Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 7, 1905

Workmen in the Pacific Press Publishing House

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

January 5, 1905

Previously unpublished.

To the Workmen in the Pacific Press Publishing House,—

I am entrusted with a message to all who are connected with the work of God. Accustom yourselves the whole day long to draw near to God. Yes, draw nearer to Him than you have ever before felt the necessity of doing. This God demands of every one connected with the publishing house at Mountain View. Talk with God, and with gratitude learn of Him His way and will. He will give tact and skill to those who do their work to His glory. 20LtMs, Lt 7, 1905, par. 1

Christ says, Reach up higher and still higher in every business transaction. Let no selfish scheme to favor self come in. The whole day long, in all your business transactions, remember that you are in the Lord’s presence. Seek in simple faith to be pure in His sight. Be sure not to bring to the foundation that which is represented as wood, hay, and stubble. Lay your souls open before God, and put yourselves entirely under His guidance. Whatever you may be doing, let your prayers rise to God. Seek in simple faith to enter into union with Christ. You are not half acquainted with the requirements of Christ. You are foolishly neglecting the truth by which you are to be sanctified. Pray, O pray; for a soul without prayer is like a lost sheep, which has strayed from its shepherd. 20LtMs, Lt 7, 1905, par. 2

The temper is on the track of every one. He will lead all he possibly can to heed the sentiments which, if followed, must end in eternal destruction. We have none too much time to prepare to meet God. No longer talk of unimportant subjects. Draw near to God. You occupy an important position, and your example is to help others to purify their souls through the truth. Let the converting power of God come in among you. The Saviour desires every one connected with the office at Mountain View to be tenderhearted, pitiful, courteous. Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. He is holy, and He will impart His holiness to His true followers. 20LtMs, Lt 7, 1905, par. 3

I am instructed to say, There are but few who have advanced as they should in heavenly discipline. Among those acting a part in the office of publication, there are some whose fellowship is not a spiritual advantage to the apprentices working with them. God blotted out our two largest institutions in Battle Creek, because those connected with them would not heed the appeals and warnings given. My spirit is grieved day and night as I see so little real devotion, so little earnest, determined effort to rise to a higher standard. O how much precious time is trifled away on unimportant lines of work. 20LtMs, Lt 7, 1905, par. 4

It is not the house, the land that you possess, but the condition of your heart at which God looks. Firm and unshaken, hold fast to the truth. With heart and mind and soul and strength, love the Lord your God. Let the prayer go forth from unfeigned lips, Give me Thy love in my heart, that I may impart it to others. There is only one power—the power of the grace of Christ,—that can energize the soul. All pride, all self-indulgence is to be overcome, or we can never enter the abodes of bliss. The science that all should learn is the science contained in the words, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] 20LtMs, Lt 7, 1905, par. 5

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” [Colossians 3:1-4.] 20LtMs, Lt 7, 1905, par. 6

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” [Verses 12-17.] 20LtMs, Lt 7, 1905, par. 7