Statement Regarding W. C. Wales NP 1913 This manuscript is published in entirety in TSB 233-235.
(Statement by Mrs. E. G. White, after reading letter from Elder Miller, regarding W. C. Wales’ acting as elder of the Birmingham church.)
(25LtMs, Ms 2, 1913, 1)
I do not think any such questions as that ought to be placed before me. I do not think it is my work to deal with any such things, unless the case has been plainly opened before me. There should be brethren in the church who have wisdom, who can speak decidedly regarding this case. I cannot understand such things. I do not believe that God wants me to take any such burden upon me. If they cannot settle such things among themselves by prayer and fasting, then let them continue fasting and prayer till they can.
(25LtMs, Ms 2, 1913, 2)
Such things will arise. It will come—that is, they will have these difficult questions, and they have got to learn how to treat them. They have got to have an experience. They must bring these things to the Lord and believe the Lord will hear their prayer and give them a sound experience in all these things, but they are not to bring them to me.
(25LtMs, Ms 2, 1913, 3)
(Then Elder W. C. White read a portion of Elder C. F McVagh’s letter of August 15, 1911, after which Sister White said:)
(25LtMs, Ms 2, 1913, 4)
I have had no particular light in regard to his case, therefore I dare not speak positively in regard to it.
(25LtMs, Ms 2, 1913, 5)
It rests with him to show the evidence that God accepts him, and to give that evidence so that our brethren can have something tangible to build upon. Let them say, We will give you a chance. We will see whether God accepts your labors or not.
(25LtMs, Ms 2, 1913, 6)
But it is not wise for me to take the responsibility of this case. I cannot take the least responsibility. Those who see his action day by day should know whether he has proved himself, whether God accepts him.
(25LtMs, Ms 2, 1913, 7)
(After reading the letter of W. C. Wales, written January 13, 1913, Sister White said:)
(25LtMs, Ms 2, 1913, 8)
I cannot take responsibility in such matters. The burden of doing so is too great. Let those appointed of God to bear the responsibility deal with it in accordance with Christian principles.
(25LtMs, Ms 2, 1913, 9)
Ms 4, 1913
Courage in the Lord NP 1913 This manuscript is published in entirety in 2SM 402-408.
Recently in the night season, my mind was impressed by the Holy Spirit with the thought that if the Lord is coming as soon as we believe He is, we ought to be even more active than we have been in years past in getting the truth before the people.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 1)
In this connection, my mind reverted to the activity of the advent believers in 1843 and 1844. At that time there was much house-to-house visitation, and untiring efforts were made to warn the people of the things that are spoken of in God’s Word. We should be putting forth even greater effort than was put forth by those who proclaimed the first angel’s message so faithfully. We are rapidly approaching the end of this earth’s history; and as we realize that Jesus is indeed coming soon, we shall be aroused to labor as never before. We are bidden to sound an alarm to the people. And in our own lives we are to show forth the power of truth and righteousness. The world is soon to meet the great Lawgiver over His broken law. Those only who turn from transgression to obedience can hope for pardon and peace.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 2)
We are to raise the banner on which is inscribed, “The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.] Obedience to God’s law is the great issue. Let it not be put out of sight. We must strive to arouse church members, and those who make no profession, to see and obey the claims of the law of Heaven. We are to magnify this law and make it honorable.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 3)
Christ has commissioned us to sow the seed of truth and to urge upon our people the importance of the work to be done by those who are living amidst the closing scenes of this earth’s history. As the words of truth are proclaimed in the highways and the byways, there is to be a revelation of the working of the Spirit of God on human hearts.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 4)
O how much good might be accomplished if all who have the truth, the Word of life, would labor for then enlightenment of those who have it not. When the Samaritans came to Christ at the call of the Samaritan woman, Christ spoke of them to His disciples as a field of grain ready for harvesting. “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest,” He said. “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” Christ abode with the Samaritans for two days: for they were hungry to hear the truth. And what busy days they were! As a result of those days of labor, “many more believed on Him because of His own word.” This was their testimony: “We have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” [John 4:35, 41, 42.]
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 5)
Who among God’s professing people will take up this sacred work and labor for the souls who are perishing for lack of knowledge? The world must be warned. Many places are pointed out to me as in need of consecrated, faithful, untiring effort. Christ is opening the hearts and minds of many in our large cities. These need the truths of God’s Word; and if we will come into a sacred nearness with Christ, and will seek to draw near to these people, impressions for good will be made. We need to wake up and enter into sympathy with Christ and with our fellow men. The large and small cities, and places nigh and afar off, are to be worked, and worked intelligently. Never draw back. The Lord will make the right impressions upon hearts, if we will work in unison with His Spirit.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 6)
I have words of encouragement for you, my brethren. We are to move forward in faith and hope, expecting large things from God. The enemy will seek in every way to hinder the efforts that are being made to advance the truth, but in the strength of the Lord you may gain success. Let no discouraging words be spoken, but only such words as will tend to strengthen and sustain your fellow workers.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 7)
I long to be personally engaged in earnest work in the field, and I should most assuredly be engaged in more public labor did I not believe that at my age it is not wise to presume on one’s physical strength. I have a work to do in communicating to the church and to the world the light that has been entrusted to me from time to time all through the years, during which the third angel’s message has been proclaimed. My heart is filled with a most earnest desire to place the truth before all who can be reached. And I am still acting a part in preparing matter for publication. But I have to move very carefully, lest I place myself where I cannot write at all. I know not how long I may live, but I am not suffering as much healthwise as I might expect.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 8)
Following the General Conference of 1909, I spent several weeks attending camp-meetings and other general gatherings, and visiting various institutions, in New England, the Central States, and the Middle West.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 9)
Upon returning to my home in California, I took up anew the work of preparing matter for the press. During the past four years I have written comparatively few letters. What strength I have had has been given mostly to the completion of important book work.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 10)
Occasionally I have attended meetings, and have visited institutions in California, but the greater portion of the time since the last General Conference has been spent in manuscript work at my country home, “Elmshaven,” near St. Helena.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 11)
I am thankful that the Lord is sparing my life to work a little longer on my books. O that I had strength to do all that I see ought to be done! I pray that He may impart to me wisdom, that the truths our people so much need may be presented clearly and acceptably. I am encouraged to believe that God will enable me to do this.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 12)
My interest in the general work is still as deep as ever, and I greatly desire that the cause of present truth shall steadily advance in all parts of the world. But I find it advisable not to attempt much public work while my book work demands my supervision. I have some of the best of workers—those who in the providence of God connected with me in Australia, with others who have united with me since my return to America. I thank the Lord for these helpers. We are all very busy, doing our best to prepare matter for publication. I want the light of truth to go to every place, that it may enlighten those now ignorant of the reasons of our faith. On some days my eyes trouble me, and I suffer considerable pain in them. But I praise the Lord that He preserves my sight. It would not be strange if at my age I could not use my eyes at all.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 13)
I am more thankful than I can express for the uplifting of the Spirit of the Lord, for the comfort and grace that He continues to give me, and that He grants me strength and opportunity to impart courage and help to His people. As long as the Lord spares my life, I will be faithful and true to Him, seeking to do His will and to glorify His name. May the Lord increase my faith, that I may follow on to know Him and to do His will more perfectly. Good is the Lord, and greatly to be praised.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 14)
I greatly desire that the old soldiers of the cross, those grown gray in the Master’s service, shall continue to bear their testimony right to the point, in order that those younger in the faith may understand that the messages which the Lord gave us in the past are very important at this stage of the earth’s history. Our past experience has not lost one jot of its force.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 15)
Let all be careful not to discourage the pioneers, or cause them to feel that there is little they can do. Their influence may still be mightily exerted in the work of the Lord. The testimony of the aged ministers will ever be a help and a blessing to the church. God will watch over His tried and faithful standard-bearers, night and day, until the time comes for them to lay off the armor. Let them be assured that they are under the protecting care of Him who never slumbers or sleeps; that they are watched over by unwearied sentinels. Knowing this, and realizing that they are abiding in Christ, they may rest trustfully in the providences of God.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 16)
I pray earnestly that the work we do at this time shall impress itself deeply on heart and mind and soul. Perplexities will increase; but let us, as believers in God, encourage one another. Let us not lower the standard, but keep it lifted high, looking to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith. When in the night season I am unable to sleep, I lift my heart in prayer to God, and He strengthens me and gives me the assurance that He is with His ministering servants in the home field and in distant lands. I am encouraged and blessed as I realize that the God of Israel is still guiding His people, and that He will continue to be with them, even to the end.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 17)
I am instructed to say to our ministering brethren, Let the messages that come from your lips be charged with the power of the Spirit of God. If ever there was a time when we needed the special guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is now. We need a thorough consecration. It is fully time that we gave to the world a demonstration of the power of God in our own lives and in our ministry.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 18)
The Lord desires to see the work of proclaiming the third angel’s message carried forward with increasing efficiency. As He has worked in all ages to give victories to His people, so in this age He longs to carry to a triumphant fulfilment His purposes for His church. He bids His believing saints to advance unitedly, going from strength to greater strength, from faith to increased assurance and confidence in the truth and righteousness of His cause.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 19)
We are to stand firm as a rock to the principles of the Word of God, remembering that God is with us to give us strength to meet each new experience. Let us ever maintain in our lives the principles of righteousness, that we may go forward from strength to strength in the name of the Lord. We are to hold as very sacred the faith that has been substantiated by the instruction and approval of the Spirit of God from our earliest experience until the present time. We are to cherish as very precious the work that the Lord has been carrying forward through His commandment-keeping people and which, through the power of His grace, will grow stronger and more efficient as time advances. The enemy is seeking to becloud the discernment of God’s people, and to weaken their efficiency; but if they will labor as the Spirit of God shall direct, He will open doors of opportunity before them for the work of building up the old waste places. Their experience will be one of constant growth, until the Lord shall descend from heaven with power and great glory to set His seal of final triumph upon His faithful ones.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 20)
The work that lies before us is one that will put to the stretch every power of the human being. It will call for the exercise of strong faith and constant vigilance. At times the difficulties that we shall meet will be most disheartening. The very greatness of the task will appall us. And yet, with God’s help, His servants will finally triumph. “Wherefore,” My brethren, “I desire that ye faint not” [Ephesians 3:13] because of the trying experiences that are before you. Jesus will be with you; He will go before you by His Holy Spirit, preparing the way; and He will be your helper in ever emergency.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 21)
“For this cause I bow my knees into the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, or 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, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 22)
“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” [Verses 14-21.]
