The Kress Collection

The Regions Beyond

Our world is a field of missionary toil. We are to present before the people the love of God, not only as the motive of effort, but as the model of all our plans. We must work in the way Christ worked. His example is to be our pattern. KC 115.2

The Lord has given men and women capabilities and tact and skill to be used to His name's glory. When sincere, earnest efforts are put forth to win souls to God, we shall see of the salvation of God. Those who claim to be Christians should make an unreserved surrender of all they have to the Lord. Their time, their substance, and their influence as a savor of life unto life are required of them by Him who willingly gave himself to save to the uttermost all who come to him. Those who claim to be children of God should throw the whole weight of their influence on the side of Christ, for his sake practicing his self-denial and self-sacrifice. There is need of close communion with God and entire conformity to his will. This is the secret of gaining the power that will convict and convert sinners. The church has failed because she has not come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty influence of the Satanic force. Church members have not as they should pressed back the powers of darkness. This is the reason for the deficiency in the church today. The quickening power of God is needed. Men and women who love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves are needed, men and women who crave the power of God, that they may bear witness to the love of Jesus. KC 115.3

Church members are to be God's instruments in seeking to save those ready to perish. Be they many or few, they are to confer together, laying before one another their designs and plans, and obtaining the benefit of one another's perception and foresight as to the best plan for securing success in the work. There are to be found no separate parties, who shall supply themselves with all the facilities for ensuring success, at the same time leaving those who should have equal encouragement and means with which to carry on the work, with nothing with which to do the work which means the adding of new territory to the Lord's kingdom. KC 115.4

The many fields in the Lord's vineyard which have not been touched call upon the places in which institutions are already established to understand the situation. Let men curtail their ambition to branch out in a field which God's appointment has already been worked. Let there not be on the part of churches, families, or individuals any withholding of the means needed to furnish God's servants with facilities for doing the work in regions beyond. Let not those in the fields where the work is established think of the great things they can do, and continue to expand self to large proportions, while other portions of the Lord's vineyard are destitute of the advantages by which the work might be properly done. This is a religion of selfishness, and is offensive to God. It is a selfish ambition which leads men to call for more facilities in a field already possessing ample facilities, while missionary fields are in need of the advantages which these worked fields have in abundance. KC 115.5

The Lord's work in new territories is to be carried forward to a successful accomplishment. In this work God's plan is to be followed, not the inclinations of those who would gather into the section over which they have supervision, every possible advantage, to give, as they say, character to the work, while the utter destitution of other parts of the Lord's vineyard is forgotten. Every work is tested of God. Every selfish thread drawn into it he will cut out. KC 116.1

After nine years of struggling, we begin to see some signs of success in this country. But the advancement has been made under the most trying circumstances. In order to advance the work we have been obliged to borrow thousands of dollars. I tell you in the name of the Lord that this need not have been. If our institutions, our sanitariums and publishing houses had bound about their desire for more facilities, and had shown an unselfish interest in the work so constantly set before them, the cause in foreign fields would have certainly made much more advancement, and marked success would have attended the business of which they were stewards. The selfish desire which some have shown to use all the means to enrich one portion of the Lord's vineyard reveals unfaithful stewardship; and I am charged to make this appeal to God's people. KC 116.2

The great Head of the church has given talents to the company of believers. He has given his word to mould the character and his Spirit to bring all things to their remembrance. He desires his people to bring into their work the true abiding principles of missionary effort. Many of the Lord's servants are numbered with those of whom John wrote, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.” Those who are left to plant the standard in new places are to have a keen, sanctified interest in every plan which is related, directly or indirectly, to the great work of warning the world. Those who have stood in positions of trust, faithful men who have been led and guided by God, are to thank him for his moulding, fashioning power. They are to carry his work onward and upward to perfect accomplishment. They are to move with careful, prayerful consideration, lest they mar the influence of the work by changing the order which the Lord has said should be followed. As they advance step by step they are to mind the same things, to advance in the same lines, that the truth may ever be honored or lose its sacred, holy influence in the sight of the world. KC 116.3

As those who took up the work at the beginning of the message have advanced by self-denial and self-sacrifice, God has given them his blessing. They have had much to learn, they have made mistakes, they have needed continual guidance and counsel; but they have had reason for constant gratitude, because the work has gone forward in spite of poverty and a lack of facilities. They strained every nerve to make the work a success, to establish those buildings which were necessary for the proper development of the work; and under all circumstances the Lord guided them. KC 116.4

Those who come into the work later and find things ready to their hand should at least attempt to pay the debt they owe the Lord and the workers who went before them, by carrying the truth into new territories, until it has gone to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In every country men and women are to be raised up to carry forward the very work begun by those who have been laid away to rest. The memory of these pioneer workers is to be guarded, and from their treasure of experience the workers are to learn to pass from one line of work to another, following the methods declared by the Holy Spirit to be in the order of God, asserting the principles enjoined in the word, carrying the aggressive warfare into new fields. KC 116.5

