Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 59, 1895

Diary, February 1895

Granville, Australia

February 6-24, 1895

Portions of this manuscript are published in 15MR 217-226; 4Bio 183, 187.

Wednesday, February 6, 1895

[Granville, New South Wales]

One week ago today W. C. White, Elder Corliss and his wife, Brother Colcord and Sister Bree left Granville for Sydney. The boat left the wharf about six p.m. We had very windy weather all the time until Monday. It rained every day. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 1

Monday we harnessed up Maggie and Jessie to the platform wagon, and Byron Belden and his wife and I rode into Sydney to purchase dry goods, alpaca, for the poor and the destitute. We invested five pounds for this business and still a sum for rice and peas in quantity to supply the necessity of the destitute and also supply our own help, the girls who are employed as needed. I purchase for them as I have opportunity, that the outlay of means shall be as limited as possible and they secure that which they need. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 2

Yesterday Dr. Merritt Kellogg and Brethren Sisley came from Cooranbong. They have been locating the school. I am gratified to see them so well pleased with the school land. I think they will come round, as God designed, and locate on the very spot where He would have us locate our school. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 3

In the afternoon Brother Pallant came to inform me that my books had come from the Echo office in Melbourne. I sent for a supply to give to the destitute. Those who could have them and pay for them and do not are the most in need of them, and I shall place a set in their homes. I shall supply those who want them and cannot buy, for they must have them. I see the need of economy in every line, but the reading matter treating on present truth the people must have. Sister Rousseau and May Lacey have gone to Sydney today to purchase more dry goods, which although out of immediate fashion is durable and washable, and I must clothe the naked. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” [Matthew 25:40.] 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 4

In the afternoon a telegram from Auckland made our hearts glad. It said, “All well; send to Echo.” We sent on the happy news to Echo cheerfully. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 5

This morning at about half past ten o’clock Brother and Sister Humphrey came to visit me. I had borne a decided testimony, calling Brethren Hardy and Humphrey by name, as men who were doing nothing to strengthen and build up the church but to hinder and discourage by criticism and complaint, standing in an objectionable, opposing position. What bitter elements! They had not paid their tithes, but by their course of action were bringing themselves into a position where the Lord could not bless them. They were robbing God in tithes and in offerings, and the Lord has bidden me present to them the message given in Malachi from the Lord God of hosts. They were to read the conditions that the Lord has made for human agents. The Lord plainly tells the human family His requirements. He has not left us in uncertainty, to move by impulse in this matter at the will and opinion of man. It is His own arrangement with man that man should give to the Lord a tithe of all his income. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 6

The Lord will not be trifled with in this matter. He will do as He hath promised in Malachi: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” [Malachi 3:10.] 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 7

I read to the church the message the Lord gave me and urged it home upon them to change their attitude toward God without delay. The Lord inquires, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” [Verse 8.] Three hours I labored with all my might, in the strength which God alone can give, to lay out in clear lines their duty and their performance of their duty. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 8

Brother Hardy made excuses, but he began to relent, and when I called out, Who will be on the Lord’s side? Several of the church responded. I begged of them all to take their position wholly for God, and the Holy Spirit touched hearts. I told them they had complained of every messenger and the message that he bore, and how could the Lord work through the influence of the Sydney church when they were unfaithful to God in their stewardship and unfaithful in the treatment of His messengers, refusing to be benefited with the message that the Lord sends them? Brother Hardy said he accepted the message and Brother Humphrey spoke with softened spirit. They are the two leading men. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 9

It was then past six o’clock and the meeting must close. Emily Campbell and I stepped into the hall. Our carriage was waiting for us, and we had thirteen miles to ride to our home in Granville. Brother Humphrey came out in the hall and said, “I want to be a true Christian. Will you pray for me?” I assured him that I would. We left, and I called, some out of our way, at Brother McCullagh’s to get a cup of milk, and then we passed on home. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 10

