Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]

45/99

MR No. 1545—God Uses Imprisonment for His Own Purposes

(Written August 30, 1886, from Basel, Switzerland, to L. R. Conradi.)

We were made very sorry to hear that you were in prison. We anticipated nothing of the kind when you left us, and we cannot make it seem real now. We have not forgotten you, but we have presented your case to the highest tribunal—the Great Sovereign of the worlds. The Lord whom we serve will deliver you in His own good time. 21MR 219.1

We feel sorry to have your wife in constant worriment and anxiety, but the Lord will not leave you. Jesus, the precious Saviour will give you peace and the consolation of His Holy Spirit. Jesus in giving His commission to His disciples, bade them go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to all nations, tongues, and people. From His divine lips came these words, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” 21MR 219.2

Although we cannot see and understand why the good you meant to do your fellow men in Russia was interrupted, yet this is one among the things that shall work together for good to them that love the Lord. My dear brother, wherever you are you can make friends for yourself. We can see now more clearly some of the difficulties that lie in the way of those who would obey God. 21MR 219.3

Men are finite; God is infinite. The Heavens do rule. We may not now be able to reconcile this fact with circumstances, but God works in a mysterious way His wonders to perform. God is working, we will not doubt, to bring light before many who otherwise would never have received knowledge of it. He works to diffuse blessings to His people scattered throughout our world. Do not for a moment think that God's hand is against you. Keep up good courage and remember that the Lord is Supreme Ruler. God suffers sin to develop itself in crimes and cruelties, yet He will not leave to confusion those who love Him. 21MR 219.4

Think of the love of God manifested to man. Think what Jesus, the Prince of Life, suffered in this world—the Just for the unjust, that He might save men from death and misery. God governs the world. He is Omnipotent. Be sure then, whatever His wisdom desires or His love inspires, His power will execute. [Psalm 89:8, 9, 14, quoted.] 21MR 219.5

God reigns, and notwithstanding His majesty He loves the most helpless, the most suffering ones among His children. God is showing us evidences of His power, and truth will triumph. God will uproot every error in doctrine. Every truth will be immortal. Commit the keeping of your soul to God as unto a faithful Creator. The angels of God are round about you. Have faith in God. Remember Jesus your Redeemer and see what He endured. 21MR 219.6

When the apostles of Christ were thrust into prison angels of God came within the prison walls and ministered unto them. Oh, the tenderness, the compassion of God. He says, “Can a woman forget her sucking child? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee” [Isaiah 49:15]. 21MR 220.1

Daniel was placed in the den of lions, the three worthies were cast into a burning fiery furnace, but Jesus was with them and the flames could not harm them. Oh, trust in God. You are guilty of no crime—only that of seeking to make men kind and obedient, truthful and loyal—and with this consciousness you can lift up holy hands without doubting. 21MR 220.2

Wherever God has an obedient child there is an element of power wielded for God and the truth. Because men are misjudged and condemned and cast into the silent prison it is no evidence that God does not reign. He says that those who believe on Him shall suffer persecution. The greater the opposition to right and righteousness, the more will the Lord let His precious light shine forth. 21MR 220.3

Just put your trust in Jesus and remember that you are suffering for His sake, and that He will not leave nor forsake you. Have faith in God. Our prayers are going up daily to God in your behalf. We will have special care for your wife and child. Those who have put you in prison have done an unjust thing. If they had known you and been acquainted with your work, instead of enclosing you in prison walls they would have sent you two throughout the length and breadth of the domain, telling you to proclaim to all people, to all subjects and to all tongues, that there is a living God, that there is salvation for the sinner. 21MR 220.4

The truth cannot be advanced by force. The weapons of our warfare are mighty because they are not carnal. May the Lord give you grace to bear with meekness anything that men may do unto you. 21MR 220.5

[Romans 8:35-39, quoted.] 21MR 220.6

You are not ignorant that Jesus gave His precious blood for you. You have a shepherd full of kindness, full of care, and of mercy and tenderness; then believe you may trust Him every moment. 21MR 220.7

Jesus identifies His interest with suffering humanity. That which is done to you to make you suffer is done to Christ in the person of His saints. We believe God is working in your behalf. Only cling with un-wavering faith to the promise. May God bless you two brethren who are imprisoned for the truth's sake, and remember we are praying for your deliverance.—Letter 49, 1886. 21MR 220.8

Ellen G. White Estate

Silver Spring, Maryland,

January 17, 1991.

Entire Letter.