Instruction to Workers
“Elmshaven,” Sanitarium, California
July 16, 1902
Portions of this manuscript are published in Ev 196-197, 404-406, 654; HFM 59; MM 32-33; 17MR 263-265. +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.
On Sunday evening I retired to rest at eight o’clock. I slept for a while and then awoke with a heavy burden on my heart. In my sleep I had been addressing a company in San Francisco, among whom there were a number of ministers. I had been given a special message for some of those present. I must now try to present the matters which weigh most heavily on my mind. I had spoken plainly, asking, “Do you, in word and action, keep the way of the Lord?” One of authority stood by my side and sanctioned the words that I spoke. Then He gave a most solemn charge, saying: 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 1
“Do you keep the commandments of God, which are exceeding broad? Do you love God supremely and your neighbor as yourself? Are you seeking the present and future good of those with whom you are connected, or is self exalted as supreme? If you realized the importance of your work, you would labor in a Christlike manner, united with one another, and feeling your dependence on God. You would be meek and teachable. You would cast away the leaven of evil out of your nature and receive the grace of Christ. The working of the new leaven would be plainly seen. Put away all chafing, all dissatisfaction. It prevents you from doing God’s work with an eye single to His glory. When you can better understand how precious in the sight of God it is for you to give the preference to your brother, you will be enabled to sit together with Christ in heavenly places. Pulling away from one another does not make peace, but dissension. You need to be melted over, that you may be purified from the dross that has been mingled with words and actions. Unless you see yourselves as God sees you, you can never gain entrance into the holy city. A miracle of grace will have to be wrought in your lives to save you from the result of your wrong actions. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. Take up your appointed work. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 2
“God can do little with the one who criticizes his brethren, differing with them instead of being in harmony. The Word of the Eternal must be your law. There must be no petty invasion of another’s rights on the one hand, or haughty neglect upon the other. Unless the workers are laborers together with God, they will surely become separated from Him, because they cannot be in harmony with His Spirit unless they work with Him. When they respect Christ, they will crucify self and love one another.” 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 3
Turning to the ministers present, the Speaker said, “You are never to lose the sense of the sacredness of the work of seeking to save those who are perishing out of Christ. You are in danger of losing your bearings. You are not appointed to enter into the details of business. Your work is to proclaim the truth, ever exerting a pure, ennobling influence, as men who are handling sacred truth. You are to show that you are sanctified by the truth that you proclaim to others.” 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 4
We are in this world as probationers. Our work is to copy the simplicity of Christ. We have been given a taste of the rich blessings that He has in store for those who will come to Him in full assurance of faith. The Word of God is to be our study book. It is the source of true knowledge. Our strength depends on eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 5
“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby; if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious; ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” [1 Peter 2:1-5.] 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 6
Christ is light and truth. He communicates true knowledge of God. Through Him we have access to the Father. Through Him we are made partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 7
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.” [Ephesians 1:3-6.] 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 8
“Unto you therefore which believe He is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him which hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. ... Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the gentiles; that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. ... For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” [1 Peter 2:7-9, 11, 12, 15.] 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 9
I have been given this message for my ministering brethren, “Unto you therefore which believe He is precious.” [Verse 7.] Fellow laborers in the gospel, remember these words. We must believe for ourselves. God will carry on His work through wholly consecrated workmen. If His ministers fail of representing Christ, He will turn to others, many of whom have not been prepared for the work by a regular course of study, and will put a message into their lips, even the last message of warning. He will call men from their different employments, and at His bidding, they will go forth to proclaim present truth. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 10
Brethren, we are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. I am instructed to tell our ministers that they are not to devote their time to the churches. Their efforts, put forth in this line, will tell less for God than if put forth to warn those who know little of present truth. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 11
There are too many ministers clustered in Oakland and San Francisco. The light that I have is that where several ministers are working in one place, they get in one another’s way and perplex and confuse one another by the exercise of their various characteristics. Unless each is under the control of the Spirit of God, there will certainly be differences of opinion, and unsanctified feelings will certainly fill the mind. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 12
