Loma Linda Messages

To the Workers in Southern California

B.343-'07 Oct. 20, 1907. Sept. 2, 1907.

Sanitarium, Calif.,

This morning my prayers have ascended to God for spiritual grace and a clear comprehension of His will. LLM 255.5

I have been instructed regarding the mistake that has been made in placing men in positions of responsibility to meet emergencies which they think it necessary to be met. LLM 256.1

Complaints of a grave character were made, to the effect that some of our ministers while drawing pay from the Conference were out of their place in taking the responsibility of going to various places and of spending means to pay their traveling expenses, when they had not been told to go to these places by the president of the conference. These complaints led to certain rules being laid down by which these ministers could not receive from the Conference the moneys expended, unless they had first, in taking up any line of work, gone to the Conference president to ask his consent. Thus these workers were put under the rule of their fellow minister. LLM 256.2

The evils that will result from the adoption of such a course are not discerned by those who favor it. But the Lord has plainly revealed to me that this is not right, and that He is greatly dishonored when ministers are instructed to go to their fellow men for permission to do the work that He has pointed out was their duty to do. LLM 256.3

Man is not to be made amenable to his fellow man. I am bidden to write decidedly regarding this matter. The work of exalting men as rulers is a dangerous work, for it educates the workers to look to human agencies instead of looking to God, and this spoils their religious experience. Their minds are diverted from the true source of their strength. LLM 256.4

I have been shown that the evangelistic labors of the gospel minister are not to be directed by a fellow minister. The workers for God should inquire of Him, the fountain of wisdom, in regard to their labors. They are to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God. God is able to move upon their minds, and to guide them with judgment. “The meek will He guide with judgment, and the meek will He teach His way.” God will work with those who will listen to His voice. LLM 256.5

The word of God is to be the man of our counsel, and is to guide our experience. The lessons of the Old Testament history, if faithfully studied, will teach us how this can be. Christ, enshrouded in a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night, was the guide and the light of the children of Israel, in their wilderness-wandering. Here was an unerring guide. In all their experiences, God was trying to teach them obedience to their heavenly Guide, and faith in His power to deliver them. Their deliverance from affliction in Egypt, and their passage through the Red Sea, revealed to them His power to save. When they rebelled against Him, and went contrary to His will, God punished them. When they persisted in their rebellion, and were determined to have their own way, God gave them that for which they asked, and in this way showed them that that which He withheld from them He withheld for their own good. Every judgment that came as a result of their murmurings was a lesson to that vast multitude that sorrow and suffering are always the result of transgression of the laws of God. LLM 256.6

The history of the Old Testament was recorded for the benefit of those who should live in the generations following. The lessons of the New Testament are as greatly needed. Here again Christ is the Instructor, leading His people to seek that wisdom that cometh from above, and to gain that instruction in righteousness that will mold the character after the divine similitude. Both Old and New Testament Scriptures teach the principle of obedience to the commandments of God as the terms of securing that life which measures with the life of God; for it is through obedience that we become partakers of the divine nature, and learn to escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust. Therefore its maxims are to be studied, its commands obeyed, its principles, which are more precious than gold, brought into the daily life. LLM 257.1

The light that has been given at this time is only a repetition of the message that was sent in the past. LLM 257.2

“Let every department of our work, every institution connected with our cause, be conducted on considerate, generous lines. Let every branch of the work, while maintaining its own distinctive character, seek to protect, strengthen, and build up every other branch. Men of varied abilities and characteristics are employed for carrying forward the various branches of the work. This has always been the Lord's plan. Each worker must give his own branch special efforts; but it is the privilege of each to study and labor for the health and welfare of the whole body of which he is a member. LLM 257.3

“Not consolidation, not rivalry, or criticism, but cooperation, is the Lord's plan for His institutions, that ‘the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual measure of the working in every part,’ may make ‘increase of the body unto the edifying (building up) of itself in love.’ LLM 257.4

“God desires to bring men into direct relation with Himself. In all His dealing with human beings, He recognizes the principles of personal responsibility. He seeks to encourage a sense of personal dependence, and to increase the need of personal guidance. His gifts are committed to men as individuals. Every man has been made a steward of sacred trusts; each is to discharge his trust, according to the direction of the Giver; and by each an account of his stewardship must be rendered to God. LLM 257.5

“In all this, God is seeking to bring the human into association with the divine, that through this connection man may become transformed into the divine likeness. Then the principle of love and goodness will be a part of his nature. Satan, seeking to thwart this purpose, constantly works to encourage dependence upon man, to make men the slaves of men. When he thus succeeds in turning minds away from God, he insinuates his own principles of selfishness, hatred and strife. LLM 257.6

