Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 58, 1909

Payne, Sarah H.

St. Helena, California

March 14, 1909

Portions of this letter are published in 1NL 59.

Mrs. Sarah H. Payne

Dear Sister Payne:

I received your communication some days ago. I am sorry I am not able to give you any special light in answer to your request for counsel. If the Lord gives me any message for you, you shall certainly have it. 24LtMs, Lt 58, 1909, par. 1

My sister, do not allow yourself to feel too strongly. You should guard against expressing yourself in too strong terms. Strive to realize that the Lord understands every phase of your character and of your experience. 24LtMs, Lt 58, 1909, par. 2

When I have had counsel to give to some who have been in circumstances similar to yours, I have said to them, Do not allow yourself to give way to feelings of intensity, lest you lead your brothers and sisters to misunderstand you. Bear in mind that the Lord understands all about your feelings; He would have you carefully cherish this thought. Do not doubt His love and care for you. Take everything to the Lord in prayer. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Take this assurance to your soul. 24LtMs, Lt 58, 1909, par. 3

Bear in mind that the time will never come when the shadow of Satan will not be cast athwart our pathway to obstruct our faith and eclipse the light coming from the Sun of righteousness. Our faith must not stagger, but cleave through that shadow. We have an experience that is not to be buried in the darkness of doubt. Our faith is not in feeling, but in truth. None of us need flatter ourselves that while the world is progressing in wickedness we shall have no difficulties. It is these very difficulties that bring us to the audience chamber of the Most High, to seek counsel of the One who is infinite in wisdom. He loves to have us seek Him; He loves to have us trust Him and believe His Word. If we had no perplexities, no trials, we would become self-sufficient and lifted up in ourselves. The true saints will be purified, and made white, and tried. 24LtMs, Lt 58, 1909, par. 4

Let not depression and discouragement mar your representation of Christ. “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:9.] Let your light be seen. Educate your heart and lips to speak the praises of God for His matchless love for you. If you will educate your soul to be hopeful, and to see the light shining from the cross of Calvary, you will see His salvation brought near and rejoice in the hope of a glorious immortality. 24LtMs, Lt 58, 1909, par. 5

There is but one power that can bring us into conformity to the likeness of Christ, that can make us steadfast and keep us constant. It is the grace of God that comes to us through obedience to the law of God which is the transcript of the divine character. It is a knowledge of Jesus Christ that we should cultivate to the uttermost of our power, in order that we may be doers of the Word. 24LtMs, Lt 58, 1909, par. 6

Those who have Christ enthroned within will manifest Christlike principles. They will make it evident that the Holy Spirit has imparted a new life to them and that they are nourishing and cherishing that life. Its beginning is found in spiritual union with the Lord Jesus Christ; and as they go on increasing in the knowledge of God, they will manifest a growth in grace and will show Christlike love to others. 24LtMs, Lt 58, 1909, par. 7

We are to be very humble in our work for God. We are to keep all His commandments, that we may live. Let us seek to honor Christ in our daily lives, believing His Word, and following in His footsteps. 24LtMs, Lt 58, 1909, par. 8

I must now close, but I promise you that I will pray my heavenly Father that He will let His grace and His love abide in your heart. 24LtMs, Lt 58, 1909, par. 9