Zelinsky, Brother
“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California
March 9, 1902 [typed]
Previously unpublished.
Dr. Zelinsky
My dear brother,—
I cannot sleep after one o’clock. I have words that I must write to you. I am much worn with continuous labor in travelling and speaking, and I have not the strength to speak with you face to face. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 1
I should be glad if I did not have to write the words I must write this morning. I have a message from the Lord for you. You have married a wife; but I shall not find fault with you on this account, unless you make your marriage an excuse for not responding to the invitation to the supper of the Lamb. Christ has prepared the feast and has sent out His servants with the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] In the parable of the call to the supper, Christ says, “They all with one accord began to make excuse.” The first said unto him, “I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused.” And another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused.” And another said, “I have married a wife and therefore I cannot come.” [Verses 18-20.] 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 2
If in your marriage you had the glory of God in view, if this was your object in getting married, you will not be a hindrance to your wife in spiritual things, neither will she be a hindrance to you. But both of you have many things to learn. Your wife is young; your influence over her may be either a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. You may give her the impression that she is no longer to serve as she did before she married you. Her time and strength are now bound up with your life and happiness. You must be very careful not to spoil her life and your own by yielding to worldly ambition. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 3
Jesus has purchased you both. You have been bought with a price, even the precious blood of the Son of God. You are not your own. Your service belongs to your Redeemer. You are to be true and faithful to Him whose you are by creation and by redemption. It becomes you to study your relation to the Lord Jesus. You are His purchased possession. But for a long time you have not appreciated the light shining on your pathway. You have not kept your lamp trimmed and burning, and its light has almost gone out. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 4
You are a man of strong ideas, of strong mind. You are allowing yourself to be dissatisfied, unhappy, discontented, because you cannot get your own way in regard to setting up in business for yourself. But you exaggerate your powers. You want to build the tower without first sitting down to count the cost, to see whether you would be able to finish. Even though you should begin to do what you have planned, you could not finish. Your physical infirmity is a serious objection to your castle-building. Your physical condition forbids your plans. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 5
At my special request, Sister Gotzian took up your case and helped you to obtain a medical education. Seeing she has done this, you should not look to her to set you up in practice, to establish and strengthen you at every point. You should accommodate yourself to circumstances. Remember that you cannot always be carried. You and your wife should do your best to support yourselves. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 6
You think that Sister Gotzian could not employ her means in any better way than by putting you in charge of a sanitarium of your own. To you this looks like a good plan. But Sister Gotzian understands the matter better than you do, and she does not favor your plan. Has the Lord appointed her to do this work? She should know for herself what is comprehended in her stewardship in your case. She must study this subject from a Bible standpoint. Her money has been lent her in trust by the Lord. She has used it to help you and to help the cause of the Lord in many ways. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 7
You must not flatter yourself that you could manage a sanitarium. It would do you no good to have the experience of trying to do this. You have a strong mind and a stubborn will, and you have a large amount of pride and sensitiveness. This combination of elements would make it impossible for you to do what you think you can in managing a sanitarium. You would not heed the advice and counsel of your brethren. You would reach far beyond your capabilities. You would be a consumer and not a producer. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 8
The question for you to answer is, What do you purpose doing that will bring hope and comfort to Sister Gotzian’s heart, giving her the assurance that she has not made a mistake in helping you, but has used her means wisely? You are not to depend on Sister Gotzian to sustain you always. You are not to take it for granted that if she should still further invest her means in helping you, she would be doing altogether that which the Lord desires her to do. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 9
Now is your time of test and trial. You cannot expect Sister Gotzian to set you up in business in an institution, when as yet you know scarcely anything of the practical work of a physician. The Lord is watching and waiting with great forbearance to see what course you intend to pursue. You now have an opportunity of proving yourself wise. But you are not making wise calculations. You are in need of wisdom. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 10
Your wife, if she acts as a wise woman, can help you financially. Practice the economy that our Saviour enjoined, and you will become much wiser than you are now. Christ took human nature on Himself and came to this earth to stand at the head of the race. He set us a perfect example. He gave the lessons all must learn who are received into the heavenly city. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 11
In His Word, God predicts the things that are to take place in our world, “the things which shall be hereafter.” [Revelation 1:19.] All the events foretold in prophecy have their appointed time for fulfilment. All take place in their season. In successive order they pass into history. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 12
God’s Word gives a very unpromising description of the world’s so-called wise men. They appear on the pages of history, and fill up their life record, the record sketched thousands of years before. In the estimation of the world, they are noted men, men of genius. From the standpoint of prophecy, they fill their lot and place, doing the work the Lord foretold, carrying out the purpose of heaven according to the plan outlined by God. These men are executors of God’s design. With accuracy they do their appointed work, as a chisel in the hand of the great Sculptor of all. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 13
By His power the Lord causes certain events to take place to accomplish certain ends. The after-view shows that these events were to come to pass in their heaven-appointed order. We may see, if we will to see, how defective is that which a man of the world calls great, that which stands forth in human glory as his achievement. Only that which God declares to be as enduring as eternity is truly great. All that Christ came to our world to do is pronounced by the heavenly universe as true greatness. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 14
God uses no force. He gave His only begotten Son to die for a fallen world, and He pardons those who come to Him in penitence. Those who accept His gift, and in sincerity and truth enter the service of Christ, are freely forgiven. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 15
