting in seed. This man has a wife converted from the Catholics, a fine, intelligent woman, a dressmaker. He was a sewing machine agent. They have four children to care for and very nice children they are. I cannot let this family be distressed for food and clothing. I sent my hired man, my horses and plow, and he broke up the land for them. It took him about one week to do this. (11LtMs, Lt 156, 1896, 4)

Then there is a family in whom I am much interested named Matthews. They are Wesleyans. They attended the Bible institute meetings held in Cooranbong, and they became interested but have not fully taken their stand. They have a farm in the bush, as it is called here. They have taken up government land and have fenced it and set out orchard and improved it for three years. In two more years they will have their deed to the place—forty acres of excellent land. But he could get no work. He is a good carpenter. They have had scarcely anything to eat all winter, and he is talking of throwing up his land and moving away to South Africa, and all he has expended on it will be lost to them. I urged them to secure the place first, and then they could sell it if they wished to move away. I sent for him to come to my place, and I would find him work to do in making several large gates and doing such things for one pound per week and [they] board themselves, but I always have them sit at the table and take their noon meal with us, and I make them no extra charge for their dinner. (11LtMs, Lt 156, 1896, 5)

And still another hearty working man has a family living at Parramatta. He came to Cooranbong to strip the bark from my wattle trees, for tanning leather. He earned something at this. While others charged him for the bark, I gave him that which he took from my place. I have set him at work at one pound per week [and] board himself, but we furnish him food from our table to help him as much as possible. (11LtMs, Lt 156, 1896, 6)

And there is one man named Leonard, who came one year ago inquiring for work. He had buried his wife and three children, and he felt inconsolable, incapable of doing anything. He just sat in the graveyard and mourned and wept all the time. The police took his case in hand and told him he could not allow it. The second time he spoke to him he told him if he did not go to work he would shut him up in the lockup. Then he did not know what to do. He inquired for work, but was so disconsolate no one would employ him. (11LtMs, Lt 156, 1896, 7)

He was told by someone to come to Mrs. White’s place; she might find something for him to do. He had been so tempted. He said he had walked toward the creek and said, “I will end this matter by throwing myself into the creek.” But he thought, “I will wait one day more.” That was the day he came to my place and was taken in and work given him clearing the land. For several months he has had one pound per week and board himself. As soon as he obtained money, he bought him some clothing and attended Sabbath meetings, and works on Sunday. He is an intelligent worker, but cannot read. We find many men and women who cannot read. (11LtMs, Lt 156, 1896, 8)

When my funds were getting so low, I was compelled to discharge him and several others but he was loath to leave. He built him a little bark shanty. He had a little tent. He cooked his own food. I gave him a mattress and pillow, flannel blankets for sheets, and nice warm comfortable [comforter] for his bed. He was the most thankful man I ever saw. He has had no work for a long time. He knew he could not get work unless from Willie or from me. But he would not leave to go on anyone’s premises but the school ground or on my farm. I called on him again to help us get ready to put in our crops and to clear the land for sweet corn. We have about ten acres cleared now, all ready for our crops. It is no small job to clear land from trees so large that when down the body of the trees are higher than my head. They are one hundred feet high, and some of the roots are two and three feet through. (11LtMs, Lt 156, 1896, 9)

In two weeks will send you a letter, if the Lord will. I am not fit to write you more now. (11LtMs, Lt 156, 1896, 10)

Lt 157, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
September 9, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children:

We returned to our home Monday evening. Brother and Sister Farnsworth accompanied us. Found our horses and two conveyances to take us to our home. Tuesday, appointment was made for Brother and Sister Farnsworth to take my two-horse team and ride over the school grounds. They are very much pleased with the school grounds and especially our location and the improvements we have made. They are delighted with it all. (11LtMs, Lt 157, 1896, 1)

We appointed a meeting in the afternoon. In forenoon all were to take their dinners and eat in the grove, and then have a social meeting. We were surprised to see such a turnout. We had a sharp shower, so we had to go into the place of meeting in the upper room above the sawmill. The rain just poured down, and we did not know as the voice of Elder Farnsworth could be heard, but it soon ceased and we had a good meeting. There was another meeting appointed in the evening, and there was a goodly number assembled—some not of our faith. All were highly pleased and benefitted with the meeting. He spoke of the rise and progress of the work in the earlier years, and how we had so many perplexities and discouragements and yet we would not fail nor be discouraged. We pressed through by faith and prayer and hard work, and obstacles gave way. (11LtMs, Lt 157, 1896, 2)

I am glad we have some help in this country. Elder Rousseau and wife have gone to America. They will be at the conference, I expect. She expects to receive treatment at our sanitarium. (11LtMs, Lt 157, 1896, 3)

One or two good-sized boats with passengers left here at ten o’clock a.m. to take a view of the river and lake. The river called Dora Creek borders the school land on one side. This arm of the river is not a broad expanse of water, and that is why they name it creek. But it is a beautiful river. They row about six miles and come into the lake. On both sides you can see the houses dotted among the forests and fruit orchards. The scenery is delightful. Nearly all our family went except Edith, my little maid fourteen years old, Sara McEnterfer, and your mother. (11LtMs, Lt 157, 1896, 4)

We have only hired help—five men in number—all employed because they are in suffering need, every one of them. We do not expect to see Brother and Sister Farnsworth again until we meet them in Adelaide, Australia, at the camp meeting, which will be in about three weeks. Willie, Sara, and I will attend that meeting. (11LtMs, Lt 157, 1896, 5)

Well, I can scarcely write you today, for I am somewhat let down after speaking three times, twice on Sabbath and once on Sunday. This morning I could scarcely collect my thoughts to write you. I am feeling not quite as nerve shattered after dinner. Willie’s twins are darling babies. They generally sleep all night without waking. They do not wake crying but cooing good naturedly. They are a precious treasure. (11LtMs, Lt 157, 1896, 6)

We are in the midst of planting trees and sowing seeds and breaking up the fallow ground, clearing the land for corn and vegetables. We have quite a vineyard and hope to receive fruit from our peach trees some of which are in bloom now. Spring has come [to be] with us, and showers for the land have been abundant. We feel that the blessing of the Lord is resting on the land, and it will yield its treasures. (11LtMs, Lt 157, 1896, 7)

Mother.

Lt 158, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Adelaide, South Australia
October 1896
Portions of this letter is published in 8MR 252; SpTA #7 64.
Dear Children:

We are on the campground, Parkside. It is a large park covered with nature’s green velvet carpet. There are sixty tents already up, and the grounds are extended and level as a floor. We left our home—W. C. White, Sara, and your mother—October 2. Arrived at Ashfield about one o’clock. Made our home at Brother Semmens’. Sabbath program was made out in time. I was to speak at New Town Sabbath afternoon at three p.m. I was taken three miles to the place of meeting by Brother Robb, a cab driver. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 1)

I had a most solemn message for the people on the subject of tithe and offerings. Some present had claimed to be unable to see the tithe question. Were they incapable of perception to discern this question, as old and far back as the days of Abraham? After he made the conquest over kings and recovered [the] goods stolen from the inhabitants of Sodom, and the captives, and returned them to the king of Sodom, “Melchizedek king of Salem”—the representative of Jesus Christ—“brought forth bread and wine:”—not fermented—“and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: and blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.” [Genesis 14:18-20.] I read verse by verse Malachi, chapters three and four. I never gave a more close and searching message than that day, Sabbath, October 3, 1896. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 2)

I thank the Lord for this precious season, for the power of the Spirit of God was upon me. The light of truth flashed its solemn, sacred beams into the chambers of my heart and mind to communicate to those who were in great need of being stirred up by putting them in remembrance. “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:16.] (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 3)

I rode back to Brother Semmens’ and wrote out some things of truth that were burdening my mind, and that little time in the evening and Sunday I wrote forty pages of letter paper. Sabbath forenoon W. C. White spoke at Parramatta, having, he reports, an excellent meeting. In afternoon he spoke to a little company that needed help nearer Sydney. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 4)

Sunday evening, October 4, I spoke by appointment in the Ashfield church which was full of interested listeners. W. C. White escorted me to the meeting and was by appointment to attend a business meeting at Parramatta. I was left alone to conduct the meeting. A brother, elder of the church, gave out the hymns. I opened the meeting by prayer, and the Lord again gave me a most solemn message to bear to those assembled. Light came in, pouring its bright beams into my soul, and the power of God was upon me. I was speaking in reference to the short period of time in which we have to work. I read from Ephesians 2:1-8. I know that Jesus Christ was in our midst. I know that His heavenly angels were present. I felt their presence. The atmosphere seemed holy, and how I longed that everyone should breathe it in! (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 5)

After I had closed my discourse, I made application of the truth to those who were present. I asked all to consider their responsibility to God, to bear in mind that every day we live we are, by our own course of action, deciding our own destiny for life or for death. I begged them to consider their responsibility to God and return to Him in interested, earnest service all the powers God had given them in talents of money, in talents of influence. He has bought all these to be used to His name’s glory, and in exercising the talents given, they increase, and there is more ability to dedicate to God. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 6)

The Lord means that we shall increase, that we shall grow in favor with God and man. A moral transformation of character will take place in every believer, making the sinner a child of God, an heir of heaven and joint heir with Jesus Christ. I presented the rich treasures of grace given us all in rich abundance with the gift of Jesus Christ to our world. God calls for a recognition of His gifts and an acknowledgement of the same with such a type of Bible Christianity as will satisfy Christ and demonstrate to the world that we are drinking freely of the waters of life. Our Christian sentiments will be in harmony with the character of Christ. This is a genuine experience, which leaves its impression upon the mind and character of those with whom we associate. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 7)

All who live to do real service for Jesus Christ do not have a large estimate of themselves, but they covet the best gifts. They win success by their usefulness. They are constantly increasing in attainments, going onward, onward to victory. The whole universe of heaven co-operates with the human agent who will press on and on to complete victory. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 8)

I asked all to rise who would that day, October 4, 1896, make most determined effort in and through Jesus Christ to be overcomers, who would now make more determined effort to purify and cleanse the soul by faith in Jesus Christ. Nearly the whole congregation were on their feet. I then asked them to bow before God and by the eye of faith to see Jesus in our very midst, ready to take away their sins and impart to them His righteousness. This was a victory gained. Those not of our faith wept and they also arose, and I believe Jesus heard our prayers. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 9)

Am broken off here in my writing. One has come to return a favor and Sara tells me a little bit she has learned. I must now give you a little interesting incident of a man who arrived in camp last evening. He had been two weeks in a row boat with his daughter to come to this camp meeting. He embraced the truth by reading Great Controversy. He could come only in this way. He lives far away. He is so much pleased he scarcely knows how to express his gratitude. I wish, of I so much wish, the poor hungry souls in remote regions, starving for light and truth, could have some few privileges that our churches have so abundantly that they scarcely appreciate the blessings they receive. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 10)

I will now continue my recital. We closed the meeting with such a precious influence. All seemed to feel deeply. I had, through the Lord, given the testimony given me of God for them. Parents and children were deeply interested, and weeping. All knew I loved flowers, and the pulpit was festooned with flowers, while before the pulpit, on a table, were vases filled with beautiful flowers of a large variety. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 11)

I had made use of the beautiful lilies, white and pure and lovely. I had related to the children the words of Christ, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet ... Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” [Matthew 6:28, 29.] Oh, how tender was my heart as I gave my message of the love of God to them in the gift of the beautiful flowers. Their whole countenance expressed their appreciation of the words of hope and comfort and the inexpressible love of God to little children and grown-up children. I think the children should have instruction given to them in every discourse. Let them know you are talking directly to them, that Jesus loves them, and will hear their simple prayers. Jesus encircles the children in His long arms, and blesses them. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 12)

I wish I could see you, dear children. All are very busy in camp, setting tents and placing families in tents. Brother and Sister Wilson are here from Tasmania. Sister Wilson takes the dining tent, to cook for those who wish to take their meals at the restaurant. I have never seen Sister Wilson look so healthy as now. She has fleshed up, her cheeks are red, and both have greatly improved in health. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 13)

Brother Haskell arrived at Melbourne a short time after Sara and I left. He is considerably tired. Willie came on Cook’s excursion one day after we left Melbourne. He came into camp this morning. They, of course, have no privileges to sleep, for they are crowded to the uttermost extent, for the excursion trains are much cheaper than the regular trains. Brother Haskell comes tomorrow morning. We have not seen Elder Haskell for many years. I will be glad to see him. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 14)

Brother Farnsworth is very active everywhere in helping put up and fit up tents. He seems to take well with all. Sister Farnsworth is apparently in good health—much better than I have seen her before. Elder Daniells and wife are at the meeting. They hire a house close by. We have two rooms close by the grounds in a stone cottage. I have given you a description of the place so need not describe it to you here. Adelaide is a very beautiful place. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 15)

We are hoping and praying for the blessing of the Lord to attend this camp meeting. I am so thankful that this much dreaded journey is ended. We had a good second-class conveyance from Sydney to Melbourne. I could put my pillows on the seat and lie on them, and I slept well. We tarried in Melbourne to take dinner, and then went to the train again. Sister Annie Ingels and Sister Graham came with their pony and phaeton to take Sara and your mother up to dine with them where they board. Then they took us back the same way to the depot. Willie was privileged to ride in Brother Salisbury’s carriage drawn by [a] white pony. Most have now come from Melbourne. Brother Salisbury waited to come with Elder Haskell. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 16)

We have been in a tent as yet. Shall go into hired rooms today. We wait moving for W. C. White to write letter to America and for me to write as well. When we came to the depot in Melbourne we found the compartments of a long train full. We always take second-class when we can be any ways comfortable, but we found no room in [the] second-class carriage. We had to pay three pounds extra and took [a] first-class ladies’ compartment. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 17)

Only one lady was in it. She left at Ballarat, and Sara and I were alone. We had good accommodations, but having to wear the same clothing two nights made me restless. I could not sleep until after three o’clock in the morning. But we are here, brought through safely. I hope, my children, that the time may come when we will meet, but it is not now. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 18)

October 2 we met at the school grounds to lay the corner stone of the first school building. Several were present. We had singing out of doors, on the spot. Then, by invitation, I prayed. And I prayed on that occasion with heart and soul and voice all broken with thankfulness to God that we could at last make a beginning. I was appointed to lay the cornerstone of our building. Everything went off nicely. Matters were hastened for me to do this before we left Cooranbong for Sydney. I felt so grateful to God. I have had to move by faith. I hired one thousand pounds, paying the interest of four and a half per cent. I believe the Lord will bless me in my writings, that this loan can be paid when demanded. It cannot be a gift. It belongs to the children of Sister Wessels—Mother Wessels. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 19)

We are bound about with poverty. No ones to draw from—not a soul in this country who comes up and makes a donation. In America all is close and times are hard, but the cause is older, and there are even outsiders who will help in some branches of the work; but this is not expected here, and if we would expect it we would be disappointed. Therefore, we have to make every self-denial and sacrifice, and pray and hope and wait and watch and pray. Every dollar is of great value. I have donated to all our meetinghouses with the exception of Melbourne. I know not as I have appropriated means for that church. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 20)

The sentiments and sympathies of the people are created by the camp meetings largely, but when you suppose to obtain favors they are not forthcoming. I do not think our brethren and sisters in America place themselves in our place. We see work to be done everywhere in regions beyond, but the conferences are heavily in debt, and ministerial labor cannot be encouraged as we desire it shall be, because there is so little money to sustain the ministers. Advice has to be given to enter the canvassing field and give house-to-house labor, but enter into no place to begin tent meetings, which absorb means. There must be some decided efforts to reach the people in house-to-house labor, and if this does not succeed, then we will have to wait till money shall come in. But the house-to-house labor will succeed, for it is the only thing that can be done in many places. God will make it a success. He will give the efforts made His sanction, and this will be inexpensive. The Lord will work. The cause of God will advance and this house-to-house labor in new fields will be blessed of God. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 21)

A brother wrote through Brother Haskell that if Sister White could obtain the loan of seven hundred pounds he would pay thirty-five pounds interest yearly. Said he was sorry his means were tied up, making him unable to donate now. Well, wherever we could get seven hundred pounds in this country is a mystery to me. I would accept the proposition at once, but it is a hopeless thing to try to obtain. We need it so much. We need it; but the Lord knows all about it and will help us. I am doing all that I can possibly do. Now I must look to God. I must trust in God. We are all praying and working and waiting. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 22)

I must now close this. Willie must take it to [the] post office, two miles and a half, to post it. We received two pages from you on Vancouver mail. Hope to hear the work is advancing in the Southern states. The Lord God of heaven guides and cheers the ones who are content to receive their orders from God and work for time and for eternity. We have no time to lose. The end is near. The passage from places to spread the truth will soon be hedged with dangers on the right hand and on the left. Everything will be placed to obstruct our way, that we shall not be able to do that which is possible to be done now. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 23)

We must look our work fairly in the face and advance as fast as possible in aggressive warfare. I know that the light given me of God is that powers of darkness are working with intense energy from beneath, and with stealthy tread Satan is advancing to take those who are now asleep, as a thief takes his prey. We have warnings now which we may give, a work now which we may do; but soon it will be more difficult than we can imagine. God help us to keep in the channel of light, to work with our eyes fastened on Jesus our Leader and patiently, perseveringly press on to gain the victory. God help us all is my prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 24)

In love, (11LtMs, Lt 158, 1896, 25)

Mother.

