MR No. 1342—Comments on EGW Staff, Also on O. A. Olsen; Counsel to Study Daniel and Revelation

(Written January 16, 1896, from Avondale, Cooranbong, N.S.W., to “Dear Children.”)

I had written you a letter for you to seek the Lord most earnestly to know your duty in regard to connecting with me in my work in bookmaking. I cannot have help from Willie. That is not to be expected, now nor [at] any future time. You could help me, and we could counsel together. But I have little courage to attempt to do anything while I have only Marian to help me. Fannie will never handle anything of the writings I have to bring before the people. I regard her as a traitor of sacred trusts. If the Lord indicates my duty, I shall go forward.18MR 274.1

I have no light to go to America. I have expected that Elder Olsen would feel the necessity of W.C.W. to help him, and might signify the same in a positive manner, to come to his help; but if he does not signify this, the time has not come. O. A. Olsen has linked himself and the cause up so fully with A. R. Henry and [Harmon] Lindsay, while at the same time he knows these men have not evidenced they have a connection with God, that he has made them think by his thus doing that he does not receive the warnings and the reproof God has given of their course. If Brother Olsen believed the light and truth God has given of these men, would they be kept in responsible positions year after year? I scarcely know what to think of these things. I know not what to make of these things. But there are perilous times before us.18MR 274.2

I am very anxious to get out Testimony No. 24 now. I have secured Eliza's help. I will undertake that work which ought to have been done years ago. I have things that should come to the people. Time is short. The end of all things is at hand. We are to give more diligent searching to Revelation. Here is a book opened for those who shall live in these last days of time. Daniel and Revelation are the books applicable to us, and should be carefully studied, with much prayer. Read the first three verses: [Revelation 1:1-3, quoted].18MR 275.1

There is not that attention given to Revelation [that] there should be. Much more should be said in regard to the coming of our Lord. There should be most earnest attention given to the Word.18MR 275.2

I have no persuasion, no urging. Let the Lord make the matter plain before your mind. You are in the service of God. Wherever you can serve Him best, I will be reconciled, but I set the matter before you and leave the decision to yourself. May the Lord abundantly bless you and commune with you and teach and guide you, is the prayer of your mother.—Letter 139, 1896.18MR 275.3

Ellen G. White Estate

Washington, D. C.,

January 22, 1988.

Entire Letter.