Our message is called for by those who know not the truth. Camp-meetings are to be held in many places. There is a work to be done in Los Angeles. In Southern California and in many other places there are promising opportunities for labor in connection with the health resorts. Our ministers and canvassers should be on the ground, watching their chance to present the message and holding meetings as they have opportunity. Let them be quick to seize opportunities to speak to the people, availing themselves of the offer of a house of any kind in which to hold meetings. Let them speak the Word of God with clearness and power, that those who have ears to hear may hear the truth. Speakers should find their places in different localities in Southern California to place the gospel of present truth in the way of those who know it not. God will work with these men if they will crucify self. If they allow self to take control of them, they will spoil their record, for self is decidedly opposed to the meekness and lowliness that God’s workers are to cherish. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 13
Our ministers appointed to stand as watchmen on the walls of Zion must not take upon themselves the burden of health food manufacture or the establishment of health food stores. Neither must they bind themselves down to other business enterprises. This is a hindrance to the advancement of the work that God says they are to do. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 14
Much is to be accomplished by our camp-meetings. They are to be held where an outside attendance can be secured. The ministers should not have the burden of preparing or looking after the campground. Let this be left to business men. The work of the minister to feed the flock of God with pure provender, thoroughly winnowed from chaff. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 15
I wish to say to Brethren Corliss and A. T. Jones that their work is largely among unbelievers. Those who are successful expositors of Bible truth are to stand before those who have not heard the message for this time. These brethren whose names I have mentioned have a work to do in our camp-meetings, which are to be held in the large cities. But they are in danger of disqualifying themselves for doing the work that God has given them to do. Elder Corliss will surely lose his bearings unless he ceases to interest himself in work that God does not require him to do, work that demands attention to business details. By engaging in secular work, he would not be doing that which has been appointed him by God. The proclamation of the gospel message will be his light and life. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 16
My brethren, do you realize the responsibility resting on you? Are you preparing yourselves to do the work that God has given you to do? Let the love of Christ abide in your hearts, my brethren. Let the oil of divine love soften and subdue your words. Seek for the Holy Spirit, humbling yourselves before God. You certainly need to surrender yourselves to Him for purification and sanctification. Pray for the heavenly power which alone can quell the quick-rising passion and check the hasty words. Put away all self-seeking. Give yourselves over to God, and let him resolder you, that you may not be defective vessels. Indulge no sharp criticism. When you stand in your lot and place, you will realize that you are not able to charm away unhallowed influences. You will feel that you must learn from the Lord Jesus how to be meek and lowly in heart. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 17
The knowledge that you both have of the Word of God should be in you a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life for the refreshing of thirsty souls. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 18
This is the will of God, even your sanctification. But there are lessons that you need to learn more perfectly from the great Teacher. You need to soften and subdue your natural temperaments which often gain the supremacy. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 19
Some seem to think that they have been appointed to act as detectives, to watch and accuse their fellow workers. This is dangerous business for those who take it up. It spoils their Christian experience. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 20
You both need a gentler touch. Your words are to soothe, not to harass. Let your hearts be filled with love for souls. With a deep, tender interest, work for those around you. If you see one making a mistake, go to him in the way Christ has appointed out in His Word, and see if you cannot talk the matter over with Christlike tenderness. Pray with him, and believe that the Saviour will show you the way out of the difficulty. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 21
Ministers need much of the grace of God in order to do their work acceptably. When a minister finds the members of a church arrayed against one another, let him call a halt and endeavor to bring about a harmonious understanding. Let him never give sharp, dictatorial advice or orders. This is not necessary. It is labor worse than wasted. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 22
It is only when self, falling on the Rock, is broken, that the Lord has opportunity to remodel. Then the cheerfulness of heavenly peace will sanctify the spirit. All that savors of harshness and envy will be put away. Then the joy of heaven will be an abiding presence in the home. When the Lord Jesus abides in the heart, there is peace with God. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 23
My brethren Corliss and Jones, the Lord calls upon you to exert an uplifting influence. Receive into the heart the truths of God’s Word. Only thus can you have the mind of God. Place yourselves under the molding influence of the Holy Spirit. Then you will have much greater power for good. Your work is not to deal with minds in business relation, but to proclaim the message of truth in our large gatherings. Your testimonies are needed. It is your work to give these testimonies to those who know not the truth. Yield yourselves to the heavenly grace that is your power. Be sure to give no reason for unfavorable criticisms of your work. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 24