Lt 159, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
October 24, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children:

I am now in Melbourne. Returned from the Adelaide camp meeting, which has, I am sure, done a good work in removing prejudice from the minds of the people. The best class of society in Adelaide received the camp meeting and treated all with whom they had any intercourse with great courtesy. We had above sixty tents pitched in a beautiful park. The grass in this park was like a beautiful velvet carpet. We had no shade trees, but the ground was level as a floor; and as to shade trees, although it was almost midsummer we had it cool and pleasant most of the time. A few hot days were experienced by the men putting up the tents. A few days were warm, but the weather was in every way favorable for the meetings. (11LtMs, Lt 159, 1896, 1)

The largest congregations were out that we have had, I think, at any of our camp meetings in this country. Sunday the large crowds under the tent and the crowded wall of people upon the outside listened with wonderful attention. Twenty-one were baptized. These were not all of those who received the truth at the camp meeting, but isolated ones came in to receive the ordinance. We have had excellent speakers at the meeting. (11LtMs, Lt 159, 1896, 2)

Last Sabbath Elder Hawkins was ordained. This was an impressive occasion, solemn indeed. Brother Haskell gave a discourse in every way appropriate, and an excellent impression was made on all. (11LtMs, Lt 159, 1896, 3)

I have written to Brother Olsen but could not get it copied. Sent to Brother Charles Jones to have the matter copied and send you a copy. I left Adelaide Monday. We passed through Ballarat and held three meetings. We were all very weary and I could not well write. Here was the only place I could get my bonnets fitted up—a new one made and my old one fixed for common purposes. This took us nearly one day. And this morning we came to Melbourne. We are now to remain here over two Sabbaths and then return to Sydney. W. C. White, in company with Brother Haskell and Brother and Sister Farnsworth, will go to New Zealand. I shall not go. I remain at home to write. (11LtMs, Lt 159, 1896, 4)

You must not be surprised if I cannot get you much of a letter, for we did not get into Melbourne until about eleven a.m., and we then traveled four miles to get to this home where Brother Daniells, Sister Ingels, and Sister Graham live. The house is large and the surroundings very fine—a garden full of flowers. My tiredness from the camp meeting labor is not lasting, but it is already passing away. We have had a stinging cold atmosphere this morning. It is foggy here today. We have scarcely a tinge of fog in Cooranbong. I am glad I am not living in Melbourne or Adelaide or Ballarat. Adelaide is preferable to Ballarat or Melbourne, but Cooranbong is more mild and even. (11LtMs, Lt 159, 1896, 5)

I am glad I attended the Adelaide meeting. It was a good meeting. Many have heard the last message of mercy who never heard the sound of it before. The Lord is very merciful to give me the privilege of being a co-worker with Jesus Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 159, 1896, 6)

I am glad you have a part to act in the work. It is a great honor to be privileged to be in co-partnership with Jesus Christ. We will do our very best and trust in God every moment. We ought to work with strained sinews and muscles, with our whole being sanctified to the work. We are to be anointed with divine strength, clad in the Christian armor. Oh my son, teach the truth as it is in Jesus! Seek for fresh supplies of grace that you may become a wholehearted, courageous soldier of the cross of Christ. Oh, how many might have been saved if Christians, professed believers, had a mind to work! (11LtMs, Lt 159, 1896, 7)

Only think, Edson and Emma, through all the ages the divine agencies have been in readiness to co-operate with the human for the diffusing of light and truth for the conversion of souls. The spiritual facilities all linger about us, full of readiness to do Jehovah’s will and work with divine energy. They are not waiting for God, but God is waiting for the human instrumentalities for the saving of souls. This work is constantly retarded because the selfish projects of the human agents are so absorbing that the heavenly intelligences wait and wait to co-operate with humanity that humanity shall touch humanity in proclaiming the gospel of Christ to a fallen world. (11LtMs, Lt 159, 1896, 8)

Our work is aggressive. The influence of Christian character after the similitude of Christ is the glory that Christ is giving all in His service, and every worker is gaining in efficiency by positive, well directed effort in proportion to his growth in grace. The gospel communicates the aggressive, diffusive power from heart to heart. The Lord is waiting to use thousands of men with moderate ability if they will only work in humility and the lowliness of Christ. All who are meek and contrite of heart, God can use effectually for the transmission of the love and purity of Christ into the hearts of many souls. They can communicate to others by precept and example till the whole lump is leavened. The true laborers together with God are constantly receiving and imparting light and truth which Christ imparts. (11LtMs, Lt 159, 1896, 9)

I think much of you and feel a deep solicitude that you shall become mouthpieces for God. “Be ye holy for I am holy.” [1 Peter 1:16.] Oh, what a privilege it is to walk with God, to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus! Oh, let the riches of His grace be revealed in all your words to the people! Walk humbly with God. Purify your souls by living the truth daily, and by and by, when the warfare is over, the crown of life is your reward. (11LtMs, Lt 159, 1896, 10)

In much love, (11LtMs, Lt 159, 1896, 11)

Mother.

Lt 160, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New south Wales, Australia
November 10, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children:

I would be pleased to write you a large letter but cannot do this now. I have had to write large communications to Rural Health Retreat, and this gives me only a few minutes this morning to write you. My health is quite good for me. W. C. White and Sara and I were absent from home five weeks. I have written some things in regard to meetings in Adelaide but cannot get them copied to go in this mail. I am sorry, but I will get together what I have and send in next mail. (11LtMs, Lt 160, 1896, 1)

Brother and Sister Farnsworth and Brother Haskell are with us. All seem to be in the Spirit and work nobly. Brother Haskell is compassed with infirmities, but I never heard him speak more effectively than now, or go deeper into Bible subjects, laying out matters so plainly and clearly, and making the gems of truth shine with more brilliancy than ever. I am surprised indeed. A telegram was received that Elder Starr would reach Morisset Station last night. (11LtMs, Lt 160, 1896, 2)

We find our trees in orchard planted one year ago are bearing—peaches and apricots. We picked off all but a few [that] we left to ascertain the quality. Trees have sent forth their branches three feet in five weeks, by measurement. My pomegranate trees look beautiful. The fruit on these little bushes, set about three months ago, is so thick we have to pick off the largest share of it. But they look so handsome. Grapes set three months ago have clusters upon their vines. All our trees are doing remarkably well. We have good land for fruit. Have given large grounds for flowers, and it does seem that the tiniest little flowers will bloom themselves to death. We pick off the buds to keep them back. (11LtMs, Lt 160, 1896, 3)

Well, I do wish you could see my place. We had no rains for about three months, but within three weeks rain has come abundantly. We have a large amount of tomatoes planted. We have had peas for three weeks in plenty. We are beholding our school building going up. Thank the Lord for this. (11LtMs, Lt 160, 1896, 4)

The meetings in Adelaide were excellent and quite a number have taken their stand for the truth. I spoke in Adelaide twelve times, in Ballarat once. Brother Haskell three times. Then we held meetings in Melbourne. I spoke in Williamstown to a precious company of believers once. Brother Haskell spoke on Sunday in the same place. Then I spoke two Sundays, one Sabbath, and every morning in the week for one week in the newly built church in North Fitzroy. Then we returned to Cooranbong. Brethren Haskell and Farnsworth are doing good work here. There have been several who have received the truth and have been waiting weeks for baptism. Six were baptized on Sunday and others will go forward in the ordinance soon. We praise the Lord for this good work done. We so want to get up a meetinghouse and we believe it will be done soon. We are of good courage in the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 160, 1896, 5)

We received no letter from you last mail. We are trying to hire money to build Willie White a house near us for his family. I expect he will attend the conference. Do not fail to write to us. (11LtMs, Lt 160, 1896, 6)

Mother.

Lt 161, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia
November 23, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Children:

I cannot write to you a lengthy letter. I have written largely to Doctors Maxson and have been writing to those in Melbourne and Africa and left you till the last. The other letters must be copied. I can send your letter without being copied. (11LtMs, Lt 161, 1896, 1)

We came to Ashfield [and] hired a house. Brother and Sister Farnsworth and Elder Haskell, W. C. White, Marian Davis, [and] Maggie Hare crowded into this small house, and at times we had one or two or three more. We hired bedsteads and furniture and have been quite comfortable. Last Friday May White, her twin boys, and Mabel came to our temporary home. We were glad to see them. The babies are growing to be an armful. We hope they will keep well. They are fat and wholesome and pretty now. December 6 they will be eight months old. May feels quite sorry about Willie leaving her to go so long a distance. She is one of the affectionate kind, and I hope it will always be thus. (11LtMs, Lt 161, 1896, 2)

I shall send you in this letter copies of letters written to Dr. Kellogg, because I have not time to copy one. These letters I ask you to copy and send to him, and you can take copies for yourself. Send me a copy, for I wish to preserve all I write except such letters as I write to you now. (11LtMs, Lt 161, 1896, 3)

Everything in our home seems to be getting along. The farming is doing well. My flower garden is well stocked and yet I am gathering all kinds of roots, especially roses and lilies and carnations—pinks. We have not been able to get away from this place. Willie is president of the conference in New South Wales, and he is trying in every way to have a new impulse enter into the conference. We want the health home should be established here. We have made advance in this meeting of the conference. (11LtMs, Lt 161, 1896, 4)

Willie will attend the General Conference unless something in the providence of God detains him. We feel deeply his need here, and part with him reluctantly. We will not murmur or complain. The Lord knoweth what is best. (11LtMs, Lt 161, 1896, 5)

I am so tired today—brain tired—I cannot write much, but the copy of letters sent you will perhaps make up for the lack of my writing personally to you. I am always glad to receive your letters. I do not want to miss one mail, because we cannot communicate and send letters every day. I would write to Emma in Colorado if I thought she was there, but you can send her any letters from me you choose. (11LtMs, Lt 161, 1896, 6)

It is now quite warm but not all wilting or oppressive. We have had rains for about one week. It rained in showers. Everything now looks green and beautiful. But time is passing. Next mail I shall have more for you I hope. Excuse brevity. (11LtMs, Lt 161, 1896, 7)

In much love, (11LtMs, Lt 161, 1896, 8)

Mother.

Please send these letters to Wessels to Dr. Kellogg after reading them. There may be some things you may want to see. Copy if you choose. (11LtMs, Lt 161, 1896, 9)

Lt 162, 1896

White, J. E.; White, Emma
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
December 16, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 8MR 252-253; 4Bio 271.
Dear Children, Edson and Emma:

I wrote to Emma, which went in the Vancouver mail. I cannot remember whether I wrote to you or not, but I have been very ill, and had not the Lord been very kind and tender and merciful to me, my life would have ended. I was gathering the malaria in Melbourne and was not the most pleasantly situated in Adelaide. I worked altogether too hard and the result was not realized until the conference was held in Sydney. The letters I have had to write have been many. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 1)

I had the American mail completed, then I was finishing the African mail when I was taken very violently ill. I was unconscious. Sara and all my family had been in Sydney. I did not go. I was at home in the temporarily hired house. Soon after I was taken so badly, Maggie Hare came, but she was terribly frightened. Sara came at six o’clock. She had me in a bath as soon as possible, but she says I knew nothing. She shouted in my ears as loud as she could, but I made no response. She watched over me, giving me treatment until two o’clock a.m. As soon as daylight came I said to them, I am very sick. Get me home. They thought this was best, and they took me in a hansom to Strathfield depot. The hackman and Brother Semmens carried me in their arms up the long stairs that crossed the track and down, and I was placed in a first-class compartment. There were only two ladies in it. I found the carriage waiting for me at Dora Creek. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 2)

For two weeks I suffered intensely. The pain came on at twelve and did not leave me until four o’clock. For two weeks I could eat very little. Our early peaches ripened—called Early May. I ventured to try them. How delicious to my taste, and cooling! I ate the last peach from the trees yesterday. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 3)

This orchard resembles my orchard in St. Helena. And then to think one year ago last July we broke a path with my platform wagon and two-horse team through the brush, driving over logs and breaking down the young, smaller trees, twelve and fifteen feet high. May, Willie’s present wife, Ella and Mabel and I made the first fire for clearing the brush. We then left for Granville. The first of August we pitched our four tents and set men to clearing. We located present building and set men to work. We engaged the bullock teams—eight span, with three men—to break the sod after the trees, immense in size, were dug out by the roots. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 4)

The perfectly smooth trees, about one hundred feet high, made bonfires. I felt it hurt me to see these trees burned, but they said, “What else can we do?” I wanted a log house built of them, but there was no one to do this. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 5)

I determined to set my trees, even before the foundation of the house was built. We broke up only furrows, leaving large spaces unplowed. Here in these furrows we planted our trees the last of September, and lo, this year they were loaded with beautiful blossoms and the trees were loaded with fruit. It was thought best to pick off the fruit, although the trees had obtained a growth that seemed almost incredible. The small amount of fruit—peaches and nectarines—have served me these three weeks. They were delicious early peaches. We have later peaches—only a few left to mature as samples. Our pomegranates looked beautiful in full bloom. Apricots were trimmed back in April and June, but they threw up their branches and in five weeks by measurement had a thrifty growth of five and eight feet. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 6)

If the Lord prospers us next year as He has done the past year, we will have all the fruit we wish to take care of, early and late. The early fruit comes when there is nothing else, so this is an important item. The peaches are rich and juicy and grateful to the taste. We have quince trees set out, and lemon, orange, apple, plum, and persimmon trees. We have even planted elderberry bushes. We planted our vineyard in June. Everything is flourishing and we shall have many clusters of grapes this season. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 7)

We have a large strawberry bed which will yield fruit next season. We have a few cherry trees. The testimony is that the land is not good for cherries, but so many false, discouraging testimonies have been borne in regard to the land that we pay no attention to what they say. We shall try every kind of a tree. We have a large number of mulberry trees and fig trees of different kinds. This is not only good fruit land, but it is excellent in producing root crops and tomatoes, beans, peas, potatoes—two crops a season. All these good treasures that the land will yield have been brought in from Sydney and Newcastle and thousands of acres of land have been untouched because the owners say they will not raise anything. We have our farm as an object lesson. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 8)

The school orchard is doing excellently well. If the land is worked it will yield its treasures, but weeds will grow, and those who own land will to exercise ambition to take these weeds out by the roots and give them no quarters. Deep plowing must be done. They let a few orange trees grow in the sod, also the lemons. We get the choicest, best oranges for three pence and two pence, ha’penny per dozen—six cents American money, and four and five cents per dozen for large, beautiful, sweet oranges. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 9)

