Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 36, 1875

Ross, Brother

Oakland, California

November 10, 1875

Portions of this letter are published in UL 328.

Dear Brother Ross:

I received a letter from you some weeks since, but I have not done much writing because of trouble in my head in consequence of over labor during the summer and of taking cold on my journey here. I have not been idle; nevertheless, the meetings with the large tent in the city has thrown much labor upon us in a variety of ways. We have published about fifty thousand hand bills, a two-sheet paper setting forth in short our views and have scattered them all through San Francisco. This has made extra labor for these in the office, extra labor for us to fold them, and much extra labor for my husband. Rest for us seems out of the question. 2LtMs, Lt 36, 1875, par. 1

I speak in the city Sabbath and Sunday. Then cross the bay and speak in the hall at Oakland Sunday evening. We have good attendance in both places. The interest is not large in San Francisco, but it is a healthy influence. There has [been] about half a dozen already decided to keep the Sabbath. They attended our last Sabbath meeting and bore testimony. One of these, named Chambers, was an infidel. He spoke well. We expect to see some fruits of these meetings. But Paul may plant, Apollos water, but God giveth the increase. 2LtMs, Lt 36, 1875, par. 2

Our earnest prayers ascend to God for the influence of His Holy Spirit to work with our efforts and bring souls from the moral darkness to the clear light of truth. 2LtMs, Lt 36, 1875, par. 3

You speak in your letter of discouragement. I felt to sympathize with you and would point you to the dear Saviour, the Burden-bearer. He will receive you if you seek Him. Ask and ye shall receive, are the words which fell from His divine lips. “Seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] Claim the promise as yours. Do not seek to make yourself better and keep your eyes upon yourself, worrying and doubting the goodness and mercy of God. 2LtMs, Lt 36, 1875, par. 4

Just as you are come to Him, and trust yourself in His hands. Believe that He does accept you as He has promised. Do not try to do some great thing to recommend you to God, but trust in Him now, just now. Break the fetters of doubt and distrust wherewith Satan would bind you in the doubting castle. Come by humble faith to Him who has never said to the needy and suffering, Seek ye My face in vain. We know that we are sinners and that we often err and are frequently overcome with temptations; but this should not lead us in our great need to keep away from the only One who can help us and save [us] from the power of Satan. This is the enemy’s work to discourage and drive to despair. 2LtMs, Lt 36, 1875, par. 5

What evidence we have of the matchless love of Jesus in that He left heaven and came to the earth to help us. He has said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30. 2LtMs, Lt 36, 1875, par. 6

Why, my dear brother, Jesus lives to make intercessions for you. He will be your Advocate. If we sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. The pitying love of God is extended to us in all our wants and in all our imperfections. 2LtMs, Lt 36, 1875, par. 7

Jesus loves you, and do respond to that love by cheerfully trusting in Him. Put away from you all sins which would grieve and wound the Saviour. Seek to imitate His holy life and spotless character. It is the pure in heart that shall see God. But ample provisions have been made by the dear Saviour to purify, to cleanse from all sins, and by His grace to remedy the defects in our character by imputing unto us His righteousness. 2LtMs, Lt 36, 1875, par. 8

But we must exercise faith ourselves. We “must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6. Said Christ, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32. Those who feel that they are righteous and that they have no need of Jesus, He came not for their benefit. It was to help and save those who felt that they were undone and lost without Jesus, those who felt they must have His help and power and grace to save them. Believe, my brother, believe. My soul says, Believe. Take right hold of the promises of God by faith and appropriate them to yourself. I hope you will be joyful in God. I hope the best of heaven’s blessings will rest upon your family. I have something to write you both when I shall feel free to do so. 2LtMs, Lt 36, 1875, par. 9

In much love to you and yours, 2LtMs, Lt 36, 1875, par. 10

Your sister in Christ. 2LtMs, Lt 36, 1875, par. 11