Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 132, 1903

Butler, G. I.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

July 3, 1903

Portions of this letter are published in Ev 395; SpTB #18 8-9. +^Note

Dear Brother Butler,—

I have received and read your letter. I am very sorry that your expectations regarding the raising of means for the Southern work have not been realized. But I am not surprised. I did not think that you would receive as much as you did. I know how in the past some have studiously tried to divert means into other channels. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 1

I was instructed by the Lord that the Southern field was to be given every advantage. Especially was Nashville to be worked. Special pains were to be taken to reach the students and teachers of the large schools and colleges in and near Nashville. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 2

But there were those who in public and private said that enough means had been poured into the South. As a result of their words, means that should have gone to the South was withheld or was given to other enterprises. Where did those who made these remarks get their light in regard to enough means being poured into the South? Only a part of the money that God has moved upon hearts to give to the work in the South has reached this field, because men have interposed to divert the means into other channels. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 3

Therefore light has come to me to prepare a history of the work which has been attempted in the South, and which has been carried forward with little help from those who ought to have helped. The Lord would have the facts appear as they are. I shall try to show what has been done under continual discouragement—discouragement brought by men who, notwithstanding the light they have received, have followed a course that has prevented help from coming to a most destitute field. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 4

For some time Clarence has been gathering together what has been written regarding the work in the South. He has gathered together the letters that Edson has written me and the letters that I have written him since he began his work in the South. He is now classifying the matter. I think that it will make a very interesting book. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 5

Willie has set himself most earnestly at work on my writings. I find him a great help. The Lord has given us a work to do here, and we shall try not to carry burdens that will unfit us for this work. We are asking God to lead and teach us. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 6

The people of the South should do all that they can to sustain the institutions at Graysville and Huntsville. For the present, let these institutions look to the people of the South, if they are in need. These people can do more than they have to help. Huntsville needs assistance and has needed it for a long time. But great care must be exercised in regard to appropriating to the institutions already established in the South the means raised in other fields for the work in this field. Something should be done toward the establishment of a school and a sanitarium near Nashville. Efforts must be put forth to advance the work in places in which hardly anything has been done. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 7

Brother Butler, the Lord is not asleep. But His watchmen are asleep, and the enemy is sowing his tares. Some of those occupying positions of trust in the Southern field are not wise men. They have been leavened with unbelief and doubt, and it will take much to eradicate this from their minds. If these men had not stood in their own way, the work there would now be a year in advance of where it is. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 8

The God of Israel has commanded that the work in the South shall go forward. Let those who in the past have done little but block the wheels, misconstruing and misinterpreting the words of the workers, now clear the King’s highway. If they cannot do anything but hinder, let them, for Christ’s sake, go somewhere else and engage in some other line of work. The Southern field is in itself difficult enough. The efforts of those who stand with stones in their hands, ready to block the way, are not needed. Let us pray that God will send to this field workers who are determined to make a success of surmounting difficulties. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 9

It makes me sad to speak of these things. But as I see how matters have been managed, I feel as if I must make these statements. How sorry I am that men who profess to be doing God’s service work against Him. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 10

I have been writing much in regard to the need of making more decided efforts in Washington, D.C. Light has been given me that something should be done in this city at once. How strange it is that at the very heart of the nation so little has been done to represent the loyalty of the people of God. To us has been given the grandest truth ever committed to mortals. Washington, the capital of the United States, is the very place from which this truth should shine forth. But what has been done there to proclaim the truth? What excuse can we give to God for our unfaithful stewardship? 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 11

July 4

Brother Butler, God is awake. He is working while men sleep. All around us I see work to do. I will send you a copy of a letter I have written to H. W. Kellogg. It tells something of what we are trying to do. Last year I spoke several times in open-air meetings, and this year I have spoken three times. We shall hold open-air meetings in the towns near here, and I shall speak to the people whenever I am able. My voice is fully restored. I thank my heavenly Father that I am blessed with a clear mind. I am asking Him to help me to write on Bible subjects, and I believe that He will. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 12

My brother, let us not worry. The work will move forward if we keep our hands uplifted to heaven. The Lord will be our strength, our frontguard, and our rearward. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 13

I have been much interested in what Elder Daniells has written regarding the places that he and the other members of the Committee have found. He has written a full description of a beautiful place about sixty miles north of New York City. This place is offered for eleven thousand dollars. I think that it should be purchased by our people. The Lord has shown me that such places will be offered to us. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 14

We must get out of Battle Creek. By fire the Lord has sent us this message. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 15

My brother, let us heed the invitation, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] Cling to the mighty One, and in His strength make decided efforts to advance. Be of good courage in the Lord. Have faith in Him; trust in Him, and believe that He will fulfil His Word. The Lord lives and reigns. Be strong in Him; yea, be strong. 18LtMs, Lt 132, 1903, par. 16