Lt 215, 1905

Haskell, Brother and Sister

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

July 24, 1905

Portions of this letter are published in SpTB #18 16.

Dear Brother and Sister Haskell,—

I have been reading the Word of God—unweakened by any of the explanations of man. So many weaken the real truth by many words. If they would but let Christ speak, and apply His words to their hearts, so much more blessing they would receive.20LtMs, Lt 215, 1905, par. 1

A dying saint once cried out, “Speak to me the words of God. Give me some of the bare Word.” Reading the bare Word brings wisdom from God Himself. The Spirit of Christ is enfolded in the Word. To the receptive understanding, it unfolds the mind and will of God.20LtMs, Lt 215, 1905, par. 2

Let us receive the precious words of God just as they read. Let us not cover them up with human suppositions. The Word is ours to comprehend. Let us have faith in God. The Lord will surely manifest Himself to you and to all who labor with you. We are Christ’s real disciples, and we have His promise. We must have also the conviction that the Lord Jesus is working with us. Hold fast to the promise. Angels of God have been waiting for years for the workers in Nashville to clear the King’s highway. I call upon all to consecrate themselves wholly to God.20LtMs, Lt 215, 1905, par. 3

You must not expect to carry forward the work in Nashville without meeting difficulties. If we could clear these difficulties away, we would do so. Let every worker lay hold of the Word of promise. We are far away from you, but we will pray the Lord to meet with you and strengthen and bless you.20LtMs, Lt 215, 1905, par. 4

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:18-20.]20LtMs, Lt 215, 1905, par. 5

Here is your commission. As obedient servants, you are to work in close connection with Christ Jesus of Nazareth. May the Lord grant that the people who sit in darkness in the city of Nashville shall see great light, and that to those who are in the region and shadow of death, light may spring up.20LtMs, Lt 215, 1905, par. 6

In simple, trusting faith believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Take right hold of a power which you cannot create, but which is for you. Let the workers be filled with a spirit of cheerfulness and thanksgiving and rejoicing. Let every one make a personal consecration of himself or herself to God’s service. Let them surrender their hearts to the working of the Holy Spirit, placing themselves in right relation to God. It is time that we believed that all heaven is interested in the work before us. Christ came to this world to give Himself a sacrifice for the saving of sinners. Then believe, believe that He will be with all who give themselves unreservedly to this work.20LtMs, Lt 215, 1905, par. 7