“In all our dealings with one another, God desires us carefully to guard the principle of personal responsibility to and dependence upon Him.”—See Vol. VII, pp. 174-176. LLM 258.1

When Christ sent out His disciples, He sent them out two and two, and commanded them saying, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into every city of the Samaritans, enter ye not, But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Why was this restriction made? This was their first trial, the first time that they should attempt to labor without the personal presence of their Lord. They were not to go into the way of these caviling religionists who would draw them into controversy. “Go rather unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, Cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:10, 17. LLM 258.2

It was those who claimed to be religious, whom Christ declared would do this work of persecution. Ministers today need to look carefully to their own hearts, that they may understand where they really stand. The gospel of Christ is to be carried to all nations and people, but it is to be carried in meekness and lowliness of spirit, long suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace.” LLM 258.3

“There is one body,” the apostle says, “and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” LLM 258.4

“And He gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some—(Ephesians 4:11-16.) LLM 258.5

Ellen G. White

*****

B.-274-'07 Sept. 2, 1907.

Sanitarium, Calif.,

Dear Brother Burden,

I received your letter, and read it with much interest. The work you speak of that has been done for the W.C.T.U. is in harmony with the work that, before the Loma Linda property came into our hands, I was shown must be entered into. A grand work is to be done by our people for the W.C.T.U. The Lord has in that association precious souls, who will accept the truth and become one with our labors. These workers will be a great help to us in our efforts in temperance lines. And the education of our people have had in Bible truth and in a knowledge of the requirements of the law of Jehovah, they will impart to those who come in among us. Thus a union and sympathy will be created where in the past prejudice has existed. LLM 258.6

We need the help that these women workers can give us, they need the help we can give them in a knowledge of the gospel Sabbath. By holding ourselves aloof from the workers of the W.C.T.U. our people have lost much; and the members of the W.C.T.U. have also been on losing ground. If every possible effort is now made to reach these people, prejudice will be removed, and souls will be reached when our people have thought would never accept present truth. LLM 258.7

I have been instructed that no hindrance should be placed in the way of Sister Starr's work for the W.C.T.U. While I was in Australia, Elder A. T. Jones, by an unwise course of action, nearly knocked us out of all opportunity to work for this people. At that time I was shown that no obstacle should be placed in the way of those who are seeking to teach these temperance workers. In some matters they are far in advance of our leaders on the important question of temperance. LLM 259.1

Give Sister Starr the right of way. Let no hand be stretched out to hinder her work. Give her an opportunity to bring this message before the temperance organization. Every possible ray of light that we can shed upon the W.C.T.U. should be given. If we had one hundred soundly converted workers from this body, the cause of present truth would be greatly helped. Many of our own laborers would be taught wherein they might come up on to higher ground, and our sisters would learn how they might exert a wider and more uplifting influence than they have in the past. LLM 259.2

We need to have the temperance question revived among our own people. It would be a good thing if at our campmeetings we should invite the members of the W.C.T.U. to take part in our exercises. This will help them to become acquainted with the reasons of our faith, and will open the way for us to unite with them in temperance work. If we will do this, we will come to see that the temperance question means more than many of us have supposed. And we in turn can teach these workers many things. They will hear the truth, and many will be converted to the faith. LLM 259.3

In his labors, my husband, whenever he had opportunity, invited the workers in the temperance cause to his meetings, and gave them an opportunity to speak. And when invitations were given to us to attend their gatherings, we always responded. I have had some opportunity to see the great advantage to be gained by connecting with the W.C.T.U. workers, and I have been much surprised as I have seen the indifference of many of our leaders to this organization. I call on my brethren to awake. The Lord gave the best gift of heaven to the world that He might win men back to their allegiance to Him. We should do all in our power to cooperate with heavenly agencies for the promulgation of truth and righteousness in the earth. We cannot do a better work than to unite, so far as we can do so without compromise, with the W.C.T.U. workers. LLM 259.4

Years ago we regarded the spread of temperance principles as one of our most important duties. It should be so today. Our schools and sanitariums are to reveal the power of the grace of Christ to transform the life. They should be important factors in the temperance cause. LLM 259.5

In choosing men and women for His service, God does not measure them according to the standard of the world. He asks, “Do they walk in such humility that I can teach them my way? Can I put My words in their lips, and trust them to speak those words? Will they represent Me in meekness and lowliness of heart? Will they receive My Spirit, learn My ways, and wear My yoke? All who truly follow Me will represent in their characters the immortal principles of Truth.” LLM 260.1

God's commandment-keeping people are to stand distinguished from the world because He has placed His seal upon them. Christ has healing power for every soul. He will manifest in His believing ones His own character, and cover them with the robe of His righteousness. LLM 260.2

(Signed)

Ellen G. White.

