Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 14, 1895

Diary

Cooranbong, N. S. W., Australia

August 10, 1895

Portions of this manuscript are published in Ev 278; 6MR 4.

This day has been a most precious season of refreshment to my soul. The little company here are organized into a church, and I met with them to celebrate the ordinances. I spoke from John 13, and precious ideas were impressed upon my mind in regard to the ordinance of humility. When my head becomes rested, I may write upon this subject. There is much in this simple rite that is not seen and appreciated. I was blessed in partaking of the symbols of the broken body and spilled blood of our precious Saviour, who became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. He was our sin-bearer. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 1

The meeting today was a very solemn occasion for all present. The testimony meeting was excellent. Everyone whose name was called responded willingly. I know that the Lord Jesus was in the midst of us, and all heaven was pleased as we followed the example of Christ. On these occasions the Lord manifests Himself in a special manner to soften and subdue the soul, to expel selfishness, to imbue with His Holy Spirit, and to bring love and grace and peace into hearts that are contrite. As the meeting closed and we turned our tents in the woods, a soft, sweet, holy influence pervaded our hearts. My soul was filled with sweet peace. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 2

Heaven, I long for heaven; Christ is the center of attraction. Our future state is a continuation of our work in coming to God in probationary time. Heaven is the ceaseless approaching to God through Christ. The longer we are in the heaven of bliss, the more and still more of glory will be opened to us; and the more we know of God, the more intense will be our happiness. The eternal weight of glory is not taken in all at once, but it pours its tide, wave after wave, of glory into the mind and heart. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 3

When Christ said, Come unto me, He means us to walk with Him in this life, and be filled with love, satisfied with His presence in this world. All that human nature can bear, we may receive here. But what is this compared with the hereafter? Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 4

When Jesus says, Come, learn of Me in this life, He knows that through His coming we shall have life eternal. Come, He says in the future life. There we shall have fulness of joy. There is continually increasing joy. Come, (He says) ye blessed of my Father (to be blessed of God in an eternity of bliss), inherit the kingdom prepared for you. Before Jesus left the disciples, He said unto them, Let not your hearts be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. The day of Christ’s coming is called the day of the Lord. And we must seek a preparation for that great event which decides our eternal destiny. Are we forming such characters that we may abide the day of His coming, and may meet Him in peace? 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 5

“But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” [1 Thessalonians 5:4.] The day of Christ’s coming was kept before the disciples for their encouragement and warning. “Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] All heaven is engaged in preparing a place for the true believers in Christ. There are many who claim to believe, but who do not give evidence of their faith by a pure and upright life and holy character. They have not accepted Christ as their personal Saviour. They have not that faith that is demonstrated by works, a faith that is sure and abiding, a faith that works by love, and purifies the soul. Genuine faith comprehends much; it transforms the soul and purifies the whole man. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 6

August 29

At nine o’clock Fannie Bolton and I rode a mile and a half to mail my letters. The man who keeps the only store in Cooranbong had just returned from Sydney, also Mr. O’Neil, where they had been as witnesses in the suit concerning the school land. This land for the school, 1,500 acres, was sold to us for $5,500. It was all paid for, and the parties were very glad to get the land off their hands, for they supposed it could not be sold at any price. When the land was surveyed and staked out in lots for sale, the former owners began to think that they might have done the same things, and they trumped up a demand for a month’s more interest on the purchase money than had been agreed upon. They went to law about the matter and made considerable expense for the school, as we had to employ witnesses whom we had to bring to Sydney, and the case was delayed, crowded out from day to day, and was finally put off until this week. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 7

Russel, the storekeeper, told us that the decision was a complete victory for the school, and Mr. White was so pleased about it that he could scarcely contain himself. The judge, in submitting the case to the jury, would not allow them to leave the room. He said it was a mere question of law, and the decision was self-evident, that all the complainants wanted was to wring money from those that held the land justly. The parties who sued are to pay all the costs. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 8

