White, W. C. St. Helena, California February 15, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in CG 134; UL 60; 6Bio 340, 344. Elder W. C. White My dear Son:
This is one of the coldest mornings we have had this winter. The ground is white with frost, and we can hardly keep warm, even with our fireplace packed with long, heavy chunks. Up to the present time, the days have not been so very cold.
(25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, 1)
I am thankful that I can remain at home for a time, where I can be close to my helpers. Since you left, I have been very fully employed in the preparation of matter for the Life of Paul. We are trying to bring out scriptural evidences of truth, and these, we believe, will be appreciated by our people. I have been anxious to bring into this book much matter that will be of special help to our workers who may be called upon to pass through experiences similar to those that came to the early Christian church. There is, in the history of the Acts of the Apostles, much that, if appropriated in the daily life, will inspire our brethren and sisters with a desire to seek for a higher spiritual life and for greater power, and for wisdom to co-operate with heavenly intelligences in the salvation of souls.
(25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, 2)
Recently we received, from some source, the news of Dr. C. C. Nicola’s strange disappearance. His wife must be all the more afflicted because of the uncertainty connected with the case. I am made sad by this circumstance. I have not as yet received definite word from any of the relatives or friends.
(25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, 3)
Last night I slept more hours than usual. I thank the Lord for restful sleep.
(25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, 4)
We appreciate the letters that come to us from your own pen. O that the Lord would work decidedly to build up our conference! We have the Word of the Lord, and we are to appreciate its instruction. True humility will keep us learners as long as we are in this world. We are to watch unto prayer. We are to work in accordance with the Lord’s plan, and not after one of our own devising.
(25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, 5)
The light given me now by the Lord is that we are to be careful not to spend our precious time and our money unwisely. Many things may suit our fancy; but we are to guard against the expenditure of money for that which is not bread. We shall need much means to advance the work decidedly in our cities. Every one is to have a part to act in the Lord’s work. Parents are to instruct their children in lessons of economy, in order that the younger members of the flock may learn to share the responsibility of supporting the cause of God at this time.
(25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, 6)
Often have I been instructed by the Lord to call the attention of our people to the needs of the unworked cities; and in planning to respond to this call, our brethren should remember that these needs exist also, to a greater or less extent, in the surrounding settlements as well. I am instructed to bear a decided message to all those who are interested in the proclamation of the truth in these last days. We have no means to spare for unnecessary dress or for buildings that are not positively essential; for a neglected work remains to be done, and we are to repent of our indifference toward this work and pray for spiritual discernment to see and to sense, as we should, its urgent needs.
(25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, 7)
To us has been entrusted enlightening, saving truth. All about us are multitudes who have never yet been enlightened. To these we must proclaim the life-saving truths of the third angel’s message. We are to hunt for souls, laboring with all diligence to communicate to others that which is for their eternal welfare.
(25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, 8)
The unwarned multitudes are fast becoming the sport of the evil one. Satan is leading them into many forms of folly and self-pleasing. Many are seeking for that which is novel and startling; their minds are far from God and the truths of His Word. At this time, when the enemy is working as never before to engross the minds of men and women, and turn them from the truth, we should be laboring with increasing activity in the highways and also in the byways. Diligently, interestedly, we are to proclaim the last message of mercy in the cities—the highways; and the work is not to end there, but is to extend into the surrounding settlements and in the country districts—into the byways and the hedges. All classes are to be reached. As we labor, we shall meet with various nationalities. None are to be passed by, unwarned. The Lord Jesus was the gift of God to the entire world—not to the higher classes alone, and not to any one nationality, to the exclusion of others. His saving grace encircles the whole world. Whosoever will may drink of the water of life freely. “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” [Acts 2:21.] But there is earnest work to be done. The gospel invitation is to be given in every place; for “how ... shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” [Romans 10:14.]
(25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, 9)
The Lord desires His people to arise and do their appointed work. The responsibility rests not upon the ministry alone. The lay members of the church are to share the burdens of soul-saving. Many who have never been warned may be reached by means of missionary visits and by a wise distribution of our literature. Often books can be sold to those who are visited in the highways and in the byways; and to others who are interested, books can be given away.
(25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, 10)
Let companies be organized to search for souls. Let our church members open the Scriptures to their neighbors in the highways and in the byways. Some may be set at work in the hedges; and thus, through wise planning, the truth will reach all districts. With increasing aptitude in the opening of the Scriptures for the enlightenment of the unwarned, many will see fruit of their labors in the salvation of souls. These converted ones will, in turn, enlighten others. Thus the seed will be sown in many places, and the truth will be proclaimed to all.
(25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, 11)
The Lord now calls upon those who have a knowledge of the truth for this time to arouse from their lethargy and become true missionaries in His service. Time is short, and the Lord’s work must be done without further delay.
(25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, 12)
Lt 6, 1911
Paulson, David St. Helena, California February 6, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in 4MR 378. Dr. David Paulson
Hinsdale, Illinois Dear Brother:
I have just read communications from you. I am always pleased to hear from you. Many miles separate us, but we are engaged in the same work, and I am glad that you are in the line of advance in the medical missionary work.
(25LtMs, Lt 6, 1911, 1)
The work now to engage my attention is to close up my writing on Old Testament history.
(25LtMs, Lt 6, 1911, 2)
The Lord would so educate the minds of all who serve Him that we can reflect the light given us by cultivating our powers to reflect back glory to the Giver. All our powers are entrusted to us to be used in the accomplishment of the work of saving souls. All the powers of the mind are to be used, through sanctification of the truth, to win souls. In such a work God is glorified.
(25LtMs, Lt 6, 1911, 3)
Lt 8, 1911
Haskell, Brother and Sister St. Helena, California March 5, 1911 Previously unpublished. Dear Brother and Sister Haskell:
I can write you only a short letter at this time, but I will say that I am pleased to know that you will not go directly to South Lancaster. I have hoped that you would visit Loma Linda and call at several other places on your way East.
(25LtMs, Lt 8, 1911, 1)
Last night, I retired early after my bath treatment, but had a hard night; therefore I do not feel as well as I should like to.
(25LtMs, Lt 8, 1911, 2)
Elder Haskell, we are certainly making progress in the matter of meeting the people not of our faith. As we shall act our part, and do the definite work God has pointed out, we shall see many souls acknowledge the evidence of the truth.
(25LtMs, Lt 8, 1911, 3)
Tell Brethren Sutherland and Magan that one important matter that is repeatedly pressed upon my attention is the importance of our ministers, physicians, and teachers in the South, seeking and finding opportunities to unite their interests with the teachers in the large educational institutions in the South, and especially in those established for the education of the Negroes.
(25LtMs, Lt 8, 1911, 4)
Brother and Sister Haskell, I am hoping that you both shall now make your life just as restful as possible, because you do not know what is before you. Let us hear from you as often as possible.
(25LtMs, Lt 8, 1911, 5)
We must do all that we can to maintain an understanding one with the other. We must draw in harmonious lines. I am so thankful that you both are in the work.
(25LtMs, Lt 8, 1911, 6)
Lt 10, 1911
Palmer, E. R. St. Helena, California March 5, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in 3MR 272-273. E. R. Palmer
Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. Dear Brother Palmer:
I was pleased to receive a letter from you, as one who has been appointed to act a part in the distribution of the sustentation fund.
(25LtMs, Lt 10, 1911, 1)
In the past I have many times spoken of our duty to sustain the needy ones among the Lord’s laborers who, because of age, or on account of weakness caused by exposure or hard labor in the Lord’s work, cannot longer bear the burdens they have once borne. When these faithful laborers become sick, we should manifest our interest in them and see that they do not suffer for lack of the things they need. This is a sacred privilege, as well as a duty.
(25LtMs, Lt 10, 1911, 2)
Let us now be careful not to discourage these workers and make them feel that there is but little that they can do. Their influence may still be exerted in the work of the Lord. The testimony of the aged ministers will be a help and a blessing to the Church. They have borne their heavy burdens in the past, in the heat of the day, and they are not now to be regarded as of little service, because of their feebleness or old age. Give them opportunity to bear their testimony in behalf of present truth. The Lord will give them words to speak that will be a help and a blessing to the hearers. God will watch over His aged standard-bearers night and day until the time comes for them to lay off their armor. Let them be assured that they are under the protecting care of Him who never slumbers nor sleeps, watched over by unwearied sentinels. Knowing this, and realizing that they are abiding in Christ, they will rest trustfully in the providences of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 10, 1911, 3)
My brethren, it is right that sure plans be laid for the support of our aged workers, or the younger workers who are suffering because of overwork. It is right that a fund should be created to make comfortable these faithful soldiers who still long to put brain, bone, and muscle into the work of giving the last note of warning to the world. Let us not become weary in sustaining the afflicted or the aged standard-bearers, who have in the past labored faithfully, but who are now unable to carry the work as they have done formerly. This is a part of our duty at this time.
(25LtMs, Lt 10, 1911, 4)
Lt 12, 1911
Cottrell, H. W. St. Helena, California March 3, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in 3BC 1161. Elder H. W. Cottrell My dear Brother:
I have not had any special conversation with you recently, but for a long time I have had a most earnest desire that you might see and understand clearly all things relating to your religious experience.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 1)
The Lord has given me a message for you. Your confidence in your own experience and judgment is dangerous. The word of the living God alone is Yea and Amen. If you believe a certain thing to be true, it is almost impossible for you to change your opinion, even though you may be wrong in your belief. You are inclined to regard your own judgment as superior to that of your brethren; but you have certainly been wrong in some of the decisions and opinions on which you have taken a very strong stand.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 2)
To Elder Cottrell and those associated with him, I have this to say: When a man takes the position that when he has once made decision he must stand by it, and never to alter his decision, he is on the same ground as was Lucifer when he rebelled against God. He held his plans regarding the government of heaven as an exalted, unchangeable theory.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 3)
No man should think that human opinions are to be immortalized. Any man taking the stand that he will never change his views places himself on dangerous ground. Those who hold the position that their views are unchangeable cannot be helped; for they place themselves where they are not willing to receive counsel and admonition from their brethren.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 4)
During the Pacific Union Conference held at Mountain View in January, 1910, we met with stern opposition to the leadings of the Holy Spirit. I was then given a message for Elder Cottrell and for all who were so confident of the value of their judgment that they felt that they must not give up the sentiments they had once entertained, or retreat from a position they had once taken. I am bidden to tell the brethren that for them to take the position that their views and ideas are never to be given up is to pattern after Lucifer. The ideas that he wove into his experience, in regard to his place and his influence in heaven, he refused to give up or exchange. He refused to harmonize with Christ and was determined to carry out his purposes.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 5)
When God would not concede to Satan’s claim regarding the place that he should occupy in heaven, Satan rebelled. There was war in heaven, and he was cast out. He pressed his claim to be equal with Christ, but the warfare resulted in his losing his position in the heavenly courts.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 6)
Satan came to this world and determined to carry out here the idea that men could be equal with God. He led men to doubt the word of God and to distrust His goodness. Because God is a God of justice and terrible majesty, Satan caused them to look upon Him as severe and unforgiving. Thus he drew men to join him in rebellion against God, and the night of woe settled down upon the world.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 7)
Christ volunteered to come to our world and give to men the true light. God gave His only begotten Son to the world to reveal the Father as supreme in heaven and in earth. Christ came in the form of humanity, to meet and overcome the enemy and his devices.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 8)
All that Christ undertook to do in coming to this world, He accomplished. From the manger to the cross, He lived a sinless life, never once swerving from His allegiance to His Father. Thus he proved Satan’s assertion that the law of God could not be kept, to be a falsehood.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 9)
But those to whom the Saviour came would not receive Him. He was taken by wicked hands and humiliated, mocked, and condemned. Satan was at the head of those who reviled and crucified Him. On the cross of Calvary, the Redeemer of mankind suffered a cruel death of shame, and by His death He proved the falsity of Satan’s charges against God, and vindicated God in the sight of the angels in heaven as One willing to make in man’s behalf the greatest sacrifice that could be made. Angels witnessed the cruel deeds of men as they put Christ to open shame, demanding His death and calling for the release of Barabbas, a robber and murderer. To the maddened throng Pilate declared that he found no fault in Christ; yet he delivered him into their hands, and they crucified him.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 10)
Satan led the cruel mob in its abuse of the Saviour. It was his purpose to provoke Him to retaliation if possible, or to drive Him to perform a miracle to release Himself, and thus break up the plan of salvation. One stain upon His human life, one failure of His humanity to endure the terrible test, and the Lamb of God would have been an imperfect offering and the redemption of man a failure. But He who by a command could bring the heavenly hosts to His aid, He who could have driven that mob in terror from His sight by the flashing forth of His divine majesty, submitted with perfect calmness to the coarsest insults and outrage.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 11)
“And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him.” [Luke 23:33.]
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 12)
The enemies of Jesus vented their rage upon Him as He hung upon the cross. Priests, rulers, and scribes joined with the mob in mocking the dying Saviour. At the baptism and at the transfiguration, the voice of God had been heard proclaiming Christ as His Son. Again, just before Christ’s betrayal, the Father had spoken, witnessing to His divinity. But now the voice from heaven was silent. No testimony in Christ’s favor was heard. Alone He suffered abuse and mockery from wicked men.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 13)
“If Thou be the Son of God,” they said, “come down from the cross.” [Matthew 27:40.] “Let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God.” [Luke 23:35.] In the wilderness of temptation, Satan had declared, “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”“If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down” from the pinnacle of the temple. [Matthew 4:3, 6.] And Satan with his angels, in human form, was present at the cross. The archfiend and his hosts were co-operating with the priests and rulers. The teachers of the people had stimulated the ignorant mob to pronounce judgment against One upon whom many of them had never looked until urged to bear testimony against Him. Priests, rulers, Pharisees, and the hardened rabble were confederated together in a satanic frenzy. Religious rulers united with Satan and his angels. They were doing his bidding.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 14)
Jesus, suffering and dying, heard every word as the priests declared, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” [Mark 15:31, 32.] Christ could have come down from the cross, but it is because He would not save Himself that the sinner has hope of pardon and favor with God.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 15)
Christ rose from the dead and appeared unto His disciples “as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen. And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues, they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 16)
“So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” [Mark 16:14-20.]
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 17)
Brother Cottrell, I wish I could present the subject to you in such a way that it will be the convincing evidence that I wish it to be. You have received and entertained ideas that have been distinctly presented to me as wrong. You feel that you must hold and vindicate the opinions that you have formed. But if you continue to build your faith on this line of reasoning, you will find yourself in a most dangerous position. Some of the ideas to which you hold so firmly are not true. Sentiments that you have held as vital, soul-saving sentiments, are not saving. I entreat you to give careful considerations to this subject.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 18)
I am instructed to present these things to you that you may have a right understanding. Do not think that you are to hold your ideas as unchangeable. This is false reasoning and places you where we cannot give you the encouragement that you need. I want you to see things in a correct light. Do not regard your own opinions as superior to the opinions of your brethren.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 19)
I am entrusted with this message for you: Connect with your brethren, even at the cost of yielding to their judgment in many matters. Break away from the sentiments which you have cherished, and unite with your brethren. Your soul in precious, and therefore I write to you. The time has come when you must give up some of the ideas that you have held tenaciously; for they will not stand the test of truth. I have nothing to specify, but am to tell you that the heavenly beings are saying, “Unify, unify; come into line.”
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 20)
If you have envy, suspicion, or jealousy in your heart, you have a work to do. Confess your sins, come into harmony with your brethren. Speak well of them. Throw out no unfavorable hints, no suggestions that will awaken distrust in the minds of others. Guard their reputation as sacredly as you would have them guard yours; love them as you would be loved of Jesus. Work for their interests instead of seeking to tear them down that you may build up self on their ruin. Satan is an accuser of the brethren, and he loves to have you help him. But disappoint him. Do not let him triumph over you.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 21)
A great work is to be done, and not a discordant note is to be heard in all our ranks. There is to be unity among those giving the message for this time. Hundreds and thousands of unbelieving families are to be visited. Thus the work in Portland, Maine, was carried forward during the 1844 movement. Meetings were held in the daytime and in the evening. The surrounding towns and villages were warned. On every side doors were thrown open, and many who heard became interested. This was a solemn time, and a time of earnest effort. Many hearts responded to the call of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 22)
We must be careful how we treat the messages of truth. In the future men and women will be convicted and converted. A much greater solemnity is to be brought into our meetings. The Lord is calling His people to service. He is calling upon them to unify; and as they are forced to great decisions, I ask you, Elder Cottrell, to unite with us in carrying the work strongly forward. Now is your opportunity—not to frame opinions that hold you back to question—but to harmonize and move forward with God’s cause.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 23)
I cannot write on this subject without feeling moved. For several nights I have had but little sleep. I felt that I must write this letter. I hope that it will be understood. In the past Elder Cottrell has stood nobly by Elder Haskell. My message for him now is, Come into line, and bear the message of truth for this time.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 24)
Your sister in Christ.
(25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, 25)
Lt 14, 1911
Harper, Walter “Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California March 9, 1911 Previously unpublished. Walter Harper Dear Brother:
Your letter has been received and read. We hope soon to visit Loma Linda, if my health permits. I have not been sick in bed, but have hardly been well enough to travel. Here at home we have a place of refuge. Seldom do we have high winds, but at times we have continuous rain for several days in succession. The recent rains have done great damage in some places, but not where we are living.
(25LtMs, Lt 14, 1911, 1)
We are as favorably situated as we could well hope to be. When I was on the vessel crossing the Pacific, on the way from Australia to America, the angel of the Lord said to me, “I have a refuge for you.” Shortly afterward, my attention was called to the Pratt ranch, just below the sanitarium. We are retired as much as is desirable, being a little off the main road of travel. Carriages are not continually passing by.
(25LtMs, Lt 14, 1911, 2)
This morning my son W. C. White came in to tell me that he was on his way to the Pacific Union College at Angwin. Yesterday Elder Corliss and Brother C. H. Jones came down to our house from the sanitarium where they have been attending the annual meetings. We had a short interview. Today they have both gone up the hill to the school in the mountains. And now I am seated in my room, writing you a few lines.
(25LtMs, Lt 14, 1911, 3)
You are perfectly welcome at our home, when you come. We have been expecting to go to Loma Linda in the near future. W. C. White will accompany us. I may not be able to travel at this season of the year, unless the weather should become more settled. I do not wish to be exposed to the heavy rains while journeying. We read in the papers of fearful rainstorms in San Francisco and adjoining towns. We have had continuous rains, day and night, but no fierce windstorms.
(25LtMs, Lt 14, 1911, 4)
I am not as well as I should like to be, but I am making every effort possible to get matter prepared for publication. I find much to do and will complete the work as soon as possible. Of late, I have been getting a little stronger. We have not had opportunity to ride during the past two weeks because of the rains. Yesterday we had a rest from the rain. Today it is cloudy and is raining a little. When reading of the terrible storm in San Francisco and elsewhere, I felt as if we have reason to rejoice that we are sheltered from these storms.
(25LtMs, Lt 14, 1911, 5)
I shall be much pleased to visit Loma Linda once more, if I am able to stand the journey. I may not dare leave my home. Recently I have been in no condition to travel. I have been taking some treatment at the sanitarium, and I spend all the time that my strength will permit on my writings. I wish so much to bring out some things in print.
(25LtMs, Lt 14, 1911, 6)
I must now stop writing. I hope your father is resting and improving in the Loma Linda Sanitarium, which is so highly favored in many ways. I must now give my attention to other matters.
(25LtMs, Lt 14, 1911, 7)
Lt 15, 1911
Haskell, S. N. “Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California [March] 1911 Portions of this letter are published in 6Bio 344.
Message to Leaders in Washington
Elder S. N. Haskell:
Your letter received from Madison Rural Sanitarium, dated March 12, 1911. I have read your excellent letter. Thank you. I shall not be able to write you but a few lines. I have not been feeling as well as I would like to feel, but will respond in saying a few words.
(25LtMs, Lt 15, 1911, 1)
I am much pleased to read your encouraging letter. You respond in words that vindicate all that I have expressed of the light given me concerning the location of a sanitarium in Madison. You write: “There is much improvement made since the time you and a few others ate a lunch under the trees after it was decided to purchase the farm. I think it is an ideal place.” It is a quiet place. It is out of the city. And they have about all the students they can manage and utilize at the present. “The sanitarium is nearly full of patients.”
(25LtMs, Lt 15, 1911, 2)
This is very pleasant and acceptable to me. Notwithstanding all the ideas that have been expressed, I have not had one doubt concerning the place the Lord directed for our school. I have visited the place and seen the establishment of the school, the meetinghouse, and the whole arrangement; and I thank the Lord that the light given me has proved the leadings of the Holy Spirit. If the Lord had not been preparing the way for us to do in accordance to His will, success would not have been, for there were men who opposed and held back that which could have been accomplished without so much hard, trying labor.
(25LtMs, Lt 15, 1911, 3)
We need individually to understand that the highways are to be worked, the byways are to be worked, the hedges are to have the message, by all harmoniously working in the Lord’s order. A hundredfold might now be revealed if men would not block the way with their own ideas and plans. If the school in Nashville had advanced under the Lord’s word, Go forward, a very much larger work would have been accomplished. There have been hindrances to block the way. There are those whom Christ mentions as having eyes but see not and ears but hear not, and their insensibilities as leaders have retarded the work. And now it is tenfold more difficult to do the very work which might have been done if leading men had been willing to be led. Advance following advance would have been made, making impressions upon human minds. That living faith which works out God’s plans was lacking, and the large work that might have been done was hindered by the unbelief and counterworking of those who should have stood united, having spiritual eyesight to take in the work and moving forward intelligently to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 15, 1911, 4)
The Lord sees a people far behind in genuine faith. Health reform has not done the work it would have done if professed believers had come up to the help of the Lord in earnest. Truths which the Lord has sent in health reform have not accomplished the grand work they would have done had all been drawing in even cords. God sends His workers, men of genuine faith, to do a work in various places; but there are those who have kept up a continual counterworking in their own finite ideas and plans. If the work of entering into our cities under the discipline of Christ had been commenced ten or twenty years ago, and had enlarged in the prominent places, the last message would have been given. Truth would have entered families, and many reforms would have been made in cities and villages. But there has been much counterworking of God’s plans.
(25LtMs, Lt 15, 1911, 5)
The Lord sends His message upon health reform, but there is not harmonious action; and the messages that were heard in Washington were heard but not received and practiced by families. Health reform practiced in families would have been God’s appointed means of saving lives. But families were not awake sufficiently to understand. Physicians whose advice and counsel does not follow in health reform lose their discernment and follow their own impulses. In that important meeting the voice of the Lord in warnings was not heeded. There is a blindness through self-indulgence. Truth is not sanctifying soul, body, and spirit. The Lord calls for all who shall attach themselves to that place to practice health reform and consecrate themselves, soul, body, and spirit, to God and become reconverted.
(25LtMs, Lt 15, 1911, 6)
I merely touch on these matters now. The Lord has given the light for years, and how many are walking in the light? I have much more to write on this subject. (Signed) E. G. W.
(25LtMs, Lt 15, 1911, 7)
I have borne in Washington, when convened in conference, the very message that if received would be a savor of life unto life to all who would be reconverted. My brethren, my sisters, it is a sad continuation of choosing your own way to be wilfully deceived. The warning came to all in Washington in hearing the messages there given in clear lines—the word which God was giving me for His people to be received and carried out. Had there been a working out of the Lord’s plans, there would have been a carrying out of health reform in every family to save their own souls and the souls of all with whom they associated. But the message was unheeded by some, and the indifference of some created a boldness in following their own course of action; and others took liberty to be bold in Washington. I am burdened night and day over the things presented to me of those who heed not the counsel of the Lord. There is a commonplace religion. We need the Holy Spirit’s work on human minds. Angels of two orders were in our meetings in Washington.