We have a large space of land devoted to ornamental trees and flowers. I have scoured the country for different plants, and I have a large bush of lemon verbena honeysuckle. We have a large variety of roses, dahlias, gladioli, geraniums, pinks, pansies, and evergreens. This must be a sample settlement, to tell what can be raised here. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 10)

Brother Hughes told me he had a _____ tree for me, but Connell did not come for it. I was then at the post office near Mr. Hughes’. I said, Can I have it now? He said, “Yes.” He stepped into my sulky and we went to his place. I thought it took him a long time to get it, but when he came he had a tree ten feet high, a large stocky tree, and several smaller trees. The tree was in bloom. It has a flower some like a lilac, very fragrant. There I was alone, to take care of that tree and take it about two miles. But I did it. Had to get out and open two gates. I tended my tree, giving it every night a pail of water to drink. It never wilted, and this was last September. It is a flourishing tree. Everyone is astonished at the improvements we have made in so short a time. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 11)

Just before my window, in my garden close by a beautiful fuchsia, a stalk of corn came up from the seed. We let it alone to grow. We took no pains to enrich it. In five weeks it grew eight feet and now, three weeks later, it has been stretching up until it measures in height, I believe, about thirteen feet, and it is still stretching upwards. It has the ears formed. The corn has tasseled. The ears are revealing the silk. I am seeing how this will develop. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 12)

The garden is the exercise ground for my workers. Early and late the girls are at work in the garden when they are off duty. It is better for them, and more satisfactory than any exercise they can have. I could not persuade Marian to ride, could not get her from her writings; but now she has her interest awakened, and I have no fears but that she will get out of her chair and work in the garden. This garden of flowers is a great blessing to my girls, and they are working with the tomato raising, planting and caring for the tomatoes. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 13)

Well, I write this to you this morning, for I have written so much upon intense subjects that take all my vitality I thought I would write some things that did not make my heart sad and sore and that will not tire me much. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 14)

Mr. Connell was sent to Sydney last Monday for fruit. It is now at its cheapest. The rains have been coming every day for about two weeks. It makes fruit a drug in the market. We had a large shipment on the cars yesterday. I have not seen it yet, as it came late last night. Elder Daniells and Sister Graham came from Melbourne last night to have some time with Willie before he goes to Battle Creek. The boat sails next Monday. Just a few days now. Willie’s family will be accommodated in the small building where his twins were born while his house is being built. He is having a plain, simple home built—a few rooms—to have a home near me. The family will be less expensive here. They can have the place without rent, and every penny counts. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 15)

I had written this much when Sara asked if I was strong enough to go beyond the orchard to my washhouse and bathhouse. The fruit had come and she wished me to see it. So I thought I could walk down that far. I examined the fruit and tested its quality. Peaches, ten boxes, came last night, and apricots come today. When I came back I had a sinking turn. Could not eat my breakfast. I waited until ten o’clock and then I dared not eat much of anything. I am rallying again. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 16)

I learn Brethren Salisbury and Daniells have both come and Sister Graham, one of our chief workers in the International Tract and Missionary work. Willie leaves now so soon, and when shall we see him again? We cannot determine. You see, I have nearly filled this letter with commonplace matters. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 17)

Since writing in regard to my exhaustion I found it difficult to rally. December 19 was Sabbath. I am some stronger. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 18)

Brethren Daniells and Salisbury and Sister Graham have been at Willie’s all the time in close business relation. Friday they were at our house. Sabbath Brother Daniells spoke to the people in the new mill, and they had an excellent meeting. Oh, how thankful I am! I have not been able to eat at the table or to unite with the family in prayers but twice for nearly three weeks. Yesterday and today I am much better. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 19)

I must leave with Willie today, Sara accompanying me. Willie leaves this place and when will we see his face again after we part with him at Melbourne? May feels that she can hardly have him go. I am not able to go to Sydney, but I must sign my name to papers before notary. Dear, I have not strength to go. (11LtMs, Lt 162, 1896, 20)

Lt 163, 1896

McCullagh, S.
Avondale, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
February 13, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother McCullagh:

I heard Willie say that Sister Lucas was about to be given up from doing the work she has been doing. If this is the case, I would be pleased to have her come and help Sarah Belden to do the cooking and some sewing for me. I will pay her ten shillings per week and board. We have had fourteen and fifteen in our family since Christmas. Sarah now needs some help, else she will be unable to do my work. W. C. White and his family have to keep house for themselves by the first of next week, and if Sister Lucas can come to help us for a few weeks, I will pay her fare up here, and we shall be very thankful. (11LtMs, Lt 163, 1896, 1)

We have had it very hard all the time since we came. The house was incomplete. Our goods have come, and it has been packing and unpacking the whole time we have been here. There is no place for Sister Burnham but my only room for receiving comers, and she will not be able to move before next week. Sister Belden has had too much to do; she is not very strong, and I cannot have her all used up so she will be no good to me. The strain has been too severe. I write to you and will send her a letter also. (11LtMs, Lt 163, 1896, 2)

Brother Faulkhead’s wife’s mother and her son Romanus (I do not know how it is spelled), have sent word they are coming up to remain over two nights and wish us to meet them at the station. Our horses have so much of this work to do they cannot get time to do our work on the place. I do not know how we can entertain company just now, but someone must do this. I therefore must have help. I wish her to come at once, as soon as she receives this letter, for we need help now. (11LtMs, Lt 163, 1896, 3)

I was glad to hear of the progress of the work. You speak of my coming down. I cannot come at present. My writing is pressing. I cannot leave it. Not alone the reading of chapters for the book Life of Christ, but writing of great importance must be done in the Lord’s great vineyard. Would be pleased to come as soon as I can get some work, essential to be done, off my mind. (11LtMs, Lt 163, 1896, 4)

I was very sorry that the arrangements were made for you to take the boarders. It was not the best thing to do. We are seeking in every way to recommend by precept and example the disuse of animal flesh. From the light the Lord has been pleased to give me, the flesh of dead animals is not the proper food for human beings to eat and we are composed of that which we eat. While boarding with Brother and Sister Belden they had not a flesh meat diet, and boarding with you, the flesh meat diet is arousing the appetite for that class of food which is not best for us to eat. We are not to sanction by precept and example the flesh meat diet. Please do not encourage the workers henceforth to board with you if you set this class of food before them. As a family you are of nervous temperament, and such a diet will to be the best for physical, mental, or moral healthfulness. We are so sorry you placed meat before the workers, for this is one part of their education—to refrain from flesh meat diet. Animals are diseased, terribly diseased, and why take the flesh of dead animals into your blood? God help you is my prayer. (11LtMs, Lt 163, 1896, 5)

Lt 164, 1896

Corliss, Brother and Sister
“Sunnyside,” Avondale, New South Wales, Australia
April 6, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in FBS 67-68.
Dear Brother and Sister Corliss:

I arise early this morning to address a few lines to you. There are some things of a grievous character that I have been passing through, and bearing the heavy weight of responsibility upon my soul prostrated me so that I have not been able to act much part in the institute now being held. The very first time I spoke, on Friday morning, I had a very great burden to address Caldwell and set his position before him; then after meeting, I read to him some things concerning himself and Fannie. She is now in my home in a very feeble nervous condition. I am astonished how Satan can work upon human minds and warp the character if any human being will give him a chance. How this case will terminate I know not. (11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, 1)

Willie McKnight has gone to the bad. I tried to save him, took him into my employ, but although we paid him good wages he would do after the ways of his own evil heart. He has associated with the Bevans family next door to the hotel, where there is a large number of disreputable girls. He agreed to my proposition to board with us and cut away from that family; but we had an experience [which shows] that you may do what you will, but if the human agent for whom you labor chooses to do evil, a course of deception will be practiced that no course of action will hinder. I tried every recourse, placing him upon his honor, but found he had no honor. He would steal my garden produce, would violate every principle of right, and every night but two would steal away to the Bevans family. I had his case opened before me and the light given was that he was living in adultery in that house with a disreputable young woman. (11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, 2)

Then we tried to save him but we were powerless. His mother and his father were Sabbathkeepers. We felt sorely for the mother, for he was choosing to give his heart and soul to be molded and fashioned after the similitude of the satanic attributes. We tried to get him to go home, Brother Rousseau, Brother Prescott, and myself. I would pay his fare. But he utterly refused and practiced deception of the most artful kind. Oh, how we hated to have it so, that one of the students who had been supported by someone else’s means should be so unthankful and make so little good use of the opportunities that were granted to him! We see that if a student wants to serve Satan he will do it. If the powers that God has given are not fully brought into captivity to Jesus Christ, Satan will take possession of them and use them, that the precious cause of truth shall be reproached, as it has been in this case. He has now married one of these girls. Satan has worked the willing agent. (11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, 3)

This case is a most striking one. If young men have every advantage that can be given them, and do not bring themselves into subjection to Jesus Christ, there is no power in heaven or earth that can compel them. This young man could behave like a gentleman, had expressed his desire to study to become a minister, but all the lessons, all the instruction given was not making him fit in character to become a child of God. He was following his own perverse, corrupt, lustful passions. (11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, 4)

We labored for hours to bring this young man to repentance, to confess his sins, to break off his iniquities and receive the precious gift of pardon. He protested that he had done nothing so very wrong; everything could be easily adjusted. We prayed with him. Willie was not at home. Brethren Prescott and Rousseau were with me. After praying on his behalf again and again, I at length said, “I can do no more.” He then said he had done wrong and he would follow the Saviour and live a different life. I said, “I have no confidence in your confession. You are guilty of sins, grievous sins, and if these are cloaked, you have no promise of forgiveness. The Lord knows and you know and I know what these sins are. I do not propose to confess for you. You must do your own confessing.” (11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, 5)

I entreated him to accept the offers of mercy by confessing his sins and his iniquities and no longer show his aptitude and skill in deceptive statements. I was thoroughly exhausted and had to leave the room, but said, “I leave you in the hands of these brethren. I can say and do no more. I have suffered this night intense agony of mind. I opened the way for you to come to my home, to sit at my table, to be with us in our praying service and reading of the Bible.” (11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, 6)

The chapters we were reading in course were in Isaiah. He read with us, and the very portions of Scripture which specified his sin was read by himself. We thought we would give him every chance to make the application to his own case and this might awaken in him a remorse, but it did not seem to have the least influence. He did that night—after we labored with him a long while and then left him with Brother Rousseau and Brother Prescott—confess his sins of vileness, and the conditions were plainly stated, if he would break away at once, and return to New Zealand, we would furnish him money. But he said positively he would not go to New Zealand. (11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, 7)

That night he was again at Bevans’ and came back just at daylight, crept into bed and, when Connell went to see Mr. Leonard for something, lo, he was stretching himself as if he had just awakened out of a profound slumber. Leonard said he had just got into bed, his boots were all wet, having just come through the bush. He declared to Professor Prescott and Rousseau next morning he had slept the past two nights in the tent, positively stated it. Connell said, “You know that is a lie.” He said, “Did you see me coming through the bush?” He then said he had not slept in the tent but at Bevans. (11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, 8)

We then settled with him. He had told us two weeks before that he had got work at Newcastle and wanted to remain one week more. We pitied him and let him stay, but he left his work of repairing harness and went to see some young man, but wanted his pay very much, for at least half a day. Connell paid him for the full day and then discharged him. I think his story about employment to work for a dentist was a fabrication. He has since married and is at work with his father-in-law in the metal mine, drawing metal with the bullock teams. I think now he has degraded himself too low ever to make the effort to rise. (11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, 9)

Lt 165, 1896

Corliss, Brother and Sister
“Sunnyside,” Avondale, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
April 6, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother and Sister Corliss:

Willie tells me you have written to him that you have decided to go to America in a few weeks. I cannot think you will do this, for this has been done once and greatly hurt your influence. You have gone to the very field you have been pleading for years to work, and now you are in that field where you have so much desired to labor. Why not be patient and wait and watch and pray? Let not your impetuous spirit drive you hither and thither and yon. (11LtMs, Lt 165, 1896, 1)

I meant to have written you ere this, but the cases I have mentioned have caused me such suffering of mind I could not feel free to write to any one except to the very ones who must be labored for now. I do not relate all the particulars, for I cannot; I have not strength. But this piece of information has made it a necessity to write to you. I advise you not to go to America. You have followed your own desire in choosing your own field, and if it is hard and discouraging, the victory will be the more decided. (11LtMs, Lt 165, 1896, 2)

I hope you are not going to America for the reasons you have given, to finish the education of your children. From the light the Lord has been pleased to give me, Lulu has another kind of education far more essential than more of the same which she has had. That is to be a daughter in every sense of the word, to help her mother, who greatly needs a caretaking helper, one who will feel the burden and learn household duties, which will perfect her education as nothing else will. Your son chooses to do as he pleases, notwithstanding he makes it very sad and distressing for you and his mother. He wills to please himself until his reaping shall be such a bitter experience that he shall choose another way. I beseech of you not to let him drive you from place to place to get him under more favorable circumstances, for he will carry the same willful, stubborn spirit. The same evil angels will he meet in any other place, because these evil angels see they can annoy you and drive you to distraction. (11LtMs, Lt 165, 1896, 3)

I cannot write all I desire. Wait until I send you another letter, written, but not copied. (11LtMs, Lt 165, 1896, 4)

I write in much distress of mind. (11LtMs, Lt 165, 1896, 5)

I have a few moments more and will say, Don’t rush. Do not let the enemy rush you. Last night I was shown in my dream a man with his hand upon your shoulder saying, “Be still, and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] Wrestle not yourself out of the hands of your Saviour. “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] You must not let your children lead or drive you to make hasty moves without light or counsel of God. (11LtMs, Lt 165, 1896, 6)

The Lord is your leader. Your boy can never have a more favorable position and surroundings than he had here, but he became a teacher to others, to smoke, and to be reckless of rules. This could not be if he was put to some trade to use his physical powers to taxation. It would close a door of temptation for him. It was the example he was giving others that made it a necessity to separate him from the school. Sin lies at his door, and I beg of you not to move wildly. Go to God. Rest your case with God, and He will help you. (11LtMs, Lt 165, 1896, 7)

In much love. (11LtMs, Lt 165, 1896, 8)

Lt 166, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
April 24, 1896
This letter is published in entirety in 1888 1513-1515 .
Dear Brother Olsen:

I cannot sleep after twelve p.m., and after presenting my case to the Lord, pleading for light and to understand what the will of God is concerning me. I will rest the matter wholly in the hands of God. He careth for me, and we are His servants, having our will wholly submerged in the will of God. (11LtMs, Lt 166, 1896, 1)

We, Willie and his mother, can see at present no light to leave this country for America. We cannot see any light in leaving the work unfinished. It cannot ever be finished so that there is no more work to be done, but it can be so prepared as to go forward in healthy growth. We must see the school buildings erected—buildings plain, substantial, economical, appropriate for the place. We shall work to this end until the Lord calls us to another location. (11LtMs, Lt 166, 1896, 2)

Our meetings are closed. We have been engaged in these meetings of the institute for one month and this has been the most profitable series of meetings we have ever witnessed, because the meetings were mostly educational, teaching the best manner of studying the Word, and interesting all in the class to be on hand with their answers. This has been an occasion long to be remembered, where there was an inculcation of ideas. This has been a season of educating that has been represented to me for many years as the proper manner to teach Bible truth. (11LtMs, Lt 166, 1896, 3)

There have been discourses given evenings and Sabbaths and Sundays for the benefit of the outsiders. There has been a decided interest awakened, similar to that which has attended camp meetings. It has been awakening the minds of those who have never had an opportunity to hear and understand the reasons for our faith. We are so glad for this opportunity to represent our faith in presenting Bible doctrines, that the people may know what we do believe. There are precious souls scattered all through this vicinity. They have humble houses. They love the Lord, and some are walking in the light as far as they have light and truth presented to them. We expect to see some souls, even in Cooranbong take their position accepting the truth. There are several investigating and under deep conviction. There are quite a number of men, poor but intelligent. (11LtMs, Lt 166, 1896, 4)

