Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 41, 1894

Diary Material

Campground, Ashfield, Australia

October 19, 1894

Portions of this manuscript are published in CC 358; 2BC 1036; 3MR 249; 6MR 247-248; 4Bio 168-169, 277. +^Note

I was present in morning meeting, and united in prayer. I then bore my testimony to the people. God let His blessing rest upon me. This was the first meeting of the camp meeting proper. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 1

October 20

I attended morning meeting, and my soul was drawn in humble, earnest prayer to my heavenly Father that His grace may be imparted to ministers and people. There is a coldness of heart, an absence of love for God and for those who are of the same faith. There is not the sweet communion and fellowship of the Spirit that there should be. There is an antipathy to God’s holy authority and control. Humility has departed from the church. The heart is the temple of God. When the heart feels its own weakness, it will have a sense of its own sinfulness. It will show that it appreciates the infinite loveliness of Jesus. Then God’s people will see themselves as selfish. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 2

Jesus Christ is meek and lowly in heart. He is beneficent. He loves fallen humanity. He loves His enemies. He is constantly reaching with pitying tenderness the most oppressed. He is patient, kind, full of the simplicity of heaven. O what goodness was expressed in His life, what purity of motive, what a depth of holy affection. The humbler we are, the more clearly shall we discern the purity and loveliness of Jesus, the one to be admired and adored. We are not to admire and adore one another. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 3

The Lord gave me the spirit of supplication. I believed that the Lord would answer my prayer and verify His promises to us. I have faith in the promise that the Lord will reveal Himself to us at this meeting. In the afternoon far more were out than I expected, and a deep, earnest interest was shown by some, while others seemed to be astonished at the word spoken. The truth seemed to be to them as a new revelation, which amazed them. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 4

I spoke from John 13:34, 35. “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another. ... By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” The Lord gave me great freedom, and His Holy Spirit rested upon me. These are the words of truth and, if practiced, are full of present and eternal results. How essential that we cultivated love to God and love to our fellow men. Let all remember that upon these two principles hang all the law and the prophets. The Lord will co-operate with the human agent, but He does not crush the human agent or compel the will. Grace and truth are victorious. Faith works by love and purifies the soul. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 5

October 21

Meetings were held in the large tent through the day. I spoke in the early morning meeting. There is a weight resting upon my soul that at times makes me very sorrowful. I cannot understand what will be the result of this matter. I am sure that the Lord will not reveal His power in our midst unless there is a decided change in the sentiments and feelings that are controlling our ministering brethren. In the night season I am laboring for them, speaking to them under the influence of the Spirit of God, and pointing out the necessity of earnest work in our own individual cases if we would have the deep moving of the Spirit of God in our midst. Elder Daniells is president of the conference, but there must be a change in his experience. The Lord is not pleased with Elder Daniells. His way is right in his own eyes. He prays for humility and tells the Lord of his unworthiness, and then puts on the cloak of self-sufficiency and ruling. This is an offence to God. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 6

We have a sufficient truth, a powerful truth, the Word of the living God. It is a sword which cuts both ways. But if the spirit of meekness is not a cherished attribute in the soul, it languishes and the truth does not sanctify the soul, bringing it into subjection—even the thoughts—to Jesus Christ. Those who have great light are required to walk in that light as did Enoch. To do this, our ministers need to be converted to God every day, as vessels whom God can fill with His Holy Spirit. They must ever bear in mind that as ministers they are entrusted with very solemn responsibilities. They cannot act out their own natural traits of character and yet be ensamples to the flock of God. The man who is a teacher of truth, who is bearing the last message of mercy to our world, must work in Christ’s lines, adopting Christ’s maxims. He must be imbued with the Spirit of Christ, else he will lead souls astray by his words, his spirit, and his daily manifestation of character. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 7

The precious, sacred truth is so mingled with ideas, and opinions of self that the truth is not presented as it is in Jesus. Elder Daniells, self-sufficiency and unbelieving caution will be the cares of your life unless you see these things as they are, and say, I am a Christian. I must love God supremely and my neighbor as myself. I must in no case exalt myself as supreme, or my ideas and opinions as though they needed no modifying. I must practice humility as well as talk humility. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 8

