Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 314, 1907

Daniells, A. G.; Evans. I. H.

St. Helena, California

September 23, 1907

This letter is published in entirety in 8MR 201-207.

Elders Daniells and Evans

Dear Brethren:

I have words to speak to you in reference to the calls that are from time to time made in behalf of the colored people, and the funds that shall come in response to these calls. It is stated by Brother Bollman that the work for the colored people is frequently deprived of the means that should come to the workers there, and that, therefore, that field does not receive all the donations intended for it. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 1

I desire to say to you, my brethren, that not one penny of the means that comes in from different sources for the work in the southern field should be diverted to the work elsewhere. If the Lord has opened the hearts of His people to give to this field, that its distressing needs may be met, let it not be truthfully said that any portion of the means given was withheld from the field for which it was intended. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 2

The standard of truth is to be lifted in new territories in the South. School buildings, humble but neat, are to be erected in various places. Churches are to be established. Some of the school buildings may be erected by the students themselves, under the instruction of men who understand this line of work. If the work of instruction is faithfully done, every stroke can be made to tell in the education of the students. And the buildings will be an object lesson to those living in the community, as well as a channel through which souls will be converted to the truth. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 3

My brethren, I ask you in the name of the Lord, that you be careful how you handle the donations that are made to the southern field. Not one dollar is to be turned aside to any other field. I entreat of you to be very careful. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 4

The Lord has instructed me that from the first the work in Huntsville and Madison should have received adequate help. But instead of this help being rendered promptly, there has been long delay. And in the matter of the Madison school, there has been a standing off from them because they were not under the ownership and control of some conference. This is a question that should sometimes be considered, but it is not the Lord’s plan that means should be withheld from Madison, because they are not bound to the conference. The attitude which some of our brethren have assumed toward this enterprise shows that it is not wise for every working agency to be under the dictation of conference officers. There are some enterprises under certain conditions that will produce better results if standing alone. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 5

When my advice was asked in reference to the Madison school, I said, Remain as you are. There is danger in binding every working agency under the dictation of the conference. The Lord did not design that this should be. The circumstances were such that the burden-bearers in the Madison school could not bind up their work with the conference. I knew their situation; and when many of the leading men in our conferences ignored them because they did not place their school under conference dictation, I was shown that they would not be helped by making themselves amenable to the conference. They had better remain as led by God, amenable to Him, to work out His plans. But this matter need not be blazed abroad. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 6

In their change from Berrien Springs, Brethren Sutherland and Magan made many sacrifices. The Lord counseled them where to go, and in their labors at Madison, they have worked far beyond their strength. But under the direction of the Lord they are capable of doing a good work. They will give to the students who come there an education altogether different than what has been given in Washington during the past years. They will not only labor to impart an education in book knowledge and manual work, but they will endeavor to teach the students to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 7

These teachers should be regarded not as men who have had no valuable experience, but as men who have in the past accomplished a great and good work, and who have suffered privations for the cause of God. They have not exacted their just dues. Had some of their brethren been better able to reason from cause to effect, there would be a different record. The restrictions by which their hands have been tied are not pleasing to the Lord. They might have had a sanitarium and suitable buildings, and they might have been years in advance of where they now are. I would say, Let justice now be done. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 8

The world is our field; God’s children who feel a burden for the work of the message are to be allowed to work where the Spirit directs them. Let not a forbidding power be exercised to restrict them in their work. Let God accomplish His work through the agencies that He chooses. A great mistake has been made in the exercise of human authority in God’s work, and I am bidden to proclaim the message: “Break every yoke, and let the oppressed go free.” [Isaiah 58:6.] I am bidden to say to church members, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come; and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” [Isaiah 60:1.] 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 9

When the disciples returned from their first missionary tour, the Saviour asked them, “Lacked ye anything?” And the answer was given, “Nay, Lord.” [Luke 22:35.] The same power that supplied the needs of the first disciples will provide for the necessities of those who today go forth to labor earnestly to give the last gospel message to the world. O why do men and women feel so little burden to take up the work that needs to be done? Angels of God are waiting to go forth with them in this work. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 10

