Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 95, 1897

Miller, Sister

“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia

August 31, 1897

Previously unpublished.

Dear Sister Miller:

I write to you, my sister, as one of the Lord’s children. If you have spoken any words unfavorable to me, or even against me, it is not the unpardonable sin. The Lord is merciful and just. He will pardon all our transgressions and sins. He says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] I freely forgive any words you have spoken against me, and I know the Lord is more tender and compassionate toward you than it is possible for me to be. My heart is drawn up in pitying love for you, and my prayers shall ascend to God in your behalf. Your Redeemer has given His life upon the cross of shame, in order to save all who will receive Him. Come to Jesus just as you are, and believe that He does love you. You must feast in the love of Jesus. 12LtMs, Lt 95, 1897, par. 1

Our Saviour sought to educate and complete our love for God by teaching the members of His family to address Him by a new name—a name which, spoken to Him and of Him, would be a sign of our affection and love and entire trust in Him, and a pledge to us of His tender regard and His relationship to us. The name entwined with the dearest associations of the human heart, spoken when asking His favor and blessing, is as music to His ears. The Lord has given to all the privilege of calling Him by the endearing name of Father. And, that we might not feel it presumption in us, He has continued to repeat it again and again. He would have us become familiar with the appellation. 12LtMs, Lt 95, 1897, par. 2

This is how He regards you, as His child. He has redeemed you out of the careless world, and has chosen you to become a member of the royal family, a child of the heavenly king. He invites you to have confidence in Him, as a child has confidence in its earthly father. 12LtMs, Lt 95, 1897, par. 3

Our Saviour addresses the parents, and says, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” [John 16:24.] “If ye being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him.” [Luke 11:13.] O what love, what matchless love, has God our Father shown to us His children! In full assurance of faith we may call Him Father. He would have us believe that He has a special care for us, for has not the rich fountain been flowing down to us in richest currents of love and pity and tenderest compassion? His love is immeasurable. Parents may love their children, but the love of God is larger, broader, deeper than human love possibly can be. The Father hath an inexhaustible fountain of love. He loves you, dear sister. He loves your husband. He loves your children. He loves your parents. The Lord Jesus is your Redeemer, your Restorer. Only have faith. Trust Him just now. 12LtMs, Lt 95, 1897, par. 4

Dear sister, I write to you as a child of God. If you have spoken any word against me, I freely forgive you. Jesus has given His life for you, and He will not give you up because of a word spoken unadvisedly. God has not forsaken nor forgotten you. He says to you, “Be still, and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] Place yourself as a little child before your heavenly Father. The Lord loves you. If you have spoken any words against me, it was not wilful sin. You must look upon your heavenly Father as one who will give peace. 12LtMs, Lt 95, 1897, par. 5

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in every time of need.” [Hebrews 4:15, 16.] 12LtMs, Lt 95, 1897, par. 6

I am sure that the Lord loves you, and my heart goes out after you. I am praying for you. You think your husband loves you; your mother, your brothers and sisters love you; but you are much more beloved by God, whose you are by creation and by redemption. 12LtMs, Lt 95, 1897, par. 7