Your letter was received yesterday. I could not sleep this morning after a quarter before one o’clock. I have interest in the cause and work of God. I have a sincere desire that every soul that lives may be saved. It is a terrible thing to be deceived in regard to our spiritual condition before God. I can only say of you, If you seek the Lord with all the heart, he will be found of you. A most painful picture has been presented before me—the low standard that is reached by those who are educating others in Bible doctrines. The self-exaltation manifested is painful for me to witness. This was your danger when connected with other fellow laborers in Sydney.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 1

When self is hid in God, when self is not lifted up, then the Lord can work. The failure of, the [lack] of success of, the work in Sydney was not due to any one thing, but to all things combined. The principle cause of failure was that too much of self and too little of Christ was shown. Here is your danger now. You would choose to be a preacher. But you do not choose to minister in any line where you could introduce the truth to those who are ignorant of it. There is too little prayer, too little faith in God, too much talking, too little consideration, too little faith.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 2

As laborers together with God, we all need to wear the yoke of Christ, to be meek and lowly in heart. When the workers in Sydney were engaged in the work there, they did not show love and confidence in one another. Each wanted to be regarded as a perfect whole in himself. Such elements connected in the work there should first have come under the yoke of Christ. “Take my yoke upon you,” He says, “and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.] Rest is not found in seeking for the highest place. Christ, the world’s Redeemer, assures you that your rest is found in wearing His yoke, in learning His meekness, His lowliness.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 3

The work that should have been done in Sydney was not done because the education Christ has given was not heeded. Men felt sufficient and capable in themselves. Binding up with Christ and with one another as a necessity, seeking to help one another, always putting self out of sight, and exalting Jesus Christ, was not done. Self was the highest object, but they did not know this. The love of Christ was not brought into the life and education.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 4

Paul’s counsel to Timothy was, “Take heed to thyself and to the doctrine.” [1 Timothy 4:16.] Self must be subdued. Self must be yoked up with Christ. He was a perfect Pattern of what humanity should be. His workers need the divine touch, and when they catch the Spirit of the Master, they will work out what Christ works in. When they present the truth as it is in Jesus, it bears the divine credentials. When all has been done for the enlightenment and saving of souls that can be done, when the workers watch for souls as they that must give an account, there will be felt a great burden for souls. The value of souls will be increasingly understood. Earnest, agonizing cries and supplications will go up to heaven, Give us souls as sheaves to bring to the Master. Then when self has been hid in Jesus, when all has been done that it is in human power to do to scatter the darkness that envelops the soul in unbelief, then we may quietly leave the issue with God. But there needs to be far more of Christ and far less of self.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 5

A great and good work ought to have been done in Sydney. The failure was the result of the lack of unity. The churches did not act as if they felt under obligation to heed the Bible on this point, to cherish love and respect for one another. “A new commandment I give unto you,” said Christ, “that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:34, 35.]12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 6

This is the sign that we are Christ’s disciples. Love and unity distinguish the true believers from the world. If this unity does not exist, we need not count ourselves as Christ’s disciples, for the love we cherish for one another is the sign to the world that we are Christ’s disciples. The disposition to draw apart from one another, to please and bless one’s self, in no way glorifies God. Want of love and confidence in one another have a leavening influence for evil upon the mind and character. We cannot afford that our course of action shall testify to the world that we are a sham, a pretense, not disciples in deed and in truth.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 7

The Lord was displeased with the spirit in which the work was done in Sydney. Expense and time and labor were put forth for others, but the spirit woven into the work was an offense to God. I speak decidedly on this point. The standard must be elevated by those who open the Scriptures to others. There must be a cleanness of principle. We should closely investigate the principles that govern our course of action. We need to lie low, cherishing the meekness and lowliness of Christ if we would realize His rest.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 8

All who labor for the Master need the bravery of true godliness in order to be a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. The world is opposed to the truth we have accepted. The forces of evil are marshalled against us, stirred into unwonted activity by a power from beneath. And shall those of the same faith weaken the hearts and hands of one another? We may safely cherish tenderness, courtesy, Christian politeness, and yet avoid all fulsome flattery. We are required to labor earnestly for the best interests of each other to be “not easily provoked,” to think no evil. [1 Corinthians 13:5.] In every way we are to reveal the attributes of the Lord Jesus Christ.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 9

When closely united with Christ, we are represented as one with the world’s Redeemer. We are not called upon to link up with one man because he voices all our works and ways and plans and methods. But we cannot link our souls too closely with Christ. The Lord would have those who take the name of Christian stand under His colors. They are the ones who represent His character. We have the most solemn work to do, and this is to hide self in Christ, and let Christ appear as the One altogether lovely and the Chiefest among ten thousand. Talk of the only hope of the world, and bring Jesus into every assembly. Love Him with the entire affections; serve Him with an undivided heart.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 10

All I can say to you, my brother, is, Walk humbly with God. You may distrust yourself, but do not distrust your great Helper. He is not only the Author but the Finisher of our faith. He demands all our heart’s service. We need to look and live. We bear His name, and we should give to Him our undivided allegiance. Endowed with heavenly wisdom, we shall walk circumspectly. We shall bear in [mind] that we have a heavenly Guest by our side to consult. We may walk with the Lord as did Enoch, pressing close to Jesus.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 11

We are now to do all in our power for Christ, humbling ourselves and exalting the Lord Jesus, who is the Truth, the Light, and the Way.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 12

The history of ancient Israel is for us to study. This history abounds in things that we must shun, for they brought the reproof of God on the people. But it should also be an encouragement; we can move forward; step by step, the Lord manifested Himself to them, and ordered all their travels. This history is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 13

We need to learn more and still more of the truth. We need to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. In this you will find an unfailing source of power that is not dependent on human wisdom. We may expect the Lord to co-operate with our efforts.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 14

Now, my brother, I have tried to write to you the things that you need; and I say, have courage in the Lord. Look not at your weakness, but at Christ’s power and sufficiency.12LtMs, Lt 100, 1897, par. 15

Lt 99, 1897

Lt 101, 1897