We see by faith the stamp of divinity upon the human children of God. We see those who have noble intellectual and moral powers. The Lord has need of them. “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] The Lord wants them to know themselves and to know God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent, and to find out the character of their fellow men, that they may do them good. The most are poor in this world’s goods, and some are having a struggle with poverty. We think of Jesus, the Creator of all the worlds, and how He came into the world as a poor man. He had not where to lay His head. So poverty is no disgrace. Sin is a disgrace. (11LtMs, Lt 166, 1896, 5)

[Portion missing?] (11LtMs, Lt 166, 1896, 6)

This confederacy not to let the true defects of things that Captain Eldridge had not done, which he was paid for doing, was not just nor right. These things, the selfishness that led to them, was the result of his leaving the office. Had he taken the position which the Lord had given light upon as far back as Minneapolis, and acted in accordance with the light God had given and come out clear from the malarious influence that there prevailed, he would not have become so clouded and confused upon the subject of the principles God has given to control matters in the office from its very first establishment. (11LtMs, Lt 166, 1896, 7)

I did not separate myself from Frank, but he separated himself from me and from his God, and the result was worked out in his leaving the office. This course of selfishness was brought in through discarding the Word of the Lord for human propositions, which had their origin in selfishness and duplicity. This matter is not as it should be now and as it will appear before the universe of heaven, as entirely contrary to the example and character of the work of Christ. There needs to be a cleansing of the soul temple that has been and still is defiled. God will not be trifled with. A spirit is and has been at work to make of none effect the voice of reproof and warnings. Those whom we would suppose would not enter into this kind of working to evade the truth, and not to work the line in correct principles, are sowing seeds of doubt and will reap the harvest. (11LtMs, Lt 166, 1896, 8)

Facts are facts, and will appear thus in the judgment. The Old Testament contains the very principles specified by the voice of “I AM” in His education and discipline of the children of Israel. [Exodus 3:14.] He was the invisible leader of the host of Israel. He gave principles which should govern the dealings of man with his fellow man. Every principle which is ignored by our institutions, by the church, in their dealing with one another will be presented before them, when every man shall be judged according to the deeds done in the body. (11LtMs, Lt 166, 1896, 9)

Lt 167, 1896

Haskell, S. N.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
June 1, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 4Bio 388.
Dear Brother Haskell:

I send you a long communication, and had it just copied on the typewriter when your last letter was received, giving an account of the translation of Steps to Christ. I am pleased to have the book put into as many languages as possible. Glad you have succeeded as you have done. It is a good work, and the Lord will surely bless you in your labors. I know the Lord will sustain and strengthen you, and the less you walk in the shadow of the cross the better will it be for you. That cross is to us the pledge of life, everlasting life. (11LtMs, Lt 167, 1896, 1)

You speak of the book Mount of Blessings, the book I do not wish to give to any one. I have written to the ones who published it a very decided disapproval. It is a shame to get out such pictures upon such a beautiful subject, such elevated themes. If I get a book that I can approve, you shall have a copy, but I would not insult my friends with such illustrations as are in that book. So you will excuse my not sending you a book. (11LtMs, Lt 167, 1896, 2)

I am sure you will be often sad and meet with trials, but do not be discouraged. We are all making calculations for you to come to Australia, and we want to see you. We all respect and love you and should enjoy very much having you with us to attend our meetings. Our home shall be your headquarters. We will enjoy your being a guest in our home. We have a room for you. I shall not accept of any excuse or denial to comply with our request. I have three horses and three wagons, so you can ride whenever you please. You will be provided with a home with us. (11LtMs, Lt 167, 1896, 3)

W. C. White has a home of his own. He is in a Catholic convent. He hired the convent. The Catholics could not keep it. The families are mostly poor, so they let the sisters go, I know not where, and rented the convent. His family number five. Their two boys will be three months old May 6. Ella May White has gained twenty-five pounds since she came to this country. Cooranbong is an excellent country. (11LtMs, Lt 167, 1896, 4)

I spoke in the sawmill yesterday, Sunday, but it is a cruel place to assemble to worship God. Certainly there can be no special sacredness associated with the place. We had to put tent cloth up to make it passably comfortable, and then the cold air struck me and I and to move to another standing place. But we hope that means will come from some quarter so that we can build an humble house of worship. We had several unbelievers present. About seventy-five assembled last Sabbath. One family has embraced the truth at Dora Creek, from attending meetings and reading Great Controversy. Mr. Matthews and his wife attend meetings but they have so far to walk I fear they will not come often. (11LtMs, Lt 167, 1896, 5)

We have a very comfortable home, plastered. We have an underground cistern holding eighty [?] thousand gallons of water. We have five tanks and each holds _____; besides this we have a creek of fresh water for animals. We have three cows and three carriage horses. Our family number thirteen. We are doing well; never had my family move so quietly and pleasantly as now. I have taken one boy, thirteen years old, and a girl twelve years old when I made her a member of my family; she is now fourteen. (11LtMs, Lt 167, 1896, 6)

I will now stop. I have been at work since two a.m. Awakened at one a.m. Slept one-half hour at half past six. At six o’clock p.m. the shades of night are now gathering over us; I cannot see. (11LtMs, Lt 167, 1896, 7)

I believe just what you write in regard to the communications having more influence since I came to Australia. Willie has one room for office till we can secure money from Echo office to put him up a cheap house. The weather has been good, with a few very hot days, but always followed by showers. We are not having to wade through goods and run around boxes and ransack for goods that are in boxes unopened. The opening of boxes has but just begun, and now amid all the clatter and confusion, we can not do much at writing; but I will send you some things and hope you will appreciate them. (11LtMs, Lt 167, 1896, 8)

I send you manuscript of The Life of Christ. In the last discourses reported, Marian has had precious matter to insert, and this has necessitated her obtaining a new set of copies with the addition. Therefore I send you copies of several chapters. They are not to be published or go from your hands into other hands. Read them yourself. If you find things you would like to read in the meetings to our people you can do so. I know not if you have these articles. I will send them and venture it. There is so much that is precious; you can use them. (11LtMs, Lt 167, 1896, 9)

We went with horses and carriage four and a half miles and back yesterday to meet Sister Burnham, who is now to work with me in getting out books which I am anxious to prepare. The book on temperance comes first, then Testimony No. 34, and then the parables which Sister Davis will get out in a small book; then close up second volume of Life of Christ; then the life of the apostles, then to finish the second book of Old Testament history. You see I have work to do. (11LtMs, Lt 167, 1896, 10)

I am glad to say to you that some weeks since the conclusion was that Elder Haskell be requested to labor in this Australian field. There are to be camp meetings in several localities. As we see what these meetings accomplish in the convincing and conversion of souls to the truth, we decide the very best way to work in these fields is by camp meetings. We need the testimony you can give us at this important season when our camp meetings shall be held. Willie has been just as anxious as myself to have you attend these meetings and visit our churches who are much attached to you. (11LtMs, Lt 167, 1896, 11)

One thing has been a drawback. We have very tender sympathy in Christ Jesus for you, and we have feared that you might misinterpret our words, attitude, or work, as you have done those of some other; and that whatever we might say you would turn it to mean we had lost confidence in you, when our hearts would be true and tender toward you. This, my dear brother, is the only reason W. C. White has not urged your coming to Australia. We want you ever to consider us your best friends and that we are not cold and stiff toward you. We never mean to be, and if you will only believe us to be your friends, and you our respected brother, it will make our hearts glad to know you do not misjudge us. (11LtMs, Lt 167, 1896, 12)

We would rather be separated from you than to suppose, in conversing with you personally, that you would mistrust us. We could not consent to have you do this. We believe you will go in and out from our new house here as if it was your own and you enjoy it with us as your headquarters, always to abide with us while in this vicinity. There is nowhere else you could abide here in Cooranbong. I hope you will lay off all this jealousy and suspicion and be just one with us, free to speak or free to keep silent, just as a member of our family. If we are all looking unto Jesus, we shall catch the light of His countenance. (11LtMs, Lt 167, 1896, 13)

Lt 168, 1896

Kellogg, Henry
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
June 7, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 4Bio 264.
Dear Brother Henry Kellogg:

I received your letter and read it with interest. I will appropriate in your name one hundred dollars for the purpose of erecting a meetinghouse here in Cooranbong. After our land was cleared and ditched, and orchard made, we found the money ran short and work had to stop. We need school buildings. We need more than this—a meetinghouse, plain, substantial, in which to worship God. (11LtMs, Lt 168, 1896, 1)

First we met in a little parlor 13 x 12 feet, but as the students came in we were obliged to use the dining room, removing the tables. Then that space was too narrow, and we met in the lower part of the sawmill, open on all sides. I spoke there once, but it was not safe for me. When the Bible Institute was assembled it was under the large tent. Several tents were pitched and occupied. This we appreciated. Our Bible Institute was well-conducted. There was much light, most precious, revealed from the Word. The shaft of truth sunk deep into the mines of truth, revealing the precious ore. It was a good meeting. (11LtMs, Lt 168, 1896, 2)

Those not of our faith were in attendance all through the meeting. After the first meeting, they came with their Bibles and answered the questions with the rest. I generally spoke once in the day. Unbelievers say they knew more about what the Scriptures contained, and they were highly pleased. Several families were on the point of decision, but then came a preacher, Walker, and he presented things in such a light that the people, being ignorant of our faith, believed his statements; and as we could not remove one argument and did not try or wish to—that is the cross—this wicked shepherd worked with his might until many who were exceedingly troubled began to settle down in the “peace and safety” cry. [1 Thessalonians 5:3.] (11LtMs, Lt 168, 1896, 3)

When the last meeting was held under the tent it was rainy and Brother Starr went from the old hotel to dismiss the meeting when lo, the tent was full. Walker was present. An excellent discourse was given by Elder Starr, but Walker kept interrupting him, and he behaved like a man intoxicated. I think this must have been the case. Those who listened to his preaching could but be ashamed of him. He ranted, he interrupted, he talked one full hour. We think he killed himself if such a thing could be done. How this will result we cannot say. There are many precious souls who, we fear, will now turn from their convictions. If we only had a place of worship now, where the people could safely get together, oh how glad we would be! At such times as this, standing on missionary soil amid surrounding poverty, we know not what to do. (11LtMs, Lt 168, 1896, 4)

One thing we do know, if our people in America would not be constantly expending money for the things which they can do without, and if they would practice self-denial, the Lord would bless them abundantly. The eighth and ninth chapters of Second Corinthians should be studied. You have, my brother, made your donation. Therefore I write the more freely unto you, for you will not be tempted to think I am expecting something of you. I very much desire that some of the means, God’s means, cruelly wasted in selfish gratification shall have a place in the treasury of God, and it will bring them blessings in return. (11LtMs, Lt 168, 1896, 5)

I have much matter I wish you to read and carefully ponder; I am alarmed at the outlook. You well know the sharp rebuke brought to Aldrich years ago, long before my husband’s death, because of his exhibition of selfishness and grasping. You know that others connected with the office were reproved. And there has not been a showing as at the present time. I tremble, for I know the rebuke of God will come in a way they do not anticipate. Brother Henry Kellogg, let not your zeal diminish. Let not your faith fail. If you are [Remainder missing.] (11LtMs, Lt 168, 1896, 6)

Lt 169, 1896

Corliss, Brother and Sister
NP
April 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother and Sister Corliss:

I entreat of you not to move hastily. No good will come of it if you do. Satan will put his powers to work wherever you are, and it is your privilege to cling to God with heart and soul and mind. Jesus is your Friend, your Elder Brother, and do not, I beg of you, become discouraged. Lift up your head and rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh. We have all the trials we can bear everywhere. We can go to no place, we cannot make our home anywhere, but the representative of Christ is there to strengthen, to bless, to sustain, and to uphold. Jesus lives. He loves you and will work in your behalf, but do not one thread of planning for yourself. Your impetuous spirit must not drive you into difficulties. We will pray for you. We have had sore trials, in different cases, that would make us almost wild if it were not that we look to One who knows it all and who will not leave nor forsake us. (11LtMs, Lt 169, 1896, 1)

If I had time I would write more. The power of Satan is broken over Sister Israel. Do not consider that what your children need is school, education. They need to learn, both of them, in the school of Christ. Mail must go. (11LtMs, Lt 169, 1896, 2)

Lt 170, 1896

White, W. C.
Avondale, New South Wales, Australia
March 13, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Son Willie:

We received your letter last evening. I hardly know what to reply to the proposition of purchasing the outfit of Brother McCullagh. If the horse is sound and the carriage is strong, then the outfit would be what I want. If the carriage is the one he purchased in Ashfield and has toggled up, it is unfitted to drive on these roads. And I want no useless lumber in carriages. I was cheated out of getting the carriage that was Byron’s, which had excellent, strong wheels. If you have examined the carriage thoroughly and understandingly recommend it to me to purchase, that ends the matter. If you have given it merely a casual glance, I will wait till I know more about it. I am in need of just such a carriage, if sound. If not, I do not want it. If typewriter is all right, not in need of repair, I will buy it. (11LtMs, Lt 170, 1896, 1)

I had a very hard night last night. I sent for Brethren Prescott and Rousseau to come up and see me. Connell brought them up. Then I had Willie McKnight come into your office room, and I laid out before these brethren the course Willie was pursuing. Working underhanded, deceiving, falsifying. But what was worse was that he had entangled himself with the Bevans family, and was hiding matters from us. I knew, for the Lord had presented the matter to me in figures, and I would not confess for him, he must do this for himself. (11LtMs, Lt 170, 1896, 2)

Well, he would not open his lips. We talked, I pled with him for one hour, then we prayed. Still not a word. After praying, he confessed he had done wrong and meant to change his course and to follow Christ. I told him his resolutions were good, but he had something to confess. He knew exactly what to confess and he had acted a deceptive, hypocritical course and now his only chance was to open his heart to the impressions of the Spirit of God and clean out this unclean thing by making full confession. (11LtMs, Lt 170, 1896, 3)

After pleading with him some time I said, “Now, I dare not remain longer. I have no strength to continue this work. I leave you with Brethren Prescott and Rousseau. I want you to be open and frankly confess your sins, which God knows and which I know.” The brethren labored with him some time, I think it was two hours. I was so burdened, I could not sleep. At length Prescott came and told me he had confessed he had committed adultery with one of the Bevans girls, and he knew not what to do now. (11LtMs, Lt 170, 1896, 4)

I go down this morning to take letters to the mail and will then return, and go down at noon for Sister Rousseau. Team is at the door. May is well. (11LtMs, Lt 170, 1896, 5)

Mother.