In the restrictions that have been placed on some who desired to do a definite work, many have found an excuse why they should not engage in active missionary work. I am bidden to bear my testimony against unnecessary restrictions being laid on those who desire to act a part in the work of the Lord. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 11

In all their associations together, God desires His followers to guard their personal responsibility to Him, and their individual dependence upon Him. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. No ruling power of man over man is to be exercised. We have as a people lost much time and means because we have not followed closely the Lord’s plans for us. By carrying out their own devisings, men get in the way of the Lord and close up the avenue by which He would reach those who need the blessings of the gospel. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 12

My brethren, stand out of the way of your fellow beings. Do not, by act of yours, hinder the work that God would have done for the people of the South, in bringing to them the light of the truth. Time is passing rapidly, and the truth has yet to go to thousands in this field. Do not hinder, but pray and work, that God may use His human agencies as He designs. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 13

Again and again the Lord has presented to me the needs of the unworked South. I have also been shown that our men in responsible positions need to feel the converting power of God on heart and mind and soul, or they will, in their self-sufficiency, hinder the work that should be done. The Lord has a controversy with His ministers, because they have not taught church members how to work for perishing souls. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 14

Tell our people there is a work to be done in the South in teaching the old men and women how to read. For generations the colored people have been deprived of educational advantages which they should have been receiving. Church members might have engaged their talents and means in this work; but some, instead of doing this, have spent their time and money for self-gratification, while these, their fellow beings, because of their color, were left in ignorance and sin. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 15

Ask our brethren how they will answer when the question is asked us, What have you done with the means I lent you in trust? Shall we feel justified when we are obliged to say, “I spent it for self, for dress, and amusements.” In the day of final reckoning, the Lord will deal with each soul individually. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 16

The Bible has not been studied as it should have been, that we might understand the will of God for His children. I now call upon presidents of conferences and men in responsible positions to set in operation every possible means by which the members of the churches may learn how to work for the perishing. Let those who have had experience teach those who are inexperienced. Let them pray together, and search the Word of God together. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 17

There is a great work to be done right in the shadow of our doors. In order to accomplish all that is expected of us, the command must be obeyed: “Sell that ye have and give alms; provide yourselves bags that wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” [Luke 12:33.] O that those who profess the name of Christ would return to the Lord His own of talents and of means! 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 18

More decided calls should be made for volunteers to enter the whitening fields. Unless there is more done than has been done for the cities of America, church members will have a heavy account to meet for neglected duties. We pray, “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] We profess to believe that the commission given to the first disciples includes the followers of Christ in 1907. But what are we doing? I pray that the Holy Spirit may move upon human hearts, that many may go forth as did the early disciples, making their may to homes and to churches where men and women are waiting for a knowledge of present truth. My heart is sore when I see the blindness that is upon God’s people. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 19

There are among our church members faithful souls who feel a burden for those who know not the truth for this time. But one will say to such, The conference will not support you if you go here or there. To such souls I would say, Pray to God for guidance as to where you shall go; follow the directions of the Holy Spirit, and go, whether the conference will pay your expenses or not. “Go work today in My vineyard,” Christ commands. [Matthew 21:28.] When you have done your work in one place, go to another. Angels of God will go with you if you follow the leadings of the Spirit. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 20

To our brethren and sisters in America, the call must go to awake. There is missionary work to be done in this country, as verily as in any heathen land. When you have made your donation for the work in foreign fields, do not stop, thinking you have done all your duty. You are to be a light in the world. “Let your light so shine, that men may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 21

There is no time to spend in frivolity. Deny self, and dress and live simply. Remember that there is a message to be borne to those who are in darkness, a work to be done for the Master. The Lord will bless all who will take part in the work of preparing a people to meet Him in peace. We should be terribly in earnest. Lay your plans before God. Tell Him that you desire to serve Him; give up your desires to Him, and He will teach you His way. 22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 22