(25LtMs, Lt 15, 1911, 8)
Some were eager to receive light and work it out in action, sanctifying and refining their souls for carrying out the Lord’s will in the development of character. The truth believed will work out in action. With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation of their own souls and the souls of others through their influence. Truth, sacred truth, must be stamped upon the heart. All who are indeed converted must have a deeper experience, else their profession of godliness is worthless. Only love the Lord with all thy heart and all thy soul and all thy strength. Then all the mind is pure and undefiled. The heart is the citadel of the whole man; and until that is on the Lord’s side, the enemy will gain constant victories. Right in Washington Satan is working determinedly. Self works its own will and way. I want to say, You are in great danger.
(25LtMs, Lt 15, 1911, 9)
It is a life-and-death question now with many in Washington, and not only in Washington but wherever there is a school established, and especially where there is a sanitarium established. The greatest danger comes from those who are disloyal to God and do not live out a character after the divine similitude.
(25LtMs, Lt 15, 1911, 10)
You are not to increase your responsibilities in Washington. You need now, in the place of planting more responsibilities in one place, to move out and build up in places where there is need of work being done. God calls for a decided work being done in Washington. Unless there is a much greater sense of the truth which sanctifies the soul, there will be a much lower grade in the place of a higher, truer sense of what God requires in true holiness. Do not gather in those who have made crooked paths, and connect them with the work and enlarge your work, for the Lord calls for a different mold to be placed on the work. There must be much more living the Scripture before they can work out the plan of God in and through sanctified belief of the truth as it is in Jesus. It is the life of true holiness in the heart and character that is needed in teachers and in students.
(25LtMs, Lt 15, 1911, 11)
Lt 16, 1911
Kellogg, Sister [H. W.] St. Helena, California May 2, 1911 Previously unpublished. Mrs. H. W. Kellogg
Battle Creek, Michigan Dear Sister Kellogg:
A few days ago we returned from Southern California. We had been away a month. During that time the Lord strengthened me to speak several times to the workers at Loma Linda and Paradise Valley Sanitariums, also once at Glendale and once at Fernando.
(25LtMs, Lt 16, 1911, 1)
As we stepped off the cars in San Francisco, we were pleased to meet our old friend Brother Henry W. Kellogg. He was on his way to Mountain View; and as there was some time before his train left, we had a very pleasant visit in the waiting room of the depot.
(25LtMs, Lt 16, 1911, 2)
Several times during the last two years, when I have met your husband, I have been impressed that he was working too hard and wearing too fast; and I hope that you will realize the danger he is in, and that you will decide to come to the beautiful home that he has purchased in Mountain View. I was much pleased to learn that he has made plans to change his mode of living and to provide for himself and you a home together. I am sure that it will be a mutual blessing to you both to unite your interests in such a place as he has secured. There you can, while enjoying the privileges of a quiet home, give him such attention as will be a blessing to him and help to prolong his life.
(25LtMs, Lt 16, 1911, 3)
With two daughters in Battle Creek, and a son-in-law to help in emergencies, your mother, I believe, would be well cared for while she lives, and you should be free to take your position by the side of your husband, where your interests can be more united, and you can plan and counsel together, share responsibilities, and occupy your rightful relations as husband and wife, in harmony with your marriage vows. Marriage vows are sacred, and husband and wife are under solemn obligations to God to help and bless one another, preparing for the coming of our Lord Jesus.
(25LtMs, Lt 16, 1911, 4)
I beg of you to consider this matter aright and to comply with your husband’s request. I trust that my words to you may not be as an idle tale, for it is a matter of great importance that you should care for your husband when he needs you. Surely it is not necessary for three daughters to remain in Battle Creek to care for your mother, while your husband is left without the comforts of a home. Therefore, I urge you, Sister Kellogg, to come, in harmony with your husband’s wishes, and be with him, even though you must leave your mother to be cared for by her other children. In case of serious illness, you would be able to reach her in a few hours.
(25LtMs, Lt 16, 1911, 5)
Please consider this matter carefully in the light of your marriage vows. At his age, your husband especially needs your help in caring for him and in counseling with him in the care of the farm. It is right that he should not be compelled to be engaged in business that continually calls him away from his home and family, and I shall be greatly pleased to see you both together on this excellent place in Mountain View, where with his wife’s mind and judgment linked with his own, he can care for the farm and orchard and be free from the heavy responsibilities and anxieties that he has been carrying.
(25LtMs, Lt 16, 1911, 6)
I will not write more, Sister Kellogg, but it is forcibly impressed upon my mind that you and your husband should be united in carrying the necessary burdens and in planning wisely. You both need a change. It will be conducive to your spiritual and physical health to work together, while you both prepare to meet the Lord when He shall come in the clouds of heaven.
(25LtMs, Lt 16, 1911, 7)
Lt 18, 1911
Burden, J. A. St. Helena, California May 18, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in LLM 573. Elder J. A. Burden
Loma Linda, California Dear Brother Burden:
I will now endeavor to write a few words to you. I have been very sick for some days, and Sara has been sick also. During the last few weeks many in our neighborhood, I am told, have also been sick with a very undesirable disease. It has been quite severe among the children, and a few of the older ones have suffered.
(25LtMs, Lt 18, 1911, 1)
I wish to say to Elder Burden that the money which I pledged to help purchase the eighty-five acres will be sent without fail. Please let me know if a couple of weeks’ delay will trouble you seriously. I am truly glad that I gave my promise to help to purchase this land, under the influence of the Spirit of God. I felt that the land must be secured; otherwise that we should have reason to regret that we did not obtain it.
(25LtMs, Lt 18, 1911, 2)
We are always glad to hear from you.
(25LtMs, Lt 18, 1911, 3)
Lt 20, 1911
Burden, Brother and Sister [J. A.] St. Helena, California April 30, 1911 This letter is published in entirety in LLM 568-569. Elder J. A. Burden
Loma Linda, California Dear Brother and Sister Burden:
On Wednesday evening we took the train at Los Angeles. We had good accommodations, and nothing in particular transpired to cause any unpleasantness. It was a very long train of cars. We had a good lunch and were all very comfortable.
(25LtMs, Lt 20, 1911, 1)
My letter must be a short time, as my head is easily wearied. As soon as I begin to use it, I am troubled with disagreeable pains. I have not yet recovered from the severe affliction I suffered at Glendale. After our trip to Fernando my heart and arm were seriously painful. Sara gave me most thorough treatment, and after a long time relief came. I was urged to visit Long Beach, to see how they were situated in the work there; but I was in such pain that I had to refuse. I dared not venture to go.
(25LtMs, Lt 20, 1911, 2)
In the afternoon of the day that we left for home, Elder Andross took us in an automobile to visit the several churches and the Bible Workers’ Home in Los Angeles. We did not get out of the conveyance, but stopped and spoke to some of those engaged in the work. It was a very pleasant trip, and I was very glad to see so much of the work in Los Angeles. The automobile was an easy-riding machine that did not jolt me, so I was spared any increased suffering. We reached home in safety, and on Friday I got relief from the pain I had endured for two days and nights. I felt that the Lord had blessed me; and on the next day, Sabbath, I consented to speak in the sanitarium chapel. I was surprised to meet so large a congregation there and was thankful for the opportunity of speaking to them.
(25LtMs, Lt 20, 1911, 3)
My mind is settled in regard to the purchase of the land in front of the Loma Linda Sanitarium. We must have that piece of land. I will pledge myself to be depended upon for one thousand dollars. I hope to be favored with an opportunity to hire some money soon; but I shall not worry in regard to this, or I shall not be able to do anything. The effort of speaking on Sabbath and of reading my letters today is all I have been able to do to the present time. But as soon as I can I will make some movement concerning the raising of the one thousand dollars. The piece of land we must have; for it will never do to have buildings crowded in there. Do not fail to carry through the purchase of it. Do your best, and I will do my best. The money from me you may depend upon. We shall be able to send it soon.
(25LtMs, Lt 20, 1911, 4)
Lt 22, 1911
Ruble, Brother; Burden, J. A.; Evans, I. H. St. Helena, California May 7, 1911 This letter is published in entirety in SpTB #15 1-11. + Brethren Ruble, Burden, and Evans
Loma Linda, California Dear Brethren:
I have words of instruction for you and your co-workers who are ministers and physicians and counselors at Loma Linda. During my visit to Southern California, light was given me that many of the leaders in our sanitariums were failing of meeting the requirements of God, and, more than this, they did not realize their lack. I was instructed that those who stand in positions of responsibility in these important institutions are engaged in a most sacred work, that they have little time in which to do the work committed to their trust, and that it was of the utmost importance that faithfulness and consecration mark their efforts in every line.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 1)
In a remarkable way God has brought into our possession some of the institutions through whose agency we are to accomplish the work of reformation to which as a people we are called. At this time every talent of every worker should be regarded as a sacred trust to be used in extending the work of reform.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 2)
The Lord instructed me that our sisters who have received a training that has fitted them for positions of responsibility are to serve with faithfulness and discernment in their calling, using their influence wisely, and, with their brethren in the faith, obtaining an experience that will fit them for still greater usefulness. The instruction of the apostle Peter, “Add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge” [2 Peter 1:5], they are to bring into their individual experience; and this work of daily sanctification through co-operation with the Spirit of God will develop their knowledge and capabilities.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 3)
In ancient times the Lord worked in a wonderful way through consecrated women who united in His work with men whom He had chosen to stand as His representatives. He used women to gain great and decisive victories. More than once, in times of emergency, He brought them to the front and worked through them for the salvation of many lives. Through Esther the queen, the Lord accomplished a mighty deliverance for His people. At a time when it seemed that no power could save them, Esther and the women associated with her, by fasting and prayer and prompt action, met the issue and brought salvation to their people.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 4)
A study of women’s work in connection with the cause of God in Old Testament times will teach us lessons that will enable us to meet emergencies in the work today. We may not be brought into such a critical and prominent place as were the people of God in the time of Esther; but often converted women can act an important part in more humble positions. This many have been doing, and are still ready to do. It is a woman’s duty to unite with her husband in the disciplining and training of her sons and daughters, that they may be converted and their powers consecrated to the service of God. There are many who have ability to stand with their husbands in sanitarium work, to give treatments to the sick, and to speak words of counsel and encouragement to others. There are those who should seek an education that will fit them to act the part of physicians.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 5)
In this line of service a positive work needs to be done. Women as well as men are to receive a thorough medical training. They should make a special study of the diseases common to women, that they may understand how to treat them. It is considered most essential that men desiring to practice medicine shall receive the broad training necessary for the following of such a profession; it is just as essential that women receive such training and obtain their diplomas, certifying their right to act as physicians.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 6)
Our institutions should be especially thorough in giving to women a training that will fit them to act as midwives. There should be in our sanitariums lady physicians who understand well their profession and who can attend women at the time of childbirth. Light has been given me that women instead of men should take the responsibility in such cases. I was directed to the Bible plan, in which at such times women acted the part of the physician. This plan should be carried out by us; for it is the Lord’s plan.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 7)
Again and again light has been given me that women should be chosen and educated for this line of work. Now the time has come when we should face the matter clearly. More women should be educated for this work, and thus a door of temptation may be closed. We should allow no unnecessary temptation to be placed in the way of physicians and nurses, or the people for whom they minister.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 8)
The Lord has greatly favored us in providing suitable buildings at Loma Linda for the carrying forward of the work as it should be carried. Let us be in earnest in following the counsel we have received.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 9)
I have been instructed to say to our leading sanitarium workers throughout our ranks: The work must move forward on a higher plane, and after a more sacred order than it has heretofore, if it is to accomplish all that God designs should be accomplished by it in our churches and for the world. We need to pray and to consider earnestly what is the great spiritual need of men and women in this age. Strange things are being done which are not after the Lord’s counsel, but after the devising of men. As wicked practices increase among those who are determined to do wickedly, there is great need that our people bring into prominence before the world a pure, untainted work. The Lord says to us, Be ye clean that labor in the health institutions. Work under the influence of the Holy Spirit of God. Let the men holding positions of sacred trust view the work from a high standpoint.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 10)
I ask you who stand as leaders in this work to read prayerfully chapters four to eleven of the book of Deuteronomy; for there is instruction that all need who would understand God’s dealings with His people. And I wish to impress upon all who read these chapters that they mean much to every soul who carries responsibilities in connection with sanitarium work. “Thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God,” the Lord declares, “and the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto Himself above all nations that are upon the earth.” [Deuteronomy 14:2.] All the directions He has given are to be carefully observed, from the greatest to that which may seem the least.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 11)
The Lord says to all, Purify your souls from all commonness. Set before your children and households an example in word and deportment that will lead them to desire above all things to render to God consecrated, loving service. Pray for your home; instruct your family; sanctify the Lord God of Israel in your hearts and in your lives.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 12)
I am deeply pained as I see with some a spirit of carelessness in speech and deportment. This is a hindrance to spirituality. The Lord declared to Israel: “What doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and His statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. Only the Lord had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and He chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.” [Deuteronomy 10:12-15.] Read these words thoughtfully, and consider how great are the privileges of the people whom the Lord chose to serve Him.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 13)
To all connected with sacred duties I am charged to say, Seek the Lord. Take heed to your conversations; lay off all cheapness of speech; for the Lord would have you become intelligent workers and wise counselors. Let those with whom you associate see nothing of frivolity in your words and works. You have the knowledge of sacred truth, and you are to honor those truths as men and women who must give an account for the talents entrusted to them.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 14)
God would have His honor exalted before men as supreme and His counsels confirmed in the eyes of the people. The witness of the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel gives the example of one who stood wholly for God and His work in the earth. The prophet calls the Lord by His name, Jehovah God, which He Himself had given to denote His condescension and compassion. Elijah calls Him the God of Abraham and Isaac and Israel. He does this that he may excite in the hearts of His backslidden people humble remembrance of the Lord and assure them of His rich, free grace. Elijah prays, “Be it known this day that Thou art the God of Israel.” The honor of God is to be exalted as supreme, but the prophet asks further that his mission also may be confirmed. “Let it be known this day that Thou art God in Israel,” he prays, “and that I am Thy servant, and that I have done all these things at Thy word. Hear me, O Lord,” he pleads, “hear me.” [1 Kings 18:36, 37.]
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 15)
Elijah was intense. As he prayed, the silence of death seemed to be about him. As the Amen was spoken, Lo, the fire of heaven descended on the sacrifice in the sight of the multitude.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 16)
The people were wonderfully affected by the scene. At the manifestation of God’s power, they fell on their faces on the earth, and extolled the God of Abraham, and gave glory to the God of Israel. With a loud voice they shouted, “The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God.” [Verse 39.]
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 17)
But while the people acknowledged the God of heaven, the priests, with hardened hearts, refused to be convinced. They would remain still the prophets of Baal. Thus they showed themselves ripe for destruction. And Elijah said to the people, “Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” [Verse 40.] The time had come when delusion was unveiled. The people saw the awful deception that had been practiced upon them by the false prophets; and when the word was spoken, they fell upon the prophets, brought them down to the brook Kishon, and took part in their slaughter. Thus was Elijah’s faith crowned with victory, the priests of Baal put to shame, and the worshipers of false gods confounded.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 18)
Elijah’s whole life was devoted to the work of reform. He was a voice crying in the wilderness to rebuke sin and press back the tide of moral evil. And while he came to the people as a reprover of sin, his message offered the Balm of Gilead for the sinsick souls of all who would be healed. His zeal for God’s glory and his deep love for the house of Israel present lessons for the instruction of all who stand today as representatives of God’s work in the earth.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 19)
Let the conductors of our institutional work catch the spirit of zeal felt by Elijah and learn its intensity. Let them seek for the grace of God that will give them an experience in advance of that which they have heretofore enjoyed. Let them love the work of God and pray for its advancement in the world.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 20)
The following is my talk at the Paradise Valley Sanitarium:
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 21)
A Deeper Concentration
Last night I seemed to be in a meeting where there were present leading men who were asking questions concerning the sanitarium work; and I had many things to say to them regarding the sacredness of this work. I told them that the Lord desired us to consecrate ourselves unreservedly to Him, and that in this work everything like lightness and trifling was out of place, because we are preparing for the serious events that will come in the future. I was deeply in earnest in telling them that they were to take their position decidedly to maintain a high standard as men and women who were preparing for victory. In the future many trying experiences will arise, and we must be ready to meet them.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 22)
I told them that the enemy would seek to introduce a cheap experience among the leading workers in our sanitariums, but that the Lord would greatly help all who will depend upon God to work with them. If we will take our position firmly for the right, there will be a mold placed upon this sanitarium that is according to the divine plan—a mold that will be seen in every leader, every physician, and every minister connected with the institution.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 23)
The men who are holding important positions must bear in mind that there will come here those who know little of our experience as a people, and it is important that they should be favorably impressed with what they see and hear. It means much if the impressions made upon patients and carried by them to other places are of a character to build up and strengthen our work. If this is to be accomplished, those who bear responsibilities here must in character and deportment properly represent the solemn, sacred work with which they are connected. All should realize that the work must stand on a higher plane. Let no cheapness in conversation be indulged in, but let all realize that God requires solemnity in all who stand in this work.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 24)
This is a testimony similar to that I have borne in many places where carelessness in words and spirit have been manifest, revealing a low spiritual standard. God wants to work through ministers, through physicians, and through all connected with sanitarium work; and there will be a great work done here when all cheapness and frivolity are put away. In a marvelous way God has worked to give us this and other similar institutions; but it is represented to me that these institutions are not reaching the high standard that God requires them to reach. The workers cannot attain this of themselves, but God can give them the right mold of character if they feel the necessity of looking to Him and holding fast to His promises.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 25)
The message borne to us by the apostle Peter is, “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:5-8.]
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 26)
Our sanitarium workers are required of God to stand on higher ground. They need to cultivate kindness and tenderness of heart. They need a strong determination and faith in Christ. This it is their privilege to have; and this is their eternal safety. The promise to them is, “If ye do these things ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 10, 11.] These words were repeated three times: “It is your eternal life insurance policy.” If the workers will take hold of the faith of Christ, and in humbleness of mind seek daily to bring into the life—into the words and actions—the sanctification imparted by the Spirit of God, they shall never fall. And this experience manifested in the life of the workers will make upon the minds of those who come into the institution impressions for good which will be carried away with them. The light of heaven will come in, and it will shine into the hearts and minds of unbelievers, making impressions that will be a lasting influence for good in their lives.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 27)
In the many places where I go to visit our health institutions, this instruction is repeated to me, because our workers need to climb higher. We are satisfied with too low a standard in spiritual things. We must learn to work away from this low standard. The promise is, “If ye do these things”—if you work on the plan of adding grace to grace—“ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord.” [Verses 10, 11.] The workers need to encourage the presence of the Spirit of God in their hearts and minds; then He will be manifest in the speech. Then the angels of God can connect with them, and lasting impressions for good will be made. It is impossible for the human agent, unaided, to make the desired impression; but Christ will do this. He will work with those who will work with Him.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 28)
The company to whom I was talking last night was larger than this one. In my words to them I sought to impress them with the truth that the Lord will give His help to all who will consecrate themselves to Him. I told them of the plan of addition, by which, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the children of God will grow in grace and in the knowledge of God. If we will faithfully follow this plan, the angels of heaven will draw near and will sanction our efforts.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 29)
The words of every worker connected with the Paradise Valley Sanitarium should be such that the Spirit of God can impress them upon human minds—their works such that the light of heaven will be reflected in their efforts. Then when these workers go to other institutions, whether for service or only for a visit, they will be ready to speak helpful words to those whom they meet. Constantly they will bring into their speech the strengthening power of the Holy Spirit and, working on the plan of addition, will add to faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge temperance, to temperance patience, to patience godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity. “If these things be in you, and abound,” the apostle declares, “they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verse 8.]
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 30)
We have little time left in which to perfect the character that God is looking for in His people. Let us make the very best use of our opportunities and capabilities. Let us pledge before God and before our brethren that we will be faithful in the use of our opportunities to do good, and in the use of our words, that the Holy Spirit may work through us to make right impressions upon human minds. God will help all who will make an effort to purify themselves through obedience to the truth.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 31)
At every institution where I go, I testify that the Lord would have His workers reach a higher standard. It is His will that the Holy Spirit should indite our words, and give us speech that will impress hearts with the truth of God. It should be our aim to help all within our reach who need help. There are many in our sanitariums who have never enjoyed the privilege that the helpers have had. Let all see that you are attaining to a high standard of Christian experience. Let them see that you refuse to indulge in careless and trifling words. The sick are here; pray for them. God can do great things for the sick, believers and unbelievers, through the ministry and prayers of consecrated helpers.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 32)
What we need in our institutions is deeper consecration, a determination to choose always the upward path. God has brought into our lives rich experiences, and He wants us continually to gain precious victories. We must work in harmony with the Spirit of God. It is our privilege to stand, as the angel represented it to me, on a higher platform, by the power of the Holy Spirit, lifting ourselves up unto God. It is the privilege of physicians and nurses and the workers in every department to make impressions of a spiritual nature on the minds and hearts of those to whom they are called to minister. The men and women who care for the sick in our institutions need to keep their minds pure and uplifted.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 33)
My brethren and sisters, I believe that you will grasp the promises of God, and that you will be able to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony. The angels of God will surely work in every institution where there is an earnest resolve on the part of the workers to grow in grace and in the knowledge of God. This determination will bring overcoming power, whatever may be your temperament. And as you seek to walk in the way of the Lord, that your influence on other lives may be uplifting, the Holy Spirit, in your own life, will make you the most blessed of mortals.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 34)
This is all that I need to say to you now. We have a good place here; the Lord brought it into our hands. Let us regard it as a gift that is to be used to the very best account. If we do this, the Spirit of God will work with us, and we shall receive more and more light as we follow on to know the Lord, whose going forth is prepared as the morning. You have seen the going forth of the sun in the early morning. Its light grows a little stronger, a little brighter in the heavens, until there is seen the full light of day. So your experience is to grow. Then the visitors and patients who come to this institution will see that the Spirit of God is inditing your words and actions, and an excellent work will be done for God.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 35)
I cannot at this time give you all the instruction that I received last night; but I will try to write in regard to it later. Once more I would say to you, Make every possible effort to overcome those defects of character that prevent you from reaching the highest standard. Seek for the co-operation of the Spirit of God in your lives, that right impressions may be made on those not of our faith. Let the grace of God come into your hearts, that you may have the help of a power above yourselves. Thus you will be fitting yourselves for the future, immortal life. The Lord will surely work with all who will work with Him and who will daily seek to exert an influence that will lead souls to Christ.
(25LtMs, Lt 22, 1911, 36)
Lt 24, 1911
Irwin, Sister Loma Linda, California April 3, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in 6Bio 345. Dear Sister Irwin:
Sara has mentioned to me that you would be pleased to come to my home and remain a few weeks. Come, and welcome. I am sure Sister Youngs will make you at home and comfortable. Whether I am at home or abroad, there is a place for you in my home, and be free to enjoy the visit.
(25LtMs, Lt 24, 1911, 1)
I can write but a few lines this evening. We had a pleasant journey and a safe arrival at Loma Linda. Yesterday and today there have been heavy clouds, and we have had no sunshine. We hope the sun will soon shine, for it seems lonesome without the sunshine.
(25LtMs, Lt 24, 1911, 2)
On Sabbath I spoke in the afternoon, and the Lord strengthened me. I shall speak again perhaps tomorrow. There is quite a nice company here, and decisions are being made concerning the work. I think the Lord will guide the people who have gathered here to make right decisions.
(25LtMs, Lt 24, 1911, 3)
They have excellent food here, strictly hygienic. I wish you were here. Your husband is attending business meetings. There are many things to be considered. Be of good courage.
(25LtMs, Lt 24, 1911, 4)
Lt 26, 1911
Piper, J. F. St. Helena, California June 7, 1911 Previously unpublished. Elder J. F. Piper
Portland, Maine Dear Brother:
I will write a few words to you this morning. I feel a deep interest in the work to be carried on in Portland, Maine. At present we are held here to complete the work on the life of Paul and the early apostles. When that is finished, and if I am relieved from other responsibilities that hold me here, I hope to be able to visit Melrose and Portland and spend some time in the eastern states.
