Australasian Union Conference Record
September 1, 1904
A Remarkable Experience
My Dear Sister,
Today I received and read your very cheering letter. For the good news which it contained I praise our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Your description of the work being done in Los Angeles agrees with the representations that God has given me. The delay in beginning this work has been very painful to me; but if the work is now carried on in earnest faith, if the truth as it is in Jesus is magnified, if wise personal efforts are made, many souls will be brought from darkness to light. What a work might have been done many years ago! But I thank the Lord for the favorable beginning that has now been made. AUCR September 1, 1904, par. 1
In the visions of the night I was bearing a message to our churches, pointing out the work that as believers we should at once take up. I related some things that were presented to me in Nashville, just after I had returned from Huntsville. AUCR September 1, 1904, par. 2
A school for colored people is being carried on in Huntsville, but I was greatly pained while there to see the poverty-stricken condition of the institution. I knew from previous presentations, that this was displeasing to God, and that the school was not accomplishing that which He designed it to accomplish. I resolved to bear a plain, clear-cut testimony to our people, telling them that the money spent in the adornment of dress is a misappropriation of God's money, lent us to use in the advancement of His work. AUCR September 1, 1904, par. 3
Here are our ministers and physicians and missionaries. They labor hard and earnestly, but often they are greatly hindered in their work because the treasury is empty, and they cannot have the facilities necessary for the greatest success of their labors. AUCR September 1, 1904, par. 4
To us has been entrusted the work of proclaiming the last message of mercy to be given to our world,—the message that is to prepare a people to stand in the day of God. Do we realize our accountability? Are we acting our part in the proclamation of this message? AUCR September 1, 1904, par. 5
When I see our people spending money for needless trimmings, needless furnishings, I think of Jesus. He might have come to this world adorned with the glory of His kingly power. But He chose a life of self-denial and sacrifice. He came to this world in the garb of humanity. Those who follow in His footsteps will remember that every dollar they can spare is needed in the work that God has said shall be done in this world. AUCR September 1, 1904, par. 6
When our sisters are buying and making up their own and their children's garments, let them think of the work in the Lord's vineyard that is still waiting to be done. It is right to buy good material, and to have it carefully made. This is economy. But rich trimmings are not needed, and to indulge in them, is to spend for self-gratification money that should be put into God's cause. AUCR September 1, 1904, par. 7
My sisters, remember that Christ clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to this world to uplift fallen human beings, that they might stand on vantage ground, thus escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust. He gave His all to the work He came to do, and His word to us is, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me,” “So shall he be My disciple.” AUCR September 1, 1904, par. 8
Remember, too, the words of the apostle: “Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” AUCR September 1, 1904, par. 9
Let us take heed to God's words of warning, lest at any time we let them slip, and our hearts become evil hearts of unbelief. Just as soon as those who know the truth put away their unbelief, and practice the self-denial enjoined in the Word of God, the message will go with power. The Lord will hear our prayers for the conversion of souls. God's people will let their light shine forth, and unbelievers, seeing their good works, will glorify our Heavenly Father. AUCR September 1, 1904, par. 10
I call upon every church member to remember that we who are working in Washington are in need of your stretching your hands toward heaven, and pleading with the Lord to put His spirit upon every worker, imbuing them with His rich grace. Here is Elder Daniells bearing heavy responsibilities, and putting to the tax every power of mind and body to advance the work. He needs each day the healing, reviving power of the Holy Spirit. It is your prayers we need, as well as your gifts. Both are essential, but your prayers are of the greatest importance. AUCR September 1, 1904, par. 11
Do not let us forget God, but, like Joshua, who was placed at the head of a migrating nation, and was burdened with heavy responsibilities, resolve to serve God and Him alone. “As for me and my house,” he declared, “we will serve the Lord.” AUCR September 1, 1904, par. 12
We sincerely hope that in Southern California the work will make decided advancement. And I praise the Lord that those who have been carrying on sanitarium work in Los Angeles will soon be able to move into more comfortable quarters. AUCR September 1, 1904, par. 13
E. G. White.
Takoma Park, Washington, D. C.,
July 22, 1904.