Wessels, John
“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California
November 1, 1903
Previously unpublished.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 John Wessels,—
I expected to send you another letter before sending the letters written to your mother and your brother Andrew; but before I had written your letter, a wonderful work and a heavy burden were laid upon me in regard to the recent book Living Temple. In this book there are spiritualistic ideas in regard to God. He is represented as being Himself personally in flower and leaf and tree. Ever since I was seventeen years old, I have had this fallacy to meet. The effort to introduce these misleading theories among God’s people is one of the most subtle schemes of the enemy. The Lord laid upon me the burden of showing that the sentiments expressed in Living Temple regarding God are a deception; and I have written more than a hundred pages bearing on this subject. One article was printed in the Review a week or two ago, and you will soon see other things in print; so I shall not take time to say all that I might about this matter. 18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 1
A most wonderful experience has been the result of moving our work to Washington. I am not prepared to tell you all that has taken place. We hope that what has happened will exert a saving influence upon Dr. Kellogg, leading him into the light. We desire to do all we possibly can to bring about a union between the workers in the gospel ministry and in the medical missionary work. I want to do all in my power to advance the cause of truth. 18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 2
I cannot but think of the great Master-worker, who is laboring in behalf of truth and righteousness. He Himself summons the church to action. We are called to diligent study of the Scriptures. We are called upon to awake to the responsibilities resting upon us. The first, second, and third angels’ messages are to be proclaimed and explained. The holy influence of truth and righteousness is to be brought into our work, which is to be carried forward with zeal and determination. 18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 3
“I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come; and worship Him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” [Revelation 14:6, 7.] 18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 4
“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 5
“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 6
“Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” [Verses 8-12.] 18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 7
“And I saw another sign in heaven great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire, and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 8
“And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous 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. 18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 9
“And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony was opened; and the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth forever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from His power; and no man was able to enter the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.” [Revelation 15:1-8.] 18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 10
The judgments of God are in the land. Divinity and humanity are to combine in the carrying out of God’s great plan for the recovery of sinners. God has given us His truth, that we may act our part in the accomplishment of the grand object for which the plan of redemption exists. 18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 11
“I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:16, 17.] 18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 12
In this time, the last days of this earth’s history, the people of God are to be invested with all power. Angels as well as men are to take part in the great closing work. All heaven is interested. God and Christ and the angels have united with human instrumentalities in proclaiming the truth for this time. And every one who comes to the water of life is laid under contribution by God to give the invitation to others. Every church, every institution, every church member is to give the invitation, “Come to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” [See Revelation 19:9.] The angels have received command to unite with human beings in giving the message, “Come; for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.] 18LtMs, Lt 251, 1903, par. 13