Lt 171, 1896

White, W. C.
Sunnyside, Avondale, New South Wales, Australia
March 13, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Son Willie:

I have sent you a short letter written in a hurry. I wish to state [that] after having more talk with Brethren Prescott and Rousseau this morning, it was thought best for Rousseau to go to Newcastle and examine the registers and see if any record of Will McKnight’s marriage could be found. We could not take his word, for he has worked in an underhanded manner. Rousseau has just returned and he says there is no register of marriage to be found. I learned that he says the girl is not pregnant. He takes all the blame upon himself, but he treats the matter as if it was not a great sin. Now we desire to know just what to do. He has been paid his wages up to within two weeks, but he has nothing to show for this except the wages of these weeks. We feel perplexed and grieved at heart. (11LtMs, Lt 171, 1896, 1)

March 17, Sunday

Brethren Prescott and Rousseau had another talk with Willie McKnight. He did not stay in the tent with Leonard Saturday or Sunday nights. Brother Connell went into the tent where Leonard lodges and McKnight stretched and yawned as if just awakened. He had just come in the tent, and put himself in bed. He came in very gently, thinking Leonard asleep. Leonard saw the farce. Connell saw his shoes all wet beside the bed. He declared that day to Prescott and Rousseau that he had slept in the tent Friday and Saturday nights. Connell, afterward talking with him, told him he did not do as he agreed and keep away from Bevans, but came up at five o’clock. Said he, “Did you see me?” And then he told him he did not stay in the tent either night, for it was difficult to get away. Prescott and Rousseau had promised to let him have money to pay his two pounds’ back board and then they would have him clear the counter and pay his fare to New Zealand, but he utterly refused to go to New Zealand and get out of the country. He has contracted to learn the dentist’s trade of a dentist in Newcastle, so the stench is to be nearby to disgrace Seventh-day Adventists. And we refuse to pay his back board bill. We have discharged him. He is paid today. (11LtMs, Lt 171, 1896, 2)

He came to borrow a candle. Sara was not in. Edith told him where they were in the storeroom. Sara came in and saw him putting two or three in his coat pocket. He has taken melons and squashes, and I believe he must have taken that bag of beans. Well, what he has helped himself to, carrying to the Bevans’ family, will ever remain a mystery. Leonard has talked to him and told him the sin of such a course, but he has justified himself. Oh, it did not matter. It was nothing worth making a fuss about. He has been indolent, receiving his pay for work which he has not done. When we labored for him so hard and then he confessed his guilt of adultery and deception and continued just the same lying and stealing, I felt it was a gone cause. I pity his mother. (11LtMs, Lt 171, 1896, 3)

March 18

The letters sent have been read. I am feeling very sorry over the business matter with the lawyers, but we can only put our trust in God. “Woe unto you, lawyers,” said Christ. [Luke 11:52.] He understood all about matters from the beginning to the end of the chapter. We must seek wisdom of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not. (11LtMs, Lt 171, 1896, 4)

Sara and I had decided to go to Sydney on Wednesday and to remain over Sabbath and Sunday. I have concluded it best to purchase the Colson horse. She goes nicely with Jessie. They make a good span. The Maggie horse I cannot use at present, she was so lame with rheumatism. Connell put her, [the Colsen horse] beside Jessie to harrow. He said she was a little nervous but draws steadily and strongly. I am sure she will do better than the McCullagh horse as a mate for Jessie. She is in good condition and easily managed, and children can go all around her legs and handle her and she does not harm them. I pay him just six pounds. She was offered to me for five pounds ten shillings when she was so poor. The two dollars and a half does not make much difference. If I had done as I thought best after I bargained for her, that big horse of Schowe’s would not now be on my premises and we not know what to do with her. Perhaps someone going from the meeting may take her back. We do not hitch her up at all. (11LtMs, Lt 171, 1896, 5)

In regard to the meeting I will do all I can do, but it is not best to have any conference be educated to look to and depend upon us. The camp meetings I dread, yet will do to my very uttermost. Changes for the better are taking place with me. The lower part of the spine is far less troublesome. The less care and perplexities I have, the more retired I can be, the better I am in health. (11LtMs, Lt 171, 1896, 6)

This terrible thing occurring or developing with McKnight has made me sick. He has gone now to Newcastle. Left yesterday, and I am glad to see his face no more. He has stolen my tomatoes; put them in a bag and carried them to Bevans’. We have scarcely had any for the family, but I have been kept supplied. Tomatoes and crackers, and quite often a piece of pumpkin pie, is all I eat. I bought a box of Tasmania apples and a box of grapes from Newcastle. May enjoys fruit so much. We divide with her in the fruit line. The apples are excellent, and we will not have them used up, fearing we will not get as good. She and I do most of the eating of them. I have a very fine box of grapes from Whiteheads, one dollar for thirty pounds. They are good, not spoiled, came in good condition. May and children shall share with me without cost to you. (11LtMs, Lt 171, 1896, 7)

One of the family sleep with May nights—Sara or May Israel. The whole family are doing well. I had Vivian’s bill, four shillings for every shipment of fruit. He cannot afford to purchase and ship for less, but it is costly business for us in the fruit line, and we send for no more. We will see what we can do when we get to Sydney. Sara takes down her wheel and will try to sell it or exchange for typewriter. (11LtMs, Lt 171, 1896, 8)

Please ask Dr. Kellogg the name of the man from whom he bought the spectacle cases. Both have broken rims so the glasses drop out. I am using an old pair of glasses, and can see through them but dimly. This writing is poor, I know. I have been up since quarter past two o’clock. Tell Dr. Kellogg to send telegram to Brother Israel’s address. (11LtMs, Lt 171, 1896, 9)

I have no disposition to go on the water to America on any route. (11LtMs, Lt 171, 1896, 10)

With much love, (11LtMs, Lt 171, 1896, 11)

Mother.

Lt 172, 1896

White, W. C.
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
September 17, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Son Willie:

We hope to hear something from you today. I want you to carefully consider the subject of Jessie’s going to America. Think of it; pray about it. It is a very important matter, worthy of much prayer to the Lord for counsel. You are on the ground, and must watch events, and the development of things. If it seems to be a necessity for Jessie to be with her father and mother, she will have to go. We dread the thought of her going, but in advising, do the best you can and leave the result with God. (11LtMs, Lt 172, 1896, 1)

It is, I have thought, not impossible that she would decide that it would be best for her to go. Should she remain here, I hope she will not feel anxious and full of worriment over the matter in regard to her father being alone. These things need to be carefully considered. (11LtMs, Lt 172, 1896, 2)

May was surprised when I told her that Jessie was to have a situation in some line in our school here in Cooranbong. If it is best for her to remain, which has so seemed to me in the past, let her understand that she will have work to do in the school, and set her mind at rest. If, after looking over the situation, you consider that our views of the matter in regard to Jessie’s remaining would not be outweighed by other plans and presentation of facts in favor of her going, she can come directly to my house, and I will do all I can to help her feel at home. I should hope that she would not feel, after her father and mother were gone, that she had made a mistake, and worry over the matter. It is best to weigh every movement carefully now. It is a serious matter for Elder Israel to be left with the whole care of his wife for four weeks on a steamer. (11LtMs, Lt 172, 1896, 3)

I have thought that the strain upon Jessie was becoming somewhat dangerous, and this has been my reason for urging a decided rest for her. Her father, when he reaches California, will find friends and labors to occupy his mind, while, if Jessie went, my fear has been that she might be left with the care of her mother, which in no wise would be a right thing. But we might write decidedly to America on this point. It was this view of the matter, her having to be left with the care she has had to bear, that lay at the foundation of my objections to her going to America. The Lord will give wisdom in the decision. (11LtMs, Lt 172, 1896, 4)

I am satisfied that her mother could get help at our institution at St. Helena, or at Battle Creek. I know Jessie has felt desirous to take the nurse’s course at Battle Creek, but Sara, who understands the situation at both institutions, advises that Jessie should try the Health Retreat. There is not so much going on there as at Battle Creek, and it might be better for her than at Battle Creek. But if Jessie remains here, let it be because she herself sees that it is the best thing to do. I have no special light on the subject, but look at matters in a different light. (11LtMs, Lt 172, 1896, 5)

I have a deep impression on my mind that Sister Israel can be helped if she is under judicious supervision, where her eating and her habits can be regulated with firmness, and where she can have the proper treatment. I believe she will recover. I have no other calculation. I believe the Lord will raise her up and change this terrible order of things. (11LtMs, Lt 172, 1896, 6)

We had a nice shower yesterday. The corn was planted in the orchard. Today the weather is clear; the sun is shining. In love, (11LtMs, Lt 172, 1896, 7)

Mother.

P.S. Willie, I have been considering what kind of an impression will be made on the minds of the children themselves to have their mother, in her condition, wholly left to the father’s care. (11LtMs, Lt 172, 1896, 8)

The morning of September 16, after lying awake until three o’clock, I fell asleep, and slept until five. When I awoke, things had been symbolized before me when sleeping. From these things, I interpreted that it was not the right thing to do to leave Elder Israel wholly in charge of the mother. She has to be looked after in her dress, in her appearance. He cannot depend upon Sister Belden, or Sister Burnham. On board the boat, should they be sick, they would not have strength to care for themselves. I was forced to place myself in Sister Israel’s position. Having my reason, I said, “How would I regard being deprived of my children’s care, were I in the condition of Sister Israel?” (11LtMs, Lt 172, 1896, 9)

As this matter will appear to others, it will not lead them to right conclusions. Elder Israel has but little strength, and has not much tact in dressing and undressing his wife, doing up her hair, and waiting on her. (11LtMs, Lt 172, 1896, 10)

I present these things to you just as it has appeared to me since you left. Sister Israel might do some very disagreeable things, which would be a disgrace. Jessie can return to Australia again after obtaining some knowledge in nursing. I send this to you for you to consider. Do with it as you like. I pity Elder Israel from my heart. I look and consider how I would do were you in his position. He leans on Jessie. Poor man, I wonder that he has any strength or courage. (11LtMs, Lt 172, 1896, 11)

Mother.

Lt 173, 1896

White, W. C.
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
November 29, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Son Willie:

We have received your letter, read it, and am very much pleased that you have good conveniences and pleasant society. We thank the Lord that none of you were injured in the perilous storm. I wrote you quite a letter which you will probably receive today. (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 1)

I have just returned from calling on May. This is the first time I have walked as far since returning from Sydney camp meeting. I have had several severe attacks recently. I am just recovering from one, about which I have written you particulars. I am now better. If I will be careful, I can have clearness of mind to write upon important matters and as long as I can shun writing individual testimonies, I am able to do much writing on Bible subjects. But the sense of what we might be and the dishonor to God because we do not reach the high standard is so painful to me it seems as if I could not live. I find that my words are treated as idle tales. When they shall be received as truth and acted upon, then the burden will leave me. (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 2)

I am trying to recover my strength. I have visited May. The hot weather has not been favorable to the health of your children. I find Henry troubled with dysentery; Herbert, not as bad. (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 3)

Henry was asleep while I read to May letters received from yourself and Brother Haskell. She then took up Henry who was crying and continued to cry. He stretched out his arms to come to me. I took him and he lay his head upon my shoulder. I then, after a little, sat down and sang to him. He went to sleep and I lay him down to come and write this letter to you; and I must write one to Elder Haskell. (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 4)

This is an important time just now, the closing up of the book on [the] life of Christ. I want quiet and restfulness, that if the Lord has anything to impress upon my mind, I can discern the subject and prepare it for the book. (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 5)

You will see by these letters enclosed that it would not be wisdom to lessen our working forces now. The interest continues the same, as you will see by Elder Haskell’s letters. I feel bad that Brother Baker is dragging in just now the debt on the Ashfield meetinghouse and the debt of the camp meeting, fifty pounds. He had better had this burden some time before this. A number of the committee met together to talk the matter over. They talked of something being done. Elder Haskell donated one pound, Elder Starr and wife each a pound, Sister Haskell a pound and there the matter hung. Brother Baker donated nothing. (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 6)

I asked Brother Baker why should this debt be left on the New South Wales Conference. The time to see and work off their indebtedness was when the people were in the meeting, when all were present, not wait, and then when the very work is being done that must be done to get workers and pay workers, his great burden is the means. I think there is a decided oversight in this matter of allowing the camp meeting to break up with fifty pounds’ debt upon it, and he had been so passive about it when with wise management it could have been divided among the many. He had let the opportunity go by and then was worrying and talking about the debt left on the conference. The debt need not have been left on the conference if he had been a faithful steward to act his part. Now when there is some talk of building a meetinghouse, all his burden is for the debt left of the camp meeting expenses and the debt on Ashfield church. (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 7)

At a time when everyone is doing his level best to keep up the interest, visiting from house to house, giving Bible readings and holding meetings Sabbath and Sunday and every day in the week but Monday, putting in all the labor possible, then the great burden of Brother Baker is introduced and harped upon. This has a discouraging influence upon the work that now needs to be advanced, when everyone needs to strike fast, hold fast and gather in the sheaves. Those who have taken matters so slow and so easy seem now to stand as a hindrance by putting blocks in the way of the advance of the work. (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 8)

I shall write to Elder Haskell to take no notice of this kind of work that would get up every possible debt to get everyone interested in that, and feel no special interest to advance. Well, you will see now is the time to arise and build. We have no use for men who are half asleep when they ought to be wide awake and take advantage of circumstances, and then when interest in another line of the work is being created, to show a decided jealousy lest the debt will not be paid on the Ashfield meetinghouse or the camp meeting expenses. Oh, how these things tire me! (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 9)

No less than twenty-five souls are keeping the Sabbath and more are deeply convicted, and all these souls will help to sustain the work. They are all full of interest and zeal for a meetinghouse. Appointments were out for me last Sabbath and Sunday, and I must not disappoint them again. I will go to Stanmore and the Lord will give me strength. (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 10)

A word in behalf of May. Please do not send company to her whom she does not know. Sister Pallant and child have been at her house one week, and we are in poor circumstances just now, cutting through for windows in chambers. One window is through, and it makes a very decided difference in the atmosphere of the room. I am glad this improvement is being made, and I will do my best if here, but I shall probably be at Sydney. I merely mention this that you will bear in mind that May has her hands quite full, and not overtax her. You know we have no fruit now and there is little that can be prepared for table diet. As soon as Brother Goodheart comes back, we will take him to board. Brother Bell and Brother Thomson are now at work on these windows. Brother Bell is preparing the chambers by strengthening the roof with joists. (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 11)

We had a precious shower here on last Friday. It refreshed things, but we need more to go into the ground. I have no particular news to write for you. We are all usually well in our family. We do pray for you every time we come before the Lord, that He will give you in Melbourne many souls as the result of the meeting. May the Lord help us to have faith and hope and courage. You have quite a number of laborers in Melbourne. I do not think the laborers miss me, and I have not any burden to go to Melbourne. For some reason there is not any light I can get to go. I long now for quiet and the peace of Christ, and rest. I will be grateful if I am not called to attend another large gathering of our people. (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 12)

We are of little faith. When we shall seek the Lord with all our hearts, when we shall have due respect for those who have borne the burden in the heat of the day for their works’ sake, when we love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves, then will the truth prosper in our hands and go forth as a lamp that burneth. We need to heed the second chapter of Revelation and understand what it means to lose our first love. We need to humble our hearts before God and then He will see it is safe for Him to work with us and for us. (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 13)

I have just sent over to see how the children are. Better, is the report, but May will probably write to you herself. (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 14)

In much love, (11LtMs, Lt 173, 1896, 15)

Mother.