Home and foreign missions are to share equally of God's trust money. In planning for the work, the difficulties to be met in foreign fields are to be considered. Let not those who have every advantage be niggardly in appropriating means for the advancement of the work in mission fields. For Christ's sake willing support is to be given to the work of the gospel, which is to be carried to all parts of the world. And by the work of the press the work is to be established and confirmed. KC 117.1

Christ should never again be dishonored and his cause put to shame by a lack of the true missionary spirit. A great mistake has been made. In their selfishness men have grasped means and advantages for their own field, though knowing the need of help in new fields. They have not supplied that which was necessary for the progress of the work. They have not helped their brethren fight the battle which once had to be fought in the fields they now occupy. KC 117.2

The work all over the world is to receive consideration. New fields are to be entered. Let those at the heart of the work remember that much means and much hard labor is required to accomplish the work in new fields. Let them be faithful stewards of the Lord's goods. Let them not feel that they are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing, but let them practice true Bible religion, which enjoins self-sacrifice at every step. They are to closely examine the needs of the work, reviewing the needs of all the fields; for they are God's agents to do this. They are set for the extension of the truth in all parts of the world. They are not excusable if they remain in blindness and ignorance regarding the needs of the work. They are to know the advantage and defects of each field, and then with a true spirit of unselfish interest they are to work for the accomplishment of the work as a whole. KC 117.3

In this work all the churches which have been established are to have a part, according to their several ability. If difficulties come up in missionary fields, let interested investigation be made without delay, lest the path of duty be hid or made obscure. As these questions come up before those who are wise in God's wisdom, examination will be united with the exercise of prudence. By using the knowledge God has given them men will gain a clear, sharp experience. By exercising their God-given ability in helping to plant the standard of truth in new territory, they will receive great blessing. After they have unselfishly tried to gain a right understanding of the situation, they are to approach the mercy seat, asking for clear intuition and an unselfish purpose, that they may see the necessities of far off fields. As they ask the Lord to help them to advance the work in regions beyond, they will receive grace from on high. Never will they seek the Lord in vain. KC 117.4

America was long the field of missionary conflict. God has prospered the work in that country. If those there had cherished the spirit of self-sacrificing missionary effort, fewer unnecessary buildings would have been erected, and the kingdom of Christ would have been extended to many regions. There would have been shown a missionary zeal which has not yet been developed by those whose duty it is to carry the needs of the work on their souls. Much more would have been done to plant the standard in other places beside America. KC 117.5

But selfishness so abhorrent to God came in. The work was neglected, when there was plenty of means to send missionaries abroad to preach the gospel, raise up churches, and erect meeting houses. If men had worked actively on the Lord's plan, laboring earnestly and unselfishly to impart what God had given them, churches would have been established in many places. The standard would have been planted in new fields. Witness would have been borne to the truth in many more cities. God's memorial of creation, the seventh day Sabbath would have been honored. KC 118.1

The great head of the church permitted a parable to be enacted in your midst at the last General Conference. You were led to expect from one claiming to be converted, a large donation, pledged to different branches of the work. Apparently the one who was pledged to make this donation was as sincere as any man in the Conference, but he disappeared, and all came to nothing. KC 118.2

Just in this way has God been disappointed in his people, whom He has enriched abundantly with all good things, but who have failed to fulfil his expectations. KC 118.3

A straightforward plan is to be followed in dealing with believers in home and foreign fields. An unselfish equality is to be maintained among the working forces. Money is to be provided to support missionaries. An agent should be appointed to investigate the situation in foreign countries and to report. Those in places where the work has been established should bind about their supposed wants, that the work in foreign fields may go forward. In the institutions which have been established there will be a desire to grasp more and still more advantages. To make a larger plant, let them work economically, till they themselves succeed in doing this. But the Lord declares that this should not be. The means in his treasury is to be used in building up the work in the places where there are no conveniences. The workers in foreign fields should not be left to beg. The condition of every new mission field should be examined, that there may be equality in the distribution of means which come into our conference and benevolent institutions. KC 118.4

Such high wages should not be paid to the men in our publishing institutions. The payment of such high wages has been a mistake. The extra money paid to a few should have been paid to missionaries in new fields, who were at a loss to know where the means to advance the work is coming from. The extra amount drawn from the treasury for men who did not need it should have been appropriated for the benefit of fields which had no resources, to support laborers to open and plant and sow the fields with truth. KC 118.5

The workers God sends into his field will if they have the true missionary spirit be more anxious to do their work than to get the wages. But because of this, they should not be neglected. The work of those in missionary fields calls for more self-denial than the work of those employed in our institutions, who are not obliged to travel from place to place. Many calls are made upon those who begin work in a new field, and these workers are to be supported in accordance with their work. There should be more equality between the wages of those in our institutions and those who in missionary fields where there is no resources to draw from, are wrestling with difficulty, doing the hardest and most laborious work. KC 118.6

