Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 92, 1903

Honor to be Shown to Our Pioneer Workers

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

July 24, 1903

Portions of this manuscript are published in RY 32; 7BC 947. +^Note

The aged standard-bearers in the cause of God are far from being useless. The men who have held the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end are not to be accounted second or third in the work of God. They are not to be cast aside as having outlived their usefulness. God has an important part for them to act in His work. By learning of Christ they have obtained a rich experience. When they have made false steps, they did not refuse to be corrected. When they wandered from the path that Christ trod, they allowed Him to lead them once more into it. Thus they have learned to help others. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 1

The apostle John is an example of the way in which God can use aged workers. Read his stirring words, written when he was an old man. Who could bear a firmer, more decided testimony? 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 2

He writes, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [1 John 1:1-10.] 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 3

“My little children, these things write I unto you that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we know Him.” [1 John 2:1-5.] 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 4

In his old age John revealed the life of Christ in his life. He lived to be nearly one hundred years old, and over and over again he repeated the story of the crucified and risen Saviour. Persecution came upon the believers, and those young in experience were often in danger of losing their hold on Christ. But the old, tried servant of Jesus steadfastly maintained his faith. From his lips there came ever the same glad message: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life, ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1, 3.] 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 5

Christ visited John on the Isle of Patmos and gave him a revelation of what should be in the last days of this earth’s history. John writes of this: “I, John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last; and, what thou seest write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches. ... 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 6

“And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks. And in the midst of the candlesticks one like unto the Son of man. ... And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” [Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19.] 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 7

We are living in perilous times, and we need the testimonies of the men who can bear a witness similar to that of John. The aged laborers, who have acted a prominent part in the work of God, and who for many years have borne the burden and heat of the day, are not to be set on one side, while young men of far less experience are placed at the front. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 8

*****

I have a knowledge of the that work Elder Haskell did when the cause was young and advancement was slow. My husband and Elder Haskell carried the burdens of the cause when these burdens were heavy and when there was little money on hand for the building of our institutions. Not thinking of the hardship, Elder Haskell girded on the armor and, under most trying circumstances, went forth to gather means with which to advance the work. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 9

Elder Butler joined our ranks at a very early date, took his place as a burden-bearer, standing in the forefront of the battle. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 10

These men are to have special recognition. Elder Butler was separated from the work for years by the sickness of his wife. Since her death he has once more entered the ranks, and he has a testimony to bear that is highly essential. His labors are to be appreciated and his testimony respected. He should be given the help that God has signified he should have. Strong, worthy men should unite with him in service. They will gain an invaluable experience as they labor in connection with him. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 11

So it should be also with other worn laborers. Abundant help should be provided them. If care is not taken, they will labor beyond their strength. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 12

The Lord has instructed me that these men should receive recognition and help. They should not be left to struggle along as Elder Haskell was left in New York City. He was allowed to press his way through against many difficulties. Sister Haskell does efficient service, and while she and Elder Haskell are laboring in a new field, wrestling with difficulties, their wages should not be cut down. They should receive additional help, instead of being deprived of means. Elder Haskell does pioneer work, and this class of work demands larger wages than the work done by those laboring where the truth is already established. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 13

I have been instructed to present this matter as it is regarded by the Lord. Those who have charge of the financial business of the cause should understand the difference between work in such places as Greater New York and work in other places, which are not so difficult. They should realize what it means to do the work that Elder Haskell has done in New York City. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 14

I have been instructed that, if those who have charge of the payment of such workers as Elder Haskell cannot appreciate the difficulties of his work and realize his need of help, they should be removed and their place supplied by men of wise judgment who can appreciate the situation. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 15

Elder Haskell and his wife have done a work that has required forethought and skilful management. They have done a work that not every one could do. The time came in their efforts when twenty times the force then laboring in New York should have been set at work there. Had this been done, means for the support of the work would have been brought in. Many souls would now be standing on vantage ground, laboring under the direction of experienced workers. The sum has been proved. With proper facilities, such cities as Greater New York can be worked. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 16

I am instructed that I must no longer hold my peace in regard to this matter. I must not refrain from presenting it in truth and righteousness. These aged, experienced laborers, who give evidence that God is working with them, are to be sustained. They are to be given facilities that in the past have not been furnished them. The Lord calls for workers. Those who have a wide knowledge of the truth, and of the way in which the Lord’s work should be conducted, are to be given every advantage. They should never be refused the help that they ask for. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 17

I have done all in my power to advance the work of God. I have, in a pleasant home, facilities for carrying on my work. But I borrowed nearly all the money with which to purchase this home and am now paying interest on it. I bought this place under the direction of God, and when He directs me to leave it and go elsewhere, I shall be ready to go. I am willing to dispose of my home at any time, but I find it a most convenient location, and I shall abide here until the cloud moves, directing me elsewhere. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 18

I am in debt, because I have borrowed money with which to advance the cause of God; but I hope that soon my books will bring me in sufficient money to settle these debts. I do not hesitate to hire money to invest in the work and cause of God when He points me to needy places where help is needed to place the truth before those who have never heard it. The warning message must be proclaimed in these neglected places. Those who are far from God must be told what they must do in order to gain eternal life. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 19

Eternal life means more than we can estimate. It is Christ’s gift to the world. Christ is the bread of life and the water of salvation, which we are to eat and drink. Thus we become partakers of the divine nature. Thus we receive grace that enables us to trade upon our talents and to bring a harvest of souls to the Master. “If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am there shall also My servant be. If any man serve Me, him will My Father honor.” [John 12:26.] Spiritual individualism, which leads man to make self a center, is common in our world today, but it has no endorsement in the Word of God. It is selfishness and can produce no good fruit. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 20

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.] Let us walk with Jesus. His companionship is a priceless treasure. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 21

“If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered.” There are among us many withered branches. Shall we not change this order of things? Unless a decided reformation takes place, the result portrayed in the following words will come: “And men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” [Verse 6.] 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 22

“If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” [Verse 7.] Is there not enough at stake to lead us to make earnest, decided efforts to be what God wants us to be? We have full assurance of His help. Christ declares, “Herein is My Father glorified, if ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.” [Verse 8.] 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 23

“As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you; continue ye in My love.” [Verse 9.] These words seem almost beyond our feeble conception, but they are true; for Christ speaks only the truth. Shall we not cast away our cruel unbelief, and show the world that we take God at His word. “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” [Verses 10, 11.] 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 24

“This is My commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.” [Verse 12.] The love that Christ has shown for us is the measure of the love that we are to show for one another. 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 25

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go, and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.” [Verses 13-16.] 18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 26