You are disqualifying yourself to be a proper help to the people as you are now carrying matters, your individual self, in connection with the influence of your wife in the conference. But your individual self cannot carry the conference. You need to be changed in many ways, else you will not do credit to the work of the conference. The people are uneasy, and many are questioning the wisdom of placing Elder Daniells where he shall be a director, to have the responsibility of the conference. While you manifest so little wisdom and ability to carry the people with you, you cannot win their confidence. Another must take your place unless a <decided> change is made. Your wife is not connected with God to receive the Holy Spirit, to subordinate herself to God, to be led and controlled by God. Therefore the people will receive wrong principles and the very same principles that have a controlling power in America will be brought into the conference. The Lord warns you, my brother, of the ground you are now traveling. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 9

October 26

I went into the morning meeting under a great burden. I bore a very decided testimony to the ministers in regard to the little faith, love, or confidence that is expressed by them toward each other. The Lord helped me to talk. I told them that it was not possible for the work of God to bear His own signature unless His servants expressed a regard in every line and in every way for each other. There is need of kindness, deference, courtesy, Christian politeness, fervent love for each other. We are far behind on this point. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 10

After breakfast I met with the ministers in the reception tent and bore them a decided testimony, addressing them by name. I spoke to Brother Hare in regard to his treatment of his brother ministers. Brother Hare confessed in a very tender spirit to Brother Daniells, and Brother Daniells confessed that he had not had that love and tender regard for his brethren that he should have had. Confessions were made by others. With tears they clasped each other’s hands. The Spirit of the Lord came into the meeting, and the hearts of all were melted down. From this time there was altogether a different, purer and a more holy, atmosphere in our meetings. After this work had been done, the Lord put His own signature on our meetings, and love and tenderness for one another was expressed. Selfish exhibitions of distrust, the constant fear, expressed in attitude if not in words, of losing the supremacy, is an offence to God, and brings great weakness to the church. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 11

I attended the meeting held especially for young people, and bore my testimony to about forty assembled. The Lord gave me words to speak which I am sure will benefit those who not only bear but practice them. Then we had a testimony meeting. Many testimonies were given which were precious and encouraging. I then spoke in the large tent to the people assembled. Many testimonies were borne in regard to an earnest desire for the salvation of friends and relatives. Prayers were requested in their behalf. The Spirit of the Lord was in the meeting. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 12

I spoke in the afternoon from John 3:1-4. The Spirit of the Lord was upon me. The meeting was large and many unbelievers were present. They listened with great attention, and impressions were made upon many minds. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 13

In the afternoon Elder Corliss spoke with great power, and called the people forward. Seventy-five responded, and when the meeting closed they went into my large tent, and twelve decided to be baptized. This was a most precious day to the whole encampment. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 14

October 28

Elder Corliss gave a discourse in the forenoon upon the subject of baptism. It was a most powerful sermon. Expressions were made regarding it such as, “He outdid himself.” Surely this is what always should be—out of self in Jesus Christ. “Without me, ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Out of self in Christ, He speaks through the human agent. Those newly come to the faith were fully settled in regard to their duty. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 15

At three p.m. in the afternoon I spoke to a crowded tent from John 15. “I am the vine, ye are the branches.” [Verse 5.] The Lord gave me much freedom. I dwelt particularly upon the duty of parents to educate and train their children, not only for this life but for the future, immortal life, that all their powers and capabilities entrusted to them by God should be employed in such a way that they will be a blessing to humanity. In co-operating with God and doing His service, and working in Christ’s lines, we are uplifting humanity by precept and example. We are obeying the will of God expressed in His holy law by educating our children in righteous principles, that they may educate others. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 16

