Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 138, 1898
Kellogg, J. H.
NP
December 14, 1898
Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 6-7; 4Bio 397. +Note
Dr. Kellogg:
We must have help from America. I know not of any other way in which the situation here can be relieved. I have hoped and prayed that those who were carrying responsibilities in America would not seek to invest all the means in accordance with their own plans, even in what seemed to them a good work, but would be moved by the Spirit of God to discern our situation and of their abundance provide facilities for us. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 1
You have institutions established in America. You have everything to help you in your work. Building after building has been erected. But we have not even a foundation. Not one building can we claim as a sanitarium. Our money is being consumed in paying exorbitant rents charged for buildings. The building we are now using as a sanitarium is in a good location, but it is not at all adapted for a Health Institution, and has to be managed in a way that cannot leave a correct impression upon the minds of those who patronize it. You have several sanitariums in America. In all Australia we have not one of the right order, which can give character to the work. The institution we have should exert a much more telling influence than it can possibly do now. We have worked and tried and done all in our power to place it upon a basis that would enable it to make returns which would place the work in a more favorable light. But we cannot make bricks without straw. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 2
We had encouragement that Brother John Wessels would come to Australia, and we thought that in one year we could make a beginning. Confidently relying upon future help, a beginning was made in Summer Hill, in a common dwelling house, which was remodelled in some places to make it possible to give treatment. We hoped that if we made the first step, we should see something accomplished in the Lord’s way. Brother John Wessels failed us. He was held where he now is. Nevertheless we planned to go forward, and talk with God about it, as everything seemed beyond our reach. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 3
We were determined not to lose our interest in the work, but everything seemed to be shrouded in a garment of apparently hopeless impossibility. We had gone over this ground in America, but there we had the sympathy and help of friends who were as true as steel. When the work was started in California, we sold our property in Battle Creek, that we might invest means in the churches in Oakland and San Francisco and in the publishing house in Oakland. We sacrificed on the right hand and on the left, and carried a heavy burden. And from a small beginning the work has become strong and successful. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 4
When we came to this country, we found that a very small beginning had been made. There was a printing office in Melbourne. Help came from Africa, else we could not have advanced at all. Then came the dearth of means in the publishing house in Battle Creek, through a disregard of the light which God had given, because men did not heed the warnings and instruction sent them. They did not keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment. This history is written in the books of heaven. The page will one day be read, and all will see the cause that produced the sure result—a loss of souls and a defeat in the progress of God’s work in foreign countries. Those who had been doing their best had to suffer with those who had followed their own counsel. There was a confusion which no human power could unravel. Evil triumphed and good suffered. Satan was doing his best to make things so unexplainable that souls would lose faith and cease to believe that the work of the Lord, the third angel’s message, was wise and good. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 5
Thus Satan used men to abuse God’s mercies. Those who yielded to him became self-servers, unthankful, unholy. They wrapped themselves in garments of pride and deception. They had no realization of their sin and its far-reaching effect upon themselves and the general cause. The enemy controlled them, and they lost their love for God. They became hard, cold, worldly, careless. Some, wholly destitute of right feelings, were so blinded by Satan that they were taken captive by him at his will. They revealed no fruit of holiness, no conscientious faith. Others, supposed to have some faith and grace, were cramped in growth, like a plant in uncongenial soil, exposed to an atmosphere that causes it to be always sickly. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 6
This condition of things at the heart of the work brought the work in foreign countries into much perplexity, especially here in Australia, where the work should have gone forward and upward because the vineyard was prepared for labor. It was God’s design to demonstrate in this new world that the work was of Him. But the work did not go forward as God signified it should. The day of judgment will reveal who is responsible for this. The Lord did not forsake us, although the very same spirit causing hindrance at the heart of the work was cherished by some in this country. Some tried to block the wheels, but God Himself gave the assurance that we must not let go. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 7
I have withheld this for some time, hoping never to need to write it. But I now feel that I have withheld it too long. I must speak, not only to you, but to others in responsible positions. Elder Haskell wrote to Brother Lindsay in Africa, asking if time could not be given before the money loaned us by Sister Wessels must be raised. About the same time Brother Lindsay received a letter from Dr. Kellogg asking for twelve hundred dollars. Have not the Wessels given largely to our institution in America, especially to the Battle Creek Sanitarium? It is not right to allow them to get the idea that we intend to draw and continue to draw upon them. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 8
Regarding our request, Brother Lindsay wrote that the one who had the administration of the estate was an unbeliever and in England, so I have no hope in that line. And I know that no money can be raised here, further than to carry out the demands of the school in a limited way. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 9
When the Battle Creek Sanitarium was established, all our people were drawn upon to take shares in it. The Lord has prospered this institution, especially under your entrusted stewardship. And it is now right that similar institutions be established in the new world, especially in such places as Australia. The means brought into the Battle Creek Sanitarium should be used to help similar institutions in needy circumstances. Donations have come to us here, but our people in America need to deal more liberally with us while there are on the ground those who can see that the money sent is used economically. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 10
