The Review and Herald Fire
St. Helena, California,
January 5, 1903
To the Brethren in Battle Creek
Today I received a letter from Elder Daniells regarding the de-
struction of the Review office by fire. I feel very sad as I consider the
great loss to the cause. I know that this must be a very trying time
for the brethren in charge of the work and for the employees of the
office. I am afflicted with all who are afflicted. But I was not surprised
by the sad news, for in the visions of the night I have seen an angel
standing with a sword as of fire stretched over Battle Creek. Once, in
the daytime, while my pen was in my hand, I lost consciousness, and it
seemed as if this sword of flame were turning first in one direction and
then in another. Disaster seemed to follow disaster because God was
dishonored by the devising of men to exalt and glorify themselves.
This morning I was drawn out in earnest prayer that the Lord would
lead all who are connected with the Review and Herald office to make
diligent search, that they may see wherein they have disregarded the
many messages God has given.
Sometime ago the brethren at the Review office asked my counsel
about the erection of another building. I then said that if those who
were in favor of adding another building to the Review and Herald
office had the future mapped out before them, if they could see what
would be in Battle Creek, they would have no question about putting
up another building there. God said: “My word has been despised;
and I will turn and overturn.”
At the General Conference, held in Battle Creek in 1901, the Lord
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gave His people evidence that He was calling for reformation. Minds
were convicted, and hearts were touched; but thorough work was not
done. If stubborn hearts had then broken in penitence before God,
there would have been seen one of the greatest manifestations of the
power of God that has ever been seen. But God was not honored.
The testimonies of His Spirit were not heeded. Men did not separate
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