(25LtMs, Lt 26, 1911, 1)
Next November I shall be eighty-four years old. I am not writing as much as in former years, but some days I am up and writing at four o’clock in the morning and am able to accomplish considerable writing during the day. I thank the Lord during the day. I thank the Lord from my heart for the strength He graciously gives me.
(25LtMs, Lt 26, 1911, 2)
Last Sabbath I spoke at the sanitarium chapel, the week before at St. Helena, and the previous Sabbath at the Pacific Union College.
(25LtMs, Lt 26, 1911, 3)
We have a deep interest in you all and would be pleased to be with you. But the work on my book must be completed first. Then I hope to receive strength from the Lord to visit the East again and bear my testimony once more in my native state.
(25LtMs, Lt 26, 1911, 4)
Lt 28, 1911
Harris, Stonewall Jackson St. Helena, California June 7, 1911 This letter is published in entirety in SpTB #17a 23-29. Stonewall Jackson Harris
San Francisco, California Dear Brother:
Yesterday I received your letter dated May 30 and the little booklet containing the statements regarding the Harris Company, which you say you wrote for publication in the Signs of the Times and the Watchman.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 1)
You say in your letter that you are getting out 35,000 copies of this statement to send out to our people, and you ask me to read the statement and to ask the Lord to show me if this is His work.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 2)
In answer to your questions, Brother Harris, I am instructed to say to you that God is not leading you in your large plans and speculations.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 3)
I have been instructed that we should not accept your representations and plans and methods for obtaining money for the advancement of the work of the third angel’s message. That which you suppose to be light from the Lord is a device of the enemy of souls to lead you and others out of the way of the Lord. Your proposals should not be encouraged by our people.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 4)
Again and again in the experience of the church, the servants of God have been called to meet deceptions in various forms that have crept in among the people to lead them astray and spoil their Christian experience. As we have sought the Lord for instruction concerning these delusions, I have been instructed that they were deceptions of the enemy by which he designed to lead men and women away from the sacred truth of the Word of God, which must ever be their guide, into strange and forbidden paths.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 5)
The enemy is well pleased when, by means of wonderful representations, he can mislead church members and persuade them to receive impressions regarding their work that bring dishonor to the cause of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 6)
You endeavor to reach correct decisions regarding religious duties and to make decisions regarding business enterprises by the tossing up of a coin and letting the position in which it falls decide what course you shall pursue. I am instructed to say that we are not to give encouragement to any such methods. They are too common, too much like sleight-of-hand movements. They are not of the Lord, and those who depend upon them for direction will meet with failure and disappointment. Being nothing more than a matter of chance, the influence of adopting such tests regarding duty is calculated to lead the mind to depend on chance and guesswork, when all our work and plans for work should be established on the sure foundation of the Word of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 7)
The people of God can come to a correct understanding of their duty only through sincere prayer and earnest seeking for the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. When they seek aright for instruction concerning their course of action, these strange and unreliable methods will not be accepted by them. They will then be saved from haphazard work and from the confusion that is ever the result of depending on human devisings.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 8)
Brother Harris, the methods by which you design to raise means for the advancement of the work of God, as set forth in your statement, do not bear the divine credentials and therefore should not be accepted by the people. If you persist in carrying out your ideas, your work will have to be met by the message that God has given me. It is not by any such methods as you have adopted that God makes known His will to His children. These sleight-of-hand methods are the devices of the enemy to work on human hearts and lead them from God into deception and confusion.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 9)
The work of God for this time is not to be supported by the results of wild speculation. God would have our energies drawn out, not in a speculative experience that will lead souls on to Satan’s ground, but in honest, hard work that produces beneficial results, and in earnestly seeking Him to know His will. Here we shall find certainty, and not guesswork. Those who seek the Lord with all the heart will obtain a knowledge of their duty, and the assurance that the prayers of God’s faithful people are honored in heaven.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 10)
Again and again testimonies of reproof have been given to the church to correct the spirit of speculation. Now I say to you, my brother, the Lord did not guide your mind when you were led to take up the work you are now doing. My testimony to you and to those who are connected with you in your plans and speculations is that you are pursuing a course which, if continued, will lead men and women away from obedience to God’s commandments. You and those associated with you need to learn to distinguish between the interposition of Providence and the workings of a deceived mind.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 11)
Should the plan you are following for the raising of means be adopted by our people, a state of things would be brought in that would result in great confusion and loss of faith, and many souls would be hindered from reaching that sanctification of heart and purpose that God requires in His church.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 12)
The spirit of venture that you are manifesting is not in harmony with the Spirit of the Lord. If persisted in, it will bring disappointment and confusion to you and to those who are caught with the ideas you present. Again and again in the past experience of the church, men have led out in speculations similar to those you are now undertaking, led on by the hope of securing great gain for the advancement of the cause of God. But after many trials, and the investment of time and money that brought in little returns, they were led to see that this is not the way of the Lord for His people. I have not time to tell of the many different ways in which men sought to obtain means by wrong methods, and whose course the Lord has corrected by testimonies of reproof and instruction.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 13)
I was instructed that our conference presidents and those who hold responsible positions in the work should be careful to give no encouragement to speculative plans for the securing of means, for by these plans Satan will work to confuse the judgment. I was shown that in these last days there will arise many deceptive doctrines. Those who stand as teachers in the cause of truth need to learn the ways of the Lord, that they may not be easily deceived by the agencies of evil. The work that is so essential to be done in these last days calls for earnest effort, and lives consecrated to entire obedience to the will and ways of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 14)
To our people I will say, Let none be led from the sound, sensible principles that God has laid down for the guidance of His people, to depend for direction on any such device as the tossing up of a coin. Such a course is well pleasing to the enemy of souls; for he works to control the coin and through its agency works out his plans. Let none be so easily deceived as to place confidence in any such tests. Let none belittle their experience by resorting to cheap devices for direction in important matters connected with the work of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 15)
The Lord works in no haphazard way. Seek Him most earnestly in prayer. He will impress the mind and give tongue and utterance. The people of God are to be educated not to trust in human inventions and uncertain tests as a means of learning God’s will concerning them. Satan and his agencies are always ready to step in to any opening that can be found that will lead souls away from the pure principles of the Word of God. The people who are led and taught of God will give no place to devisings for which there is not a “Thus saith the Lord.”
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 16)
Let all who claim to be preparing for the coming of the Lord humbly seek Him for a knowledge of His will, and for a spirit that is willing to walk in all the light He sends. As a people we have had much instruction regarding our duty to depend upon God for wisdom and counsel. Let us go to the Word of God for instruction. “Search the scriptures,” the Saviour said, “for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me.” [John 5:39.] We need to humble our hearts and purify our souls daily, learning at all times to walk by the faith of the Son of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 17)
My brethren and sisters, leave all minor tests that you may be tempted to make, and test your spirit by the witness of the Word of God. Study that Word, that you may know the character and will of God. It is positively essential that every believer make the truths of the Bible his guide and safeguard. To every young man and woman, and to those of advanced years, I testify that the study of the Word is the only safeguard for the soul who would remain steadfast unto the end.
(25LtMs, Lt 28, 1911, 18)
Lt 30, 1911
White, J. E. St. Helena, California June 6, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in 2SM 303; Ev 458, 535-536; 10MR 208-209; 6Bio 341. Elder J. E. White
Nashville, Tennessee Dear Son Edson:
It is some time since I wrote to you. Sometimes I have begun letters that were never finished. They are laid aside and forgotten before they are completed. Since my long trip to the camp-meetings in 1909 I have written but few letters. What strength I have is mostly given to the completion of my book on the work of the apostles.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 1)
For a few days I have had to give attention to the work of Stonewall Jackson Harris, a surveyor who in the past has made some money and given liberally to the cause. Now he has great plans for buying mines and other property and is working with all his power to draw our people into his company, to take part in his gigantic speculations.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 2)
We spent the month of April in Southern California. At Loma Linda an important council was held. Willie was in meeting early and late. I had freedom in speaking to the students and sanitarium workers several times, and on Sabbath the chapel was crowded by our people at Loma Linda and from neighboring churches.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 3)
The second Sabbath I spoke at Riverside. Mr. Tremain, a Seventh-day Baptist, took us over in his automobile, and Brother Claflin took us back to the sanitarium after the meeting. Willie remained to have a visit with Elder F. W. Paap from Australia, who is laboring in Riverside, and returned by train in the afternoon.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 4)
We spent a week at the Paradise Valley Sanitarium. Brother and Sister Charles Lindsay were there visiting their son Harmon, who is manager of the sanitarium.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 5)
At Los Angeles I spoke to a large congregation in the Carr St. church, and at San Fernando to the students and teachers, and to church members who had gathered in and filled the chapel.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 6)
A few days ago an incomplete letter to you was found, which I will now finish up and send without further delay. I have read your letters in regard to your proposed move to Marshall, Michigan. This seems to be a rather strange proposition. I sincerely hope that you will move wisely. I am sorry to have you so far away and am perplexed to see you in any way connected with Frank Belden and the Battle Creek Sanitarium.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 7)
I think if you and Emma would come to Loma Linda, and give that place a trial, you would find you could be a blessing to the workers there, and they would be a blessing to you. I have been very desirous to see you and Emma; and sometimes I fear that I shall not see you again. I am comfortably situated here by the sanitarium; why should not you and Emma visit us? We would be pleased if you could do this.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 8)
For several weeks I took treatment with the X-ray for the black spot that was on my forehead. In all I took 23 treatments, and these succeeded in entirely removing the mark. For this I am very grateful.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 9)
One subject upon which I dwelt particularly while at Loma Linda was the importance of having lady physicians to attend women in cases of confinement. I showed that in our institutions men must be trained to treat men, and women to care for women. And in those cases to which I have referred we should be careful to have the help of lady physicians, rather than men. We have come to a time in our experience when decided changes should be made in this matter.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 10)
As a people we need greater faith in the Word of God. Individually we need a work done for us by the Holy Spirit. All who are engaged in the ministry of the gospel need to learn of Christ His meekness and lowliness of heart. Then they can testify to the power of Christ as the great Restorer. Christ was the great Medical Missionary. Read in the second chapter of Mark and the fifth chapter of Luke the record of His works for the spiritual and physical needs of those who sought His help. There are precious lessons to be learned from a study of Christ’s ministry of healing.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 11)
I would say to you, Edson, Find your place in the work of God. Medical Missionaries are needed everywhere to do the work that Christ did while He was on the earth. To each of His appointed agencies the Lord says, Take your place at the post of duty, and stand firmly and labor patiently for the righteousness of Christ to be revealed. The enriching light that comes from God’s eternal throne will be imparted to those who seek to reveal to needy souls the principles of righteousness.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 12)
We need more heavenly grace, and this grace Christ imparts to all who seek for it. He says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.]
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 13)
It is the Lord’s desire that renewed efforts shall be put forth in many places and small plants be established. A work is to be done that is to open the way for the advancement of the truth and that will increase the faith of souls. The world is the Lord’s vineyard; but He has been strangely shut out. Now He requires that the vineyard receive special attention. The work we are called to do in giving the light is expressed in the words of the Saviour’s commission: “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:18-20.]
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 14)
There are many fields to be worked, and calculations should not be made to plant many large interests in a few favored localities. The Lord has instructed me that we are not to make many large centers; for in every field there should be facilities for the successful carrying on of the work. For this reason a few large institutions should not be allowed to exhaust all the income of means. In small and large cities, and in settlements that lie outside the cities, there should be maintained small centers where faithful watchmen are stationed who will labor for souls. Wherever the missionary worker goes, there should follow his efforts the establishment of some small plant, that the advance of the work may be hastened. When God’s servants do their work faithfully, Providence will open the way for these facilities in many places.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 15)
In the highways and the byways, efforts are to be put forth. We are not developing the work according to the best plans. We should plan to divide and subdivide our working forces, that we may work new fields. Then on special occasions the workers can come together for counsel and spiritual help. In spirit Christ’s missionary work embraced the world, and the words of His commission point out our field.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 16)
Right where you are, right where the people are, let earnest effort be put forth. The Word of God has been, as it were, hid under a bushel. That Word must be explained to those who are now in ignorance of its requirements. Search the Scriptures with those who are willing to be taught. The work may be small in its beginning, but others will unite to carry it forward; and as in faith and dependence on God earnest labor is put forth to enlighten and instruct the people in the simple truths of the Word, those who listen will catch the meaning of true discipleship.
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 17)
In the colored people and the foreigners now in this country, there is brought to our doors a great foreign field—a broad and almost unworked field. These people, because of their ignorance of God and their unconsciousness of their great need, should appeal strongly to us to take up the work of teaching. Can any of us express as it deserves the greatness of God’s gift to our world? We cannot; but we can tell those who know Him not of the love that sent His only begotten Son into the world to bear the chastisement for man’s sin. We can testify that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life;” and that “God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” [John 3:16, 17.]
(25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, 18)
Lt 32, 1911
Kress, D. H. St. Helena, California June 5, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in LLM 573. Dr. D. H. Kress
Washington, D.C. Dear Brother:
I thank you for your short letter, and for the assurance that you recognize the voice of the Lord, and are clear in regard to your duty to bear witness to the truth in the cities. I know, my brother, that you have a message to bear in the cities. You have become perplexed in regard to some things; but at such times if we follow the best light we have, the Lord leads us to see our duty more distinctly. As we do our best, truth will be made clear to us, and we shall see clearly the will of the Lord concerning us.
(25LtMs, Lt 32, 1911, 1)
There is great need that our people be grounded and established in the faith of a sure and certain experience. I feel deeply the importance of believers’ having an established spiritual experience. Those who are grounded in the faith will know of a certainty that they are being led and taught of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 32, 1911, 2)
I realize that a place like Loma Linda needs experienced men and women to conduct the work in its different departments. But the Lord is willing to work with all who will commit their ways to Him, and who will be led by the Holy Spirit. All are to be workers with Christ. He commits to His true followers the power of persuasion, the power of His grace and truth, a deep and constant love for His work in home and foreign fields. He gives them hearts that are in earnest in gathering with Christ. With helpers possessing such gifts as these, the medical missionary work cannot be without fruit.
(25LtMs, Lt 32, 1911, 3)
The power of persuasion is a wonderful gift. It means much to those who would win souls to Christ. Let us keep our souls in the love of God. If Christ is working with His messengers, fruit will be seen as the result of their efforts.
(25LtMs, Lt 32, 1911, 4)
Lt 32a, 1911
Belden, F. E. Refiled as Lt 201, 1908.
Lt 34, 1911
Burden, J. A. St. Helena, California June 7, 1911 This letter is published in entirety in LLM 573-574. + Elder J. A. Burden
Loma Linda, California Dear Brother and Sister Burden:
I want to say to you both that I am thankful I was moved to speak as I did concerning the piece of land in front of the Loma Linda Sanitarium. I was urged by the Spirit of God to make the pledge of one thousand dollars; and I did so hoping that others, who were better able to give than I, would follow my example. I dared not leave the meeting without following the conviction I had; and now I feel that I have done my duty, showing my faith by my works.
(25LtMs, Lt 34, 1911, 1)
I am glad that we were able to send you my part of the first payment a few days ago.
(25LtMs, Lt 34, 1911, 2)
I would like to inquire what progress has been made in the raising of the means for the purchase of the land. My investment was not made in order to lessen the responsibility of others who should help. Do what you can to encourage those who have money that they can use in the cause to use it wisely and not let it slip away into speculation. Secure pledges from those who have not the money in sight. We need special wisdom to move out at the right time. I thank the Lord that He encouraged me to walk by faith, and I pray that He will help you to show others their privilege in this matter.
(25LtMs, Lt 34, 1911, 3)
True “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Thus far the Lord has led us as we have moved under the guidance of His Spirit. He will continue to work for us if we are careful to follow the counsel He gives.
(25LtMs, Lt 34, 1911, 4)
Medical missionary work is the pioneer work of the gospel. Let us seek to understand the scope of the work to be done in our sanitariums for the saving of the souls and the healing of the bodies of those who come to us for relief. My soul is drawn out to encourage men and women to see in Christ the great Physician. If they will be drawn to Him, He will be their Helper. He understands their every need. He stands ready to heal both body and soul. Let physicians and nurses learn to tell of the One who has power and who is willing to do a marvelous work for human beings. Talk of His love; tell of His power to save every sinful soul who will cast himself upon Christ’s merits. His power will save to the uttermost all who truly accept Him.
(25LtMs, Lt 34, 1911, 5)
I am glad that your wife is wholeheartedly united with you in the work. Let her stand by you to give help and encouragement.
(25LtMs, Lt 34, 1911, 6)
I have written to you the instruction that has been given me regarding the special work to be done by the lady physicians in our sanitariums. It is the Lord’s plan that men shall be trained to treat men, and the women trained to treat women. In the confinement of women, midwives should take the responsibility of the case. In Bible times it was not considered a proper thing for men to act in this capacity; and it is not the will of God that men should do this work today. Very much evil has resulted from the practice of men treating women, and women treating men. It is a practice according to human devising, and not according to God’s plan. Long has the evil been left to grow, but now we lift our voice in protest against that which is displeasing to God.
(25LtMs, Lt 34, 1911, 7)
Lt 36, 1911
Harris, Stonewall Jackson; Covell, Brother St. Helena, California June 7, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in 2SM 28. Brethren Harris and Covell
San Francisco, California Dear Brethren:
I am charged to keep ever before our people—ministers of the gospel, and all who claim to be giving the light of truth to the world—the danger of marring the sacredness of God’s work by allowing the mind to consent to a cheap interpretation of the way that God desires His work to be done. I have had special instruction given me regarding bringing human plans and devisings into the work of making known to the world the truth for this time.
(25LtMs, Lt 36, 1911, 1)
Again and again in past years I have been bidden to speak in protest against the fanciful and forbidden schemes that have been presented by one and another. My message has ever been, Preach the word in simplicity and all humility; present clear, unadulterated truth to the people. Open no door to fanatical movements; for the influence of these is to bring confusion of mind and discouragement and lack of faith to God’s people.
(25LtMs, Lt 36, 1911, 2)
I cannot consent to your using my name in connection with your work in any way whatever, either in your printed circulars and booklets or your letters. I do not approve of your plans or methods and protest against the use of my name or my writings in any connection with your work. It is my duty to reprove and oppose this move which will be taken advantage of by the enemy of souls to draw from the brethren their money and secure its use in a work that, when it is developed, they will wish had never been done.
(25LtMs, Lt 36, 1911, 3)
Whenever I have been called to meet fanaticism in its varied forms, I have received clear, positive, and definite instruction to lift my voice against its influence. With some the evil has revealed itself in the form of manmade tests for ascertaining a knowledge of the will of God; and I was shown that this was a delusion which became an infatuation and that it is contrary to the will of the Lord. If we follow such methods, we shall be found aiding the enemy’s plans. In times past certain among the believers the great faith in the setting of signs by which to decide their duty. Some had such confidence in these signs, that men went so far as to exchange wives, thus bringing adultery into the church.
(25LtMs, Lt 36, 1911, 4)
I have been shown that deceptions like those we were called to meet in the early experiences of the message would be repeated and that we shall have to meet them again in the closing days of the work. At this time we are required to bring all our powers under the control of God, exercising our faculties in accordance with the light He has given. Read the fourth and fifth chapters of Matthew. Study Matthew 4:8-10; also chapter 5:13. Meditate upon the sacred work that was carried forward by Christ. It is thus that the principles of the Word of God are to be brought into our labors.
(25LtMs, Lt 36, 1911, 5)
Lt 38, 1911
Harris, Stonewall Jackson Refiled as Lt 192, 1905.
Lt 40, 1911
White, J. E. St. Helena, California June 8, 1911 Previously unpublished. Elder J. E. White
Nashville, Tennessee My dear son Edson:
You have been much upon my mind during the past few days. The warnings given me for you have been repeated. Why will you give yourself so much to do? Why will you take on responsibilities that you are certainly unable to carry? When you walk in the way of the Lord, then wisdom will be shown in your management. As you obey the word of the Lord, sanctified wisdom will be revealed in your work. The influence of obedience to the instruction the Lord has given you over and over again will mold your life.
(25LtMs, Lt 40, 1911, 1)
The counsel of the Lord for you contains specific directions for the regulation of the life. The directions are pure and sensible, and obedience to them will give insight into divine things, and foresight into things to come. The messages of God’s Word, if received in the right spirit, mean the sanctification of mind and heart and thorough conversion to the Lord’s plans. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. This law is holy, just, and good. It bears not the shadow of a blemish, but is a transcript of the divine character.
(25LtMs, Lt 40, 1911, 2)
I am charged with a message for you that I cannot forbear giving you. You study out plans and projects, which in your own judgment are good, and enter upon them without finding out if you have means at your command to carry these plans to completion. You make plans that involve large expense in the employment of help; and after a beginning is made, more help is needed. And today, after all your experiences, you are being tempted to endeavor to show, at any cost, that your plans were laid in wisdom. This is sure to result in disappointment and to leave your enemies to take up the reproach against you that your work is a failure.
(25LtMs, Lt 40, 1911, 3)
You have your appointed work. Take up this work that the Lord has given you, and blessing will come to you. Through thorough conversion daily you are to be a humble servant of Jesus Christ. And when the Lord opens the way, you are to connect with men of wise judgment.
(25LtMs, Lt 40, 1911, 4)
We know that it is not our duty to unite with you in the carrying out of the plans you have devised. Thus our influence would be hurt, and the final outcome would be harm to you also. I am warned that we should be careful lest we dishonor God by helping you to carry out wrong plans, for in so doing we should be hindering the great work that is to be done. We have committed to us a sacred work that should advance the cause of truth.
(25LtMs, Lt 40, 1911, 5)
I plead with you to be sanctified through the truth as it is in Jesus and to walk humbly and intelligently with God. You are doing a great wrong to your mother and to your brother when you plan, as you have been doing, to enter into the manufacture of books. Were we to unite with you, we should be brought into great embarrassment. We have had an experience in this, and we know that it is unwise for you to make such plans. By this course you are robbing your own soul of spiritual growth. You refuse to reason from cause to effect.
(25LtMs, Lt 40, 1911, 6)
You need now, for your own soul’s salvation, to change your course of action. Do not depend on your own wisdom and judgment in the work of making books. The meekness and lowliness of Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is to teach us wisdom. You have lessons to learn of Christ. When you are genuinely converted, you will yoke up with your brother. There is a broad and sacred work for your united efforts.
(25LtMs, Lt 40, 1911, 7)
I am unutterably sad as I am led to view your case. Without making sure that you will be successful in obtaining the necessary means, you go right ahead as though you would somehow be sustained in your efforts. Then in your extremity you look to us for the loan of money to keep your work moving. I cannot advance money to you as I have done in the past. I have not the means, and we cannot uphold you in the borrowing of money on which you have to pay a large rate of interest.
(25LtMs, Lt 40, 1911, 8)
Your sick wife is not encouraged as she should be. Impressions are left on her mind that hurt her. She is led to think that your brother could help you more financially if he desired to do so. But he has not means of his own that he can use. His wife and children have worked hard to help him, so that they would not be a tax upon him. And he has gone as far as he ought in encouraging me to hire money and send it to you.
(25LtMs, Lt 40, 1911, 9)
I am not able to lessen my debts, greatly as I desire to do this. And I dare not continue to add to my already large indebtedness. When you feel that you must venture out into large enterprises, with the hope of hiring money from outsiders and paying the interest they demand, you should remember the cautions that the Lord has given to me for you and call a halt. I tell you that it is simply impossible for you to go on as you have been planning. I hoped that you would see your way clear to connect with my work. We hoped that you would regard this as a privilege, and to your advantage. But we shall not urge the matter. Now I am perplexed beyond measure regarding your future.
(25LtMs, Lt 40, 1911, 10)
Why will you cling to the work of manufacturing and selling books, when there is a work of so much greater importance that the Lord has called you to do? It is the preaching of the Word that should occupy your chief attention. In the decisions that you are making regarding this matter, your life is at stake.
