Ms 41, 1891

Diary, February 1891

Battle Creek, Michigan

February 1-28, 1891

Previously unpublished.

Sunday, February 1, 1891

[Battle Creek, Michigan]

I am improving today, although I slept little last night.7LtMs, Ms 41, 1891, par. 1

The state of things in our publishing house worries me. All need Christlike gentleness. There is, with a large number, a great want of sympathy and of love. An atmosphere surrounds the soul savoring more of the atmosphere which surrounds the great enemy of God and man than the sweet, pure, holy atmosphere—full of kindness, full of courtesy—that was ever emanating from Christ. The spirit of Pharisaism is alive in our churches today and flourishing in many hearts. Those who might be men of God, those who might be men of high, unswerving integrity like Daniel, are filled with selfishness and harshness. Little, very little of the spirit of Christ prevails.7LtMs, Ms 41, 1891, par. 2

Friday, February 6, 1891

Battle Creek

I devoted some time to writing, and my heart is drawn out to God in prayer for strength, both physical and spiritual, that I can devote to the Lord. I want, much, to give the Lord healthful, wholesome service; and to this end I must practice self-denial, eat and drink such things as will conduce to health. I have the promise, full and rich, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13. [John 14:14-18 quoted.]7LtMs, Ms 41, 1891, par. 3

February 9, 1891

Battle Creek

Spoke in the ministers’ meeting. Was very weak, but the Lord strengthened me by the power of His Spirit. His rich grace made my heart glad in Him. [Entry copied from Ms 24, 1891.]7LtMs, Ms 41, 1891, par. 4

Tuesday, February 10, 1891

Battle Creek

I have been in much perplexity to understand how we shall interpret the reason that we do not have more of the presence and power of God. There have been some things that have let a ray of light into my mind. In the night season I had a scene presented to me that was a lesson.7LtMs, Ms 41, 1891, par. 5

My brethren, in your leaving Berrien Springs, you are not to carry the responsibilities of the school at Berrien Springs. The Lord has in Brother Haughey a man whom He will lead and guide to do the work that is to be done.7LtMs, Ms 41, 1891, par. 6

Wednesday, February 11, 1891

Battle Creek

I could not sleep after half past two o’clock. I arose at half past three, and after my usual season of supplication to God I commenced my writing. Wrote several pages.7LtMs, Ms 41, 1891, par. 7

Attended ministers’ meeting and spoke to them for nearly one hour. The Lord blessed me and blessed the people. Many hearts were deeply moved.7LtMs, Ms 41, 1891, par. 8

February 20, 1891

Battle Creek, Mich.

I have not been able to write in my diary for more than one week. Last week I spoke three times in the ministerial institute school. The Lord gives much freedom in speaking. I always have deeply impressed on my mind that this may be the last time I shall have the privilege of speaking to these brethren who are to open the treasures of God’s Word to others.7LtMs, Ms 41, 1891, par. 9

February 28, 1891

Battle Creek

I was invited to speak in regard to canvassing work. I consented. I spoke of the necessity of publications being brought before the people. I then related my own experience in the preparation of the book [Spirit of Prophecy] Volume 4. I told them the Lord had presented before me that that book was His voice to the people for the present time and should be put in circulation without delay.7LtMs, Ms 41, 1891, par. 10

Many agents came to see me after this meeting and said they had not understood this matter before. They would change the books they were handling. But the state agents represented the matter to them in such a light they supposed it was all right. I had borne my testimony and it made no impression upon those officiating agents who were responsible for swaying things in this line. God had nothing to do with this kind of unfair scheming.7LtMs, Ms 41, 1891, par. 11