Kress, Brother and Sister [D. H.]
St. Helena, California
December 26, 1906
Portions of this letter are published in TDG 369.
Dear Brother and Sister Kress:
I shall have to send you these few lines and ask you to excuse me for not answering your letter as I should like to. I have had two attacks of influenza, one lasting four weeks, and this last one has been upon me for two weeks. I love you both, and I wish to be prompt in responding to your letters. I have written a long letter to Elder Olsen and will send you a copy. 21LtMs, Lt 398, 1906, par. 1
In the night season I am speaking to you in your gatherings. I have been shown that you must draw together, just as you would clasp your fingers in prayer. Read the prayer that Christ offered for His people just before His trial and crucifixion. Christ in His human nature suffered disappointment and trials. When I read in the Bible of how many refused to believe that Christ was the Son of God, sadness fills my heart. We read that even His own brethren refused to believe in Him. 21LtMs, Lt 398, 1906, par. 2
We must present an unbroken front in union and in faith. We must be strong in the Lord and in the power of His grace. I want you and Elder Olsen to be determined to present continually before the church the last prayer of Christ before His crucifixion. 21LtMs, Lt 398, 1906, par. 3
We must consent to accept the invitation, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.] Urge upon the people the need of unity in Christ. It is through disunion that the enemy comes in and sows his seed. We need the truth on every point. We need less of our own words and more of the Word of God. We are near the close of time, and we cannot afford to make a mistake. Truth will bear away the victory. We must “love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.” [1 Peter 3:8.] We must practice Christian politeness. A soft answer to cruel thrusts turns away wrath. 21LtMs, Lt 398, 1906, par. 4
Dr. Kress, will not you and Elder Olsen, in speaking to the people, tell them in impressive Bible language that Christ is wounded by the differences that are so easily created and brought to the front. Turn to the seventeenth chapter of John, and read the prayer of Christ—His entreaty that His disciples may be one as He is one with the Father. We greatly dishonor God when we regard it as a light matter to make our differences apparent. This is sure to weaken our own souls and the souls of others. 21LtMs, Lt 398, 1906, par. 5
“I therefore, ... beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, in all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” [Ephesians 4:1-7.] Read this whole chapter, the fourth of Ephesians. This is a Bible lesson that needs to be more decidedly brought into the life practice. It is the Bible lived that makes us strong in the Lord. When we bring in our own ideas and opinions, we mislead others. Attach importance to a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” and then you will be laborers together with Christ. 21LtMs, Lt 398, 1906, par. 6
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.” [Ephesians 5:1, 2.] What grand and comprehensive truths are shining from the Word of God, molding hearts and minds after Christ’s order. In the night season I heard these words spoken to companies by the divine Teacher: “Blend your plans. Let there be no variance among you.” 21LtMs, Lt 398, 1906, par. 7
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints. ... Let no man deceive you with vain words; for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” [Verses 3, 6.] 21LtMs, Lt 398, 1906, par. 8
My workers are calling for this letter, that it may be put in the mail. I would say to you, my brother, Look up. Talk faith and hope. Do not look at the dark side. Let praise and songs of hope be in your heart and on your lips. 21LtMs, Lt 398, 1906, par. 9
Love to your whole family. 21LtMs, Lt 398, 1906, par. 10