Brother Hardy came to see me next day—a man all broken in spirit, confessing his wrongs and ready to be told his duty. He is a changed man. Brother Humphrey came to see me, all broken, weeping, and humble—both his wife and himself are seeking the Lord earnestly. I read other matter to Brother Humphrey. He received it all, confessed his mistakes and errors, and declared he would this week pay the tithes that he had not paid—he had paid nothing for the past year—and then he would keep up his tithe and no longer rob God. We had a precious season of prayer. I prayed, and Brother Humphrey prayed, and the melting Spirit of God was in our midst. Oh, that these souls may plant their feet on the Rock of Ages and be doers of the words of Christ! 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 11

After they left, I hurried up my writing to W. C. White and to Sister Tuxford. Then a large mail was sent to Willie for him to read and send on to America. This has brought a strain upon me, but the Lord knows all about it and will help me. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 12

It is now ten minutes of six o’clock. I must stop my writing. This day, February 6, letters came from Brother Haskell from Africa, giving an account of the wonderful manifestation of the power of God in Africa. It is the wonderful work of God in the latter rain. One hundred twenty-five souls have been converted and twenty-five more are waiting baptism. It is God’s work. I rejoice. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 13

February 7, 1895

Norfolk Villa

I arise at half past four. I am thankful for a good night’s rest. I come to my heavenly Father as a little child and thank Him for His love and tender care for me. His mercy and wonderful kindness fill me with praise. He has in His providence placed in my hands excellent goods so cheap that I can clothe the naked and feed the hungry, and I will do this for His dear name’s sake. Jesus, my precious Saviour! Oh, what love has Jesus revealed for us! To His name be all the glory. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 14

I rejoice that my brethren Hardy and Humphrey are turning to the Lord. Satan has worked hard to stamp his own image on these two men, and he has had that power overthrown. He has succeeded in organizing them as criticizers to do his work and [has] so impregnated their hearts with his spirit of revolt that—through their opposing plans and methods, finding fault with the ministry and the message that God gave them—this spirit was leavening the church. But thank God the snare is broken and these men are now converted. It is a miracle of mercy. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 15

Oh, how Satan works to plant his throne between the human worship and the Divine Being, intercepting and appropriating the adoration God should have. The Lord is mighty. The Lord works, and who can hinder Him? The adversary of God and man is ever at work to unite every human agency with him to see faults in their brethren and to cherish the spirit of criticism, educate themselves as accusers of the Lord’s delegated servants, and to question and make of none effect the message that they bear. Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 16

Let not ruthless human hands suppose this is their work, for it is not given into their finite hands. Let both tares and wheat grow until the harvest. Then the plants of righteousness will appear distinct and plain. By the fruit they bear are they known. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 17

Sabbath, February 9

Thursday, February 7, Brethren Rousseau and McKenzie came from Dora Creek to Granville. Brother Rousseau had business to do in the interest of the school grounds. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 18

Sabbath Brother Rousseau went to Ashfield. Byron Belden, Sarah Belden, and Sister May Lacey accompanied me to my appointment at Prospect. I had freedom in speaking upon the invitation given to the marriage supper of the Lamb and the excuses made refusing the invitation. Then I read letters from Brother Haskell, which deeply interested them, and our meeting closed quite late. Read letters also from Edson White. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 19

As we left the house we saw a storm coming. The blackness grew deeper—so pretentious that we drove as fast with our colts as we dared. When we were almost home the fury of the gale struck. Large hail stones began to fall—as large around as a hen’s egg, but not as long. The horses could not keep their footing and twice slipped down on their haunches, for the road was slippery clay. The great hail stones frightened the young horse, for they were striking her with terrible force. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 20

I said, “Byron, get out at once.” He had not considered this the best thing to do, thinking he could control the horse better where he was, in the carriage. I said, “Go to her head; talk to her. Let the horses know it is not you that are beating them.” He jumped out, at this suggestion. I said, “May Lacey and Sarah, get out.” They did but they cannot tell how. The colt was about frantic. She is a strong, sound colt, but broken to the harness only a few months. But she did not kick, neither did she break into a run, but tried to get away from something terrible. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 21

