Battle Creek Letters

Words of Cheer

The Lord does not forsake His faithful workmen. Bear in mind that our life in this world is but a pilgrimage, that heaven is the home to which we are going. Have faith in God. If my words have wounded and bruised your soul, I am sorry; I am wounded and bruised also. Our work, a strange work, a great work, given us by God, links us heart and soul together. You dare not throw off your armor. You must wear it till the end. When the Lord releases you, it will be time for you to lay down your armor at His feet. You have enlisted in His army to serve till the close of the battle, and you would not disgrace yourself and dishonor God by deserting. May the Lord open to you many matters that He has opened to me. Satan is watching His opportunity, to dishonor the cause of God. I have been shown your peril, and I have also been shown your guardian angel, preserving you again and again from yourself, keeping you from making shipwreck of faith. My brother, lift up the standard, lift it up, and be not faint-hearted or discouraged. BCL 23.2

I have given leading men in the General Conference and the Mission Board the light given me by God,—that you and they should counsel together; that instead of holding themselves aloof, they should be your fellow-helpers; that you had been ordained by God to stand in a position of trust, and you needed help instead of censure. BCL 23.3

In the intensity of my desire that you should make straight paths for your feet, I have written earnest words to you, but never, never to denounce or condemn you. O that God would make you understand that my deep interest in you has not changed in the least. I have a most earnest desire that you shall stand fast in God, firm, tried, and true. I know that the Lord wants you to have the crown of victory. BCL 24.1