Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 80, 1893

Caro, Margaret

Wellington, New Zealand

April 27, 1893

Previously unpublished.

Dear Sister Caro,

We are made sad to hear of the unfavorable features apparent in the sickness of Brother Wilson. After the telegram was received, we had a special season of prayer for him; Elders Israel, Starr, White, and Brother Simpson being present, and all prayed. We believe the Lord hath heard our petitions He has given us His word, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” [John 14:13, 14.] 8LtMs, Lt 80, 1893, par. 1

Let us believe the Lord will hear our united petitions. With Him nothing is impossible. The words spoken [by] Moses, the Mighty Counselor speaks to us, “And the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto Me, and I will hear it.” [Deuteronomy 1:17.] What a cheering, hopeful message is this. Shall not we comply with this gracious invitation? One greater than Moses speaks these words, and it comes down along the line of ages to the Israel of God in these days. The case that is baffling to human wisdom, too difficult for the acutest skill of man, take it then to Jesus, and He who has spoken so encouragingly “bring it unto Me” will not disappoint our expectations. 8LtMs, Lt 80, 1893, par. 2

That which He requires of us is simply to exercise faith in His word that He will remove all our difficulties and perplexities and make all that is complex clear, and all that is dark light. With Him nothing is impossible. One thing I know, we must rest upon the promise of God without one doubt. Look and live. “Looking unto Jesus, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith.” [Hebrews 12:2.] Here, as on a stable foundation, we rest. Faith can there act its way—often sunless and starless, while every thing in appearance is an intricate wilderness. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] 8LtMs, Lt 80, 1893, par. 3

Faith can travel through trials, endure temptations, bear and live under disappointments. Bear up under apparent forbidding providences, saying, Thou are my refuge, in Thee I trust implicitly believing His word because the eye of faith sees in Jesus the substitute and surety for men, and Jesus is the ever living witness that God is true. The promise is then to us, yea, and Amen in Christ Jesus. 8LtMs, Lt 80, 1893, par. 4

The waves of trial and temptation may be rolling at our feet, and to all appearances we are sinking beneath the white-capped billows that seem to be talking with death, and our souls exclaim in anguish. Will He be favorable no more? Will the Lord cease to be gracious? Hath He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Look up upon the face of His anointed. Behold the glory of God’s verity and His truth and loving kindness and tender compassion beaming in the face of Jesus Christ, and doubt no more. Jesus lives as our representative in the courts of heaven. He is our Advocate. All is yours which His mediation secures. Never will He break His oath or falsify His word, nor alter the thing that hath gone out of His mouth. We thank Dr. Caro and yourself for your hospitality and kindnesses to us. The Lord bless you and Sr. ... [Remainder missing.] 8LtMs, Lt 80, 1893, par. 5