God is not pleased with the way in which these things have been managed. He has a controversy with those who have shown no practical interest in the work of foreign missions, even though they knew what was required to make a beginning in a new field. The discernment of some at the heart of the work has been clouded. Their hands have been opened to grasp all the means they could possibly get, while in other parts of the Lord's vineyard the workers have been obliged to do with poor food and poor clothing, while at the same time some were told, You must sustain yourselves. KC 119.1

God calls sternly for an adjustment of these matters; for his name is reproached. He marks every move made by his missionary workers in improving his vineyard. He sees the unfair way in which these workers have been treated. There is need of a recognition of the rights of the missionaries sent by God to carry the gospel message to all parts of the world. These men and women take their lives into their hands, and for Christ's sake endure trials and hardships. Let men realize that God is a God of justice. His actual presence follows his missionaries from place to place as they try to do his will, devoting all their time and energy to his service. KC 119.2

Let those who have every convenience at hand for the work they are doing ask themselves, How is it with those who are breaking new fields? Can I not help those who are working in new fields, where the standard of truth has not been lifted? God requires those in our institutions to have their conception sharpened, their minds enlarged. He will be pleased to have foreign missionary work become a burden that will weigh so heavily upon their minds that they will know the difference between the work of those in places where the work has been established and the work of those who engage in aggressive warfare. Let the true spirit of self-denial be learned out of the Word and brought into the practical life.
- KC 119.3

A work has been started in some cities which has absorbed much means, but which will bring small returns; for it has been done for a class who are not producers but consumers. The money invested in this work should have largely been used in other channels, supplying the regions beyond with facilities for the work of the Lord. In the lines of work which God has not appointed much liberality has been shown, while his work in foreign fields has been left to languish. In a short time, if this management is continued, how will the cause of God in the third angel's message stand before the world? KC 119.4

Into foreign fields the Lord has sent experienced workers who are capable for leading out in enterprises for the advancement of the work. But enough consideration has not been given by those at the heart of the work to foreign mission fields. Unless a decided change is made, we shall stand before the world humiliated, crippled, and disordered, because Christ's principles have not been carried into the work. KC 119.5

Among the people of God there is to be cooperation but not confederacy. The work is not to be bound about by bonds, limitations, or restrictions. Christian unity is not Free Masonry. The love of Christ is the golden chain which is to bind us to one another and to God. KC 119.6

Our offerings are not to be entrusted to any one person. We are to make no one man our steward. The third angels’ message is to go to all parts of the world, and we are not to help in the creation of any interests which will absorb God's money in a work which has in it much which belongs not to the work for this time. KC 119.7

There is a power in the truth. When allowed to operate under favorable conditions, the gospel will gather a harvest of souls. Every truly converted man, firmly established in the truth, is a light bearer to the world; for Christ shines through him. He shines in a world enshrouded in moral darkness. A few truly converted souls are of infinitely more value than a large number who are unconverted, dead in trespasses and sins. KC 120.1

A work is to be done in the Lord's vineyard which will testify to the genuineness and value of the truth, and will glorify God. We are to labor for those who when converted will be a help in the work, producers not consumers. But the work done for the lowest class of outcasts is a very uncertain matter. Those who spend their time and strength in work for those who will never do anything but hang upon them for help, disqualify themselves for the position God would have them fill in His army. Workers are greatly needed to labor for those who rightly handled will come to a knowledge of the truth, and will then do valuable service in the cause. But those who after being prayed with say, I am saved, have no real understanding of what it means to receive Christ. No man can say, I am saved, until he has endured test and trial, until he has shown that he can overcome temptation. Those who fail to do the work which God has said should be done soon lose the right perception of spiritual things, and become blinded as to the character of the truth. They are unfitted to do the work which would make them complete in Christ. KC 120.2

The churches must arouse. The members must awake out of sleep and begin to inquire, How is the money which we put into the treasury being used? The Lord desires that a close search be made. Are all satisfied with the history of the work for the past fifteen years? Where is the evidence of the co-working with God? Where has been heard throughout the churches the prayer for the help of the Holy Spirit? Dissatisfied and disheartened, we turn away from the scene. KC 120.3

Our churches and institutions must return to where they were before the backsliding commenced, when they began trusting in man and making flesh their arm. Have we not seen enough of human wisdom? Shall we not now seek God in earnestness and simplicity, and serve him with heart and mind and strength? KC 120.4

The children of Israel beheld the awful semblance of God's presence in the mount; but before Moses had been forty days away from them, they substituted a golden calf for Jehovah. Things similar to this have been done among us as a people. Let us now return to God in penitence and contrition. Let us trust in Him, not in man. (D.E.R. Aug. 24, 1900.) KC 120.5

“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong,

June 18, 1900.

