Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 149, 1905

Collins, Gilbert

Takoma Park, Maryland

May 27, 1905

Portions of this letter are published in 5Bio 414.

Dear Brother Gilbert Collins,—

We who are upon this camp-ground have had a season of prayer for you. We earnestly desire that if it is the Lord’s will your life may be spared. I hope that when your life shall close, you will indeed be peaceful and happy. But I trust that God will grant the prayers that we have offered in the public meeting, and those that I have offered in my own room, that if it is in accordance with His holy will, He may spare your life. We pray that the great Physician may stay the course of the disease and make you well. 20LtMs, Lt 149, 1905, par. 1

It makes us very sad to part with any of those who have grown up in the truth. We want every one to be spared, if it is for the glory of God. Have faith in God, Brother Collins. Ask for yourself, in faith. We will keep your case before the Lord. I was not able to be in the tent when you were prayed for. I was lying on my bed, exhausted; but faith seemed to bring you nigh. 20LtMs, Lt 149, 1905, par. 2

I have just come in from speaking to a very large congregation. I spoke from 1 John 3:1-9. The people seemed to be surprised that I could make all on the inside and the outside of the tent hear plainly. In the congregation there were many black people, but they were well dressed, and they listened with intense interest. I tried to show our people the need of self-sacrifice. I spoke about the good that might be done by teaching children to put their pennies in the self-denial boxes sent out by the Southern Missionary Society. I urged them not to become weary in well-doing. Every penny is needed, and the plan of sending out these self-denial boxes was a plan originated by God. Those who carry out this plan will receive their reward, according to the purity of motive with which they give. The gift may be as small as the widow’s mite, but it is noticed by the Lord. 20LtMs, Lt 149, 1905, par. 3

This is the last Sabbath we shall spend here at this meeting, unless something unforeseen takes place. After the meetings close, we shall have to stay here for a week to attend council meetings and committee meetings. 20LtMs, Lt 149, 1905, par. 4

Since the meeting began, I have spoken nine times, and the Lord has helped me to make the discourses impressive. I depend upon Him to bless the word spoken. I still have a work to do on the grounds for certain individuals. 20LtMs, Lt 149, 1905, par. 5