Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 132, 1898

Kellogg, J. H.

Hamilton, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

December 29, 1898

Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 419-420; Ev 150, 500-501; 4Bio 398. +^Note

Dear Brother:

I send you a copy of a letter written to Elder Haskell in Queensland. Will you please see that copies of this letter are given to Elder Uriah Smith, Brother Amadon, and Elder A. T. Jones? We have a remarkable interest in our camp meeting in Newcastle. They say that fifteen hundred people were at the service last evening, and they listened with intense interest. We have feared that we had made a mistake in choosing the holiday season for our meetings, but it is just the right time. There are horse races, theaters, balls, games, and every conceivable attraction to draw away the people; but this relieves us of a class of pleasure lovers, of infidels and idolaters and the worst elements of society. And in the afternoons and evenings every meeting is well attended. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 1

The Word preached is doing a wonderful work in attracting the hungry souls who want the bread of life. The Lord is on this ground. Ministering angels are here, and I am so glad, so thankful. We had designed to break up the encampment next Tuesday, but have decided to extend the meeting one week longer. May the Lord work with His mighty power, is my prayer. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 2

In regard to the Gospel Wagon, I had matter written which I could not get copied. That which I sent you I wrote in the early morning, from 1 a.m., and it was hastily copied for the mail before nine a.m. I sent you these copies, but other things are occupying my mind just now. I am writing other letters of great importance, as I am moved and impressed deeply by the Spirit of God. If I can complete them in season to send you a copy now, I shall do so. If not the next mail will take the matter to you. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 3

The Lord is at work; praise His holy name. But I feel deeply the need of our people coming up to the help of the Lord. Our testimonies are altogether too tame and lifeless. We must have the baptism of the Holy Spirit of God. It is for us if we will clear the king’s highway. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 4

The mail came to us last Monday, bringing me a draft from the Pacific Press for fourteen hundred dollars. Now I can say to Brother Haskell, You shall have one hundred pounds toward erecting a house of worship in Brisbane. This money is my own. Some years ago I sold a house in the suburbs of Oakland to a Mrs. Scott. After holding it for several years, she said she had not the money to pay me. Before this she had given five thousand dollars to the students’ home at Healdsburg, and Brother Jones feared she would make trouble for the school by trying to recover the money. He thought if I would take shares in the Healdsburg school for the amount she owed me, it might save them a lawsuit. And then he thought the brethren in California would take these shares off my hands. I agreed to this, but they did nothing to relieve me. I pressed the matter, telling them of our great necessities, and now they have taken the shares off my hands. A church must be built in Brisbane, for they cannot use a tent, and they have no place suitable for meeting. Elder Haskell wrote that if he had one hundred pounds, he would lease the land and would build at once. Now I can send him the money. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 5

Now, Dr. Kellogg, I think I wrote to you, inquiring if you could not dispose of my property, the two buildings in Battle Creek. I need the money so much. I have pressed everything into the various interests that demand help, until I dare not involve myself further. I ask you, Can my property be sold? You say the sanitarium needs more room. Will you, that is the sanitarium, not you personally, take the place, and let me know how much you will give for it? I hope you will help us in this way if possible. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 6

I have expected you to see that the Lord wants the work to advance in this field, while there are those here who, under God, would understand how to manage these matters. The Lord has means for us, and He designs that we shall be enabled even to build a sanitarium. We have to hire houses and pay out for rent the money that would aid in building a sanitarium. If it were not for this outgo for rent, we could accumulate something toward adding to our facilities. You have the very best facilities for the grand work you are doing; if we only had something in any way approaching it, we would be so thankful. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 7

Night after night I have been in perplexity, studying to know what to do next. I remember the light given to me when appealing for help in this field was, However large, however small, the income or the possessions of any person, any family, or any institution, let them remember that they are only stewards, holding in trust the Lord’s money. You have everything; we have scarcely anything to work with. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 8

All profit, all pay, our time, our talents, our opportunities, are all to be accounted for to Him who gives them all. He will have the richest reward who will love God supremely and his neighbor as himself. The Lord would not have the first thread of selfishness woven into the fabric of His work. He proves us, to see if our works are free from all selfishness and pride. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 9

We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Prophecies are fulfilling. The last great conflict will be short, but terrible. Old controversies will be revived. New controversies will arise. We have a great work to do. Our ministerial work must not cease. The last warnings must be given to the world. There is a special power in the presentation of the truth at the present time. How long will it last? Only a little while. If ever there was a crisis it is now. The inquiry of every one should be, What am I? To whom do I owe allegiance? Is my heart renewed? Is my soul reformed? Are my sins forgiven? Will they be all blotted out when the time of refreshing shall come? God help us, is my most earnest prayer. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 10

Brother John Kellogg, my mother-heart goes out toward you with weeping, for by symbols I am warned that you are in danger. Satan is making masterly efforts to cause your feet to slide; but God’s eye is upon you. Fight these last battles manfully. Stand equipped with the whole armor of righteousness. By faith I lay you, in earnest prayer, at the feet of Jesus. You are safe only in that position. Never for a moment suppose that you are in no danger. You are God’s property. You are to consider that you are under God’s supervision. Your strength is in learning of Jesus Christ His meekness, His lowliness of heart. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 11