Business interests, social endowments, ease, honor, reputation, every capability we possess, all these are gifts entrusted by God, and must be held in subjection to the superior, ever-paramount claims of God. Abundant compensation will follow true faith and obedience, both in this life and the future, immortal life. “Everyone,” says Jesus, the great Teacher, “that hath forsaken houses or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold in this life, and shall have eternal life.” [Matthew 19:29.] 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 17

The great apostle Paul did not think that he made any real sacrifice when he exchanged Pharisaism for the gospel of Jesus Christ. In his ignorance he thought that in persecuting the saints, he was doing God service. He had a zeal that was not according to knowledge. He thought that in being exceedingly bitter against the believers in Christ he was doing God service. But Christ arrested him in his zealous career. He told him that he was persecuting Him in the person of His saints. And when Paul found that he was in a wrong path, he linked himself, according to divine light, with a people he had thought he must wipe from the earth. He turned from honorable position, from ambitious preferment. He taught Christ and lived Christ, and suffered martyrdom for Christ’s sake. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 18

Monday, October 28

The work of God is going on. Brother Martin’s wife has been a most bitter opponent of her husband, because he became a Seventh-day Adventist. She allowed one of her children to come on the campground. There was no place for her to sleep and Sister Davis took her into her tent. Sister Davis had in her tent still another young girl, Flora Bellamy, who was keeping the Sabbath, but whose mother had given up the Sabbath and opposed her. Brother Martin took another child from school, and brought her to the camp, and Marion Davis took her in for a few nights. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 19

Thus we all hoped to reach the mother at last, and our hopes were not in vain. She came to the camp meeting last Sunday, and Sister Davis took her in while the children returned home. She listened to the discourses in the afternoon and evening. The victorious power of God was upon her. She was overwhelmed with deep conviction. In the meeting she cried out aloud in soul agony. She was helped out of the tent into Sister Davis’ tent. She solicited her to pray, and she prayed most earnestly for her. After a severe struggle she found rest and peace in Christ by an entire surrender to Him. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 20

October 29

We have been very busy getting off American mail. Yesterday, Monday, the steamer left for America. This was a severe tax on me. Tuesday the steamer left for Capetown, Africa, direct. We made every effort to get off all the manuscript we could on this steamer, and I became very nervous. For several nights I was not able to sleep because of the mosquitoes. Emily and I went to Granville to get more bedding, mattresses, and quilts, for many people could not be accommodated. The ride rested me, and I was able to sleep in my own hired house. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 21

Wednesday, October 31

In the morning we were surprised to see Willie. He came up on the cars to Granville for some of his papers. On our return to the camp he rode in the carriage with us and we had opportunity to devise and plan with reference to the interest which is constantly growing. It is a sure thing that Sydney must be worked now, while the interest is awake. We decided to appropriate one hundred dollars to getting out circulars of the discourses preached, and send them to every house. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 22

We see that it would not be our duty to go to South Africa now, for this field needs to be worked. A mission home and meeting house will have to be built in Sydney. God will give us many to help if we will work in harmony with His will. I am willing to work decidedly in this vicinity, and appropriate means here as God shall put it into our hands. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 23

There is necessity for much prayer that God will teach us how to work, and how to present the truth, not in a controversial way, but as it is in Jesus. The path of the just shineth more and more unto the perfect day. In our weakness God will make known His strength. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 24

October 31

This afternoon I spoke from [Matthew 5:14,] “Ye are the light of the world.” The congregation was composed mostly of outsiders. This was the best representation we have had of noble women. Not a few, but many, were present. They listened with deep interest, and God gave me freedom in speaking upon experimental godliness. Then Elder Corliss told them he would give a Bible reading, and many remained and asked questions. His subject was the coming of the Lord. The people seemed anxious to continue the service. He asked if they would be pleased to have another Bible reading the next day, and all hands were immediately raised. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 25

October 31

I rose at three, and after dressing, had a precious season of prayer, and then commenced to write. The day is pleasant, and we hope for growth in the interest of the meeting. Oh, we must have Jesus today! We hope that many souls will be able to truly say, “The darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.” [1 John 2:8.] 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 26