I got out next, May and Sarah helping me. Then they helped me, one on one side and one on the other. The wind was blowing with such force that hats were taken from our heads and cushions were blown from the wagon. The heavy carriage cushions, umbrellas, and heavy carriage robes were blown into the field, and were flying in every direction. But we were all out from the carriage, Byron firmly holding the young frightened horse. Had it known its power, it could have freed itself from his grasp and torn everything to pieces and killed itself. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 22

What a scene! Sister Belden, May Lacey, and I reached the house hatless. I grasped my hat in my hand as it was blowing before me on the ground. All of us three women were in the home—drenched. Byron was with the poor terror-stricken new horse. Sarah Belden caught up a shawl and ran out again in the fast falling hail. We could not see them although they were in full sight of the house. The fast falling rain made it impossible to discern anything distinctly. We could only lift up our hearts to God for His help. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 23

Byron said afterwards he did not dare to stir the horses, fearing my horse would become uncontrollable. The colt was finally led close to the paddock fence, and Sarah Belden tried to untackle the traces but could not. She then climbed over the fence and held the horse’s head over the fence while Byron unhitched the traces and let the horse free. He then led her down to the yard, taking her through the front yard grounds. Sarah Belden came into the house drenched to the skin. After the storm had spent its force, Byron again took the colt and attached her to the wagon and picked up the scattered things which had been blown about, and brought them to the house. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 24

This is the sharpest experience I have ever had in a carriage in a storm. When the blackness deepened, with the clouds in the south, I supposed it would be no ordinary storm that we should have, and I thought of the day when the judgment of God would be poured out upon the world, when blackness and horrible darkness would clothe the heavens as sackcloth of hair. We have no question but our prayers were answered and the angel of God stood by the horses’ heads. Nothing was broken. The Lord preserved us, and His name shall be glorified. But I was deeply impressed. My imagination anticipated what it must be in that period when the Lord’s mighty voice shall give commission to His angels, “Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” [Revelation 16:1.] 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 25

Thy right hand, O God, shall dash in pieces Thine enemies. Revelation 6 and 7 are full of meaning. Terrible are the judgments of God revealed. The seven angels stood before God to receive their commission. To them were given seven trumpets. The Lord was going forth to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth was to disclose her blood and no more cover her slain. Give the description in chapter 6. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 26

When the plagues of God shall come upon the earth, hail will fall upon the wicked, about the weight of a talent. The hail had struck Brother Belden. One stone struck him on the back of the head, raising a large lump. Another stone struck him very near the temple. The bruise still shows upon the hands of Sister Belden. But what must it be when the hail shall be so much increased in size, falling upon those who would not care for and obey God but insulted Him and despised all His mercies? 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 27

But there are mercies mixed with judgment. Revelation 7 and 8:3, 4. The Lord has a people whom He will preserve. John beheld the “four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree” till the seal of the living God shall be placed upon those who love God and keep His commandments. [Revelation 7:2, 3.] The elements of nature are to be placed in the power of angels of God. He holdeth the winds in His fists (Proverbs 30:4). He gathereth the waters in the hollow of His hand (Isaiah 40:12). He maketh the clouds His chariot (Psalm 104:3). “The Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King forever” [Psalm 29:10]. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 28

The Lord is ruler of nations. The sequence of nature is under God’s jurisdiction. God works by His own laws, for He is a God of order. God works; Jesus worked when He was upon earth, holding back the impatient winds, controlling the tempests, calming the angry sea and rolling up the mighty deep, piling up the walls, making a path for the more than a million of His people that He was delivering from Egyptian slavery, suffering not the hurricane of waters to pursue their natural course until every soul of Israel whom He had delivered was safely on the other side of the sea. Then the impetuous waters that had been held back for the saving of Israel, at His word, through the human agent lifting that rod—that simple stick—rushed on as before, and not one soul escaped of that vast army. Pharaoh and all his host were slain. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 29