(25LtMs, Lt 40, 1911, 11)
I testify to you that if you go on entangling yourself in these manufacturing enterprises, and great reverses and disappointments come, as they surely will, that it will cost you your life; and more, your soul is at stake.
(25LtMs, Lt 40, 1911, 12)
Night after night I lie awake thinking of these things. Time is short, and we are not doing what we ought to be doing to warn the people. What can I say to persuade you to let alone the things that are of lesser importance, and to give yourself to the very work to which you have been called of God?
(25LtMs, Lt 40, 1911, 13)
Lt 41, 1911
Haskell, S. N. St. Helena, California June 4, 1911 Previously unpublished. Elder S. N. Haskell
Nashville, Tennessee Dear Brother:
I thank you for your excellent letter, which I have read with much interest. Your encouraging reports regarding the school and sanitarium at Madison, Tennessee, vindicate what I have written regarding the location and working of these institutions. You say, “There is much improvement made since you and a few others ate a lunch under the trees, after it was decided to purchase the farm. It is an ideal place.”
(25LtMs, Lt 41, 1911, 1)
It is a quiet place. It is away from the city, and I understand that they now have about as many students as they can well accommodate. I am glad to hear that the sanitarium is well patronized.
(25LtMs, Lt 41, 1911, 2)
Notwithstanding the varied ideas that some have had regarding the work of the Madison school, I have never doubted that the Lord directed in the establishment of this work. I have visited the place several times and have seen the progress in the erection of buildings and the development of the farm. I thank the Lord that it can now be seen that the encouragement that I have given was indited by the Holy Spirit. Had not the Lord prepared the way, and gone before the workers at Madison, such marked success would not have attended their efforts; for there were many who criticized and opposed. Were it not for these hindering influences, the good results now seen might have been attained with much less hard labor and discouraging effort.
(25LtMs, Lt 41, 1911, 3)
We need individually to understand that the byways must be worked and that those in the hedges are to hear the message. In all lines of work there should be a harmonious blending of effort. A hundredfold more might now be seen of progress in these neglected fields in the South if men had not blocked the way. There are those who are like the men of whom Christ said, “They have eyes, but see not; and ears, but they hear not.” [Jeremiah 5:21.] These retard the work of God and make the work of their brethren much more difficult. The great work that might have been done has been hindered by unbelief and the counterworking of men who should have possessed clear discernment, and moved forward under the leading of the Holy Spirit to help in the work so greatly needed, and so clearly called for in the testimonies regarding the work in the South.
(25LtMs, Lt 41, 1911, 4)
Many of our people are far behind in genuine faith. Health reform has not accomplished what it might have done for them and for those whom they can influence, had they stood firmly for the principles that they acknowledge to be right. There has not been a drawing in even cords in harmony with the light that God has given. Some have tried to do a faithful work, but others have worked counter to the light, and they have displeased the Lord.
(25LtMs, Lt 41, 1911, 5)
If during the last twenty years there had been in our large cities aggressive, enthusiastic efforts to proclaim the message of truth, it would have been accepted by thousands who would not only be rejoicing in it, but laboring to impart it to others.
(25LtMs, Lt 41, 1911, 6)
The Lord calls upon all who labor for Him to follow the principles of health reform and to consecrate themselves, soul, body, and spirit, to Him. The Lord has given light on this subject clearer and clearer for many years, and how many have failed to walk in that light!
(25LtMs, Lt 41, 1911, 7)
At the last General Conference I bore a decided testimony in regard to health reform, but by many this subject is treated as a matter of little importance, and they have continued in their own way, still following their appetites and inclinations. The indifference of some in influential positions leads others to disregard instruction of great importance. There is work of reconsecration to be taken up by the watchmen, that they may be refined and sanctified and fitted to minister acceptably in the Lord’s work.
(25LtMs, Lt 41, 1911, 8)
The truth believed will manifest itself in action. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] Truth, sacred truth must be stamped upon the heart. A deeper experience is needed by many, else their profession of godliness will avail them nothing. The Saviour said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy mind, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength.” [Mark 12:30.] The mind must be pure and undefiled.
(25LtMs, Lt 41, 1911, 9)
In places where the light should shine the brightest, the enemy is working constantly to gain victories. Wherever there is a school, a sanitarium, or a publishing house established, many are gathered together, and there are grave dangers. In centers such as Washington and Mountain View and Nashville, there should not be an effort to add new responsibilities and gather together more families of believers, but rather our brethren in these places should study how they can move out and establish centers of influence in places where is need of work being done.
(25LtMs, Lt 41, 1911, 10)
The Lord calls for a decided work to be carried forward in the hearts of our brethren in these places of influence. We must not gather in those who have made crooked paths and connect them with the work. Unless there is a greater appreciation of the solemn truths that sanctify the soul, there will be seen a still greater backsliding instead of a higher attainment of true holiness. A different mold should be placed upon our work. There needs to be more living in harmony with the Scriptures. Purity of heart and holiness of character are needed in teachers and students.
(25LtMs, Lt 41, 1911, 11)
Lt 44, 1911
White, J. E. St. Helena, California June 13, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in RC 248. Elder J. E. White
Nashville, Tennessee My dear son Edson:
On Sabbath, June 10, we went up to the school, where I had promised to speak. Brother James drove us in the double, covered wagon. In the early morning I found myself so weak that for a time I feared that I must give up my plan to speak to the students; but as the morning advanced I felt stronger, and by nine o’clock was ready to attempt the journey.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 1)
The chapel was filled with students and teachers and church members who live in the neighborhood of the school. When I first stood up to speak, I felt my great weakness, but the Lord strengthened me to speak.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 2)
I spoke from the first few verses of the [fourteenth] chapter of John, and the message of Christ to His disciples: “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.” [Verses 1-3.]
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 3)
A few weeks before, I had spoken to the students on the lessons of the fifteenth chapter of John. These two chapters—the 14th and 15th of John—have been impressed frequently upon my mind lately. I addressed the students earnestly, urging upon them the instruction of the Word, and bidding them keep in mind the higher school, to which, if faithful, they will soon be transferred. It is always wise to impress the minds of the youth with a determination to meet the highest standard.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 4)
I have a deep interest in this school and greatly desire that it shall work out the Lord’s plans for the education of our youth. I desire that these students shall do their best, and not lay any stumbling block in their own path or in the path of others; but that individually they shall strive to be Christians, seeking by diligent study and earnest prayer to gain the training essential for acceptable service in the cause of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 5)
I long to see the youth helping one another to a higher Christian experience. We are preparing for the grand review of that day when every case shall be forever decided. In view of this solemn event, not only the youth, but all who are striving for eternal life, need to put every power of heart and mind into the work of learning Christ’s way. We have severe conflicts to meet and important victories to gain.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 6)
I greatly desire that you, my son, shall not fail nor be discouraged. I have not time to write to you all that I would like to say at this time; but again I would caution you against making plans that embrace too much. If you attempt to follow out your present devisings, you will surely take up a work in which you will sadly fail. If you follow on in the way you have planned, you will fail, decidedly fail. You accept some material for publication that is not worthy of the effort that you bestow upon its circulation.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 7)
I ask you to seek the Lord for guidance in your work. Do not listen to suggestions that may be made to you that would lead you away from wholehearted service for Christ. My son, if you will not listen to counsel now, in eternity, when it is too late to make wrongs right, you will discover the mistakes you have made.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 8)
In the light that God has given me, you have been given instruction regarding your duty. Never should you yoke up with men who are drawing away from God. It pains me to the heart to consider what will be the result if you are led to link up with those who will eventually glory in your downfall. My son, I do not want you to expose your weakness as you have done; but I want you to place yourself in the channel of light.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 9)
When you are genuinely converted, you will not draw away from your brethren as you have done. Unless you are daily converted from the ideas that you now hold, you will stand on losing ground.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 10)
I am instructed to say to you, Make an entire change. Humble your heart before the Lord. Keep heart and mind pure and clean, and free from worldly entanglements. Every power of the sanctified life will be brought into the service of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 11)
“At a certain battle, when one of the regiments of the attacking force was being beaten back by the enemy, the ensign in front stood his ground as the troops retreated. The captain shouted to him to bring back the colors; but the reply of the ensign was, ‘Bring the men up to the colors.’” This is the spirit we are to manifest. It devolves upon every faithful standard bearer to bring the men up to the colors. The Lord calls for wholeheartedness. Many professing Christians lack the courage and the energy to bring themselves and those connected with them up to the true standard. Will not the standard-bearers, as brave, true men, bring the men up to the colors, remembering that Christ, the Captain of our salvation, is on the field?
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 12)
From all countries the Macedonian call is sounding, Come over and help us. God has opened fields before us. If human instrumentalities will co-operate with divine agencies, many souls will be won to the truth. The Spirit of the Lord will be graciously manifested.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 13)
This message has been coming to God’s people for the last forty years. Heavenly beings have been waiting to co-operate with men. Some have heard the message and have responded. Let every sanctified heart now respond by seeking to proclaim the life-giving message. Men have stood with their forbiddings to hinder the progress of the work; but if men and women in humility and faithfulness will take up their God-appointed work, divine power will be revealed in the conversion of souls to the truth. Wonderful will be the results of their efforts.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 14)
A world is waiting to hear the last message of warning to be given to man. And while the servants of God are aroused to give the light of truth, all nationalities are represented as pressing into service as instruments of divine choosing.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 15)
I leave with you the words of the apostle Peter to “those of like precious faith.”“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you,” he says, “through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 16)
“And beside all this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 17)
“Wherefore ... give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 18)
“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up, by putting you in remembrance.” [2 Peter 1:2-13.]
(25LtMs, Lt 44, 1911, 19)
Lt 46, 1911
Leading Men in Our California Conferences St. Helena, California June 15, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in SpTB #17a 29-39. To the Leading Men in Our California Conferences:
Instruction has been given warning our people against uniting in the least degree with those who advocate false theories. He who allows his sympathies and interests to be enlisted in a work that is opposed to the teachings of the Word of God is on dangerous ground, where he is surrounded with the agencies of evil. Satan is working with great determination to introduce among God’s peculiar people strange and forbidden things. Commercialism threatens to absorb energies and means that should be given to the work of God for this time. Of those who are advocating these enterprises, God declares, “I have not sent them.” Shall the people who have had great light, precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little, yield to the temptations of the enemy on this point and refuse to heed the warnings of God to them?
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 1)
So vast is the field, and so subtle and untiring the efforts of the enemy of souls, that God’s people need to be very watchful, and to labor earnestly and unceasingly to counterwork evil in the church and in the world. Satan and his agencies are laying out special lines of labor for men who can be controlled by his power. Deceptions of every degree and kind are arising, so that if it were possible, Satan would deceive the very elect. There will be lords many, and gods many. The message will be heard, Lo, here is Christ, and lo, there! With the same subtle power that he plotted for the rebellion of holy beings in heaven before the fall, Satan is working today to operate through human beings for the fulfilment of his purposes of evil.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 2)
I ask our people to study the 28th chapter of Ezekiel. The representation here made, while it refers primarily to Lucifer, the fallen angel, has yet a broader significance. Not one being, but a general movement, is described, and one that we shall witness. A faithful study of this chapter should lead those who are seeking for truth to walk in all the light that God has given to His people, lest they be deceived by the deceptions of these last days.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 3)
The prophet Ezekiel writes: “The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord God; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee: with thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures: by thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 4)
“Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; behold, therefore, I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. They shall bring thee down to the pit, and thou shalt die the deaths of them that are slain in the midst of the seas.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 5)
“Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee. Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord God.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 6)
“Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou has been in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou are the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in any ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.”Ezekiel 28:1-15.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 7)
Lucifer was created perfect, but there came a time when iniquity was found in him. The prophet declares, “By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou has corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 8)
“Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.”Ezekiel 28:16-19.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 9)
God is sending warnings to His people that they may be kept from strange and forbidden things. Commercial plans are being laid and presented that will, if accepted, lead to the deception and confusion of the church. They are presented as something which will prove a great blessing to the work. This effort to press commercialism into the work, as some thing that will be of great service, an instrument of divine provision for the rapid advancement of the work, is a deception which threatens to ensnare many souls. Even now many are in danger. There are few who realize the evil that is working; yet these plans are surely the temptations of the enemy and will prove ruinous to the spiritual experience of those who accept and follow them. Their purpose is to divert the minds of men and women from present and essential duties.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 10)
I warn our people to seek the Lord in earnest, humble prayer, that Satan may not triumph in this evil design. Let all who desire to honor God refuse to accept presentations that are so evidently opposed to the ways of the Lord. By such methods as Brother Harris is advocating, the truth we hold so sacred is misrepresented before the world. It is as if they say, Believers could not find a “Thus saith the Lord” that would satisfactorily explain their duty, and they are compelled to accept the chance methods adopted in gambling to direct their course of action. A hit-or-miss service is a very poor presentation of the true way to make to the sinner who is ignorant of the Lord’s way. It is a poor return to make to God who has given all for us.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 11)
The representations that Brother Harris is making are similar to some that have been shown me that would come into our ranks in these last days. His methods of obtaining money for the carrying on of the work are not in accordance with the ways of God, but are calculated to involve in disappointment and loss those who adopt them. In these methods, commercialism is taking the lead, and God is not in this. I have been instructed that when such fallacies come into our ranks, I must meet the evil promptly with a “Thus saith the Lord.” When the men who have followed such plans shall come to their senses, they will see how far removed they are from the methods by which the Lord reveals his will to His people.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 12)
I was shown that I must warn our people against the evil that would result to those who allowed their interests to be caught by the spirit of commercialism and chance. They are elements by which Satan will if possible deceive the very elect; and by giving place to them, believers open the door to great temptation. As a people we are to be wide-awake to the devices of the enemy and take a sensible course. We are not to allow ourselves to be caught by the spirit of the world, where every scheme is being laid for the making of money, and where life is counted of little value. Let our people at this time consecrate themselves wholly to the Lord and walk humbly with Him. They are to unite with heavenly beings for the upbuilding of the kingdom of Christ in the earth. Every sanctified agency is to be pressed into the service as a peculiar providence of God, to counterwork the work of those who, while claiming to be helping the cause of truth, are placing their powers under tribute to the plans of the enemy.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 13)
The Lord is working by His divine power to keep His people from being overcome by the powers of evil. He desires that they shall recognize His intervention in their behalf and accept His ways instead of the ways of the enemy. Those who follow Him in meekness and in singleness of heart, seeking daily for the sanctification of His Spirit, will not be led, through Satan’s devisings, to dishonor Him.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 14)
To Brother Harris, I would say: I have been instructed that the ideas you are presenting do not bear the divine credentials; and I must warn our people not to accept and endorse your work. It is not the Spirit of the Lord that has placed this burden upon you, but another spirit; and therefore your work cannot be accepted as a God-appointed one.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 15)
God has not given you instruction to secure means in the way you propose; nor does He direct you by the tossing up of a piece of silver. He could not do this and honor the sacred truths of His Word. By the course you adopt, the precious truth regarding God’s guidance of His people is cheapened and the spiritual experience lowered to the level of common things. Those who follow manmade tests to decide their duty will bring into their experience that which will destroy their pure faith in the Word, a practical knowledge of the teachings of which every soul must have who would perfect His Christian character.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 16)
The Lord has shown me that your religious experience is becoming a matter of chance. It savors of gambling. I beseech you that you let this experience go no further. You are educating church members to think it a virtue to obtain money in a way that should not be admitted among us. The methods you are advocating for the raising of means should never come into our ranks at all, much less be carried to the lengths that you and your associates have taken it.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 17)
I have been instructed that the ideas you are advocating have in them the seeds of the sinful thing that destroyed Lucifer. The spirit that worked in Lucifer when he allowed ambition and selfish desire to rule has been working to control you. If you continue to present these ideas before believers, you will be instructing them in the same way that led to the loss and ruin of heavenly beings.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 18)
In all our churches there are souls of little experience who are ready to receive new ideas from those who come in among them. Many times there have arisen among us those who have presented human devisings which have belittled the sacred truth we hold and worked harm to the experience of many souls. Should the fallacies that you are following be accepted as coming from the Lord, many honest souls would be deceived and drawn into temptation, because they are led away from trusting in the Lord’s plan for the assurance of eternal life. By continuing in your present course, you will not only endanger your own soul, but will sow seeds in other lives that will spoil their hope of everlasting life.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 19)
My brother, I earnestly appeal to you to study the Word of God and let His light come into your mind. I am intensely anxious that our people shall not be corrupted by your commercial spirit and by your representations regarding the Lord’s methods of guidance. God condemns the spirit of chance that is revealed in your work. He forbids that we give such lessons, by precept or example, to any souls, believers or unbelievers; for it is an evil that will spoil the experience of all who allow its principles to rule.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 20)
It is dishonoring to God for men to make such radical movements as you have made without any higher direction than you have had. You rejoice at the outlook as if you knew that the Lord stood by your side to guide your hand as you make your test. But this is not the method by which matters of eternal interest are to be tested. Rather it is one of Satan’s schemes for binding about the work of God. Let not the idea be entertained that any form of chance work is the dictation of the Holy Spirit; I know it is not. I can speak decidedly regarding this, for I know whereof I speak. The act of tossing up a piece of silver to gain a knowledge of duty shows the judgment of a man who needs to come to God in confession and in simplicity and faith, to seek the Lord for true guidance.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 21)
I felt reluctant to see you when you visited St. Helena, because I was shown that you would not receive counsel; that the idea that you must bring in a large amount of money to the cause had full control of you, and you would not be advised. You are so strangely confused in your ideas, that unless you come to the light as it is in Christ Jesus, unless you seek to understand the sacrifice that Christ made that He might bring the light of life to men, you will remain in darkness. This is why I try to break the spell that is upon you. It is a spell that is darkening your understanding. The plan that you have marked out will not lead you to the possession of that character that will win for you a welcome to the courts above. My brother, you need to be born again, converted in soul and body and spirit.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 22)
A right acceptance of the principles of truth will always result in transformation of character. Christians need to study well the character of Christ, that their lives may be cleansed from sin and fashioned after the perfect life of Christ. In the home and in the church the converting power of God is needed. The Lord requires that every professing Christian shall be self-denying and self-sacrificing. It is not possible to receive and obey the words of Christ without having the character conformed to the likeness of Christ. If we are wearing Christ’s yoke, we shall be meek and lowly as Christ was. The grace of Christ will refine the soul, establish faith, and give clear judgment, that the life of the believer may be brought into harmony with the divine.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 23)
Men and women have been bought with a price, even the precious blood of Christ. Those who accept Christ are to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, remembering that it is God that worketh in them to will and to do of His good pleasure. Thus they are laborers together with God.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 24)
Think of the position we occupy in the sight of heaven. How does it appear, think you, to Christ and heavenly beings for those who have divine power at their command to resort for guidance to the chance result of the tossing up of a piece of silver? Satan works to control such actions to carry out his purposes, and he rejoices when he is given opportunity of doing so. Let us as a people break every yoke. The Spirit of the Lord must work decidedly to refine and cleanse and sanctify, that every human obstruction may be removed. Human judgment must be brought into perfect accord with a “Thus saith the Lord.”
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 25)
There is no chance work with God in the directing of His people. Let us never forget that His providences guide in every circumstance of life, and that in the determination of important questions regarding His work and people there is no uncertainty. Remembering this, God’s people will estimate at their true value such movements as this in which Brother Harris is now engaged. Let our people reason from cause to effect and place their true value upon human devisings for which there is not a “Thus saith the Lord.”
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 26)
Our faith in Christ is not to be exchanged for any human device or plan. Those who have faith in Him, who came to the world to give men a perfect example, will never resort to a game of chance for an understanding of their duty. God is not glorified by such experiments. His perfect way is to be studied and understood by a prayerful searching of the Word of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 27)
Christ came to the world to be our perfect example. He lived and suffered and died, that we might be perfect in every condition of life and under every circumstance. It is to be our first consideration how we may express the character of Christ in ours. It is because of sin that men cannot offer to God the perfect sacrifice of a holy life; but in Christ we have a perfect pattern as well as a sin-pardoning Saviour.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 28)
Let the men and women who are entrusted with sacred responsibilities show forth the meekness and wisdom of Christ. In the study of the Word will be found that which will bring blessing and hope to old and young, teaching them how to perfect holiness in the fear of God. Let none question or underestimate the precious privileges which the children of God possess as members of the body of Christ.
(25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, 29)
Lt 48, 1911
Believers Gathered at the Stockton Camp-Meeting St. Helena, California June 8, 1911 Previously unpublished. To Believers Gathered at the Stockton Camp-Meeting My Brethren and Sisters:
I would say to all who shall assemble at the camp-meeting. There is a great and important work yet to be done in giving the light of present truth to men. We have but a short time in which to labor. Do not be careless and indifferent now.
(25LtMs, Lt 48, 1911, 1)
Seventh-day Adventists have been entrusted with great light, important truth. I am instructed at this time to call upon our people to give heed to this light and truth. Do not be indifferent to the messages God sends for the spiritual uplifting of His people, nor negligent of the responsibility that has been placed upon you in a knowledge of the First, Second, and Third angels’ messages. I call your attention to the instruction sent in Volume 9 of the Testimonies to the Church. The messages of warning and instruction contained therein should be earnestly studied by every believer.
(25LtMs, Lt 48, 1911, 2)
The most solemn truths ever entrusted to mortals have been given to this people to proclaim; and the knowledge we have is not to be confined to a few places. East and West, North and South, lies the field of our missionary endeavor. There is no work of greater importance than that of giving to the world the light of present truth.
(25LtMs, Lt 48, 1911, 3)
I am instructed to say to our people that there must not come into our labor the spirit of speculation. Neither should we link up with unbelievers in the business of the world; for it is by such means as this that the enemy works to hinder us from fulfilling our God-given commission. We should not link up in business enterprises with those who have had the truth, but who refuse to accept the evidences that the Lord is at hand. We should not bind ourselves up with the interests and ambitions of the world; for when these things occupy the energies of heart and mind, we are not left free to do the work that must be done for those who are walking in darkness and whose hope of enlightenment lies in a knowledge of Bible truth.
(25LtMs, Lt 48, 1911, 4)
I ask you to study the fifth chapter of Matthew. This chapter is full of instruction for the followers of Christ. Meditate upon its precious lessons. As you learn to appreciate these precious truths, as that which should be sacredly cherished in your lives; as you take heed to every divine specification, they will work in your life that transformation of character that will make you “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people” to “show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:9.]
(25LtMs, Lt 48, 1911, 5)
The lives of God’s professing people are to show forth the virtue of Christ’s character. “Ye are the salt of the earth,” the Saviour said, “but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men.” [Matthew 5:13.]
(25LtMs, Lt 48, 1911, 6)
Consider the nature of the influence that is to go forth from those who claim to be followers of Christ. “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.
(25LtMs, Lt 48, 1911, 7)
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets,” Christ declared; “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Verses 17-20.]
(25LtMs, Lt 48, 1911, 8)
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]
(25LtMs, Lt 48, 1911, 9)
Christ says to His people, “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.] By the revelation of truth in the life practice of the believer, men and women who know not God are to be warned of their danger and won to Christ. My brethren and sisters, be true to the light that God has committed to your keeping. Strive earnestly to live out the principles that bind the heart of the faithful to God.
