Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 239, 1903

Kellogg, J. H.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

October 28, 1903

Portions of this letter are published in 1MR 26-27; 2MR 156; 12MR 60; 6Bio 97-98. +^Note

Dr. J. H. Kellogg
Battle Creek, Michigan

My dear Brother,—

I have received your letter, written on the way to Melrose. I am very thankful for this letter. I am hoping and praying that your eyes may be fully opened, that you may see your great danger and the meaning of your past and present experiences. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 1

The burden resting upon me has been so heavy that for weeks I have been unable to sleep past one or two o’clock. Today I have been looking over some of the letters that I wrote you in years past. In one letter, written from Christiania, Norway, to the directors of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, I read, “I was shown that Dr. Kellogg has been in great danger of making shipwreck of faith by exalting science above the God of science. He has not a clearly defined position in regard to his faith and should be guarded, or he will certainly wander in the mazes of skepticism.” 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 2

Faithful counsel has been given you. But for a long time the enemy has been sowing his tares—thoughts of skepticism in regard to the truth—in your mind. These matters I must present to you in clear lines as they have been presented to me. I shall not keep silent, as I have done in the past. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 3

Repeatedly it has been shown me that in many cases you have worked upon minds to undermine confidence in the testimonies. The evil leaven that you have placed in these minds has destroyed their faith in the principles of the truth and in the testimonies. Since the reopening of the Sanitarium, you have placed this leaven in many minds, and it will do its work. One thing that can now be done to undo this work is for me to present to our people the testimonies as they have been given me, that others may not go on undermining the faith of their associates. They must not be left to retain the impressions that have been made on their minds as, after receiving a testimony of reproof from me, you have said, “Somebody has told her these things, but they are not so.” 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 4

Over and over again you have told others how I once sent you a testimony reproving you for erecting a large building in Chicago, before any such building had been erected there. In the visions of the night a view of a large building was presented to me. I thought that it had been erected and wrote you immediately in regard to the matter. I learned afterward that the building which I saw had not been put up. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 5

When you received my letter, you were perplexed, and you said, “Some one has misinformed Sister White regarding our work.” But no mortal man had ever written to me or told me that this building had been put up. It was presented to me in vision. If this view had not been given me, and if I had not written to you about the matter, an effort would have been made to erect such a building in Chicago, a place in which the Lord has said that we are not to put up large buildings. At the time when the vision was given, influences were working for the erection of such a building. The message was received in time to prevent the development of the plans and the carrying out of the project. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 6

You should have had discernment to see that the Lord worked in this matter. The very feature of the message that perplexed you should have been received as an evidence that my information came from a higher source than human lips. But instead, you have over and over again related your version of the matter, saying that some one must have told me a falsehood. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 7

Many other scenes connected with your case have been presented to me. At one time you were represented to me as trying to push a long car up a steep ascent. But this car, instead of going up the hill, kept running down. This car represented the food business as a commercial enterprise, which has been carried forward in a way that God does not commend. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 8

At another time you were represented to me as a general mounted on a horse and carrying a banner. One came and took out of your hand the banner bearing the words, “The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” and it was trampled in the dust. [Revelation 14:12.] I saw you surrounded by men who were linking you up with the world. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 9

Again, I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners bearing the world’s insignia; the other was led by the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company after company from the Lord’s army joined the foe; and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God. An angel flying in the midst of heaven put the standards of Emmanuel into many hands, while a mighty general cried with a loud voice, “Come into line. Let those who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ now take their position. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters. Let all who will come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” [See Revelation 12:17; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18; Judges 5:23.] 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 10

The battle raged. Victory alternated from side to side. Now the soldiers of the cross gave way, “as when a standard bearer fainteth.” [Isaiah 10:18.] But their apparent retreat was but an effort to gain a more advantageous position. Shouts of joy were heard. A song of praise to God went up, and angel voices united in the song, as Christ’s soldiers planted His banner on the walls of fortresses till then held by Satan. The Captain of our salvation was ordering the battle and sending support to His soldiers. His power was mightily displayed, encouraging them to press the battle to the gates. He taught them terrible things in righteousness, as He led them on step by step, conquering and to conquer. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 11

At last the victory was gained. The army following the banner with the inscription “The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” was gloriously triumphant. [Revelation 14:12.] The soldiers of Christ were close beside the gates of the city of God, and with joy the city received her King. The kingdom of peace and joy and everlasting righteousness was established. God’s will was done on earth, as it is done in heaven. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 12

Now the church is militant. Now we are confronted with a world in midnight darkness, almost wholly given over to idolatry. But the day is coming when the battle will have been fought, the victory won. The will of God is to be done on earth as it is done in heaven. Then the nations will own no other law than the law of heaven. All will be a happy, united family, clothed with the garments of praise and thanksgiving—the robe of Christ’s righteousness. All nature, in its surpassing loveliness, will offer to God a constant tribute of praise and adoration. The world will be bathed in the light of heaven. The years will move on in gladness. The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold greater than it is now. Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy, while God and Christ will unite in proclaiming, “There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death.” 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 13

