Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 63, 1897

Hickox, Brother and Sister

“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia

September 7, 1897

Portions of this letter are published in AH 392; CS 256.

Dear Brother and Sister Hickox:

I feel tender sympathy for you, and I am praying that you may see matters in a correct light. You must see that one should not manage his affairs in a way that will incur debt. In this country we are on missionary ground, and economy must be practiced on all sides. When one becomes involved in debt, he is in one of Satan’s nets, which he sets for souls. Neither you nor any other must become involved, because the limited treasury will not admit of this. The dearth of means has compelled men and women to suspend their labors; there has been no money to handle. At present there is but one minister in all New South Wales, in Sydney and the suburbs. There was no means to pay other workers. You must see that when men subtract from the treasury before they have earned it, this counts as so much less to support laborers. 12LtMs, Lt 63, 1897, par. 1

I know, for I have tried it, that if we dedicate ourselves, soul, body, and spirit, to God, we will walk carefully before Him. Abstracting and using money for any purpose, before it is used, is a snare. In this way the resources are limited, so that laborers cannot do missionary work. I wish both yourself and Sister Hickox to consider all sides of this question. I talk with you as I would talk with my own son. You must not give place to the devil. Tell me, how much nearer are you to the settlement of your debts? Is the prospect so flattering that you feel it the best thing you can do to continue in the business in which you are now engaged? If the enemy can lead others to go over the same ground, to leave the work and field altogether, it will be a sorry feature in their experience. 12LtMs, Lt 63, 1897, par. 2

Does not the Lord say to you, What doest thou here, Elijah? [1 Kings 19:9.] Who sent you on this journey? I flattered myself that you would unite with Brother Farnsworth in Christchurch, but the enemy has worked his cards so that is shall not be. Suppose others should pursue the same course, and while they bring no means into the treasury, call for means from it? You see that the work of God would be crippled, and would finally become bankrupt. When a man sees that he is not successful, why does he not betake himself to prayer, or change his work. 12LtMs, Lt 63, 1897, par. 3

There are stormy times before us, and the Lord will accept all who can co-operate with Him. Practice self-denial and self-sacrifice. Consider every movement carefully and prayerfully. Walk softly before the Lord. We must preserve a devotedness to God and make straight paths for our feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. We want none of our laborers to stumble in their walk. 12LtMs, Lt 63, 1897, par. 4

The time in which we can work is short; the night is at hand, when no man can work. Then look carefully, that you take no course in pride and stubbornness that will separate you from God. We pray for you, and I ask you to tell me just how you stand, what you mean to do, and what is the prospect of your engaging in the work. Have you not been losing ground? The Lord help you, my brother, is my prayer, to seek wisdom from God, to be emptied of self, that the Spirit of God may take possession of your heart. 12LtMs, Lt 63, 1897, par. 5

I am interested in you. 12LtMs, Lt 63, 1897, par. 6

In love. 12LtMs, Lt 63, 1897, par. 7