(25LtMs, Lt 48, 1911, 10)
Lt 50, 1911
White, J. E. St. Helena, California June 11, 1911 Previously unpublished. Elder J. E. White
Nashville, Tennessee My Son Edson:
I wish to express to you my great desire that you should do the work that the Lord has point out for you to do. If you have kept all the letters I have written to you, you will find in them this wish expressed in words of warning and encouragement. You have made a mistake in working away from the Lord’s plans regarding you.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 1)
In urging yourself to enter into the work of book publication, you have not followed the leading of the Lord. You are not a financier; you have not the faculty to figure closely in this work or to economize in means. Your mother and your brother have made every effort to relieve you in your perplexities; but I have feared sometimes that we should not be able to bear the strain. You are not required to carry the burdens that you have taken upon yourself. Your brain will not bear the tax if you enter into so many enterprises. Your present perplexing position is one very much of your own creating.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 2)
You will never be able to make a correct estimate of the terrible burdens and sleepless nights I have had to bear on this account. And I know that your brother has passed through severe trials because of your undertaking so much that you could not carry.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 3)
When you undertake to do financiering, you do not have the blessing of the Lord because of your determination to carry out your own plans. What a pleasure it would be to me to have this condition of things changed. How glad I should be to have you united with us in our work; for there is a great deal to do. Unless you come to a different state of mind, we could not unite with you; but when you act your part there will be no difficulty.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 4)
In the courts of heaven our individual cases are pending. How shall it be with us? Does the Spirit of Christ rule in our hearts and lives? If this Spirit, and not ours, takes the control, the decisions of the judgment in our cases will be such as to cause angels to rejoice.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 5)
The Lord is calling our people in every place to sow beside all waters. “As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever.” [2 Corinthians 9:9.] We must use our God-give abilities in such a way that our spiritual energies shall be strengthened and ennobled.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 6)
My son, your standing apart from your brethren as you do exerts upon other minds an influence that pleases the enemy of souls. When you follow out the principles of the Word of God, your influence will be of value to any church, any organization. You are to come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Let all frivolous words and acts, all lightness and trifling, all that would give the enemy an advantage, be put away. If you will humble yourself before God, He will give you a decided message for the people in the highways and the hedges.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 7)
Let your heart be sanctified by the Spirit of truth. Trim your lamp and keep it burning, that wherever you go, and in all your dealing, you may reveal, in speech and action, wisdom and light. If you will seek the Lord with all your heart, you will do a work in the ministry of the Word that will bring honor to God.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 8)
When in Washington, the Lord opened before me the case of some of the leading brethren, showing that He could not work with them because they were viewing matters in a false light. They were in danger of creating a condition of things that would have marred the work, but these brethren heeded the instruction that was sent, and sought the Lord. God brought them into the full light, and now their work is acceptable to Him.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 9)
When the Lord sets His hand to prepare the way before His ministers, it is their duty to follow where he directs. He will never forsake or leave in uncertainty those who follow His leadings with full purpose of heart.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 10)
The Lord calls upon you to follow the light. You are not prepared or fitted to make the move you are now contemplating, and which you suppose will be a success. You are not fitted to be a leader in the publishing work. It is in the order of God that you should unite with men who can supply your deficiencies. If you had done this as the Lord has directed, you would now be prepared to act your part intelligently.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 11)
When you need help, let the Lord be your adviser and counselor. In asking advice from those who are not instructed by the Lord, you have shown a lack of true wisdom. Then when you have been brought into strait places, the Lord has counseled you; but His instruction was not pleasing to you.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 12)
I was instructed that you and your brother could unite to follow in the light of the Lord in publishing, advising with each other, and working in harmony with our intelligent workers. Then the Lord could be your adviser, your front guard, and your rearward. But when you choose your own course, launching out as you are now planning to do, you are making a great mistake, although you cannot discern this. You two brothers and your mother should be in perfect harmony in carrying on the work of God in publishing lines, standing on the eternal principles of equity and working unitedly for the upbuilding of God’s cause.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 13)
I can write no more now, for I am weary, and must stop. My work on the new book calls for much of my attention. When I have read this over carefully, and it is in the hands of the printers, my part will be done; but this work is not done yet.
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 14)
I shall have messages to bear to our people as long as my life shall be spared, encouraging them and pointing out their dangers and their mistakes. Will they heed the messages? Will they walk in humility before God? Will they follow on to know the Lord, whose going forth is prepared as the morning?
(25LtMs, Lt 50, 1911, 15)
Lt 52, 1911
Laird, Brother and Sister; Hurlbutt, Brother and Sister; Black, Mr. Oakland, California July 9, 1911 Previously unpublished. To Elder and Mrs. Laird, Mr. and Mrs. Hurlbutt, and Mr. Black Dear Friends:
The letter from Sister Hurlbutt I have read, and also the letter from Brother and Sister Laird and Brother Black.
(25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, 1)
To build up and maintain in Lake County such a school as you have in mind to establish for the training of Chinamen to be laborers in the cause of present truth will require much means to supply all the needed facilities and will call for the employment of much precious talent to conduct the work properly.
(25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, 2)
Recently much light has been given to our people regarding the urgent work to be carried forward in our large cities. There must be great wisdom used as to where and how we establish our work for the Chinese and those of other nationalities.
(25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, 3)
All questions regarding such a work as you have in mind should be carefully weighed by our brethren having the responsibility of leadership. Should a school be established for the Chinese, it ought to be where much can be accomplished with a moderate outlay, and not too far from our working centers.
(25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, 4)
This matter was clearly presented to me, and I was instructed that to establish a school in such an isolated place as the Hurlbutt farm would draw our workers away from the places where they are needed and would lead to an expenditure in an out-of-the-way place of much means which is needed for the work waiting to be done for the multitude in the cities. Therefore I must say that I see no light in the proposal to establish a missionary training school in the place you have in mind, the place we visited with Professor Sutherland about three years ago.
(25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, 5)
An important part of the education of Chinamen who are under training for evangelistic work will be for them to see the successful efforts of those who are winning souls to belief in Jesus Christ. When a missionary and educational work is undertaken for this people, it should be begun where there are missionaries at work and where the Chinese can see an example of right methods of carrying on gospel work for their countrymen. Much will be gained as a result of their observations of successful methods and plans for the handling of missionary enterprises.
(25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, 6)
At the present time it is a problem with the Chinese how far they shall advance in reform. And as soon as they come in contact with our people of various nationalities who are assembled in the cities, and see how their affairs are conducted and their relations are adjusted without conflict, they take knowledge and are being prepared in mind and heart for the acceptation of the truth when it is presented, accompanied by the demonstration of the Holy Spirit.
(25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, 7)
We are to study how to meet the people where they are. An impression is to be made upon the people of all nationalities by their association together in Christian assemblies, where consecrated believers with the greatest earnestness express their faith in God and reveal the light of the gospel truth as it is in Jesus. Such assemblies as this camp meeting that we are now holding in Oakland, where able workmen are making special persevering efforts for the unconverted, will have a powerful influence upon the people of all nationalities.
(25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, 8)
The Lord will be pleased to see all our brethren and sisters who are in the cities moving forward under the deep influence of the Holy Spirit and laboring earnestly for the unconverted. With the Bible in their hands, and its truths in their hearts, they should with all simplicity and tenderness express their love for those whom Jesus Christ died to save.
(25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, 9)
In all our actions, in all our dealings, we are as Christians to demonstrate the converting, purifying power of the gospel. Today, wherever we may be, is our opportunity to let our light shine. We are to seek on the right hand and on the left for such as may be saved. We are not merely to receive with thankfulness the blessings of the gospel. With vigilance and power, we are to be wide-awake, efficient workers for souls, casting the net where the fish are to be found, hunting where there are souls to be won, humbly working in harmony with Christ.
(25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, 10)
I see no light in drawing away ministers and teachers from the multitudes needing gospel truth to isolated places where they would labor to serious disadvantage with a few. Let workers go forth among the multitudes, laboring two and two, doing a vigilant work. Personal labor for individuals is greatly needed now. The servants of Christ should arouse and trim their gospel lamps and go forth with zeal and courage to find those who are lost. With simple, fervent prayer, they are to lay hold of the power of heaven and labor as those realizing their responsibility.
(25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, 11)
Let not means be diverted into enterprises of men’s choosing, where a large investment would be required to make a beginning, and where a continuous work will call for the use of large sums of money for the accomplishment of small results.
(25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, 12)
Let our workers go forth in meekness and humility, receiving from Christ the strength and wisdom they need to carry the message of salvation into the highways and into the byways, where there are wanderers to be found, and win them to obedience to the requirements of the Lord Jesus. May the Lord bless and strengthen the workers. Let us ever remember that our time is short.
(25LtMs, Lt 52, 1911, 13)
Lt 54, 1911
Kress, Sister [L.] St. Helena, California July 28, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 86. Dear Sister Kress:
I would be very pleased to see you. Then we could converse together in regard to some things which have been presented to me about our work. I sincerely hope that we shall meet you at the Long Beach camp-meeting.
(25LtMs, Lt 54, 1911, 1)
I am fully in earnest to do all I possibly can to follow the Lord’s direction. As we follow to the best of our ability the light that God has given, He will prepare the way before us. As we follow on to know the Lord, receiving light from Jesus Christ, the great Teacher will guide in right lines.
(25LtMs, Lt 54, 1911, 2)
Christ is the great Medical Missionary. He stands before the world as the ideal of truth. The word of truth never languished upon His lips. This perfect Teacher is prepared to guide you. Are you willing to be guided? He will lead you in a sure path. He wants to impart to each of us precious, sanctifying truth. If you will submit yourself fully to His leading, words will be given you to speak, and wisdom to act. Our wisdom in guiding souls to Christ will depend upon our individual acceptance of the guidance of Christ.
(25LtMs, Lt 54, 1911, 3)
The sign of our relationship to our heavenly Father is to be seen in our willing obedience to His requirements. God brought Israel to Sinai, and in awful grandeur He there proclaimed His law to them and made known His majesty and His authority as Ruler of the world. Thus He sought to impress the people with the sacredness of His law, and the importance of obeying it, and to inspire their confidence in its Author.
(25LtMs, Lt 54, 1911, 4)
I honor and obey the law of God, and I desire that we all shall honor the great Lawgiver before all with whom we associate. Because of the light that has come to us on the Sabbath question, we should regard ourselves as a wonderfully favored people. “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep,” the Lord declares; “for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.”“It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.”“Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” [Exodus 31:13, 17, 16.]
(25LtMs, Lt 54, 1911, 5)
Let us reverence God’s institution, the Sabbath day; for it is the sign of our relationship to God, the sign by which we are demonstrated as His people. Let us strive, not to stand highest, but to be always obedient to all of God’s requirements. It is our privilege to be loyal and obedient, true as steel in maintaining the faith. It is through our obedience, and our loyalty to the truth, that we stand before the world as subjects of Christ’s kingdom.
(25LtMs, Lt 54, 1911, 6)
The enemy is ever working on human minds, seeking to lead men and women to follow his ways. My sister, walk humbly with God. Do not allow yourself to get into a questioning frame of mind. Study the first chapter of the Second Epistle of Peter, and carry its teachings into your religious experience. Live on the plan of addition, adding grace to grace. We are to take no backward steps, but to follow on to know the Lord, taking our advance steps always with rejoicing.
(25LtMs, Lt 54, 1911, 7)
I have a true, deep interest in you, my sister, and I greatly desire that you and your husband shall advance step by step in the way of the Lord, offering praise and thanksgiving as you render Him willing service.
(25LtMs, Lt 54, 1911, 8)
Lt 56, 1911
Wilcox, F. M. St. Helena, California July 25, 1911 This letter is published in entirety in The Testimony of Jesus, by F. M. Wilcox. Brother F. M. Wilcox
Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. Dear Brother Wilcox:
A few days ago I received a copy of the new edition of the book Great Controversy, recently printed at Mountain View, and also a similar copy printed at Washington. The book pleases me. I have spent many hours looking through its pages, and I see that the publishing houses have done good work.
(25LtMs, Lt 56, 1911, 1)
The book Great Controversy I appreciate above silver or gold, and I greatly desire that it shall come before the people. While writing the manuscript of Great Controversy, I was often conscious of the presence of the angels of God. And many times the scenes about which I was writing were presented to me anew in visions of the night, so that they were fresh and vivid in my mind.
(25LtMs, Lt 56, 1911, 2)
Recently it was necessary for this book to be reset, because the electrotype plates were badly worn. It has cost me much to have this done, but I do not complain; for whatever the cost may be, I regard this new edition with great satisfaction.
(25LtMs, Lt 56, 1911, 3)
Yesterday I read what W. C. White has recently written to canvassing agents and responsible men at our publishing houses regarding this latest edition of Great Controversy, and I think he has presented the matter correctly and well.
(25LtMs, Lt 56, 1911, 4)
When I learned that Great Controversy must be reset, I determined that we would have everything closely examined, to see if the truths it contained were stated in the very best manner, to convince those not of our faith that the Lord had guided and sustained me in the writing of its pages.
(25LtMs, Lt 56, 1911, 5)
As a result of the thorough examination by our most-experienced workers, some changing in the wording has been proposed. These changes I have carefully examined and approved. I am thankful that my life has been spared, and that I have strength and clearness of mind for this and other literary work.
(25LtMs, Lt 56, 1911, 6)
While preparing the book on the Acts of the Apostles, the Lord has kept my mind in perfect peace. This book will soon be ready for publication. When this book is ready for publication, if the Lord sees fit to let me rest, I shall say Amen, and Amen. If the Lord spares my life, I will continue to write and to bear my testimony in the congregation of the people, as the Lord shall give me strength and guidance.
(25LtMs, Lt 56, 1911, 7)
There is now a great work of soul saving to be accomplished in the home field. There should be a general awakening on the part of the people and fresh efforts made to get the light of present truth before the world. In cities and villages and towns, in every possible way, let the light shine forth. Missionaries are needed everywhere, and hundreds of workers from our ranks should be carrying the light of truth to those who know it not. The messengers of truth must be wide-awake. The Lord says to them, Let light go forth in warnings and in opening and explaining the Scriptures to the people.
(25LtMs, Lt 56, 1911, 8)
Day by day golden opportunities are opening for our publications to go forth as silent messengers of truth. Let men and women be selected for the canvassing work—not from the floating, careless element, but from those who carry a burden for the extension of the knowledge of truth. Keen foresight and consecrated ability are needed at this time. Let those be selected for the canvassing work who are adapted to this line of work. Let not these feel that they must work hard to obtain a license to preach. The Lord is calling for efficient laborers in many lines of service. If there is one work more important than another, it is that of getting before the people the publications that will explain to them the Word of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 56, 1911, 9)
Parents should consider that their children are constantly beset by temptation. They would receive strength to resist temptation if they would study with deep searching of heart the books containing the light of truth for this time. Parents, do not encourage your children to read literature that will be no help to them spiritually. Do not encourage them to read the story of the life of Christ in the form of a novel. We need to make solid, earnest preparation for the great day of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 56, 1911, 10)
God calls for missionary work to be done in our homes. Years have passed into eternity, leaving undone the work of conversion that should have been accomplished in our families. Many of our youth are not being fitted for the work that needs to be done. They are to let the light of truth shine forth in their lives.
(25LtMs, Lt 56, 1911, 11)
Lt 57, 1911
Wilcox, F. M. St. Helena, California July 27, 1911 Previously unpublished. Elder F. M. Wilcox, Pres., Review and Herald
Washington, D.C. Dear Brother Wilcox:
Yesterday and again this morning I have read the letter written by W. C. White to our general missionary agents, and his letter to the members of our publication committee, regarding the new edition of Great Controversy.
(25LtMs, Lt 57, 1911, 1)
And now I wish to say to you that what he has written regarding my wishes, and decisions, and instruction relative to this work is a true and correct statement.
(25LtMs, Lt 57, 1911, 2)
Lt 58, 1911
Haskell, Brother and Sister St. Helena, California August 2, 1911 Previously unpublished. Dear Brother and Sister Haskell:
I am more pleased than I can express that you are preparing to begin work in the state of Maine. Your first work, I suppose, will be in the city of Portland. I have a deep interest in the work in this place. I encourage you to go ahead, and as far as I am able I will use my influence to see that you are furnished with means. The lack of means is one of the great hindrances to the advancement of the work. Be of good courage; I am sure we can co-operate with you in this enterprise. We have not labored altogether in vain for so long. Let us take this matter to the Lord in prayer. He will help us.
(25LtMs, Lt 58, 1911, 1)
I attended the Oakland camp-meeting and was able to speak several times. This was a large and successful meeting. Since the general meeting closed, the workers in Oakland have been following up the interest created by the camp-meeting.
(25LtMs, Lt 58, 1911, 2)
On my return from Oakland, I took a heavy cold, and for several days was quite sick; but today I am better, and I feel encouraged. I place myself in the Lord’s hands, and He will help and strengthen me. The Lord is our God; we can trust in Him.
(25LtMs, Lt 58, 1911, 3)
I have cautions to give you, Elder Haskell. Do not overwork. Be of good courage. The Lord is acquainted with your circumstances, and He will hear and answer your prayers. Let us seek the Lord in faith, holding fast to His promises. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with Him also freely give us all things?” [Romans 8:32.]
(25LtMs, Lt 58, 1911, 4)
I send this message to our people at this time, Arise, shine! for the time has come when we should no longer delay in giving this last message to the world. I call upon all who possibly can to connect with the work, and to do it now. Make determined efforts in behalf of the work in Portland and in all the unworked cities of our land. I would encourage all to stand by the side of Elder Haskell, to help him and stay up his hands.
(25LtMs, Lt 58, 1911, 5)
Let us appreciate the great sacrifice that God has made in our behalf. There will never be a time when we shall be more welcome to the gifts of His grace than now. Christ gave His life for us, that we might know how He loves us. He does not want any to perish, but that all shall have that life that measures with the life of God. This all may have who surrender to Him.
(25LtMs, Lt 58, 1911, 6)
This is the message you are to bear to perishing souls in their sins. If they will come to Christ in repentance, He will receive them. And He will recreate them in His image. God gave His Son, that men and women might be partakers of the divine nature. The sword of justice fell upon Him, that they might go free. He died that they might live. God’s first and great commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” The second is like it: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” [Matthew 22:37, 39, 40.]
(25LtMs, Lt 58, 1911, 7)
Lt 60, 1911
White, J. E. NP August 4, 1911 [typed] Portions of this letter are published in 3MR 181-182; 11MR 20. + Elder J. E. White
Nashville, Tennessee My dear Son Edson White:
I have read your recent letters, but cannot answer them now. Ever since returning from the Oakland camp-meeting I have been suffering from a heavy cold.
(25LtMs, Lt 60, 1911, 1)
I spoke several times at the camp-meeting. The meeting was a large one, and the large tent was crowded with attentive listeners. The arrangement of the ground was excellent. The weather was cold. At some of the meetings the large tent would not accommodate all who came. Perfect order was preserved on the ground throughout the meeting.
(25LtMs, Lt 60, 1911, 2)
Our rooms were directly across the road from the campground and were very comfortable. I was very pleased with the arrangement, as I had only to cross the road and walk into the large tent to meet my appointments.
(25LtMs, Lt 60, 1911, 3)
When we were ready to return home, a brother who is always ready to place his automobile at our disposal took us several miles through the city to the station and saw us on board the train for St. Helena.
(25LtMs, Lt 60, 1911, 4)
O how thankful I was that the Lord had given me strength to stay through the meeting. The last meeting at which I spoke the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me in a large measure. I felt very sensibly the presence of the Lord, His peace was in my heart, and I felt that underneath were the everlasting arms. Never have I felt more free or more fully satisfied. The Spirit of the Lord was present in the congregation, leading to a general movement in a season of prayer.
(25LtMs, Lt 60, 1911, 5)
Meetings are being continued in Oakland to follow up the interest created by the camp.
(25LtMs, Lt 60, 1911, 6)
On the journey home I felt at perfect peace. I felt no weariness or pain, but rested quietly in God. About the second day after we reached home, a heavy cold came upon me, and I began to raise great quantities of phlegm from my throat and lungs. This condition continued for about a week. Yesterday I began to recover and am now very much better. Today I took my meals with my family—the first time I have done this since this cold has been on me.
(25LtMs, Lt 60, 1911, 7)
My courage is good in the Lord; for I see the work of God being carried to all parts of the world and conversions to the truth being made.
(25LtMs, Lt 60, 1911, 8)
This year the camp-meeting in Southern California is to be held at Long Beach. We expect to start next Monday for this meeting. When in Southern California, I shall visit Loma Linda.
(25LtMs, Lt 60, 1911, 9)
My workers are busy completing the work to be done on the new book The Acts of the Apostles. This we expect to close up very shortly. This will be a precious book for our people. You shall have a copy of it as soon as it is finished. My workers are continually bringing in chapters for me to read; and I lay aside my other work to do this.
(25LtMs, Lt 60, 1911, 10)
I shall not be able to write you as long a letter as I could wish. This morning I have already read several chapters on the life of Paul; and after that I felt at first that I could not write. But I will get off this short letter to you, God helping me. I hope to be able to write a longer one soon. I hope that Emma will be blessed with health and strength. Whether in sickness or in health, we need to be of good courage in the Lord.
(25LtMs, Lt 60, 1911, 11)
A letter has just come from Elder Haskell, telling of his contemplated work in the state of Maine. They will be pleased if we can help them financially, and I will certainly try to do this. I would be pleased to connect with Elder Haskell, but this does not seem possible. I can send him books. He needs money, and I may be able to help him in this from the amounts that church members send me from different places to use where I shall see fit. Portland is the place where I was born, and there I first heard the message of the coming of the Lord. It is where my first experience was gained in seeking to bring the truth to others. If my book work were all done, I might feel free to spend some time in Portland.
(25LtMs, Lt 60, 1911, 12)
I would be pleased to see you both, Edson and Emma, but this cannot be just now. May the Lord bless and guide you, is my prayer.
(25LtMs, Lt 60, 1911, 13)
Lt 62, 1911
Daniells, A. G. St. Helena, California August 25, 1911 Previously unpublished. + Elder A. G. Daniells
Takoma Park, Washington, D.C. Dear Brother:
I have had the privilege of reading your letters to W. C. White, and I am very pleased with what you have written regarding the book Desire of Ages. The manuscript for this book, and for the other large and small books that I have prepared for our people, have some of them been written under unfavorable circumstances, and with great anxiety and effort. They contain precious instruction for the people of God who live in these last days, and I have sometimes wondered that they are not more fully appreciated. If our brethren and sisters would heed the light that is given in Desire of Ages, marked changes would be made in their religious experience. There would be a better understanding of God’s purposes for His church.
(25LtMs, Lt 62, 1911, 1)
There are those among us who have revealed a disposition to carry things after their own order, to make suggestions and press matters which they supposed would be helpful, when they were unable to clearly judge of spiritual things. These have sought to impress their mold upon their follow workers and to make them follow their plans and suggestions. You see the workings of these men and know who they are.
(25LtMs, Lt 62, 1911, 2)
There were men in Christ’s day who sought to follow a similar course. They tried to make themselves His advisers. They thought to influence Him to follow their plans and suggestions. But Christ ever followed the clear light He had from His Father. In His childhood and youth, though under the supervision of men who professed to be God’s chosen messengers to the people, Christ steadfastly followed the instruction of the Lord, and not the counsel of priests and rulers.
(25LtMs, Lt 62, 1911, 3)
From time to time the Lord has given me clear instruction regarding our duty to look to Him for counsel and guidance. Let us follow the light that God sends, step by step. I am instructed to place before God’s people the counsels given me to meet conditions which have arisen that call for plain, decided messages.
(25LtMs, Lt 62, 1911, 4)
Lt 64, 1911
Haskell, Brother and Sister St. Helena, California August 31, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in CG 555-556; 3MR 326; 7MR 407-408; 11MR 20. + Elder S. N. Haskell
53 Williams St.
Portland, Maine Dear Brother and Sister Haskell:
I have just read your letter, and I desire to write to you at once; for I am anxious that you should be encouraged in your work. I am deeply interested in your work at Portland. We are glad that you write to us often and tell us the particulars in regard to your work. I will help you in every way I can.
(25LtMs, Lt 64, 1911, 1)
The present is an important time for me here in connection with my writings. My work on the book The Acts of the Apostles is nearly completed.
(25LtMs, Lt 64, 1911, 2)
I do not think I shall be able to go East this Fall; but if instruction comes for me to go, I will do so. We are doing our best to encourage workers to enter new fields. There are many places where laborers are needed. An effort should be made to bring the truth prominently before the people at Long Beach. Something has been done in this line, but the work must advance.
