Olsen, O. A.; Kress, D. H.
St. Helena, California
December 4, 1906
Portions of this letter are published in Ev 283-284; TDG 347; MRmnt 110.
Dear Elder Olsen and Dr. Kress:
I have been anxious to write a few words to you; but we have had to wait several weeks for a boat to take our mail to Australia. Since the earthquake there have many interruptions in the running of the mail boats. 21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 1
We are nearing the close of this earth’s history. There are some matters that will move very rapidly now. Determined efforts are being made to put the Sunday law in operation, and we have not a very flattering prospect before us. As a people, we must now be prepared in all our churches for the crisis. 21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 2
A deep work needs to be done for those who believe the truth. The state of the heart should be carefully criticized. Those who have had light and evidence are to awaken to a realization of the times in which we live. 21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 3
I have much to write. For several nights scenes have been opening before me. Yesterday morning, with one eye bandaged, I sat writing page after page hours before the other members of my family were awake. This matter was placed in Dores’s hands last night to copy and send. I thought then that we had another day before the mail should go. I find that all our letters must be in by noon today. So you will understand why you have received such a short letter this time. 21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 4
I have written a short letter to Brother and Sister Belden and have sent them copies of some of my writings. 21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 5
For several weeks, meetings have been held in Oakland in a large tent pitched close by the post office. Elder Simpson has had wonderful success in this series of meetings. His method has been to make Scripture explain Scripture; and the Holy Spirit has convinced many hearts of the truth. The people cannot but accept a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” The beasts used as symbols in the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation he has presented before the people in life-size images, and this has impressed the people strongly. He has lectured only in the evening, when men are released from their work and can come out to hear. After a few weeks of labor he presented the Sabbath, again making the Bible prove every statement. 21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 6
The first meeting on Sabbath was held in the large tent. After Elder Simpson had finished speaking, there was a social meeting; and then he asked all who were convinced of the truth and were determined to take their stand to obey the Word of God to rise to their feet. Fifty responded; their names were taken and a meeting appointed in which they should bear their testimony. Many had excellent words to speak. Elder Simpson’s meetings were continued; and after several weeks had passed, another call was made for those who had decided to obey the truth. Between twenty-five and thirty responded. Several ministers were present at this meeting and bore excellent testimonies. 21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 7
We are now coming to the place where there will be Sunday laws to be met. The test is fast coming upon the people of the world. We have a great work to do. Not all the strength and talent and ability of our workers are to be spent in conducting restaurants or in handling health foods. The Lord Jesus did not give light upon health foods in order that men might claim to be owners of the receipts for these foods. Those who know how to make these foods ought to give the impression that it is the Lord who is the donor of all our good. The health foods should not become a means of speculation for the greedy and the selfish. They should be looked upon as a means of helping the poor, not as a means of enriching a few parties. It is not the Lord’s purpose or His plan that the health foods should be so expensive that the poor cannot afford to use them. I have much to say upon this subject, but have not time now to write more than a few things. 21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 8
I expect to see sharp work in the future. Close and trying tests are coming. I am making an urgent appeal to the Lord’s people to bring His goods into the treasury that our work may broaden and increase, attaining a high degree of sanctification. I am calling for liberal contributions to be made in all countries, that the truth may be placed before the people. If, years ago, we had been more zealous, we should have forestalled the enemy in reference to the Sunday laws. In every country a work should be done similar to the work that elder Simpson is doing, but this work will require means. We must pray, brethren and sisters. We must work untiringly against the enemy. We must make plain the words of truth. The Bible explains the Bible, and fewer of men’s words and more of the words of Scripture will have tenfold greater influence. We need now, as a people, the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. We must walk humbly with God. 21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 9
Only the influence of the grace of God will lead men to take their stand on the self-denying liberal side. The cause of God must not in any case be hindered. The message “Repent and be converted” must go to all parts of the world. [Acts 3:19.] God has freely bestowed upon us His treasures of sunshine and shower to cause vegetation to flourish, and He expects every believer to show willing liberality in advancing the cause of truth. We need now to work as we have never worked before, that the gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation, may be proclaimed throughout the world. And those who are converted to the truth are to be the means, through their self-sacrifice, of keeping the treasury supplied, that there may be meat in the Lord’s house. The Spirit of the Lord, cherished, is a sure remedy for the disease of covetousness. Talk it, live it. Put on the whole of the gospel armor. 21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 10
We need more of the spirit of prayer and more faith. The first chapter of Colossians holds up before us our high responsibility. Paul says, “As ye also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful unto every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son, in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” [Verses 7-14.] 21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 11
We must rise to a higher and still higher spirituality. We must cease all complaining and cultivate the giving of thanks. We must work for the salvation of perishing souls. We must lay hold of the supreme Power and close our ears to complaint and faultfinding. Crush this inclination, and empty the soul-temple of evil thinking. Let not one unhappy thought remain within. Souls are perishing in their sins. Work to the glory of God. Work, work in the power and Spirit of God, and listen not to stories of discouragement. Say, “Brethren, let us pray,” and then take right hold of the power of God. 21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 12
I must now close this letter, or I shall not get it into the mail. May the Lord bless all His church is my prayer. May the Lord bless you abundantly. 21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 13