Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 232, 1906

St. Helena, California

July 9, 1906

Previously unpublished.

Dear Brother:

In answer to your question regarding my work and title, I have been instructed that I am not to claim any title, except that of a messenger, appointed of God. The work assigned to me embraces more than the ordinary work of a prophet. The gift of prophecy is included, but that alone does not cover the many lines of work to which I have been called as the Lord’s messenger. 21LtMs, Lt 232, 1906, par. 1

From time to time I am instructed that I am to take an interest in the establishment of schools and institutions for the care of the sick, and I am to specify the reforms that are needed in those already established. I have been given an insight into the ways and the work of those connected with our publishing houses and am bidden to give instruction that those who are brought into these institutions as apprentices are to be considered as a sacred charge and are to be carefully guarded. 21LtMs, Lt 232, 1906, par. 2

The care of the widow and the orphan, the poor and the afflicted was to be a branch of my work. I was to plead that they receive the tender care of those in authority. Especially are their spiritual interests to be looked after. No unkind spirit is to be manifested toward the fatherless. They are to be trained and qualified to go forth into new fields and bear responsibility in the work of God. 21LtMs, Lt 232, 1906, par. 3

With pen and with voice I was to bear a straightforward message, and I was to stand ready to speak before large congregations on various lines of the work of God. 21LtMs, Lt 232, 1906, par. 4

To the ministers I was bidden to say that they are to be laborers together with God. He is their efficiency. Business cares and commercial interests should not burden the mind of the gospel minister or the physician. 21LtMs, Lt 232, 1906, par. 5

The sanitariums are to be places where the example of Christ is followed in the work of relieving the sick and the suffering. In all their effort there is to be a recognition of the Lord Jesus who gave His life to purchase the souls of the afflicted ones for whom they minister. In these institutions, the great chief Missionary is to preside as the counsellor of those who labor in the various departments. 21LtMs, Lt 232, 1906, par. 6

Many souls need the benefits of a Christian influence, and our physicians and nurses and helpers are to be saviors of the soul as well as of the body. The physician especially should be on guard, that he does not become so commingled with worldly enterprises that the ministry of healing shall be neglected. 21LtMs, Lt 232, 1906, par. 7

A spirit of commercialism endangers the work of the gospel minister and the medical practitioner. I have been given warnings both to physicians and to ministers that they must realize their accountability to make the spiritual interests first in all their work. They are bidden to keep their souls pure and undefiled, that they may give no occasion for temptation to the youth. 21LtMs, Lt 232, 1906, par. 8

Often I have felt depressed of opposition that has arisen from different sources, but I have been instructed that it is the design of the enemy to keep me in perplexity and to discourage my soul. We may find a cheerful, hopeful confidence in the promise of our Saviour, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] 21LtMs, Lt 232, 1906, par. 9