God gives the sea its decree. He walketh on the wings of the wind. And if we have been mercifully shielded from accident, if lightning and tempest have passed us by unharmed, if the waves that talked with death have submerged the proud vessels but have brought the one on which we sailed to the harbor, let us bow in gratitude to God and thank Him that the power of mighty angels, at His bidding, have held back the winds and waves that they did not destroy. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 30

And what a representation is given in Revelation 7 for our consideration and comfort and encouragement! The four angels are commissioned to do a work upon the earth. But One who purchased the world by giving Himself for its ransom has a chosen few. Who? Those who are keeping all of the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 31

John’s attention was called to another scene: “And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God.” Revelation 7:2. Who is this? The Angel of the covenant. He comes from the sunrising. He is the Dayspring from on high. He is the Light of the world. “In Him is life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4. This is the One Isaiah describes: “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6. He cried, as One who had superiority over the hosts of angels in heaven “to whom it was given to hurt the earth, and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” Revelation 7:2, 3. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 32

Here is the divine and the human united. The command is given to the four angels to hold in check the four winds until they receive His summons. Read the entire chapter. The cry, “Hurt not,” is uttered by the Restorer, the Redeemer. [Verse 3.] 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 33

Judgment and wrath were to be repressed only for a little space until a certain work was done. The message, the last message of warning and mercy, has been retarded in doing its work by the selfish love of money, the selfish love of ease, and the unfitness of man to do a work that needs to be done. The angel that is to lighten the earth with His glory has waited for human instrumentalities through whom the light of heaven could shine, and they thus co-operate to give, in its sacred, solemn importance, the message which is to decide the destiny of the world. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 34

But the churches are not awake. New life must enter into the churches. The last work of warning and mercy for a fallen world is being done. None are to be deceived, thinking to lay their individual work on somebody else. When this probationary time shall close, there is no opportunity for those who have received the warning message, the proclamation of pardon and salvation, and have refused—have turned from light and truth and accepted fables—to be justified. There is no second bidding to the marriage feast, no intermediate state when another call will be made to come to the heavenly feast. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 35

Now is the time to work, just now. There is not a moment to lose. All national, denominational, and sectarian distinctions between rank and rank, between caste and caste, are lost. The message is to be proclaimed in the highways and byways and hedges. Every human agent is merging his character under one of two heads—the Prince of Life and the prince of darkness. To those who receive Christ He gives power to become loyal sons of God. They keep His commandments. The benediction rests upon them, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14. The commandmentbreakers are left outside with the false shepherds whom they believed, and with “whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” [Verse 15.] 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 36

The work is before us individually. Our moral identity cannot be submerged in any human being. We shall be called of God to do our work according to our several ability. The vineyard is large and requires every jot of moral power everyone has had entrusted to him or her. Partition walls will be broken down. Everyone who will hear the message and believe the truth will no longer be confined, bound to creeds, but will take the Bible as his guide, as the very creed of life, as the waters of salvation. The very intensity of the light shining from heaven makes men messengers of truth and salvation. They cannot hold their peace. They have accepted the truth and emerged into the light, the light shining in these last days. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 37

The message of warning is to be given with a deep sense of individual responsibility. Wealth, fame, renown, selfish exaltation will be extinguished, to be forever in the dust. The lifegiving power from Christ in the human agent will not die. Saints will appear just what grace has made them. They praise God who sitteth on the throne, and the Lamb. They live forever and forever through the ceaseless ages of eternity. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 38

If we serve sin, we shall meet the reward of the transgressor of the law of Jehovah before the judgment seat of Christ. The Lord Jesus is to judge the world. He can read the purpose of every life, see through every soul, discern the thoughts of every heart, estimate the feelings that prompt to every action. All the invitations of a gracious God—given, but slighted and refused and rejected—will be presented to every individual, and the sentence which will fix the destiny of the soul in eternal bliss or to be punished with the fiery element of the wrath of God will close the history of the wicked forever. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 39

