Lt 106, 1907

Rasmussen, Sister

St. Helena, California

March 19, 1907

Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 32.

Dear Sister Rasmussen:

I have words of encouragement and counsel for you. Do not be overanxious, but trust in the Lord. Do not trust in the wisdom of those who would advise you to take back that which you have pledged to the cause of God. Be true to the convictions of your own conscience and to your vows. The Bible must be your counselor. Study it, and the testimonies God has given; for they never contradict His Word. When you are convinced that it is your privilege to lay up treasure in heaven by using a portion of your goods to advance the truth, let nothing hinder you from doing it. In pledging your money to the cause, you are only returning to the Lord that which He has lent you on trust. He has made you an almoner of means that you may help His cause to prosper in the world.22LtMs, Lt 106, 1907, par. 1

Writing to the Corinthian brethren, Paul says, “As touching the ministering to the saints, you have no need that I write unto you: for I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready; lest haply they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.22LtMs, Lt 106, 1907, par. 2

“But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for the Lord loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever.22LtMs, Lt 106, 1907, par. 3

“Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; being enriched in all things to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings to God; whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men. And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” [2 Corinthians 9:1-15.]22LtMs, Lt 106, 1907, par. 4

I have recently written a letter to our brethren in South Dakota, and will send you a copy. Be of good cheer, and trust in the Lord.22LtMs, Lt 106, 1907, par. 5