I have mentioned the Gospel Wagon, but without special thought. Light has since come to me. It is true that the gospel wagon may accomplish some good. But my eyes have been drawn to the aftersight. I saw that there was disappointment as to the result. Then there was given me another sight. Tents were taken to different places during camp meeting season. Camp meetings were held in different locations. These were conducted by able, Godfearing men, having suitable helpers. There were children’s meetings and revival meetings, and an earnest effort to bring the people to a decision. A Paul may plant, an Apollos water, but God giveth the increase. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 12

Wherever there is a tent effort, young men who have been receiving an education to be medical missionary workers should feel it their duty to act a part. They should speak not merely in the medical missionary lines, but likewise upon the subjects of truth, giving the reason why we are Seventh-Day Adventists. These young men should be given an opportunity to work in connection with older ministers, who can help them where they need help on Bible subjects. If they have been educated upon point after point of present truth, they have something to say in relating their own experiences. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 13

Let the talent of singing be brought into the work. The use of musical instruments is not at all objectionable. These were used in religious services in ancient times. The worshipers praised God upon the harp and cymbal, and music should have its place in our services. It will add to the interest. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 14

But hold the attention of the people by presenting before them the truth as it is in Jesus. Keep before them the cross of Calvary. What called for the death of Christ? The transgression of the law. Christ died to give men an opportunity to become loyal subjects of His kingdom. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 15

Let there be short discourses, short and fervent prayers. Educate, educate in regard to thorough, whole-souled service. Thorough consecration, much prayer, an intense earnestness, will make an impression, for angels of God will be present to move upon the hearts of the people. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 16

When one soul is soundly converted, he is the one particle of leaven introduced into the mass, and there should not be a withdrawal of the leaven, so that the mass shall be left void of a correcting influence. The consistent example of one truly converted soul no human being can estimate. There is a moral power from God by which the lowest subject, if properly instructed, will become an instrument of righteousness. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 17

When I looked upon the picture of the Gospel Wagon, I seemed to be lost to myself. As a panorama, there passed before me cities and towns, where large and small tents were pitched. There were laborers in the ministry presenting truth, not long, labored discourses but short talks right to the point, then calling for all who were not satisfied that they were prepared for Christ’s coming, and all who were feeling burdened and heavy laden, to come into a tent apart by themselves. This is the work to be done. Let those who are spiritual converse with these poor, precious souls. Pray with them and for them. Hold on to the work; do not let go. Visit from house to house, keeping your own souls in the love of God. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 18

Let every one follow the Lord, and not seek to bind anyone to do a work which you suppose he should do. This is the work to be done in cities and towns. Then as souls embrace the truth, they are not to be left without labor or encouragement. They are to have their feet planted upon the eternal Rock. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 19

There were workmen before me, building humble houses of worship. Those newly come to the faith were helping with willing hands, and those who had means were assisting with their means. The very thing was being done that should have been done years ago. I viewed the work advancing. In the basement of the church, above ground, room was provided for a school where the children could be educated. Teachers were selected to go to this place; the numbers in the school were not large, but it was a happy beginning. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 20

I heard the songs of children and of parents, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waiteth but in vain.” “Praise ye the Lord; praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live, I will praise the Lord. I will sing praises unto my God while I have my being. Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.” “Praise ye the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights. Praise ye him all his angels; praise ye him all his hosts. Praise ye him sun and moon. Praise him, all the stars of light.” [Psalm 127:1; 146:1-3; 148:1-3.] 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 21

This work of passing rapidly through the cities and towns may be essential in some cases. But there is a better way. God has planned that the banner of truth should be introduced where it is not. The establishing of churches, the erection of meetinghouses and school buildings was extended from city to city, and the tithe was increasing to carry forward the work. There was a plant, not only in one place, but in many places, and the Lord was working to increase His forces. Something was being established that would publish the truth. That is the work to be done; let the cause of God in the cities in America be built up in the right way. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 22

Much means may be invested in Gospel Wagons, with small permanent results. It is better to invest in something that does not keep moving. Let missionary work be done in the waste places. How much longer shall the work be neglected? 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 23

The companies that shall be raised up will need a place of worship. They will need schools where Bible instruction may be given to the children. The schoolroom is needed just as much as the church building is needed. The Lord has men to engage in the work just as soon as there is something done to prepare the way for them. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 24

All are not called to begin their work by laboring among the lowest classes and preparing places for these. In all our neighboring cities, the rich and the poor, the high and the low, are to hear the warning, and we must devise means for carrying the truth into new places and to all parts of the [world]. The Lord has a work to be done for the outcasts. This will have its place in connection with the proclamation of the message and the reception of Bible truth. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 25

God chooses His workers from all classes of people, and imbues them with His own spirit. So it was in ancient times. The men and women of God’s selection were of intense earnestness, full of zeal. The last books of the Old Testament show us workers taken from the laborers in the field. Others were men of high ability and extensive learning, but the Lord gave them visions and messages. These men of the Old Testament spoke of the things transpiring in their day, and Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel not only spoke of things that concerned them as present truth, but their sight reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days. 13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 26