Hare, Brother and Sister
NP
April 28, 1895
Portions of this letter are published in 3MR 188-189.
Dear Brother and Sister Hare:
I am much interested in the work in Ashfield and Petersham. God has precious souls in these places, and this is why the work is meeting with so much opposition. Satan is determined to contest every point and every inch of the ground. But shall he gain the victory? We hope that you will answer, “No, never.” Gird on every piece of the armor that God has provided, and do not fail or be discouraged. Error must be presented in its deceptive and fatal character, and truth must be shown to be as firm as the eternal hills of God. 10LtMs, Lt 25b, 1895, par. 1
I am constrained to write you some things, not to discourage, but to lead you to gird on more firmly the heavenly armor. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” [Ephesians 6:10.] There is no limit to the power of the Lord. He is invincible; He is your strong tower. Into Him you can run and be safe. “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” [Verse 11.] Never forget that there is One by your side who is mighty in battle; and although there may be unseen foes seeking to overcome us, we need not falter nor fail. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” [Verse 12.] 10LtMs, Lt 25b, 1895, par. 2
The prince of the powers of darkness will work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. Satan has human agents that he uses to oppose truth and the laws of God’s government. He is working in Ashfield and Petersham, and it is his will that the workers for God shall faint and give up the contest. Will you do it, or will you stand at your post of duty even at the sacrifice of your life, if need be? 10LtMs, Lt 25b, 1895, par. 3
The truth which is being preached will bring increased bitterness and opposition. Much depends upon your attitude in regard to this. God wants you to stand at your post as a faithful sentinel, and give the enemy no quarter. Now, as never before, we must show on our uplifted banner the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” [Verses 13-18.] 10LtMs, Lt 25b, 1895, par. 4
As I write you these words from the Lord, I feel, as never before, a sense of their power. You are set for the defense of the gospel. “Let this mind be in you which was always in Christ Jesus,” and stand at your post, giving the enemies no opportunity to triumph. [Philippians 2:5.] Satan will use men to bring from their theological stores maxims and theories of human invention. They will put a mystical construction upon the plainest statements in the Word of God. They will seek to drown the voice of God speaking to the children of men by their own bold, irreverent utterances. A clear testimony for the truths of the Bible must be borne by the men who stand to defend the truth. Let your voice be heard, and the God of truth will give power to His Word. 10LtMs, Lt 25b, 1895, par. 5
We must not, for a moment, allow our hands to drop our burdens, or our voice to be silent. Satan will do all in his power to intercept every ray of light from heaven, but we must lift our voices and with no uncertain sound, proclaim the third angel’s message. “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” [Revelation 14:9, 10.] 10LtMs, Lt 25b, 1895, par. 6
These subjects must be put before the people as a witness. They may receive the truth or reject it. Our work is to proclaim the truth as it is in Jesus. Brother Hare, God will strengthen and bless you if you will make Him your trust. Do not, I entreat of you, leave the field of battle. The God of Israel is on the side of truth and righteousness. Press the battle to the gates. 10LtMs, Lt 25b, 1895, par. 7
The church at Parramatta has had much preaching. Our mission is not to those who know the truth, but to those who know it not. Sow beside all waters the Word of Life. There is a world to be warned. I beg of you for Christ’s sake to consider what I say, for I say it not of myself. It is the word of God to you. 10LtMs, Lt 25b, 1895, par. 8
In much love. 10LtMs, Lt 25b, 1895, par. 9