(25LtMs, Lt 64, 1911, 3)
I hope you will put forth your strength wisely. Do not be backward in calling for helpers. As the cold season advances, you will not be able to work as steadily as now. Do not overwork. I will send $100 more to help where it is needed most. Let your faith increase.
(25LtMs, Lt 64, 1911, 4)
On Sabbath and Sunday, in visions of the night, I seemed to be bearing my testimony before the people. On both these occasions I seemed to be in a mammoth tent which was literally packed. The Lord gave me a decided message for the people. My burden was for our families who are unprepared to meet the Lord. A special burden was upon me to point out to our people the need of seeking the Lord with close searching of heart and earnestness of purpose.
(25LtMs, Lt 64, 1911, 5)
Church members who are truly converted will be laborers together with God. The words “together with God” [1 Corinthians 3:9] mean very much more than many of us suppose. All who are branches of the living Vine will partake of the sap and nourishment of the Vine. They will not be withered, fruitless branches, but will bear the fruit of the Vine.
(25LtMs, Lt 64, 1911, 6)
Parents who are truly converted will reveal in their home life that they are bringing their lives under the discipline of the Word of God. They will endeavor to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. They will not strike their children in anger or manifest impatience with their faults and mistakes. These children are to have a correct understanding of the character of their Redeemer. Ever should parents bear in mind their solemn responsibility to train their children for the service of God. Nothing should be allowed to come in that will lead them to neglect their children. These children are to be instructed line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. Let it be remembered that you are required to fit your children for the future, immortal life. The work we are doing today is done for eternity.
(25LtMs, Lt 64, 1911, 7)
Parents should consider that they are the home educators of their children, and they should therefore act intelligently in all their dealings in the home. The children should not be neglected for visitors or any other interest. To the mother and father the right training of their children is the most important work of their life. Never should the mother manifest a hasty spirit in the correction of her child. She should form the habit of speaking in gentle tones. Great changes will be wrought in our families where such habits are formed.
(25LtMs, Lt 64, 1911, 8)
Can we not, Brother and Sister Haskell, give instruction to parents along these lines. I hope that you will do this.
(25LtMs, Lt 64, 1911, 9)
Do not, Brother Haskell, encourage the taking of much wine. This will block your way and do you no good. Do not give long discourses that will weary you. Husband your strength, but do not let the impression go forth that Elder Haskell’s strength is kept up by any special food or drink. Make God your strength. Seek Him, and trust wholly in His power to work in your behalf. Be cheerful, but solemn and sedate. This is a time when all our people should be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. May our God whom you serve give you victory at every step. Make Him your hope and trust.
(25LtMs, Lt 64, 1911, 10)
There are thousands hungering for the message of pure truth which sanctifies the soul. In Sister Haskell you have a wise teacher of truth. You both have a wide understanding of the Scriptures. But you will need to trust firmly in God. The Lord calls upon us as a people to occupy a position that is without fault before Him. You are one in the Lord. Guard yourselves and your influence, considering that you are to be instruments of the Lord for the carrying forward of His sacred work on the earth.
(25LtMs, Lt 64, 1911, 11)
Lt 66, 1911
Haskell, Brother and Sister Long Beach, California August 28, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in UL 254; 7MR 408; 8MR 334-335. + Elder S. N. Haskell
53 Williams Street
Portland, Maine Dear Brother and Sister Haskell:
I pray that the Lord will give you courage in the Lord. I am deeply interested in the work that you shall do in the state of Maine. Let it be carried onward and upward. “Seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” [2 Corinthians 4:1, 2.]
(25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, 1)
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 there was ever 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 lives and in our ministry.
(25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, 2)
For years there has been creeping into the church an element that is educating many professed believers to resist the teachings of the Holy Spirit. In their efforts to make of no account the Word of God, many array their strength on the side of the deceiver. I am instructed that 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 the old waste places. Their experience will be one of constant growth in assurance and power until the Lord shall descend from heaven with power and great glory to set His seal of final triumph upon His faithful ones.
(25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, 3)
The Lord desires to see the work of 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 triumphant fulfilment His purposes for His church. He bids the saints advance unitedly, going from strength to greater strength, from faith to increased assurance and confidence in the truth and righteousness of His cause.
(25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, 4)
Let us ever bear in mind that our work is to be one of advancement. We are to follow on to know the Lord. God understands the actuating principles of every mind. He has witnessed the persistent, rebellious course of some whom He has warned and counselled . His all-seeing eye has noted the determined following of human devisings. “The way of man is before the Lord. He knoweth the thoughts.” [Proverbs 5:21; Psalm 94:11.] “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” [Proverbs 15:3.] He looketh to the ends of the earth, and He seeth under the whole heavens. The Lord searcheth the hearts.
(25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, 5)
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 the principles of righteousness in our lives, 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.
(25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, 6)
I long for strength to do the work that must be done at this time. I would speak daily at this Long Beach camp-meeting if I could; but I have not strength to do this. I dare not consume all my strength in this meeting; for there is other important work before me. Lately I have given considerable time and effort to the work of completing the book on the Acts of the Apostles. This book is now nearly finished, and I am very thankful for this.
(25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, 7)
I feel that decided efforts should now be made to give this message at Long Beach. The congregations during this meeting have been large, and there is a good interest from the outside. My heart is deeply stirred for these places where so much is at stake. May the Lord direct us, is my prayer.
(25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, 8)
Every believer in present truth should be deeply in earnest now; for there is a great work to be done. As the enemy sees an interest in the truth being awakened, he will bring forward many discouraging features; but heed them not. We must press the battle to the gates and beyond. Let us be determined to succeed.
(25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, 9)
Let no time be wasted, but do not overwork. Teach the truth as it is in Jesus. When the power of truth is felt in the soul, the principles of truth will be brought into the daily life. Then true godliness will appear. Use your ability to accomplish decided movements of reform in the churches. Gather about you those who are true as steel to the principles of the third angel’s message, and the Lord will be glorified in the work that is accomplished. Let every worker resolve that he will not fail nor be discouraged.
(25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, 10)
Arouse the people to the importance of the times in which we live, that they may be led to place themselves under the discipline of Christ. In His human life Christ revealed a divine nature; no defect appeared in His character. Beholding His life of self-denial and sacrifice, that He might minister truth to the world, they may be changed in life and learn to reflect His likeness.
(25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, 11)
We are to perfect in our sphere as Christ is perfect in His sphere. Let us not be unconcerned regarding our responsibility to form righteous characters, but let us place ourselves under the molding influence of the Holy Spirit, that we may form characters that will reflect the divine life.
(25LtMs, Lt 66, 1911, 12)
Lt 70, 1911
Sanderson, Sister [A. J.] St. Helena, California September 8, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in CD 484-485. + Mrs. A. J. Sanderson
El Reposo Sanitarium
2222 Chapel St.
Berkeley, California My sister:
I have just read your letter. You seem to have an earnest desire to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. I encourage you to do this. I counsel you to discard everything that would cause you to do half-way work in seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Put away every indulgence that would hinder you in the work of overcoming. Ask for the prayers of those who can comprehend your need of help.
(25LtMs, Lt 70, 1911, 1)
There was a time when I was in a situation similar in some respects to yours. I had indulged the desire for vinegar. But I resolved with the help of God to overcome this appetite. I fought the temptation, determined not to be mastered by this habit.
(25LtMs, Lt 70, 1911, 2)
For weeks I was very sick; but I kept saying over and over, The Lord knows all about it. If I die, I die; but I will not yield to this desire. The struggle continued, and I was sorely afflicted for many weeks. All thought that it was impossible for me to live. You may be sure we sought the Lord very earnestly. The most fervent prayers were offered for my recovery. I continued to resist the desire for vinegar, and at last I conquered. Now I have no inclination to taste anything of the kind. This experience has been of great value to me in many ways. I obtained a complete victory.
(25LtMs, Lt 70, 1911, 3)
I relate this experience to you for your help and encouragement. I have faith, my sister, that you can come through this trial and reveal that God is the helper of His children in every time of need. If you determine to conquer this habit, and will fight it perseveringly, you can obtain an experience of the highest value. When you set your will resolutely to break off this indulgence, you will have the help you need from God. Try it, my sister.
(25LtMs, Lt 70, 1911, 4)
As long as you acknowledge this habit by indulging it, Satan will retain his hold on your will and bring it into obedience to himself. But if you will determine to overcome, the Lord will heal you and will give you strength to resist every temptation. Ever remember that Christ is your Saviour and Keeper.
(25LtMs, Lt 70, 1911, 5)
I have not strength to write you a longer letter today, but shall hope to write again. I shall wait to hear from you, to learn that you have gained the victory.
(25LtMs, Lt 70, 1911, 6)
In love.
(25LtMs, Lt 70, 1911, 7)
Lt 72, 1911
Workman, Mabel St. Helena, California September 18, 1911 Previously unpublished. Mrs. Mabel Workman
Loma Linda, California My dear granddaughter Mabel:
Yesterday and today you have been much on my mind. I would be glad to see you. I am anxious to hear from you; and as you have not written to me for some time, I thought I would stir up your mind to the remembrance that your grandmother is alive and very much interested to hear from you.
(25LtMs, Lt 72, 1911, 1)
Recently I have been very much occupied in the work of closing up my book on the Acts of the Apostles. I think that my part of this work is about finished.
(25LtMs, Lt 72, 1911, 2)
Whenever you find a place where you can use your experience and ability to be a help to the workers at Loma Linda, cheerfully act a part. You need not mind so much whether the work pays anything or not. Do what you can to help; and if you need help from me, just let me know.
(25LtMs, Lt 72, 1911, 3)
When you were a child, your mother committed you to me, and said, “Mabel will need your counsel.” Then I faithfully pledged myself to have a care for you. My counsel to you at the present time is this, Guard very carefully your religious experience. With faithfulness guard your spiritual eyesight. Look to heaven for light, for wisdom, and for strength. Let your spiritual perceptions take in the situation as it is in that great institution; then you may be able to impart to others a helpful influence. Let not your interest in the institution and the faithfulness of your labors in any way be measured by the reward which you may receive, but be true and kindly, and help where you see your help is needed. I will ever stand by you to help in time of need.
(25LtMs, Lt 72, 1911, 4)
Your husband I highly respect as a man who loves and fears God. I am sincerely interested in his welfare. With heart and soul I long for your soul’s welfare, and desire to help you both that you may stand true and do good in whatever capacity you may be called upon to labor.
(25LtMs, Lt 72, 1911, 5)
Later. Since writing the foregoing, your father has handed me your letter of September 16, telling us that you have been requested to consider the matter of acting as preceptress in the women’s dormitory. My advice to you is to seek the Lord earnestly for guidance and for help. Then offer yourself to do whatever you are requested to do. Work humbly in the fear of God. Study the instruction He has given in His Word. Study the counsels He has given in the testimonies. Let your husband’s judgment help you, and do your best.
(25LtMs, Lt 72, 1911, 6)
Your grandmother.
(25LtMs, Lt 72, 1911, 7)
Lt 74, 1911
Haskell, Brother and Sister St. Helena, California September 10, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in 6Bio 357. Elder S. N. Haskell
53 Williams Street
Portland, Maine Dear Brother and Sister Haskell:
We received and enjoyed your letters. Let me assure you again that we do not forget the work in Portland, Maine, and we believe you are both in the very place where the Lord would have you. Ever remember that the Lord is your director. Look unto Him as the Author and Finisher of your faith, and press forward in the work that you have taken up. There may be those who will make your work difficult, because they do not understand the way of the Lord. But I encourage you to go forward in faith and hope.
(25LtMs, Lt 74, 1911, 1)
I hope to visit Portland again. I would like to be there now, but it seems too great a risk to go just as the cold season is coming on.
(25LtMs, Lt 74, 1911, 2)
If the weather in Portland becomes very severe, you should not remain there during the winter; but I hope that you will be able to stand the climate for some time yet. Be careful to supply yourself with needed comforts. Put your trust in the Lord, and look to Him for guidance. He has promised to strengthen you for His service and to direct you in all your ways.
(25LtMs, Lt 74, 1911, 3)
You have not taken the time to rest that we expected, and that was due you. You have felt that when the cause of God needs your labors and your experience and help, and there was special opportunity to do good, that you must continue to labor. The work in Portland needs the encouragement and help that your long experience enables you to give. We pray for you, and we shall hope that as long as you can feel that it is safe for you to labor in that field, you will continue to labor there.
(25LtMs, Lt 74, 1911, 4)
The bell is ringing, calling me to worship and breakfast; so I will stop.
(25LtMs, Lt 74, 1911, 5)
Lt 76, 1911
United Laborers in Portland St. Helena, California September 10, 1911 Previously unpublished. To the united laborers in the cause of God in Portland Dear Brethren and Sisters:
The Lord has given me decided evidence concerning the work of Brother and Sister Haskell. He has shown me that they should stand unitedly in defense of the truth, and to act as burden-bearers, occupying positions of trust in His cause.
(25LtMs, Lt 76, 1911, 1)
The Lord signified that Brother and Sister Haskell should carry large responsibilities in connection with the work in California, and He enabled them to fill positions of large trust acceptably. For two years He encouraged and sustained them in carrying heavy burdens in this state. The God of Israel was their Counselor; for they sought Him earnestly. I thank God that they were strengthened to do this work.
(25LtMs, Lt 76, 1911, 2)
After a long period of unremitting labor, these responsibilities were removed, in harmony with instruction given me that changes must be made, and that the responsibilities borne by Elder Haskell and his wife must be carried by others.
(25LtMs, Lt 76, 1911, 3)
We have been thankful that the Lord gave to His people in California true helpers at a time when they greatly needed help. We have reason for gratitude that Elder Haskell and his wife carried their responsibilities faithfully. Their influence was of great benefit to the cause at that particular crisis.
(25LtMs, Lt 76, 1911, 4)
Brother and Sister Haskell are now filling an important place in the work at Portland, Maine. We are confident that they can give to the work there the help that is most needed. We recommend them to our people in fullest confidence, as workers whose labors will add strength and stability to the cause of present truth. And if our brethren and sisters in Portland will take hold with them to do what needs to be done, an effective work will be accomplished.
(25LtMs, Lt 76, 1911, 5)
Let not the spirit of jealousy among church members hinder the efforts that should be put forth. Let all differences be put away, that the advancement made may be real and lasting. The time has come for the workers to unite, with all their capabilities, to carry the work in Portland. If they will lay hold of the Strength of Israel; if they will unite in seeking for Christlike unity among themselves, they will do a work that will glorify God.
(25LtMs, Lt 76, 1911, 6)
Let not self stand in the way of the advancement of the message. Let your prayers and supplications go up to God for grace and strength to labor unselfishly and wisely. Make every possible sacrifice that the third angel’s message, with all its attendant truths, may be clearly presented before the people. Let the temperance truth stand forth in exalted dignity. Never by one jot or tittle of your influence encourage the sale of liquor. For years the people in Maine have stood on the Lord’s side of this important question. We speak to you from St. Helena, my brethren and sisters, counseling you to walk in every ray of light that shines upon your pathway.
(25LtMs, Lt 76, 1911, 7)
God made the great gift to the world of His only Son, that He might save men and women from the miseries brought upon the human race by self-indulgence and sin. The evil of intemperance is again seeking to gain pre-eminence in the state of Maine. Let our people arouse and open a vigorous campaign against the use of liquor in any form. Let them keep on the right side of this question. Thousands of men and women are being tempted who may be saved from ruin by faithful effort on your part. Will you not make this effort?
(25LtMs, Lt 76, 1911, 8)
As a people God has given us a message and an experience on this question. And now shall we not do our part to oppose this evil? Shall we not rally around the standard, and lift the banner high, that this great evil may be pressed back, and men and women be saved from ruin? Let us do all we can to prevent the spread of the liquor traffic, which is the curse of our beautiful cities.
(25LtMs, Lt 76, 1911, 9)
Every effort will be made by the enemy to block the wheels of Providence; but let your faith be manifest unto all. Let all seek the Lord in earnest prayer, that He may cause His work to triumph. If His people will harmonize in their labors and their plans for labor, letting the light of temperance shine forth clearly, their efforts will tell to the glory of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 76, 1911, 10)
I am instructed to say to our workers, Perfect the gift of speech. Speak slowly and fervently, never hurriedly. Learn how to lift up your voice in earnest prayer, and in ministering truth to the people. Train every capability to do service for God. Honor the Lord who has made His commandment-keeping people His messengers to the world.
(25LtMs, Lt 76, 1911, 11)
Resolve that you will give to the Lord all that He requires of you. Let ministers and teachers and workers in every line ask God to help them to be true ministers in word and action. Offer to Him the sacrifice of faith and devotion. By self-denial render to Him your gifts and offerings. Thus you may thank him for His great and unspeakable Gift to you. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Let your hearts be filled with gratitude for this wonderful Gift, in which God has poured out all heaven to you.
(25LtMs, Lt 76, 1911, 12)
When you come to God in prayer, present your petitions with hearts that are broken and subdued. Pray with intensity of desire. We need something more than formal prayers if we would receive the fulness of the grace and power of God. Let the Holy Spirit take possession of the powers of mind and body. Seek the Lord for the gifts of His grace; and His Spirit, which is a present help in every time of need, will make your service for Him effectual.
(25LtMs, Lt 76, 1911, 13)
Lt 78, 1911
Haskell, Brother and Sister St. Helena, California September 28, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in Te 257, 259; PC 314. Elder S. N. Haskell
63 Grant St.
Portland, Maine Dear Brother and Sister Haskell:
I am thankful that of your own free will you decided to engage in the work at Portland, Maine. I know that you will put heart and soul into this work, manifesting the same earnest spirit that you have shown in your work in other places. I dare not ask you to continue to work in Maine during the cold winter months; for I realize that there are limitations to your strength and powers of endurance. Be guarded, I beg of you, regarding your health. I shall pray that you may be given strength to continue for a time your labors for Portland.
(25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, 1)
If our people have allowed the enemy to come in and quench their faith and weaken their energies, I am sorry for them and for the people of Portland.
(25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, 2)
In the years 1842 and 1843 there was a strong effort made in Portland, Maine, in behalf of the cause of temperance. This question has been again and again a living issue in Maine. I do hope that Portland will act its part in giving a loud cry for temperance. If our people can be made to realize how much is at stake, and will seek to redeem the time that has been lost, by now putting heart and soul and strength into the temperance cause, great good will be seen as the result. May the Lord save Maine from joining in the confederacy of evil for the support of the liquor traffic.
(25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, 3)
Just as I am writing on this subject, a letter has come to me containing a draft for twenty dollars. I send this to you to help carry forward the temperance work in Portland. I am pleased that this means should come just now, because I greatly desire to help you in your efforts to establish a strong work in Portland.
(25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, 4)
The Lord desires to see Maine stand in freedom from all enticement to liquor drinking, and refusing to come under the terrible influences of the saloons. I was shown that should poisonous drugs be dealt out again as pure wine, and satanic influences be allowed to come in to enslave the minds and bodies of men by drink, that I must do what I could to oppose the evil. I was shown that if the people of Maine should give license to liquor selling, God would be greatly dishonored. Many souls would be enticed to ruin, and satanic agencies would triumph.
(25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, 5)
Drink is a fearful agency of hell. When once the habit of drink is formed, men are led on and on in the path of slavery and degradation.
(25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, 6)
I rejoice that it has been my privilege to bear my testimony on this subject before crowded assemblies in many countries. Many times I have spoken on this subject to large congregations at our camp-meetings.
(25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, 7)
The closing work on the book The Acts of the Apostles has kept me engaged lately. I am glad that this book is nearly completed. It will soon be ready for our people. If it has a good sale, I may be able to do more for the work in Portland.
(25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, 8)
I have made some investments for Loma Linda to enable that institution to secure land, adjoining the sanitarium, that was for sale. Had this land been sold to unbelievers, and they had crowded in, the institution would have been placed at a disadvantage. I felt that we could not afford to run this risk. The land is now purchased, and to that extent we are safe from elements that might work trouble and confusion to our medical school. I could not rest until I had the assurance that we were safe from this possibility. This purchase may mean the keeping away from the institution a class of people who might have proved burdensome. Now that we have this land, a burden is rolled off my heart.
(25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, 9)
My brother and sister, study carefully the first chapter of First Peter. Those who follow the instruction of the Spirit of truth in willing obedience will gain spiritual strength. Then study the first chapter of Peter’s Second Epistle, and consider the work of constant advancement that is before the believer in Christ. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you,” the apostle declares, “through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, 10)
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, 11)
“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:2-11.]
(25LtMs, Lt 78, 1911, 12)
Lt 79, 1911
Burden, J. A. St. Helena, California October 4, 1911 Previously unpublished.
Elder J. A. Burden’s Work, Burdens of Medical Workers
[J. A. Burden:]
I have had several messages to give to our leading men in our institutions. The Lord’s work is to be carried forward after the Lord’s orders. The converting power of the Lord Jesus must be seen. A very strange work is being done in some places, of which we must present the dangers. The Lord has wrought in a wonderful manner to leave His converting grace upon human hearts. The Lord will work for His people if they will be worked. The Lord has used certain men to do a work to stand firm and to raise the standard and never permit human agencies to put their own selves forward.
(25LtMs, Lt 79, 1911, 1)
There has been a work of the right order done in Loma Linda, with much wearisome labor that many do not take in. Brother Burden and his wife and others united with them have worked in harmony. I understand this matter, for the burden was upon me night and day in regard to preparing the way of the Lord. Brother Burden carried the heavy load, and his propositions were in accordance with light the Lord had given me. His hands held up the banner of truth. The Lord said, “Make truth stand out clear and free, above the many things some would bring in.” And Elder Burden was in perfect harmony with the light the Lord had specified should be carried forward.
(25LtMs, Lt 79, 1911, 2)
Brother Burden had faithful and true men who bore the burden with much study and prayer over difficult matters. Light was given me that if they took a certain course, seeking constantly to God for wisdom, the Lord would make them true light-bearers to establish sanitariums that would bear the impress of the divine Leader. “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light 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 (will be converted from error to obey the truth). Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” [Matthew 5:13-18.]
(25LtMs, Lt 79, 1911, 3)
Thank the Lord, we have a work to do. The managers in any of our sanitariums are to be men who are daily converted. The Lord is the Teacher and the Leader. The Lord is to be recognized as providing in His providence certain men to carry out His work under divine directions, and success will be given them if they remain humble men, working under the guidance of the angelic agencies. Therefore there must not be any work that shall bear the features of medical men who will seek to divert the work in any institution where the Lord has blessed them with success, to put into their minds a supposition that these physicians shall change their location to a new section, after the Lord had given them great encouragement. His angels were with Brother and Sister Rand, to make for them a place in prospering their work. They were given assurance that the Lord was working with them, and it was the Lord who was giving Brother and Sister Rand wisdom and success that would inspire confidence in the hearts of the people.
(25LtMs, Lt 79, 1911, 4)
But they were taking upon themselves too many cares. They should have had persons with whom they could share these responsibilities, and this should always be the case. This I have set before our brethren again and again, and for Brother Rand to change his position will not cure the mistakes. There should not be such heavy responsibilities committed to one man, but there should be no less than two; and as the case is carefully considered, man must be provided to share the responsibilities. Brother Rand is in danger of overworking unless another man is appointed to unite with him, and that other man is to carry the responsibilities in connection with Eland Rand from the beginning. His dangers will not be cured by placing him in another place, for responsibilities will need all that Brother Rand can give, in connection with another capable physician who will share with him the responsibilities he bears wherever he may be.
(25LtMs, Lt 79, 1911, 5)
I have slept but a few hours the past night, for I am charged to give the message to our physicians who have the knowledge to carry the responsibilities in the institutions. Two men should stand shoulder to shoulder under the responsibilities to be borne, to counsel together, in the place of removing one and placing him in another responsible position. This will not cure the difficulty, but there must be arrangements made to relieve the situation in some such way as is now to be considered and acted upon.
