Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 22, 1898

Kellogg, J. H.

Balaclava, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

March 25, 1898

Portions of this letter are published in 8T 177-179; HP 77. +^Note

Dear Brother:

I have just received your communications, which were very interesting to me and will also be to others, to whom I shall read them. My letters were re-mailed to me from Cooranbong. I expected to receive your book of selections that you mentioned, but so far no book has come. Please send us the book or books. But it may be that our folks at home have received them and have not re-mailed [them] to me, as I expect to return home in a couple of weeks. I suppose the Echo office will send for these books. I do not know. 13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 1

At present there is no money in the treasury, and we are sorely pressed on every hand financially. I see also that you are having a close battle. I am so glad that you can heed the encouragement given, “Let him take hold of my strength, and make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] We will have faith in God. We will put our trust in Him. He understands all about the situation, and will work in our behalf. I am so thankful that we may trust in God. And the Lord is honored when we trust in Him, bringing to Him all our perplexities. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name,” He says, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:13.] God’s appointments and grants in our behalf are without limit. The throne of grace is itself the highest attraction, because occupied by one who permits us to call Him Father. “For God so love the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] 13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 2

The Lord Jehovah did not deem the principle of salvation complete while only invested with His own love. By His own appointment He has placed at His altar an Advocate clothed in our nature. As our Intercessor, His office work is to introduce us to God as His sons and daughters. Christ intercedes in behalf of those who have received Him. To them He gives power by virtue of His own merits, to become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. And the Father demonstrates His infinite love for Christ, who paid our ransom by His blood, by receiving and welcoming Christ’s friends as His friends. He is satisfied with the atonement made. He is glorified by the incarnation, the life, death, and mediation of His Son. 13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 3

In Christ’s name our petitions ascend to the Father. He intercedes in our behalf, and the Father lays open all the treasures of His grace for our appropriation, to enjoy and communicate to others. “Ask in My name,” Christ says. “I do not say I will pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loveth you, because you have loved me. Make use of My name. This will give your prayers efficiency, and the Father will give you the riches of His grace. Wherefore ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” [See John 16:26, 27, 24.] 13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 4

What condescension! What a privilege is granted us. Christ is the connecting link between God and man. He has promised His personal intercession by employing His name. He places the whole virtue of His righteousness on the side of the suppliant. Christ pleads for man, and man, in need of divine help, pleads for himself in the presence of God, using the power of the influence of the One who give His life for the world. As we acknowledge before God our appreciation of Christ’s merits, fragrance is given to our intercessions. Oh, who can value this great mercy and love! As we approach God through the virtue of Christ’s merits, we are clothed with His priestly vestments. He places us close by His side, encircling us with His human arm, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the infinite. He puts His merits, as sweet incense, in a censer in their hands, in order to encourage their petitions. He promises to hear and answer their supplications. 13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 5

Yes; Christ has become the medium of prayer between man and God. He also has become the medium of blessing between God and man. He has combined divinity and humanity. Men are to be co-laborers with God in the salvation of their own souls, and then make earnest, persevering, untiring efforts to save those who are ready to perish. 13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 6

I am more than pleased with the work that is being accomplished for a class that never would be restored unless merciful, compassionate hands reached to them where they are. With one hand they grasp the perishing soul, while with the other they grasp the throne of God, and draw men from the pit of ruin. 13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 7

We must all work now while the day lasts, for the night cometh, in which no man can work. I am of good courage in the Lord. There are times when a distinct view is presented to me of a state of things in our churches that is not calculated to help but hinder souls. Then I have hours, and sometimes days, of intense anguish. Every part of my being is wrenched, as if soul and body would be rent asunder, because many of those who have a knowledge of the truth do not do the works of God. Their influence is no better than the influence of worldlings. They talk like the world and are passionate, like the sons of Belial. Oh, how my heart aches, because Christ is put to shame by their unchristlike behavior. But after the agony is past, I feel like working harder than ever to restore the poor souls, that they may reveal the moral image of God. 13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 8

I so much hope that the medical missionary work will get fully established in Australia. You ask in regard to Dr. Caro. He is doing excellent work. His work in Napier, New Zealand, was much valued. His work at the camp meeting in Stanmore was much appreciated. He is now connected with the Health Home, and also with the school in Cooranbong. 13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 9

I have now been in this place four weeks, and must visit Ballarat one week from next Sabbath. Then unless some necessity arises, I shall make my way to Sydney and attend the dedication of the church in Stanmore. I shall then return to my home in Cooranbong. 13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 10

When we came over to Melbourne, all the country that we passed through looked dry and brown. Scarcely a blade of green grass could be seen. And here in Victoria cattle are in pastures where there is not an appearance of verdure. For nearly a year everything has been burning up. There have been few refreshing showers. When we left our home in New South Wales, everything was green and fresh with the showers and dew from heaven, and I learn by letter that as yet everything looks fresh in Cooranbong. 13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 11

I long to get to my quiet home in the country. I shall enjoy it, I am sure. I greatly wish that you with your good wife could visit us in Cooranbong, but this may not be possible. 13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 12

With much love to yourself and family, and Sister Henry. 13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 13