The Madison School

Chapter 5—Laboring in Unity and in Faith

Sanitarium, Cal.,

October 15, 1906.

Dear Brethren,

Among brethren engaged in various lines of the Lord's work there should ever be seen a desire to encourage and strengthen one another. The Lord is not pleased with the course of those who make the way difficult for some who are doing a work appointed to them by the Master. If these critics were placed in the position of those whom they criticize, they would desire far different treatment from that which they give their brethren. SpTB11 17.1

We are to respect the light that led Brethren Magan and Sutherland to purchase property and establish the school at Madison. Let no one speak words that would tend to demerit their work, or to divert students from the school. I do not charge any one with an intention to do wrong, but from the light I have received, I can say that there is danger that some will criticize unjustly the work of our brethren and sisters connected with the school at Madison. Let every encouragement possible be given to those who are engaged in an effort to give to children and youth an education in the knowledge of God and of His law. SpTB11 17.2

To the workers in Madison I would say, Be of good courage. Do not lose faith. Your heavenly Father has not left you to achieve success by your own endeavors. Trust in Him, and He will work in your behalf. It is your privilege to experience and to demonstrate the blessings that come through walking by faith and not by sight. Work with an eye single to the glory of God. Make the most of your capabilities, and you will increase in knowledge. Those who do the will of God may be permitted to pass through suffering, but the Lord will cause them to triumph at last. SpTB11 17.3

The Lord has helped you in the selection of the location for the school, and as you continue to work under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, your efforts will be successful. The Lord will give you spirit and life, if you will not permit yourselves to become discouraged. We trust that from your brethren you may receive the help of harmonious action, of prayers, and of means. But let not one feeling of discouragement be cherished. The Lord has a work for you to do where you are, and those who are doing His work need never be discouraged. SpTB11 18.1

*****

Sanitarium, Cal.,

October 30, 1906.

Dear Brother -----,

The school at Madison must be treated fairly, yes, right loyally. If all will act a part to help this school, the Lord will bless them. I am determined to act my part. I have not lost one jot of my interest in the Southern field. I want to act a part in helping all lines of the work. SpTB11 18.2

Let us take all these burdens to the Lord God of Israel. Let us work in His name and for His glory. Our hearts need to be filled with sympathy. We need to have courage and joy in the Lord. Never, never let words be spoken that will make the burden weigh heavier upon those who have struggled for so long to carry out the expressed will and purpose of God. I fully believe that those who are connected with the school at Madison are carrying out the will of God. I believe that this farm is the very place for the school. Provision must be made to aid this institution. Those who are struggling to establish this school must be helped. SpTB11 18.3

The Lord is good; let us trust in Him. I do love the Lord, but it makes my heart ache to see and feel the magnitude of the necessities that must be met. We will say, The Lord lives, and He is rich in resources. Let us have thankful hearts, and be of good courage in the Lord. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we may triumph in Him. SpTB11 19.1

November 6, 1906.

The case of the Madison school, and the good work that should be done there without let or hindrance has been placed before me, and I designed that this sum of money, though only a small amount in comparison with what they actually need, should be invested in that enterprise. I could not feel at rest in my mind until this was done. The workers there could use double this amount with good results. It has been presented to me that before this our people should have provided this school with means, and thus placed it on vantage-ground. This is the way in which I still view the matter. SpTB11 19.2

Brethren ----- and ----- are men in whom I have confidence. I encouraged the purchasing of the farm on which the Madison school is established. Had it been still farther from Nashville, this would have been no objection. It is well situated, and will produce its treasures. Those who are carrying on the work of this school need and should have encouragement. The brethren bearing responsibilities of a different character in some respects should give freedom to those who have as good judgment as they themselves have in regard to what is needed on the farm in buildings for sanitarium and school purposes. SpTB11 19.3

The Madison school farm is to be an object-lesson for the Southern field. It is in an excellent location, and fully as near Nashville as it should be. SpTB11 20.1

*****

Sanitarium, Cal.,

January 19, 1907. SpTB11 20.2

Elder -----,

Dear Brother,

Today I have been carrying a heavy burden on my heart. Last night some matters of special importance were opened up before me. I seemed to be passing through a severe conflict. I was addressing a company of men and women, and presenting to them the dangers of our people. I spoke of our great need of being much with God in prayer. I had words of encouragement to give to different ones. SpTB11 20.3

Words of instruction were given me to speak to you and Elders -----, -----, and -----. I said: You have a work to do to encourage the school work in Madison, Tennessee. There are but few teachers among us who have had experience in carrying forward the work in hard places. The workers who have been striving to carry out the mind and will of God in Madison have not received the encouragement they should have. Unless Brother Sutherland is relieved of some of the pressure that is upon him, he will fall under the burden. SpTB11 20.4

You may ask, What is needed? I answer, It is encouragement. Brethren Sutherland and Magan have had a severe lesson in the past. The Lord sent them correction and instruction, and they received the message from the Lord, and made confession.... SpTB11 21.1

When I was in Washington (August, 1904), I entreated Brethren Sutherland and Magan to believe that God had forgiven their mistakes, and I have since tried by my help and encouragement to have them realize that the Lord had placed them on vantage-ground. SpTB11 21.2

It is your privilege, Brother -----, and the privilege of those who have wide influence in the work, to let these brethren understand that they have your confidence and encouragement in the work they are bravely doing. Brother Sutherland is in a precarious state of health. We can not afford to lose him; we need his experience in the school work. The brethren who have influence should do all in their power to hold up the hands of these workers by encouraging and supporting the work of the Madison school. Means should be appropriated to the needs of the work in Madison, that the labors of the teachers may not be so hard in the future. SpTB11 21.3