Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 193, 1903

Franke, E. E.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

September 1, 1903

Portions of this letter are published in Ev 331; 1MR 16; 3MR 278; 1Bio 33. +^Note

Dear Brother Franke,—

I received your letter and read it with interest. I did not answer it immediately, because it came at a time when I was receiving many burdensome communications in regard to the general work. I could not rest in sleep; for these letters had to be answered without delay, in the interests of the Lord’s cause. Important questions had to be dealt with in connection with locating the publishing house in the East and in regard to the proposed reopening of the school at Battle Creek, as well as the establishment of institutions in several other places. Consequently, I have been carrying heavy burdens during the past few weeks and have written much. Day before yesterday I arose early and wrote thirty-five pages before the day closed. Yesterday I wrote twenty-five pages. I have to study these questions and caution our brethren against doing some things that ought not to be done; and until I write out the instruction I receive, I carry a heavy burden of responsibility. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 1

I was glad to learn that you have been laboring in Portland, my old home city. I hope that as you present the truth for this time before the people there, and use your charts to make the points clear, the Lord will give you special victory. I cannot but feel that some will receive the gospel message. I am very desirous of hearing more particulars in regard to your efforts there. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 2

I greatly desire that you shall have success in the meetings you are holding. You can do evangelistic work successfully only by following the example of the great Teacher. He came to this earth and in His ministry showed us how to labor for the salvation of souls. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 3

I pray that the Holy Spirit of God shall attend you in every effort made. In all our labors, we must, my brother, heed the words of Christ recorded in the seventeenth of John. In our life work we are to answer this prayer that Christ offered. Oneness with Him we are always to maintain; for thus we reveal to the world that God has sent His Son to this earth to save the fallen race. When we are united with Christ, we are sure that He is working with us and we with Him. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 4

It is so easy to allow the human mind to suppose things, when there is no foundation for these suppositions. Satan will endeavor, if possible, to make a mountain out of a molehill—as he has done again and again—by magnifying in your mind and in the minds of others the dissension and the variance that you often create. Supposing that there are little matters of difference between you and your brethren: would it not be wisdom to heal these matters at once, and not give Satan entrance? The Lord has given us a prescription for healing all such differences quickly, without galling our own souls with the bitterness of malice. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 5

God has a great work for you to do and for me to do and for every one of His tried and aged servants to do. He requires of us that we shall sweep every difficulty out of the way, in order that He may make us one with Christ in God. My dear brother, I want you to be so closely united with Christ in God that your light shall shine forth in good works. You may be called to bear your testimony at the capital of the nation; but first you must be cleansed of everything that makes you so abrupt in accusing your brethren. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 6

True humility, my brother, however deep, will not be a hindrance to God’s servants, even to those who undertake the most arduous labors. Responsible service to God is often required. The cleansing power of the Spirit of Christ follows repentance and prepares the way for pardon and sanctification through the blood that was shed on Calvary’s cross. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 7

Let us always remember, Brother Franke, that no matter how great and good a work the human agent may do, he does not gain the ownership of those who through his instrumentality have been converted to the truth. None are to place themselves under the control of the minister who has been instrumental in their conversion. In our ministry we are to bring souls direct to Christ. They are Christ’s property and must ever be amenable to Him alone. Every person possesses an individuality that no other person can claim. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 8

God, through Christ, has invited us to consent to wear His yoke. Jesus says: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 9

Through your individual experience, you are to find the life that is hid with Christ in God. This is indeed a life of truth, of peace, of rest. God wants you to live such a life. Let peace and love pervade your soul. Cast out the enemy whenever he seeks to enter your mind to disturb your peace. The Lord will strengthen you, if you will sit with Him in heavenly places. He does not desire you to labor so unceasingly that you will become nervous; for the enemy then takes advantage of you. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 10

Your power is in keeping calm. Do not become stirred up. Certainly the Lord does not desire you to be disturbed in spirit, because then you would not be able to recognize His sacred presence. He desires you to make no drive in His behalf. He says to you: “Be calm. Bear a clear, straightforward testimony in behalf of the truth. Never spoil the effect of your message by finding fault afterward because you suppose that you are not appreciated and honored as you should be. Hide in Me, and let all the glory redound to My name. Never, never, for any cause whatever, speak complainingly in any meeting. Check the hasty words that you are tempted to utter, and speak calm, well-chosen words. Learn of Me. Keep quiet. My peace will I give unto you. Take My yoke upon you.” 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 11

The power of God has often rested upon you in a marked manner. At such times, the enemy often prepares and sets in operation something that stirs up your natural feelings and leads you to imagine evil things and to make a drive against your ministering brethren. Even if these imaginary things exist, you have no excuse whatever for speaking unfavorably of your brethren; for Christ, your example, bore the indifference, the lack of appreciation, the criticisms, and the insults of those whom He came to save. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 12

Spoil not your influence by overworking in an effort to accomplish some great thing. When you become worried as the result of overwork, every adverse word appears in large, bold characters before you, and you begin at once to make a raid against those whom you think are trying to work against you. Your hasty words are unexpected, because often there is no cause for any such outburst. These things greatly detract from your influence. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 13

Now, my brother, not a soul has written me a word in regard to you for a long, long time. I am writing you these words of caution only that you may preserve your influence, and that you may realize more fully than ever before that God desires to keep you in His love and to give you peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 14

Possibly while in Portland you may be able to visit my twin sister’s son. Ask Sister Eliza Morton to tell you where he lives. It is somewhere near Deering’s Oaks. I have spent many pleasant hours in the woods at that place. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 15

With this letter I will send you copies of some of my late writings, that you may know more in regard to the work I am trying to do. I decided not to attend the Los Angeles camp-meeting, now in session, because I desire to prepare books and writings for the press. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 16

I am interested in your wife and in your children. I hope to meet you all again sometime. May the Lord bless you, is my prayer. 18LtMs, Lt 193, 1903, par. 17