Ellen G. White: The Australian Years: 1891-1900 (vol. 4)

Invitation to John J. Wessels

In the autumn of 1897 Ellen White wrote to John Wessels in South Africa, inviting him to come to Australia to lead out in building and managing a sanitarium that could be provided with his own money. He had suggested to the president of the General Conference that he was “going to some place to build a sanitarium,” and both Elder Olsen and Dr. Kellogg had suggested to Ellen White that she urge Wessels to help out in Australia. She reminded him of the generous contributions that had already been made by members of the Wessels family to Australia, and she told of the needs. Then in a way quite unique to one who so often wrote of the direct biddings of the Lord, she stated: 4BIO 331.4

I have not been given the message “Send for Brother John Wessels to come to Australia.” No; therefore, I do not say, “I know that this is the place for you.” But it is my privilege to express my wishes, even though I say, “I speak not by commandment.” But I do not want you to come because of any persuasion of mine. I want you to seek the Lord most earnestly, and then follow where He shall lead you. I want you to come when God says, “Come,” not one moment before. 4BIO 331.5

Nevertheless, it is my privilege to present the wants of the work of God in Australia. Australia is not my country, only as it is the Lord's province. The country is God's. The people are His. A work is to be done here, and if you are not the one to do it, I shall feel perfectly resigned to hear that you have gone to some other locality.—Letter 129, 1897. 4BIO 332.1

While she had her own personal convictions and desires, Ellen White was careful not to set before people, as a message from God, that which did not have its source in the visions given her. 4BIO 332.2

Wessels did not at the time choose to respond to this invitation, but in 1899 he was there, and in later years managed two sanitariums in California. 4BIO 332.3