Dear Brother Daniells,

I wish to write you a few lines, which I may not be able to get copied. I have within the last half hour learned that a mail leaves for Africa tomorrow morning. It is now fifteen minutes past three in the afternoon. I wrote yesterday and this morning some nineteen pages of letter paper, and no less than ten pages in my diary. A few pages have been copied, a letter to Dr. Kellogg. KC 120.6

A letter has been received from John Wessels, but it contained nothing regarding the condition of things in Capetown, so we are left in complete darkness and ignorance, as you have not written us one line. Have you written and has the letter miscarried? What does this silence mean? KC 121.1

When attending the meeting at Parramatta, I was in the night season passing through some exciting scenes in Africa. There were laid out some formulated arrangements and plans which were presented for acceptance; but Elder Daniells did not feel prepared to accept these plans, because they had in them some things which meant more than all could see. And while some would have accepted them, Eld. Daniells said, “I cannot subscribe my name to them.” This refusal greatly disappointed the framers of the articles of agreement. But no one who has had an experience in the rise and progress of the cause of God would without special advice from the Source of all wisdom concede to the terms of agreement or bind themselves to the conditions laid down, which the Lord could not favor. KC 121.2

Our brethren in Africa will have to drink deeper of the clear, flowing springs of Lebanon before they can see all things clearly. From the light given me I know that we must enter into contracts very cautiously. We must have special light from God before we do this. Every problem which has any reference to the cause and work of God should be studied with earnest prayer. It is the privilege of every man who claims to be a Christian, who is walking in the path of duty, to have confidence in God's presence. The Lord is able to make that which is dark plain. KC 121.3

We are today in great peril of following in false paths. If negotiations are made with the Wessels family, God must give direction as to how they shall be framed. Let all remember that this is a time when Satan is working to lead the Lord's people in various countries to tie themselves up as his people in America have done. There there is little freedom and little means because the conference, which in the fear of the Lord should have stood stedfast to principle, departed from the right way. Alliances with men need prayerful adjustment. We are God's stewards and are dealing with his money, with his talents. That which in our human judgment would appear to promise much at the beginning may through the unwise movements of some one in the alliance create much disappointment and endless perplexity. KC 121.4

I consider that the Wessels family have a right to be cautious. For in the workers that were sent from America, they have had to deal with some who were not straightforward. I would say to them, Sanctify yourselves by a new consecration to God. Regard the Lord as ready and willing to help you. A wrong was done to the Wessels family in the use made of their means by those who came from America. Their money was used extravagantly, and ways were devised to draw upon them. It would have been better if this money had never been placed in the hands of those who received it. KC 121.5

The Wessels family have made large donations of money to Dr. Kellogg, as though he was the one who was to be steward of their means. The means that the Wessels family gave so abundantly in America should not have been handled by one man as he pleased, but by faithful stewards, who would have appropriated the money for the opening of the work in Africa. A great work might have been done in that field. Books should have been translated for use in fields needing strong missionary effort. Had the work been done that should have been done, the religious experience of the Dutch people would have been materially changed. KC 121.6

This is where the young men of the Wessels family made a mistake. Mission fields in Africa were in their destitution crying to God for help and relief. They were starving for the light that should have shone in the dark places in regions beyond. This cruel, treacherous war would not have come at this time had the missionary work been done that the people of Africa were in suffering need of. The things which ought to have been done, but which have not been done testify to a neglect of duty. KC 122.1

Let it never be forgotten that true Christianity comes through the engraving of Bible principles upon the heart and character. This must be an individual work, visibly expressed. Then true missionary work will be done. The Lord's means will be carefully invested. KC 122.2

A class of workers should have been sent to Africa who would have tried by every means in their power to educate the people they came over to help. But some of those sent to Africa as missionaries needed the converting power of God upon their hearts. Before they could teach others the truth, they needed to yoke up with Christ to learn of Him, His meekness and lowliness. In every department of God's economy he works through instruments that will be worked. Preaching the word is one great means, and furnishing the people with reading matter is another. The Lord has appointed that the preaching of the gospel and the press shall act in harmony. KC 122.3

Tuesday, June 19. I have just looked at my watch; it is two o'clock. I dress, seek the Lord, and try to write a few words to go in the mail to Africa this morning. May the Lord help me in tracing each line. KC 122.4

From the light God has given me, I know that he has not inaugurated such a work for our people to do as Dr. Kellogg had started in Chicago. In every city there should be missionaries, evangelists, appointed to work for the lower classes, who through abuse are ruining themselves. But all the resources are not to be used in this work, or the work of bringing the truth to other cities and missionary fields afar off from America will not be accomplished. God's money has been used lavishly in some places, so that there is not means to invest in sustaining the gospel ministry in all parts of the world by voice and by the press. Both must be linked together, and God's standard must be raised in new territory. New fields must be worked, the warning must be given. A representation of the work to be done is given in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. KC 122.5

The cause of God is nearly bankrupt through man's devising, by their lack of wisdom in bringing in consumers and not producers. Thus God names it. The question to be treated is a large one. God calls for decided changes to be made. Self-denial and self-sacrifice will be called for in all who undertake the work now. KC 122.6

