Battle Creek Letters

W—195—03

“Elmshaven” Sanitarium, Calif.

September 6, 1903

My Dear son Willie,

I must write to you to let you know that my entire trust is in God. By figures and symbols I have been deeply impressed that we need not take upon ourselves any burdens that we do not know how to manage in detail. Satan is a cunning, deceptive general, and we must not give heed to everything that shall be devised by him. We need not feel compelled to work out the solution of every problem that we can not understand, in order to meet Satan's wiles. Nor am I to keep my mind reigned up to thwart Satan's devices. Why,—because God is supreme. He is our stronghold in time of trouble and perplexity. If we put our entire trust in Him, we shall find that He is an all-sufficient Guide. BCL 76.1

We are not to consider what we can do, but what the Lord Jesus can do for us, if we exercise faith, and fear not, neither become discouraged. We must have confidence in that which God can do for us. BCL 76.2

Last Friday I was stirred strongly to write out some things; and I had this manuscript copied, thinking that I must send out a message of warning at once; but afterward the Lord signified to me, Lay it aside for future use. If men do not evidence that they have changed, you will be prepared to give instruction in regard to their cases. Look unto Jesus. There are those who are as full of assurance and self-confidence as the human agent can well be, that their course is right. But such ones should study carefully the record of the last evening the Saviour spent with His disciples. BCL 76.3

After the last passover supper, Jesus said: “Behold, the hand of him that betrayeth Me is with Me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined; but woe unto that man by whom He is betrayed. And they began to enquire among themselves which of them it was that should do this thing. BCL 76.4

“And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And He said unto them The Kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so; but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whither is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth, is not he that sitteth at meat? But I am among you as he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations. And I appoint you a kingdom, as My Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. BCL 76.5

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto Him, Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death. And He said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest Me. And He said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said He unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in Me. And He was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning Me have an end.” BCL 77.1

Peter, in his self-confidence, was presumptuous, and fell. Let us learn a lesson from this. Let us not keep our eyes too much on the things that those who know the truth will attempt to do. We need faith,—strong, persevering faith; we need entire trust in our Leader. Our strength lies not in what we—poor, finite beings—suppose we are able to do, but in what we know Christ will do for us. This we may learn from the teachings of Christ.... BCL 77.2

In this age, a time of Satanic wonders, everything conceivable will be said and done to deceive if possible the very elect. Let believers say nothing to extol Satan's power. The Lord will distinguish His commandment keeping people with signal marks of His favor, if they will be molded and fashioned by His Spirit, and build up in the most holy faith, hearkening strictly to the voice of His Word. BCL 77.3

Let us humble our souls before God. Let us work with an eye single to His glory. Let His praise be continually on our lips; for the benefits that He bestows are daily renewed, and should be acknowledged with thanksgiving. BCL 77.4

God is longsuffering and of tender mercy. Should He deal with us according to our perversity, according to our foolish, erratic course, our changeableness, where would we be? But “He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.” BCL 77.5

Remember that no human being is of himself sufficient to stand against the wily foe. Hide in God; and be sure that the Holy Spirit is with you. You can conquer the enemy only as the Lord goes before you. BCL 77.6

If we stand in the great day of the Lord, with Christ as our refuge, our high tower, we must put away all envy, all strife for the supremacy. We must utterly destroy the roots of these unholy things; that they may not again spring up into life. We must place ourselves wholly on the side of the Lord. Tribulation and wrath will surely come upon those who profess to be Christians, yet who accept the principles of Satan, departing from the commandments of God, in the daily life. BCL 77.7

Can we not see the uncertainty and shortness of time? There are many, many, who are unready for the Lord's appearing. If they continue to act like the wicked, to cherish the principles of the wicked, they will be punished with the wicked. If they betray the truth of God, causing the messages given by Him to become an uncertain thing, can He shield them from disasters by sea and by land? No, no! BCL 78.1

Awake, my brethren, awake, Seek righteousness, and stand under the broad shield of Omnipotence. This is your only safety. God calls upon you to seek Him with humility of heart. Read Daniel's prayer, and see if your experience will stand the test of fire. God will richly bless those who humble themselves before Him. His mercy and grace will be extended to all who wear the yoke of Christ, responding to the invitation, “Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” BCL 78.2

My dear Son, I can write no more tonight; for it is growing late. I thank the Lord that I am as well as I am. I shall not, unless specially directed, go to any place to attend meeting; for this takes time that I need for the preparation of matter that should come before the people. BCL 78.3

We must not allow ourselves to be chilled to death by those who know not what it means to walk with God. We must have increased faith. Then we shall understand what it means to be true medical missionaries. So many use this name, but do not do the works signified by it. May God help His people to arouse from their lethargy, and come to the living fountain. BCL 78.4

We must not allow ourselves to enter into contention. We are to speak words that make for peace and grace and truth. We are to search our hearts diligently, humbling ourselves before God. We are to respect our brethren, but we are not to place them where God should be: for they are but men. BCL 78.5

I miss you much in my work, and shall be very glad to see you again. Come home as soon as you can. In much love, BCL 78.6