Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 261, 1903

Waggoner, E. J.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

November 30, 1903

Previously unpublished.

Elder E. J. Waggoner

My dear brother,—

I awake in the night, pleading with the Lord in behalf of the workers who have long known the truth, but who are walking apart from their brethren. They are compassed about by the sparks of their own kindling and are taking positions that separate them from their fellow laborers. 18LtMs, Lt 261, 1903, par. 1

Why should men who have been given the clear light of the closing gospel message seek out peculiar theories and exalt them, through them exalting themselves and setting themselves off from their brethren. 18LtMs, Lt 261, 1903, par. 2

This work is not the fruit of righteousness. The Lord is not in it. The experience thus gained is a deceptive one. The Lord calls upon all who have engaged in this work to change their attitude, to move very carefully, to learn the preciousness of the words of Christ, and be content to keep in line with the greatest Teacher that the world has ever known. If they will draw nigh to God, He will draw nigh to them. 18LtMs, Lt 261, 1903, par. 3

As a teacher in one of our training schools for Christian workers, you occupy a position of great responsibility. You are never to forget that it is a great privilege thus to be a co-worker with Christ. You are to co-operate with the purpose of God by working out the divine principles in your own life and also by molding in accordance with these principles the characters of the youth under your charge. Teach these youth to study the simplicity of Christ. 18LtMs, Lt 261, 1903, par. 4

I am sending you with this a warning against fanciful doctrines, which you may read to your classes. I am also sending a letter which I wrote to you about the time of your return from Europe. I have not felt free to send this letter till now. I pray that you may shun the dangers in your pathways which you see, and also those which you do not see, against which you are warned. 18LtMs, Lt 261, 1903, par. 5