The condition given to the Hebrews in Egypt on that night when the firstborn were slain was that every family should manifest that faith in the message given them of God that would lead them to act in perfect obedience to the directions given them of God. Every member of the family was to be gathered into the dwelling place of the Hebrews. They were to eat the Passover with their preparations all made for their departure, even with their staffs in their hands. God was about to do His work in Judgment, and this was to bring Pharaoh to understand that the Lord, He was God, and beside Him there was none else. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 40

The angel of God was to pass over the houses of the Hebrews with the blood sprinkled on the lintels and doorposts. This sign was to be respected. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 41

But suppose that the inmates of the house were careless and did not gather their children with them in the house? Or suppose the children who had been born and brought up in Egypt thought this only a whim, and altogether unnecessary, and should refuse the entreaties of their parents, making some excuse as did those called to the marriage supper? Then the judgment of God would not spare, but the stroke would as surely come upon the firstborn of the Hebrews as the firstborn of the Egyptians. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 42

What is the condition of those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus? If in families there are those who are refusing obedience to the Lord in keeping His Sabbath, then the seal cannot be placed upon them. The sealing is a pledge from God of perfect security to His chosen ones (Exodus 31:13-17). Sealing indicates you are God’s chosen. He has appropriated you to Himself. As the sealed of God we are Christ’s purchased possession, and no one shall pluck us out of His hands. The seal given in the forehead is God, New Jerusalem. “I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God.” Revelation 3:12. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 43

Parents, are you awake to gather your children with you into the fold? Are you making the salvation of Jesus Christ your first business? Do you educate and train your children to be obedient to you, their earthly father, that they may be obedient to God, their heavenly Father? This is your work—to leave nothing undone that you can do to co-operate with the Holy Spirit. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 44

Sabbath, February 16, 1895

May Lacey accompanied me to Petersham, eleven miles, the new place of meeting. A neat hall was filled to overflowing. Brother McCullagh had spoken at Ashfield in the forenoon, Brother Hare had been at Parramatta, and both were at the meeting in Petersham. The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking upon the fourteenth of Luke, the first portion of the chapter. There was then a testimony meeting. Those newly come to the faith came from Ashfield, and they bore witness for Jesus. The blessing of the Lord rested upon us. Brethren Humphrey and Hardy appear entirely changed men in spirit. They were bearing the change in their very countenance. I thought of the words spoken by God, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 45

I was much pleased to hear the assuring testimony given from the believers who came from Ashfield. Oh, that everyone would praise the Lord for His goodness! Meeting lasted three hours. Many testimonies were borne and the Spirit of the Lord was resting upon the people. May and I then returned to Granville. We did not arrive at home until after dark. Brother Rousseau was unable to attend meeting. He has had an acute attack of fever and dizziness. He has overworked. Heroic treatment has been given him. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 46

Sunday, February 17, 1895

Granville, New South Wales

Cannot sleep past twelve o’clock. I commence writing. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 47

Brother Rousseau left this morning. May the Lord be with him and strengthen and bless him, is our most earnest prayer, as he goes upon the school grounds. He has been sick since Wednesday, but the Lord has heard prayer in his behalf, and working, giving treatments, and praying, have overcome existing difficulties. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 48

This day we have earnest work to do to prepare American mail. Oh that the Lord will make me a channel of light to impart light to those who need it so much in America! My heart takes in the situation and I am praying and writing to those who need the letters of encouragement and caution. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 49

Monday, February 18, 1895

[Granville, N. S. W.]

Cannot sleep past two o’clock a.m. Dr. M. Kellogg left this morning for Dora Creek. It was and ever has been a trying time to send off so large a mail to America, to Africa, and to London, England. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 50

I am writing now upon New Testament subjects and on the life of Christ. Fannie will prepare the matter for the papers and Marian will select some portions of it for the book, Life of Christ. Some days my head is weary and I cannot write much. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 51

Tuesday, February 19, 1895

[Granville, N. S. W.]

