To the Workers in Sydney
[Armadale, Australia]
November 14, 1895
Portions of this letter are published in PCP 51; Ev 228, 299, 485, 633, 687-688; 1MR 20.
To the Workers in Sydney:
Sabbath, November 8, I spoke on the camp ground from 2 Peter 1. The Lord strengthened me by His grace to present the importance of living upon the plan of addition, cultivating the graces of the Holy Spirit, that the Lord Jesus may work for us upon the plan of multiplication. The apostle writes: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verses 2-4.] 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 1
The entire chapter contains most instructive lessons in regard to the transformation of our character after the likeness of the character of Christ. The whole structure of the human character is to be rebuilt; we are to be created anew in Christ Jesus. The Scripture says, “The Lord hath created a new thing in the earth.” [Jeremiah 31:22.] What was this? Lost man was to be recovered, sin was to be pardoned, the sinner saved, transformed in character, to become a co-worker with God. The treasures of wisdom which for ages had been hid in Christ were to be brought forth. All heaven was to be laid open to supply fallen man with every spiritual blessing that [he] might perfect a character after the divine similitude. The tabernacle of God was with men. Jesus says, “A body hast thou prepared me.” [Hebrews 10:5.] Humanity inhabited by deity, the revelation of God in human nature—this was God’s gift to our world. We are to look upon God in human flesh—God in our tried and tempted nature. O, that man might know that in Christ all perfection dwells. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 2
Dear fellow laborers, God will be with you if you will be with Him. Personal religion is essential for every human being. Bear in mind that we carry with us a mysterious influence which is constantly exerted either for good or for evil. The treasure of the heart is communicated by the lips. “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good things.” [Matthew 12:34.] All may know, if they will, the condition of the heart; so sure is the test that it is by this we are to be judged. “By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” [Verse 37.] The lesson is made still more emphatic: “I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” [Verse 36.] Then let us take heed to our words. Let us talk faith, and we shall have faith. Never give place to a thought of discouragement in the work of God. Never utter a word of doubt. It is as seed sown in the heart of both speaker and hearers, to produce a harvest of discouragement and unbelief. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 3
The Lord has wrought a good work in the suburbs of Sydney. Praise God for this; talk courage in the Lord. We shall be tempted to become faint-hearted, but we give the enemies of our faith cause of rejoicing when we hesitate and falter and express unbelief in the Lord’s work. We are to move forward, praying and trusting, waiting and working, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 4
Of all the precious endowments given us of God, none are more essential in blessing others and blessing ourselves than the power of speech. It is with the tongue that we convince and persuade; with the tongue we communicate to others the precious things that God gives to us; with the tongue we express our prayers and praise to God, and make known the wonders of His grace. Not one word should escape the lips to exalt the power of Satan and limit the Holy One of Israel. We need to consider that we are greatly under the influence of our own words. It is a law of our nature that by giving utterance to the feelings of the heart, we encourage and strengthen the feelings that prompted the utterance. While words express thoughts, it is also true that thoughts follow the words. Our thoughts are to be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. My brethren, let not a word fall from your lips to weaken the hands of one another in the work. Let not discouragement be talked or acted. Of Christ it is written, “He shall not fail nor be discouraged.” [Isaiah 42:4.] 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 5
I know that persevering efforts will bring results. The seed has been sown in Sydney and its suburbs. Much money has been expended, and the laborers for God have put forth earnest efforts. I think it would be a great mistake to leave the work already begun, and undertake work in a new place with the present forces. The work begun should be carefully bound off. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 6
We would that every worker had the burden of souls. Would it not be advisable for you to assemble together and plead with God that His wisdom may be given to the workers and the ministers? All who labor in presenting the truth to those who are in blindness and error should go forth in humble, earnest faith, fully confiding in God. He will work with the human agent, and His ministers are to go out in the power and spirit of God. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 7
Let the work go forward in faith and hope. Since God has given His own Son to die to save the guilty sinner, He means through His agents to counterwork the human and satanic agencies that are united to destroy the soul. The Lord has made every provision that the uplifted Saviour may be revealed to sinners. Although they are dead in trespasses and sins, their attention must be aroused by the preaching of Christ and Him crucified. There is the most distressing indifference and neglect in regard to the great salvation. The careless must be awakened, else they are lost. Let all who have been drawn to Christ tell the story of his love. Men must be convicted of the evil of sin. The eyes of the transgressor must be enlightened. Let everyone who has felt the converting power of Christ upon his own soul do what he can in the name of the Lord. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 8
The infinite value of the sacrifice required for our redemption reveals the fact that sin is a tremendous evil. God might have wiped out this foul blot upon creation by sweeping the sinner from the face of the earth. But He “so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Then why are we not more in earnest? Why are so large a number idle? Why are not all who claim to love God seeking to enlighten their neighbors and their associates, that they may no longer neglect this great salvation? 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 9
