Kress, Brother and Sister [D. H.]
“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California
October 10, 1905
Portions of this letter are published in CM 127; UL 297; 2BC 1040. +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 Kress,—
The Australian mail closes tomorrow, and I must write you a few lines this afternoon. I am always glad to receive your letters, and I hope that some time we may meet once more. I wonder if this will be. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 1
Since I last wrote you I have had a varied experience. So many things burden my mind, that it seems almost impossible for me to sleep. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 2
I will endeavor to have copied for you a letter that W. C. White has just brought in for me to read, regarding the sale of Great Controversy. The writer of this letter has had remarkable success in selling this book. Great Controversy should be very widely circulated. It contains the story of the past, the present, and the future. In its outline of the closing scenes of this earth’s history, it bears a powerful testimony in behalf of the truth. I am more anxious to see a wide circulation for this book than for any others I have written; for in Great Controversy the last message of warning to the world is given more distinctly than in any of my other books. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 3
I greatly desire to see our people come into line. Let our ministers take from the Word of God the precious things that encourage, and feed them to the flock of God, as precious food of which they may partake, and grow thereby. Let not matters of minor importance be given greater prominence than the things of vital importance. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 4
It is not in the order of God that perplexing matters of difference and contention be introduced into the church. This is not the food that is to be given to the Lord’s people. The precious words of truth are food for the hungry soul. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 5
There are some who make a practice of gathering up the idle tales of gossip and bringing them before the people who have assembled to worship God. The words of some are as bitter as gall; they are ever ready to repeat and exaggerate reports that will increase bitterness and contention. If difficulties arise between church members, the parties that are involved should in all humility seek for a reconciliation, but let not the church be made a field of contention. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 6
Our gatherings to worship God are in no case to be spoiled by the discussion of gossip; for this would leave a disagreeable impression upon the minds of those present. In the social meeting, every testimony should be such as will reflect rays of light. Relate those experiences that will help souls, but do not pour into their minds a burden of trash that some one has gathered up in the unprofitable association of neighbors. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 7
Those who have assembled to worship God should be permitted to eat of the leaves of the tree of life, which are for the healing of the nations. At such times the Lord’s people should receive the comfort and encouragement they so much need. Tempted and tried souls should be helped in every way possible. Then let not one word of reference be made to scandalous reports. Our words are ever to be words that will soothe and heal and bless. Never are we to introduce into minds the suggestions of the enemy; for these will mar the peace of the soul. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 8
The Lord will purify His people through belief of the truth. Those who are in communion with Christ as an abiding guest in the heart will receive wisdom to distinguish the earthly from the heavenly. The words of divine inspiration will enable them to discern between right and wrong and will guide them in righteous judgment. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 9
Said Christ to His disciples: “Ye are the light of the world. ... 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.] 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 10
God desires us to be a help and a blessing to our neighbors. But when we enter our neighbors’ doors, let it not be to listen to gossip, but that we may sow the seeds of truth. We want that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Let those who would present any doctrine be sure that they are sustained by a plain “Thus saith the Lord;” then let it be planted in the heart through the Holy Spirit’s power. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 11
We are to be witnesses of the Lord, to encourage, to enlighten, to make the things of God plain to minds that are beclouded. If some talebearer urges upon you some evil report of a brother or a sister, will you have the courage to say to him, “I cannot permit my mind to be filled with disagreeable reports, for this would spoil my peace of soul. I desire the Lord Jesus to dwell in my heart as an honored guest. I desire such mental food as will strengthen every good purpose of my heart. I desire to quench every evil suggestion. Let us ask the blessing of the Lord to rest upon us. He has forbidden us to speak evil of one another.” 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 12
Let every one now repent of his mistakes and seek the Lord with all his heart. The converting power of God will come to every one who will seek the peace of Jesus Christ. His words of instruction are for all who will listen and follow Him. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 13
In mercy God seeks to lead the unrighteous to repentance. The obedient will delight in the law of the Lord. He puts His laws in their minds and writes them in their hearts. Their speech will be such as is prompted by an indwelling Saviour. They have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul from all the defilement of Satan’s suggestions. Their heart yearns after God. In their conversion they love to dwell upon His mercy and goodness; for to them He is altogether lovely. They learn the language of heaven, the country of their adoption. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 14
The promise is for us: “I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh; that they may walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be My people, and I will be their God.” [Ezekiel 11:19, 20.] 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 15
I am instructed to say that is it not because of lack of opportunity to know the will and way of God, that sinners must perish, but because of their determination to carry out their own will. They refuse to become spiritually enlightened in the Word of God. Willingly they remain ignorant of the privileges of the Christian and of his duty day by day to inquire of God. The Lord desires to give to every one a deep intelligent experience in spiritual life. But many are contented with a haphazard experience. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 16
Zedekiah was faithfully instructed through the prophet Jeremiah how he might be preserved from the calamities that would surely come upon him if he did not change his course and serve the Lord. The calamities came, because he would not, through obedience, place himself under the protection of God. With his eyes put out, he was led in chains of captivity to Babylon. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 17
What a sad and awful warning is this to those who harden themselves under reproof, and who will not humble themselves in repentance, that God may save them! 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 18
I have written this, because God is in earnest with those who go directly against His expressed will. The Lord calls for faithfulness in service. He desires servants who will be diligent to help those in error. The day of the Lord is right upon us. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 19
This work should not be done before all the church; for this would create disturbance, and some who are seeking for the truth would become confused and sad of heart. Let not one stumbling block be laid before those who are seeking to know the will of the Lord. Do not make public the supposed errors you see in those who profess to believe the truth. What you have to say, say to them alone, with hearts filled with pity and tenderness. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 20
“Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” [Matthew 18:15, 16.] 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 21
“If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” [Matthew 5:23, 24.] 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 22
The will of God is made so plain that the weakest intellect can understand it, if the heart is set to do the will of God. Those who follow on to know the Lord, will know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. Step by step the Lord will unerringly lead those who put their trust in Him. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 23
Brother and Sister Kress, I took my pen this morning, while others were sleeping, and have written this message to be read at a meeting tonight in the church at Berkeley. Into that church have been brought difficulties that should have been settled outside of the church, and I thought you might be interested to receive the instruction the Lord has given me for them on this question. I am enclosing with this a copy of a letter just written to Elder Haskell, in which you will be interested. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 24
May the Lord bless and strengthen you all. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 25
In much love. 20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 26