Has the truth been lodged in your hearts? Is the miracle-working power of the grace of God seen in your lives? Do you understand, by personal experience, the joy of heavenly peace and the power of Christ’s gentleness? Christ’s commandments is “Love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] Wherever the love of Jesus reigns, there is peace and rest. Where this love is cherished, it is as a refreshing stream in a desert, transforming barrenness into fertility. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 25
Our lesson for the present time is, How may we most clearly comprehend and present the gospel that Christ came in person to present to John on the Isle of Patmos—the gospel that is termed, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass. ... Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.” [Revelation 1:1, 3.] 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 26
We are to proclaim to the world the great and solemn truths of Revelation. Into the very designs and principles of the church of God these truths are to enter. A benediction is pronounced upon those who pay due regard to this communication. The blessing is promised to encourage a study of this book. We are by no means to become weary of looking into it because of its apparently mystical symbols. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 27
Christ can give us understanding. He is Himself God, and as such has in Him light and life; for He is at the same time the Head of humanity; for He clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might stand as Mediator between God and man. He receives His instruction from the Father. His human nature makes Him our Elder Brother, while He is also the Son of God. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 28
From the life of Christ we learn what God expects His children to be. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 29
There should be a closer and more diligent study of the Revelation and a more earnest presentation of the truths it contains—truths which concern all who are living in these last days. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 30
The work going forward in San Francisco is a good work. But at every step there must be watchfulness and prayer; for many things will come in to confuse and entangle the workers. My brethren, the word has been given me for you, “Watch and pray.” [Mark 13:33.] Watch lest you stand in the way of the work of God, making an impression that hurts the truth. Adorn your profession by an honest conversation. Cherish the grace of the Holy Spirit, else you will stand as hindrances in the way of the work of God. Make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. Remember that you are pilgrims and strangers in the world, but not of the world. You need a deeper knowledge, a clearer understanding, of the truth. A vigilant foe is watching. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 31
At present, San Francisco is burdened with a class of physicians who do not exalt medical missionary work. These men need to be converted. They need to gain a right understanding of the qualifications that a physician must have in order to make a success of his work. The half-trained physicians in San Francisco are in need of an education in habits of neatness, discipline, and order, else they will dishonor their Redeemer. Some of them are of too short a pattern correctly to represent true medical missionary work. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 32
The Lord’s work is shabbily represented by doctors, who, though claiming to believe the truth, have yet the first lessons to learn before they understand what it means to be a useful physician. Unless a thorough reformation takes place, a sad state of things will be the result. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 33
There are physicians who need a different mold before they will be able to do other than belittle medical missionary work. They are not qualified for the work of a physician. They might work successfully in the capacity of a nurse, or, under wise directors, in some other line in connection with one of our sanitariums, and thus obtain the education they need. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 34
Never is a physician to do his work in a coarse, careless, or haphazard way. The physician is constantly to study refinement. In every sense of the word he is to be one that ministers—a servant entrusted by an absent Lord with the care of his fellow beings. The lax, loose way that some of our physicians have of working brings into disrepute the work that should be kept on an elevated platform before the world. When a physician does a weak, inefficient work, his fellow physicians are injured. The Lord would be pleased if some of the physicians now working in San Francisco would take up other employment; for the impression made by their work is not for the good of the cause of God. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 35
To others who may become acceptable laborers in the humbler parts of the work, through faithful application, I must say, If you would be happy, consistent Christians, you must be watchful. You need a remodeling. So long have you been satisfied with a shiftless way of working that it would be better for you now to connect with some one of our sanitariums where you can, by thorough training, gain the experience you so much need. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 36
In medical work you will be more or less closely associated with people of various beliefs, many of whom are enemies to the Seventh-day Adventist faith. Shall your lives fail to exalt the truth? Shall unbelievers see that you are a short pattern? 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 37
A pure, holy conversation, humility of mind, earnest effort to live the truth, are necessary for salvation. You need different surroundings and an education that you have not yet received, in order to do the work of God intelligently. None of our brethren in the medical work should be ignorant of Satan’s devices. None should so labor as to humble the cause of medical missions, instead of exalting it. Relax not the vigilance of your examination of self; for unless you change decidedly, you will make shipwreck of the faith. There can be no heedlessness about the spiritual warfare. God desires you to free yourselves from the baleful influences that corrupt the soul. 17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 38