(25LtMs, Ms 4, 1913, 23)
Ms 6, 1913
The Work of Elder W. C. White NP 1913 [typed] This manuscript is published in entirety in PH116 17-24.
(Copied from diary, December 14, 1902.)
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 1)
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia, August 18, 1899
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 2)
I awoke as the clock struck eleven. I desire to write out some things that the Lord has given me for my instruction.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 3)
On Friday I talked with my son W. C. White in regard to the necessity of giving his whole time to the work of preparing my writings for publication. My mind was much troubled, and after going to rest, I could not sleep. But I fell asleep after a time. In the night season, light came to me that W. C. White had from his childhood been trained in the Lord’s work. Before his birth he was dedicated to God; and after his birth he was chosen of God to serve Him with singleness of purpose. He is to stand ready to serve where necessity requires. It is not possible to separate him from the general work in which he is so intensely interested. I am instructed that if he will trust wholly in God, the Lord will work with him and through him, giving him judgment to do the Master’s service aright.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 4)
It is essential also that he shall be connected with his mother’s work. The preparation of my writings for publication in book form should receive his attention. And there are other responsibilities that he must bear in this country. He is better prepared than some others to see the needs of God’s cause and to present these needs before the people in a way that will arouse them to give these matters proper attention. Through his connection with the work of his mother, whom the Lord has instructed, W. C. White can give to the people the light that is essential in regard to plans and methods. The Spirit of the Lord will impress upon his mind the deep import of the matters laid out before him. I can communicate to him matters that the Lord has seen fit to present to me for many years, in regard to the principles upon which God’s people should act.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 5)
W. C. White has a special work to do. He cannot disconnect himself from his work, for it is his lifeblood. It is his inheritance from the Lord. For this work he was born. He cannot be at rest in spirit when there are so many important matters needing adjustment; for at such times the developments in the Lord’s cause lay upon him a proportionately increased responsibility to discharge faithfully his duties—duties as important and sacred as those of any other man who is called upon to deal with the mental and spiritual interests of his fellow men.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 6)
As this is the light given me, I now renewedly dedicate my son W. C. White to the Lord’s work—a work that includes the preparation, with as little delay as possible, of the matter which the Lord has given me to present to the world, to our churches, and to individuals.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 7)
*****
Copy of portion of letter written to Elder George I. Butler, October 30, 1906.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 8)
May the Lord bless you, Elder Butler, and preserve you in health. May His Spirit and His grace be upon you.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 9)
The questions that you ask in regard to the book plates I cannot answer now. After the death of my husband, I was for one year so afflicted that I felt that perhaps the Lord would let me rest in the grave. Night after night I was in deep sorrow. One night I had a special answer to my prayer. It was after the healing power of God came upon me at Healdsburg. At that time the Lord raised me up and gave me a special light, and I have never since felt so unreconciled. I was instructed that the Lord had mercifully raised me up because He had a special work for me to do, and I was assured that I should have the special protection and care of God. The Lord had spared my life and had saved me from that which was surely sapping my life forces.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 10)
The mighty Healer said: “LIVE, I have put My Spirit upon your son W. C. White, that he may be your counselor. I have given him the spirit of wisdom and a discerning, perceptive mind. He will have wisdom and counsel; and if he walks in My way and works out My will, he will be kept and will be enabled to help you bring before My people the light I will give you for them. Let your light so shine before men that they may see and understand, in a special manner, that the Lord has given a message to meet the emergencies that will arise. As you speak the words I give you, angels of heaven will be with you, to make impressions on the minds of those who hear.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 11)
“I will be with your son and will be his counselor. He will respect the truth that comes through you to the people. He will have wisdom to defend the truth; for I will take charge of his mind and will give him sound judgment in the councils that he attends in connection with the work. The world in its wisdom knows not God. It does not behold the beauty and harmony of the special work that I have given you. Your son will be perplexed over many things that are to come before My people, but he is to wait and watch and pray, and let the words of God come to the people, even though he cannot always immediately discern the purpose of God.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 12)
“If you watch and wait and pray, Providence and revelation will guide you through all the perplexities that you will meet, so that you will not fail nor become discouraged. Time will outline the beauty and grandeur of Heaven’s plan. It is difficult for human minds to comprehend that God in His providence is working for the world through a feeble instrument. To know God in the working out of His providence is true science. There is much knowledge among men; but to see the designs of heavenly wisdom in times of necessity, to see the simplicity of God’s plan revealing His justice and goodness and love, and searching out the hearts of men—this many fail to do. His plan seems too wonderful for them to accept, and thus they fail to be benefited. But Providence is still in our world, working among those who are grasping for the truth. These will recognize the hand of God.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 13)
*****
“The counsel and purpose of the Omnipotent One, and His great plan, are not recognized by selfish human beings. It is difficult for man, in his pride and self-sufficiency, to accept the plan that God is working out through the mediation of His Son. It is contrary to the mind of the self-deceived and self-important to receive God’s words of warning and reproof. They resist the light. But the promises of mercy and grace and love must come through the lips of My messengers to those who are being led astray. If those reproved will heed and understand and be corrected, if they will change their wilful course of sin, God will grant pardon. But if they allow the enemy to stir up rebellion in their hearts, they in turn will stir up rebellion in other hearts, and in their stubbornness will fight against God.”
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 14)
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 15)
These words place a weighty responsibility upon Christ’s disciples. The followers of Jesus are under obligation to the world to reveal Him in pure, noble characters. What a light shone forth from Daniel! He made known the purpose of God in the court of Babylon, reflecting the light of heaven into this proud kingdom. What light shone forth from his three companions, as, in steadfast integrity, they stood before the proud monarch, declaring, “Be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” [Daniel 3:18.] What a demonstration of the power of truth was the example that Abraham set before the church in his home! Mordecai, Ezra, Nehemiah, and many others were chosen messengers—men through whom the pure light of consecration shone brightly.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 16)
“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.] All who would be disciples of Christ are bound to make God and heaven manifest by good works. All who walk humbly before God will surely recognize the workings of His providence.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 17)
The messengers that God sends are as light in a dark place. Through Christ, God is establishing a kingdom in this world. As God’s people reveal Him in good works, they become the light of the world. As they work under Christ’s counsel, and bear a living testimony to the truth, they will be sustained against the power and craft of Satan, which will increase as we near the time of Christ’s second appearing. God’s witnesses are to hold firmly to the Word of the Lord, which is to shine amid the moral darkness till the very close of this earth’s history.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 18)
There must be, in this time of trial, a dignified reliance upon the Word of God. We are to hold fast to past and present truth. The light is to shine forth with heavenly clearness. God will give an increase of light to those who walk in light received. Satan’s devising and his mysterious, deceiving power cannot put out the light which God bids shine. Every soul who is willing to be instructed by the Word has the precious treasure of strength of character and is enabled to glorify God in word and act. The followers of Christ increase in power to be good and do good; for the Sun of righteousness is shining upon them.
(25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, 19)
Ms 8, 1913
Wilcox, F.M./My Work and My Helpers Refiled as Lt 371, 1907.
Ms 10, 1913
The Writing and Sending Out of the Testimonies Refiled as Lt 225, 1906.
Ms 12, 1913
Interview/Regarding Wages for Physicians and Surgeons St. Helena, California December 4, 1913 This manuscript is published in entirety in LLM 614-621. +
(Interview at the home of Mrs. Ellen G. White, Sanitarium, California, Thursday morning, December 4, 1913.)
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 1)
Present: Mrs. Ellen G. White, Elders F. M. Burg, G. W. Reaser, W. M. Adams, J. H. Behrens, C. L. Taggart, A. G. Christiansen, W. C. White; also C. C. Crisler.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 2)
After introductions and greetings, Elder White said in part: All day yesterday we were considering the interests of our various schools in the Pacific Union Conference. In these schools located at Angwin, Lodi, Fernando, Armona, and Loma Linda, there are between six and seven hundred students in training. We were encouraged as we took counsel together regarding these schools.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 3)
Today we must enter into consideration of sanitarium problems, particularly the question of the wages we should pay to physicians and surgeons. We have in our St. Helena Sanitarium a God-fearing physician who has won the confidence of all his associates—a man whom God has blessed greatly in his ministry to the sick. He wants to remain, and everybody wants him to remain; and he feels that it would be right for him to remain if his brethren could grant him a wage about twice as large as that paid to our average workers. He loves to give freely, and he wishes to have funds with which to live and to use for this project. We are much perplexed, and we would be glad to know if you have any light on this matter.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 4)
Sister White: If he is granted considerably more than other physicians, they will come to believe they are not treated right unless they have more also. We must move cautiously and understandingly and not allow wages to creep up so high that many will be tempted. There may have to be a coming down rather than a going up in physicians’ wages, because there is a great work to be done. Unless you have some clear light from the Lord, it is not advisable to pay one man considerably more than another, doing a similar work. For, if you do, the others will think it perfectly proper to expect similar high wages.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 5)
We must look at things on all sides, and it is of no use for us to think that we can offer a successful worker a high wage simply because he may demand it. We must, rather, consider what we can afford to do at the present time, when the fields are opening upon which we shall henceforth have to expend much more means than we have spent hitherto. These are matters that will test the faith of our people.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 6)
W. C. White: They do test our faith, Mother, especially when a group of workers have labored with a man until they have learned to love him and admire him, and they believe that he can do better work than any other man. Then it is natural for them to think that it is wrong for the brethren to withhold from him that which he might use to advantage. They think, “What is a thousand dollars, or fifteen hundred dollars, extra, when life is involved?” They say, “Here is such and such a case that he has just brought through, and there is another whose life he has saved;” and they feel as if it would be awfully mean of us not to meet his requirements. They say, “There is no one who has to work and suffer as does a surgeon. Think of the hours of arduous labor, of anxiety, of mental anguish they have to endure when a precious life is hanging by a slender thread.”