Slept until four o’clock. I praise the Lord when I can sleep, for I am aware I do not get the sleep I should. I cannot write much the last part of the day. The subject I am writing upon is of intense interest—“The Call to the Supper.” 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 52

Sister Rousseau and May Lacey went to Sydney and did not return until evening. May Lacey was sick; had a high fever. We felt anxious for her. Vigorous treatment was given. This is the fourth case of the kind we have had. First Edith was sick. Her symptoms were alarming, and she was taken to the hospital, but was soon able to return home. Maude Camp was the next attacked—had pain in the bones, giddiness, pain in the head, and high fever—but vigorous water treatment overcame the difficulty. And now May is attacked, but hot bath is given and profuse sweating overcomes the difficulty. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 53

Wednesday, February 20, 1895

May keeps her bed today although there is no special fever. Letters go to W. C. White, to Auckland. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 54

Thursday, February 21, 1895

I could not sleep past two o’clock, and I commenced my writing about three o’clock. My very best time for writing is in the morning. I am so anxious on mail day, lest someone who needs a letter from the workers in Australia should be forgotten. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 55

I am pleased to say that although we are not yet fully seeing all we desire, yet we will praise God that the work is being carried forward. We find so great encouragement in the Word. We are instructed, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 56

Everyone must search the Scriptures for his individual self, exercising faith, and being oft in prayer. Blessed Book! In it we find tidings that come to us from heaven—truth that is rich and full of encouragement. Never will these blessed truths become old and uninteresting. Here are promises and hope and assurance that stretch from one end of the earth to the other. Our faith in this Book—if we practice its truths—is eternal life to every soul who receives truth. We have a knowledge of its Author. He says, “I give unto them eternal life.” [John 10:28.] 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 57

I awoke at two o’clock, and my mind was refreshed at the thought of Christ’s word. It is eternal life which He has purchased for all who will believe His words. Christ is the purchaser; He is the Redeemer. He gave His life for the world and to all who believe in Him He gives power to become sons of God. The Word leads us to Christ. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 58

Friday, February 22, 1895

Granville, N. S. W.

I cannot sleep longer than half past two. I arise and dress and seek the Lord for His guidance and counsel, which is my daily practice, and write in my diary. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 59

February 23, 1895

Norfolk Villa, Prospect Street, Granville, N. S. W.

I thank my heavenly Father for His blessing in giving me sleep during the night that is past. I awakened at two o’clock a.m. and vainly tried to sleep until the clock struck three. Then I arose and dressed and sought the blessing of God in prayer, and with rest and assurance of His love I take my pen to write. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 60

Yesterday morning, Sabbath, May Lacey and Annie Ulrich accompanied me to Ashfield. We left our home with horse and carriage about half past eight and rode eleven miles to the meeting hall in Ashfield. I was pleased to see so good a hall and to see it well filled. The Sabbath school passed off interestingly. Not fewer than eighty men, women, and children were present. Some had come from Petersham, and some from Sydney, to hear me speak. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 61

The Lord gave me freedom in speaking of “The Invitation to the Supper.” I endeavored to impress upon the minds of the hearers that the parable was applicable to us who are blessed with the privilege of hearing the message of mercy and the gracious invitation to come to the gospel feast. I was more than pleased to see the children as they listened with rapt attention to the words spoken. I know that God alone could apply to their minds the principles brought out. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 62

Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Christ said that we must forsake all in order to be His disciples—father, mother, sisters, brethren. The truth comes to the husband and the wife. If the husband does not accept the light, he will do all in his power to hinder the wife from accepting the truth, and too often the wife sees the difficulties she must meet and hopelessly yields up all effort to lift the cross. I tried to set before them that the identity of the wife cannot be submerged in the husband. The wife is God’s property by creation and redemption. She has an individual responsibility of her own to comply with the gospel invitation to come to the feast provided at infinite cost. She cannot consent to give her soul into her husband’s keeping, for it belongs to Jesus Christ. If her husband refuses to come, it is no reason or excuse for her to urge why she cannot come. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 63