*****

B.-276-'07

Dear Brother Burden,

I have read with much interest your letter regarding the campmeeting. LLM 260.3

I have a message to bear to some who hold positions of responsibility in the Southern Calif. Conference. They have lost from their experience that true fervor which the presence of the Holy Spirit gives, and which would teach them to subdue self and walk humbly in the way of Christ. The responsible worker who will not become a humble follower of Christ will do a great harm to the cause of God, by molding and fashioning the experience of the conference to a common, cheap standard. The sacred work that we handle will never, if performed in a spirit of consecration, cheapen the experience of a single soul. LLM 260.4

That man is unfit to be the president of a conference or a leader among God's people, who has not broad ideas and views. It is the privilege and duty of those who bear responsibilities in the cause to become learners in Christ's school. The professed follower of Christ must not follow the dictates of his own will; his mind must be trained to think Christ's thoughts, and enlightened to comprehend the will and way of God. Such a believer will be a learner of Christ's methods of work. LLM 260.5

A mistake was made in the methods that were adopted to clear the schools in Calif. from debt. The book “Christ's Object Lessons” was given to relieve the indebtedness of our schools. But this plan has not been presented in our schools as it should have been; the students and teachers have not been educated to take hold of this book and push its sale for the benefit of the educational work. The plan that has been followed of calling on our people to support these schools must not be continued; for this is giving to our teachers and students, and to our people in general, a wrong education. They must not be so instructed that they will forget the needs of other fields outside their own. LLM 260.6

In the cities of Riverside, Redlands, and San Bernardino a mission field is open to us that we have as yet only touched with the tips of our fingers. A good work has been done there as far as our workers have had encouragement to do it; but there is need of means to carry the work successfully. It was God's purpose that by the sale of “Ministry of Healing” and “Christ's Object Lessons” the necessary means would be raised for the work of our sanitariums and schools, and thus our people be left free to donate of their means for the opening of the work in new fields. If our people had engaged in the sale of these books as God purposed they should, we would now have the means to carry the work in the way the Lord designed. LLM 260.7

Wherever the work of selling “Christ's Object Lessons” has been taken hold of in earnest, the book has had a good circulation. And the lessons that have been learned by those who have engaged in this work have well repaid their efforts. Our people should all be encouraged to take a part in this missionary effort. Light has been given me that in every possible way instruction should be given to our people in the best methods of presenting this book to the people. We have been instructed that at our large gatherings, workers should be present who will teach our people how to sow the seeds of truth. This means more than instruction how to sell the Signs of the Times and other periodicals. It includes such books as “Christ's Object Lessons” and “Ministry of Healing.” These are books which contain precious truths, and from which the reader can draw lessons of highest value. LLM 261.1

At your recent campmeeting, was anyone appointed to present the interests of this line of work to our people? If this was not done, you lost a precious opportunity of placing large blessings within the reach of the people and an opportunity of raising means for the relief of our institutions. My brother, let me encourage our people to take up this work without further delay. Let those who have had experience in the sale of health foods interest themselves in the sale of “Christ's Object Lessons” and “Ministry of Healing;” for here is food unto eternal life. Los Angeles has been presented to me as a very fruitful field for the sale of these books. I know that every household in the land would be benefited by their presence in the home. LLM 261.2

Those who bear responsibilities in our sanitariums and schools should act wisely in this matter, encouraging all by this means to gather the money required to meet the expense of the different institutions. We have need of workers in Southern Calif. who have clear spiritual eyesight, men who will weigh matters wisely, and can see afar off. If our workers were more fully consecrated to the cause of God, a much more effective work would be done. LLM 261.3

God's Spirit is grieved because His people are so slow to understand that which the Lord requires of them. Our workers should present these books to our people at our large and small gatherings, and call for volunteers who will engage in the sale of them. When this work is entered into with the earnestness which the times in which we live demand, the indebtedness that now rests upon our schools and sanitariums will be wiped out, and the people who are now being called on to give of their means to support these institutions, will be free to donate their offerings to missionary work in other needy places. LLM 261.4

Great good will result by bringing these books before the women of the W.C.T.U. Invite these workers to your meetings, and give them an opportunity to become acquainted with our people. Place these books in their hands, and tell them the story of their gift to the cause and its object. Explain how by the sale of “Ministry of Healing” patients will be brought to the Sanitarium for healing who could never get there unaided, and how through this means also sanitariums are managed wisely by men and women who have the fear of God before them; the workers in the temperance cause will not be slow to see the advantage of this branch of the work. If you will in earnestness and faith work out the plan that God has laid down, angels of God will attend your steps, and the blessing of heaven will be upon your efforts. LLM 262.1