Mr. Russel said the accusers were furious with disappointment and rage. They said they would bring the case before the court again, but the judge told them that if they did, it would not be accepted at all unless they advanced a large sum of money, £1,000, and they were perfectly sure to lose that sum and more. We have had much prayer over this case, and much anxiety, for we felt that there was no money for us to lose. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 9

It is supposed that when the parties saw that the land was to be cultivated, and not left to lie idle, as they had left it, they thought we would make something out of the land, and if they could possibly extort a few hundred pounds, it would be money in their pockets. Their rascality was exposed, and the transaction presents them in no flattering light. This is indeed a victory for us, who are working to the uttermost to stretch our means as far as possible. The Lord favored us by bringing this piece of land to our notice through Mr. O’Neil. The land is paid for, and is our property. Thus far it seems that the parts we are all working, are alone <worth> what we paid for the land. We see the providence of God in directing us to this land, and we see in it hope for the solution of the difficulties that have been rolled in our way. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 10

The students bear testimony that they can study better and learn more than when they gave their whole time to study. If the youth who have gone from this country to Battle Creek had had a similar experience, a large sum of money might have been saved, and the most valuable treasure might have been secured in the salvation of the souls of these students. It is not the wisest plan to place any student where he will bear but little responsibility, while others must pay out their money to obtain for him advantages that he does not appreciate. There needs to be a most thorough investigation in regard to those who shall be sustained in college who cannot pay their own way. When the teachers see that money is being wasted upon them, they should inform the students, and let them return to their homes and engage in some other employment. Let not money be squandered in indolence and pleasure-seeking. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 11

In these close, hard times, we should not use our money to encourage youth in spendthrift habits. There are young men who will appreciate the advantages given, and will make every effort to co-operate with those who undertake the responsibility of bearing their expenses. But none should devote themselves so closely to study as to neglect the cultivation of personal piety. Let the students unite physical labor with study, and never fail to co-operate with God. Let this be your motto: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] If one keeps his heart with all diligence, and is diligent also in the common, every-day duties, he will be a man to be depended upon in trying emergencies. He can be relied on as a diligent worker, and a vigilant watcher for the Lord. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 12

What does the Lord want of me? The constant trimming of the inner lamp, habitual obedience to the law of God, and diligence as a useful worker. The most we can do is to consecrate soul, body, and spirit to Christ. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The responsibility of each person is exactly measured by the amount of the talents bestowed for each to handle. All are to be workers, and the heaviest responsibility rests on the worker whose opportunities and abilities are greatest. Now is our day of trust. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 13

God is testing and proving us in this probationary time. To every man He has given his work, and to all He gives sufficient opportunity to develop character after the likeness of Christ. Some will develop the highest amount of capability and will do their best, that they may not disappoint the Saviour. And if all have done their duty in obtaining an education here below, their education will progress through eternal ages. The Lord will mark every one who has learned of Jesus, and will bid him come up to the higher grade. The mansions are prepared for the disciples of Jesus. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 14

All who choose to be satisfied with a low standard, when by diligent application they might reach a higher standard, will be weighed in the balances and found wanting. Some of the students sent from Australia have given evidence that they know not their calling. They know not their own value. They have been bought with a price, even the precious blood of the Son of God; they are not owners of themselves. They are redeemed by the life of God’s dear Son, whether they have accepted and appreciated their emancipation or not. Will such young men and young women fold their hands and rest satisfied? Will they urge their way heavenward, until it can be said of them, “Ye are complete in him”? [Colossians 2:10.] 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 15

O, how many will hear the words, “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” [Matthew 7:23.] May the Lord help us while we are learners here below to be diligent. Truth of the highest value is unfolding. Falsehoods present themselves on every hand, but truth is distinct, pure in its operation. Christ has placed every human being under the guidance of the Holy Spirit that will surely lead us into all truth if we will submit to be led. The Holy Spirit takes the things of God and conveys them as living principles into every obedient heart, and we receive His impress, which is the likeness of Christ. 10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 16