Lt 174, 1896

Farnsworth, Brother and Sister
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales
December 20, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother and Sister Farnsworth:

I have had the enclosed [Ms 33, 1896] written and ready to go last mail, but was very sick. November 27 I was aroused in the night and the matter written was urged upon my mind. I am sorry it did not go in the last boat, but until yesterday I thought it had gone. Well, I have had a very severe sickness and have taken but two meals at the table since I returned to this place November 25. My birthday was passed in complete exhaustion. Oh, the tired head, the pain in stomach and bowels, commenced from twelve to one o’clock and lasted until four o’clock. Bloody flux set in and I suffered excruciating agony. I was relieved by using pulverized charcoal. The inflammation soon left me after taking this quite freely. Charcoal, sometimes a large spoonful dry and then moistening it with water—my experience is, it kills inflammation quickly. (11LtMs, Lt 174, 1896, 1)

The peaches, the few left on the tree, were delicious; the nectarines, the best I have ever eaten. The peaches left on the tree were saved for me. They were fresh and would just melt in my mouth. The branches of the apricots are growing still, fast. The spring corn from that one kernel reaches nearly eleven feet and still it [is] climbing, I think. This ground will bear anything. I shall try to get from some quarter [the] best of currant bushes, the best quality of strawberries and gooseberries. Those I think can be obtained in Tasmania. (11LtMs, Lt 174, 1896, 2)

Please remember, we are very pleased to hear from you any time you can write. I have not slept since two o’clock. I must lay down my pen. (11LtMs, Lt 174, 1896, 3)

11 o’clock a.m. Brother Connell has brought in a gathering of sweet corn for the noon meal, cucumbers, nearly a foot long, and a few small tomatoes. (11LtMs, Lt 174, 1896, 4)

I wish you could both spend some time in my home. I am glad you are pleased with my home. I cannot build a home for Brother James to occupy with his family. I cannot possibly do this. To build a home for Willie is the best I can do. I must do this when [I can] hire the money to do it. He will sell his home in America if he can. We must fix a place for his family. He may be absent one year. (11LtMs, Lt 174, 1896, 5)

I think of you all. I would be so pleased to visit in the family of Dr. Caro, who has ever treated me with respect. Sister Caro is my best and dearest sister. We are united in heart, and there has not, to my knowledge, been even one thing that has been unpleasant in our relationship. I want to thank Dr. Caro that, while he was not one with us in the faith, he was always kind and made my visits agreeable. If I could be with them all once more and visit with them, I should feel something like an eager friend to tell of the mercy and love and tenderness of my heavenly Father. All physical suffering draws me closer to my Saviour, and He is very precious to me. (11LtMs, Lt 174, 1896, 6)

Dear Brother and Sister Farnsworth, be sure you receive the golden oil emptied from the heavenly messengers into the golden bowl, to flow forth in golden rays of light to communicate to all you shall visit. Oh, [I] must have Jesus, precious Jesus. “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] With Christ we can do all things. Praise His holy name. Let us praise Him and make melody to God in our hearts. Be cheerful, of good courage, hopeful, joyous, and yet go weighted with the Word, which is the Bread of life to bear to hungry, thirsting souls. We all need much more faith, much firmer trust, dependence upon Him who is back of the promise. Carry sunlight with you wherever you go. Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary, higher and still higher, and let your message be, Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. (11LtMs, Lt 174, 1896, 7)

In love. (11LtMs, Lt 174, 1896, 8)

Lt 175, 1896

Durland, Brother and Sister
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, Australia
March 26, 1896
Portions of this letter are published in 1BC 1089; 5BC 1086; 7MR 367. +
Dear Brother and Sister Durland:

I have something to say to our people in Michigan. If we can arouse their moral sensibilities upon the subject of temperance, a great victory will be gained. Temperance in all the things of this life is to be taught and practiced in our churches. You are far behind on this important subject. When those who minister in word and doctrine take a right position on this point, much will be gained. This is the great need in Michigan. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 1)

Temperance in eating, drinking, sleeping, and dressing is one of the grand principles of the religious life. Truth brought into the sanctuary of the soul will guide in the treatment of the body. Nothing that concerns the health of the human agent is to be regarded with indifference. Our eternal welfare depends upon the use we make during this life of our time, strength, and influence. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 2)

“When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee; and put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties; for they are deceitful meat. Labor not to be rich; cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; and they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Eat thou not the bread of him who hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats; for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he; eat and drink, saith he to thee; for his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.” [Proverbs 23:1-8.] (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 3)

Eating the rich food generally placed upon the rich man’s table may gratify the taste, but there is danger that by so doing, the entire being will be perverted. “Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Be not among wine bibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: for the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.” [Verses 19-21.] Here the drunkard, the indolent, and the glutton are classed together. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 4)

The principles which we should follow are specified in God’s Word. The apostle Paul asks, “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] We should eat and drink in order to nourish the body, to give it strength, that God may be honored and glorified. We are under special accountability to God to strictly guard the appetite, that it may not be gratified at the expense of health. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 5)

“Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31.] This means that every propensity is to be strictly guarded. The body is to be brought as a pure offering to God. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 6)

The relation of the human organism to the spiritual life is the most important branch of education, and it is to receive careful attention in our schools, that students may know how to treat the body intelligently, from a Christian standpoint. The Lord has shown how much value He places upon man by paying such a wonderful price for his redemption. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] We are the Lord’s by creation and by redemption. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 7)

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] The soul that is imbued with the love of Christ is one with Him. Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. But the co-operation of divine and human forces is necessary for the formation of right principles in the character. No man can work out his own salvation without the aid of the Holy Spirit. Man is to make the most strenuous efforts to overcome the tempter, to subdue natural passions; but he is wholly dependent upon God for success in the work of overcoming the propensities that are not in harmony with correct principles. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 8)

The Holy Spirit presents before men the agencies provided for his transformation. If he heeds the words of Christ, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me,” he will receive help from heavenly intelligences. [Mark 8:34.] God has provided help for all who will conform to the conditions laid down. It is a work of co-partnership, a joint operation, and our success depends wholly on our willing obedience to the will and way of God. Our character develops in accordance with our conformity to the divine plan. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 9)

God is the Author of our being, and of our healthful development in mental and physical lines. But man is not to leave all the work with God. He is to use the machinery and facilities God has provided. In order to do this, he must understand the organs of his body, and know how to treat them. He must understand how to use his physical and mental powers. This is essential for the development of the human structure. Every part of the living machinery needs diligent culture. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 10)

Instruction in these lines should be given in the home and in the school. Parents and teachers should take hold of this work decidedly. Care should be taken that the system is not injured by continual use of the mental organs, while the physical organs are left to become feeble and diseased because of inaction. Harmonious action is necessary for the perfect working of the machinery God has made. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 11)

It is necessary that there be co-operation between God and man. God has provided facilities with which to enrich and beautify the earth. But the strength and ingenuity of human agencies are required to make the best use of the material. God has filled the earth with treasure. But the gold and silver are hidden in the earth, and the exercise of man’s powers is required to secure the treasure. It is the Creator’s design that the beings He has formed shall exercise their ingenuity in using the faculties He has provided. Man’s energy and tact is to be used in connection with the power of God in bringing the gold and silver from the mines and trees from the forest. These trees may be skillfully fashioned into beautiful temples for God, that those who love Him may have a place in which to worship Him. But unless by His merciful, miracle-working power God co-operated with man, enabling him to use his physical and mental faculties in the work, the treasures in our world would be useless. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 12)

God desires every human being in our world to be a worker together with him. This is the experience we are to gain from all useful employment, making homes in the forest, felling trees to build houses, clearing land for cultivation. God has provided the wood and the land, and to man He has given the work of putting them in such shape that they will be a blessing. In his work man is wholly dependent on God. The fitting of the ships that cross the broad ocean is not alone due to the talent and ingenuity of the human agent. God is the great Architect. Without His co-operation, without the aid of the higher intelligences, how worthless would be the plans of men. God must aid, else every device and plan is worthless. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 13)

We cannot keep ourselves for one moment. We are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. We are utterly dependent upon God every moment of our lives. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 14)

How did man gain his knowledge of how to devise? From the Lord, by studying the formation and habits of different animals. Every animal is a lesson book, and form the use they make of their bodies and the weapons provided them, men have learned to make apparatus for every kind of work. If men could only know how many arts have been lost to our world, they would not talk so fluently of the dark ages. Could they have seen how God once worked through His human subjects, they would speak with less confidence of the arts of the antediluvian world. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 15)

More was lost in the flood, in many ways, than men today know. Looking upon the world, God saw that the intellect He had given man was perverted, that the imagination of his heart was evil and that continually. God had given these men knowledge. He had given them valuable ideas, that they might carry out His plan. But the Lord saw that those whom He designed should possess wisdom, tact, and judgment, were using every quality of the mind to glorify self. By the waters of the flood, He blotted this long-lived race from the earth, and with them perished the knowledge they had used only for evil. When the earth was re-peopled, the Lord trusted His wisdom more sparingly to men, giving them only the ability they would need in carrying out His great plan. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 16)

My dear friends, you must reach a much higher standard. When dealing with the duties and destinies of human life, you need to examine yourselves closely, to see whether you are in the faith. Study the lessons of Christ. His discourses are full of divine truth. In His sermon on the mount He said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust doth not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye. If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” [Matthew 6:19-23.] (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 17)

The teacher of truth must see eye to eye with Christ. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith: who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” [Hebrews 12:1-4.] (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 18)

“No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment. Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” [Matthew 6:24-26.] (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 19)

Christ here tells us that we have a heavenly Father who knows all our necessities. We need to do the work before us with an eye single to the glory of God. When men and women are constantly worrying about what to eat and drink and wear, they leave God out of their reckoning. They do not go to God as to a tender heavenly Father, who is able and willing to supply their necessities. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 20)

The question is asked, “Is not the life more than meat and the body than raiment?” [Verse 25.] He who formed the wonderful structure of the body will take special care to keep it in order if men do not work at cross purposes with Him. Life is a holy trust, which God alone can enable us to keep. We have a higher work to do than to spend our time wondering what we shall eat and drink, and wherewithal we shall be clothed. He who created man, who gave him his wonderful physical, mental, and spiritual faculties will surely not withhold what is necessary to keep the life He has given. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 21)

“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” [Verses 27-29.] The great Master Artist calls our attention to the soul-less flowers of the field, pointing out the beautiful tints and the wonderful variety of shades one flower may possess. Thus God has revealed His skill and care. Thus He would show the great love He has for every human being. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 22)

Every flower is an expression of the love of God. From them parents may teach their children precious lessons of trust. Point the children to the wonderful artistic skill of the great Master Artist, and then tell them of His care for them. The smallest bird is cared for. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without the notice of your heavenly Father. How much more will He care for His children. Let us learn the lesson of perfect trust in God. “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take not thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Verses 30-33.] (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 23)

The great and infinite God says to us, Ye are my husbandry: ye are my building. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” [1 Corinthians 3:9, 16, 17.] (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 24)

We have a solemn, serious work before us—that of watching for souls as they that must give an account. “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching. Verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.... Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season. Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” [Luke 12:35-37, 42, 43.] (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 25)

May the Lord help His people to gather up the divine rays of light, and let this light into the home and the church. True greatness does not depend upon position, but upon purity, fidelity. Our worthiness is not found in self, but in Christ. We are estimated by our faith in the Saviour, by the truth and rectitude of our lives. Be clothed with humility. Shun the perils of self-exaltation. God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. The ministers of Christ should consecrate their lives to his service, revealing his character in the beauty of holiness. (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 26)

[February 7, 1899

While looking over my writing in search of an article, I came across this letter. I send it now; for I have been instructed to gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost. I am gathering up from my writings many things that I knew not had been overlooked. I send this now to you.] (11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, 27)

Lt 176, 1896

Tait, A. O.
Sunnyside, Cooranbong, N. S. W.
November 9, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother Tait:

I received your letter in regard to getting out works in regard to the mother’s duty to her children. I have much matter that I will endeavor to get out as soon as the book on the life of Christ is finished. (11LtMs, Lt 176, 1896, 1)

I have had to meet many things that required pen labor and voice labor to repress and counteract. Brother John Bell is having a large burden to get out that which he considers very precious matter upon Daniel and Revelation. It is a mixture of truth and error, supposition, and a mass of Scripture misapplied and misinterpreted. And yet he has the greatest assurance that he has great light. But as he had no knowledge of the experience through which we passed in the proclamation of the first and second angels’ messages, he cannot understand that his theories uproot the past leadings of God. This I am now seeking to present to him. For two nights in succession I was awake—one night at half past two o’clock a.m.; the next night at half past one o’clock a.m. (11LtMs, Lt 176, 1896, 2)

This, with Brother Miller’s movements in leaving the Echo office and setting up business for himself, has been a great trial to us all. His entire family has been sowing doubts. These things cause us much labor to counteract. How the matter will terminate we cannot determine. May the Lord God of Israel set things in order without loss of precious souls. How many have an enthusiasm to get out something new and divert the minds of God’s people from the very things essential for them to cherish and feed upon in these last days to give spiritual strength to be Christians, ever seeking a preparedness for the coming of the Son of Man in the clouds of heaven. Well, everything will press in upon us now, and we must keep every piece of the armor on. (11LtMs, Lt 176, 1896, 3)

We leave here again for Sydney in a few days to remain one week or ten days. I must write no more at this time. (11LtMs, Lt 176, 1896, 4)

Lt 177, 1896

Olsen, O. A.
Sunnyside, Avondale, N. S. W.
March 16, 1896
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brother Olsen:

I have been up writing since half-past two o’clock. I will now send letters written to different ones. I would be pleased to send you a letter, but cannot. I have written some, copying some from the letter read in the council room in the Tabernacle. Look for it in two weeks. Cannot get it copied. Called off. Severely burdened over the case of Willie McKnight. He has done wickedly. You may ask Emily Campbell to read her letter sent to her. My glasses have failed me. I have one pair mounted over another. The missing glasses have been supplied by turning another pair upside down. It is not pleasant to write. (11LtMs, Lt 177, 1896, 1)

I feel a deep interest for you, and am much troubled because the light given me which I have given you, has been of none effect to correct wrongs that have been done. But when the Lord shall anoint the shortened eyesight of yourself and others, there will be some things done that remain undone. I have come across the matter, read it, and will send a copy in two weeks, but I cannot send it this week because of this case that has called me from my writing and caused me much travail of soul. (11LtMs, Lt 177, 1896, 2)

Willie was called to Melbourne to consult in reference to plans for the camp meeting. We expected him home this week but we shall not see him till next week. Brethren Prescott and Rousseau have been my helpers and counselors in this case of Willie McKnight. He seems to have no sense of the sinfulness of his course. (11LtMs, Lt 177, 1896, 3)

My health is much better. Sister Sarah Belden is a great blessing in my home. Our family has numbered only twelve since Willie has separated from us. He and his family are living in the building erected for a wash house and store room, having pitched my large family tent, which is used for parlor and sleeping room for the children. (11LtMs, Lt 177, 1896, 4)

I feel much burdened over matters, for those in responsible places are not working out the principles the Lord has shown me the last fifty years, and which He required to be brought in to the upbuilding of His cause in our world. But I have written some things I pray you to consider carefully, and not pass by and neglect to make any change; for you will have cause to regret this if you do. (11LtMs, Lt 177, 1896, 5)

I am full of burden, but I feel the sweet peace of God and the comfort of His grace. We pray for you. That is all we can do. I do not think it will be my duty to visit Battle Creek, and repeat the experience I had during and after the Minneapolis meeting. The Lord stands at the helm. He will conduct His own work, even if some will make shipwreck of the faith. (11LtMs, Lt 177, 1896, 6)

I beg of you for Christ’s sake to look unto Jesus and trust in Him. He will bring His work on a different platform, to be managed of different men, if we will only trust in Him and wait patiently after doing everything the Lord has told us to do. I must cease writing now. (11LtMs, Lt 177, 1896, 7)

In love to the entire family, I remain, your sister faithful and true to the faith once delivered to the saints. (11LtMs, Lt 177, 1896, 8)

Lt 178, 1896

Corliss, William Burr
NP
Circa April 1896
Probably written to William Burr Corliss. See Lt 15a, 1896 and Lt 165, 1896. Previously unpublished. Not sent.