Sister Daniells came into my room with a letter she had received from Sister Hanna of Williamstown. I will copy a few lines from her letter. “Now a word about your meetings. We have heard reports about the success attending your camp meeting. We do praise the Lord for it, and may many more souls that attend out of curiosity be brought into the acceptance of the truth as I have been. I never was so happy in my life as I am now, and I do pray the dear Lord to make me strong in Him, and keep me faithful, that when He comes, I may be found an overcomer. I do wish I were with [you], especially to hear Sister White. I do think it is my privilege to call her my spiritual mother. “If I had not gone out of curiosity, I would not have been the happy woman I am today. I often feel that I would like to see Sister White and speak to her. I may have an opportunity some day. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 27

“We are increasing slowly in numbers. Our church numbers thirty-eight, Sabbath School, sixty-nine. I pray God to bring more brethren to help us. We are thankful to have such a good elder as we have. He is excellent and energetic. We have missionary meetings on Tuesday night now, and they are very profitable. My dear husband likes them. I am surely blessed with a husband so kind and good. I pray daily that the Lord will bless him, and bring him into the fold before it is too late.” 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 28

When I was in Melbourne, I spoke several times in Williamstown, where Elder Canright’s book of misrepresentation and falsehood had been circulated. The Lord always gave me perfect liberty, and His power sustained me. The last Sunday afternoon the meeting was held in a large tent, and it was well-filled with interested hearers. That was the first time Sister Hanna was out. It was at that meeting that she was convicted, and surrendered all to God. She is a tall, noble looking woman with a very pretty face. She has a clear white complexion and red cheeks. She was a very proud woman, fond of fashion and display, loving amusement, and giving herself to its attractions. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 29

Her mother had received the truth, but this daughter could not be prevailed upon to attend the meetings. Finally, out of curiosity to see and hear Sister White, she came, and the Holy Spirit made the word effective to reach her heart, and draw her to the Saviour. The decided change that the truth has wrought in her is a miracle of God’s mercy. The vanity, pride, selfish indulgence, and extravagance have gone. She has been born again and her life in Christ has commenced. O how happy the mother is because of this change. The daughter and mother are now united. Sister Hanna’s husband is a noble man. He does not oppose her attendance at the meetings and it is hoped that he will be converted to the truth. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 30

We have just read the painful news of the railroad accident which occurred between Parramatta and Sydney. One car collided with another. Twenty were wounded and one killed. This is a warning for all to be sure that they have a good hope in Christ. With our life hid with Christ in God, we shall not be surprised unready. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 31

In the morning papers we read the sad news of the wreck of the Wairarapa. This steamer left Sydney for New Zealand October 24, with a large passenger list, and under ordinary circumstances she should have reached Auckland on Monday. But the following cable was received: “The Wairarapa became a total wreck on Sunday night. One hundred and eleven passengers, with twenty-three of the crew and Captain McIntosh, were drowned.” I have traveled on this steamer several times. I was acquainted with the captain and especially with the stewardess, Mrs. MacDonald, both of whom are lost. There is no safety only in God. Disasters by sea and by land closely follow one another. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 32

November 2

I thank my heavenly Father that I have slept better through the night. I rose this morning at four o’clock. We are favored with another pleasant day. For this we thank our heavenly Father. The Lord can give us success in these meetings, and He has done this. Many souls are deeply interested in the truth. It is thought best to close these meetings next Sunday night and pitch the tent in another locality, a few miles from this place. God has given us His Holy Spirit on this encampment, and we praise His holy name. My heart is filled with thanksgiving for that which we have seen of the working of His Holy Spirit. Last evening Elder Corliss, W. C. White, Sister Campbell, and myself rode out to view several locations, and we found one really desirable, if we can obtain it. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 33

The holy hours of the Sabbath have commenced. I thank my heavenly Father for the peace and rest of spirit I have had in Him. I can trust in His love. I am thankful for the meeting we have had and for the interest awakened in many minds. Two have taken their stand on the Sabbath. The conversion of Sister Martin is a miracle of grace. She came like a lion in opposition, but the Spirit of the Lord convicted her. The struggle was severe, but she surrendered. She is as meek as a lamb. This lost sheep found gives me great joy. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 34