(25LtMs, Lt 79, 1911, 6)
I have not been able to sleep the past night but a very short period, for this is the second time this matter has been presented to me to be carried out in action. If the wages of the physician were doubled, that would not cure the difficulty and prevent the evils that will come. There must be two men to bear the responsibilities, to breast the possibilities of overwork.
(25LtMs, Lt 79, 1911, 7)
Lt 80, 1911
Haskell, Brother and Sister St. Helena, California October 6, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in 8MR 216-217. Elder S. N. Haskell
63 Grant St.
Portland, Maine Dear Brother and Sister Haskell:
We have just received your long letter, and we thank you for writing so full an account of your work. We are pleased that your own prospects are so favorable. If it were not that the winter months are right upon us, I would be pleased to unite with you in your efforts for Portland, Maine. If the winter proves severe, it may be wise for you to change your place of labor till the warmer weather comes again.
(25LtMs, Lt 80, 1911, 1)
My book The Acts of the Apostles has gone to the press. Soon it will be printed and ready for circulation. I feel more thankful than I can express for the interest my workers have taken in the preparation of this book, that its truths might be presented in the clear and simple language which the Lord has charged me never to depart from in any of my writings. The Lord has been good to me in sending me intelligent, understanding workers. I appreciate highly their interest and the encouragement I have had in preparing this book for the people. I trust that it will have a large circulation. Our people need all the light that the Lord has been pleased to send, that they may be encouraged and strengthened for their labors in proclaiming the message of warning in these last days.
(25LtMs, Lt 80, 1911, 2)
I am very thankful that the Lord has given me the privilege of being His messenger to communicate precious truth to others. All who have heard me speak know that I have not departed from His instruction that I should present the truth in its simplicity.
(25LtMs, Lt 80, 1911, 3)
There is a great work to be done. The truth for this time is to go forth with simplicity and yet with power. It is to be told in words that will be understood by all classes, that all may be blessed thereby. Even the unlearned are to comprehend the precious lessons which the Lord desires us to teach. It is the Holy Spirit that impresses the truth upon the heart. He will make the words of the faithful worker so impressive that the hearers will have no excuse for saying, I did not understand what the message meant.
(25LtMs, Lt 80, 1911, 4)
I am very thankful that you are in Portland. I was in Portland when the message of the Lord’s soon coming was first preached there in 1843 and 1844. I was quite young then; but the Lord gave me His Holy Spirit that I might act my part in that movement. Now I am in my eighty-fourth year, and the Lord is still working through His instrument; I am still proclaiming this last message of warning to the world.
(25LtMs, Lt 80, 1911, 5)
Brother and Sister Haskell, take care of your health. Live simply. Your habits are to be controlled by sanctified wills that are guided by the principles of truth and righteousness. Pattern your life after Christ’s. He studied His plans, that He might speak and work in such a way as to carry out the purpose of His Father; and His teachings drew all classes of people to hear Him.
(25LtMs, Lt 80, 1911, 6)
It means much to sow beside all waters. It means a continual imparting of the gifts that we have received from God. We need the light of heaven to shine into our hearts; we need the grace of God to be constantly imparted to us, that we may abound in every good work. “As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth forever.” [2 Corinthians 9:9.]
(25LtMs, Lt 80, 1911, 7)
Let us minister to the people the truths of the gospel in word and deed, and in the simplicity of Christ. Talk the truth; pray the truth, and the Lord will enrich you in every good work. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for the Lord loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” [Verses 7, 8.] I ask you to study this ninth chapter of Second Corinthians.
(25LtMs, Lt 80, 1911, 8)
Brother and Sister Haskell, true laborers together in the Lord, do not be discouraged. You do not write as if you were in any wise disheartened. Come into a sacred nearness to the Lord. You are to stand unitedly to do the will of the Lord wherever the way seems to open. Everywhere we shall see the need of means for the advancement of the work. But be of good courage in the Lord. Do not harbor doubts in your mind. Time is short. Under the influence and in the power of the Spirit of God, we are to give this message to the world.
(25LtMs, Lt 80, 1911, 9)
In visions of the night representations passed before me showing the results of presenting the truth in the simplicity of true godliness. I seemed to be in a gathering with our people. The sick were being healed. The spirit of intercession was upon the people. Urgent appeals were made, and hearts were subdued and broken before the Lord. Many confessed their sins.
(25LtMs, Lt 80, 1911, 10)
On every side doors were thrown open for the proclamation of the truth, and genuine conversions were made. I heard the voice of intercession. Then I heard the voice of rejoicing. I said, This is a work like that which was done in 1843 and 1844.
(25LtMs, Lt 80, 1911, 11)
The Lord is sending us repeated instruction, pointing us to the importance of becoming earnest, diligent workers. We have an important work to do, a work that will not wait, a work that can be accomplished only in the power of the Spirit and under the guidance and direction of Christ. Let every believer at this time show himself a worker together with God. Let all differences be put away, all light, meaningless talk. Let us speak and act righteously. The Lord will work with very soul who will yield heart and mind to His control. To all who will be led by the Spirit, God will impart His righteousness. His glory will be their front guard and their rereward.
(25LtMs, Lt 80, 1911, 12)
There is missionary work to be done in many unpromising places. Now is our time and opportunity to do this work. God requires that believers shall take up the work that is waiting to be done, and do it with earnestness and diligence.
(25LtMs, Lt 80, 1911, 13)
Lt 82, 1911
Workman, Mabel St. Helena, California October 6, 1911 Previously unpublished. Mrs. Mabel Workman
Loma Linda, California My dear Granddaughter Mabel:
I have just read your letter, and I thank you for your prompt reply.
(25LtMs, Lt 82, 1911, 1)
I have a deep interest in your welfare. Your mother bade me have a special care over you, saying, For my sake, Mother, take charge of Mabel. She is an independent little soul; but if she is under your guardianship, I shall feel at rest concerning her. Your mother’s solicitude in behalf of her children was very deep. I promised her that both Mabel and Ella should have my care, and that Mabel should be may special charge. Then we prayed together, for the mother and the children, and the blessing of the Lord came in, and His Spirit filled the room. The place seemed filled with the presence of holy angels.
(25LtMs, Lt 82, 1911, 2)
At the same time Elder Olsen was dying a short distance from where we were watching over your mother. The hours spent with these dying saints are distinctly before my mind today. I am confident that we shall meet them in the morning of the resurrection.
(25LtMs, Lt 82, 1911, 3)
Your mother was a faithful worker. She stood by my side when I was overworked and much in need of help. I left much of the caretaking to her. Your father has been faithful to the work laid upon him. He is my counselor. I have been shown that the Lord gives him special guidance. You have the capabilities of your father and mother in a large degree. Ella also is capable, and you both need to be guarded, that you do not become overcharged with responsibilities and lose your faith and courage. You are ever to remember that you are the Lord’s property.
(25LtMs, Lt 82, 1911, 4)
I write these particulars that you may understand my deep interest in you and Ella. I am pleased that you are engaged in the Lord’s work. If you are faithful in your service for God, you will meet your mother in the heavenly courts. I am looking forward to that glad morning when mother and children shall meet again.
(25LtMs, Lt 82, 1911, 5)
You will be greatly blessed as you strive to meet the requirements of the Lord. I ask you to study the first chapter of Second Peter. These words are written to all the faithful in Christ Jesus, that they may be encouraged to strive earnestly for the promises. If we will fulfil the conditions laid down in this chapter, working on the plan of addition, adding grace to grace, God will work for us on the plan of multiplication.
(25LtMs, Lt 82, 1911, 6)
“If these things be in you, and abound,” the apostle writes, “they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged form his old sins. Wherefore ... give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 8-11.]
(25LtMs, Lt 82, 1911, 7)
I have you and Ella in remembrance, and I greatly desire that you both, with your husbands, shall form characters after the divine similitude and make your lives a blessing to those with whom you associate. I pray that nothing may be neglected by either of you, but that you shall be made a blessing in your homes in the fulfilling of your marriage vows.
(25LtMs, Lt 82, 1911, 8)
In Christ you will find a present help in every time of need. Cultivate the moral and intellectual powers. Study the Word of God diligently. This book contains a wonderfully interesting history, and it points out the way of salvation through Christ. Read and obey its instruction. Salvation is gained by obedience to the Word of God and faith in Christ’s redeeming grace. Christ is your guide to the higher and better life. Follow Him earnestly, faithfully in this life, and then at His coming you will be prepared to receive the finishing touch of immortality.
(25LtMs, Lt 82, 1911, 9)
Lt 84, 1911
White, J. E.; White, Emma St. Helena, California October 6, 1911 Previously unpublished. + Elder J. E. White
Marshall, Michigan My dear Children Edson and Emma:
I have a great desire to see and talk with you.
(25LtMs, Lt 84, 1911, 1)
I do some writing every day. Some days I am deeply wrought upon as I write on subjects that are of great importance to our people.
(25LtMs, Lt 84, 1911, 2)
The last public talk I gave was at Long Beach. It was near the close of the camp-meeting, when our people were preparing to leave, and I thought the congregation would be small. But I found the large tent literally packed, while a number of people were standing around on the outside. As I saw the large company before me, I felt the need of special help, and I sent up an earnest prayer to God. And I was wonderfully sustained. I felt that the everlasting arms were underneath me.
(25LtMs, Lt 84, 1911, 3)
At the close of the meeting some told me that my voice was clear and my words could be distinctly heard. I was very thankful for this last opportunity to speak to the people at Long Beach.
(25LtMs, Lt 84, 1911, 4)
I bore to the people a solemn message, presenting the duty of parents to their children, and pointing out that these responsibilities are not being realized as they should be. Many parents among our people are not bringing up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. I pointed out the evils of scolding and fretting, of hasty and passionate speech, showing that these accomplish no good, and only serve to injure the influence of parents with their children. This evil, which prevails in many professedly Christian homes, is one which parents will have to meet again in the judgment day.
(25LtMs, Lt 84, 1911, 5)
The Lord gave His Spirit to make the impression upon the minds of the people. I will send you a copy of this talk.
(25LtMs, Lt 84, 1911, 6)
I have a deep interest in you, my children. I greatly desire that you shall make your calling and election sure. Determine to be on the Lord’s side. Walk in the straight way, the way of holiness. If you will place your dependence upon Him, the Lord will strengthen you to be an overcomer.
(25LtMs, Lt 84, 1911, 7)
Lt 86, 1911
Rand, Howard St. Helena, California October 9, 1911 Previously unpublished. Dr. Howard Rand
Sanitarium, California Dear Doctor:
I should be very pleased to have an interview with you. You know I am hard of hearing. If you could visit me at my home, I should prefer it. I have felt reluctant to add to your burdens by requiring an interview with you; but I have some difficulties of which I wish to tell you. This has worried me for some time, and I would feel more free to talk to you if I were in my own home. I wish to avoid everything that would make me more of an invalid than I am.
(25LtMs, Lt 86, 1911, 1)
I have confidence in your capabilities as a physician and as a minister of Christ. I have never lost confidence in you as the Lord’s chosen physician for the St. Helena Sanitarium. This confidence I have expressed many times in many places. The Lord has been your helper, and He will still be with you.
(25LtMs, Lt 86, 1911, 2)
The Lord has given you skill in the treatment of disease. He has placed you in a position of sacred trust. You occupy a responsible place. You have been entrusted with capabilities that enable you to deal successfully with the afflicted. You are God’s minister to speak the truth where you feel that it is needed to save souls that are perishing. Let the Lord use you to His name’s glory to the saving of the souls as well as the bodies of men. You are in the Lord’s work for the relief of afflicted souls. It is your privilege to speak words to the sin-sick souls that will bring to them spiritual life and blessings. Bring the truth into your daily life; and as you carry on your practice, seek to minister to the souls of the afflicted and suffering.
(25LtMs, Lt 86, 1911, 3)
I am glad that you are in a position where you can represent the truth to those who come to the institution for relief. Ever seek to do this in a way that will not offend, but will enlighten and bless. There is a world perishing in sin. Rejoice that to you has been given that which will recover souls from sin and give them hope in Christ.
(25LtMs, Lt 86, 1911, 4)
Of one thing I am convinced. You cannot be excused, and another take your place. I am convinced that this is the place where you can render the most acceptable service. You have been able to take in the situation here, and the Lord will have you remain. If there are advantages that you need in order to make your way more easy, let it be known what they are. We will do our best to relieve you. I desire that you and your wife shall have every encouragement. I have a deep interest in you and your family.
(25LtMs, Lt 86, 1911, 5)
In the experience of the St. Helena Sanitarium I have hard battles to fight which but few understand. We are pleased with your administration, and we cannot consent to let you go.
(25LtMs, Lt 86, 1911, 6)
I hope your brother’s influence will not have weight with you. He is not on the Lord’s side. I understand that his position is unchanged from that which he held in Australia. I wish to ask you if there are any of my published books that are not in your possession. I would like to give you copies of any that you do not have.
(25LtMs, Lt 86, 1911, 7)
Lt 88, 1911
White, J. E.; White, Emma St. Helena, California October 15, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in MRmnt 61. + Elder. J. E. White
Marshall, Michigan My dear Children:
I would much prefer to see you and talk with you today than to write, but I am thankful that the Lord still gives me strength to trace with my pen the words I have to communicate. I can write you only a short letter at this time; for I have taxed my mind so long and so continuously that I am brain weary. Last night, the first in several nights, I had some hours of painless sleep. I thank my heavenly Father for the rest of body and the quiet of mind that I enjoyed.
(25LtMs, Lt 88, 1911, 1)
My work on the book The Acts of the Apostles is completed. In a few weeks you shall have a copy. I have had excellent help in preparing this work for the press. There are other writings that I desire to get before our people, that they may speak when my voice is silent. The book on Old Testament history, which we hope to bring out next, will call for earnest effort. I am grateful for the help the Lord is giving me in the labors of faithful, trained workers and that these workers are ready to carry forward this work as fast as it is possible.
(25LtMs, Lt 88, 1911, 2)
My message to you is: Lift up your eyes and look upon the fields. They are white unto the harvest. The reapers must act their part. We may cry to the Lord, “It is time, Lord, for Thee to work; for they have made void Thy law.” [Psalm 119:126.] But this is not enough. The workers must arouse from the sleep of indifference and selfishness and reveal a desire to be used as the Lord’s helping hand in this work. The unbelieving world is making void the law of God. God’s servants, through the exercise of diligence and faith, must act their part in giving the message that declares the binding claims of that law.
(25LtMs, Lt 88, 1911, 3)
“Say not, There are four months, and then cometh harvest. Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” [John 4:35.] Many are preparing for this harvest, but they know it not. At this time every word and act of ours should be fraught with meaning; for there is a heaven that these souls may win if we will put our talents and energies to their best and most important use.
(25LtMs, Lt 88, 1911, 4)
I would greatly rejoice in the Lord if I could see our people putting forth the earnest efforts to overcome and to teach others the joys of overcoming that are essential if they would share the reward of the faithful. Dear children, strive for the crown of immortal life; and so strive that you may obtain.
(25LtMs, Lt 88, 1911, 5)
Lt 90, 1911
Haskell, Brother and Sister St. Helena, California October 25, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in AH 321; TDG 307; 7MR 408-409. Elder S. N. Haskell
63 Grant St.
Portland, Maine Dear Brother and Sister Haskell:
I should be very pleased to be with you in Portland, Maine. I am thinking, as soon as the winter months are past, of making the journey to Maine. I do not now see anything to hinder this.
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 1)
On Monday, October 30, we go to Loma Linda. There I can continue to write. Our people need to have the importance of Bible truth often impressed on their minds.
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 2)
Often in the night season I am bidden to write to our brethren in responsible positions to arouse them to make earnest efforts to follow on to know the Lord more perfectly. When our workers realize as they should the importance of the times in which we live, there will be seen a determined purpose to be on the Lord’s side, and they will become in truth laborers together with God. When they will consecrate heart and soul to the service of God, they will find that an experience deeper than any they have yet obtained is essential if they would triumph over all sin.
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 3)
There is need of constant watchfulness, a daily reconversion, that our individual traits of character shall be wholly sanctified to God. All our powers are to be purified from the dross of sin and trained for service. There are many who while professing to be the servants of God, and to be looking for the soon return of Christ, are not having the experience that all must have who stand without fault before God. They are making mistakes in the work of character building. To continue to make these mistakes is a costly business, for they hinder the progress in the divine life.
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 4)
Our religious obligations begin in serving God faithfully in the home life. I am urged to bear earnest testimony to parents in public and private, that they may be led to devote all their powers in sanctified service for Christ. I am instructed to urge upon our people the need of being imbued with the Spirit of God. This Spirit will teach believers to work in harmony with Christ whenever and wherever opportunity offers. As different families among our people have been presented before me, I have been shown their great need of the converting power of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 5)
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that we might have a pattern of true holiness. Let parents study the pattern, that they may become true laborers together with God for the salvation of their children.
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 6)
Religion in the home is of vital importance. Upon fathers and mothers rests to a large degree the responsibility for the mold of character that their children receive. Let not the mother gather to herself so many cares that she cannot give time to the spiritual needs of her family. Let parents seek God for guidance in their work. On their knees before Him they will gain a true understanding of their great responsibilities, and there they can commit their children to One who will never err in counsel and instruction.
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 7)
Heaven is worth striving for. Let parents pray with their children individually as well as in the family circle; they need to do this if they would bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Parents, bring Christ into your life; let not unkindness be expressed in words or actions. When difficulties arise in the home, parents are often tempted to deal with their children hastily, and their correction of wrongs often reveals lack of mercy or justice. Let them remember that scolding and beating will not accomplish that which they should most desire. Instead of punishing your child hastily, pray with him; and as you do this, let your own heart respond to the softening, subduing influences of the Spirit of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 8)
The father of the family should not leave to the mother all the care of imparting spiritual instruction. A large work is to be done by fathers and mothers, and both should act their individual part in preparing their children for the grand review of the judgment. The work done in the home is a work which in many cases will decide the welfare of the children through all eternity. If parents must neglect something, let it not be the work of molding the character after the divine similitude.
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 9)
The Lord revealed Himself not only as the true and living God, but as our heavenly Father, when He sent His only begotten Son into the world to purchase our redemption. “The Spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God;”“for ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” If we accept the invitation of the Spirit of God, we become “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.” If we are partakers with Christ of His self-denial and become laborers together with God, we shall be heirs with Christ to all the glories of the eternal world. “If so be that we suffer with Him,” the apostle writes, “we may be also glorified together.” [Romans 8:15-17.]
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 10)
The Spirit of God bears witness with our spirit that we are members of the royal family, children of God. But those who would be partakers of the divine nature must suffer with Christ in this world. Discipline in the school of Christ is the portion of all who in the future would share His glory. Then let us be diligent students, co-operating with Jesus Christ in the work of redemption from sin.
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 11)
In this life we are called to endure test and trial, that God may prove our devotion to Him and our fitness for a place in His kingdom. Think of the sacrifice Christ made, the sufferings He endured to make it possible for us to have these privileges. In His life was given us an unerring pattern. To those who, recognizing the pattern, strive earnestly to follow it, the eternal reward is assured. Christ’s own hand will place the crown of glory on the heads of the faithful; His voice will bid them welcome to the everlasting kingdom, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant; ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:23.]
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 12)
“Ye are bought with a price,” the apostle declared; “therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:20.] As believers yield heart and mind to follow the counsel of the Lord, striving to be worthy of the name of sons and daughters of God, their lives will give forth an influence that will be felt by all with whom they associate. If parents will teach their children to conduct themselves according to the principles of the Word of God, these children will unconsciously teach others what it means to be Christians. Let parents maintain true Christian dignity before their children, and they will be greatly aided in their work of upbuilding the kingdom of Christ.
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 13)
The apostle Paul, describing the children living in these last days, declares them to be “disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” [2 Timothy 3:2.] It is important that parents realize the tendency of the age and labor untiringly to educate their children away from those things, preparing them, by teaching them to love and copy the life of Christ, for a place in the future life of holiness.
(25LtMs, Lt 90, 1911, 14)
Lt 91, 1911
Brethren Refiled as Lt 42, 1912.
Lt 92, 1911
Roth, Brother and Sister [L.] Loma Linda, California November 9, 1911 Portions of this letter are published in TDG 322. Mr. L. Roth
Sonoma, California Dear Brother and Sister Roth:
I send these words to you in the love of Christ, and I pray that you will act upon them. The Lord will teach you His will if you are willing to be taught.
(25LtMs, Lt 92, 1911, 1)
Those who are striving to be overcomers will be pursued by the temptations of the enemy. Satan will tempt them to corrupt the principles which all must maintain who would reach the high standard that God has set before them. Satan rejoices when he can lead souls to follow mistaken ideas until their names are blotted out of the book of life and recorded among the names of the unjust. We can overcome only in the way that Christ overcame—by wholehearted obedience to every commandment of God. True religion is obedience to all the commandments of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 92, 1911, 2)
Every soul who is saved must surrender his own plans and follow where Christ leads the way. The understanding must be yielded up to Christ for Him to cleanse and refine and purify. This will always be done when we receive aright the teachings of Christ. O how much we need a more intimate acquaintance with Him! We need to enter into His purpose, and to carry out His will, saying with the whole heart, Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do? My brother, watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. It is poor policy to give the enemy the slightest advantage. Human nature will continue to be human nature, but it can be elevated and ennobled by union with the divine. It is by partaking of the divine nature that men and women escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. When truth abides in the heart, the daily experience is a revelation of the controlling power of the grace of Christ. Never keep the truth in the outer court. Let the Holy Spirit stamp it upon the soul.
(25LtMs, Lt 92, 1911, 3)
The child of God is to reach out for higher and still higher attainments. He is to confess every sin, that by his example others may be helped to confess their sins and to cherish the faith that works by love to purify the soul. He is to be constantly on guard, never standing still, never turning back, but ever pressing on to the mark of the high calling of God in Christ.
(25LtMs, Lt 92, 1911, 4)
My brother do not allow a difference of opinion to break up the sacred union that should ever exist between husband and wife. The Lord desires to see you and your wife standing in a position where you will bring honor and glory to His name. Are you doing this in the home? Do you live as in the presence of God? Do you keep before you the example of Christ and seek to pattern your lives by His?
(25LtMs, Lt 92, 1911, 5)
We should keep ever before us the fact that time is short. Iniquity is increasing on every hand. The righteous are set as lights in the world. Through them the glory of God is to be revealed to the world. Keep ever before you the solemn events of the future—the great review of the judgment and the coming of Christ. You with your family are to prepare for that day. Lay no stumbling block in their way. You are to do all that you can to help your children to walk in the path of truth and righteousness.
(25LtMs, Lt 92, 1911, 6)
My brother and sister, the Lord is coming soon. Will you in that day bring to Him converted children? Then work for their salvation now, that they may be fitted for a place in His kingdom. In doing this work, you will experience a daily conversion in your own lives. If you will do the will of God, you will see of the salvation of God in your family. Follow on day by day to know the Lord, rejoicing that it is your privilege to say at His coming, as you stand with His faithful, waiting children, “This is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” [Isaiah 25:9.] May God help you as a family to present to the world and in the church an example of truth and righteousness.
(25LtMs, Lt 92, 1911, 7)
May the Lord bless you, my brother and sister. May He give you strength to walk together in the path of righteousness. May He fill your hearts with faith and love and hope and courage, that you may win the reward of the faithful.
(25LtMs, Lt 92, 1911, 8)
Remember, my brother, that Christ gave His life for you. Let not the enemy gain the victory over you by leading you to place hindrances in the way of your wife’s acting in obedience to the commandments of God. We are living in the closing scenes of this earth’s history. The Lord foresaw that at this time the spirit of opposition and unbelief would take possession of many hearts. May the Lord help you to see the danger of encouraging such a spirit and lead you to heed His words of warning. Do not make it hard for yourself and wife, so that you will be filled with perplexity and trouble. God help you to be truly converted, is my prayer.