God says that we are more than your neighbors; we are your fellow workers, in need of your help. The doctors in this country are prejudiced against our work. They are envious and jealous, for they fear that these Americans will injure their influence. They are making it as hard as possible for us to obtain the foothold we should have in this country. It would be highly proper for a tithe of the money that has been invested in the building up of institutions in America be sent across the broad waters of the Pacific, to be invested in God’s institutions in Australia. The medical missionary work is to be established in Australia as verily as in America. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 11
Men and women in Australia are just as precious in God’s sight as are the men and women in America. There should be a closer relationship between the work here and the work in America. But though men have come from the Battle Creek Sanitarium to this country, telling what should be done, and what must de done, how little has that sanitarium given of its abundant facilities to help in this work. Money does not grow on trees in Australia any more than it does in America. The word comes to us from America, Establish the work in medical missionary lines. Go right ahead. But this is like saying to poor, cold outcasts, “Be ye warmed and clothed,” without doing anything to place them where they may be warmed and clothed. [See James 2:15, 16.] 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 12
I have thought that I would be obliged to call in the royalties on my books sold in foreign countries. But I disliked to do this. Thousands of dollars have been used in Europe that I could have had, had I said, I must have that money to help in advancing the work that is suffering in Australia. The royalties on the foreign books sold in America I use as an educational fund, to help students to obtain an education. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 13
I have had reason to thank God that I could do this. I could use to advantage every dollar of the royalties that are being used in other places. But I do not wish to be selfish, though we have felt the great necessity of means here, when I have seen opportunities for investing means that would give great advancement to the work. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 14
I was one night in great perplexity, not knowing what we could do. In the night season I was presenting our true condition to a company before me. We are making some advancement, but we are obliged to plan and contrive in every way. We are obliged to work in the face of a prejudiced community, who will not help, but in every way seek to hedge up the way. Thus the work of God in this country must remain in insignificance, while the sanitarium at Battle Creek, which has passed through the same strait place, and now stands on vantage ground, is doing very little in comparison with what it should do, to share the burdens that it should share. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 15
Why should not the managers of this sanitarium, which is at the height of its prosperity, feel their obligation to do for the work here what was done years ago for the work in Battle Creek and California? The facilities they are accumulating are the Lord’s property. If He sets men at work in a field where they are not known, where they have no foundation upon which to build, those who have been making advancement should say, We can manage with less better than can those in a new field, who have no money and no means by which to obtain money. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 16
You are not to be blind in regard to these things. You are not to manufacture ways and means to absorb all that God has placed in your hands. The donations made to the Battle Creek Sanitarium should have been shared by institutions in other countries which were struggling for an existence. Thousands of pounds have been given in donations. You have been able to secure the use of money. And yet, knowing our situation, you have done very little to help. You have not done that which it was your privilege and duty to do. Time is short. You have facilities that should be transferred to us, even though you may have to bind about some plans which you have made for the advance and spread of the work in America. The work would have advanced more than one hundredfold in this field had you been able to see afar off. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 17
God will bless those who remember this field. Help must come to us. You are to study how to help others to do a work which is just as essential as the work you are doing. If means had been sent to fields, where the Lord has placed experienced workers, the talents invested would have been multiplied, and a showing altogether different from that now seen would have been the result. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 18
The Lord would have had a sanitarium established in Australia when Brother Semmens first came from Battle Creek. Those who realized the influence of such an institution should have felt in duty bound to share their donations and facilities with those whom God had sent to lay the foundation for such an institution. But owing to our lack of funds, the beginning made was so feeble that the work has exerted little influence. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 19
Have you not observed the wonderful harmony that runs through the Word of God? You cannot draw one thread without drawing with it other threads of the perfect pattern. Thus it should be in our work. The work in Australia is just as important as the work in America. God would have been glorified had you felt impressed to aid His workers in this destitute field. But a selfishness has been manifested by some in America that is not at all pleasing to God. The work shows marked disproportion. It is not God’s will that this should be. All heaven is interested in this field, for great things are to be accomplished here. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 20
In some buildings, if a certain note is struck, the whole building vibrates in harmony. Thus it should have been with the work here and in America. When the Lord sends His servants to a destitute field, those where the work has been established, should take from their abundance to supply the lack of their fellow workers. Thus the work can move forward harmoniously to the glory of God. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 21