Our brethren in America, before carrying out their plans for such an extensive and wonderful work in certain lines, might far better have considered the words of Christ, “Which of you intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” Had they done this, acting under the direction of God, men's ideas would not have been carried thus far in building the tower. Thousands of dollars that have been invested in Chicago for the lowest and most unpromising specimens of humanity, would have gone to open new fields, annexing new territory, planting the standard in new places. KC 122.7

In many new fields there should be camp-meetings of two, three, or four weeks in a place, if the circumstances demand it. And all through these meetings there is to be much personal effort, not only in the exposition of the word in the meetings, but by individuals. Follow up every advantage in the very height of the surprise of the people to find out that there are important, wonderful things in the word that they have not known were there at all, because the shepherds of the flock have not searched the Scriptures as diligent students of the Word. There is to be diligent work done. The testing truth for this time is to be made known, and the explanation given. All classes, the higher as well as the most lowly, come to these meetings, and we are to work for all. After the warning message has been given, let those who are specially interested be called to the tent by themselves, and there labor for their conversion. This kind of labor is missionary work of the highest order. KC 123.1

The temperance question is to have special attention. Work in this line may be called medical missionary work, but that work in its relation to the work of the third angel's message is ever to be recognized as the hand to the body. In America it has been made the head and not the hand. The gospel ministry is not to be treated as it has been treated,—as something hardly worthy to be recognized. It is God's appointed means, the very means which has made us what we are, and its work is to be carried forward in the same lines and in the same way, because it is God's. Nothing is to be devised to stand as a memorial of man's greatness or woman's greatness. KC 123.2

See Isaiah 49. I cannot write out this whole chapter. Read it carefully and solemnly. What words are these, “And he said, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I shall be glorified.” How many after they have done their best under most trying circumstances, suffering for the want of facilities and from dearth of means, are ready to say, in the words of Scripture, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught, and in vain; yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.” KC 123.3

All the warnings must be given. The truth, Bible truth, is to be proclaimed in our large camp-meetings, and the churches can hear the truth. They have the opportunity. All may not desire to hear. Many oppose anything that calls for self-denial. They are not willing to accept the Sabbath. In Exodus 31:12-18, is clearly marked out in definite lines what God expects from his people, and the decided consequence of rejecting is death. Notwithstanding this many will refuse obedience because the truth involves self-denial and self-sacrifice. KC 123.4

Many of the ministers will not hear and be convinced. They will not enter the sanctuary of truth to receive the knowledge of truth from the word, but will take away the key of knowledge from the people by perversion of the Scriptures, wresting the word of God from its true meaning. Thus every step gained in reaching the people to save them from being lost in error and disobedience requires a hard, constant battle. But shall it stop? No; lift up the standard. Plan memorials of God's truth in every place possible, and conversions will be made. Some who do not take their stand at once will help advance the work with their means and with their sympathy. KC 123.5

“And now saith the Lord that formed thee from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, though Israel be not gathered, (who is Israel? the church members of today.) yet will I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength.” The message must go from east to west, and from west to east again. A great shaking up must come. The professed believers in the truth for this time are asleep. They need to awake, and shine anew because the light of truth has not only flashed upon them, but rightly done its work. God will have representatives in every place in all parts of the world. KC 124.1

The message of the angel following the third is now to be given to all parts of the world. It is to be the harvest message, and the whole earth will be lighted with the glory of God. The Lord has this one more call of mercy to the world, but the perversity of men diverts the work from its true bearing, and the light has to struggle amid the darkness of men who feel themselves competent to do a work which God has not appointed them to do. KC 124.2

Read verses 13-16. What is the matter with those who claim to believe the truth of the third angel's message? Why has it lost its power with the very ones whom God has honored for the sake of making it known to all people. Self has interposed; Satan has so wrought upon human agencies, and self has grown to such large proportions that it will not recognize a Thus saith the Lord, through his appointed channels. KC 124.3

God has spoken he has said that his work is one, that his workers are to keep in solid union. Even though men may sell themselves for a song, God continues to carry forward his work in his own appointed way in the light shining forth in the redemption of his people. Those who hold fast the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end will sing the song, “We overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of our testimony.” The work of truth will go forward in the hearts of the true seekers because God sees in them his own name and the word of truth magnified. KC 124.4

For the glory of his own name God will continue to bear with the perversity of men that they may repent, lest his and their enemies shall triumph in their positive destruction. He bears long with their waywardness and folly. He disciplines them, that they should seek him, and if they will humble their hearts before him, he will not bring them to shame, but through their suffering and their turning unto the Lord, he will make them the eternal monuments of his mercy. His almighty power alone can avail in behalf of any human agency through his abiding grace. Wholehearted obedience God requires of his people as their only means of happiness and prosperity. Only through humbling themselves and exalting God by their devotion to him can they find true prosperity. Yet this is the most difficult lesson for them to learn. Christ and his body, the church, are to become one as is represented in John 1:17—Christ and his people united to God the great Head. The ministry, which has been belittled, will be the power and energy of Christ in word and doctrine. These are they whom man despiseth, whom the nation abhorreth, because they bear the sign of the original Sabbath. Exodus 31:12-18. God's commandment keeping people are made to be a servant to rulers, they are required by man-made laws to disregard the law of God. KC 124.5

“Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, for he shall choose thee.” Isaiah 49:1-19. KC 125.1

The hidden ones have been scattered because of man's enmity against the law of Jehovah. They have been oppressed by all the powers of the earth. They have been scattered in the dens and caves of the earth through violence of their adversaries, because they are true and obedient to the laws of Jehovah. But deliverance comes to the people of God. To their enemies God will show himself as a God of just retribution. KC 125.2

Revelation 6:9-17. From the dens and caves of the earth, that have been the secret hiding places of God's people, they are called forth as his witnesses, true and faithful. KC 125.3

The people who have braved out their rebellion will fill the description given in Revelation 6:15-17. In these very caves and dens they find the very statement of truth in the letters and in the publications as witnesses against them. The shepherd who leads the sheep in false paths will hear the charge made against them, “It was you who made light of the truth. It was you who told us that God's law was abrogated, that it was a yoke of bondage. It was you who voiced the false doctrines when I was convicted that these Seventh-day Adventists had the truth. The blood of our souls is upon your priestly garments. The persecution brought upon those who kept God's commandments did not destroy them or their influence. I could not read my Bible with its condemnatory words, and I laid it aside. Now will you pay the ransom for my soul. You said you would stand between my soul and God, but you are now full of anguish yourself. What shall we do who listened to your garbling of the Scriptures and your turning into a lie the truth that if obeyed would have saved us? KC 125.4

When Christ comes to take vengeance on those who have educated and trained the people to trample on God's Sabbath, to tear down his memorial, and tread down with their feet the feed of his pastures, lamentations will be in vain. Those who trusted in the false shepherds had the word of God to search for themselves, and they find that God will judge every man who has had the truth and turned from light because it involved self-denial and the cross. Rocks and mountains cannot screen them from the indignation of him that sitteth on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. KC 125.5

“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong,

July 4, 1900

Dear Brother and Sister Haskell,

I sit here in my bed, this cold July morning trying to write to you. I have woollen mits on my hands, leaving my fingers free to write. I place my lamp on one side at my left hand, rather than behind me, and then the light shines on my paper in just the right way. Sitting on the bed is the easiest position for me, and I call this my throne. It is a little past two o'clock. I continue to be an early riser, and I write every day. There has been considerable rainy weather here this winter, and this has kept me indoors. KC 125.6

Although I carry a heavy burden for the work in Australia and America, yet I also have a thankful heart for the mercy and gracious loving kindness of my God. Notwithstanding the fact that there is war and bloodshed, and nations are preparing for battle, thanksgiving should arise from our hearts because the Sun of Righteousness never sets. The mightiest earthly potentates may be engaged in battle for the supremacy, but the children of God, whose life is hid with Christ, in God have nothing to fear. Their refuge is safe and sure. KC 125.7

Christ has declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” This is the work for God's watchmen at the present time. KC 126.1

My brother, there is danger of those in our ranks making a mistake in regard to receiving the Holy Ghost. Many suppose an emotion or a rapture of feeling to be an evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit. There is danger that right sentiments will not be understood, and that Christ's words, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you,” will lose their significance. There is danger that original devisings and superstitious imaginings will take the place of the Scriptures. Be not anxious to bring in something not revealed in the Word. Keep close to Christ. Remember his words, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” He is with us as we teach the words he spoke in the Old Testament as well as in the New. He who gave commandment in the New Testament is the One also who gave the instruction contained in the Old Testament. The Old and the New Testaments are both sacred; for they both contain the words of Christ. All communication from heaven to earth since Adam's fall has come through Christ. He who believes the instruction contained in the New Testament and in the Old, doing those things which Christ has commanded therein, has the Saviour always with him. KC 126.2

In his record of the giving of the commission Mark says, “He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” These words are to be literally fulfilled. This is the work the Lord Jesus Christ will do through his appointed agencies. “So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” KC 126.3

Let us remember that the word Christ has commanded us to preach to all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples is confirmed by the Holy Spirit. This is God's plan of work. Christ is the mighty power which confirms the word, bringing men and women, through conversion to the truth, to an understanding faith, making them willing to do whatsoever he has commanded them. The human agent, the seen instrument, is to preach the word, and the Lord Jesus, the unseen agency, by his Holy Spirit is to make the word efficacious and powerful. KC 126.4

The law of the Lord is to be presented in its true bearing. Paul bears testimony regarding this law. “What shall we say then?” he asks. “Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law,” which is the detector of sin. “For I had not known lust except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.” Because of this does Paul say, Have nothing to do with the law? Oh no, this is not his conclusion. Sin is the transgression of the law, and by the law is the knowledge of sin. Paul saw sin in all its hideous deformity. The law pointed him to Christ, the healer of sin which is repented of and confessed. “Wherefore,” Paul declared, “the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” Why then do men in their transgression curse the law of God? Because it condemns sin. KC 126.5

August 22, 1900.