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 7)
But, on the other hand, in considering this matter, we must remember that other institutions are influenced by our action. We see a poor, struggling sanitarium situated in a beautiful place, in a position to do a large business, and with every prospect of making money if only they can have a brilliant physician; and they can get a good physician if they are encouraged to pay only three or five hundred dollars more than the wage scale recommended. They say, “If you will only let us pay a few hundred dollars more than you have advised, we can gain five thousand dollars to cover this small additional expense for wages.” And thus it seems—when we look at it from a business point of view.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 8)
Sister White: You see there is a selfishness that underlies that that the Lord is not pleased with. We must work harmoniously. It is through harmonious action that our work is to be carried forward, and some will have a very hard time. Some will have an easier time. But all these things will have to be taken just as they come, and the workers must remember what Jesus gave in coming to our world. I think of it over and over and over again, and it seems to me that we can do an excellent work if we set a right example. But if we desire that which the most of our brethren cannot receive, this injures our influence. One brother says, “Such and such a brother has a certain wage, and I must have a wage to correspond.” And so the wages will climb, and keep climbing, higher and still higher. The fact is that the wages of some may have to be lower and still lower in order that we may meet the extensive requirements of the work that is before us in warning the world.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 9)
O I am so thankful that the Lord has given me a little strength that I may use in completing my books! I have not gotten through yet. I have not completed all that I desire to see done. I mean to take just as good care of myself as possible, that I may complete intelligently the work the Lord has entrusted to me. And in all this I desire to share with my brethren in self-denial. What we want, brethren, is to be an example in all matters. Whether man sees it or not, let us remember, brethren, that the Lord sees every sacrifice we make individually for the spread of the truth. But if you encourage some to receive a wage considerably higher than that which their brethren are receiving, others will desire to climb just as high; and if they are not allowed to do so, they will become dissatisfied.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 10)
Brethren, we cannot afford to lay a stumbling block in the path of any soul simply because they think they must have matters arranged so and so. The Lord desires us to be consistent in everything. He desires us to follow the self-sacrificing example of Christ; and when we do that, His blessing rests upon us. When we go to various places and our brethren know that we have been tempted to ask for higher pay, but that we have overcome this temptation, He will give us influence with the people. It is not the higher pay that brings success. Success comes through following in the footsteps of the Saviour in self-denial and self-sacrifice. When we do this, the Lord pronounces His blessing upon us. He discerns the hidden motives; and when the work that is to be done is especially difficult and taxing, His grace will be sufficient for our every need.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 11)
Even if we as laborers for God go beyond that which seems to be for the good of our health and strength, we may look to Him in confidence, casting our helpless soul upon Him and realizing that He who Himself led a self-sacrificing life of toil on this earth will acknowledge our faithfulness and will help us marvelously. When we come into hard places, the angels of God will be right there to sustain and bless. Heavenly angels will be by our side to make right impressions upon those with whom we are associated and to whom we are ministering.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 12)
Some may think that I ought to be in the field, at work; and, brethren, it is in my heart to do public labor at general meetings. But at my age, if I should undertake to travel from place to place, I would soon use up the little remnant of strength I still have, and would be unable to do the special work the Lord has called me to do. In former years I was strengthened to labor early and late, both in writing for the press and in public speaking. Now I am spending my chief energies in gathering up the fragments, and in preparing for publication that which should be placed in the hands of the people. If I had the strength, I should be very willing to go anywhere and to bear heavy burdens—not that I desire to lift up myself, but that I might do some one some good.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 13)
Those who have the cause of God at heart must realize that they are not working for themselves or for the small wage they may be receiving, and that God can make the little they do receive go further than they may think it can. He will give them satisfaction and blessing as they go forward in self-sacrificing labor. And He will bless every one of us as we labor in the meekness of Christ. And when I see some seeking for higher wages, I say to myself, They are losing a precious blessing. I know this to be a fact. I have seen it worked out again and again.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 14)
Now, brethren, let us take hold and do the very best that we possibly can without asking for higher wages except as we find that it is an impossibility to do the work given us without more; but even then let others see this necessity as well as ourselves, for God puts it into their heart to see it, and they will speak the word that will have more influence than for us to speak a thousand words. They will speak words that will give us a proper standing before the people. The Lord is our helper, and God our frontguard and our rearward.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 15)
As we bring ourselves into right relationship with God, we shall have success wherever we go; and it is success that we want, not money—living success; and God will give it to us because He knows all about our self-denial. He knows every sacrifice that we make. You may think that your self-denial does not make any difference, that you ought to have more consideration, and so on. But it makes a great difference with the Lord. Over and over again I have been shown that when individuals begin to reach out after higher and still higher wages, something comes into their experience that places them where they stand no longer on vantage ground. But when they take the wage that carries on the face of it the fact that they are self-sacrificing, the Lord sees their self-denial and He gives them success and victory. This has been presented to me over and over again. The Lord that seeth in secret will reward openly for every sacrifice that His tried servants have been willing to make.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 16)
The brethren often leave their families and make many other sacrifices in behalf of the cause that they love more than anything else in life. They may be tempted to think that in return for this self-denial they ought to receive more remuneration; but the more they might receive would not always bring them a blessing. If they go forward in a spirit of cheerfulness, others will follow their example; and as they go forward, following on to know the Lord more perfectly, they will know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. The Lord guards the men that are willing to brave hardship and danger in order to reach precious souls in out-of-the-way places. He regards their determination to make His cause first. He honors those who are willing to endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ. He sees every sacrifice that is made; He sees the end from the beginning; and He will care for every one of His servants who remains faithful. There have been times when I have thought that my brethren might have done better than they did do in my behalf. But I have been careful about criticizing. I have thought of the great sacrifice Christ made in giving His life for a lost world. God gave His only begotten Son to save fallen man, and the offering that was made was prompted by the spirit of self-sacrifice.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 17)
In years past, when this subject of wages has been under consideration, I have told my brethren that the Lord knows all about the spirit that prompts as to action, and that He can turn matters in our favor at times when we do not expect it. As we set a right example, the blessing of the Lord will rest upon us. I have seen the Lord work in many ways and in many places to help the very ones that view these matters in the right light and set a self-sacrificing example. And, brethren, as you labor earnestly, prayerfully, humbly, in the spirit of Christ, God will open doors before you. The people will see your self-denial.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 18)
At times when my brethren have come to me, seeking advice as to whether they should demand a higher wage, I have told them they might gain a little means by asking for higher wages, but that the blessing of God will accompany those who follow a different course. God sees the self-denial; the Lord God of Israel sees every motive; and when you come into a hard place, the angels of God are there to help you and to give you victory after victory.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 19)
I have been very clear in counseling my brethren not to demand large wages, for this is not the impelling motive that leads us to spend our energies in the work of soulsaving. We are not to let the wage question stand in the way of our responding to the call of duty, wherever our service may be required. The Lord can bring matters around so that a blessing will attach to our labors far exceeding any compensation we may or may not receive; and He will give to His servants words to speak that are of the highest consequence to perishing souls.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 20)
The people are hungering and thirsting for help from heaven. I have tried to put in practice these principles of self-sacrifice, and I know whereof I speak when I say that the blessing of God will rest upon you when you make the call of duty first. I am glad for this privilege of testifying before you this morning that the Lord has turned matters, over and over again, in such a way as to give us more than we could possibly ask for. The Lord will prove His servants; and if they prove true to Him, and leave their cases with Him, He will help them in every time of need.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 21)
We are not laborers together for God for the wages we may receive in His service. True, brethren, you must have wages with which to support your families; but if you should begin to stipulate as to just how much you shall receive, you may prove a stumbling block to some one else who does not have the disposition, perhaps, that you have to be liberal; and the result will be confusion. Others will think that all are not dealt with on an equality. You will soon find that the cause of God will become cramped; and this result you do not desire to see. You wish to see the cause of God placed on vantage ground. By your example, as well as by your words, the people are to have a living assurance that the truth received into the heart begets a spirit of self-denial. And as you go forward in this spirit, there are many that will follow.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 22)
The Lord desires His children to act in that self-denying, self-sacrificing way that will bring to us the satisfaction of having performed our duty well because it was duty. The only begotten Son of God gave Himself to an ignominious death on the cross, and should we complain at the sacrifices we are called upon to make?
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 23)
During my wakeful hours through the night season, I have been pleading with the Lord to guard our brethren against the tendency to promise to go here or there on the stipulation that they are to have a little higher wage. If they go in a spirit of self-sacrifice, trusting in Him, the Lord will grant sustaining power to mind and character, and success will be the result.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 24)
In the future, our work is to be carried forward in self-denial and self-sacrifice even beyond that which we have seen in past years. God desires us to commit our souls to Him, that He may work through us in manifold ways. I feel intensely over these matters. Brethren, let us walk in meekness and lowliness of mind, and put before our associates an example of self-sacrifice. If we do our part in faith, God will open ways before us now undreamed of.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 25)
W. C. White: How shall we meet this condition? Some of our physicians, like Dr. Rand and Dr. Thomason and others, who are big-hearted and generous, are brought into contact with sickness and poverty and distress; and they feel intensely the importance of advance moves in the church and in the institutions with which they are connected; and they feel that they must give. They love to give. They make big donations, and they keep making big donations, and they say, “We need money so that we can keep on giving.” How ought we to meet such proposals? Shall we put the money into their hands in the form of wages? or ought our institutions that have a surplus be willing to respond liberally to the requests of these men to do things for the poor and needy who greatly desire help?
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 26)
Sister White: Yes, that is the way the matter should be handled. The institution should do what it can to help.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 27)
W. C. White: Sometimes these brethren call the attention of the management to certain needy cases, and they are met with the response, “We cannot afford it; there are lots of poor people in the world, and we cannot help them all.” Then the physicians say, “We must have money to use in urgent cases, and the surest way to get it is to demand a liberal wage.”
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 28)
Sister White: That is not the best way. If matters are arranged so that the cause of God will be served to the best account, angels of God will work, and a right influence will be exerted. As those connected with the institution share in sacrifice, the minds of the people will be impressed, and all will be inspired to do to the utmost of their ability. But if men feel that they cannot labor in our institutions unless they have large wages, they will meet with disappointment.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 29)
Let us not forget the infinite sacrifice Christ has made in our behalf. That He might obtain for us heaven, He hung on the cross and suffered death—a most shameful death. If He were willing to give Himself freely in order that we might have life everlasting, how glad we should be for the privilege of service, and how eager we should be to follow His example of self-denial!
