Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

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Delivering the Messages

Sometimes when I receive a testimony for someone who is in danger, who is being deceived by the enemy, I am instructed that I am not to place it in his hands, but to give it to someone else to read to him, because being deceived by the insinuations of Satan, he would read the testimony in the light of his own desires, and to him its meaning would be perverted.—Manuscript 71, 1903, 9. (“To Every Man His Work,” June 18, 1903.) 1MR 27.3

It has been hard for me to give the message that God has given me for those I love, and yet I have not dared to withhold it.... I would not do a work that is so uncongenial to me if I thought God would excuse me from it. Letter 59, 1895, p. 11. (To Brother and Sister Olsen, April 12, 1895.) 1MR 27.4

When I had to tell individuals that “you did this thing,” etc., without one single human intimation that such was so, you may be assured that I had to set my face as steel before them.—Manuscript 12, 1893. 1MR 27.5

I have been afraid that I should not have the strength to write to you thus plainly, for to do it takes hold of every fiber of my being. It is indeed as if I were writing to my own son. Letter 180, 1903, p. 2 (To Dr. J. H. Kellogg, March 5, 1903.) 1MR 27.6

I had not the least idea of writing as I have done, but the Lord has carried my mind on and on until you have the matter I send. Letter 53, 1900, p. 6. (To Elder S. N. Haskell, April 5, 1900.) 1MR 28.1

I am now sitting on my couch with my pen in hand, writing.... Ideas come clear and distinct, and very forcibly. I thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice. Letter 52, 1906, p. 6. (To Brother and Sister Farnsworth, January 29, 1906.) 1MR 28.2

Before I stand on my feet, I have no thought of speaking as plainly as I do. But the Spirit of God rests upon me with power, and I cannot but speak the words given me. I dare not withhold one word of the testimony.... I speak the words given me by a power higher than human power, and I cannot, if I would, recall one sentence. 1MR 28.3

In the night season the Lord gives me instruction, in symbols, and then explains their meaning. He gives me the word, and I dare not refuse to give it to the people. The love of Christ, and, I venture to add, the love of souls constrains me, and I cannot hold my peace.—Manuscript 22, 1890, 11, 12. (Diary, January 10, 1890.) 1MR 28.4

When I have written one testimony to the brethren, I have thought that I should not have any more to write; but again I am in travail of soul, and cannot sleep or rest. In the night season I am speaking and writing clear words of admonition. I waken so burdened in soul that I [am] again driven to take up my pen. In various ways matters are opened up before my mind, and I dare not rest, or keep quiet. Letter 59, 1895, pp. 11, 12. (To Brother and Sister Olsen, May 12, 1895.) 1MR 28.5

My life has been spared by the mercy of God to do a certain work. I have pledged that life to Him, but the work is not always easy to perform. I have to take positions not in harmony with men whom I believe to be God's workmen, and I see that I must do this in the future as in the past. It hurts me more than I can tell. The dearest hope that I can have may not be realized, yet if God will show me the right way, I will walk in it. Letter 64, 1894, pp. 4, 5. (To Elder O. A. Olsen, May 6, 1894.) 1MR 29.1

Now I must leave this subject so imperfectly presented, that I fear you will misinterpret that which I feel so anxious to make plain. O, that God would quicken the understanding, for I am but a poor writer, and cannot with pen or voice express the great and deep mysteries of God. O, pray for yourselves, pray for me. Letter 67, 1894, p. 10. (To Brother and Sister Prescott, January 18, 1894.) 1MR 29.2