One who is constantly guiding and directing His people addressed you, Dr. Kellogg. He said, “The same work that you consider it is essential to do in America it is even more essential to do in Australia. This is a new field, and a very hard and needy field. Had you placed yourself in the position of the workers there, you would have done much more for them than you have done. You did not positively need the large donations you received, you could have advanced without them, but this new field needed a portion of that means. It needed help when the workers were struggling under poverty, with time passing and Satan influencing minds to place every possible hindrance in the way. An influence one hundredfold greater would have been exerted by imparting to those in need of help, and building up the work in this new country. There are those here who could have so carried forward the work that it would now have been far advanced, but their hands were tied for want of means.” 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 22
Will you consider that this is not as God would have it? The Lord has been greatly dishonored before the world. “Shall I not judge for these things?” He asks. [Jeremiah 5:9.] By study and prayer God would have us obtain a rich, full understanding of His will. But many, notwithstanding their profession of godliness, have never been truly converted. They have never been born again. They cling to their old citizen’s dress, failing to realize that a character of undivided allegiance is the only character that God can accept. Many have no true idea of the entire consecration that the Lord calls for. There is not a particle of the life over which the Lord does not wish to reign. In the very smallest matters His disciples are to obey His commands. We are to wear the yoke of Christ, never for a moment laying it off. “Take my yoke upon you,” He says, “and learn of me; ... for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 23
Constant work is to be done for the outcasts, but this work is not to be made all-absorbing. This class you have always with you. All the means must not be bound up in this work, for the highways have not yet received the message. There is work in the Lord’s vineyard which must be done. No one should now visit our churches and in the present pressure obtain from them means to sustain the work of rescuing outcasts. The means to sustain that work should come and will come, largely from those not of our faith. Let the churches take up their appointed work of presenting truth from the oracles of God in the highways. As in the days of Christ, we are to minister to all classes. But to make the work of seeking for the outcasts all and in all, while there are large vineyards open to culture and yet untouched, is beginning at the wrong end. The means now given by the churches is needed to establish the work in new fields. The glad tidings are to be proclaimed to every nation, tongue, and people. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 24
“Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” [Acts 1:8.] “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:19, 20.] 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 25
The money in the Lord’s treasury is not to be used in carrying out all plans that have been made and will be made. If the gifts and offerings made by our churches are used largely in rescue work, other parts of the cause will suffer. The fields God has opened before us are to be entered. Camp meetings are to be held. There should be and there will be true missionary work done on every encampment. Food and clothing should be given to those who are not able to procure it for themselves. The youth and children are to be labored for, as on our campground at Newcastle. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 26
Sister Peck had charge of the children’s meeting, and during the holidays on several occasions there were as many as four hundred children and parents present. Sister Peck has taxed her strength to interest the children. This has required constant vigilance and keen management. The children are divided into classes under the direction of teachers who are instructed by Sister Peck. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 27
This is missionary work in the highest sense of the word. The lessons given are made very plain, and parents as well as children are being drawn by them. As far as possible kindergarten methods are followed. Sister Peck leads the minds of the children from nature to nature’s God. Thus she sows the seeds of truth. And when the parents hear the simple story from the lips of the children, they are delighted. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 28
This work must be done in all our camp meetings. And we must have in our schools those who have tact and skill to carry forward a line of kindergarten work. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 29
The Lord has given me a message to give to our churches. They are to co-operate in the work of spiritual tillage, with the hope of reaping bye and bye. There is much perversity to be met, much thwarting because of the evil hearts of unbelief. But this work must be done. The soil is stubborn, but the fallow ground must be broken up, and the seeds of righteousness sown. Pause not, teachers beloved of God, as though doubtful whether to prosecute a labor which will grow as performed. Fail not, neither be discouraged. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. We are laborers together with God. Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building. Remember that you cannot trust in self. God ploughs the ground and sows the seed through the instrumentality of His co-laborers. He furnishes in His Word that which we are to impart. Meditate upon the Scriptures; pray for light. Learn in Christ’s school that you must wear His yoke. He invites you, “Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.] 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 30
God’s appointed workers have been given abundance of work. It is God’s design that young men and young women shall be educated and converted so that they may catch the divine rays of the Sun of Righteousness. Whence came the first seed? God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed.” [Genesis 1:11.] And of us the Lord declares, Ye are my husbandry. By His Spirit God moistens and subdues the soil of the heart for the reception of the seeds of truth, and as He imparts to the earth the sunshine and rain, so He causes the Sun of Righteousness to shine into our hearts, and waters the seed sown with dew of His grace. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 31
“Say ye not,” Christ said, “there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest.” [John 4:35.] 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 32
The seed must be sown. Then we shall reap a harvest unto eternal life. There is a great and grand work to be done, and I would that we had the means that have been misapplied and misappropriated to do the work opening before us on all sides. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 33
There is a large, broad work to be done. Let every man work according to the ability God has given him. Let not a restraint be laid upon any one. We need responsible, trustworthy, wholehearted, loyal workers, who hold no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. 13LtMs, Lt 138, 1898, par. 34