Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 130, 1905

Brethren and Sisters

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

March 30, 1905

This letter is published in entirety in IR 04/26/1905. Similar to Lt 127, 1905.

Dear Brethren and Sisters,—

I am greatly burdened because the money needed for the completion of our school and sanitarium at Takoma Park comes in so slowly. The Lord has said that these institutions should be put in working order as soon as possible. We have no time to lose. 20LtMs, Lt 130, 1905, par. 1

I address our church members. Not merely to a few, but to all, has the Lord entrusted talents; and from each one, according to his several ability, He expects returns. The rapidly increasing wickedness in the world testifies plainly that the end of all things is at hand. Every believer should now use his talents in the accomplishment of the work that must be done before the coming of the Lord. We are to labor diligently, earnestly, and unselfishly, looking to the Lord for success and counting no sacrifice too great to make for His sake. 20LtMs, Lt 130, 1905, par. 2

My brethren and sisters, take hold without delay to supply the means needed for the completion of the work at Washington. If you will open your hearts to the influence of the Holy Spirit, this work can soon be accomplished. Let your piety and liberality be shown just now in the accomplishment of the work that must be done in Washington and in the sending forth of missionaries to all parts of the world. Put your hearts into the effort, that soon the words may go forth that the needed means has been supplied, and that the work may go forward with joyful dispatch. 20LtMs, Lt 130, 1905, par. 3

The Lord has entrusted you with means to be used in this very emergency. The work being carried on at the capital of our nation concerns us all. Every believer has a part to act in helping to carry out the purposes of God for the establishment of His truth in this place. More than twenty years ago institutions should have been established in Washington. It is with deep regret that we think of how the work has been neglected. It must be neglected no longer. The erection of the necessary buildings must be carried forward without delay. Let not your zeal lessen till this work is accomplished. The training school must be fully equipped, that those who come may receive a thorough training as evangelists, medical missionaries, and teachers. 20LtMs, Lt 130, 1905, par. 4

Unmistakable evidences point to the nearness of the end. The warning is to be given in clear, certain tones. The way must be prepared for the coming of the Prince of Peace in the clouds of heaven. There is much to be done in the cities that have not yet heard the truth for this time. Lift up the standard. Proclaim the last message of mercy to a fallen world. We are not to establish institutions to rival the size and splendor the institutions of the world; but in the name of the Lord, with the untiring perseverance and unflagging zeal that Christ brought into His labors, we are to carry forward the work of the Lord. 20LtMs, Lt 130, 1905, par. 5

Notwithstanding the continual opposition of His own nation, Christ carried forward His work until they crucified Him. He commissioned His disciples to press on in the work He had begun. “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth,” He said. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:18-20.] 20LtMs, Lt 130, 1905, par. 6

These words outline our work. As a people we greatly need to humble our hearts before God, pleading forgiveness for our neglect to fulfil the gospel commission. We have made large centers in a few places, leaving unworked many important cities. Let us now take up the work entrusted to us and proclaim with power the message that is to arouse men and women to a sense of their danger. If every Seventh-day Adventist had done the work laid upon him, the number of believers would now be much larger than it is. In all the cities of America, there would be those who had been led to heed the message to obey the law of God. 20LtMs, Lt 130, 1905, par. 7

In some places the message regarding the observance of the Sabbath has been set forth with clearness and power, while other places have been left without warning. Will not those who know the truth awake to the responsibilities resting upon them? They cannot afford to bury themselves in worldly enterprises or interests. They cannot afford to neglect the commission given them by the Saviour. 20LtMs, Lt 130, 1905, par. 8

My brethren, read carefully the communications that accompany this letter. Study diligently what has recently appeared in the Review on this subject. Present this matter with clearness to the people in our churches and from house to house. Gather the people together as families, and pray with them; and, with hearts made tender by the Holy Spirit, show them the importance of leaving nothing undone that can be done at this important time. Let us be determined that the Washington fund shall be closed during the General Conference. 20LtMs, Lt 130, 1905, par. 9

Paul wrote of the churches in Macedonia: “In a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift.” [2 Corinthians 8:2-4.] Shall not this be the testimony borne of our people at this important time? 20LtMs, Lt 130, 1905, par. 10