Dear Brother and Sister Haskell,

Today Sara, Maggie, and I drove up from Cooranbong with our faithful horses, Jasper and Jessie. We came to attend a general meeting for the Newcastle, Maitland, and Cooranbong churches. Quite a number are coming from Cooranbong and Maitland. KC 127.1

I am staying at the Baths with Brother and Sister Louis Currow. Our medical work in Newcastle gives every promise of success. Some weeks ago we rented the building in Hamilton known as the Turkish Baths. This building is provided with facilities for giving Turkish baths and hot and cold water baths. It is surrounded by open grounds, and is only a few minutes walk from our church in Hamilton. KC 127.2

As soon as we saw the advantages of this place, we decided that the best thing we could do was to secure it. We feel very thankful to the Lord for this opening in Newcastle. Work at the Baths was begun about two weeks ago, and thus far success has attended it. Several prominent men are taking treatment and yesterday three Catholic priests came in for a bath. Brother Currow, who is in charge of the bath work, is an excellent nurse. His wife who used to be Miss Lizzie Hubbard, and he are both doing well. KC 127.3

In the building there are four rooms upstairs, and four downstairs. Two are unfurnished. When we have sufficient means they will be furnished ready for patients. KC 127.4

If properly conducted, this institution will be the means of doing much good, both in relieving physical suffering and in making known the truth. Idolatry prevails in our cities. Everything that Satan can do he is doing to keep his dark shadow between sinners and God. He desires to keep the minds of men fixed upon the things of earth. By means of medical work a class of people may be reached who would otherwise never hear present truth. Souls ready to perish may be saved. KC 127.5

Friday, Apr. 27. We thank the Lord for pleasant weather. Quite a number have come from Cooranbong to attend the meeting. Most of these will be accommodated at the Baths. KC 127.6

April 28, Sabbath. The Lord gave me strength to speak to the people this afternoon. I felt indeed that physical and spiritual strength was given me. I spoke from John 16:1-6. Christ's words are plain and definite: “These things have I spoken unto you that ye should not be offended.” Before this, some of the disciples had been offended because Christ had said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” KC 127.7

“The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give up his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.... He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” KC 128.1

“Many therefore of his disciples, when they heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that His disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” KC 128.2

In Christ God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” This we are to believe. These words are not merely to be read as a lesson. They are to be received in the heart, understood, believed, and lived. They will bring us spiritual life. Christ's teachings are to be brought into the daily experience. We have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of our sins. Spiritual life comes to us as we receive and practice his words. KC 128.3

The disciples of Christ are to bring the perfections of his character into their character. He has given us his word as spiritual food. As we eat this word, we shall grow up into him, manifesting unselfishness, integrity, kindness, and love. In all we do, Christlikeness is to be revealed. Thus we may show that we are eating the bread of heaven and drawing the living water from the wells of salvation. KC 128.4

As our physical life is sustained by natural food, so our spiritual life is to be sustained by spiritual food,—the words of Christ. The gospel, believed and lived, means eternal life. It gives spiritual health and vigor. It enables us to bear in the daily life the fruits of the Spirit. KC 128.5

Sunday, April 29. The meetings close tonight. They have been well attended, and we feel very much encouraged. We believe that it was in the order of God for them to be held at this time. KC 128.6

The work at Maitland is still going forward. Some very precious souls have taken their stand for the truth. Others are convinced, and we hope that they will soon demonstrate their faith. We are praying earnestly that the Lord will give them courage to do this. Mr. Scott, one of those who are convinced, works for his brother, who is an infidel. Although fully convinced of the truth, he is slow to take his stand before the world as a Seventh-day Adventist. His wife and two daughters have been baptized. Mr. Scobie^* is the only one of a large family of brothers who used tobacco. On one occasion his father and brothers offered him L50 if he would give up tobacco, but he did not accept the offer. When he heard at the meetings in the tent the truth in regard to the evil effects of tobacco upon the system, he stopped using it. KC 128.7

A young man and his wife have lately taken their stand with us. He was employed in a bakery, but lost his position when he began keeping the Sabbath. He has been entrusted with the sale of the Health Foods. We hope that he will be able to do good work in this line. He and his wife are both young and strong, and they will be able, we hope, to manage the health food business in Maitland successfully. KC 129.1

Another young man and his wife, Baker by name, have commenced keeping the Sabbath. He is employed as a salesman in a boot and shoe shop. He says that if he loses his position, he will go into the business for himself. KC 129.2

Twenty persons have been baptized in Maitland and soon several more will be baptized. Those who have taken their stand for the truth seem to be fully and thoroughly converted. We pray for more Sabbathkeepers in Maitland. KC 129.3

