36
Testimonies to Southern Africa
Letter B
August 1, 1892
Dear Brother and Sister _____,
I would be glad to see you this morning, and converse with you
about many things; but this is not possible. Pen and ink will have to
answer. I feel an interest for the mission in Africa, and every mission
field in the world. How much we now need Jesus as our counsellor,
and how grateful should we be that the Lord has blessed and exalted
us, so that we may have communion with Himself.
Oh how much we need the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit;
for we are living in a time of peril. The love of God shed abroad
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us, will lead to
right actions. Partaking of the divine nature, we shall work as Christ
worked, I am assured that we have everything for which to be thankful.
It is our privilege to enjoy the richness of the promises that may be
made fully ours. The Lord is ready to do large things for all those who
believe. Jesus longs to quicken our hearts with healthful spiritual life.
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Jesus dwelling in the soul, purifying and ennobling all our faculties,
guiding us into all truth, makes us a bright and shining light unto the
world. Then let not this light burn dim. Moment by moment we need
to live looking unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith
We do not feel that it would be in accordance with the mind of the
Spirit of God to lay plans for building an expensive structure, even if
we had plenty of means to invest, for the reason that new fields are
constantly opening, and we should take every precaution that not a
dollar shall be laid out for the sake of display, or for the indulgence of
pride. Every dollar of means will be needed to start the work in new
mission fields, and plant the banner of truth where they are in darkness
The enemy will tempt those who have means to gratify pride
and ambition in the erection of fine buildings. But the very means
employed for the gratification of ambition ought to be employed in
assisting others to make a beginning. The influence of a commodious,
neat, attractive building, constructed without any extravagance, would
be in harmony with the life and mission of Jesus, in harmony with the
sacred, solemn truth we profess to believe—that the end of all things is
at hand. Our power is not to be found in grand buildings calling for a
large outlay of means. Our strength will be found in the devotion and