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 30)
Many nights, when thinking of these matters, I am unable to sleep. I keep saying to myself, O if I could only go before the public as I used to, and set before them the self-sacrificing Saviour as our divine Pattern, how glad I should be! But my age does not permit me to do this at present.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 31)
W. C. White: Mother often mourns that she cannot go out as in former years to attend general meetings; but I try to encourage her that she can do more for the cause of God by sending out her writings for others to use in all parts of the field, than by attempting to attend meetings in a small portion of the field.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 32)
Sister White: In former years God blessed me as I went from place to place, preaching the Word. He gave me some remarkable experiences in temperance work, near Boston, where I was permitted to address thousands of people. During these meetings when I spoke in response to the invitation of those not of our faith, I usually refused to accept any remuneration for such labor, so that they might not misinterpret my motives.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 33)
W. C. White: May I tell the brethren one of the things you said to me at Newcastle, N.S.W., about the reform that we as a people must stand for in the matter of high charges? There are many other things you have said we should stand for, like men nursing men and women nursing women; and some of these matters have been written out and printed. But I am not sure that this that you told me at that time has ever been written out, and I should like to repeat it to these brethren in your presence, so that you can testify as to whether I have told it correctly or not.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 34)
In Newcastle, you remember, one time we were down there when Brother Starr and others were holding meetings. One Friday afternoon you and I were walking out by the creek, and you said that there was a reformation that we must stand for in medical practice that was just as important as the discarding of drugs, and that was the matter of very high charges for medical service.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 35)
E. G. White: I have some things written regarding this, but have not brought them before the public. I have not had a chance to prepare all the matter that I would like to prepare. But I mean to give myself to it.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 36)
W. C. White: Well, we are getting past our meeting hour before we know it. It seems to me, Mother, as if the Lord gave you thoughts this morning to help us in our present perplexities. (Voices: Yes; Amen; True.) And we thank Him for it. Before we go, may we kneel down and thank Him for these words of counsel and pray for guidance today. And we will also ask your prayers that we may be guided today while we are considering many very perplexing matters.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 37)
E. G. White: Well, brethren, if some one proposes something that is not in accordance with self-sacrificing principles on which our work is based, let us remember that one stroke of God’s hand can sweep away all seeming benefit because it was not to His name’s glory.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 38)
W. C. White: Brother Reaser, will you lead us in prayer?
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 39)
G. W. Reaser: Praying.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 40)
Sister White: O I am so thankful! Every day of my life I am thankful that God preserves my memory and my mind, that I may speak a word in season now and then. I feel grateful to God for this.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 41)
G. W. Reaser: Well, we are very thankful to have met you, Sister White, and to find you in so good health. And personally I am thankful for the good counsel you have given us this morning. You have surely spoken a word in season to us all.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 42)
J. H. Behrens: The Lord bless you and keep you, Sister White.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 43)
F. M. Burg: Good-bye, Sister White. The Lord bless you. I know your interest in Southern California. The Lord is blessing our work down there. Paradise Valley and Glendale have a very good patronage, and the Lord is blessing the work.
(25LtMs, Ms 12, 1913, 44)
Ms 14, 1913
Interview/An Interview with Elder E. E. Andross Regarding the Wage Question St. Helena, California December 12, 1913 Portions of this manuscript are published in 1MR 86-88.
(Report of interview of Elder E. E. Andross with Mrs. Ellen G. White, “Elmshaven,” Sanitarium, California, December 12, 1913, 2 P.M.)
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 1)
Elder Andross: I thought I would like to ask your counsel, Sister White, a little further about the matter we were considering the other day—the matter of wages of employees, especially physicians, in our institutions. If you have any further counsel for us with reference to the wages that our physicians should receive, we should be glad to hear it.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 2)
Mrs. Ellen G. White: If our physicians set themselves to demand higher and higher wages, the Lord will not prosper them. Over and over again this has been presented before me during the night season. The Lord desires us to stand in a position where we can look to Him for guidance, and rely on Him for light, and follow on to know Him, whom to know aright is life eternal.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 3)
Elder Andross: The question confronting us now is, What wages should we pay our physicians? You know some of them feel that we are not dealing with them liberally; that they ought to receive a very much larger wage than they are now receiving—larger than the wage received by ministers and other workers in our cause. They urge that they can earn a large wage in worldly practice—a much larger wage than the minister could earn.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 4)
Sister White: Yes; and they will have the temptation continually before them. But in the matter of encouraging our physicians to set their own wages, we must be very guarded. I am sorry I am not able to present this matter fully as it has been opened up before me in the night season. I hope to be able to say more in the future regarding this question; but I can say now that I must continue to bear my testimony against the idea that men may be permitted to set their own wages. Let a man begin on this line, and Satan will help him wonderfully.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 5)
It is not God’s plan that a man launch out on a plan of saying how much he shall receive. Let the Lord lead in these matters. When a man begins to value his services at a certain price, he will later on increase this price; but the worst feature of such a course is the example it sets before others who are liable to yield to the same temptation. Until our brethren who are inclined to specify what they shall receive can show that this is in accord with the example set by our Saviour, I am not ready to stand with them in any such policy. But Christ has never set us any such example. We must decide matters of this nature intelligently, in the light of the self-sacrificing life of the Lord and Master whom we serve.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 6)
If we should adopt the policy of allowing workers to set their own wages, we would soon be in a strange condition. We cannot consent to any such proposition, because it is not in harmony with God’s plan for the conduct of His work. But we can help those who really need to be helped—not in response to their own testimony alone, because there is liable to creep into that a selfishness that must be guarded against; but we may render help to those who are worthy of assistance, in harmony with the united judgment of those in positions of responsibility.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 7)
God would be greatly displeased if we were to permit men to set their own wages. And if men threaten to go elsewhere to labor, unless we yield to their requests for special consideration and wages above others, let us allow them to go. Do not permit any one to drag you into a wrong policy. The Lord will not sustain any man in making demands of extraordinary wages of his brethren as a reward for continued service in the cause of God.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 8)
Our brethren in positions of responsibility must come into harmony on this matter, and not regard any man as so indispensable that he must be allowed whatever he thinks his services are worth. No one should cherish the idea that he is to be exalted above his brethren who are doing as faithful service as he is. We must have correct views on the wage question, if we expect the Lord to continue to prosper us in our work. Those who persist in following their own way, contrary to the counsels of their brethren, will find that they are on losing ground, and they will finally fail.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 9)
From the beginning, our work has been carried forward on self-sacrificing principles. Over and over again we have proved the value of these principles. And when men have attempted to turn from the way of self-denial, they have not prospered. The Lord has not blessed them in any such course.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 10)
Let us be true to God in this matter, Elder Andross. I have an intense desire that you and your wife and children shall stand in a position where you will all know that the Lord is working with you and for you.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 11)
We have known what hard times are. And we know, also, what it is to be blessed of the Lord with means. We have not hoarded this for ourselves, but have tried to help others, and we mean to continue trying to help many with the means entrusted us of God.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 12)
In planning for the advancement of the cause of God, we must have a living interest in all branches of the work. For years my husband and I labored to help our brethren to unite in self-denying service; and it is now too late in the day to adopt new standards and policies.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 13)
Elder Andross: Some of the brethren feel that a wage considerably in advance of that which the ministers receive is for them a very small wage; it is not anything in comparison with what they could get out in the world; and so they do not count it a large wage at all. They say, for instance, that forty or fifty dollars a week is a very small wage for a competent physician and surgeon to receive; that this may be a large wage for the ministry, but not for them, because of their superior earning power. This is the way they reason.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 14)
Sister White: Yes; but I wish to say decidedly that we cannot maintain any class of workers in the policy of setting their own wages; and if they are led by God, they will not continue to do it. These matters have come up often in the past; and if I had the time and the strength, I could find in my writings many things that have a direct bearing on this very question; and the outcome of following such a policy has always been against our cause, and not in favor of its progress.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 15)
Elder Andross: I am sure that you will be pleased to learn, Sister White, that we had a board meeting last night at the sanitarium, during which the question of the doctor’s remuneration was to be settled. Some time ago, our physician-in-chief had placed before the board his resignation which was to take effect January 1, 1914, unless the board saw fit to increase his wage or give him a percentage on his surgical fees. He urged that he must have the command of a larger part of his earnings than in the past. And so we met together last night to consider the question again. Finally, after talking the matter over for a time in the board, the doctor arose and said he would withdraw his resignation and would leave the matter of his wages in the hands of the board, and he would remain with the institution.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 16)
Sister White: On what conditions will he remain?
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 17)
Elder Andross: He would withdraw his resignation, and would let the board set his wage, and would let the matter of his wage rest there.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 18)
Sister White: Truly, then, I am relieved of a burden. I have gone through experience after experience that has taught me that the enemy of our work would be pleased to see introduced a policy regarding wages that would bring us into trial. God is not in any arrangement that permits a man to specify how much he should receive. When one says that he cannot labor in one of our institutions, unless he is treated just so and so, why others will feel at liberty to make similar demands. It will not do for us to adopt any policy that will open the way for such results. When this question has been up for consideration in times past, the Lord has given clear light over and over again that no man be permitted to mark out the exact course he is to pursue; for to allow this would bring the cause very soon into a state of confusion. God will help us, if we walk in the light of His counsel.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 19)
We are coming into a place where the enemy will use against our work every advantage that it is in his power to use. We must all depend wholly upon our God, and be in a position where we can follow on to know the Lord, that we may know His going forth is prepared as the morning. In the past, when this matter of large wages has come up for consideration, the Lord has overruled many times, and men have been saved from falling into a snare of the enemy. When men have urged their seeming necessities, we have dealt faithfully with the principles underlying rewards in God’s service, and a blessing has attended our efforts. Our brethren have been led to see what the result to the cause would be in a little while if we acceded to their requests, and they have wisely chosen a better way.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 20)
Elder Andross: It is evident that the report of the interview on that question that you had with the brethren the other day helped the doctor to take his stand with us. After he read that, he said he would have to stay with us; he would continue his work here; he felt as if the Lord would be pleased to have it that way.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 21)
Sister White: We must do all in our power to encourage and help him, but I would never consent to any plan that permits a man to set his own wage. But if our brethren who find it difficult to live on the wages they receive will come together in council, and study how they can help hold up and strengthen one another in the Lord, He will give them wisdom. He will not leave them to fall a prey to the devices of the enemy. I have been in this cause many years and have given similar counsel and encouragement to many; and I do not know of a single case in which a brother has taken this counsel and has decided to follow his Lord in the path of self-denial, but that he has said afterward, “I am glad that I have done this.”