Christ gave Himself to a shameful, agonizing death, showing His great travail of soul to save the perishing ones. O, Christ is able, Christ is willing, Christ is longing to save all who will come unto Him. Talk to souls in peril, and get them to behold Jesus upon the cross dying to make it possible for Him to pardon. Talk to the sinner with your own heart overflowing with the tender, pitying love of Christ. Let there be deep earnestness, but not a harsh, loud note should be heard in the voice of one who is trying to win the soul to look and live. First have your own soul consecrated to God. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 10
As you look upon our Intercessor in heaven, let your heart be broken. Then, softened and subdued, you can address repenting sinners as one who realizes the power of redeeming love. Pray with these souls, by faith laying them at the foot of the cross; carry their minds up with your mind, and fix the eye of faith where you look upon Jesus, the Sin-bearer. Get them to look away from their poor sinful selves to the Saviour, and the victory is won. They behold for themselves the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. They see the way, the truth, and the life. The Sun of Righteousness sheds its bright beams into the heart. The strong tide of redeeming love pours into the parched and thirsty soul, and the sinner is saved to Jesus Christ. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 11
Fellow laborers, we must have Jesus, the precious Jesus, abiding in our own hearts much more fully if we meet with success. We are in great need of the heavenly influence, God’s Holy Spirit, to give power and efficiency to our work. We need to open the heart to Jesus. We need much firmer faith. We need more fervent devotion. We need to die to self, and in mind and heart to cherish an adoring love for Jesus. When we will seek the Lord with all the heart, we shall find Jesus, and shall have our hearts all aglow with His love. Self will sink into insignificance, and Jesus will be all in all to the soul. You should not feel it your duty to introduce arguments upon the Sabbath question as you meet the people. If persons mention the subject, tell them that this is not your burden now. But when they surrender heart and mind and will to God, they are then prepared candidly to weigh evidence in regard to these solemn, testing truths. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 12
But bear in mind that Christ presents to us who are athirst the water of life, that we may drink freely; then we have Christ in us as a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life. Then our words are full of moisture. We are prepared to water others. Christ crucified—talk it, pray it, sing it, and it will break and win hearts. This is the power and wisdom of God to gather souls for Christ. Formal, set phrases, the presentation of merely argumentative subjects, is not productive of good. The melting love of God in the hearts of the workers will be recognized by those for whom they labor. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 13
Souls are thirsting for the waters of life. Do not be empty cisterns. If you reveal the love of Christ to them, you may lead the hungering, thirsting ones to Jesus, and He will give them the bread of life and the waters of salvation. They will cry out, “Thou Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, Thou shalt be my healer. Thou hast given Thy life for me, Thou wast slain for my transgressions, and I accept Thee as my personal Saviour.” Then the crucified and risen Saviour is to them the power of God and the wisdom of God in the advancement of Christian experience. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 14
Our living Intercessor is in God’s presence, pleading in our behalf, and ready to pour his Holy Spirit into our souls as soon as we will remove the rubbish from the door of the heart and let the Saviour come in. When Christ takes up His abode with his disciples, they are fitted for labor or for trial. Let reproach or persecution come, they are ready to endure for Christ’s sake, who endured everything for them. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 15
The inworking ministry of the Holy Spirit is our great need. The Spirit is all divine in its agency and demonstration. God wants you to have the gracious spiritual endowment; then you will work with a power that you were never conscious of before. Love and faith and hope will be an abiding presence. You can go forth in faith, believing that the Holy Spirit accompanies you. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 16
I would speak especially to Brethren Hansen and Carswell. Do not leave the work you are now engaged in. Do not go into new and untried fields just now. You have a vineyard, God’s vineyard, which is in need of your consecrated labor. Take hold of your work firmly. There are many souls to be saved in Sydney and its suburbs. Let a fresh, divine power work in your hearts. Lay hold of the divine arm. Minds are now being stirred, and the work must not be left to ravel out. Let not the work that has been done be counted of little value. The Lord God can use weak instrumentalities, and those who put their trust in Him shall not be confounded. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 17
My nephew, Byron Belden, has fallen at his post of duty. His whole soul was absorbed in the work of enlightening those in the darkness of error; and now that God has seen fit to let one faithful workman fall, there is all the more need of Brethren Carswell and Hansen. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 18
Again I appeal to these brethren: Do not become restless or faithless; keep the armor girded on for battle, strengthen your souls in God, and you can do valiantly. In God is our strength and efficiency. Hold up the hands of Elder McCullagh, pray for the Lord to give him physical strength, mental ability, and physical power. God has promised to hear prayer. Look to the Lord every moment; His strength and grace will be imparted to every worker who trusts in Him. The Lord can make the weakest as David; and when the cloud is lifted, and God indicates your duty to open the work in some other field, you can move understandingly. But do not now forsake the field where so much has been done, and where there is still more to be done. God lives and reigns; His power alone can give the victory. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 19
You have lost heart and courage because you see so few who are determined to obey the truth. But the Lord will give you souls if you will not fail nor be discouraged. Do not let go your hold of the hand of infinite power. Humble your souls at the footstool of mercy, and pray and work in faith. 10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 20