Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 23d, 1892

Olsen, O. A.

Adelaide, Australia

November 23, 1892

Previously unpublished.

Dear Brother Olsen:

In regard to Capt. Eldridge, the Lord will give His people wisdom to decide in his case. If he would only be converted, then he would be where he could be taught of God; but I know it will come up: “Who will fill his place?” I do not know, and I wish he would not excuse himself by saying he has not had experience. Has he not had a wonderful opportunity to obtain an experience? Will he plead this to the end of the chapter? Or will he go to work to get that experience? And if he does not obtain it, then what? He does not feel any need of this experience. Let the Lord work through whom He will. 7LtMs, Lt 23d, 1892, par. 1

I send you copies of testimonies sent to Oakland publishing house, fearing that you had not a copy. These answer the question Capt. Eldridge wrote to Willie concerning publishing books outside of our faith. When they get to doing this work, our own books on present truth will drop as flat to the ground, by men who have “not experience,” as did Great Controversy, Vol. 4. When we want special matter pushed out, these books will have the preference, and there will be tedious delays, because men who have not an experience cannot discern the difference between the common and the sacred; and until men who have a jealousy for the honor of God's cause, and that to be kept pure and strong and holy, be assured there will be many things set on foot to stand directly as barriers in the way of the work of God. Let the Office stand on holy, elevated ground. If possible, let it be controlled by men of faith who love and fear God. 7LtMs, Lt 23d, 1892, par. 2