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 22)
We are servants of the Most High. We desire to do His work intelligently. We must deal considerately with our faithful brethren who are bearing heavy burdens. We cannot permit them to set their own wages; but in times of emergency, sickness, and distress, we can come right in and help them, just as if they were our own relatives. The Lord has privileged me to do this many times and has blessed me in it. Our brethren who prove as true as steel to this cause should be helped in time of need. This is the position on which I stand, and I want you to stand here also.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 23)
Elder Andross: Well, I have been trying to stand on the right side. And I feel that the Lord has helped me.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 24)
Sister White: Yes. I do want you to stand independent of all such ideas—that you can set your own wage. The time will come when we shall find the Lord cannot prosper us in any such action; for if one is permitted to do it, others must be. I have been desirous of seeing you, so that I might tell you to be true to the Lord and to His cause, and to right principles, and to go along and do the best you can, and to put your trust in the Lord; and do not give your children one single chapter of experience of having their own way.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 25)
The Lord does not leave men to be the sport of the enemy, if they choose to walk in the path of self-sacrifice for the sake of the cause they love. I have proved the Lord; and I speak from experience. Again and again men have attempted to introduce a policy of paying high wages, and this has proved to be a failure, and they have had to acknowledge it. The Lord does not mean to leave us. He will be our frontguard and our rearward. The men who have chosen to follow their own selfish way have been brought to naught. They have been brought into very hard places. Then some of them have come to us for help. Did we deny them?—No, indeed; no, indeed! We gave them help. Those who are acquainted with us know how we have given assistance. I want you to stand just as straight, just as fully on the side of the Lord, as it is possible for a man to stand; and you want to stand there.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 26)
Elder Andross: Yes, I do. Thank you, Sister White, for these words of counsel. Good-by for today.
(25LtMs, Ms 14, 1913, 27)
Ms 16, 1913
Talk/Following On to Know the Lord NP June 15, 1913 This manuscript is published in entirety in 2SAT 334-336.
(Remarks by Mrs. E. G. White, Sanitarium, Church-school Picnic, June 15, 1913.)
(25LtMs, Ms 16, 1913, 1)
I am glad to have the privilege of meeting with those that have gathered here today. I feel an earnest desire that every one of you shall be victorious in the struggle against evil. For many years I have been laboring for the salvation of souls. I began this work at a very early age, and all through my life the Lord has sustained me in telling old and young of the hope that we have in Christ.
(25LtMs, Ms 16, 1913, 2)
I have always had an especial interest in the youth. I see before me today those whom I know God can use if they will put their dependence in Him. Children, if you will be in earnest in serving God, you will be a help to all with whom you associate. There is nothing to be ashamed of in being a Christian. It is an honor to follow the Saviour. And it is by obeying the instructions that He has given that you are to be prepared to meet Him when He comes. If you will ask God to help you to overcome what is unchristlike in your dispositions, He will prepare you for entrance into heaven, where no sin can enter. Those who daily give the life to Jesus, and who follow on to know Him, will be greatly blessed. Say, Christ gave His life for me, and I must give my life for Him. If you give yourselves wholly to Him, you will be conquerors in the warfare against sin. The Lord Jesus will be your helper, your support, your strength, if you will receive and obey Him.
(25LtMs, Ms 16, 1913, 3)
To the older ones who are present, I wish to say, Set before the younger ones an example that will help them to press forward in the upward way. Remember that your words and acts have an influence upon them for good or for evil. It is unworthy a Christian to neglect to make every effort in his power to help those for whom the Saviour gave His life. Christ died that we might live, and we want to be sure that we are trying to do His will. Then we shall be acceptable to Him. Angels of God will be near to help us, and we shall realize the aid of a power above ourselves.
(25LtMs, Ms 16, 1913, 4)
I have recently been studying what we older ones can do to make the best impression upon the minds of the youth. What can we do? Let us study the Word and, as we have opportunity, talk Bible truth. As you do this, you will find that your own mind and heart are becoming subdued. As you strive to overcome everything that is displeasing to God, angels of heaven will help you to exert a right influence upon those who are younger. You will not be left to stumble along in uncertainty, not knowing what you are doing. Power from above will be given you, to enable you to show to others that we have a living Saviour, a Redeemer who can forgive our transgressions.
(25LtMs, Ms 16, 1913, 5)
You can help the younger ones. You can be a blessing to them, even to the very young. And when Christ shall come in the clouds of heaven, He will say, “You have followed on to know Me. I acknowledge you as My servants.” You will have light in the Lord, and the glory of the Lord will be your rearward.
(25LtMs, Ms 16, 1913, 6)
To these students I would say, Do not think it is an amusing thing to take advantage of a fellow student and to lead him astray. God wants you to be constantly reaching higher and still higher for attainments that will enable you to help others, to be an example to those around you. And as you do this, the Lord will surely let His blessing rest upon you. But do not go only half way in your efforts to serve God. Do not feel that there is no need of being particular. You do need to be particular to avoid evil, even the appearance of evil, from the oldest to the youngest. It is possible for the youth to be such earnest Christians that through them the Lord will send the truth home to those who have never known Him.
(25LtMs, Ms 16, 1913, 7)
I was very young when I began to serve the Lord. I am now eighty-five years old. In my childhood, affliction came to me, and I have been a sufferer all my life. But the Lord has been my strength to do His service, and I have been able to speak again and again to congregations numbering thousands of people. For a great many years I have been engaged in active labor, speaking to the people and writing out the instruction opened before me. At times sickness has come upon me, and then I would cast my helpless soul upon Jesus Christ and say, Thou knowest, Lord, that I have chosen Thee as my Redeemer. Give me not only spiritual strength, but physical strength, that I may follow on to know Thee. And the Lord has never forsaken me. Always He has been my Helper, as He will be yours if you will trust in Him. It is because I so greatly desire to work for the salvation of souls that I do not give up to infirmities. I am determined that so long as God permits me to live, I will proclaim the message of warning to the world. I want my voice to reach many more before I shall give up my labors. I expect to have trials, but I do not dread them. The Lord knows what I can bear, and He will give me strength to endure. He will sustain me in my weakness, enabling me to follow on, and to know that His going forth is prepared as the morning.
(25LtMs, Ms 16, 1913, 8)
Students, be determined that you will follow on to know the Lord. Remember that angels are beside you. They see all your efforts against wrong. They understand all your difficulties; and if in meekness you will give up your own way for Christ’s way, taking His yoke cheerfully, you will find that He will give you daily strength to overcome. As I see you all here, the thought comes to me, Shall I meet them in the kingdom of heaven? What a meeting that will be—when the redeemed are gathered home, saved, eternally saved. They have fought the good fight. They have pressed the battle to the gates. They have done all in their power to help others to follow in the Saviour’s footsteps.
(25LtMs, Ms 16, 1913, 9)
I know that there are many here who are trying to overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. I want to say to you, Jesus wants every one of you. He died that you and I might be among those who shall wear the crown of life. He wants you, from the oldest to the youngest, to place your influence on His side. He wants your help. I pray that those who today have listened to me will lay hold upon the hope set before them in the gospel. I pray that in the great day of Christ’s coming, their voices will help to swell the song of joy and triumph that will be raised by the overcomers. I beg of you, dear youth, to link up with Jesus Christ. He died on Calvary’s cross for you and for me, and in His strength we may overcome.
(25LtMs, Ms 16, 1913, 10)
Follow on to know the Lord. If you will do this, you will win souls to Christ. Not only will your own soul be saved; the power that converts your soul will enable you to set an example that will win others to Christ. These older children can be an example to the younger ones, leading and guiding them aright, speaking a word in season to them. Thus you can be laborers together with God. I want to say to these boys, You can overcome evil—evil thoughts, evil desires—by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony. We cannot afford to sin. It costs too much. May the Lord bless you all. We shall think of you and pray for you. I want to offer a word of prayer now.
(25LtMs, Ms 16, 1913, 11)
Praying: Heavenly Father, we come to Thee just as we are, needy and dependent. And we ask Thee, Lord, that the few words spoken here today may lead those who have heard to seek with all their hearts to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Lord, wilt Thou work by Thy Spirit, and let the light of truth shine into human hearts, that souls may turn to Thee, and repent and be converted, that we may meet them in the kingdom of glory. Amen.
(25LtMs, Ms 16, 1913, 12)
Ms 18, 1913
Sermon/“I Am the true Vine” St. Helena, California June 7, 1913 Previously unpublished.
(Sermon at St. Helena, California, Sabbath morning, June 7, 1913, from (John 15), by Mrs. E. G. White.)
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 1)
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean thorough the word which I have spoken unto you. 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. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. 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. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples. As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love. 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.” [Verses 1-12.]
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 2)
If this is our privilege—and we cannot doubt it—it is our privilege to lay right hold of this assurance and claim the promises of God. Time is short now, and we are to make the best use of the gifts entrusted to us. We do not know what obstacles we may have to meet, but if we follow on to know the Lord, we shall find that the light will continually increase.
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 3)
Will you not hasten to prepare for what Christ is preparing for those that love him? Claim the promises of Jesus; and as you come into the house of God, believe that angels are here, and that they will help you to understand what the Holy Spirit has in store for you. Improve your opportunities and dedicate your lives to God, that you may know in your lives the influence of the Holy Spirit and come right up to the help of the Lord.
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 4)
If there are differences between brethren and sisters, let them be put aside. Do not hold grudges, or cherish differences. Christ did not come to our world to bring discontent, to live at enmity. If we obey the requirements of God, our influence will carry with it a convincing power. Angels of God will be round about us, and we shall make impressions for good on those with whom we come in contact. We have work before us. It is to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 5)
“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 words have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” [Verses 10, 11.]