I send you these lines because I see that there is need of a deeper intuition, a wider perception, on the part of our sanitariums that God intends shall come to them through these books. I ask you, Brother Burden, to read these words to our people, that they may learn to show the wisdom of a sound mind. The Lord gave me His Holy Spirit to enable me to write the manuscript for this book, the Review and Herald and the Press donated the labor required to prepare it for the public; and God now calls upon our people, men and women and youth, to make the most of this gift to His cause. Let the students, under wise directors, be set to work to sell the books, and let all understand why they are engaged in this missionary enterprise. The blessing and approval of God will rest upon those who make the effort. LLM 262.2

Ellen G. White

*****

S.-278-'07 Sept. 5, 1907

Sanitarium, Calif.,

Dr. Lillie Wood-Starr Loma Linda. Calif.:

Dear Sister Starr,

Be of good courage in the Lord. I pray that you will look constantly to God, and trust fully in Him. He will be your helper in every emergency. LLM 262.3

I am deeply interested in the W.C.T.U. It is the Lord's pleasure that you should feel free to act in concert with them. It is by uniting with them in their labors that we shall be able to bring to these people an understanding of the claims of the fourth commandment. I believe there are many honest souls in this organization, who, when they are convinced of the claims of the Bible Sabbath, will obey the dictates of conscience. LLM 262.4

In our earlier labors in the message, our campmeetings were held in out-of-the-way places. Of late years, a change has been brought about in this respect and for this I am grateful. In our labors together, my husband and I always felt that it was our duty to demonstrate in every place where we held meetings, that we were fully in harmony with the workers in the temperance cause. We always laid this question before the people in plain lines. Invitations would come to us to speak in different places on the temperance question, and I always accepted these invitations, if it was possible. This has been my experience not only in this country, but in Europe and Australia, and other places where I have labored. LLM 262.5

I am sorry that there has not been a more lively interest among our people of late years to magnify this branch of the Lord's work. We cannot afford to lose one opportunity to unite with the temperance work in any place. Although the cause of temperance in foreign countries does not always advance as rapidly as we could wish, yet in some places decided success has attended the efforts of those who engaged in it. In Europe we found the people sound on this question. On one occasion, when I accepted an invitation to speak to a large audience on the subject of temperance, the people did me the honor of draping above the pulpit the American flag. My words were received with the deepest attention, and at the close of my talk a hearty vote of thanks was accorded me. I have never in all my work on this question, had to accept one word of disrespect. LLM 263.1

We need at this time to show a decided interest in the workers of the W.C.T.U. None who claim to have a part in the work of God should lose interest in the grand object of this organization in temperance lines. I am not afraid that you will lose your interest, or backslide from the truth because you interest yourself in this people who have taken such a noble stand for the temperance question, and I shall urge our people, and those not of our faith, to help us in carrying forward the word of Christian temperance. LLM 263.2

I am being aroused anew on this subject. We have a work to do along this line besides that of speaking in public. We must present our principles in pamphlets and in our papers. We must use every possible means of arousing our people to their duty to get into connection with those who know not the truth. The success we have had in missionary work has been fully proportionate to the self-denying, self-sacrificing efforts we have made. The Lord alone knows how much we might have accomplished if as a people we had humbled ourselves before Him, and proclaimed the temperance truth in clear, straight lines. A large work of seed-sowing is yet to be done. The light of truth has flashed upon many minds who have not yet fully taken their stand, and these souls are waiting to see what next. The Lord's workers are to draw nigh to Him, and He will give them keener perceptions and broader views of His purpose and of their individual duty. LLM 263.3

Look not to human agencies to learn your duty. Seek the Lord to know His will, and He will give you light. He is the One who can truly estimate character. Christ bids His workers, “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering; for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.” God bids us carry our difficulties and perplexities to Him. He presents for the acceptance of the believing soul the virtues of Christ's character. A way is opened for him to receive the truth as it is in Jesus, and to have that faith which works by love and purifies the soul ... LLM 263.4

Sister Starr, look to Jesus, and make Him your Counselor, go forward in faith with the work the Lord has pointed out to you. If wisely labored for, many of these women who have taken such a noble stand for the cause of temperance, will go still farther, and will yield themselves to obedience to the commandments of God. A true missionary spirit will lead our workers to welcome these women to our meetings, that they may hear the truth for this time. LLM 264.1

We need to put away our narrowness of vision. We need to search the Scriptures, studying the works of Christ in His efforts to reach every class of people. Again and again, Christ was charged with receiving sinners, and eating with them. But He said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” This is the answer we may give to those who would criticize your works because they cannot reason from cause to effect. LLM 264.2

Be encouraged to continue your work for the W.C.T.U. Unite with them in their good work as far as you can do so without compromising any principle of truth. Lead them to see that there is more light for them in the word of God. God has shown you that it is your privilege to unite with these workers that you may give them a more intelligent understanding of the principles of His word. LLM 264.3

Ellen G. White