Prescott, W. W.
St. Helena, California
May 22, 1908
Portions of this letter are published in TDG 151; 10MR 361. +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.
Elder W. W. Prescott
Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C.
Dear Brother:
I am awakened at twelve o’clock to write out the instruction that has been given me. In the night season I was addressing a company of people, and the charge was given, Wake up the watchmen to bear a decided testimony against every influence that would weaken the voice of the third angel’s message. A special work is to be done in cleansing the mind and purifying the heart; for the end of all things is at hand. Let us arouse and present to the world the importance of a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” 23LtMs, Lt 166, 1908, par. 1
The words were spoken, I am the Light of the world. Kindle your soul’s light from the wisdom of human agencies, and your light will go out in darkness. Seek My wisdom, and you will be guided by unerring counsel. This guidance it is the privilege of every child of God to have. Ask, and ye shall receive; but ask in faith believing. Ask for that which is in accordance with the word of God. Believing, ye shall receive. 23LtMs, Lt 166, 1908, par. 2
Christ is the source of our strength. Let us study His teachings. In giving His only begotten Son to live in our world and to be subject to temptation that He might teach us how to overcome, the Father has made ample provision that we should not be taken captive by the enemy. Meeting the fallen foe, Christ overcame in behalf of humanity. He was tempted in all points like as we are, but He resisted in the strength of divinity, that He might be able to succor us when we are tempted. 23LtMs, Lt 166, 1908, par. 3
Becoming partakers of His divine nature, we are to learn to discern the temptations of Satan and, in the strength of His grace, overcome the corruptions that are in the world through lust. He who was once a sinful human being may be refined and purified through the imparted merits of Christ and stand before his fellow men as a laborer together with God. To the earnest seeker after God, the divine nature will surely be imparted, the compassion of Christ will certainly be vouchsafe. 23LtMs, Lt 166, 1908, par. 4
There are constant dangers besetting the pathway of God’s servants, and these dangers we may learn to avoid. At times, Elder Prescott, you have come very near making shipwreck of your faith. Only the grace of God and the confidence you have had in the messages He has sent through the Spirit of prophecy have held you back. I was shown that although you have had many years of experience in the cause of God, you are still in danger of making grave mistakes. 23LtMs, Lt 166, 1908, par. 5
You will be inclined to catch hold of some minor matter which you consider to be important and place great weight upon it. At such times Satan is waiting and watching for an opportunity to influence your mind, and through you to work upon many other minds, leading them to questioning and doubt. The Lord has not called you to such a work as this. Upon some questions silence will reveal a spirit of wisdom and discretion. 23LtMs, Lt 166, 1908, par. 6
Satan is working with all his ingenuity to sidetrack souls. What shall we do? Let us believe that the Lord is willing to raise up and strengthen the weak. 23LtMs, Lt 166, 1908, par. 7
You will find your greatest strength in dwelling upon that which is spiritual. Let sanctification of the truth of the Word of God be revealed in your life. Let this agency refine and ennoble the soul. The Lord would have His ministering servants walk humbly before Him. “Take My yoke upon you,” He invites, “and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] 23LtMs, Lt 166, 1908, par. 8