The Lord Jesus convicts hearts. They hear the bidding and are inclined to accept the gracious invitation, but if frivolous excuses are presented and they refuse, shall the wife refuse to walk in the light which shines upon her pathway? The sin and spiritual loss is too serious a matter to be risked. To turn away from the wooings of the Holy Spirit of God to please husband or relatives or children involves eternal consequences. It is not safe to neglect the Lord’s invitation. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 64

The last message of mercy is being given to our world. Jesus Christ has married His church as His bride unto Himself. There is no earthly marriage relation that can be an excuse to separate the wife from her husband Jesus Christ. If need be, she must forsake husband, or the husband the wife, and in faith practice religious principles and manifest her loyalty to God and Jesus Christ, who has bought her as His property. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 65

Precious testimonies were borne by many newly come to the truth. It is a solemn period in which we live. Fables in abundance are presented as Scriptural truth, but they are poisonous error to parents and children. They feast on deadly error that kills the spiritual health of the soul. Error and antichristian doctrine are cherished as venerable in this age, but they give no nourishment to the soul. Many have not the privilege of eating any other kind of food, and as a result they have no spiritual life. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 66

Sunday, February 24, 1895

Norfolk Villa, Prospect Street, Granville

We returned from Ashfield yesterday, reaching home about four p.m. Sunday May Lacey and I rode to Petersham, eleven miles. I spoke in the tent, from 1 John 3. The Lord gave me His Holy Spirit, and the truth as it is in Jesus, spoken on that occasion, made impression on minds. There were about one hundred and sixty present, apparently an excellent class of people. They listened, apparently with intense interest, and the Lord was present in the meeting. There were quite a number outside the tent all through the service. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 67

I endeavored to present the great love of God in giving His Son to die for the world, and that notwithstanding this great love manifest in behalf of sinners, how ungrateful were the human agents in that they would turn from Christ, the world’s Redeemer. They turn to the amusements of the world, and their reasoning powers become absorbed in planning how they shall obtain wealth. Others cherish a feverish anxiety to engage in horse races and games and various exciting worldly interests, and have no time to search the Scriptures, no time to make preparations for eternity. Some who go out in the buoyancy of health never return. Oft has this been the case; and shall human beings rush on as if mad, infatuated, deluded, deceived by the enemy, without thought of God or heaven or the loss of other souls? But the love of Jesus and the love of the Father for the souls of men have been revealed. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 68

Brother Pallant, who passed the contribution box, brought me a little token from one who was one of the descendants of the old Waldenses. There was a short letter written me which I will copy. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 69

“2 Davis Street, Victoria St., Petersham 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 70

“Dear Sister: 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 71

“As a member of a very old Waldensian family need I tell you how delightful are the services on the second coming of Christ? My life from my very birth has been ‘a series of mercies by the way.’ My Jesus is very precious. God’s ways are past finding out. He holds His saints in the hollow of His hand. Why our earthly trials are permitted we shall never know till we reach the golden gate. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 72

“Gold and silver have I not at my command. Please do me the favor of accepting this trifling little memento of our meeting. May the God of Israel bless and keep us safely ever beneath the shadow of His wings. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 73

Yours in Christ, Sault Footsene Clere [?] 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 74

M L H G L I Y, M A, G O B B Y” 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 75

This token given was a small tin pencil case with three short common lead pencils to fit in the case. I appreciate this expression of favor, and will respond by giving the brother Steps to Christ. 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 76

Ladies of excellent appearance made themselves acquainted with me and expressed themselves as much pleased with the remarks made. One said, “Everything is so simple and easy to be understood. Practical godliness needs to be kept before the people, and I was impressed with the words, Faith works by love and purifies the soul. This is in harmony with my ideas.” Another said, “I have enjoyed this evening much. I thank you for the beautiful presentation of truth. It came to me in a manner I have not thought of before. I shall have something to carry home with me.” Another said, “I heard you speak in the tent and am pleased to hear you speak tonight. When will you speak again? I wish to bring some of my friends to hear you, for this is what we want to attract souls to Jesus Christ, that they may contemplate His matchless charms.” 10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 77