Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 21, 1902

Daniells, A. G.; Palmer, E. R.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

February 16, 1902

Portions of this letter are published in CM 20; 11MR 354-356; 5Bio 147.

Dear brethren Daniells and Palmer,—

I thank the Lord that I am improving in health. But the continual care of answering letters that need to be answered with the greatest discretion is a strain on my nerves. Frequently I am unable to sleep past eleven o’clock p.m. Last night was a hard night for me, I could not sleep after eleven. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 1

Many important questions come up for decision from day to day. My book work is far behind. Since we came to America, W. C. White and I have devoted most of our time to attending important meetings in California and other places, so that my book work has been left without our help. It is now in need of diligent, faithful, concentrated effort, in order for it to produce fruit. I cannot do much; for I am not strong. During the past sixteen months, I have done the work that properly belongs to three years. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 2

I have just read a few pages of the book on education. I feel that W. C. White and I should now give our time to preparing my books for publication. We have been in America a year and four months, but to a great extent my workers have been deprived of our help in getting the books ready for the press. We have been called from place to place. We shall now change the program. We shall take up another line of work, a line more important than attending meetings. The burden of my book work must not again be laid down as it has been. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 3

The royalty on my books comes in driblets. The largest sum reported for sometime has just come in a letter from Brother Conradi. He says that I have a royalty credit of over one thousand dollars. Brother Conradi wishes to use a portion of it in the educational work in Europe, but I think Object Lessons should be sufficient for the educational work. I shall use part of the money in the translation of my books, and I think I shall be compelled to use the remainder elsewhere. But we shall consider the matter carefully and prayerfully, that we may move in the counsel of God. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 4

I feel very grateful to my heavenly Father that He has heard the prayers offered in my behalf. I am not in the least discouraged. But I feel very sorry that the books which should be finding ready sale are lying on the office shelves. These books contain the light that the people need. May the Lord move upon many of our young men to enter the canvassing field as canvassing-evangelists. By the canvassing work the truth is presented to thousands that otherwise would not hear it. Our time for work is short. Many, very many, need the “quickly” in them, to lead them to arouse and go to work. The Lord calls for workers just now. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 5

We need to feel the vivifying influence of the Holy Spirit as the disciples felt it on the day of Pentecost. Of their experience at that time, we read: “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul; neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own.” Selfishness was expelled from the heart. “And with great power gave the apostle witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them all.” [Acts 4:31-33.] 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 6

Why is there not a more diligent seeking of the Lord, that hundreds may be filled with the Holy Spirit, and may go forth to proclaim the truth, “the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following?” [Mark 16:20.] Our commission is to let the light shine forth everywhere from the press. By the printed page, the light reaches the isolated ones who have no opportunity to hear the living preachers. This is most blessed missionary work. Canvassers can be the Lord’s helping hand, opening doors for the entrance of truth. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 7

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus, which before was preached unto you.” [Acts 3:19, 20.] This is the message we are to proclaim. Talk it, pray it, live it! This great work should without delay be entered upon by hundreds in our churches. The softening, subduing influence of the Holy Spirit should be felt on our hearts and seen in our lives. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 8

Our faith is small. We need more earnestness in prayer. A heaven full of blessings awaits our demand. These blessings will be given in answer to the fervent, effectual prayer that asks with an earnestness that will not be denied. The firm hold of a wrestling Jacob is called for now. The holding power of unquestioning faith needs to come into the lives of God’s people. God’s work needs men who will say, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] It needs men who will consecrate themselves unreservedly to God. Genuine, earnest faith will prepare the heart for the reception of God’s power. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 9

Is it true that the end of all things is at hand? What mean the awful calamities by sea—vessels shipwrecked and lives hurled into eternity without a moment’s warning? What mean the awful accidents by land—fire consuming the riches men have hoarded, much of which has been accumulated by oppression of the poor? The Lord will not interfere to protect the property of those who transgress His law, break His covenant, and trample upon His Sabbath, accepting in its place a spurious rest day. As Nebuchadnezzar set up an image in the plains of Dura, and commanded all to bow before it, so this false sabbath has been exalted before the world, and men are commanded to keep it holy. But it has not a vestige of sanctity. Nowhere in God’s Word are we commanded to reverence the first day of the week. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 10

Thus men will continue to disobey their Maker. And the plagues of God are already falling upon the earth, sweeping away costly structures as if by a breath of fire from heaven. Will not these judgments bring professing Christians to their senses? God permits them to come that the world may take heed, that sinners may be afraid and tremble before him. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 11

“Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” [Judges 5:23.] Let the indifferent ones arouse and do their part in the work of the Lord, lest this curse be spoken against them. Let all who can, give themselves to the long-neglected work in our cities, a work that has been looked at and then passed by on the other side, as the wounded man was passed by by the priest and Levite. Take up the work in the cities, whole-heartedly, intelligently, unselfishly. I am instructed to encourage decided efforts to secure helping hands to do missionary work, to give Bible instruction, and to sell the books containing present truth. Thus skilful work may be done in hunting and fishing for souls. Young men, your help is called for. Make a covenant with God by sacrifice. Take hold of His work. He is your sufficiency. “Be strong, yea, be strong.” [Daniel 10:19.] 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 12

Not only men, but women can enter the canvassing field. And canvassers are to go out two by two. This is the Lord’s plan. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 13

My brethren, will you use the talent of speech in earnest persuasion to lead our people to see the importance of the work? We must arouse the zeal and earnestness of the canvassing agents, calling on them to take the light into the dark places of the earth. There is no release for any who have talents and capabilities. They are required to be the Lord’s instruments, required to co-operate with the Lord Jesus in shedding the light of heaven into this sin-darkened world. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 14

To secure your present and future good, Christ gave Himself as a sacrifice. Will you draw back from making a covenant with God by sacrifice? Christ died on the cross to save the world from perishing in sin. He asks your co-operation in his work of soul-saving. You are to be His helping hand, to do the work that needs to be done, to place the truth before as many as possible. “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 15

“We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Lay hold of His work with clean hands, a pure heart, and holy, consecrated endeavor. Press forward to gain the triumphs of the cross of Christ. Are you not striving for a crown of immortality, for a life that measures with the life of God? Oh, put your whole heart into the work. Let nothing cause your zeal to flag. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 16

Let us press forward unitedly to the help of the Lord, all of one heart and of one mind. Let us not depend on human wisdom. Let us not lean on man. Look beyond human beings to the One appointed by God to carry our griefs and sorrows and to supply our necessities. Taking God at His word, move forward with steadfast, persevering faith. Christ’s Presence and His Word, “Lo, I am with you alway,” is our wisdom and righteousness. [Matthew 28:20.] It is the living Presence that makes the living Word. The kingdom comes to us, not in word only, but in power. It is unwavering faith in Christ’s Presence that gives power. 17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 17