I will write to you, young man, that I have a sincere interest in you, because you are not the owner of yourself. Your heavenly Father is your Creator and He gave Christ as your Redeemer. Therefore, you are of considerable consequence with God. You are bought with a price. Your life is precious because the Lord bears with your perversities, and, whatever they may be, I am not writing this letter to condemn or discourage you but to impress you with the fact that the very business you are engaged in is the spoiling of your own life through mistaken notions. Whatever their hereditary or cultivated tendencies may be, the lives of young men are a serious matter with Him because it is a life ransomed by a price that cannot be computed. (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 1)

You have been a self-indulgent youth, easily influenced into evil, catching up the wrong habits and the wrong practices of those who love the evil rather than the good. You have a father and mother that love the Lord, and both are possessed of more than common, ordinary ability. You have been entrusted with talents which, if you knew how, you could by diligent service improve, to make something of yourself by giving your heart to God fully, wholly, without any reserve. The Lord would give you, in wearing His yoke, a rest to your soul, and you could be made a vessel unto honor. Will you take your own way and work out your own ideas independent of your parents? (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 2)

Christ, your Redeemer, invites you to “Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart and ye shall find rest unto your soul, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] Your great pleasure has been to do as your please, however much pain you bring to the heart of father or mother. Will it pay, young man? I have a great desire that you should accept the invitation of Christ and wear the yoke of Christ. I know that you can if you wear Christ’s yoke. Live not to please yourself but be what you can be through earnest endeavor, a laborer together with Christ because you wear His yoke. Your life in this world, if improved, can make the world better for your having lived in it. (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 3)

Through a faith connection with Jesus Christ and seeking to walk in His footsteps, you can be like Him in character—pure in your purposes and strong in strife to win the crown of life. Lives with whom you have connection will be purer and stronger through your influence that has been purified by the truth. You know the Word of God but not practically. Now is the time for you to be given to understand you have talents to use with which to accomplish the purpose God has for your life. A young man with father and mother, sister and baby brother, has a most serious responsibility resting upon him. (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 4)

Can you take in the matter as it is, that your life, of which your father has been so proud, is disappointing him and is a great grief to his heart and his life? Your mother that should have joy and gladness feels a sadness and a weight upon her spirits. You can change all this if you will. It rests with you. They have loved you and their hearts go out after you. They have placed much hope upon you that you would become a child of God and turn your feet in the path that leads to life eternal. They have indulged your wishes more than was good for you. It made you selfish and want to live for your own gratification of self. But if you only knew what a disappointing matter it is to your father and mother, you could not do as you have done. They have hoped; they have prayed and tortured their souls over you, and the pain of heart is with them just about a continual thing, and the result will be weakening the life forces. Although you do not sense the matter, it is like a continual, grave sorrow in the heart. They made a mistake in indulging you to your own injury, but do not let there continue to be an injury. (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 5)

Show yourself a man. “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is nigh. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6, 7.] The Lord is good and merciful. He will receive you if you will come to Him and let His Holy Spirit into your heart with His transforming grace. Then how great a burden would you lift from the hearts and minds and souls of your parents. Your life as it has been is casting reflections upon your parents’ training and educating. Your course is a reproach upon them. But you may change all this. Your course of conduct may be representative of truth. You can be an argument in favor of truth and righteousness by the transformation of your own soul through the reception of the precious grace of Christ who gave His life for you to make that life a blessing in this world. (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 6)

If you come to the Lord just as you are—needy, dependent—and ask Him to receive you, to pardon you, He will do it. You can cast the most serious reflections upon your father by continuing to pursue a course that is opposed to truth and righteousness. You may come, you may give your heart to the Lord and reveal the proof of the power of the truth upon the human heart and soul of the believer. This is the credential you can bear of what the truth can do to soften and subdue the heart of the wayward who considers it is his privilege to have his own way. Will you consider the things that I write unto you? It is the course you have pursued that keeps the household in distress. Your mother feels that if she should go to America that her son could be where he can have encouragement and not be censored and found fault with and criticized. (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 7)

There is no lax discipline in Battle Creek or in Healdsburg. Just as long as you carry with you your unconverted heart, you will meet with all the difficulties in any place where order and discipline are maintained. There is no school in any of our churches that will be more considerate and forebearing than they have been in this school. Your parents want you to receive an education, that you can unite with them in their work for the Lord. But you can spoil your own life and spoil the life of your parents who are inclined to blame the school for your wayward course. It is a trouble thrown back to your father and your mother to give up their fond hopes of you. They are willing and enjoy laboring in this country, and the Lord would have them remain, but their hopes will be disappointed should they leave this country for to follow out your thinking that you should not be so much criticized elsewhere. (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 8)

We have the truth which will prove to you to be sacred and eternal truth. Let me tell you, young man, you will carry your own wicked heart with you, and every move you make under the training of Satan lessens your hope of becoming a young man who is under the control of holy angels. The Lord understands it all. You will only confuse and create a worse state of things with yourself and your parents. God is not leading them to America. It is wholly on your account that they go. Neither your mother nor your father will be following the leadings of the Spirit of God but the working of the enemy on your mind to ruin your soul, if possible, and place them in great embarrassment, which they do not discern. They think they should do everything possible for you, to watch and keep guard over you, their child. (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 9)

But I know that which the Lord has revealed to me: that it would be the enemy working upon your mind to place you in such a position as would keep them unsettled and unhappy. To follow your course of action will finally unfit them both for the work the Lord has given them to do. They will lose largely in spiritual discernment, for this is Satan’s snare to disqualify them for the work. If you could only know what harm you have done, and will continue to do, knowing full well you have worked in deceiving your parents. (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 10)

But I will not by any means look upon your case as hopeless, but as one whom the Lord is ready and willing to receive if you will only come to him and begin to work most earnestly in different lines. I would say you would but disappoint the enemy to return to the school. If you will change your attitude and exert your talent of influence for good as zealously as you have worked in the service of the enemy to please the father of all evil, then the Lord will work with you. And your parents will no longer be so amazed by Satan’s ingenious methods to separate them from those who are doing the best they can under difficulties. Satan works so that your parents will feel hard and strange and dissatisfied with the teacher all on your account. (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 11)

Why not now break this spell? Why not now turn unto the Lord and break with the enemy? Why humiliate your parents? Why dishonor them and make their life so hard and trying? When your course of action shall be changed everything in reference to your father and mother will be changed. Individually every soul has all the trials that Satan can bring upon them, and when he makes the son a medium of his communications and artful deceivings, he hopes to obtain the full control over father and mother and the younger members of the family. I know I am not writing to you fables but facts. “Turn ye, turn ye, for why will ye die?” [Ezekiel 33:11.] (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 12)

I have a proposition to make: Return to the school in repentance and seek the Lord with all your heart and no longer stand under the guidance and ruling power of Satan. You have now an opportunity to come to the Saviour just as you are. Repent and be converted and help your parents in the place of hindering them and making their trials so severe. If you decide that you will come back to the school and pursue an altogether different course of action, and cultivate the talents God has given you in order to do good and be a blessing to yourself, to your father and mother, and seek to make them happy, the teachers will do their uttermost to help you, to cooperate with you in forming a character that God shall approve. If you have no intention of making any change, then of course, that matter is at an end. (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 13)

You would have no better opportunities or privileges in any other school if you should continue to pursue the course you have done—to lead, as well as being led, into evil. Going to America would not improve your mother’s or your father’s health, for their hearts are sore and they grieve and have much sorrow. Your father will not ever find a place where he is more appreciated than in this country. All love him and want to help him and can be a blessing to him if you will be determined that Satan shall not work you, and through you work the students of the school, and your own parents be deceived. I have had a view of your life. I have been permitted to see the outcome of indulgence in gratifying the inclinations of a baby or a child or a youth. In doing this your life has become misshapen, and a very crooked piece of work is your character building. (11LtMs, Lt 178, 1896, 14)

Lt 179, 1896

Woods, H.; Miller, W. H. B.
NP
Circa September 1896 [Copy typed March 27, 1898]
Portions of this letter are published in ChL 12; 1MR 264; 4Bio 344. +
Dear Brethren Woods and Miller:

I hoped to have an interview with you both, but upon inquiry learned that you were living at a long distance from the house occupied by Brother Daniells. I could not go so far, for after getting off the African mail, I had but little time. I feel deeply over the situation of our people, and have much to communicate to the church when I have opportunity. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 1)

I am so sorry that you have connected yourselves with this new enterprise. Already you can see and understand the influence the move is having upon your mind. You ought to have placed yourselves in the channel of light. You should have attended the camp meeting, and with receptive hearts have listened to the precious truth. But at the very beginning of your independent business career, you separated yourselves from assemblies for worship, and thus lost much which you might have gained. As the messengers of God, we brought light for the people; but you, who needed this light so much, were seldom at the meetings. We labored just as earnestly, whether there were few or many present. We dwelt upon practical godliness, for we need all the light and truth we can have at this time. One step out of the path of right leads to a second wrong move. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 2)

In the past, the work of the Echo Publishing House has been hindered by the ignorance of those who were learning how to work. The institution has had to struggle with poverty and with defective education in many lines. But the Lord’s blessing has rested upon the efforts put forth in faith and hope by the workers who were seeking to grow in grace and in a knowledge of how to do the work of God more perfectly. A great change has taken place, and better work has been done than at any other period of its existence. The workers, under an experienced management, have gained a knowledge of how to work. The Echo Office is God’s institution, established to do a special work in the advancement of the truth. The presses are to produce messengers that shall go forth to all parts of the world. And the Lord has blessed His faithful ones. A grand work has been done in bringing the light of truth before many who have not seen the living preacher. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 3)

But Brother Miller, while gathering all the knowledge possible, was waiting for an opportunity to follow out plans which he had formed for his own advantage. He heard a voice of invitation to temptation, saying, “All this will I give you, if you will be led and guided by me.” He did not discern whither his feet were tending. He did not consider that the institution was God’s instrumentality, and that from it a light was to go forth to enlighten other minds in darkness, to prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 4)

The Echo Publishing House is God’s own institution, and had it not been for the Lord’s care for it, it would not now be in existence. There are those in all our institutions, all through our ranks, who have not sound principles of action. They do not understand and cannot distinguish between a private business interest in workshops, factories, or cornfields and the institutions brought into existence for the advancement of the cause of God, and which are built up by hard labor, fighting their way upward under most discouraging circumstances. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 5)

The publishing institution has struggled hard to bring in, through the grace of God, a pure, sacred, holy atmosphere in every department of the work. But while a great change has been made, and there is a better class of workers, there is not yet a true appreciation of the distinction between an institution which bears the divine credentials and a common workshop. Temptations are entertained by the workers, minds are undisciplined, worthless pleasures attract and divert the mind from the work, and these elements are a continual drawback. The Lord calls upon every soul connected with that institution to have a vigorous purpose, a lofty aspiration, a burning zeal for God’s glory, that it may stand as a faithful memorial of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Let all stand in right relation to this institution, remembering that it is the Lord’s instrumentality. Every sanctified ability is now required to give prosperity to the work and relieve it from its burden of debt. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 6)

God requires that the atmosphere of the office be kept pure from selfish principles or actions. We need to understand that the Lord God who rules in the heavens is jealous how His agencies are treated. To those who have obtained an education in the lines of work to be carried on in the Echo office, the Lord has given wisdom as He did to Daniel and the three Hebrew captives; and He designs that the ability and powers given shall be returned to Him to His own name’s glory. Thus it is when workers are being educated to do a certain line of work in harmony with other workers. There will be trials in their experience; there will be unpleasant chapters in the experience of each; but this is something that should establish confidence. There must be restrictions and limitations and counsels given; but if this is regarded as a great trial, and the work is made a grievance, it is viewed in a wrong light. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 7)

To the men who were to build the tabernacle, the injunction was given to make everything according to the directions given in the mount. This was often repeated, because it was God’s way and the work was the work of God, and it was to be a representative of God. The Lord’s service is a solemn, sacred service, and all connected with it in the Echo office are to consider that a sacred charge is upon them. They are to become workers together with God. The Lord is the teacher. Human eyes may not discern Him, but He is close by the side of the one who desires to walk in the counsel of God. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 8)

October 8, [1896]

Last night I slept little. When I did fall asleep, after 3:00 a.m., I was talking earnestly with a company in regard to the move that had been made by Brethren Woods and Miller in separating from the Lord’s work to take up work for their own special benefit. Notwithstanding remonstrance and entreaty, their will was settled, and they were determined to carry out their own devising. They did not care to yoke up with Christ, and our institution was dishonored and left in need of the very ones who had obtained a knowledge of how to work. Without consideration of this, they left the institution destitute of proper workers. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 9)

God will not bless this movement. It has taken years to bring into working order those who were ignorant of the work. The youth were doing a work in which the Lord has helped them. He has strengthened every action that has been done in the love and fear of God. But harm has been done to these young men who needed to be instructed in regard to staunch, true, loyal principles of obedience unto obedience. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 10)

These words were spoken: “Christ lived to express His life and character for all the youth, for all mankind. Better have these children suffer, and lie in their graves, than have them treat so lightly the principles that lie at the very foundation of loyalty to truth, to their fellow beings, and to God. Disregard of principles, of integrity, will make a chapter in the experience of these young men, and of all who act a part with them, which the universe of heaven can never endorse. There is a withdrawing from God’s institution, irrespective of the sacred work which every true child of God will uphold and sustain. They do not understand the work which they are privileged to do for the Master.” (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 11)

These matters should have special consideration by all connected with the Echo office. But when the senses become in anywise perverted, and the discrimination beclouded, when [their] work appears in no more sacred light than the most commonplace business arrangements, then God’s cause will be sacrificed for personal interest. The knowledge gained in different lines is divorced from the work and service of God. There is a sacrificing of principle for selfish interest, and they prove that they cannot be trusted. They turn traitor at the most important period, when God demands every jot of ability to strengthen the things that remain. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 12)

Every one will be tempted by the enemy, but all may come through every temptation unharmed, if they will draw closer and still closer to God. It is not depravity of vicious habits that is leading the brethren on to self-serving. The wrong lies in a determination to follow the plans they have formed. Brother Miller cherished the pleasing, flattering idea that the knowledge he had gained should entitle him to the place of head director, and no secondary place in the Echo office. If this first place were not granted him, he would start a business of his own. But he calculated without God. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 13)

Never again can Brethren Woods and Miller have a sense of standing together as true yoke fellows, to do that whereto they were appointed, to honor God with all their heaven-entrusted talent, to do God’s ways and God’s will. While they continue to follow their own will, there will be corrupted, tainted thoughts and actions. They will strive with their every power to get the advantage of the Echo office. Feelings will be cherished, natural to the human heart, to demerit the various branches of the work. They will employ methods to come out ahead. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 14)

The root of selfishness will spring up and thrive, and thereby many will be defiled. Thus it has been from the very beginning, and it will continue. They have planted the root, and they will see a harvest which they will not care to gather. From the very first seed sown, it was wrong. It was born of selfishness, and every moment since, it has meant dishonor to God in His appointed agencies. It has done a work in Victoria that all the investments in private business firms could never have accomplished. Again and again Satan was worked to bring discord and strife and alienation among the working forces of the Echo office. He has bruised the heel, but he could not touch the head. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 15)

Those who have united their sympathies with the men who have treated the Lord’s institution as they would a common thing have not increased their strength of spiritual discernment to recognize what this institution means to all who have any knowledge of it. It is like a great light in a lighthouse, built on a dangerous coast, ever to be a living, burning light to shine amid the moral darkness of the world. Every soul connected with the Echo office should feel himself highly privileged to be permitted to add to it his ability, his talents, and his unceasing vigilance. He is to act his part in making that institution just what God designed it should be—a light in the world, shedding upon the world an influence that is ever on the Lord’s side. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 16)

Satan’s specious temptations may succeed. He will present flattering prospects before men if they will acknowledge him. “All this power and recognition will I give you,” he says. [See Luke 4:6.] But this presentation is a lie, a false pretense, by which he seeks to draw men into his net. And he has succeeded in this case, leading Brother Miller into an entanglement from which to all appearances there was no escape, causing him to break away from the place where God had blessed him, and where all his energies were needed. The Lord would have helped him with highest encouragement to give earnest effort to advance His cause. Brother Miller should have considered all these points unselfishly in the place of making of none effect all the efforts put forth to better qualify him for the work. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 17)

The meeting held at Armadale would have had an influence for good upon his mind, upon the mind of his mother, and of the entire family had they consecrated themselves then and there to the Lord, had each devoted every jot of his ability to the honor and glory of God. Every member of the family needed help from God to work with sanctified energies as if their success depended upon their earnest, devoted influence and whole-souled interest in the work. God is always at our right hand, proffering His omnipotent power in every emergency; and Brother Miller might have co-operated with God in carrying forward the work of God for this time. He might have educated others as far as possible, laboring in perfect harmony with his fellow workmen. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 18)