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 6)
“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. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen Me, 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. These things I command you, that ye love one another.” [Verses 12-17.]
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 7)
When you go home read this chapter over. We are to strive to perfect Christian character; our words and our acts are to be pleasing and helpful to old and young.
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 8)
Fathers and mothers, you who have children to educate and train—take fast hold of the mighty One; talk with the Lord about the responsibility resting on you. These young men and women and these children present today are to have the fear of the Lord in their hearts. They are to have a religion in which the salvation of God is revealed. Then they will bring blessing to their homes and blessing to the church.
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 9)
I am so thankful that I am able to speak to you today. Some of you might ask, “What have you been doing, Sister White? you have not been to our meetings for a long time.” I would answer, I am now eighty-five years old, and I feel that I must save my strength for the work resting upon me—the preparation for publication in this and other countries of the instruction that God has given me. I have taken a part in the work in Australia, in Europe, and in other countries, and I am now preparing for the people of these countries the instruction that has been given me.
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 10)
I am so thankful that I have the assurance that God has given us in the testimony to His people. I am not discouraged. My belief in the faithful word of God is as strong today as ever it has been. There is no need for any of us to lose courage. We are to follow on to know the Lord, that we may know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. The light that has been given to us we are to give to others. We are to strive for a fitness to reach the people where they are. This is what we need—earnestness in the Lord’s work and unshaken faith in Him. Let us, every one of us, move forward step by step.
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 11)
Christ gave His life in ministry for others and died a shameful death on the cross. He gave His life for you, and you ought to be laboring for others, improving every opportunity to say something for the Master, that others may see the beauty there is in Him.
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 12)
You will have perplexities, but you may stand for God with all assurance, knowing that the Lord Jesus is your Helper. He gave His life for you; and as you give your lives to His work, He will guide and sustain you.
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 13)
These young men here before me should make it their aim to get an education that will fit them for a part in God’s work. Angels of God are watching to see that we are not left to labor in our own strength. Satan’s angels are also watching. Let us come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Let every one who has a knowledge of the truth seek to help those that have not had the light of truth. Every one is to be in earnest regarding this matter. We shall all be tested. But if we have the religion of Christ, we shall stand the test. My heart is burdened that I may speak a few words in season to you. Night after night my heart is lifted up to God for this church.
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 14)
I said this morning, I am going to speak to the people in St. Helena today. I want to speak to them of the love of Christ; I want to tell them to be working for the salvation of souls. I want you to help those who do not know the truth. Let your light shine forth as a lamp that burneth—not your own light, but the light of Christ, which God has given to you. I want to tell you that the Lord lives and reigns. Let us do what we can in the name of the Lord. Amen.
(25LtMs, Ms 18, 1913, 15)
Ms 20, 1913
Sermon/“I Will Not Leave You Comfortless” St. Helena, California September 27, 1913 This manuscript is published in entirety in 2SAT 337-339.
(Sermon, at St. Helena, California, Sabbath morning, September 27, 1913, from the fourteenth chapter of St. John, by Mrs. E. G. White.)
(25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, 1)
“Let not your heart 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. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto Him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.” [John 14:1-7.] I want you to keep these words in mind.
(25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, 2)
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” [Verse 12.] What wonderful words! Since we have such promises, let not one of us doubt; let not one of us fall into unbelief. Let us take the Lord at His word—believe Him. The Spirit that was with Christ will indeed be with all who trust in the Lord.
(25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, 3)
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but Ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” [Verses 15-18.] What breadth, what height, what greatness of love is presented to us.
(25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, 4)
When you are in trouble, and difficulty, and hardly know what to do, open your Bible to the fourteenth chapter of John, and read the promises that it contains. Read these promises at family worship to the children. Present these wonderful truths so that their young minds will comprehend. “I will not leave you comfortless.” [Verse 18.] Do you believe this as the Word of God? Do you lay hold of God’s promises and present them to the members of your family? When you do this, you will have peace and hope and rejoicing. You may be discouraged, you may be disheartened, but you have God’s promise that He will not leave you comfortless. I believe this; for I have proved it.
(25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, 5)
“Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also.” [Verse 19.] What could be more precious to us, in discouragement, than God’s presence? Let us take God at His word and consecrate ourselves to Him. Let us, as needy applicants, present our case to Him and prove that He will do just as He said He would.
(25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, 6)
“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.” [Verse 21.] Here is a promise that I do not know how to express my gratefulness for. The divine assurance contained in these words we are to appropriate in our families so that the life and the health of ourselves and our families shall reflect the love of Christ. We want this in all its richness and greatness. In the words that I have just read, we have God’s promise that the highest of all power is at our command. We need to have a higher conception of the will of God concerning us.
(25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, 7)
“Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” [Verses 22, 23.] Ever keep this promise in mind, and when the enemy tempts you to doubt, say, No. Now, is there any excuse for not perfecting Christian character? I do not see any excuse.
(25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, 8)
“He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me.”“These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 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. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.” [Verses 24-31.] I wanted to read this Scripture to you, and I wish that I might impress it upon your minds.
(25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, 9)
Christ is from everlasting to everlasting, a present help to all who seek Him diligently. And those who seek Him diligently will find Him. I am so thankful that the Lord is ours. I want to serve Him and glorify Him.
(25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, 10)
I shall not talk longer at this time, but will ask you to study this Scripture during the week, and to glorify God in every way possible, fathers, mothers, and children. Then the children can speak of the kindness and love of Jesus because the great peace of God will come into their minds.
(25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, 11)
Every one should reach a higher standard. The light of heaven should shine into our minds. The Lord will help us in our daily walk with Him. He will carry our cares and He will prove His Word. He wants us to test Him. I ask you to glorify God in your homes. Take more time to study God’s Word. May God help you to weigh these matters sensibly and thoroughly, that you may follow on to know the Lord, whose going forth is prepared as the morning. Amen.
(25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, 12)
Ms 22, 1913
Interview/Report of an Interview with Elder E. E. Andross Regarding Loma Linda St. Helena, California October 2, 1913 Previously unpublished.
(Report of an interview between Elder E. E. Andross and Mrs. Ellen G. White, at “Elmshaven,” Sanitarium, California, October 2, 1913, regarding matters at Loma Linda.)
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 1)
Present: Elder E. E. Andross, Mrs. Ellen G. White, and Clarence C. Crisler.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 2)
Elder Andross: I visited Loma Linda a few days ago and was present at the opening of the college. The outlook is very encouraging indeed. There is a good attendance of bright young men and women.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 3)
Sister White: It is best to encourage them, not to flatter them, but to encourage them, for the sake of Christ who gave His life for us, to make every effort possible to present the truth in a manner acceptable to those who know it not. The Lord will bless them as they make straight paths for their feet.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 4)
Elder Andross: The openings in Southern California for carrying on a medical college are better and more encouraging at present than they have ever been before.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 5)
Sister White: That is a good testimony.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 6)
Elder Andross: In Los Angeles we have an opportunity to get into the hospitals for clinical work, just as other schools have been granted such favors. And we are opening a dispensary in the poor district, where we can have many cases that will give experience to the young men and women who are finishing their medical course. The new class will number between thirty and forty, it is thought.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 7)
But while there are many encouraging features that I am glad to think about, there are some perplexities that I desire to talk over with you, to see if the Lord has given you special light for us to follow.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 8)
You know, Sister White, that for some time in the past, for two years or more, we have been attempting to arrange the work in the institution so that the difficulties would be minimized in the operating of the institution and the efficiency would be increased. It is for this purpose that we brought in Brother Salisbury as general manager—the one who formerly was connected with the publishing work in Australia. He has had the chief burden of the financial management of the Loma Linda institution. Brother Burden has been connected with the sanitarium as its superintendent and chaplain, and so on, while Dr. Ruble has been in charge of the college department, and the educational work, in which young men and women are trained as medical missionaries and physicians.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 9)
But, for some reason or other, the past year has not been a prosperous one financially. We have lost very heavily—something like twenty-seven thousand dollars’ loss.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 10)
Sister White: In their trying to carry on the work understandingly, as they view it?
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 11)
Elder Andross: Now there are some difficulties in having so many responsible men in control.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 12)
Sister White: There always will be, so long as they center. There is no need of their centering. They can be reaching out. What are we in this world for? Time is short. In the night season, during the hours I am awake, I feel intensely over the situation.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 13)
Of late, I have been specially burdened over the seeming inability of some of our brethren to blend with one another. Satan is at work for the mastery, and he is tempting some to desire to stand at the head. When our brethren unite in labor in the Spirit of Christ, all their difficulties will disappear. This has been presented before me again and again. No matter how patiently those in responsibility endeavor to bring about harmonious action by adjusting difficulties arising from the unsanctified course pursued by some, selfishness will continue to be revealed, and a desire for the supremacy, until these unconverted ones lay aside their preconceived opinions and learn to labor unitedly. Unless they are transformed, they will be just so many clogs to the wheel. The Lord desires that they shall all be so filled with the preciousness of His grace and truth that they will reveal the beauty of holiness in harmonious action.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 14)
Elder Andross: Some of us have felt, Sister White, as if it would be necessary, perhaps, to make some changes in the management at Loma Linda. It has seemed to us as if perhaps Brother L. M. Bowen, who for many years was manager of this sanitarium here at St. Helena, and did splendid work here, should be connected with the work at Loma Linda. With his long experience in institutional finance, we have thought he could handle the financial interests of the Loma Linda institution better, perhaps, than almost any one else; and we have hoped he might be able to introduce some changes that would reduce the expense of operating the plant, and so on, so that these would come within the income of the institution.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 15)
Sister White: The work there can be made to prosper; it can be done; but, as you know, it is very difficult to finance these new institutions that have been established, where many men of many minds have been brought in, with their individual traits—men who have not learned to blend, but who have a desire to exalt self. When a spirit of self-exaltation is cherished, there is trouble.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 16)
Elder Andross: Now if we should put Brother Bowen in as manager of the institution, it would be necessary to give him control of the finances so that he could handle the situation. Others would not be permitted to come in and say that they desire this and that, and then go off and get these things, without Brother Bowen’s permission or knowledge. At present, so many are allowed to put in their orders for expensive apparatus, and these expenditures are of such a nature that it seems as if no one person has any power to stop them.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 17)
Sister White: Yes, this is as it has been presented before me in the night season—that some feel as if they know what should be done, and have the ability to control, when really their experience is very limited and will not stand the test. Again and again this has been presented before me, and only last night some of these matters were repeated; and instruction was given that there must be unity. This unity can be secured if all have a determination to blend.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 18)
Unity such as God can approve and bless will come, not by any amount of talking, but by a reconversion of mind and heart. The Lord desires men to follow His way, not some way of their own choosing. Many think their way the best; but our brethren of long experience, upon whom the chief responsibility of the cause of present truth rests, must take these matters firmly in hand and see that God’s way is followed, rather than any way of man’s choosing. If our brethren do this, the result will be harmonious action. There will be no scolding, no fretting. No one man will declare that he must labor in just such and such a way, or go elsewhere; all will be free to state their convictions and then will unite in a study of these various plans of action and, after taking ample time for reflection, will come to see eye to eye. When our brethren labor in this manner, God will pronounce upon their efforts the words, “Well done.”
