Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

September 1, 1898

I have just been having some conversation with Elders Daniells, Starr, and W. C. White. We were considering matters relating to our school: Who shall be preceptor the next term. My mind at once referred to you, but W. C. White said, “I wish we could, but we dare not urge him away from Europe. England is almost destitute of workers.” 17MR 212.2

I knew the situation, and dared not express anything farther. W. C. White then presented the situation of Europe, and how very much Brother Prescott was needed in England, saying that he could advance the work and the school which is to be established there. The time for this has fully come. The want of means is the objection, but the work must advance. Men must go to England to help there in the work. “We must,” said W. C. W., “hold up the hands of Brother Prescott. We must make every effort and see that means is sent to England without delay.” Be of good courage in the Lord, my brother. A work is to be done in England. God will help you and Elder Waggoner to do this work, and others will be added to your number. 17MR 212.3

As I consider the past history of our people in Battle Creek, I suffer intense agony of soul. It seems, if I could, that I would roll back the years that have been, and blot them out from their history. Very recent transactions tell us that those who have not yet learned their lesson, who have not had a depth of experience in the things of God, have come forward with their bold words. They are fluent in words but destitute of true understanding. True education would teach them to listen to the words of wisdom, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Their words have been like a brawling brook; lacking depth, it makes the most noise. 17MR 213.1

But the Lord has not left His people. He will work with each heart that turns fully to Him. Many of those who are so ready of speech are not under the inspiration of the Spirit of God. Will these ever learn from the lesson book to be doers of the Word? Striplings who have but a limited experience are coming to the front; and this is well if they have learned the meekness and lowliness of Jesus Christ. 17MR 213.2

The Highest, who was with the Father before the world was, submitted to humiliation; He clothed His divinity with humanity that He might lift up the lowly. Prophecy lifts the veil that we may behold the throne of heaven, that we may see upon that throne, high and lifted up, One who in human form came to our world to suffer, to be lacerated with stripes and bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed. He proclaims Himself the Advocate of the sinful human family. Before all the universe of heaven the Lord of glory suffered in human form, that His love, as a mighty Helper, might flow in rich currents to all suffering human beings. He cried out in His agony. He poured out His life on the cross for the one lost sheep. 17MR 213.3

And all heaven is enlisted in beseeching Christ's laborers to recover the guilty sheep that was lost. The lost sheep must be recovered. All the resources of heaven are at the command of the interested workers, that they may bestow them upon perishing souls. The Word declares that the Father has given all heaven in the great gift of His Son to seek and save that which was lost. [Zephaniah 3:16-20, quoted.] 17MR 214.1

The cross! the cross! it is set up that we may understand and know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. It tells us of the depth and breadth of infinite love, the greatness of the Father's love. It reveals the astonishing truth that God the Father gave Himself in His Son, that He might have the joy of receiving back the sheep that was lost. 17MR 214.2

We will cooperate with God in leading back to His fold the lost sheep. Then, my brother, my sister, work on, I beseech you. By living faith lay hold of the power of divinity, and lead the sheep back to the Shepherd who gave His life for it. “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” [Daniel 12:3]. 17MR 214.3

The day is breaking, and I must stop for a little rest. But I want you to know that we sympathize with you and with Brother Waggoner. 17MR 214.4

We have no time to lose. While the day lasts, let us work to turn the wandering ones to the path of life. [Jude 1:21-25, quoted]—Letter 71, 1898. 17MR 214.5

Ellen G. White Estate

Washington, D. C.

July 9, 1987.

Entire Letter.