(25LtMs, Lt 92, 1911, 9)
Lt 94, 1911
Belden, Vina Loma Linda, California November 19, 1911 Previously unpublished. Dear Sister Belden:
I received your letter two days ago. I am sorry that I have allowed my many cares to put you out of my mind. The work on my new book The Acts of the Apostles has taken much time and thought. Now this is finished, and I will write to you. We received today the first copy of the book from the printers. Soon other copies will be ready for sale, and I will see that you get a copy.
(25LtMs, Lt 94, 1911, 1)
We are visiting Loma Linda. A council meeting has been in session this week, and a number of the leading brethren of this conference, who were in attendance, have remained over Sabbath. W. C. White, who has been away from home for several months attending important meetings in the East and elsewhere, is expected this afternoon.
(25LtMs, Lt 94, 1911, 2)
We have very pleasant rooms on the third story of the sanitarium building. Sara and Minnie occupy a room next to mine. Our housekeeper is also with us. She is an earnest Christian woman and is proving good help in the home. All my family is with me; it is a small family now.
(25LtMs, Lt 94, 1911, 3)
We look out from our windows upon beautiful scenery. Away in the distance is a range of mountains, and in the valley lie several prosperous cities. Orange groves stretch for miles across the country. We have had beautiful weather almost all the time of our stay. Today as I look out from my window, there is not a cloud to be seen.
(25LtMs, Lt 94, 1911, 4)
Mabel Workman is here, acting as preceptress of the girls’ dormitory. Her husband is also engaged in the work. You will remember that Mabel lost her child when it was two days old. This was a great sorrow to her, and one that she finds it hard to forget.
(25LtMs, Lt 94, 1911, 5)
Sabbath
Today I spoke to our people in the Loma Linda church, and the Lord gave me clearness of mind and speech. The house was full, and the people listened with attention. I am thankful to the Lord for His sustaining grace. The Lord is our helper and our God.
(25LtMs, Lt 94, 1911, 6)
I feel deeply in earnest in regard to the work yet to be done. This work must not be neglected. The Lord waits to supply the needs of every worker who will seek Him in faith. Why do we not rejoice more for the great goodness and love bestowed upon us? The Lord is good and merciful; let us appreciate His blessings to us. Let us humble our hearts before Him and render to Him thanksgiving and praise. Let us strive to show forth in our lives the light and truth He has so graciously given us, that we may bring honor to His name.
(25LtMs, Lt 94, 1911, 7)
I wish you could be here with us. If it were not for the long journey you would have to take, I would send for you. But I feel that you could not take that journey, and I would not advise it. The end of all things is near; and while it may not be that we shall meet again in this life, we have the glorious hope of meeting where friends shall never part again. Then we shall see our Saviour as He is, and we shall praise Him throughout eternity for His wonderful dealings with us. My sister, let us serve the Lord with full purpose of heart.
(25LtMs, Lt 94, 1911, 8)
Lt 96, 1911
Gravelle, Sister [J. J.] Sanitarium, California December 29, 1911 This letter is published in entirety in 12MR 271-273. Mrs. J. J. Gravelle
Fargo, North Dakota Dear Sister:
A long time ago I received your letter enclosing a draft for $100. Twenty-five dollars of this you say is a thank-offering to be used in carrying forward the work in some needy place. As you have requested, I shall use it where, according to my best judgment, it is most needed. The reward of whole-souled liberality is the leading of mind and soul and heart to a closer fellowship with the Spirit.
(25LtMs, Lt 96, 1911, 1)
You ask if I will accept tithe from you and use it in the cause of God where most needed. In reply I will say that I shall not refuse to do this, but at the same time I will tell you that there is a better way.
(25LtMs, Lt 96, 1911, 2)
It is better to put confidence in the ministers of the conference where you live and in the officers of the church where you worship. Draw nigh to your brethren. Love them with a true heart fervently, and encourage them to bear their responsibilities faithfully in the fear of God. “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Read Philippians 2:1-16.
(25LtMs, Lt 96, 1911, 3)
There are many things that I am bidden to bring before our people. There is a great work yet to be done, a work that calls for the sanctification of all our powers. This message must be preached in the highways and the byways. The efforts put forth for the recovery of souls must be greatly increased. Justice and the love of God should mark the lives of His workers. We are too far advanced in this world’s history to indulge in ease and idleness. And none should think to hoard their means for future years, but let them invest their means to create new interests in places where the need of truth is felt. If all the professed followers of Christ had followed this course, great changes would have been wrought in our cities. If they had been in earnest, and had worked as laborers together with God, many souls would have been convicted and converted who now are ensnared by the wiles of the enemy. The wickedness of the wicked is increasing; Satan’s efforts are not lessening. But the love of many believers is growing less, when it should be increasingly revealed in untiring labor for lost souls.
(25LtMs, Lt 96, 1911, 4)
My brother and sister, we need to keep before us the example of Christ’s perfection. When we allow our minds to dwell upon the imperfections of others, our own souls become filled with the leaven of evil. In our endeavors to represent the truth for this time to the world, we shall meet with many difficulties; but if we will keep heart and mind fixed upon the precious Saviour, if we talk of His love and power, the perplexities will pass away, and we shall become happy in the assurance of a Saviour’s love. We are not dependent upon the world and its changeableness. He in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, and in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, is our joy and crown of rejoicing, our peace, our power, our satisfaction. Then let us rejoice, whatever may happen, within and without. We must obtain that measure of the grace of Christ that will enable us to dwell together in love and unity in this life, else we can never dwell together in the life to come. I am trying to show our people the need of the unity for which Christ prayed. The soul must fully own the power and authority of the Word of God. Christ, the perfect example, is ever before us. To Him we may look for grace and power to overcome every fault. We are to get ready for the great day of God by carrying out in the daily life the perfect principles presented to us in the life of Christ. We are called by Him to be His representatives. We are God’s children. By spiritual adoption we become His sons and daughters. We are to live in conformity to His will, representing Him in life and character.
(25LtMs, Lt 96, 1911, 5)
Perfect conformity to the will of God is the condition on which eternal life is given. The apostle Peter writes: “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:5-11.]
(25LtMs, Lt 96, 1911, 6)
May the Lord bless you, my brother and sister, and lead you, through a knowledge of His word, to a perfect understanding of His will concerning you.
(25LtMs, Lt 96, 1911, 7)
Lt 100, 1911
Kellogg, J. H. NP November 21, 1911 [typed] This letter is published in entirety in 13MR 366-370. My Brother J. H. Kellogg:
I beg of you no longer to stand apart and think that the meeting you designed to have in Battle Creek would have been what you represented that it would be. You had every opportunity at Berrien Springs, and yet you were so fully under the control of another spirit that you could not discern how far you were from God. I think you are still unable to see that you yourself have hindered the work of God for years. I know better than any one else can know that you have worked in various ways to hinder the workers so that they could do nothing to advantage. The Lord forbids that the representation you would now put upon the past should be regarded as true.
(25LtMs, Lt 100, 1911, 1)
I have seen no way in which we could honor God but to separate from you and your associates and take a decided stand against your sophistries. I know where the people of God should stand, and I am sure that when you are worked by the Spirit of God, you will make thorough work for repentance. You have long carried things in your own way, and your only hope is to be converted and then try to save your associates.
(25LtMs, Lt 100, 1911, 2)
Your course of action has nearly cost me my life, but my greatest sorrow is the thought of the souls that might have been saved, but are lost to the cause of God.
(25LtMs, Lt 100, 1911, 3)
If you have not yet escaped from the snare that Satan laid for your soul, I have nothing on which to build hope in regard to your case. You have been led and controlled by satanic agencies, and you do not break with the enemy. He holds his power over you firmly. At one time you make statements that are not true, and then at another time you say something that means exactly the opposite. “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him.” [1 Kings 18:21.] It is time that you made the move which you have not yet made. Separate yourself from the evil influences that have controlled you. You have brought yourself into hard places. You have come to the point of breaking, but have drawn back. Will you not now make a decided break with the enemy? This is your only hope.
(25LtMs, Lt 100, 1911, 4)
Because of your course of action, the cause of God has been brought into financial embarrassment. You would not have done this had you heeded the word that God sent you, had you fallen on the Rock and been broken. Unless you do this, the embarrassment must continue. You have made lawyers your wisdom, and there are those who will be driven to desperation in an effort to make the most of their only hope to secure justice by law. What can those do who are trying to the utmost of their ability to relieve this embarrassment? You know in regard to the situation, and yet you have not made any effort to relieve it, but have done that which has caused it to become more and more complicated.
(25LtMs, Lt 100, 1911, 5)
In the prosecution of your work, you have loaded yourself with responsibility after responsibility. With the strength of your determined mind you have risked your own soul and by your unfaithful stewardship have brought great hindrance upon the work and cause of God. You have placed yourself where your brethren could not sustain your management. They have felt great reluctance to have the cause of God bear the reproach and stigma that must come upon it. All this time warnings have been coming to you, but they have been unheeded, because Satan controlled your faculties.
(25LtMs, Lt 100, 1911, 6)
There is a time when the work of God must be vindicated. God has given you encouragement again and again to make a change of leaders. Break away from worldly satanic agencies, from worldly lawyers, and from the ideas that you have educated yourself to believe. The time has come when something will have to be done quickly. Men and women have been duped by your inventions.
(25LtMs, Lt 100, 1911, 7)
When you hear of words spoken that place you in an unenviable position, you are provoked. But you have not broken with Satan. You have parleyed with him, and efforts must be made to relieve the situation. Crooked paths must be made straight. You would be regarded by some as a fraud, entrusted with great responsibilities, and yet unfaithful to the trust. God has been dishonored and His cause betrayed into apparently insurmountable difficulties.
(25LtMs, Lt 100, 1911, 8)
All these matters are to be investigated. No soul is secure in any false way. I have looked upon you as a blind man, partially unbalanced in mind. This you must be, or you would never have done as you have. There was presented before me a scene in which you were holding a conversation with Brethren Prescott and Daniells, presenting before them in the most subtle manner the enemy’s reasoning in regard to the work God has given me. The evil angels were close by you while you were making these representations of me and my work. Brother Daniells and Brother Prescott were both confused and for a time regarded the work God had given me as a mystery. I saw that they were in terrible conflict as to whether to take their stand for or against the light that God has permitted me to bear to the world. It seemed to me like a life-and-death question. I cannot describe it, but the conflict was a terrible one. The seductive presentations framed by satanic agencies were presented by subtle reasoning, and their minds had well-nigh become overwhelmed, when a heavenly messenger let light shine forth. There came to them the thought, “Review the past experience of the people of God; review the history of the work from the first, as if you were beholding it in a mirror. Has this work been what it has been represented to you to be?” Then another and still another scene was presented before them by the heavenly messenger, until they saw truth bearing the signature of the heavenly in the past, then present, and still more decidedly in the future. The words were spoken, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Broad is the road and wide is the gate that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” [Matthew 7:13, 14.]
(25LtMs, Lt 100, 1911, 9)
Christ our Saviour came to the world to seek and save that which was lost. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] During every moment of Christ’s life in our world, God was repeating His gift. Christ, the sinless One, was making an infinite sacrifice for sinners, that they might be saved. He came as a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and those for whom He came looked upon Him as stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. The cup of suffering was placed in His hand, as if He were the guilty one, and He drained it to the dregs. He bore the sin of the world to the bitter end. And yet men continue to sin, and Christ continues to feel the consequences of their sin as if He Himself were the guilty one.
(25LtMs, Lt 100, 1911, 10)
Did the Father hear the cry of His Son in His agonized humiliation, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” [Matthew 27:46.] That cry, wrenched from the divine Sufferer in that hour of anguish, was an appeal to the Father. No line can fathom, no measurement compute, the love revealed by the cross of Calvary. We could understand it more fully if we were capable of seeing it as it is.
(25LtMs, Lt 100, 1911, 11)
In every pang of anguish endured, we behold the throes of paternal love. The Father Himself travailed in the greatness of His almighty love in behalf of a world perishing in sin. By the sacrifice that has been made, the gift of eternal life has been placed within the reach of every son and daughter of Adam.
(25LtMs, Lt 100, 1911, 12)
You may see the Lord looking pityingly upon you. If you will cast yourself upon His mercy, crying, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee,” He will receive and pardon you. When you take your stand truly and humbly before God, then and then only will you be received by Him. My soul has longed to see you separating from every false dependence and casting your helpless soul on Christ. Without delay make sure that your feet are placed upon the sure foundation. Then you will no more compromise with any evil work.
(25LtMs, Lt 100, 1911, 13)
Lt 104, 1911
Jones, A. T. NP November 19, 1911 [typed] Portions of this letter are published in 13 Crisis Years. Elder A. T. Jones:
I have given you instruction in straight, clear lines in regard to the perverting influence under which you have placed yourself. Your lips have uttered perverse things. You have denied the clear light of truth and have linked up with strange elements.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 1)
I gave you a correct statement in regard to your position, but you went on doing the very things the Lord had warned you not to do. It has been a strange course for one who has been enlightened by the Lord as you have been, but you have acted very much like a man who has lost his bearings. The question is, Do you think you can still hold your membership in the Seventh-day Adventist church and go on hurting the influence of this people by the tracts that you publish? You have done a cruel work.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 2)
I have warned you in regard to these things. I presented the case as the Lord presented it to me. When your blind eyes were opened, when your spiritual eyesight is restored by the heavenly anointing, you will see that you have a work to do for your own soul and to undo what you have done to confirm others in unbelief.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 3)
I think you have never yet been thoroughly converted. You have seen the strait gate, but you have not passed through it to the narrow way. In view of your recent strange experience, we cannot have confidence in you. For years your religious life has been of a character not in accordance with the Bible standard. For years you have been as a man who was in some things departing from the faith. And for a long time you have been disjointed in your experience.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 4)
The experience that you and others had at the Union Conference held at Berrien Springs was an experience that need not have been; for the Lord gave you a convincing testimony that He was at work. But your spirit and experience changed until you were ranked by heavenly angels as a man departing from the faith and giving heed to seducing spirits. Your voice was changed and your countenance, O how changed it was. As scenes passed before me, you appeared as one in harmony with evil angels.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 5)
If you are truly seeking to become one in spirit and faith with the remnant people of God, if you will confess your sins and give evidence of genuine repentance and conversion, you have the privilege of uniting with us. But if you suppose that by making a spurious move, you can deceive God’s people, I must tell you that we do not care to encourage a repetition of the past.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 6)
You are a man of strong impulses. I have a report of that meeting at Fresno where you and Elder Corliss were so deeply moved; and if I should see an attempt being made to hurt us, I should bring the report and all the circumstances before our people.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 7)
We should rejoice greatly if you would be really converted. The Lord will not receive you as a faithful minister, to be trusted with His flock, unless you throw your lot in with his people, to confirm them in the faith, not to rule them according to human ideas.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 8)
The Lord comes to those whose hearts turn to Him as He came to Elijah in Horeb. Has the Lord been working with you, to transform your heart, to cast down your evil imaginations? When the Lord came to Elijah, a storm of fire and broken rocks preceded His coming. Are the rocks in your experience still unbroken? Has the fallow ground of self-righteousness and self-sufficiency been broken up? Scenes have been presented to me in which I have heard you use rough, harsh language, coarse and denunciatory. Close beside you stood the father of lies, inspiring you with his satanic energy, and you uttered words of which you should ever be ashamed. These harsh, unbecoming words were registered in the books of heaven.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 9)
If you wish to renew your covenant with God by confession and repentance and rebaptism, we shall rejoice with you. When you are converted, your self-sufficiency will disappear, and you will become meek and lowly in heart. When you see and repent of your mistakes, you will be a great blessing in helping others. The destroyer now takes advantage of your self-righteousness to weave into your experience his own ideas and theories.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 10)
When you are really desirous of uniting with those from whom you have withdrawn yourself, the testimony will be borne that you looked up after you had stepped off the platform on which you had previously stood, and that hands were put beneath your arms, and you and Elder Waggoner were lifted once more on to the platform, standing there with shining countenances and uplifted hands. Has this time come?
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 11)
I have written this to you on the Sabbath day, and the Lord has helped me. If there is a work of reformation going on in your heart, if you are convinced of your error, we shall say, The way is open, come.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 12)
***** Elder A. T. Jones:
You must not suppose that we will give you the right of way to spoil the flock of God. In order to be a clean vessel, consecrated to the work of God, you must be thoroughly converted. You show a reckless desperation in your efforts to gain the confidence of the people of God. The charge has come to me, Watch for the souls that are in danger of being led astray.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 13)
*****
When the Spirit of God convicts A. T. Jones, and he sees the wicked, desperate course he has pursued, and is filled with alarm for the safety of his soul, we shall all know this. I would not open the way to place him before our people on any pretense of his. He has gone against direct warnings given by those who were earnestly trying to save him. He has set himself in direct opposition to the work the Lord laid out for him and has gone to desperate lengths in walking and working in defiance of light. When he sees himself as the Lord sees him, there will be on his part a repentance that needs not to be repented of.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 14)
The message given me to bear concerning him is, If he does not truly repent, let him alone. I do not advise that our people accept him as a safe teacher.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 15)
At the Fresno meeting, Elder Jones made a heartbroken confession. He and Elder Corliss confessed to each other and to the people. At this time they determined to stand under the banner of Prince Emmanuel.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 16)
But where is A. T. Jones now? He has departed from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits. He is blind and cannot see afar off. He has united with others who have despised the Lord’s warnings. The Lord would have helped them if they had come to the light, and He will help them now if they will repent. But we dare not let them, in their present spiritual condition, have influence with the people of God. The note of warning must be raised.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 17)
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” [2 Peter 2:1, 2.]
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 18)
The course that A. T. Jones has pursued has fulfilled these words:
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 19)
“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you, whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment, and spared not the old world, but saved Noah, the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly, and turning the city of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly, and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked, ... the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” [Verses 3-9.]
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 20)
The Lord gave light, but there were some who would not receive it. Even when the messages of warning were coming to them, they exalted themselves.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 21)
“For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption, for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” [Verses 18-21.]
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 22)
“He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” [Proverbs 29:1.]
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 23)
There are many who would rejoice to see you turning square about. But if it is your intention to deceive if possible the very elect, the Lord will reveal this.
(25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, 24)
Lt 106, 1911
Mason, Paul C. St. Helena, California July 31, 1911 Previously unpublished. Paul C. Mason, Accountant Dear Brother:
In view of the efficient and faithful work which Brother Crisler has done the past few months, particularly in connection with the revision and resetting of Great Controversy, I desire that you should place at his disposal two hundred (200) dollars, charging the same to the Manuscript account.
(25LtMs, Lt 106, 1911, 1)
Lt 108, 1911
Coon, Brother St. Helena, California October 10, 1911 This letter is published in entirety in 20MR 16. Dear Brother:
Some days ago I read the booklet called The Searchlight. Last night I was instructed to say to the brother who has used my name and my writings so freely in that document, that he has no right to interpret my writings as he has done, and that it is wrong to place me and my teachings before the public in the light that his booklet represents them. I forbid the use of my writings in any such way.
(25LtMs, Lt 108, 1911, 1)
Furthermore, I protest against the teachings of the Searchlight as to the method of our Saviour in healing the sick. In the name of the Lord I would rebuke all such representations of our Saviour’s work.
(25LtMs, Lt 108, 1911, 2)
Lt 110, 1911
Nicola, Mary NP February 28, 1911 Previously unpublished. Dr. Mary B. Nicola My Sister:
I have heard of the trouble you have been passing through. I am sad over this matter. I am troubled and distressed with you. But this is a case that cannot be explained. We must leave it in all its grievous suggestions of uncertainty. I am not well and have been afflicted with a severe cold. I cannot talk much without I have to suffer with strange dizziness, and I thought I must suggest to you we do not forget you. We will continue to present your case before the Lord, that He will direct and guide. My head will not permit me [to] write [to] you; I become dizzy. You are severely afflicted, but look unto Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of your faith.
(25LtMs, Lt 110, 1911, 1)
Let me hear from you.
(25LtMs, Lt 110, 1911, 2)
Lt 112, 1911
Those in charge of the Nashville Sanitarium: NP July 1911 Previously unpublished.
[Written on the back of a W. C. White letter to Ellen G. White, July 9, 1911.]
(25LtMs, Lt 112, 1911, 1)
Those in charge of the Nashville Sanitarium:
(25LtMs, Lt 112, 1911, 2)
I feel a great interest for this sanitarium. The Lord calls for His people to arouse out of sleep and begin to work in earnest. The exhibition of the fruits of righteousness will become marked with the exhibition of the love of God in earnest missionary effort and they [God’s people] [will] become laborers together with God. I have not any special light to give. I cannot express anything in particular. I will, if possible, send you a few words. We need to be wide awake as far as the location of sanitariums are concerned and in regard to the establishing [of] sanitariums. As you represent the case, I am perplexed to know what to say in regard to the present condition of things. If I am impressed with words to give you, then you shall have them.
(25LtMs, Lt 112, 1911, 3)
We are in the midst of a very large interest. I need all there is of me to understand how to help them here.
(25LtMs, Lt 112, 1911, 4)
I want to speak the very words now that ought to be spoken and [not] confuse you with words that will not relieve your present perplexity. If you get together and ask the Lord to help you just now and do not become discouraged, the Lord will give you light and teach you how to move. Suppose you now take this matter to God in prayer and believe that a prayer-hearing God will relieve you in your perplexity. Please to do this. I will ask the Lord in your behalf. This is all I can say at present. I cannot draw any more burdens on my soul than I am now carrying. I wish I had words that would relieve you, but I fear to express more than this, lest I confuse you. But let our people meet together and pray the Lord for light.
(25LtMs, Lt 112, 1911, 5)
Lt 114, 1911
Harris, Sister NP June 13, 1911 Previously unpublished.
I address Sister Harris and her sister:
(25LtMs, Lt 114, 1911, 1)
I greatly desire that God’s people shall act according to the light He has given. This He expects us to do. He holds us responsible for every ray of light He sends, and looks to see it reflected in our Christian experience.
(25LtMs, Lt 114, 1911, 2)
All through my experience in the work of God I have kept a record of my experiences and of the instruction God has given me for His people. Thus when evils have arisen in the church, which had formerly appeared, I could turn to these records and repeat the instruction given at that time, when similar deceptions threatened to work the ruin of some of God’s children. Light has been given to meet the fanaticism that is now showing itself. I hope you will follow the light. All who seek the Lord earnestly to know His will, will be led in straight paths.
(25LtMs, Lt 114, 1911, 3)
My work in this cause began when I was only sixteen years of age, when I was instructed by God to go to different places and bear the message He had given me. Ways were opened before me that were providential, and devoted women and ministers helped me in the work. The providence of God guided me to Bangor, Maine, where my first testimony against fanaticism was borne. The time was directly following the disappointment of 1844, when our people looked for the appearing of the Saviour in the clouds of heaven. With the disappointment consequent on the passing of the time came a species of fanaticism among some of the believers that threatened to work serious evil to the church. I was instructed to lay before these brethren and sisters their danger, and to tell them that the Lord was not guiding them in the course they were taking.
(25LtMs, Lt 114, 1911, 4)
As the right way was explained to the believers, the Lord impressed their hearts, and some received the testimony sent, and gave up their fanaticism. Convinced of their mistake, they became thoroughly converted, and turned from their wrong course to follow fully in the light of truth.
(25LtMs, Lt 114, 1911, 5)
Lt 116, 1911
White, W. C. Los Angeles, California November 26, 1911 Previously unpublished. Eld. W. C. White My dear Son:
On this, my eighty-fourth birthday, I instruct you to present a copy of my latest book, The Acts of the Apostles, to the persons named below.
(25LtMs, Lt 116, 1911, 1)
Your mother.
(25LtMs, Lt 116, 1911, 2)
[The following names are written in the handwriting of W. C. White:]
(25LtMs, Lt 116, 1911, 3)
Elders J. A. Burden, E. E. Andross, S. N. Haskell, A. G. Daniells, W. A. Colcord, W. W. Prescott, Mrs. L. A. Parsons, Mrs. J. Gotzian, H. W. Lindsay, Jasper Smith, Hart, L. P.
(25LtMs, Lt 116, 1911, 4)