Letters were sent to America, stating that Brother Miller was to receive special instruction in essential lines of work, and that the heads of the work there were to consider themselves in duty bound to give him all the knowledge possible to help advance the work in this field. But lo, that which was gained by this visit to America was not used to advance the work and to help just when and where help was needed. In the place of consecrating himself more fully to God, to communicate the knowledge he had received, he planned to appropriate all to his own interests. Thus all our efforts to help Brother and Sister Miller, that they might better help the cause of God, were diverted to another channel. Brother Miller feels that now he had sufficient knowledge to carry on an independent business in his own interests. And Satan rejoiced to see him do this, for he understood the outcome of such a course. Selfishness would lead him to bend everything into selfish channels, and Satan triumphed. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 19)

God has a work to be done in these depressing times that needs the firm courage and faith that will enable us to sustain one another. All need to stand shoulder to shoulder, and heart to heart, as laborers together with God. O, it is grievous to think of what might have been accomplished in and through the grace of God if the church only had right ideas, and had stood as a whole to sustain, to bless, with their prayers and influence at a time when discouragement pressed in on every side. Then is the time to work as faithful stewards; but instead of this, seeds of dissension were sown in the church. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 20)

In every way possible, Brother Miller worked for his own interests, gaining the sympathy and help of the workers in setting up a rival institution. Does this bear the signature of heaven? No! I answer, No. In this movement there has been a departure from the Lord’s plans. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 21)

I have many times passed over the ground where the enemy has worked in similar ways. The very work that Satan commenced in heaven is carried on on the earth in small and large matters. This drawing away was not after God’s order, yet it was persisted on. Were it not an institution around which so many interests cluster, where so much is at stake, even then the course pursued was not just and right; but when an institution which the Lord has established as a means to advance the cause and work of God in our world is treated as it has been in this case, God is dishonored, and His work is hindered. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 22)

How, I ask, do the heavenly intelligences view this self-centered course? Is it not best to consider all these movements, and what relation they sustain to our spiritual welfare? Brethren Miller and Woods, did you not consider the result that this separation would have upon your brethren, upon the church, upon the office? Did you reveal that you love God supremely? Did you make manifest that you were standing in correct relation to Him? Did you love your neighbor as yourself? Have you not revealed what has been the result of this action upon your own minds and characters? Have you not seen how quickly the church was brought into temptation—to reveal suspicion, and distrust of the brethren? Could you have looked on all sides of this question as all true Christians should have done, you would have weighed the consequences it must have upon yourself in your attitude toward the instrumentalities which the Lord designs shall live and prosper to do a special work in His name, to prepare a people to stand in the crisis soon to come upon the world. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 23)

My brethren, your action was not in the order of God. You had motives which God has not endorsed. If the men in responsible places should be indifferent and careless, letting you go on to hurt the institution that God has established, and carry things your own way, they would be unfaithful sentinels, worthy of the condemnation of God. With faithful vigilance, they must guard the interests of the Lord’s institution. In doing this, they must not become provoked to say harsh words and do unrighteous actions. But the same selfish spirit which prompted to the divorcing of yourselves from the Echo office will work in many ways to secure advantages for yourselves to the disadvantage of the Echo office. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 24)

You have all you can possibly obtain at the disadvantage of the Lord’s cause and His agencies. Have you placed yourselves in the place of those who are in responsible positions? Have you considered what kind of a spirit you would have revealed had you been in their place, and under their circumstances? There could be no other than an unhappy feeling between both parties. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 25)

Satan is ever at work to imbue men with his spirit, to quench the love which should be sacredly cherished and strengthened between the brethren; to discourage confidence, to cause dissension, to fan into lively action, envy, evil surmising, and strife of tongues. The Lord has written in His Book the cause and outcome of the ill-advised movement born of selfishness. It places brethren in a position of continual temptation. It puts evil thoughts into hearts that need every moment the grace of Christ to overcome their wrong tendencies. Satan stands ready to take advantage of every word or movement made to create dissension. This matter has been opened before me. Its outcome is the loss of souls. It places each party in a position to watch for evil, to speak evil of things which should never have been brought into existence. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 26)

What has Brother Miller cared for beyond what he could gain for his own private interests? What keen, earnest efforts have been made to secure a better knowledge of how to serve himself in these matters, irrespective of the harm he was doing to the Echo office! There have been methods devised to gain advantages which he himself should have guarded with all the zeal and tact and management he possessed, that no one might use them to the disadvantage of the institution. But the Lord sees; the Lord weighs the actions. His eyes are everywhere, beholding all the works of the children of men. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 27)

I might go on to great length, but I have not the heart to proceed further. This action has the displeasure of God upon it. There is and always will be tares among the wheat, and these tares spoil the harvest. But God says, Let the tares grow. Root them not up, lest ye root up the wheat also. [Matthew 13:29.] The wheat becomes so closely allied to the tares that in rooting up the tares the wheat also will be rooted up with them. It takes a discerning eye to discover the difference between the tares and the wheat, but in the last time, God will separate the tares from the wheat. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 28)

The powers and faculties of the church are to be increased, not by misapplying our talents, but by exercising the ability God has given. There is weakness in the home life; there is weakness and unfaithfulness in the church. Restore the faculties to healthful action, and they will be the stronger for the exercise they have. Men must learn what it means to co-operate with God. We are living in a time when Satan will work through church and state. This is where the counterworking will come in. To His people, God must be all and in all. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 29)

He is most fit to carry responsibilities and command, who most resembles God in character—in goodness, mercy, and staunch loyalty to the cause and work of God. Everyone needs now to work for brother, for friend, for neighbor, and for stranger, drawing the mind away from the discouragements that will crowd in. The truth is to be magnified. We must not be surprised at strange movements. No one must seek exaltation. The more humbly we move and work, the more will we be exalted with God. The return of Jesus Christ to our world will not be long delayed. This is to be the keynote of every message. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 30)

This matter has been presented before me in still another phase. The brethren who have separated themselves from the Echo office have opened the door of temptation to themselves and to the church. Their movement was not in the order of God. The minds of those who have ardently sanctioned this movement have had their eyes blinded to the result. Nevertheless the result followed. Satan has led men and women into a miserable, unchristian state of feeling, of envy, of distrust. They have spoken against that which they do not understand. But God knows. A spirit of jealousy and evil surmising has been manifested against those whom the Lord has in His providence connected with Himself in carrying forward the work in His institution. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 31)

The Echo office has had discouragements to meet in the efforts that have been made to advance the work. From the first, the enemy had not favored it. Those who war against the truth of God have not favored it. Their utmost efforts have been put forth to bring it into disrepute, and make it weak and inefficient. And there have been unconsecrated elements at work in our institution—men who have not at all time had the glory of God in view, but have been themselves the sport of Satan’s temptations. All such elements Satan uses when it serves his purpose best to hinder the work and discourage the hearts of the workers. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 32)

And those who, if they could see the design and working of the enemy, would not sustain his work, are not able to discern the chaff from the wheat. They bind themselves up with the chaff. They become spiritually blinded. Then, in the place of discerning in the Echo office God’s own agency, to be jealously guarded from every unwise intrusion, that it may not become enfeebled by any of the enemy’s plotting, they are blinded, and do not see that they are arraying themselves against God’s own work. Sister Miller has been actively leavening the minds of the church members. She does not know what manner of spirit she is of. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 33)

The publishing institution was founded in self-denial, and should ever have been managed upon strictest economical principles. When there was a pressure for money, the members of the institution should have said, “We will cling to the work; we will take reduced wages. We will do all in our power, bring all our knowledge, all our power, all the wisdom God has given us, to make this work what God would have it—a success. God designs that this institution shall give character to His work, standing as a faithful sentinel to proclaim His truth, reflecting heaven’s light amid the moral darkness of the world. In every branch we will do our best to make it a success.” (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 34)

Any self-sacrifice made in behalf of the Echo office is registered in the books of heaven, as an act of faithful stewardship, and not one will lose its reward. This is the institution God has placed in Australia, and it is to be respected. It is to be as jealously guarded from all intrusion, from all investigation by curious eyes, as was the ark of God. All the ability and talent that can be connected with it, through disinterested efforts, should be brought in to make it a success, a living, working agent for God. Work faithfully done will bring its reward by and by. Those who have by any action worked against it, building up separate interests, will one day see that they have not been co-operating with the heavenly intelligences, but have been working against God and heaven. It demands constant self-denial to bear temptation, and not fall under the same. It demands constant patience and self-command to withstand constant, relentless, unscrupulous attack. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 35)

There are those who in this movement have had an experience of good and evil. The knowledge of good and evil will under certain circumstances become a necessity. Man need not practice evil, but while standing in his loyalty to God, he will discern evil, and decide against it. By this means he will come under the censure of certain ones who do not weigh matters sufficiently, nor realize that the interests of God’s cause are imperiled by unadvised movements made by those who are self-seeking, who have not a keen, sanctified judgment to discern that the agencies of God, to be sacredly sustained by our every talent and power, are to extend the knowledge of the last message of mercy to be given to our world. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 36)

It reveals wisdom from God to be able to distinguish between good and evil. Solomon’s prayer when he was called the beloved of God was, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart, that I may judge thy people, that I may discern between good and evil.” [1 Kings 3:9.] It is necessary that we have knowledge to discern between good and evil, between right and wrong. This was the office to which men were appointed in ancient times in connection with the sacred things which God had brought before the people, in order that religious interests might be kept pure and sacred amid a mass of corrupting influences. The men in charge of God’s institutions are to pray as did Solomon for wisdom to discern between good and evil, deciding in behalf of the people between right and wrong. Their work ordained of God is as sacred now as in ancient times. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 37)

Men who know God, and trust in Him, who are working for His name’s glory, are to have keen discernment to discover any influence which would demerit the work and hinder the advancement of God’s institution. Those who will be faithful guardians of the sacred work of God, who will keep all their powers in vital connection with Him, will discern between good and evil, and to those who have proved faithful and true and steadfast, connection with the King of righteousness will be their reward. They will be as gods, knowing good and evil. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 38)

“Know ye not,” says the apostle, “that the saints shall judge the world?” [1 Corinthians 6:2.] Here in this world, even in connection with sacred responsibilities, there is manifested an eagerness to obtain high positions, to rule, to guide, to control. But of Christ we read that, though in the form of God, He thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Those who are in connection with heaven are not to snatch at power as did Satan in the heavenly courts. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 39)

The Lord bears long with the perversity of the children of men. He permits the enemy to work out his plans that He may have the final victory. The universe of heaven is to see the goodness of God in contrast with the character of Satan. The unfallen worlds must be prepared for any change in our world. The universe of heaven must not be taken unawares by men’s imaginations and inventions. The attributes of the evil worker will be made manifest, and the true and loyal be gathered under one head. In heaven the warning was given in regard to Satan’s rebellion. They were to attempt no such enterprise. But they did this, and Satan and his host were expelled from heaven. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 40)

I must not dwell as long as I might upon this phase of the subject. With one more statement I will leave it. This matter has been acted over and over again, and again history will be repeated. The devices of Satan are subtle, and the inexperienced ones will be misled by misrepresentations and false statements and hearsay. But the Lord’s own institutions must be kept sacred from the strife of tongues. God has a work to be done in this world, and He has centers all through His moral vineyard, and these must be guarded jealously and zealously. Nothing must be done that will lead minds astray, that will make sacred responsibilities common. Any word or act that would tend to lessen the elevated character of the work of God will be charged as done to God Himself. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 41)

In this case it will be seen that cause leads to effect. Results are brought about that man fails to see when he works so strenuously for his own will and way—treason against God’s work, betrayal of sacred trusts. Brother Miller was not able to discern spiritual things because self interposed. This always blinds the reason. “Do they think me unqualified to be superintendent? I will show them that I am capable, that I will not occupy a secondary position. I will stand as head. They need not think that I am to be kept down under the power of those who cannot manage as well. I will show them that I am perfectly competent to direct, and I will exercise my rights.” Thus the sentiment is acted out. The door is now open for treason against the Lord’s institution. He justifies his own course and becomes an accuser of his brethren. And these accusations will continue just as long as the rival institution exists. They demand favors which cannot be given them, and the result is reproach and enmity. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 42)

Whatever is to be established in the order of God demands harmonious action. But in this very effort to produce harmony, some discordant notes will be struck. But these false notes need prove no injury to the cause of right. They only serve to bring out, in all their perfection, the true, the pure, the good. In every understanding, lights and shadows will exist, and if the shade does not become light by blending with the light, then the more clear the light, the darker will be the shadow. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 43)

The providence of God is not discerned in the establishment of centers in His great moral vineyard. Pride, ambition, hatred, deceit, selfishness, are in their own nature self-consuming, as fire they burn up the good. The sense of blame for wrong action will set all the perverse elements of human nature in rebellion. They know not that it is God against whom they are arrayed; they suppose it to be man whom they are despising, man who is seeking to hedge up their way. There will be underhand work, fraud and deception will be practiced, in order to gain that which they desire. They require favors which, if they were themselves faithful guardians, they would never give. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 44)

Thus are brought out and developed attributes which Satan delights to strengthen. Whatever may be withheld by men who are expected to guard the interests of the institution, they are not doing a wrong to those who would become rivals. And because these unfaithful ones are not granted the favors they ask, they withdraw to work in their own personal favor. This is sufficient reason why strictest vigilance should be maintained. Were they themselves loyal to the Lord’s appointed agencies, they would be firm and true to the interests which they handle. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 45)

Those who have separated from the working forces in the Echo office, notwithstanding their ability which God required them to use to His name’s glory, notwithstanding the objections made to their separation and the earnest pleas made for them to remain, have created a condition of things which require a boundary to be placed which those who have drawn off cannot pass. Those who stand in a right position can correctly estimate these things, and they will prove loyal, resisting the sweep of disloyal feeling created against those who stand loyal and true to their post of duty. They will not be drawn away from God and His providential workings. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 46)

Now, what position should those managing the interests of the Echo office occupy. They can but show just indignation at the course pursued by those who have withdrawn their interests from the Echo office, considering all the circumstances. There is such a thing as righteous indignation, and they can but experience it as they see men divorce themselves from the institution when every effort has been made to better fit them for a place there. But if they are Christians they will manifest no malevolence. The law of God will hold them to its divine principles: “Love your enemies: ... do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you.” [Matthew 5:44.] (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 47)

Let every one now at work in the Echo office, in every branch of the work bear in mind that it is not common but sacred things you are handling. Treat this work as the work of God. Require unselfish, perfect service. This work must not bear a vestige of selfishness. Every power is to be exercised to prescribe order and unity in the church. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 48)

All should feel that self must be hid with Christ in God. Look away from the battle, the warfare, to the victory. Drink new and living streams from the wells of salvation. Consider, every soul who acts a part in the work of God, that you are highly exalted. Look unto Jesus, pray in simplicity and faith. Gaze upon Jesus until the spirit faints under the excess of light. We do not half pray. We do not half believe. But ask, and ye shall receive. Pray to be strengthened with all might, that you may endure the seeing of Him who is invisible. Pray, believe, strengthen one another. Be strong. Pray as you never prayed before that the Lord will lay His hand upon you, that you may be able to comprehend the length and depth and breadth and height, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, being filled with all the fulness of God. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 49)

Let every soul depart from all selfishness and self-serving. Show yourselves loyal to the truth, acting your part with all fidelity. There are souls to be saved. Exercise your God-given talents. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 50)

“And let not corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.” [Ephesians 4:29.] “Thus saith the Lord, Pride, arrogancy, ... and a froward mouth do I hate.” [Proverbs 8:13.] The end is near. Work unselfishly while the [day] lasts, for the night cometh in which no man can work. To those who are honored in acting a part in the Echo office, in any branch, I would say, You may feel that you are honored. Christ is looking upon the work in its various branches. In a special manner this is the place for you to practice unselfishness, revealing the character of God. Seek to be more and more like Jesus, growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, 51)