Burden, Brother and Sister [J. A.]
“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California
July 21, 1902 [filed in 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Previously unpublished.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 and sister Burden,—
We have not forgotten you, and I write to express our deep interest in you and our love for you. We are glad that Sister Tuxford can be with you in the same line of work in which you are engaged. 18LtMs, Lt 28, 1903, par. 1
My dear brother and sister, keep your eyes fixed on Christ. We are travelling over a dangerous path to a city that we see by faith. Strict watchfulness is necessary, else our feet will stumble. In order to be in the world, but not of the world, we must be ever on guard. We are to keep our light shining brightly. “Ye are the light of the world,” Christ declared. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] 18LtMs, Lt 28, 1903, par. 2
In giving His Son to this world, God has bestowed upon all who accept Christ as their Saviour the treasures of heaven. We need at this time the faith that reaches within the veil. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Our faith in the reality of these unseen things, which we believe will soon be ours if we are faithful, fills the children of God with hope and courage in the midst of trial and affliction. 18LtMs, Lt 28, 1903, par. 3
Our present and future welfare depend on the faith that we bring into the daily life. We need faith that will stand the fire of Satan’s assaults. Most terrible things are happening all around us, and only by the power of God, through faith, can we be kept. 18LtMs, Lt 28, 1903, par. 4
God sees the end from the beginning. He knows the future. Let us trust to His guidance. Let us remember that we are under the command of Christ. Let us never attempt to take the wheel and guide the ship through the perils that will come. The Captain of our salvation is the only One who can do this. “Thus saith the Lord” must be our watchword if we would reach the longed-for port. 18LtMs, Lt 28, 1903, par. 5
I will send you with this letter copies of what I have written lately. You will see that I am doing as much work as I have ever done in my life. And I know that you are doing all that you can to awaken in those with whom you come in contact an interest in the truth for this time. 18LtMs, Lt 28, 1903, par. 6
I am glad to be able to tell you that there is a most encouraging condition of things at the Sanitarium. We have worked very hard to place matters in order, and we believe that the institution is greatly improved. The spiritual atmosphere has entirely changed. The Lord is co-operating with our efforts. 18LtMs, Lt 28, 1903, par. 7
Dr. Winegar is as a nail in the right place. She stands firm for principle, and although she is so firm, she is so kind and courteous, so persuasive in word and manner, that she wins the patients. She teaches the patients’ class in the Sabbath school, and a number are becoming interested. 18LtMs, Lt 28, 1903, par. 8
One such worker as this in a sanitarium is a host. I am so glad that we can have Dr. Winegar here. Brother Taylor is an excellent evangelistic worker. His heart is in the work. 18LtMs, Lt 28, 1903, par. 9
I believe that our Sanitarium is being brought out of darkness into the light. Sanitarium work, properly conducted, is a means of great good. If the nurses place themselves in right relation to the work of the institution, there is developed in them self-forgetfulness, thoughtfulness, patient continuance in well-doing. Their earnest desire to help others carries with it a sympathy that is healing in its influence. 18LtMs, Lt 28, 1903, par. 10
Our God has mysteriously linked the members of His family together. And while every man has his own burdens to bear, let no one forget that in helping others, he helps himself. The opening words of Christ’s sermon on the mount are an illustration of the principles laid down in His teaching. “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” He said; “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:3.] He came to our world to bless men by pointing out the path of self-denial. In His life He showed the power of kindness and courtesy and self-sacrifice. By no word or act did He encourage self-sufficiency. In His work He has given us an example of what our work should be. No duty, however small, was neglected by Him. And He says to us, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” [Luke 16:10.] In order to do a great good in the world, we must be faithful in little things. Those who faithfully perform the small duties of every-day life can safely be trusted with larger responsibilities. Sanctification is not the work of a day, but of a lifetime. “This one thing I do,” Paul said, “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 3:13, 14.] 18LtMs, Lt 28, 1903, par. 11
My dear brother and sister, be of good cheer. Walk humbly and trustfully before God, remembering that He is the source of all power. Have faith in Him, and expect much. Doors will open through which you may enter to reach those not of our faith. 18LtMs, Lt 28, 1903, par. 12