Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 260, 1906

Workers in Oakland

Oakland, California,

July 29, 1906

Portions of this letter are published in PM 182-183. +^Note

To the Workers in Oakland:

During the camp-meeting, the large tent has been crowded to its utmost capacity. Many have become deeply interested in the presentation made of Bible truth. This interest must be followed up. One of authority instructs us to make the most of this opportunity. Now, just now, is the time to disseminate the light of God’s truth. The Holy Spirit will be our efficiency. It is not commendable for a workman to leave a work incomplete. It would be a great mistake were we now to leave those who have become interested in the truth. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 1

The Lord would have every worker humble himself before God. Teachers of the truth, repent, and be converted. You need daily a work done for yourselves, that you may be stewards of the grace of God. Work wisely, discreetly, in the love of Christ, to save the souls perishing all around you. Because of a lack of the love of God for their fellow workers, the labors of many are not a success. Their faultfinding, their censuring, their backbiting have kept many from accepting the truth. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 2

One is your Master, even Christ. The Lord desires the complete suppression of the spirit of domineering. Christ will not abide with those who cherish a desire to rule. Let every vestige of this spirit be burned out of the soul by the refining, purifying sanctification of the Holy Spirit. The religion emanating from Jesus Christ is of an entirely different character from that which many professed Christians reveal. Many have not the love of Christ, and unless they change decidedly, they will never receive a welcome into the gates of the city of God. When the love of Christ is shed abroad in the heart, there will be manifested the lovely flavor of His character. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 3

It would be impossible for us to conceive that from Jesus Christ could emanate a religion in which humility is not one of the foundation principles. If humility were not essential for the human family, would it have been so manifest in our Pattern of holiness? He humbled Himself. He left the heavenly courts to dwell upon earth. He was the express image of His Father’s person, yet He made Himself of no reputation. He was equal with the Father; yet He took upon Himself the form of a servant and became obedient even unto the shameful death of the cross. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 4

Oh, that the Lord would open blind eyes, that they might see that God resisteth the proud and self-sufficient and giveth grace unto the humble. Be clothed with humility as with a garment. Humility is one of the true signs of excellency of spirit. He that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 5

The crown of life will be given to them that endure unto the end. Then let us so run that we may obtain the crown of life that fadeth not away. Many will fall beneath the weight of their own self-importance. Unless we keep our Pattern before our eyes, we will be hindered by our besetting sins. We shall find much that will oppose our advance and that will make our work difficult. But we are exhorted to stand fast in the Lord; to hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; to be rooted and grounded in love; and to be established in the faith. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 6

Let all love as brethren. Let love be without dissimulation. Be pitiful. Be courteous. Refrain your tongue from speaking evil, and your lips that they speak no guile, to weaken the hands of the workers; for they are laborers together with God. You offend God when you do not respect His workers. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 7

There is a work to be done now in Oakland and in San Francisco. Now is our golden opportunity to labor for these cities. Humble yourselves, pray much, and the Holy Spirit’s power will attend your labors. Our richest blessings will come to us as we see our need and walk humbly with God. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 8

One may not have the very same gift as has another. In dealing with human minds, a variety of gifts is essential. Search yourselves individually; but do not assume the work of pulling down and humbling any one else. God does not require this of you. He has placed no man upon the judgment seat. Those who have been doing this evil work will never be free until they learn to leave others to obtain their experience from a higher source than finite man. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 9

“Grow in grace daily, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.” [See 2 Peter 3:18.] There should be a high, religious development in Christian experience. In speech there should be manifested a growth of spirituality. With the increase in years, there should be an increase of capability to carry forward the work of God. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 10

Respect one another, as you wish to be respected. Let it be seen that the truth has a unifying power. God has been greatly dishonored by the feebleness of the efforts that have been put forth to come into unity. Because of this lack, the work of God has been hindered. Many have received unfavorable impressions that they should never have received. Unbelievers see the lack of love and unity among our brethren, and because of this, they have failed to be convicted of the truth. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 11

The loss in Mountain view has come as a test to the believers in present truth. Those who carry on the work of printing the truth, to be sent out broadcast, now need tangible evidence as to how the work for this time is regarded by God’s people. In the rebuilding of Pacific Press, money will be required. Let us remember that all we have is the Lord’s. Let us manifest faith, and put into the Lord’s treasury that which is necessary, that this institution may be prepared to proclaim the truth in its purity. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 12

It is time for every one to bind himself about in the expenditure of means, spending nothing that might be saved to help in the work of God. Then there will be meat in the Lord’s house, to supply the needs of the work in other places. Let every church member ask himself the question, Am I honest with God? Have I been faithful in paying tithe? Will God now accept my offering, if I repent and bring to Him a faithful tithe? 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 13

We are doing our work for eternity. The Lord is calling for His gospel to be spread throughout the world. Wake up, brethren, wake up, sisters. Economize on every hand. Seek to be converted to Bible truth. The message is to be carried to every creature. To every man is given his work. Carry the work forward with weeping and with prayer. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 14

May the Lord lay upon many the burden of service. He has given to every man his work, and let each attend to his individual labor. We have no time to lose in faultfinding or criticism. For Christ’s sake, blend in your labors, each filling his appointed place. 21LtMs, Lt 260, 1906, par. 15