November 3

This Sabbath morning I woke at half past two with decided impressions on my mind that there is danger before us if we do not seek the Lord in earnest prayer when we rise up and when we sit down, when we go out and when we come in. I attended the morning meeting and spoke to a goodly number. The blessing of the Lord rested upon me as I tried to present to all present the necessity of each having a living experience in the things of God. I felt relieved of a burden. Willie visited me and we had a precious season of counsel together in reference to important matters relative to our work. It is seldom we can find time to have a genuine talk. We both felt better after this conversation. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 35

The forenoon meeting was conducted by Elder Corliss. After his discourse, a revival effort was made. Many came forward for prayer. The meetings all through the day have been excellent. After the discourse in the afternoon, we had a testimony meeting, and many excellent testimonies were borne. One precious soul was keeping her first Sabbath. One intelligent-looking man who is an outsider said that he had learned more of Jesus in this one meeting than in all the church services he had ever attended. This day has been precious to my soul. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 36

Who can estimate the value of that knowledge which maketh wise unto salvation, of that love which passeth all understanding? When this is realized, the value of missionary instrumentalities will be better measured and understood. How few of the professed servants are engaged in the service of God. How few have any sense of home service for Jesus Christ. O if there was a genuine spirit of missionary work in the home, co-operating with God, the exclamation would be made, What hath God wrought! God hath never failed to do His part. He hath done exceedingly abundantly above all that we have asked or thought. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 37

This afternoon I spoke to a well filled tent of believers from our churches. Many unbelievers were present. My text was 2 Peter 1. The Lord gave me His Holy Spirit with which to address the people with earnestness, and to present Jesus Christ as our only hope and entire dependence. We must come to Him with all our little trials and large perplexities, and tell it all to Jesus, believing that He will be our helper and our strength, our sympathizing Friend. He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 38

The Lord Jehovah is our strength. In every family an altar to God should be erected. The head of every family should present his petitions to God morning and evening before his whole family. This is a recognition of service to God and dependence upon Him. Before every member of the family eternal realities are brought to view. The fact that you make your requests known to God, and ask His guidance, is a confession of Christ as your Leader, your Captain, and divine Teacher. The prayer of Christ to His Father, recorded in (John 17:1-26) is an important revelation to all human intelligences. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 39

As I awoke this morning, I was repeating these words to my son Willie: Be careful that you do not show distrust of God in making decisions as to where our school shall be located. God is your Counselor, and we are always in danger of showing distrust of God when we seek for the advice and counsel of men who do not make God their trust, and who are so devoid of wisdom in matters that they will, by following their own judgment, retard the work. They do not recognize God to be infinite in wisdom. We are to acknowledge God in all our counsels, and when we ask Him, we are to believe that we receive the things we ask of Him. If you depend upon men who do not love God and obey His commandments, you will surely be brought into very difficult places. Those that are not connected with God are connected with the enemy of God, and the enemy will work with them to lead us in false paths. We do not honor God when we go aside from the only true God to inquire of the god of Ekron. The question is asked, Is it because there is not a God in Israel that ye have gone to the god of Ekron to inquire? 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 40

Anciently it was a great sin for the people of God to give themselves away to the enemy, and open before them either their perplexity or prosperity. It was a sin in the ancient economy to offer upon a wrong altar. It was sin to offer incense kindled from a strange fire. We are in danger of co-mingling the sacred and the common. The holy fire from God is to be used in our efforts. The right altar is Christ. The true fire is the Holy Spirit. This is our inspiration. It is the Holy Spirit that leads and guides the man and makes him sure in counsel. If we turn aside from God’s chosen ones and from God to inquire at strange altars, we shall be answered according to our works. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 41