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 19)
Last night, during my waking hours, I was going over these matters. It seemed as if I was standing before my brethren, and saying, When you yourselves are converted, you will see that there is harmony in diversity. We must clear the King’s highway. We are not humble enough. We are so afraid that our own plans shall not be carried out, that we bring confusion to ourselves and to others. The Lord desires us to be in harmony. When we honor Him by walking in the light of His counsel instead of in the light of the sparks of our own kindling, heavenly angels will be our helpers, and we shall see unity and wisdom and the sanctification of the Spirit of God revealed as we have not seen it yet.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 20)
This morning, after many hours of wakefulness, I thought I would find you and would talk with you about these matters. If you and those of your brethren who feel burdened over the situation will unite in an effort to remedy matters, I think there will be a change, a decided change, for the better. When I remember how much the Lord has done for us in giving us the special advantages we have at Loma Linda, it hurts me much to know that some of our brethren in responsibility there have found it difficult to blend. We are to appreciate the Lord’s gift to us of this beautiful place, and we are to work in even lines; then the Lord can reveal His power to us as He has not yet done.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 21)
The Lord has indeed wrought for us. We will praise Him for what He has done in our behalf. We will glorify the name of the Lord for every advantage gained.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 22)
When a worker begins to weave into any branch of God’s cause his individual self as a positive necessity, he will no longer see of the salvation of God until he repents of such a course. In manifold ways the Lord reveals to us the necessity of coming into close relationship with His Spirit, that He may work through us to His glory. It is the sanctification of the Spirit that is needed, O so much, in all our institutions. I feel intensely over this matter. In the night season the words were spoken, “It must be so.” Men who of themselves are unable to fulfil God’s purpose must be fitted by the Holy Spirit to labor acceptably. Brethren, it must be so. And when men do yield to the molding influence of the Holy Spirit, there will be accomplished a work that we have as yet never seen. We must expect much now, for the powers of darkness are at work and will bring in trouble and division if we are not faithful. We must determine to have unity and harmonious action.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 23)
You have had experience, Brother Andross, and your brethren have had experience. As you and your brethren unite your experiences, and cause them to blend in decisions that are pleasing to God, there will be a manifest change for the better. Hearts will be sanctified by the melting influence of the Holy Spirit, and there will be no upholding of man’s individual way as the only course to pursue. When you meet with your brethren, say, “Brethren, we want to follow God’s way. We have had our way too long. Now we desire the Lord to work for us, and to mold us, and to weld us together, and bring us into perfect unity. Then we shall see of the salvation of God. If we fail at this time to blend in unity, we shall meet with a great loss.”
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 24)
Last night I seemed to be going from room to room, where many were assembled, and I was saying to my brethren, You do not realize what you are doing. You forget that in dwelling upon this and that and the other thing, that you suppose has to be done your way, you are setting aside God’s way. What you need is to have Christ Jesus formed within.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 25)
The words, “formed within,” were repeated with solemn emphasis. Thus hope was to be caused to spring up anew, and many souls were to be converted as the result of unselfish ministry.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 26)
We want to follow, not “my way,” nor the way of some other man, but the way of the Lord. When we are willing to give up our way for His way, it will appear to us as the only reasonable way. And we may find this way by pleading with God to teach us the right way.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 27)
A great work is to be done. God is moving upon hearts. He desires to rule; and if those who accept responsibility in connection with His work hide self with Christ in God, their minds will be susceptible to heavenly impressions, and they will realize the divine presence within and will receive of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 28)
In the night season I have been pleading with God to reveal to every one of us the beauty of holiness. Let us keep our eyes fixed upon the perfection of His attributes and determine that, come what may, this beauty of holiness shall be reflected in our own character. The Lord is coming. The end is near. We cannot afford to lose any time. Too often we wrap up the precious truth so that its real beauty does not shine forth. We need to be melted by God’s grace and sanctified through the truth.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 29)
Elder Andross: A few words further with reference to Loma Linda, Sister White, and its management: We have wondered whether or not Brother Burden should continue in the institution, or whether some one else should be placed there, and he should take up some other work elsewhere. Now he is at a loss to know just what he ought to do. He wants to do just the right thing, but he does not know whether the time has come when he ought to take up some other line of work, and some one else ought to go in there.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 30)
Sister White: I do not see it that way. Those who know how to adapt themselves to the situation are the ones to carry responsibility. In the simplicity of true godliness they are to use their influence to urge unity and oneness; and then this difficulty of not knowing what to do will turn into knowledge.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 31)
Elder Andross: It is your impression that Brother Burden ought to continue in the institution, and have something to do with the molding and directing of it?
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 32)
Sister White: Certainly; certainly; certainly. I know what was presented to me in regard to the man. And yet he must stand shoulder to shoulder with his brethren, to carry the thing understandingly and intelligently, and in an elevated way. This is what is needed.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 33)
Elder Andross: He must be willing to lay aside his own opinions, as to how things are to be directed, and counsel with his brethren, so that all may move unitedly?
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 34)
Sister White: Yes; all are to work together. This is what God demands, and no work will ever stand unless it is carried in this way. All too often self creeps in and thinks it must have the mastery. This is an evil that has been revealed to me. The Lord desires us to be in perfect harmony. When I have inquired regarding affairs at Loma Linda, during the past few months, there has been a seeming timidity to answer, and I have thought to myself, Perhaps it is not yet time for me to speak. But all the while I have known that the theory that some one knows better than any one else, just how to carry things, would prove to be defective. What we want is pure and undefiled religion. We must have it, and God will work wherever it is revealed.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 35)
Elder Andross: There are some things, Sister White, that I have seen, that are more encouraging now than they have ever been before at Loma Linda. I think Dr. Ruble has been learning some very valuable lessons. There is a disposition, I think, to come together, more than in times past. And yet each of the men is so strongly convinced that he is right as to the general policy that should be followed in the institution, that it is pretty hard for either one of them to give up his way and accept another’s way or to accept what their brethren believe to be the Lord’s way. They think, of course, that their own way is the Lord’s way.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 36)
Perhaps there is no one who finds it more difficult to surrender his personal convictions than does Brother Burden. He has certain ideas as to how the work should go forward—how it should be carried on. He feels that he has received special counsel from the Lord, through you, regulating the general policy of the institution, and he feels also that his opinions with reference to this counsel are not his own, but the Lord’s. Because of this, it is hard for him to surrender any of his convictions. It is equally hard for some of the medical men to surrender their convictions as to how the school ought to be conducted along medical lines. They think Brother Burden cannot understand medical lines and that he cannot appreciate the need of things that are absolutely necessary, as they view the matter, in order to make the school a success. And instead of going alone to God, they run crosswise, and this has made the work difficult. We have not had harmony and unity in the institution. This spirit has spread throughout the ranks of the workers, and they have not the heart to try to work harmoniously, as they once did. They are sick at heart.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 37)
Sister White: Those who are connected with the institution, and who find it difficult to harmonize with their brethren, need to be converted. I fear to express myself fully, lest I be misunderstood; but every one needs to humble himself before God. Why, the Lord is coming; and while we are connected with His work in this world, we must place ourselves in a position where He can teach us in various simple ways. Let all be careful about holding to personal ideas, when they see that these ideas cross the track of their brethren and cannot be understood. We must walk as if in full view of Calvary’s cross. The Lord Jesus Christ has suffered and died for us, that we might have life eternal. We must make the most of our opportunities. We must take hold understandingly and be careful to uplift, not to cast down. The spirit to cast down is what is doing the harm now in Loma Linda. The Lord desires us to learn of Him and to do our best in faithful service.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 38)
Elder Andross: A few weeks from now, we are to have a council of the General Conference brethren in Washington. During this council a time has been set apart for considering the interests of the Loma Linda institution, the future policy to be followed in its operation, and what is to be done there—the men that are to have immediate control, and so on. If you have any light further than that which you have given me with reference to Brother Burden’s work, and Dr. Ruble’s work, I should be glad to have it, Sister White, so that I can take it to the brethren when I go.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 39)
Sister White: Every soul is to seek the Lord while He may be found, and to call upon Him while He is near. We are to humble our own hearts before God, and not specify what such a brother must do, or what another brother must do; we are rather to inquire, What have I to do individually? and then take up the work given us, and do it in a humble way. If others do not at once understand all we do, let us not cast them off immediately. We cannot do this; for they are in need of more light from the Lord. They need more evidence of the things wherein they lack, and we are not to cast them off thoughtlessly; for we do not want them to be lost. We are rather to harmonize in simplicity. To follow such a course will be the light and the safety of our people. No one man is to be a ruler, but all are to come to an understanding as to what is the right way, and then to follow it. The pathway of those who follow on to know the Lord may not be illumined suddenly with a blaze of light; for “His going forth is prepared as the morning.” [Hosea 6:3.] Light does not burst in upon any soul in a manner that will hedge up the way for another man. We need to seek God. He will bless us in using the light He has given us and will cause us to reflect this light under difficult circumstances. As we continue to advance in the light of His counsel, we shall not say, My way is right, but we will seek the Lord with all the heart, and humble ourselves, and He will fit us for bearing responsibility and will work through us to His glory.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 40)
Elder Andross: It seems to be the disposition of some to seek the Lord alone and to find out God’s way for themselves. Is this the proper way to do, without combining with this the taking of counsel; or in our conduct of institution work should we seek the Lord together more, and have frequent council meetings and prayer services together, and depend less on our individual understanding of duty?
