Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 217, 1899

Irwin, G. A.

“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, New South Wales

November 21, 1899

Portions of this letter are published in Ev 259-260; 9MR 307.

Dear Brother Irwin:

I have written these few lines in reference to our school in Battle Creek, and I feel deeply over these things. This Australian work is to go forward and not retrograde. We want proper helpers. We need strength and individuality sanctified. I would desire the very best gifts. If Sister Andre is the person that can carry forward a good work in our school, will you withhold her from us? We are most deeply disappointed that Dr. Lindsay did not come, and others who were expected did not come; but in the name of the Lord we advance. I do not feel very much flattered in regard to Elder Robinson, but I do hope he will be where he can be a helper and not a hindrance. The Lord give wisdom, is my prayer. 14LtMs, Lt 217, 1899, par. 1

The school here must be no second school. God helping it must be the best of schools. 14LtMs, Lt 217, 1899, par. 2

I began to write you a letter about Maitland. It would do your soul good to see [the] earnest faces of hundreds intently listening in eager expectation—merchants, three brothers, have their stores in the drapery [business] in one row. There are other merchants, the mayor, and the town clerk, and businessmen, who seem to feel our intense interest that we should keep the meetings up. We have had three weeks’ meetings, then moved the tent into a paddock close by the house where Brother Starr is living. There is a large clubroom [near]. If it rains, or [the wind] tears down the tent, we can occupy that large room. The tent was moved yesterday. 14LtMs, Lt 217, 1899, par. 3

[One of the] Kerr brothers—the eldest—said to us as we were sitting in the carriage, “I heard you thought of opening the work in East Maitland.” Said he, “I thought that would be a mistake, to divide the interest. Keep a live interest. Do not divide. The singing must be kept up. All enjoy the singing.” This sounds very pleasant. But the ministers are opening up their tirade, and against Mrs. White in particular. But this is only hurting themselves. We are more rejoiced than we can express. We begin to think we are not quite out of the world. To have such congregations of people in Maitland is marvelous. It is the Lord who is drawing the people. 14LtMs, Lt 217, 1899, par. 4

I have spoken three Sabbaths and three Sundays in succession, and go again with my Jessie and Brother Haskell’s Jasper horses twenty-seven miles, crossing Mt. Vincent. May the Lord give me the word to speak to the people. The people, one and another, are asking, “When is that old lady to speak again?” Brother Caro follows me Sabbath and Sunday, and he takes wonderfully with the people. They seem to believe that which we tell them. I am placing Desire of Ages, Great Controversy, Patriarchs and Prophets, and Christ Our Saviour in families; so while the ministers are working against me, I will speak in my writings to the people. I believe souls will be converted to the truth. We are now turning them to the law and to the testimonies. If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 14LtMs, Lt 217, 1899, par. 5

An excellent spirit is in our meetings. Sundays there are one or two hundred children being educated in a large childrens’ tent. If we organize a church here in Maitland, we shall be strengthening our outposts. We inquire, Who will be found tenderly, yet earnestly and faithfully, lifting up their voice and proclaiming the third angel’s message? “And Jesus spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me, in heaven and in earth. 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 always, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:18-20.] 14LtMs, Lt 217, 1899, par. 6

We shall commence work at Wallsend and Lambton; but while the interest is kept good, we must not divide our forces. Brother Hilliard and Brother Gates will labor with us anywhere it seems he is most needed. He will settle his family in the large home rented by Brother Haskell. 14LtMs, Lt 217, 1899, par. 7

I will say to you and Brother Haskell, Keep your souls in the love of God, whatever happens. Keep joyful in God. Talk faith, courage, and do not fail nor be discouraged. Let the young men be encouraged to labor. The Lord wants men to go forth preaching everywhere. Do not remain in Battle Creek until your heart loses its soft, subduing, winning [influence]. Do all you can in speaking the Word of God with all boldness and clear, intelligent, straightforward truth. Let a man so account of us, the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. O, that all that minister in word and doctrine would show that they have the high commission which no man, no body of men, can confer. Every minister of the gospel whom the Holy Spirit has called to the work bears the divine credentials—not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, not given to filthy lucre. 14LtMs, Lt 217, 1899, par. 8

But the word comes: “Must close.” God bless you and your wife. 14LtMs, Lt 217, 1899, par. 9