Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 196, 1907

Belden, Hattie

St. Helena, California

June 12, 1907

Previously unpublished.

Mrs. Hattie Belden

My dear Niece:

What words can I use that will arrest your attention? Will you not consider that you are now deciding your destiny for eternity? The truth is set forth in the Word of God. If you will now come in your weakness to Christ, and open your heart to the reception of the truth, letting truth take possession of your heart, and the will of Christ take possession of your mind, Christ will abide in you. In the conflict of life, you need the whole armor of God; for you will have to fight the good fight of faith. Your enemies may be those of your own household; but the Spirit of God can make you sure of the victory. 22LtMs, Lt 196, 1907, par. 1

One of the most earnest prayers recorded in the Word of God is that of David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10.] The promise of God to those who cry thus to Him is, “A new heart will I give you; and a new spirit will I put within you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] A heart right with God, given to you through the power of the Holy Spirit, will make you a new life. The truth of God controlling it in righteousness will be to you the power of God unto salvation. You will have a sense of divine power and grace within you, and this will cause you to reveal the fruits of righteousness. The Holy Scriptures will then be to you a treasure house of knowledge. Through obedience to the Word of God, mother and daughter will become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. You will sit down with Him to the marriage supper of the Lamb. 22LtMs, Lt 196, 1907, par. 2

I entreat of you, my dear friend, to make the Lord your God and your everlasting Friend. Serve God with all your heart, and make a covenant with Him by sacrifice. The Prince of life gave His life to save the world; and yet how few reveal any gratitude for this great act of self-sacrifice. It is your privilege, my dear niece, to set apart the remainder of your life as a time in which you will live to glorify your Redeemer; and at the end, you may have the crown of life, the reward of the overcomer, placed upon your brow. It is your privilege to lead your daughter into the path of truth and righteousness. Let not the strange life that your husband is leading confuse your senses. He has yielded himself to evil influences, and a strange infatuation controls his mind. If you will close your ears to his arguments, and open them to hear the invitation of Christ; if you will be firm and steadfast in the truth, you may be a saving influence in your family. 22LtMs, Lt 196, 1907, par. 3

Do not delay. There is light and peace for you only in turning square about. Will you not now make the resolve to give heart and mind and soul to Jesus Christ? The Holy One has given you rules for your guidance—the rules of a standard from which there will be no swerving. Set your will now in the right direction. Shall Christ have died for you and yours in vain? Come to the Saviour in the simplicity of a little child, and let religion, pure and undefiled, henceforth control your words and works. Can you turn away from the offers of Mercy? 22LtMs, Lt 196, 1907, par. 4

Christ gave His life to save all who will believe in Him. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in His name.” [John 1:12.] Eternal life is proffered you. Will you accept it? If you will consent to be a partaker of the divine nature, you may co-operate in the works of Christ. Is not the reward of everlasting life of some consequence to you? Will you not now decide this question—just now? 22LtMs, Lt 196, 1907, par. 5

Jesus gave His precious life to save you. Will you in response to His gift say, “I give my life to Thee. I will serve Thee with heart and with soul”? Let Christ fashion you after the divine likeness. Let not unbelief or infidelity prevent you from taking your position as one for whom Christ has not died in vain. Take your position fully on the Lord’s side. Jesus is acquainted with all your trials. He says to you, Lay your burdens upon Me. Keep My commandments and live, and My law as the apple of your eye. If you will yield yourself to Him, He will guide you in every good and right way. Will you not accept the guarantee of everlasting life in the kingdom of heaven, a life that measures with the life of God? 22LtMs, Lt 196, 1907, par. 6