A Timely Message That Arrived From Across The Sea

At a general gathering in Australia, some years ago, Pastor W. H. Pascoe, of New Zealand, told the story of a message from the Spirit of prophecy that arrived just at the right time. It is only another illustration of the way in which messages by that gift were now and then guided over land and sea as by a timed schedule, to bring the counsel that helped.SPIAM 118.1

It was when the first camp meeting in the town of Dunedin was being held, said our brother. One minister of the town was particularly hostile. He attacked our teaching also in the press. The account in the Australasian Union Record continued:SPIAM 118.2

“Finding that the Adventists could not be drawn into a controversy in that manner, our opponent then attended one of our evening services, bringing with him a large number of his congregation. In the midst of the service this man arose and challenged the Adventists to debate with him, calling them cowards, etc. With the help of his satellites he succeeded in closing the service. After the meeting all the workers were called together for counsel on how best to meet the boastful opponent. After considering the acceptance of the challenge favorably, the workers were advised to pray much over the matter during the night, then meet together next morning for a final decision before the devotional meeting began.SPIAM 118.3

“Next morning at an early hour they met, according to plan. Pastor E. W. Farnsworth entered the tent, holding in his hand a large envelope. With his happy smile he said, ‘Well, brethren, the Lord knew our needs long before we did. This letter was in my tent last night, but in preparing for the service I left it unopened. Now just listen.’ He read that letter which had been written in America by the servant of the Lord three months before, and which had arrived the night before. That letter seemed to have been written by one who had actually seen the events taking place. It referred us to Nehemiah 6:3, ‘Why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?’ and told us that our work was to keep right on preaching the truth. ‘If you do this, your opponents will soon begin to fight among themselves, and you will be left to carry on your work in peace.’ Needless to say, we believed the message, and the camp work proceeded as usual.SPIAM 118.4

“Now for the sequel. According to the prediction, so was it fulfilled. That opposing minister appealed to the council of churches in Dunedin to sweep the Adventists out of that city. All agreed. Next came the question of how this was to be done. Unanimously it was voted that a tract against Seventh-day Adventists should be written, that this tract be circulated widely throughout Dunedin, and that from all pulpits in Dunedin on a certain Sunday the ministers speak against the errors of Adventism, as well as give every person attending a tract. This was carried unanimously.SPIAM 119.1

“Then their ship came with a terrific crash on a rock, when on that calm sea the question was raised, ‘What shall we place in the tract?’ No two were of the same opinion as to why they kept Sunday, and the meeting broke up in the wildest disorder. The Seventh-day Adventists were permitted to continue their work in peace, just as was seen and written three months before in the United States of America, and the letter, guided by a divine hand, arrived on the very day it was needed. ‘Yes,’ the speaker added, ‘I know by experience that God speaks to His people in the Spirit of prophecy.’”SPIAM 119.2

Again it was according to the promise, “Before they call, I will answer.” And just as this worker of New Zealand could say, “Yes, I know by experience that God speaks to His people in the Spirit of prophecy,” so thousands of believers could say, in observing the working of that gift through the seventy years. So to this day do thousands say again as they find this gift still speaking light and guidance through the printed volumes.SPIAM 119.3