Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 129, 1904

Irwin, G. A.; Starr, G. B.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

April 12, 1904

Previously unpublished.

Dear Brother Irwin and Brother Starr,—

I shall be able to write you only a very short letter in this mail. For some weeks I have not been well in mind or body. In five days I shall leave my pleasant home to make a visit to Washington, D.C. Our cherry trees are now in full bloom, and they look very beautiful. We have the promise of a large crop of prunes; the trees are now laden with their white blossoms. To leave home at this time is a trial, but the Lord will be my strength, my frontguard and rearward. 19LtMs, Lt 129, 1904, par. 1

Brother Starr, do not be in too great haste to leave Australia. You can be a blessing to the working forces in New South Wales if you will just walk and work humbly with God. Cling to the mighty arm that never fails any soul that leans trustingly upon it. I should be very much pleased to see you, but your time to leave Australia has not yet come. 19LtMs, Lt 129, 1904, par. 2

I hope that a physician will be found who can connect with Brother and Sister Kress, helping them to share the burdens of the Sanitarium. But never, never, never should Brother Sharp and Dr. Caro unite their forces in the Sanitarium. I fear that some will try to bring this about; and I would say that the same objections, which have in the past forbidden the connection of Dr. Caro with the Sanitarium, exist today. He has gained no special wisdom since he went to New Zealand to work. He has not gained the wisdom that would entitle him to a place in the Sanitarium. 19LtMs, Lt 129, 1904, par. 3

I have written to Dr. Caro and Brother Sharp, telling them that for them to be associated together would not be for the spiritual good of either. We need at this time spiritual discernment. We must have clear conceptions of the will of God. 19LtMs, Lt 129, 1904, par. 4

I have spoken in regard to securing another physician in the Sanitarium because I know that if possible Dr. Caro will seek to get standing room in the institution. But this must not be allowed until he gives evidence of thorough conversion. The way in which the matter is presented to me is that Dr. Caro must have a higher spiritual experience and a clearer conception of what is meant by true righteousness before he can be given work in the Sanitarium. When the record of his past experience is presented to me, I am instructed that he has not changed for the better. 19LtMs, Lt 129, 1904, par. 5

It is thought by some that the difficulty all lies with Dr. Caro’s wife; but this is a mistake. Dr. Caro does not give his wife the time and attention that he ought. He does not seek to save her soul as well as his own by a judicious course of action. If he would do his whole duty, he could be a great help to his wife. But there is a work to be done for Dr. Caro that no one can do but himself. He is to make strenuous efforts to undo the wrong he has done his wife in leading her into friendship with the world. He has made her an excuse for his own defective religious experience; but God looks upon him reprovingly because of his failure to lead and guide his wife in the right way. 19LtMs, Lt 129, 1904, par. 6

God calls upon both of them to prepare to meet their Lord. Neither of them is qualified to give the right mold to the work in the Sanitarium. The impressions made on the patients in this institution are to be in accordance with Bible truth; and therefore it will be best for Dr. Caro and his wife not to have any connection with the Sanitarium. When another physician is chosen, it must be a man who has a knowledge of present truth, and who brings the principles of this truth into his daily practice. 19LtMs, Lt 129, 1904, par. 7

I write this because I know that the enemy will seek to do his best to control matters, but we must forestall him. Let all be of good courage in the Lord. Trust in the God of our salvation. I am praying that the rich blessing of God will rest upon the Sanitarium. You will be able to carry the work forward if you can secure faithful, God-fearing, thoroughgoing helpers; but helpers who are anything short of this would only be a hindrance. Move carefully and prayerfully. May God help you, is my prayer. Hold fast to the promises. Walk humbly with God, and He will show you His way. 19LtMs, Lt 129, 1904, par. 8

In love. 19LtMs, Lt 129, 1904, par. 9