This is the scene that is presented to me. But the church must still fight against seen and unseen foes. Satanic agencies in human form are on the ground. Men have confederated to oppose the Lord of hosts. These confederacies will continue until Christ shall leave His place of intercession before the mercy seat and shall put on the garments of vengeance. Satanic agencies are in every city, busily organizing into parties those opposed to the law of God. Professed saints and avowed unbelievers take their stand with these parties. This is no time for the people of God to be weaklings. We cannot afford to be off our guard for one moment. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 14

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” [Ephesians 6:10-17.] 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 15

“This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. ... 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 16

“Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ; ... stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries; which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” [Philippians 1:9-11, 27-29.] 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 17

There are revealed in these last days visions of future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, and these should be dear to His church. What sustained the Son of God in His betrayal and trial? He saw of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. He caught a view of the expanse of eternity and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed. His ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 18

We must have a vision of the future and of the blessedness of heaven. Stand on the threshold of eternity, and hear the gracious welcome given to those who in this life have co-operated with Christ, regarding it as a privilege and an honor to suffer for His sake. As they unite with the angels, they cast their crowns at the feet of the Redeemer, exclaiming, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. ... Honor and glory and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” [Revelation 5:12, 13.] 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 19

There the redeemed ones meet and greet those who directed them to the uplifted Saviour. They unite in praising Him who died that human beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The conflict is over. All tribulation and strife are at an end. Songs of victory fill all heaven as the redeemed stand around the throne of God. All take up the joyful strain, “Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again, a triumphant Conqueror.” 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 20

“I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” [Revelation 7:9, 10.] 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 21

“These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” [Verses 14-17.] “And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” [Revelation 21:4.] 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 22

Will you catch the inspiration of the vision. Will you let your mind dwell upon the picture? Will you not be truly converted, and then go forth to labor in a spirit entirely different from the spirit in which you have labored in the past, displacing the enemy, breaking down every barrier to the advancement of the gospel, filling hearts with the light and peace and joy of the Lord? Shall not the miserable spirit of faultfinding and murmuring be buried, never to have a resurrection? Shall not the incense of praise and thanksgiving ascend from hearts purified and sanctified and glorified by the presence of Christ? Shall we not in faith lay hold of sinners, and bring them to the cross? 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 23

Who will this day consecrate themselves to the service of the Lord? Who will now pledge themselves not to affiliate with the world, but to come out from the world and be separate, refusing to pollute the soul with the worldly schemes and worldly practices that have been placing the church under the enemy’s influence? 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 24

We are in this world to lift the cross of Calvary. As we lift this cross, we shall find that it lifts us. Let every Christian stand in his lot and place, catching the inspiration of the work that Christ did for souls while in this world. We need the ardor of the Christian hero, who can endure the seeing of Him that is invisible. Our faith is to have a resurrection. The soldiers of the cross are to exert a positive influence for good. Christ says, “He that is not with Me is against Me, and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” [Matthew 12:30.] Indifference in the Christian life is a manifest denial of Christ. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 25

Should we not see in the world today medical missionaries who in all features of their work are worthy of the name they bear, who aspire to the doing of deeds worthy of valiant soldiers of Christ? We are living near the close of the great conflict, when many souls are to be rescued from the slavery of sin. We are living in a time when to Christ’s followers the promise specially belongs, “Lo, I am with you alway.” [Matthew 28:20.] He who commanded light to shine out of darkness, He who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, bids us let our light shine brightly before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven. In such rich measure has light been given to God’s people that Christ is justified in telling them that they are to be the light of the world. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 26

To our physicians and ministers I send the message, Lay hold of the Lord’s work as if you believed the truth for this time. Medical missionary workers and workers in the gospel ministry are to be bound together by indissoluble ties. Their work is to be done with freshness and power. Throughout our churches there is to be a reconversion and a reconsecration to service. Shall we not, in our work in the future, and in the gatherings that we hold, be of one accord? Shall we not wrestle with God in prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit to come into every heart? The presence of Christ, manifest among us, would cure the leprosy of unbelief that has made our service so weak and inefficient. We need the breath of the divine life breathed into us. We are to be channels through which the Lord can send light and grace to the world. Backsliders are to be reclaimed. We are to put away our sins, by confession and repentance, humbling our proud hearts before God. Floods of spiritual power are now to be poured forth upon those prepared to receive it. 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 27

Let us now consecrate ourselves to the proclamation of the message, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” [Isaiah 40:3.] Divine and human instrumentalities are to unite for the accomplishment of one great object. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:17.] 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 28

“They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” [Daniel 12:3.] 18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 29