We have forfeited all by sin. If we have any mercies and blessings it is by grace. We have not a blessing but that comes through Jesus Christ. Those who are sinners and disloyal to God are not to be trusted to pass wise judgment in regard to that upon which great results depend. In our course of action Satan will be on hand to put suggestions in the mind and words in the mouth that are entirely contrary to God’s mind and God’s will. Those that advocate these ideas may be honest in their advice because they are blinded and deceived. How safe is the man whose God is our God. Christ is our Advocate, pleading in our behalf. The Spirit pleads within us. Then let us show perfect trust in our Leader and not inquire of false guides. They will mislead, entangle, and ruin us if they can. Will not God be dishonored if we depend on men of the world, whose wisdom God pronounces to be foolishness? Let us go to the fountain of wisdom. Will God not help us? 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 42

“Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” [Isaiah 28:16.] “Hath a nation changed their gods? For my people have changed their [glory] for that which doth not profit.” “Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field, or shall the cold, flowing waters that cometh from another place be forsaken?” [Jeremiah 2:11; 18:14.] 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 43

There is great danger in our casting aside the counsel of God for the counsels of men. Satan is delighted when he lays his snares, and we walk into the meshes of his net. It is spread for our feet. Shall we be led in false paths? In figures it has been presented to me that we are to beware of men. Trust in the Lord, heed His voice, and turn from men. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 44

November 4

Since one o’clock my mind has been on a train of thought. The Lord has wrought in this camp meeting. But there were greater blessings for the whole encampment. The work that ought to have been deep and thorough for our ministers has been left as a mere surface work. The root of bitterness whereby many will be defiled has been left to spring up anew. The Lord would have worked wondrously if that faith that works by love and purifies the soul had been exercised daily. But while the spirit which causes variance and terrible bitterness through false imaginations is only quiet for a time, and is ready to spring into life, envy and evil surmisings will break forth when least expected to dishonor God and His truth, which circumstances give life and vitality to the slumbering demon. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 45

Men think wrong, have wrong ideas, false thoughts, in regard to self. They give utterance to the thoughts which have been cherished, which have been the meditation of the heart. It is supposed by them to be truth and righteousness. But it is sin and unrighteousness. Every time this spirit is indulged, it obtains power and, as habit, will ruin the man. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 46

I must write that Elder Corliss and Elder McCullagh are in greater danger than they or anyone suppose. Elder McCullagh is tempted and is gathering darkness to his soul. Elder Corliss needs so much the molding influence of the Spirit of God to transform his mind and purify and cleanse his thoughts. His suspicions are easily aroused and he behaves impulsively because he thinks he is mistreated. It is because of this very spirit that he is so easily aroused, that it is so hard for himself and so utterly impossible for others to manage, and that he has been so often a perplexity and a distress and a burden to his brethren. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 47

It is this spirit, so easily irritated and so strongly striving for the mastery, that unfits him to associate kindly and with Christian fellowship with his brethren. It is a problem that many are trying to solve, how a man, apparently under the influence of the Spirit of God, preaching truth in its attractive loveliness before hundreds and thousands, can at times be so overbearing, manifesting such a spirit, speaking such words to his brethren who are innocent of the charges he prefers against them. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 48

This hurts the influence of our brethren in the ministry. These things can be cured only when our brethren see them as they are, and realize that they are not to be strengthened and encouraged. This spirit is of the same character as the spirit which led the Jews to crucify Christ. It is an abandonment of self into the hands of the enemy. This spirit will either be controlled because it is sin against God, or it will control our members, and they will do the work of the enemy by tearing down and discouraging others to their own ruin. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 49

The Lord’s people are a little flock compared with the world, and if they have not love and confidence in each other, they cannot be one with Christ. The spirit of kindness must be cultivated. Self must die. Put away the thoughts prompted by Satan. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 50

Time must be given for rest. Never should Elder Corliss be placed in responsible positions of trust as president of our conference, for he will mar the work of God. He should not be left to carry on meetings alone, for he loves to preach. If under the control of the Holy Spirit, he will do much good; but when he imagines that any restraint is put upon him he becomes at times like an insane man. It is not his wound in the head that causes all this. His heart is in need of cleansing, the thoughts of purifying; then the head will not become excited. 9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 51