Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 1a, 1895

Austin, Sister

Cooranbong, N. S. W., Australia

January 17, 1895

Previously unpublished.

Dear Sister Austin:

I have been writing since an early hour. After my season of prayer I began writing at three a.m. I have written a short letter to Elder J. V. Himes. I cannot express to you my joy at the evidence that one of the pioneers in the work of giving the message of warning to the world in 1840-44 is acting a part in giving the third angel’s message. Elder Himes may not be with you when this letter shall reach you, but I feel so thankful that he is manifesting his interest in the work at the very close of this earth’s history. To me this is a great satisfaction. I know that we have the truth, and one who had so decided a part to act in the proclamation of the first and second angels’ messages, is highly esteemed by me for his work’s sake. This donation for Australia is gladly received from Elder Himes; it is more precious in my estimation than it would be if coming from any other human agent. 10LtMs, Lt 1a, 1895, par. 1

I have had such a great desire that the men whom the Lord worked with in the proclamation of a message that startled the world from their apathy in 1840-44 should see the greater light shining in the message of the third angel. The message to be proclaimed at this time includes the two previous messages; all three are going forth to the world, to make ready a people to stand in the great day of God’s preparation. I cannot see that Elder Himes’ work ended at the passing of the time in ’44. Confusion came in, it is true; but the third angel’s message would have shed beams of precious light upon the two former messages, which are themselves to be reproduced in the proclamation of this last message that is to lighten the whole earth with the glory of God. 10LtMs, Lt 1a, 1895, par. 2

Oh, our faith must not fail, our hope must be kept bright amid trial and opposition, our zeal must not be quenched, for the Lord God has given messages of warning and mercy that are to kindle a fire of holy activity that shall not be extinguished until He sends forth judgment unto victory. 10LtMs, Lt 1a, 1895, par. 3

The third angel’s message multiplies the power of the first and second, for all are to be given in unity, the church below uniting with the universe of heaven in sounding forth not only the third angel’s message, but the first and the second, glorifying God in doing a great work in the earth, in proclaiming the truth. The Lord is coming the second time with power and great glory. This grand work for the Master requires entire consecration to God. 10LtMs, Lt 1a, 1895, par. 4

Doing good in all its forms is enjoined upon us, but how much more earnest and fervent and zealous should we be as we open the Scriptures to those in the darkness of error and proclaim that Christ is at the door, that the end of all things is at hand. We need to be wide awake now, preparing a people for the marriage supper of the Lamb. The missionary enterprise is to be carried forward with unflagging energy. Every faculty and power that God has given to men is to be employed now without further delay. I am not able to write more now. 10LtMs, Lt 1a, 1895, par. 5