The tent has been taken down, and Brother Colcord is holding meetings in a small hall connected with the house in which the mission family live. Brother and Sister James from Ballaret have charge of the mission home. They both labor as they can to instruct the people. Sisters Wilson and Robertson have been and are doing a good work in Maitland. The Lord sustains them, and they have many friends. In the past they have had to walk three and four miles to give their readings, but now they have a horse and buggy. KC 129.4

Brother and Sister Hickox are working in East Maitland. Brother and Sister Colcord are working in West Maitland. Sister Colcord, having a family, does not work much among the people. But it is altogether better to have married people in the work. Workers who are married can work to much greater advantage in the families they visit than can those who are unmarried. KC 129.5

Brother and Sister James are going to take into the mission home an old lady who embraced the truth at the campmeeting. She was, I believe, the first one to keep the Sabbath. She is an invalid, and will be one as long as she lives, but she is always cheerful and will not accept charity. She supports herself by her own handiwork. She will be a blessing in the mission house. KC 129.6

A church must be built in Maitland as soon as the money for it can be raised. When all those who are now convinced decide for the truth, an effort will be made to raise some money for the church. The ministers in Maitland are still very bitter, and keep up the most determined opposition. But if our workers will only walk humbly before God, he will make them vessels unto honor. All who have embraced the truth in Maitland have had to take their stand in the face of decided enmity. Canright's falsehoods have been circulated, and have been met by his own statements. KC 129.7

Our laborers in Maitland are doing good work. All are working in concert, watching for souls as they that must given an account. KC 129.8

Union is strength, and in the work of God unity must be preserved. Strength is not to be wasted in desultory, meaningless efforts but is to be consecrated to a high and holy purpose. KC 129.9

There is much work to be done in and around Newcastle and Maitland, and we feel that the next camp meeting in New South Wales should be held between Maitland and Newcastle, or in East Maitland. I see no way to carry forward the work except by camp meetings. It is of little use to attempt to hold tent meetings without first awakening a general interest. It may be well, where the opposition has been very bitter, to hold two camp meetings in one place. Let the ministers exhaust their opposition, and then let the truths which they have misstated and misinterpreted be presented again in the Spirit and power of God. KC 130.1

The field around Maitland Newcastle is so large that we could use twenty workers, all working in concert under one supreme leader. The Lord will work with every sincere, devoted soldier of the cross. But no man can be a good soldier who thinks he must work independently of his fellow worker, who regards his own judgment as the best. God's workers must blend together, one supplying what the other lacks. KC 130.2

God has given to his church a diversity of gifts. Paul writes, “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors; and some, teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the fullness of the stature of Christ.... I therefore the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, wit long-suffering, forebearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace.... That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly framed together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” KC 130.3

This instruction is given for our help. Those who will obey will find that the Lord knows what is best for them. The people of God are to work as a perfect whole. KC 130.4

We have not money to pay more workers, but the Lord can work by few as well as by many. He can do a great work through two or three who labor, “not with eye service, as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service as to the Lord and not to man.” KC 130.5

“Finally my brethren be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.” Do not trust in your own strength. “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Do we make the preparation it is our privilege to make to stand against the wiles of the enemy? Do we realize the sacred character of God's work and the necessity of watching for souls as they that must give account? We must be vigilant, “knowing the time that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” “The night is far spent; the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” KC 130.6

Are we learning to forego our own wishes? Or is self still consulted so much that in labor with our brethren we regard our judgment as best of all? God forbid that we should allow self-supremacy to withhold from us the blessings God gives to the meek and lowly. Those who truly glorify God will hide self in Christ, rejoicing if God can be glorified by the labors of those connected with them. No one can succeed in the work of God who has too high an appreciation of himself. As time goes on, his feeling of supremacy grows, and soon he comes to think that he would rather not unite with his brethren in labor but would prefer to work alone. KC 130.7

Such a man is not prepared to do efficient service as a soldier of the cross. He has developed such sensitiveness that he does not wish to be criticized, feeling that it is for his best good to be let alone. He takes offense if his brethren do not work in harmony with his ideas and plans. What can God do with such material? KC 131.1

Let us put far from us every feeling of self-exaltation. Let us prepare to be good soldiers of the cross by learning the lesson Christ gave when he said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” KC 131.2

He who has crushed down all desire for self-recognition will most surely be recognized by the unselfishness of his actions. In order to help and encourage others, he is willing to put aside his own wishes, becoming all things to all men that he may by some means save some. Such a man is a noble leader in Christ's army. KC 131.3

Look at the Saviour's patient endurance in suffering and trial. Yoke up with him in unselfish service. We are engaged in a severe and trying warfare. “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 yourself the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” KC 131.4

“Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street and equity cannot enter. Yea, the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.... According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” KC 131.5

Let us walk carefully and prayerfully before the Lord, not serving self, but serving the Prince of heaven. Read and obey the instruction contained in the second chapter of Philippians. As you do this, you will certainly see the salvation of God. KC 131.6

“Let nothing be done through strife of vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than himself.... Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.... Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling: for it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” KC 131.7

June 16, 1902