Olsen, O. A.
St. Helena, California
August 4, 1907
Previously unpublished. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.
Dear Brother Olsen:
It is Sunday morning. I have just read your letter, which came last evening. I am glad you expressed yourself as fully as you did. 22LtMs, Lt 240, 1907, par. 1
The Wahroonga Sanitarium is needed just where it is; but in order to accomplish the work that God designs shall be done through this institution, the very best religious influences must be brought into the sanitarium family. The workers must bring into their daily work the principles of Bible religion; the Holy Spirit, working upon the heart of each individual worker, is to be revealed in acts of practical godliness. A constant influence for good is to be exerted. If each worker is earnestly seeking to glorify God, this influence will not be strained or unnatural, but will be shed abroad in the life as the natural result of the presence of the Spirit of God in the heart. 22LtMs, Lt 240, 1907, par. 2
The work of our sanitariums is a sacred work and should be conducted intelligently. Every such institution should have a competent staff of helpers, and these workers should be men and women who realize that the results of their work will be as far-reaching as eternity. Every worker must draw for himself from the reservoir of knowledge and wisdom and sanctification and righteousness. These workers are daily to be living epistles, known and read by those whom they serve. 22LtMs, Lt 240, 1907, par. 3
The influence of the sanitarium family should be a united influence, each member seeking to become a power for good in that department in which he labors. If this result is obtained, there must first be a weeding out of every lame principle; then the workers can hope to succeed in perfecting themselves as Christian workers. It is only as they place themselves under discipline to God, conforming their daily lives to the pattern they have in the example of the Saviour’s earthly life, that they can become partakers of the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. As long as we are here in this world, we are on test and trial. We will be held accountable, not only for the working out of our own salvation, but for the influence for good or evil that we exert on other souls. 22LtMs, Lt 240, 1907, par. 4
It is for our present and eternal interest to study the life of Christ, and let His example of self-denial and self-sacrifice, His intense interest in behalf of suffering humanity, teach us our duty to those who come within the reach of our influence. We are to be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Every other consideration should be of little consequence besides this. By daily prayer, by constant watching to answer our own prayers, we are to become workers together with Him who went about doing good. 22LtMs, Lt 240, 1907, par. 5
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you,” the Holy Spirit through Peter declares, “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. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:2-8.] 22LtMs, Lt 240, 1907, par. 6
These words reveal the true meaning of our lifework in this world. And as we work out the sum of addition, God works for us upon the plan of multiplication. “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 10, 11.] 22LtMs, Lt 240, 1907, par. 7
We are presented with a life insurance policy, which makes certain for us eternal life in the kingdom of God. But there are conditions to our receiving it. If we fail to respect the conditions, by refusing to add grace to grace in our daily life, we cannot expect God to work for us on the plan of multiplication. Then let us appropriate to our need the necessary graces, working out our salvation with fear and trembling. Let us make diligent effort to attain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who hath called us to glory and virtue. Grace abundant is reserved for every diligent seeker, and the promise is sure. If we do these things, the promise is that we shall secure eternal life. We shall become members of the royal family, and eternal riches will be our reward. 22LtMs, Lt 240, 1907, par. 8
God bids you walk in the light. Be cheerful, righteously cheerful. “He that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” [1 Peter 3:10-15.] 22LtMs, Lt 240, 1907, par. 9
In these words is clearly outlined the work of all who hold positions of responsibility. Life and character are to undergo a process of education. Heart and mind are to be brought under the control of God. Those holding positions of trust are to educate and train young men and women to be channels of light to the world. “The grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” [Titus 2:11-15.] 22LtMs, Lt 240, 1907, par. 10
I have heard the remark made by some that the truth brings us all down upon a level. It is a mistake to think that the truth ever brings the receiver down. It lifts him to a high level, refines his character, and sanctifies his judgment. If the truth is practiced, it will do its work of sanctification upon the receiver until he becomes a partaker of the divine nature. The truth received into the life works out for the recipient a character that fits him for the society of holy angels in the city of God. A solemn duty rests upon every individual worker who accepts a part in the cause of present truth. He is to let the sanctifying influence of the truth accomplish its work on heart and mind, then reveal that truth in words and deeds of righteousness. 22LtMs, Lt 240, 1907, par. 11