When we stand in the presence of God, we shall see how shortsighted we have been in our conclusions in regard to what heaven records as success. We shall see that the honor given to man is due to God alone, that the things for which in this world a man is exalted and glorified are of God, and that to Him belongs all the glory. From the lips of the inhabitants of the universe will peal forth the chorus, “Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all.” And the redeemed host will join in the chorus, and will declare, “Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name; for thou only art holy; for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” [Revelation 15:3, 4.] 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 16
As the redeemed review their efforts to achieve success, they will see how foolish were their plans, how petty their supposed trials, how unreasonable their doubts, and how unnecessary their conflicts. They will see that if they had only taken God at His Word, they should have seen all things clearly. And one thing will stand out in clear lines: that position does not make a man a fit candidate for entrance into the heavenly courts. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 17
Before the inhabitants of this world are set life and death. Obedience to the high and holy authority of Him who cannot err is the only security of the fallen race. Christ came to this world to live a perfect life. He came to represent true, uncorrupted religion, to set a perfect example, to exert a pure, heavenly influence, to shine as a light amid the darkness of sin. The influence exerted by the Sent of God was never to be contaminated by worldly maxims. His Word to His followers is, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 18
The whole of the fifth chapter of Matthew is a lesson to those who claim to be children of God. Learn from it who are blessed; and I urge you and your wife to place yourselves among the number. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 19
Why do you remain in the condition you are in? You know the truth. Those who know the truth, and yet refuse to obey, are a great hindrance to the work the Lord desires to have done. In your present state of mind, you might just as well be among unbelievers as among believers, because you are certainly a stumbling block. The attitude you take, and the way in which you reason, are reflecting no light to the Sanitarium. Your course [is] objectionable. You are not in harmony with the religious influence that is essential in such an institution. Your will and your way are not conformed to the will and way of God. Your ideas are so set and your will so determined that you are not in a position to be a spiritual help to the institution. You are rather a positive hindrance to your fellow physicians, to the patients, and to the helpers. Christ declares, “He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” [Matthew 12:30.] If you have a determination to resist the influence of the Spirit of God, you would better either come into working order, or separate from the Sanitarium. Your influence is not a savor of life. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 20
What have you gained in spirituality since you have been connected with the Sanitarium. You have set yourself stubbornly to follow your own way, and you have failed of exerting the influence the Lord desires you to exert on those who come to the Sanitarium. How much interest have you taken in the efforts made in the Sanitarium to draw near to God? Do you not realize that every one who acts a part in the work of the institution should exert an influence in favor of the truth? Decided efforts are to be made to save the souls and bodies of those who come to our sanitariums. By the work of these institutions, prejudice is to be broken down. They are to stand as witnesses for God. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 21
You are helping your wife to feel discontented and restless and unhappy. You could exert a saving influence over her, but you have filled her mind with your ambitious idea of setting up in business for yourself. Should you do this, how many would your influence bring to the faith? How many would see in you the light of good works? The Lord is not pleased with you, neither are you pleased. You are sour, discontented, unhappy. How can the Lord co-operate with you? If you are not walking in the light of truth and righteousness, and I know that you are not, how can the Lord give you skill and understanding? 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 22
Do not let the enemy entice you to his side. Do not let him put his yoke on your neck. If you do this, how can the Lord give you wisdom and intelligence and righteousness? 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 23
We cannot consent for you to continue as you are—proof against the manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s working. If you feel no rest or satisfaction or happiness in your work, you bring discouragement to yourself and to those connected with you. You impart no spiritual strength. You do not exert the influence that every worker for the Lord should exert. Those whose minds are not as strong as yours will be inclined to yield to your ideas rather than to oppose them, even if they are not right. You have lost your interest in spiritual things, and therefore you cannot give the spiritual help that is needed in the Sanitarium. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 24
In plain, decided words, the apostle Paul speaks of our work. “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man’s work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it; because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built there upon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” [1 Corinthians 3:9-15.] 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 25
You are certainly in need of the grace of Christ in your character building. The words given me by God for you were of a nature to bring home to you your great need of consecrating yourself, body, soul, and spirit to Jesus. You are to be transformed to His likeness, not conformed to the principles of worldlings. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 26
The Lord has looked pitifully upon you and has opened ways before you to make a plain path for you, but you have not appreciated that which has been done for you. You should be thankful to God, seeing His goodness in your experience; but you act like one who is dissatisfied, because you cannot stretch yourself beyond your measure. You certainly are not acting as a converted man—gratefully, humbly, realizing the goodness of God. Those who cherish a factious spirit work on human principles, not on the principles of true religion. This you have been doing. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 27
You cannot possibly be a full-fledged physician. You cannot act this part, and you should be content to do what you can. You may be qualified in theoretical knowledge to be physician in chief, but you are not fully qualified for the practical duties. You can go so far, and no further. Remember that you may spoil the life God has given you. 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 28
Carefully study the words, “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [Verse 9.] There is a building designed by no human skill and wrought by no human hand. This building is to be a dwelling place for the Most High. God expects you to prepare a dwelling place for Him. “Thus saith the high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” This is applicable to you. “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; ... and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” [1 Corinthians 3:16-21, 23.] 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 29
“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. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious; and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” [1 Peter 2:5, 6.] Christ is the corner stone of God’s spiritual building. He is the salvation and the support of His sincere followers. “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, 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 who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” [Verses 7-9.] 17LtMs, Lt 31, 1902, par. 30