Special Instruction Relating to The Review and Herald Office, and The Work in Battle Creek

“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, N.S.W., 

May 26, 1896. 

Dear Brother Olsen, 

I received the American mail on Monday, the 25th. I have written a letter to you, and today, Tuesday, Sister ----- read me a letter of which I sent you a copy. Whether this particular case is correct or incorrect, just such scenes have been presented before me. PH080 1.1

I have written to Brother ----- in reference to himself and his responsibilities. He has answered me in a good, humble spirit; and I pray the Lord to strengthen him to resist temptation. PH080 1.2

Now, my brother, I want you to make it your first business to investigate, in company with some others of a different spiritual experience than that of -----, and every one of like influence, every man in that Office; and to make it your special business to inquire of the youth who are employed there, in regard to their work. Open your eyes wide to see what needs adjustment and correction. PH080 1.3

Less long, sweeping journeys across the continent, and more close investigation of the true inward working of the heart, is essential. The rooms in the Office need inspection, that the things you know not, you may discern and search out. The temple of God must be cleansed, that his name shall not be dishonored by men who are not connected with him. My heart is pained as, in my dreams, I am visited, and appealed to by different ones, placing the corruptions in the Office of publication before me. I awaken to find it a dream, but know it to be the truth. My dear brother, the spirit of severity, of lording it over the ignorant and helpless, is being opened before me. In the place of the Office being an educating school to prepare the youth to give their hearts to the Lord, the teachers and overseers, by their course of action, drive them onto Satan's battleground. It is not a place where the Lord Jesus is entertained as a Heavenly Guest. Some of the overseers, and the workers under their supervision, give little time to thoughts of a high and holy order; the Lord is not glorified. PH080 1.4