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 41)
Sister White: I think we should have our services together, and our councils together; and when we do, we may expect the Lord to send us holy angels to work in our behalf.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 42)
Elder Andross: This is one of the difficulties connected with the work at Loma Linda. The brethren have not had council meetings frequently enough, and there has not been a disposition to lay aside personal convictions and opinions and to allow the Lord to guide them unitedly.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 43)
Sister White: Yes, that is a good deal the way. There must be a reconversion of the mind. The Lord will surely reveal Himself when men come to Him and cast their helpless souls upon Him; He will help them into the light and will place their feet on solid ground. You cannot lay out in every particular just the things that your brethren must do; but in all your council meetings you must let God move individual hearts in such a way that they will really know that it is the Lord who is leading and directing. Oh, how many nights I have lain awake, pleading with the Lord to give me grace and strength to present these matters to my brethren in the right way.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 44)
Elder Andross: When we get into the right place, and are following the right plans, and are perfectly united in our work, at Loma Linda, we shall not be compelled to face a large deficit financially—a large loss; for the Lord will provide the means for the progress of the work so that it can be increased and enlarged as He would have it. When we are face to face with a great loss, as we are now, we may know something is wrong and needs correction, may we not?
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 45)
Sister White: Yes, and the Lord will help us if we humble ourselves before Him. He does not want to humiliate us in the sight of those who know nothing about our faith; He wants us to believe that He is good, and that He is going to bring us out onto vantage ground, where we shall see of His salvation. I had hoped that this would be brought about before this time; but we will go straight ahead and do the best we can. We will give ourselves to God just as we are. He does not mean that we, who have had much light, and who have preached the truth as we have, should be nonplussed by the enemy. He desires us to be meek and lowly of heart, that He may glorify His name through us.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 46)
Elder Andross: I am very glad of this interview, Sister White, and I hope it has not wearied you.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 47)
Sister White: Oh, not at all, not at all. My whole soul is stirred, and I desire to do just what God would have me do. I do not desire to carry out any way of my own. From the light given me, I know that there are those who think the Lord has placed them in certain positions, but they are mistaken. He has not placed them in the positions they think He has. He wants every one of us to humble ourselves before Him, and to seek Him with all the heart, that we may find Him. Then we shall be able to praise Him with heart and soul and voice. In the open congregation, we shall thank Him for what He is doing for us all.
(25LtMs, Ms 22, 1913, 48)
Ms 23, 1913
Remarks/A Visit of the Bookmen of Pacific Press to the Home of Mrs. E. G. White St. Helena, California January 23, 1913 Previously unpublished.
A visit of the bookmen of Pacific Press Publishing Association territory to the home of Mrs. E. G. White, near St. Helena, California, Thursday afternoon, January 23, 1913.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 1)
Very early on the morning of January 23, 1913, a party of seventy, most of whom were general bookmen and conference tract society secretaries from Pacific Press territory, together with a few conference presidents and others, boarded a Southern Pacific train at Mountain View for St. Helena via San Francisco. As the train was pulling out from the station, two forms were discerned hurrying through the gray dawn; and these, after the train had been stopped, proved to be two worthy conference presidents. Crossing San Francisco, the party, now seventh-two strong, took the seven o’clock steamer for a two-hour ride up the bay to Vallejo, opposite the Mare Island navy yard, where a special electric car awaited them.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 2)
Arriving in St. Helena at half-past ten, the party was quickly transferred to autos and carriages and taken direct to Pacific Union College, eight miles up Howell Mountain, where they were served dinner in the students’ dining hall and afterward shown about the buildings and grounds.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 3)
In the afternoon they were brought to Elmshaven, the home of Mrs. E. G. White. First, spending a few minutes in looking about the premises, they assembled at four o’clock in the sitting room and dining room where they were greeted by Sister White and by members of her family.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 4)
A manuscript [Lt 3, 1913] prepared for the occasion, and addressed “To the Bookmen,” and which was afterward supplied in printed form to all, was read by Sister White. Sister White said further:
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 5)
“I do not know that it would be well to say any more at present along this line. We shall see that you have a copy of the manuscript I have just read.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 6)
“We all want all the help we can get. God has given for our salvation His only begotten Son. In the Scriptures we have a record of His sacrifice in our behalf. In view of all He has done for us, let us not shrink from trials. Let us not draw back when the field seems hard. God has commissioned His holy angels to minister to us, and He will not send us out destitute of help and strength and courage. He will give you help, my brethren; He will give you joy and peace; He will preserve you in difficult places.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 7)
“I feel an intense anxiety that here, in this place where God has wrought to establish us, we may be prepared to do the very work that we should do; and we shall be, if we lay hold of the strength there is in Jesus. He is our strong tower, our living hope. Oh, how He suffered! what agonies He endured! Behold Him on Calvary’s height, His hands nailed to the cruel cross—and all this in order that sinners might be redeemed from the power of the enemy!
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 8)
“But I must not keep you any longer. Let us take hold together. Let us not give up to discouragement, but let us rather talk faith, hope, courage, pressing our way through the darkness; and as we come into the place where God can impress our minds, we shall have increasing light, increasing strength, increasing hope, increasing courage.”
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 9)
H. H. Hall: Those who are assembled here this afternoon, Sister White, have been in attendance at the bookmen’s convention which we have been holding in Mountain View for the past ten days in the interests of the very lines of missionary service concerning which you have been reading to us.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 10)
Mrs. E. G. White: You may depend upon it that I keep in touch with what you are doing. My prayers are ascending day and night. I lie awake wrestling with God, that He shall let His Holy Spirit rest upon us; and I believe He does. Yes, I am confident that He is blessing us.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 11)
H. H. Hall: His Spirit has certainly been with us. There has been a unity of purpose and a strength to our progress, day by day, that has been a source of cheer and that will enable us to labor together with God more faithfully than ever before.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 12)
Mrs. E. G. White: Yes; we are to be growing, growing, ever growing in God and in a knowledge of His truth. Then if we follow on to know the Lord, we shall know His going forth is prepared as the morning.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 13)
H. H. Hall: You will be glad that our bookmen ask for Great Controversy and Patriarchs and Prophets, each in three new languages, for their work in Canadian territory and in certain portions of the United States where there are many foreign-speaking people.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 14)
Mrs. E. G. White: I have been awakened night after night, and scenes have been presented before me of what may be—of what God would be pleased to do for us. He has all power. As we go forward in faith, following His leadings, we shall be greatly blessed and strengthened.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 15)
H. H. Hall: While assembled in Mountain View, the members of our convention voted to assure you, Sister White, of their appreciation of the gift of these books that you have arranged for us to receive today. We thank you very, very much for these. We will see that they are carefully studied, and we believe they will be a help to us in our work.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 16)
Mrs. E. G. White: I am glad to hear you say these words; for it is the Lord whom I am trying to serve. Although you do not now see and hear as much of me as you have seen and heard in former years, yet often I am praying while others are sleeping.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 17)
H. H. Hall: We are endeavoring to extend your influence by the circulation of your good books, Sister White.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 18)
Mrs. E. G. White: Yes; and this does me much good. It seems as if I could sacrifice anything, if only you can continue to press forward the work so that it will result in the salvation of the souls who are still in darkness, unable to see or to understand.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 19)
Good evening, brethren. I may meet many of you later. (At this point, Sister White retired to her workroom, where she afterward personally greeted many who were shown through that portion of the building.)
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 20)
W. C. White: Mother and her family and all her workers are very pleased to welcome you here today. We feel that it is one of the greatest privileges we have ever enjoyed to have you come and visit us. We thank you for coming; and while you are with us, we wish to present before you in a very brief way some of the lines of work that we have in progress.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 21)
(Various workers were introduced, and several manuscripts of books in progress were shown and commented on. One manuscript, composed of matter having a direct bearing on our educational work, had just been completed and was to be taken to Pacific Press for publication the following Sunday. Another on Old Testament history requires considerably more work. Still another, an abbreviated form of Patriarchs and Prophets, is nearly ready. A manuscript on “organization” will soon be available. Manuscripts dealing with the early development of the work in Europe and in Australasia, and a manuscript bearing on the earlier work of Advent believers in North America, were shown in incomplete form; also material that may in future take shape as a story of early experiences in the southern states of America.)
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 22)
W. C. White: We want as many of you as would enjoy doing so, when our assembly breaks up, to pass right through the front hall and up the stairway to Mother’s workroom where she does the most of her writing. From this room you can find your way without difficulty down the back stairway to the rooms below.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 23)
We want you to visit our office and see the treasures of our library and our manuscript vault.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 24)
Beneath the broad-spreading live oak, between the house and the office, you will find my wife and my daughters Ella and Gracie dispensing grape juice.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 25)
We want you to call at the front porch where you will find the souvenir books ready for you.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 26)
We want you also to visit our prune shed. There you will find little packages of fruit; and if you have any spare room in your grip, you can fill it with these parcels; or, if you prefer, you can leave your name, and we will place the fruit in your hands before your departure on the morrow. Brother James will be at the fruit shed to receive you and to learn your wishes.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 27)
In a corner of the prune shed is a printing office where you will find the White brothers engaged in their work. They will be glad to have you call in and see what they are doing.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 28)
A word with reference to the house. This house was built by Mr. Robert H. Pratt, an assistant manager of the Southern Pacific Railway. As the years passed by, and the children made homes of their own in the city, the parents were persuaded to leave this place; and so the property was thrown upon the market. It has proved to be the refuge that was promised Mother on the boat as we were journeying from Australia to America. There was considerable confusion on the boat, and the Angel of the Lord appeared to her in the night season and said, “I have a refuge for you.” When we came here to St. Helena, we found this house all ready for us, and we have ever since regarded its purchase as a special providence.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 29)
And now we turn over to you the keys of Elmshaven, and we trust that you will feel at home and that this visit to us will not be your last.
(25LtMs, Ms 23, 1913, 30)