Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 208, 1906

Tenney, G. C.

St. Helena, California

June 29, 1906

Portions of this letter are published in PM 314; MR760 27-28.

Elder George C. Tenney

Dear Brother:

I have words to speak to you and to others in Battle Creek. I shall go over the ground step by step, just as I am led by the Holy Spirit. It is presented to me that there are some in Battle Creek who are being deceived by men linked together to support one another. I could name individuals, but this may not be necessary. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 1

Your recent letter was received. You write like an honest man, and I believe you to be sincere; but you are a man greatly deceived. In the past, I have had a great interest in your welfare. I have regarded you as a man who feared God and kept His commandments. But when you left Australia, and came to Battle Creek this last time, and linked your interests with the physicians at the sanitarium, you made a grave mistake. You followed your own impulses in this matter instead of moving in the counsel of God. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 2

We are living in an age of this earth’s history when men must seek counsel of God, and not be led away from their posts of duty, and away from the truth, by men who have not a real faith in Christ. Let no one regard it safe to follow human impulse. Brother Tenney, you have been drawn away from the truth more than you have known, and your connection with men in Battle Creek has been to your great injury. The light of your past experience is going out. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 3

I have been surprised and made sad to read some of your articles in the Medical Missionary, and especially those on the sanctuary question. These articles show that you have been departing from the faith. You have helped in confusing the understanding of our people. The correct understanding of the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary is the foundation of our faith. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 4

If you had remained away from the seducing influences that Satan is exerting at the present time in Battle Creek, you might yet be standing on vantage ground. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 5

We are very sorry to see the result of gathering a large number to Battle Creek. Ministers who have been believers in the foundation truths that have made us what we are—Seventh-day Adventists; ministers who went to Battle Creek to teach and uphold the truths of the Bible are now, when old and gray-headed, turning from the grand truths of the Bible and accepting infidel sentiments. This means that the next step will be a denial of a personal God, pulling down the bulwarks of the faith that is plainly revealed in the Scriptures. In the Word is given the warning, “Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” [1 Timothy 4:1.] 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 6

I must again say to our people, Keep your children away from Battle Creek. Some of our medical missionary workers are becoming leavened with infidelity. Specious heresy has been taking hold of minds, and its threads have been woven into the pattern of the figure. Who is responsible for giving young men and young women an education that has left an evil influence upon their minds? One father writes that of his two children who were sent to Battle Creek, one is now an infidel, and the other has given up his faith in the advent message. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 7

Those who are not walking in the light of the message may gather up statements from my writings that happen to please them, and that agree with their human judgment, and, by, separating these statements from their connection, and placing them beside human reasonings, make it appear that my writings uphold that which they condemn. I charge you not to do this work. To use my writings thus, and at the same time reject the message which I bear to correct errors, is misleading and inconsistent. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 8

I thank the Lord that the only true and living God still lives. Jesus Christ took humanity upon Himself, to make it possible for human beings, through faith, to be partakers of the divine nature, and thus escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 9

The end is so near that it will come unexpectedly, as a thief in the night; and if we do not watch, we shall be found unready, with our lamps going out, unprepared to meet the Bridegroom. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 10

I was instructed to write to some these words: 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 11

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit. ... A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:13-20.] 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 12

There is a group of men in Battle Creek who today would be standing on the platform of eternal truth, had it not been for the acceptance of misleading sentiments regarding our Creator, such as appeared in Living Temple. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 13

The presentation given to me of the perils of Dr. J. H. Kellogg—of the subtle, specious workings of the tempter on his mind—is as clear as the daylight. Men who ought to know their duty have upheld him in that which they knew to be wrong. All who thus sustain him, bring upon themselves the displeasure of God. Those who should have discerned his dangers and errors have refused light, and therefore they are deceived. I know whereof I speak. I could relate many things, but the time is not yet come. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 14

In (Ezekiel 33:7-9), it is written: 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 15

“So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them for Me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 16

The sixth chapter of John is full of instruction for us. Study it again. The multitude did not believe my Master; why should I be surprised that men refuse to believe me? If the world’s Redeemer was insulted and even mocked, shall I complain? I am constantly trying to do what I can to lead men to put their whole trust in Jesus Christ, who gave His own life to save souls. For over sixty years I have spoken the word of reproof that have been given me of God. And now I shall not refuse to bear the message God has given me. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 17

In (John 6:35), and onward, we read: 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 18

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen Me, and believe not. All that the Father given Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 19

“The Jews then murmured at Him, because He said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He saith, I came down from heaven? 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 20

“Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 21

“The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us His flesh to eat? 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 22

“Then said Jesus unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead; he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.” [Verses 35-58.] 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 23

“Many therefore of His disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” [Verse 60.] 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 24

“From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray Him, being one of the twelve.” [Verses 66-71.] 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 25

“These things said He in the synagogue, as He taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of His disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, He said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascending up where He was before? It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life.” [Verses 59-63.] 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 26

Christ presented to them a parable. He represents Himself under the similitude of heavenly bread. The eating of His flesh and the drinking of His blood He has spoken of in a figure, representing true, earnest belief. “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.] All who are true receivers of His Word never hunger, and all who believe in Him never thirst for higher or more satisfying food. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 27

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” [Isaiah 55:1.] 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 28

Read and study the whole of the fifty-fifth chapter of Isaiah. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 29

“Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 30

God calls for all who now see and understand to take their position on the Lord’s side. God’s rebuke is upon the accuser of the brethren. The work of upbuilding the advancement of the cause of God in all the earth has been laid open before the churches believing present truth. But Satan has manifested his presence in the assemblies of the saints. Some unadvised moves have been made, but the guardians of the truth are to work on the side of Christ. If the church stood on the ground of their own righteousness, then Satan would have abundant reason for accusing them of being unworthy of the favor of God. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 31

If the Lord has ever spoken through me, there is surely a class of men in Battle Creek who have placed themselves in the position of accusers. Through them Satan is presenting his plans to counterwork the very things that the Lord has laid out should be done to substantiate His work in all places. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 32

In all our cities, workers are to be sent out to sow the seeds of truth through the medium of publications that proclaim the last message of mercy to a fallen world. But Satan is standing at the right hand of the angel of the Lord, to resist him, and to hinder the work that God has outlined should be done. He stands as an accuser of the people whom God has appointed to give the closing message to the world. Decisions are now being made for time and for eternity. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 33

“And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by. And the angel of the Lord protested unto Joshua, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, If thou wilt walk in My ways, and if thou wilt keep My charge, then thou shalt also judge My house, and shalt also keep My courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by. Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth My servant the BRANCH. For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.” [Zechariah 3:1-10.] 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 34

I am instructed to say to the churches, Stand fast in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. There are human powers at work that have not been on the Lord’s side for years. Joshua, clothed with filthy garments, standing before the angel of the Lord, represents the ministers over the congregations. The churches are represented as clothed with filthy garments. And the ministers over the congregations entrusted to their care are required, with the congregations, to be earnestly humbling their hearts before God, and to fast and pray, that their sins shall be pardoned, and that the atoning sacrifice of the Son of God may come up before God with sincere repentance for sin. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 35

The prayer of Christ, as recorded in (John 17), has been presented to the Father in their behalf. The Lord Jesus, presenting His bruised hands bearing the wounds of cruel spikes, pleads with the Father, I have graven My church—the names of those who believe on Me—upon the palms of My hands. 21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 36